Gordon Ingram's Westarm .308 Battle Rifle

Published on April 2, 2021
Duration: 16:31

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the rare Ingram Westarm .308 battle rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The process highlights a unique disassembly method initiated by a spring-loaded button on the sling swivel, allowing for the separation of the receiver from the stock. Expert insights cover the rifle's internal mechanics, including its long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt system, and its historical context as a never-fully-produced prototype.

Quick Summary

The Westarm .308 is a rare prototype battle rifle designed by Gordon Ingram, featuring a long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt. Its unique field stripping method uses a spring-loaded sling swivel button. The project failed due to a collapsed Somali contract after initial SAM-1 rifles malfunctioned.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Westarm .308
  2. 03:10Somali Contract & International Production
  3. 05:57Technical Features & Magazines
  4. 08:37Disassembly & Internal Mechanics
  5. 12:58Failure & Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Westarm .308 battle rifle?

The Westarm .308 is a rare prototype battle rifle designed by Gordon Ingram in the 1970s. It was based on a scaled-up M1 Carbine concept and featured a long-stroke gas piston system, intended for military contracts, but never reached full production.

How is the Westarm .308 field stripped?

Field stripping the Westarm .308 involves pressing a spring-loaded button on the front sling swivel to release the receiver assembly from the stock, allowing access to internal components like the bolt, operating rod, and recoil spring.

Why did the Westarm .308 project fail?

The project failed primarily due to the collapse of a major contract with the Somali government. Initial SAM-1 (7.62x39mm) rifles delivered from Italy suffered numerous malfunctions, leading to the contract's cancellation and significant financial repercussions.

What calibers and magazines was the Westarm .308 designed for?

While the prototype shown is in .308 Winchester and uses FAL magazines, other planned variants were designed for 5.56x45mm (AR-15 magazines) and 7.62x39mm (AK magazines).

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →