Bjorgum 1905 Norwegian Prototype Pistol

Published on October 21, 2016
Duration: 15:44

This video examines the rare and unusual Bjorgum pistol, a Norwegian prototype developed by artist Niels Bjorgum. Despite significant funding and attempts to gain military adoption, the pistol suffered from numerous design flaws, poor reliability, and questionable safety features, ultimately leading to its rejection. The presenter details the pistol's unique rotating barrel mechanism, sheet metal construction, and the inventor's background.

Quick Summary

The Bjorgum pistol, designed by Norwegian artist Niels Bjorgum, featured a unique rotating barrel mechanism with three locking lugs. Despite its innovative approach, the pistol suffered from critical safety flaws, poor reliability, and fragile sheet metal construction, leading to its rejection by the Norwegian military.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to the Bjorgum Pistol
  2. 00:27Inventor Niels Bjorgum's Background
  3. 01:38Model 1904 Pistol and Early Testing
  4. 02:181905 Design and Parliamentary Funding
  5. 03:41Work at Kongsberg Arsenal (1905-1906)
  6. 04:201905 Pistol Army Test Results
  7. 04:58Model 1911 and 1914 Pistol Development
  8. 05:531914 Trials and Bjorgum's Final Attempt
  9. 06:18Parliamentary Review and Funding Cut
  10. 06:58Bjorgum's Later Ventures and Return to Art
  11. 07:51Detailed Look at the Bjorgum Pistol
  12. 08:06Rotating Barrel Mechanism
  13. 08:15Safety Mechanism Analysis
  14. 09:03Action Cycling Demonstration
  15. 09:42Bolt and Locking Lugs
  16. 10:38Magazine Design and Loading Issues
  17. 11:36Sheet Metal Construction and Grip
  18. 12:14Weight vs. Durability Discussion
  19. 12:42Internal Spring Mechanism
  20. 13:27Reasons for Rejection
  21. 14:14Acknowledgements and Book Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Bjorgum pistol?

The Bjorgum pistol was designed by Niels Bjorgum, a Norwegian artist born in 1864. Despite having no formal engineering training, he became interested in firearms and developed several pistol prototypes, including the Model 1905.

What was the primary mechanism of the Bjorgum pistol?

The Bjorgum pistol featured a rotating barrel mechanism with three sets of interrupted thread locking lugs to secure the breech. This design allowed the barrel to rotate and retract during the cycling process.

What were the main criticisms of the Bjorgum pistol?

Key criticisms included a critically flawed safety mechanism that could cause the hammer to drop unexpectedly, a fragile sheet metal construction, poor reliability, and difficult magazine loading. These issues led to its rejection by the Norwegian military.

What caliber was the Bjorgum pistol designed for?

The Bjorgum pistol was primarily chambered for the 7.63 Mauser cartridge (also referred to as 7.62 Mauser or 30 Mauser). Early prototypes also experimented with blow-forward actions.

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