Videos tagged with Royal Small Arms Factory

This guide details the conceptual modification of the British SA80 (L85) bullpup rifle into a traditional rifle configuration, humorously dubbed 'The Jonathan Ferguson Special.' It highlights the visual and functional differences, drawing from expert insights on the SA80 platform's ergonomics and historical context. The demonstration showcases the feasibility of such a conversion.

This entry details the historical context, design flaws, and ultimate failure of the Enfield Revolver, as explained by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson. It covers the revolver's development from the need to replace older pistols, its competition with other designs, its unique but problematic sliding cylinder mechanism, and its eventual replacement by the Webley Mk.I. The analysis highlights the mechanical shortcomings that led to its limited service life.

This video details a unique 'sealed pattern' Baker rifle, identified as an unfinished example from the early days of the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson explains how this smoothbore, unsighted rifle, lacking a bayonet bar notch and front sling swivel, served as a control for manufacturing. It highlights the transition from the Tower of London's assembly system to Enfield's in-house production of complete firearms, suggesting this unfinished pattern was a cost-saving measure for contractors during wartime.

This video delves into the biographical details of designers behind British bullpup rifles, focusing on the transition from individual inventors to design committees. It highlights key figures like those involved with the Thorneycroft and SA80 programs, emphasizing the human element in technical development.