I Have This Old Gun: Westley Richards "Monkey Tail" Carbine

This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" explores the history and development of the Whitworth rifle. Initially commissioned by the British government to improve production of the Pattern 1853 Enfield, engineer Sir Joseph Whitworth opted to create a superior rifle. He reduced the bore to .451, designed a bullet three times longer than its diameter, and implemented a unique hexagonal rifling system that provided exceptional accuracy. Despite its superior performance, the Whitworth rifle was expensive to produce and prone to fouling, leading the British military to stick with the Enfield. However, the Whitworth found its way into long-range competitions and, notably, saw service with the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

The 1843 Side-Lever Hall Carbine by Simeon North represents the final iteration of the Hall breech-loader in U.S. military service. This model, manufactured by Simeon North, incorporated a percussion system and an improved side-lever for breech operation. Originally smoothbore .54 caliber, these carbines saw service in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, showcasing early American advancements in firearm production and interchangeable parts.

The Confederate Whitworth Sniper rifle, featuring a unique hexagonal bore, offered exceptional accuracy for its time, achieving sub-MOA at 500 yards. Despite its precision, production was limited by cost and fouling issues. Its rarity, with few Confederate examples known, makes it a highly prized collector's item.

This video details the meticulous process of ammunition manufacturing at Hornady's facility in Grand Island, Nebraska. It covers the creation of bullets, starting with copper cups and lead cores, and the production of brass cartridge cases through annealing and hammering. The content also highlights Hornady's rigorous quality control testing on a 100-yard range and the final packaging stages, emphasizing their commitment to American-made quality.

The L1A1 SLR, a British variant of the FN FAL, was adopted by the UK military for its semi-automatic-only operation and inch-pattern components. It served through major conflicts like the Falklands War and was eventually replaced by the L85 bullpup. The rifle is known for its robust design and reliability, though original British-made examples are now rare.

This video documents a startling bobcat attack on a turkey hunter. The hunter's calls, intended for turkeys, attracted a bobcat which stalked and then pounced. The hunter's reaction caused the bobcat to retreat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of situational awareness.

Vista Outdoor has acquired the iconic Remington Ammunition brand, aiming to revive its manufacturing operations in Lonoke, Arkansas. The acquisition follows Remington's 2020 bankruptcy, with Vista Outdoor integrating the brand alongside Federal, CCI, and Speer. The focus is on restoring quality, securing raw materials, and re-employing skilled workers to meet high market demand for popular lines like Core-Lokt and UMC.