Shooting a .276 Pedersen PB Rifle

Published on August 11, 2015
Duration: 10:28

This video explores the rare Vickers-Pedersen .276 Model PB rifle, highlighting its unique en bloc clip and wax-lubricated ammunition. The PB variant is significantly rarer than the later PA model. The .276 Pedersen cartridge offered a lighter recoil than .30-06 Springfield, and the rifle's delayed blowback action required specialized ammo for reliable extraction. Despite its advanced design and shootability, high manufacturing costs likely led to its rejection.

Quick Summary

The Vickers-Pedersen .276 Model PB rifle used a unique en bloc clip and wax-lubricated .276 Pedersen ammunition. This cartridge offered lighter recoil than the .30-06 Springfield. The rifle's delayed blowback action required the wax coating for reliable extraction. High manufacturing costs were the main reason for its rejection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Vickers-Pedersen .276 PB Rifle
  2. 00:54Historical Context & Rarity of PB Model
  3. 01:53Clip Design & Technical Differences
  4. 02:40The .276 Pedersen Cartridge Explained
  5. 03:29Shooting Impressions & Sights Critique
  6. 04:23Mechanical Quirks: Trigger & Ejection
  7. 05:15Delayed Blowback & Lubricated Ammo
  8. 08:41Testing the Toggle Interference Myth
  9. 09:29Conclusion: Cost vs. Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Vickers-Pedersen .276 Model PB rifle rare?

The Vickers-Pedersen Model PB is significantly rarer than the later PA variant. It was an early design by John Pedersen for Vickers, competing in US Army trials, and most surviving Pedersen rifles are the PA model, making the PB a highly collectible and seldom-seen firearm.

What type of ammunition did the .276 Pedersen rifle use?

The .276 Pedersen rifle required specialized .276 Pedersen cartridges, which featured a wax coating. This lubrication was essential for the rifle's delayed blowback toggle action to reliably extract the spent casing after firing.

How did the .276 Pedersen cartridge compare to the .30-06 Springfield?

The .276 Pedersen cartridge was an early intermediate cartridge designed to offer a lighter recoil impulse than the full-power .30-06 Springfield. It fired a 125-grain bullet at approximately 2700 fps, making the rifle more comfortable to shoot.

Why was the Pedersen rifle ultimately rejected by the US Army?

The primary reason for the Pedersen rifle's rejection was its high manufacturing cost, estimated to be 10-20% more expensive than the M1 Garand. Despite its advanced design and good shootability, cost-effectiveness was a major factor in military procurement.

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