Rifling on the *outside* of the barrel? The SR-11 with firearms and weapons expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on June 14, 2023
Duration: 20:56

This entry details the SR-11 Machine Carbine, an experimental Australian PDW designed by Russell Shepherd Robinson in 1944. It highlights the weapon's innovative 'constant recoil' concept, intended to reduce muzzle rise through a rotating barrel mechanism and a unique external helical fluting. The SR-11 also featured an auto-ejecting magazine for rapid reloads and a telescoping buttstock that doubled as a cleaning rod. Despite its advanced features, the SR-11 was not adopted due to post-war military procurement decisions and performance issues in semi-automatic fire. The information is presented with expert authority by Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the Royal Armouries.

Quick Summary

The SR-11 Machine Carbine, designed by Russell Shepherd Robinson in 1944, featured a unique 'constant recoil' system and external helical barrel fluting to counteract torque. It also had an auto-ejecting magazine for rapid reloads. Despite innovations, it was not adopted post-WWII, losing out to the Sterling submachine gun, partly due to accuracy issues in semi-automatic fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the SR-11
  2. 01:43Designer and Concept
  3. 03:53Unique Features: Buttstock and Cleaning Rod
  4. 05:45Auto-Ejecting Magazine
  5. 09:35External Barrel Rifling
  6. 13:21Performance and Accuracy Issues
  7. 18:03Historical Context and Rejection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SR-11 Machine Carbine?

The SR-11 is a rare Australian machine pistol or early Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) designed by Russell Shepherd Robinson in 1944. It featured a select-fire mechanism and innovative 'constant recoil' technology.

What was unique about the SR-11's barrel?

The SR-11 had a highly unusual feature: helical fluting on the exterior of the barrel. These grooves engaged with the slide to rotate the barrel during firing, intended to counteract the torque generated by the bullet's spin.

Why was the SR-11 not adopted?

Despite its innovative features, the SR-11 was not adopted because by the time it was optimized in 1948, the war had ended, and Britain chose to adopt the Patchett (Sterling) submachine gun instead. Performance issues in semi-automatic fire also contributed.

What was the 'constant recoil' concept in the SR-11?

The 'constant recoil' concept aimed to keep the weapon's working parts in motion to prevent them from slamming into the receiver, thereby reducing muzzle rise and improving control during automatic fire.

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