Videos tagged with Ordnance Department

This video from Forgotten Weapons, hosted by Ian McCollum, details an experimental Thompson SMG chambered in .30 Carbine. Despite resembling a 1928 model, its rejection by the Ordnance Department was primarily due to its excessive weight (10-12 lbs unloaded), far exceeding military requirements for the M1 Carbine trials. The firearm's unique prototype status is highlighted by its serial number '1' and proprietary magazine.

This video details the challenging development of the M1 Garand, highlighting how it overcame initial skepticism and design hurdles to become a pivotal rifle in American military history. It explores the competition it faced, the evolution of its design from a gas trap to a gas port system, and the critical factors that led to its adoption and mass production during World War II.

This guide details the unboxing and identification of a 20mm M3 Breechblock Slide Plate, a vintage military surplus part. The process involves careful unwrapping of aged packaging, revealing a cosmoline-coated component. Expert identification is confirmed through ordnance stamps and technical diagrams, highlighting the part's condition and historical context.

This guide details the unboxing and initial inspection of a U.S. Army WWII M70F Telescope, an optical sight unit for the 75mm Sherman Tank gun. The process, demonstrated by an expert in military ordnance, involves carefully opening original packaging, identifying various components and accessories, and inspecting the main telescope for specific markings. Proper handling of vintage surplus is emphasized.

This documentary delves into the domestic production of the Colt Model 1911 pistol, focusing on Springfield Armory and Remington UMC's roles during World War I. It details the manufacturing processes, contractual agreements, and the technical differences between pistols produced by various manufacturers, highlighting the challenges of achieving parts interchangeability and the impact of wartime demands on production.

This guide details the operation of the 1843 Side-Lever Hall Carbine, focusing on its unique breech-loading mechanism. The video, presented by an expert in historical firearms, demonstrates how to open the action by manipulating the side lever, load the .54 caliber cartridge, and close the breech. It also touches upon the carbine's historical significance and production details.

This documentary details the US Browning Model 1917 heavy machine gun's development and adoption for WWI. It highlights the US's initial lag in machine gun doctrine, the critical equipment shortages faced in 1917, and the rigorous trials that proved the 1917's superiority. Despite early production issues and criticism, the Browning 1917 became a reliable and effective weapon, serving through WWII.

This documentary delves into the history and development of the U.S. Krag-Jørgensen Model 1898 rifle, tracing its lineage from early Norwegian and Danish designs. It details the complex trials, manufacturing challenges, and design evolution that led to its adoption and service, highlighting its role as the US's first smokeless repeating rifle. The video emphasizes the technical specifications, design choices, and the eventual obsolescence of the Krag.

This video delves into the history and development of the AR-15/M16 rifle, focusing on the military's need for a new service weapon to replace the M14. It details the shortcomings of the M14, the influence of the Soviet AK-47, the development of the .223 Remington cartridge, and the initial challenges faced by the M16 during its introduction into service, particularly concerning corrosion and ammunition issues. The narrative highlights the role of key figures like Eugene Stoner and Robert McNamara in the rifle's journey.

This expert analysis delves into the Knoble .45 ACP pistol, a participant in the 1907 US Army trials. The video highlights its unique toggle-lock action, comparison to the M1911, and the reasons for its failure to advance in testing. The rarity of this firearm, with only two known examples, is emphasized.

This guide analyzes two experimental Winchester M1 Garand rifles, focusing on their technical modifications for magazine feeding and select-fire capability. It details the challenges faced, such as magazine spring timing and the complexity of proprietary feed lip designs. The insights highlight Winchester's extensive behind-the-scenes research during WWII, which ultimately influenced later firearm development, including the M14. The analysis is presented with high authority, drawing on detailed mechanical and historical context.

This video is a book review of 'Hatcher's Notebook' by General Julian Hatcher, a foundational text for firearms enthusiasts. The reviewer highlights Hatcher's extensive career in ordnance and his practical, experimental approach to firearms development. The book covers a vast array of topics, from machine gun mechanisms and semi-automatic rifle development to material science like heat treatment and steel alloys, ammunition, ballistics, and even experimental topics like firing bullets straight up. It's presented as an essential resource for anyone seriously interested in firearms design and history.