Prototype Winchester WW1 .50 Cal Antitank Rifle

Published on July 5, 2017
Duration: 12:30

This video provides an expert-level look at a rare prototype Winchester Model 1918 .50 caliber antitank rifle, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The guide details the rifle's historical context, design by Winchester engineers Fred Humeston and Edwin Pugsley, and its unique bolt action utilizing a pistol grip handle. It also covers the field stripping process, highlighting the Mauser-style bolt and the catastrophic receiver failure experienced by the prototype.

Quick Summary

The Winchester Model 1918 was a rare prototype .50 caliber antitank rifle developed during WWI by engineers Fred Humeston and Edwin Pugsley. It featured a unique bolt action operated via a pistol grip handle and was developed alongside early .50 BMG cartridge experiments. The prototype shown experienced a significant receiver crack during testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Winchester WWI Antitank Rifle
  2. 00:44Historical Context: .50 BMG Development
  3. 01:59Designers: Humeston & Pugsley
  4. 02:47Technical Overview: Magazine & Cartridge
  5. 04:12Action & Operation: Pistol Grip Bolt
  6. 05:23Firing Mechanism: 1911 Style Grip
  7. 06:37Disassembly: Field Stripping Process
  8. 07:26Bolt Design: Mauser Style Extractor
  9. 10:02Recoil System & Mounting
  10. 11:03Receiver Failure Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Winchester Model 1918 .50 Caliber Antitank Rifle?

The Winchester Model 1918 was a rare prototype antitank rifle developed during WWI. It featured a unique bolt action operated by a pistol grip handle and was designed by Winchester engineers Fred Humeston and Edwin Pugsley.

Who designed the Winchester Model 1918 Antitank Rifle?

The rifle was designed by prominent Winchester engineers Fred Humeston and Edwin Pugsley. They were also involved in the development of other significant firearms, including the M1 Carbine.

What caliber was the Winchester Model 1918 Antitank Rifle?

The Winchester Model 1918 was chambered in a .50 caliber. It was developed alongside Winchester's experiments with what would become the .50 BMG cartridge, initially intended for a rimmed variant.

What is notable about the action of the Winchester Model 1918?

The Winchester Model 1918 features a distinctive bolt action where the pistol grip itself serves as the bolt handle. Rotating and pulling this grip cycles the action, a unique design for its time.

What happened to the prototype Winchester Model 1918?

The specific prototype shown in the video suffered a catastrophic failure during testing, developing a large crack in the receiver tube near the magazine well, though the bolt's locking lugs remained intact.

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