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Q&A #14: Recoil, Nerf, and Forced Air Cooling

Forgotten Weapons
Published on November 1, 2017
Category: General
Duration: 66:58

This Q&A video from Forgotten Weapons delves into the factors contributing to a firearm's difficulty in full-auto fire, specifically addressing the 'world going gray and fuzzy' effect. Host Ian McCollum explains that physical recoil impulse and concussion are the two primary culprits. He details how bolt impact on the receiver and muzzle blast, especially from short barrels with muzzle brakes, cause disorientation. McCollum highlights the Ultimax light machine gun's 'constant recoil system' as a design that mitigates these issues by ensuring the bolt decelerates without hitting the receiver, leading to more controllable and pleasant full-auto fire.

Tags

Full Auto Recoil
Bolt Impact
Concussion Disorientation
Constant Recoil System
Ultimax LMG
Jim Sullivan
PKM
G3
FAL
Machine Gun Design

Quick Summary

The 'world going gray and fuzzy' effect during full-auto fire is caused by physical recoil impulse and muzzle concussion. Firearms like the Ultimax LMG use 'constant recoil systems' to decelerate the bolt without receiver impact, significantly improving controllability by eliminating sharp jolts for each shot.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction & Q&A Setup
  2. 00:56Recoil, Concussion & Full Auto Difficulty
  3. 03:05Constant Recoil System: Ultimax LMG
  4. 04:15PKM vs. G3 vs. FAL for Recoil
  5. 05:59Relevance of the MP5 Platform
  6. 06:46Excitement for New Firearms
  7. 08:08Firearm Machining vs. Other Industries
  8. 10:12Evolution of Firearm Machining: CNC
  9. 12:11Old FN Tooling: Browning Hi-Power Barrels
  10. 14:22M1 Garand Design & Production
  11. 15:28Nerf Guns & Real Firearm Concepts
  12. 15:56Korriban Prototype Guns
  13. 16:53Favorite Military Surplus Gear
  14. 17:58M1 Garand Cartridge Belt
  15. 18:41US WWI Haversack Design Flaws
  16. 19:33Worst US Service Rifle & Pistol
  17. 20:07Rodman Trapdoor Springfield & M14
  18. 22:04Most Uncomfortable Firearm Shot
  19. 22:15Four-Bore Rifle Recoil
  20. 22:40Bryce 32 Caliber Carbine Thumb Smash
  21. 23:02Pistol Grip Only Shotgun Pain
  22. 23:50Adding Gravitas to Surplus Collection
  23. 24:13FN 49s, Hakim, SVT Rifles
  24. 25:23Collecting Chinese Mystery Pistols
  25. 25:26Steyr Mannlicher M95 Collection
  26. 26:06Rare Lee-Enfield Variants
  27. 26:54Most Frustrating Firearm to Disassemble
  28. 28:48Fluted Chambers & Lubricated Ammunition
  29. 29:50Double Barrel Handgun Concept
  30. 32:02Shooting Relics at Auction: Logistics
  31. 33:57Shooting Examples: Colt Monitor, Madsen LMG
  32. 34:44Solothurn & Lottie Ammunition
  33. 35:40Four Bore Ammunition Uniqueness
  34. 36:23Closed Bolt vs. Open Bolt Explained
  35. 37:02Advantages of Open Bolt Design
  36. 38:15Disadvantages of Open Bolt: Lock Time
  37. 39:11Lever-Delayed Blowback System: Kiraly & FAMAS
  38. 40:16Spanish Civil War Firearms: Mausers & Astra 400
  39. 41:50Vickers Gun Muzzle Booster vs. Muzzle Brake
  40. 43:15FG 42 Development & Cartridge Options
  41. 45:29German Army's Use of FG 42
  42. 46:03Effectiveness of Forced Air Cooling
  43. 47:22Manual Safeties on Handguns: Military vs. Public
  44. 48:02Training Implications of Safeties
  45. 49:50Winchester Lever Action & Spitzer Cartridges
  46. 52:03Why the PKM is the Best GPMG
  47. 53:56Water Cooling for Firearms & Artillery
  48. 56:11Restoring Relics: Value & Character
  49. 58:30Semi-Automatic Rifle Development in 1930s: Britain & Japan
  50. 60:55Punt Guns for Duck Hunting
  51. 62:43Best Implemented Small Arms in WWII
  52. 63:08Germany's StG 44 Impact
  53. 64:11Most Undeserving Bad Reputation: Carcano
  54. 65:59Conclusion & Patreon Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the 'world going gray and fuzzy' effect when firing a firearm in full auto?

This effect is primarily caused by two factors: the physical recoil impulse that jolts the shooter's body, and concussion from the firearm's muzzle blast. Short barrels and muzzle brakes exacerbate concussion, leading to disorientation.

How does the Ultimax LMG's 'constant recoil system' improve controllability?

The Ultimax's constant recoil system ensures the bolt decelerates smoothly without impacting the receiver. This prevents a sharp jolt for each shot, making full-auto fire significantly more controllable and pleasant for the shooter.

Why are double-barrel repeating pistols not practical?

Double-barrel repeating pistols introduce excessive mechanical complexity and potential failure points without offering substantial benefits over standard repeating pistols. Unlike single-shot derringers, the added complexity for simultaneous or near-simultaneous firing is not justified by the marginal gain.

What are the main differences between open bolt and closed bolt firearms?

A closed bolt firearm has the bolt forward, chambering a round, ready to fire. An open bolt firearm has the bolt held to the rear when ready to fire, which aids cooling and prevents cook-off in machine guns but results in longer lock time.

Why is water cooling less common in modern firearms compared to quick-change barrels?

Modern warfare emphasizes mobility, making sustained fire in one position less survivable. Quick-change barrels offer a more practical solution for managing heat without the logistical complexity and weight of water-cooling systems.

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