Q&A 49, with Mike and Fabien of Bloke on the Range

Published on March 11, 2021
Duration: 64:11

This Q&A session with Bloke on the Range and Forgotten Weapons delves into early smokeless powder rifles, focusing on the Swiss Schmidt Rubin 1889 as a superior design due to its 12-round magazine and straight-pull action, which significantly increased the rate of aimed fire compared to contemporaries like the Lebel and Gewehr 88. The discussion also touches on Swiss firearm laws, museum recommendations, and comparisons between various historical military rifles.

Quick Summary

The 1889 Schmidt Rubin is considered the most effective first-generation smokeless powder rifle due to its 12-round magazine and straight-pull action, enabling a significantly higher rate of aimed fire compared to contemporaries like the Lebel and Gewehr 88.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Guests
  2. 01:46Most Effective First-Gen Smokeless Rifle
  3. 06:08Swiss Straight Pulls Fired in Anger?
  4. 06:56War Trophy Firearms in Europe
  5. 08:33Swiss Cold War vs. French Cold War Weapons
  6. 10:06Swiss Gun Museums & Ranges
  7. 12:13Rifle Sights & Bayonets: A Dichotomy?
  8. 14:32Swiss/EU Firearms Law Changes
  9. 17:46Channel Impact on Local Community
  10. 18:41M1917 vs. SMLE/No.4/P14 Debate
  11. 22:07Guns American Viewers Want But Can't Have
  12. 26:18Ammunition Prices in Switzerland
  13. 28:53FAL vs. G3: Which is Better?
  14. 33:33First Firearm for a History Buff
  15. 36:317.5 Swiss vs. .303 British for Competition/Combat
  16. 38:32Improving a Sporterized SMLE
  17. 41:00Why Swiss Adopted Straight Pulls
  18. 44:35Favorite Lee-Enfield Variants
  19. 48:06Swiss Caliber Choices vs. NATO
  20. 50:37Surprising Firearms (Positive/Negative)
  21. 56:01Non-Firearm Manufacturers of SMLE Parts
  22. 58:11Handgun Calibers in Switzerland (No Hollow Points)
  23. 60:29Best Breech Loading Conversion System
  24. 62:52Conclusion & Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the 1889 Schmidt Rubin rifle effective in its time?

The 1889 Schmidt Rubin was highly effective due to its 12-round magazine and straight-pull bolt action, which allowed for a significantly faster rate of aimed fire compared to other contemporary rifles like the Lebel or Gewehr 88. This design facilitated quicker follow-up shots and overall combat efficiency.

What are the main differences between the SIG 540 and SIG 550 rifles?

The SIG 550 is considered a significant improvement over the SIG 540. It features a lighter weight, snappier action, and better ergonomics, making it a superior combat rifle despite the 540 having a simpler gas system. The 550's improvements are likened to the evolution from the M16A1 to the M16A2.

How do ammunition prices and availability compare in Switzerland to the US?

Ammunition prices in Switzerland are generally stable and not subject to the extreme demand spikes seen in the US. Most available ammunition is European-produced, ensuring a more consistent supply compared to US-sourced ammunition which can be affected by market fluctuations.

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