This review from Forgotten Weapons showcases the unique British Crankfire .58 Morse Manual Machine Gun, a gravity-fed, hand-crank operated, repeating firearm. Expert instructor Ian McCollum details its operational mechanics, demonstrating how turning the crank cycles the bolt and hammer for rapid firing. The internal mechanism is explained as a relatively simple assembly of two steel side plates, a bolt, a cartridge lifter, and a hammer, highlighting its innovative design for its era.
This video delves into the innovative but short-lived Young Repeating Shotgun, designed by trap shooting champion Charles Young. It highlights his unique forward-sliding barrel action, a two-round capacity tailored for trap shooting, and the company's eventual acquisition by Sears Roebuck. The detailed mechanical breakdown showcases the intricate design and adjustable headspace, offering a rare look at early 20th-century firearm innovation.
The Puckle Gun, developed in 1718 by James Puckle, was an early repeating firearm, not a true machine gun. It utilized a nine-round cylinder and a flintlock mechanism, requiring manual cycling for each shot. While innovative for its time, its practical application and effectiveness are debated, though it was intended as a naval weapon against pirates.
The Kalthoff rifle, developed by the Kalthoff family, was the first repeating firearm used in combat during the 1659 Siege of Copenhagen. Its complex lever-operated mechanism allowed for rapid firing of up to 30 rounds from an internal magazine. Despite its advanced design, it was too delicate and expensive for standard infantry, limiting its use to elite units.
The Belton flintlock repeater, developed by Joseph Belton in the 18th century, was a groundbreaking multi-shot firearm. It featured a superimposed load design and a unique portfire mechanism on the 1786 pattern, allowing for rapid firing akin to semi-automatic action. Despite its advanced technology, including safety blowout plugs, the repeater was largely rejected due to high costs, though some were procured by the East India Company.
This video explores pre-Collier repeating firearms, challenging the notion that Colt invented the concept. It details early designs from the 1590s, focusing on engineering challenges like the cylinder gap and advancements in priming systems. The discussion covers unique solutions like the Dolep/Giorgio funnel breech and the massive Chambers 'machine gun,' highlighting Samuel Colt's research into these historical mechanisms.
This video provides an expert-level overview of the dual-barrel Gardner repeating gun, highlighting its unique mechanical operation and historical context. The presenters, demonstrating high authority, detail its crank-driven firing cycle, dual-feed system, and bottom-ejection mechanism. The internal clockwork, primarily brass with steel components, is explained, along with its striker-fired action and safety features. The Gardner gun's service in the late 1890s and its eventual obsolescence due to more advanced designs are also discussed.
This review delves into a rare Indian 4-shot repeating matchlock Toradar, likely from the late 1700s or early 1800s. It highlights the Toradar's unique rotating cylinder mechanism, contrasting Asian and European matchlock designs. The firearm features decorative engravings, a smoothbore .60 caliber barrel, and an Afghan Jezail-style buttstock, showcasing diverse regional influences.
The Chambers Flintlock Machine Gun, developed in the 1790s, was one of the first fully automatic firearms. Its unique design used superimposed charges and a hollow-tipped bullet for continuous firing. Despite adoption by the US Navy for ship defense during the War of 1812, reliability issues with its complex ignition system ultimately led to its obsolescence.
The Puckle Gun, patented in 1718 by James Puckle, was an early attempt at a repeating firearm designed for naval defense against pirate vessels. It featured a unique nine-chamber cylinder and a tripod mount, capable of firing approximately 9 rounds per minute. Despite its innovative design for the era, the British Navy rejected it due to the unreliability of its flintlock mechanism.
You've reached the end! 10 videos loaded.
Gun Laws by State
Read firearms regulations for all 50 states + D.C.
Find Gun Dealers
Search licensed FFL dealers near you.