Videos tagged with Last Ditch Rifles

This video explores the concept of 'last ditch' firearms production during a hypothetical World War III scenario, drawing on historical examples and modern manufacturing insights. Expert Ian McCollum details how wartime pressures would necessitate simplifying designs to reduce production time and material costs, potentially leading to the widespread adoption of polymer receivers like the KP-15 and a return to iron sights. The discussion highlights the critical role of manufacturing bottlenecks, such as CNC milling time, in dictating firearm design evolution during large-scale conflicts.

This video provides an expert assessment of Japanese Arisaka 'Last Ditch' WWII rifles, focusing on their safety and shootability. The host, a seasoned firearms historian, details the manufacturing simplifications due to wartime shortages and compares 'Last Ditch' models to earlier production Type 99s. He emphasizes that while crude, these rifles are mechanically sound if in good condition and can be safely fired after a thorough inspection by a gunsmith.

This video reviews Duncan McCollum's book 'Japanese Rifles of World War II,' highlighting its coverage of major Japanese rifle types like the Type 38, 44, and 99. It details the evolution of these rifles, noting the simplification of features as the war progressed due to production pressures and damage to factories. The book also covers less common variants and includes tables of manufacturer markings, making it a valuable resource for collectors looking to add Japanese rifles to their collection or identify existing ones.