British EM-2: The Best Cold War Battle Rifle that Never Was

Published on July 12, 2017
Duration: 21:50

This guide details the field stripping process for the British EM-2 rifle, a notable Cold War prototype. It covers removing the buttplate, recoil spring, charging handle, and bolt/operating rod assembly. The process is described as straightforward, highlighting the single captive pin for the fire control group. Expert instruction from Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons is featured.

Quick Summary

The British EM-2 rifle was a revolutionary bullpup design featuring an intermediate .280 British cartridge and an integrated optical sight. Despite its advanced features and brief adoption in 1951, political pressure and NATO standardization led to its un-adoption in 1952, making it a 'best that never was'.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Adoption History
  2. 01:12Design Team and Lineage
  3. 02:27Mechanical Inspiration
  4. 03:15The .280 British Cartridge
  5. 05:15NATO Trials and US Opposition
  6. 08:38Political Fallout and Un-adoption
  7. 10:52External Features and Controls
  8. 12:54Sighting System
  9. 14:52Variants: Standard vs. Paratrooper
  10. 17:07Disassembly and Internal Mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the British EM-2 rifle unique for its time?

The EM-2 was a highly advanced bullpup design featuring an intermediate cartridge (.280 British) and an integrated 1x optical sight. It also incorporated an automatic bolt release and a flapper-locked action inspired by German WWII designs.

Why was the British EM-2 rifle ultimately un-adopted?

Despite its technical merits and brief adoption in 1951, the EM-2 was un-adopted in 1952 due to political pressure and NATO standardization efforts, particularly the US insistence on the larger 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge.

What cartridge was the British EM-2 designed to use?

The EM-2 was chambered for the .280 British (7mm) intermediate cartridge. This round was developed based on combat data suggesting most infantry engagements occurred within 400 yards, balancing power and controllability.

How is the British EM-2 rifle field stripped?

Field stripping involves removing the buttplate to access the recoil spring, removing the charging handle, and then sliding the bolt and operating rod assembly out the rear. The fire control group is held by a single captive pin.

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