"NATO Burp Guns" - Winchester's 1950s Experimental SMGs

Published on January 11, 2021
Duration: 9:18

This entry details Winchester's experimental 'NATO Burp Guns' (N2/N4 patterns) from the 1950s, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The firearms featured an open-bolt, blowback action, a folding wire stock usable as a foregrip, and were designed for 9x19mm Parabellum. Key mechanical issues and differences between the N2 (aluminum) and N4 (steel) variants are discussed, alongside reasons for project abandonment.

Quick Summary

Winchester's experimental submachine guns from the 1950s were internally designated as 'NATO Burp Guns,' with N2 and N4 patterns. These 9x19mm firearms featured an open-bolt blowback action and a folding wire stock that doubled as a forward grip. They faced mechanical issues like difficult cocking and ejection problems, and the N2 used aluminum while the N4 used steel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Winchester Experimental SMGs
  2. 01:40The 'NATO Burp Guns'
  3. 02:15Design Features and Folding Stock
  4. 03:51Mechanical Issues and Operation
  5. 04:55N2 vs. N4 Pattern Differences
  6. 06:10Magazine and Bolt Configuration
  7. 07:07Historical Context and Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Winchester's experimental submachine guns from the 1950s called?

Winchester's experimental submachine guns from the mid-1950s were referred to in documentation as 'NATO Burp Guns.' Two primary patterns, the N2 and N4, were developed with potential military applications in mind.

What were the main mechanical issues with the Winchester 'NATO Burp Guns'?

The Winchester N2 and N4 prototypes faced significant mechanical challenges. These included a heavy bolt and mainspring that made cocking difficult, and ejection problems where spent casings would snag on the fixed firing pin.

What is the difference between the Winchester N2 and N4 experimental SMG patterns?

The primary difference lies in their construction materials. The N2 pattern utilized numerous aluminum components, including parts of the receiver and stock, whereas the later N4 pattern transitioned to a more conventional all-steel construction.

What caliber and magazine capacity were the Winchester 'NATO Burp Guns' designed for?

The Winchester experimental SMGs were chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and were designed to accept MP40 magazines, which typically hold 32 rounds. This indicated a focus on utilizing existing or standardized ammunition and feeding devices.

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