This entry details the book 'Small Arms of the Cold War: Battle Rifles of NATO' by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers over 60 authentic battle rifles from NATO and Western democracies, focusing on the period from the 1950s to the 1980s. The book features detailed information on iconic firearms like the FN FAL, G3, M14, and AR-10, alongside lesser-known variants and prototypes, drawing from museum collections worldwide.
This review delves into the experimental British EM-2 bullpup rifle, examining two specific variants. It highlights the rifle's operational trials in Malaya, its brief adoption, and subsequent cancellation due to NATO standardization politics favoring the US 7.62x51mm round. The discussion covers design features, including a unique magazine catch shroud and barrel variations, as well as an incident of out-of-battery explosion and the performance of its optical sights.
This Q&A episode delves into firearm design and history, explaining how cartridge taper aids extraction in self-loading firearms and discussing dual-function .22 rifles. Expert insights are provided on the FG-42's classification, preferences for lever-action rifles, and the development of the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The discussion also touches on early British self-loading rifle trials and the importance of preserving historical firearms over modification.
This expert guide details the examination of a rare EM-2 rifle (serial EN 109, X2E1 variant) by Jonathan Ferguson, author of 'Thorneycroft to SA80'. It covers the rifle's variants, caliber evolution, unique features like the 'unit sight' and gas shield, and structural changes made for the 7.62x51mm NATO round. Ferguson's deep knowledge and access to museum artifacts provide a comprehensive look at this significant piece of British firearms history.
This video analyzes rare archival footage of the British EM-2 bullpup rifle, showcasing its action cycling in slow motion and demonstrating forward-ejection benefits. It details durability tests, including drop and swing tests, and examines the violent bolt cycling during rifle grenade firing due to the lack of a gas shut-off valve. The footage also features designer Stefan Janson performing magazine dumps, highlighting the automatic bolt closure on magazine insertion.
This video explores a rare .280 British prototype FAL from the 1950s NATO trials, showcasing its unique features like a straight-in magazine well and removable inspection plate. It details the cartridge's development, the political pressures that led to the 7.62 NATO standard, and the FAL's eventual redesign. The prototype represents a significant 'what-if' in firearms history, a missed opportunity for an intermediate battle rifle.
This compilation showcases various historical firearms, including the British EM-2 bullpup rifle and the Soviet PPS-43 submachine gun. The EM-2 features an integrated optic and a unique charging handle, while the PPS-43 is shown firing in full-auto. The video highlights a diverse range of military surplus and historical firearms.
The EM-2 rifle, chambered in .280 British, is showcased as an advanced prototype rifle ahead of its time. Testing reveals its straight-line recoil path and integrated non-magnified optic with yardage holdover lines. Despite its innovative design, political controversy over cartridge standardization prevented its adoption.
The British EM-2 was a revolutionary bullpup battle rifle designed around the intermediate .280 British cartridge and an integrated optical sight. Despite its advanced features and brief adoption in 1951, political pressure from the US regarding cartridge standardization led to its un-adoption in favor of the FN FAL. Its design incorporated a G43-inspired flapper-locked action and a unique automatic bolt release.
The Thorpe EM-1, a British bullpup rifle developed post-WWII, is a complex derivative of the German Mauser Gerät 06 roller-locked system. Chambered in .280 British, it featured a unique gas-piston long-stroke mechanism and a non-magnified optical sight. Despite its innovative design, its intricate disassembly and firing mechanism led to its rejection in favor of the EM-2.
This video announces the launch of a Patreon account for Forgotten Weapons, providing a platform for viewers to support the channel's continued operation and growth. The description highlights various firearms featured in previous and upcoming videos, including the Pancor Jackhammer, Pedersen PB, Chauchat, Cosmi, Frommer 1910, T124E2 Cannon, Solothurn S18-1000, EM-2, Sharps slant-breech, and Winchester Hotchkiss 1883. It serves as a call to action for the community to contribute financially to the channel.
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