Prototype .45 Caliber Roth-Krnka for US and UK Trials

Published on August 7, 2020
Duration: 8:48

This guide details the disassembly and functional overview of the prototype .45 Caliber Roth-Krnka, a transitional firearm tested for US and UK military trials. It highlights the pistol's unique features, including its hammer-fired action, decocker, internal stripper clip-fed magazine, and offset rear sight. The information is presented with the authority of Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The prototype .45 Caliber Roth-Krnka, chambered in 11.5mm Roth, was tested for US and UK military trials. It featured a transitional design with a hammer-fired action, decocker, and internal stripper clip-fed magazine. Despite its innovative features, it suffered significant reliability issues during US trials, recording 191 malfunctions over 1,250 rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Roth-Krnka
  2. 01:22Design Evolution and Comparison
  3. 02:23Mechanical Controls
  4. 03:06Loading and Magazine System
  5. 04:53The Offset Sight Theory
  6. 07:25US Trials and Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber was the prototype Roth-Krnka tested for US and UK military trials?

The prototype Roth-Krnka pistol was chambered in a large .45 caliber, specifically referred to as 11.5mm Roth, for its trials in the United States and the United Kingdom.

What were the main design features of the Roth-Krnka prototype?

This transitional model featured a hammer-fired back-end like the Krnka-Theodorovic and a front-end design similar to the Roth-Steyr 1907. It included a rebounding hammer, a manual decocker, and an internal magazine fed by stripper clips.

How reliable was the Roth-Krnka during US military trials?

The .45 caliber version performed poorly during US trials, recording 191 malfunctions over 1,250 rounds, which contributed to its eventual non-adoption by the military.

Why is the rear sight on the Roth-Krnka prototype offset?

The rear sight is physically offset to the right, which Ian McCollum hypothesizes was a factory adjustment to counteract the heavy recoil of the 11.5mm round, preventing it from pulling the gun left when fired one-handed.

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