Morse Carbine: If the Army Says No, Sell it Commercially!

This video explores Barton Jenks' Model 1867 rolling block rifle, a unique design that competed in US military trials. Unlike the Remington system, Jenks' rifle features a self-locking breech block that automatically recocks the hammer upon opening, potentially allowing for faster operation. While ultimately unsuccessful in trials, likely due to cost or durability concerns, the rifle represents an interesting evolutionary step in breech-loading firearm design.

This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" focuses on the Burnside carbine, a significant firearm used by cavalry during the American Civil War. It explores the carbine's unique breech-loading design, its inventor Ambrose Burnside's multifaceted career (including his role in the NRA's founding), and its historical context as the third most popular cavalry carbine of the war, trailing the Sharps and Spencer. The discussion highlights the rapid pace of firearm development during the era, rendering the Burnside technologically obsolete within a decade. Despite its eventual limitations and the Burnside Company's bankruptcy, the carbine is recognized as an important step in firearm evolution.

The Svelte Jenks Navy Carbine, patented in 1838, saw significant US Navy adoption during the Mexican-American War, unlike its failed Army trials. Its distinctive 'Mule Ear' side hammer protected users from percussion cap debris. Constructed with brass furniture for corrosion resistance and a steel barrel, it featured a breech-loading mechanism operated by a top lever.

The Greene Carbine, patented in 1854, was a complex breech-loading firearm intended for cavalry use. Despite its advanced Maynard tape primer system and unique loading mechanism, both the US and British militaries found it too complex and unreliable. The British contract for 2,000 units, destined for the Cape Mounted Rifles, ultimately failed due to cartridge development issues, leading to most units being scrapped.

The Confederate Morse Carbine, designed by George Morse, represented a significant advancement with its robust centerfire metallic cartridge, a departure from contemporary rimfire designs. Despite initial production challenges and a limited run of approximately 1,000 units for the South Carolina Militia, its innovative breech-loading mechanism and cartridge technology were ahead of their time. The carbine featured a unique brass frame, a slim stock, and a rate of fire of 5-8 rounds per minute.

The Keen-Walker Carbine, a rare Confederate breech-loader, was produced in 1862 at the Danville Arsenal with only 282 units made. This .54 caliber firearm features a unique pivoting breech block inspired by Perry and Maynard designs. Its limited production and historical significance make it a highly sought-after collector's item, with few surviving today.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.