Colt Model 1929 Prototype .276 Rifle, by Ed Browning

Published on July 22, 2016
Duration: 14:38

This guide details the disassembly of the rare Colt Model 1929 prototype rifle, focusing on its internal mechanisms. Expert Ian McCollum from Forgotten Weapons demonstrates the short-recoil, tilting bolt operation, including the function of the accelerator and the delayed unlocking sequence. The video highlights the rifle's design by Ed Browning and its historical context as a competitor in the US military's self-loading rifle trials.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1929 prototype rifle, designed by Ed Browning, was chambered in .276 caliber and featured a short-recoil, tilting bolt action. Despite its innovative design, it suffered from reliability issues and an overly long receiver, leading to its rejection during US military trials in favor of the M1 Garand.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Colt 1929 Introduction
  2. 00:41Caliber and Designer
  3. 01:46Trial Performance & Design
  4. 02:12Magazine and Disassembly Overview
  5. 02:281930 Trials Competitors
  6. 02:52Trial Flaws & Weight
  7. 03:29Recoil Operation Explained
  8. 03:57Tilting Bolt and Dust Cover
  9. 04:24External Features
  10. 05:03Rear Sight Adjustment
  11. 05:36Initial Disassembly
  12. 06:18Recoil Spring Mechanism
  13. 07:27Accelerator Functionality
  14. 08:29Trigger & Safety Internals
  15. 09:12Barrel Shroud Cooling
  16. 09:43Bolt Assembly Dissection
  17. 10:44Firing Pin and Recocking
  18. 11:34Bolt Face Components
  19. 11:50Mechanism Summary
  20. 11:57Unlocking Action Demonstration
  21. 13:31Delayed Unlocking Explained
  22. 13:51Conclusion & Museum Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Colt Model 1929 rifle designed for?

The Colt Model 1929 was a prototype semi-automatic rifle designed by Ed Browning as an entrant in the US military's search for a self-loading rifle in the 1920s, a program that eventually led to the M1 Garand.

What caliber was the Colt Model 1929 rifle chambered in?

The Colt Model 1929 rifle was chambered in the .276 caliber cartridge. This caliber was preferred for most testing during the trials until logistical reasons prompted a switch back to .30-06.

Why was the Colt Model 1929 rifle not adopted by the US military?

The Colt Model 1929 performed poorly in trials due to reliability issues, breaking parts, and an excessively long receiver. These factors, along with others, prevented its adoption for service.

Where can one see the Colt Model 1929 prototype rifle?

The rare Colt Model 1929 prototype rifle can be seen at the Cody Firearms Museum, located within the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Wyoming.

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