Q&A 35: Books, Black Powder, and Why the DP12 is So Annoying

Published on November 7, 2019
Duration: 78:34

This Q&A episode of Forgotten Weapons covers a wide range of firearms topics, from historical cartridge choices and rifle designs to modern firearm development and practical advice. Ian McCallum addresses questions about the prevalence of .380 ACP versus .32 ACP military handguns, the design choices behind the SKS fixed magazine, and the effectiveness of different bipod designs. He also delves into the history and practicality of black powder firearms, the Mosin-Nagant's reputation, and the evolution of select-fire mechanisms like three-round burst. The discussion extends to modern firearm trends, such as red dots on pistols, and the challenges of designing effective firearms.

Quick Summary

The SKS rifle features a fixed 10-round magazine primarily for production efficiency and reliability. This design prevented magazine loss or damage and allowed for robustly milled feed lips integrated directly into the receiver, making it a practical choice for its intended role.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction & Q&A Format
  2. 00:00:36.380 ACP vs .32 ACP Military Handguns
  3. 00:02:09Next Generation Support Weapon Program
  4. 00:03:24Firearms Industry Trends & Gadgets
  5. 00:04:22SKS Fixed Magazine Design Rationale
  6. 00:06:41Books for Springfield Trapdoor & Krag Collectors
  7. 00:08:05Ideal Setup for Desert Brutality Classic Division
  8. 00:10:03Forgotten Weapons Production Workflow
  9. 00:10:37Semi-Automatic Firearms with Non-Smokeless Powders
  10. 00:13:17Is the Mosin Nagant a Bad Rifle?
  11. 00:15:20Challenges in Bipod Design
  12. 00:17:00Magazine Coupling Systems: SIG 550 & G36
  13. 00:19:24Small Arms Casualties vs. Artillery Impact
  14. 00:21:37Development of FN FAL, G3, MAS 49
  15. 00:23:53Why .303 British Cartridge Has a Rim
  16. 00:27:00History of Three-Round Burst Fire
  17. 00:32:27Semi-Auto Pistol Preference Over Revolvers
  18. 00:35:43Future Forgotten Weapons Projects & CN Arsenal Series
  19. 00:36:45Linking to Rock Island Auction
  20. 00:38:04Firearms Development in 1900 with Future Knowledge
  21. 00:40:31First Machine Gun Acquisition if NFA Repealed
  22. 00:42:09Why Rimfire Guns Don't Have Dual Firing Pins Anymore
  23. 00:43:47.30 Carbine AR-15 Chambering Question
  24. 00:46:54Gas-Delayed Blowback System: StG 45
  25. 00:48:38French MAS Rifle Front Sight Protector Changes
  26. 00:51:30Mauser Factory 'Open Door' Post-WWII French Occupation
  27. 00:53:46Next Big Goals for Ian McCallum
  28. 00:55:37Curio & Relic Colt 1911 Clones
  29. 00:57:42Favorite Brownells Retro Rifle: AR-10B
  30. 01:00:01ZB-26 vs. Bren Gun Preference
  31. 01:01:12Advice for Aspiring Firearms Designers
  32. 01:02:54Impact of Rushed French Smokeless Powder Development
  33. 01:06:08Forgotten Calibers: .32 French Long
  34. 01:07:29Movie Firearms That Ruin Scenes (DP-12)
  35. 01:09:18Opinion on L85A3 Upgrades
  36. 01:12:23Dream Firearm Acquisition with Unlimited Budget

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were there fewer .380 ACP military handguns compared to .32 ACP?

While .32 ACP was popular for civilian guns pressed into WWI military service, many firearms designed for military adoption outside wartime were in .380 ACP. Examples include the Walther PP/PPK, CZ 38, Beretta Model 34, and Colt 1908, indicating .380 was a viable military caliber.

What was the primary reason for the SKS rifle having a fixed magazine?

The SKS featured a fixed magazine mainly for production efficiency and reliability. A 10-round capacity was deemed sufficient, and a fixed design prevented magazine loss or damage, allowing for robustly milled feed lips integrated directly into the receiver.

Why is it difficult to design a good bipod?

Designing a good bipod involves balancing competing factors like lightness, strength, simplicity, and flexibility, which are often mutually exclusive. A bipod's perceived flaws usually stem from a mismatch between the user's priorities and the designer's original intent for the product.

What is the historical significance of the rim on cartridges like .303 British?

The rim on cartridges like .303 British was crucial for headspace in early firearms. It provided a reliable datum point for controlling the space between the bolt face and the chamber, especially with straight-walled cases that lacked a distinct shoulder for measurement.

What are the main drawbacks of the L85A3 rifle?

Despite improvements, the L85A3 remains a heavy rifle, especially with its optic. It's also exclusively right-handed, featuring a reciprocating charging handle that poses a safety risk for left-handed shooters.

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