The Rarest Gun in The World

Published on October 31, 2024
Duration: 8:40

This video details the discovery and initial firing of a rare, one-of-two prototype falling block rifle designed by Warren Center for Thompson Center Arms in the late 1960s. The rifle, chambered in .308 Winchester, lacks an extractor on one version, requiring manual casing removal. The presenter highlights the firearm's simple, elegant design, reminiscent of John Browning's work, and its potential historical significance as a precursor to modern sporting rifles.

Quick Summary

The Warren Center falling block rifle is exceptionally rare, with only two prototypes ever made in the late 1960s. One is chambered in .308 Winchester and notably lacks an extractor, requiring manual casing removal. Its design is inspired by classic falling block actions, showcasing Warren Center's gunsmithing prowess.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Rare Firearms
  2. 00:13Discovery During Factory Move
  3. 00:30Identifying the Prototype Falling Block
  4. 00:44Estimated Production Era
  5. 00:53Falling Block Mechanism Explained
  6. 01:13Lever and Block Operation
  7. 01:22Caliber Identification Challenges
  8. 01:30Chambered in .308 Winchester
  9. 01:34Absence of an Extractor
  10. 01:37Basic Safety Mechanism
  11. 01:47Firing Pin Drop and Cycling
  12. 01:53One of Two Prototypes Revealed
  13. 02:07Comparing the Two Prototypes
  14. 02:16Wear and Markings on Second Gun
  15. 02:30.30 Caliber Bore, Not Chambered
  16. 02:35Extractor Present on Second Gun
  17. 02:38Integrated Base Design
  18. 02:46Prototypes and Their History
  19. 02:52Warren Center's Estate Purchase
  20. 03:03The 'Chapel' and Marketplace Entry
  21. 03:13Smith & Wesson's Misconception
  22. 03:21Thompson Center Owns Both
  23. 03:27Preparing to Shoot the .308
  24. 03:35Borescoping the Barrel
  25. 03:38Believed Never Fired
  26. 03:41Tinkering in the 60s
  27. 03:45Comparison to Ruger No. 1
  28. 03:51Sat in Collection Until Death
  29. 03:55Resurrected in New Hampshire
  30. 04:01Taking it to the Range
  31. 04:04First Firing Precautions
  32. 04:08Using a Lead Sled
  33. 04:13Safety Check with Engineers
  34. 04:35First Shot Fired
  35. 04:40Recoil Analysis
  36. 04:46Ammunition Used
  37. 04:50Concerns About Prototype Condition
  38. 05:05Ejection Test
  39. 05:10Manual Ejection Required
  40. 05:14Using a Rod for Ejection
  41. 05:25First Shot Ever Fired
  42. 05:34Confirmation of Functionality
  43. 05:37Off-Hand Shot
  44. 05:46Safety Mechanism Revisited
  45. 05:51Counter-Intuitive Safety Design
  46. 06:03Tab for Readying to Fire
  47. 06:11Returning to Safe
  48. 06:25Second Shot Fired
  49. 06:30Comparison to Other Designs
  50. 06:36Extractor Difference
  51. 06:39Late 1960s Context
  52. 06:42Contender Pistol Precedent
  53. 06:47Interchangeable Handgun
  54. 06:51Departure in Gun Design
  55. 06:56Understanding Historic Designs
  56. 07:00Replicating Browning's Design
  57. 07:05Simple and Elegant
  58. 07:08Single Shot Platform
  59. 07:12Simplicity and Elegance Praised
  60. 07:17Joy to Shoot
  61. 07:19Low Recoil and Handling
  62. 07:23Historical Hunting Use
  63. 07:36Light-Handed Gun
  64. 07:42Design Improvements
  65. 07:45Need for Extractor
  66. 07:49Simple, Elegant Firearm
  67. 07:52Wood Grain Structure
  68. 07:56Quality of Wood
  69. 07:58Inletting and Cheek Piece
  70. 08:03Thompson Center's Vertical Integration
  71. 08:05Foundry and Woodworking
  72. 08:06Hand-Carved Stock
  73. 08:12True Masterpiece
  74. 08:14Composite vs. Wood Stocks
  75. 08:19Warmth and Elegance of Wood
  76. 08:21Vintage Styling

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Warren Center falling block rifle so rare?

This rifle is considered one of the rarest due to it being one of only two prototypes ever created by Warren Center for Thompson Center Arms in the late 1960s. The presenter believed it was a one-of-a-kind until the second prototype was discovered.

What caliber is the Warren Center falling block prototype?

Through careful inspection and the use of a borescope, the prototype falling block rifle was determined to be chambered in .308 Winchester. However, one of the two prototypes lacks an extractor, requiring manual removal of spent casings.

What is the historical significance of the Warren Center falling block rifle?

This rifle is significant as it represents Warren Center's exploration into falling block rifle design, drawing inspiration from classic designs like the Winchester Model 1885. It's seen as a precursor to modern sporting rifles and showcases innovative gunsmithing.

How does the safety mechanism on the Warren Center falling block rifle operate?

The safety on this prototype is located at the rear of the firearm. Pushing the lever forward engages the 'lock' position, making it safe, while pulling it back to the 'fire' position readies the rifle to shoot. This design is noted as being somewhat counter-intuitive.

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