Q&A #6: Rollin White and Other (Better) Designers

Published on June 28, 2016
Duration: 48:03

This Q&A session from Forgotten Weapons delves into the historical and technical aspects of various firearms. Expert Ian McCollum discusses Rollin White's pioneering but flawed bored-through cylinder design, the evolution of machine gun feed systems, and the aerodynamic reasons behind pistol bullet shapes. The discussion also touches upon experimental cartridges, modern handgun competitions, underappreciated designers, and the historical context of Japanese WWII firearms. McCollum's deep knowledge of firearms history and design is evident throughout the presentation.

Quick Summary

Rollin White's 1855 patent for a bored-through cylinder was a pivotal innovation, enabling the practical use of metallic cartridges in revolvers. Although his initial design had flaws, Smith & Wesson later licensed the concept, revolutionizing handgun design. This allowed for cartridges to be loaded from the rear and fired directly through the barrel, a significant improvement over previous methods.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Patreon Thanks
  2. 01:05Rollin White's Bored-Through Cylinder
  3. 07:08Pan-Fed Machine Guns Explained
  4. 10:12Pistol Bullet Shapes vs. Rifle Bullets
  5. 13:22Experimental Cartridges & Projects
  6. 17:46US Military MHS Competition Analysis
  7. 19:56Underappreciated Firearms Designers
  8. 27:02Impact of Import Marks on Collectibles
  9. 31:17Examples of Field Modifications
  10. 35:277.62 NATO vs. .30-06 Springfield
  11. 38:04Future Forgotten Weapons Predictions
  12. 41:17Japanese WWII Firearms & Ammunition
  13. 46:38Handling Firearms: Gloves vs. Bare Hands
  14. 48:03Austro-Hungarian Heavy Machine Guns

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of Rollin White's 1855 patent?

Rollin White's 1855 patent introduced the concept of a bored-through cylinder for revolvers, a fundamental innovation that enabled the practical use of metallic cartridges and paved the way for modern revolver design by companies like Smith & Wesson.

Why did pan-fed machine guns become less common?

Pan-fed machine guns, while offering high capacity, were generally awkward to carry and store compared to belt-fed systems. Belt-fed designs eventually provided superior capacity with better overall portability and handling, leading to their widespread adoption.

Why do pistols still use rounded bullets instead of pointed ones?

Rounded pistol bullets remain standard because the aerodynamic advantages of pointed bullets are most significant at supersonic, long ranges. At typical pistol engagement distances, these benefits are less critical, and rounded bullets allow for more bullet mass within the same cartridge length.

What factors led to the failure of many experimental firearm cartridges and systems?

Experimental cartridges and weapon systems often failed because their marginal improvements in performance, such as accuracy or lethality, did not justify the substantial costs associated with redesigning entire weapon platforms and their associated logistics chains.

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