Q&A 48: Magnetic Guns, Electronic Guns, and Fake Guns

Published on February 18, 2021
Duration: 62:31

This Q&A session from Forgotten Weapons covers a wide range of firearms topics. Ian McCollum discusses the viability of intermediate cartridges in WWII, the persistence of stripper clips, and the military's response to body armor. He also delves into the history of rotary cannons, the underrated contributions of John Petterson, and the effectiveness of the M1 Garand in modern scenarios. The discussion extends to modern handgun preferences, the nuances of semi-auto machine gun conversions, and the challenges of fake firearms in the collector market.

Quick Summary

Stripper clips persisted into the detached box magazine era to reduce the weight of issued ammunition. Soldiers could carry more rounds by having additional ammunition supplied on stripper clips in a rucksack, rather than solely in heavy magazines, making logistics more manageable.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction & Patreon Support
  2. 00:00:34Intermediate Cartridges in WWI
  3. 00:04:23Why Stripper Clips Persisted
  4. 00:07:24Body Armor & Penetration Ammunition
  5. 00:09:17M1 Carbine & 5.7mm Cartridge Hypothetical
  6. 00:11:07Underrated Firearms Designers: John Petterson
  7. 00:12:51Underrated: Winchester Engineers & Browning
  8. 00:14:31Rotary Cannon Development
  9. 00:19:34Burton Light Machine Rifle Potential
  10. 00:21:06Most Effective Old Firearm: M1 Garand
  11. 00:23:15Favorite Handgun Post-Hudson H9
  12. 00:24:38Semi-Auto Machine Gun Rebuilds
  13. 00:37:37Victorian Era Rifles: Rolling Block vs. Martini Henry
  14. 00:42:04Non-AR Semi-Auto Rifles for Competition
  15. 00:32:35WW1 Battlefield Tour Guiding
  16. 00:34:36Surprising Big Bucks Firearm Sales
  17. 00:38:27Electrically Controlled Sears & Hammers
  18. 00:42:509mm Makarov Submachine Gun Trials
  19. 00:44:41Dream Gun Designer Collaboration
  20. 00:46:34Authenticity of Auctioned Firearms
  21. 00:52:50Stolen Valor & Mil-Sim Clothing
  22. 00:55:15Parts Availability for Rare Firearms
  23. 00:56:47Magnets in Firearm Locking Systems
  24. 00:58:50Matrix Armory Display Wall Review
  25. 01:01:42Conclusion & Next Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did stripper clips remain in use long after detachable box magazines became common?

Stripper clips were used to reduce the weight of issued ammunition. Soldiers could carry more rounds by having additional ammunition supplied on stripper clips in a rucksack, rather than solely in heavy magazines, making logistics more manageable.

What are the main reasons rotary cannons became prominent later in the Cold War era?

Rotary cannons offer a significantly higher rate of fire, crucial for aerial combat where brief firing windows demand maximum bullet output. In ground roles, this high rate of fire is often a disadvantage due to rapid ammunition consumption and heat buildup.

Could the M1 Garand still be effective on a modern battlefield?

Yes, the M1 Garand, as a reliable semi-automatic rifle, could still perform well against modern troops, especially if they are limited to iron sights. Its efficient reloading mechanism and semi-automatic fire provide a significant advantage over manually operated firearms.

Why aren't electrically controlled sears and hammers more common in firearms?

Concerns about market conservatism, perceived reliability issues (battery life, electronic failure), and potential legal interpretations by bodies like the ATF regarding convertibility to automatic fire deter widespread adoption of electrically controlled firing mechanisms.

What are the challenges of using magnets in firearm locking systems?

Magnets in firearm locking systems are impractical because fouling and debris can significantly reduce magnetic attraction, compromising safety. Unlike mechanical systems, magnetic locks are highly susceptible to dirt, making them unreliable in real-world conditions.

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