Q&A 41: Rebuilding Elbonia, and Lots of British Rifles

Published on May 28, 2020
Duration: 68:15

This Q&A session from Forgotten Weapons covers a wide range of firearms topics, from hypothetical military procurement sabotage and fixing existing arsenals to the nuances of collectible firearm pricing and the historical appeal of German small arms. Expert Ian McCollum discusses practical solutions for Elbonia's weapon issues, the best ways to research firearm values, and the reasons behind German firearms' popularity. The discussion also delves into specific firearm designs, operating systems, cartridge development, and the challenges of military adoption processes.

Quick Summary

To learn collectible firearm pricing, use Gun Broker's completed auction search (up to 90 days) and sort by bid count to see actual selling prices. German small arms are popular due to WWII nostalgia, effective designs, and cultural relatability. For budget collectors, magazines, clips, tools, and bayonets are good affordable options.

Chapters

  1. 00:02:00Introduction & Elbonia Procurement Fixes
  2. 00:47:00Sabotaging Elbonia's Small Arms
  3. 01:35:00Fixing Elbonia's Arsenal
  4. 02:14:00Re-chambering SMGs to 30 Mauser
  5. 03:00:00Standardizing 8x63mm Cartridge
  6. 03:55:00Modifying the ZB 53
  7. 04:51:00Tactics for Elbonia's Arsenal
  8. 05:47:00Pricing Collectible Firearms
  9. 06:30:00Using Gun Broker for Pricing
  10. 08:03:00Using Auction Houses for Pricing
  11. 09:57:00Why German Small Arms Are Collectible
  12. 13:32:00Ideal Firearm in a Different Caliber
  13. 15:32:00Pistol Spring Placement & Recoil
  14. 17:33:00Why Use Army Trials for Fine-Tuning?
  15. 21:45:00Gas-Delayed Blowback vs. Gas Piston
  16. 24:10:00Barrel Fluting on Rifles and LMGs
  17. 27:09:00Writing a Firearms Book: Challenges
  18. 31:32:00STG 44 vs. Cold War Battle Rifles
  19. 33:51:00When to Change Military Weapon Systems
  20. 37:02:00Magazine Conversions on Rifles
  21. 40:13:00Farquhar-Hill Rifle Effectiveness
  22. 42:07:00Is 7.62x54R Obsolete?
  23. 45:46:00Minimizing Disconnect in Weapon Design
  24. 47:40:00Mauser DA 90 & FEG Production
  25. 49:35:00Designs Limited by Metallurgy
  26. 50:57:00Magazine & Hopper Designs
  27. 53:19:00Affordable Firearms Collecting
  28. 56:06:00US Small Arms Development: Mauser vs. Krag
  29. 58:27:00M1 Carbine as Thompson Replacement?
  30. 61:41:00Japanese Semi-Rim Cartridges
  31. 63:58:00SA80 vs. EM2 & British Military Arms
  32. 65:44:00Constant Recoil Pistols
  33. 67:25:00Conclusion & Patreon Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn the pricing of collectible firearms?

Learning collectible firearm pricing requires experience. Use Gun Broker's completed auction search (up to 90 days) and sort by bid count to see actual selling prices. Also, research auction houses like Rock Island Auction Company for historical sales data.

Why are German small arms so popular with collectors?

German small arms are popular due to WWII nostalgia, their generally effective and interesting designs, and a perceived cultural similarity to American culture, making them relatable to collectors.

What is the best way to improve a country's small arms situation if it has a poor selection?

If a country has a poor small arms selection, focus on standardizing ammunition, modifying existing firearms for better usability (e.g., disabling automatic fire on pistols), and developing tactics to compensate for weapon limitations.

What are the main reasons gas-delayed blowback systems are less common than gas piston systems?

Gas-delayed blowback systems are typically dirtier because they retain gas for longer periods, leading to carbon buildup. Gas piston systems vent gas more quickly, resulting in cleaner operation and less frequent cleaning.

What are good affordable collecting areas for firearms enthusiasts with limited budgets?

For budget-conscious collectors, consider detachable magazines, clips, firearms tools, and bayonets. These items offer historical and technical insights without the high cost of full firearms, and are generally unregulated.

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