RN 50 Blowup What it wasn't - Part 1

Published on October 5, 2021
Duration: 5:33

This analysis debunks case head separation as the cause of the RN-50 explosion, highlighting its fixed 0.200" headspace and internal brass plug support. Unlike the M2 machine gun, which relies on headspace for safety, the RN-50's design prevents pressure from venting into the action even with hypothetical case failures. Future parts will address SLAP rounds and cap vent theories.

Quick Summary

Mark Serbu's analysis of the RN-50 explosion reveals it wasn't case head separation, but a symptom. The RN-50 has fixed 0.200" headspace and a brass plug for support, unlike the M2's critical headspace reliance. Future parts will debunk SLAP round and cap vent theories.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: RN-50 Explosion Analysis
  2. 00:19Debunking Case Head Separation
  3. 00:53M2 Machine Gun Headspace Issues
  4. 03:04RN-50 Design: Fixed Headspace & Support
  5. 04:12Conclusion & Future Theories

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary cause of the RN-50 explosion according to Mark Serbu's analysis?

Mark Serbu's analysis in Part 1 concludes that the RN-50 explosion was not caused by case head separation. He explains that case head separation is a symptom, and the actual cause lies deeper within the firearm's design and potential failure points, which will be explored in future parts.

How does the Serbu RN-50's design differ from the M2 Machine Gun regarding headspace?

The RN-50 has a fixed headspace of 0.200 inches and features an internal brass plug for case support. In contrast, the M2 'Ma Deuce' has a T-slot bolt face and relies heavily on critical headspace management; excessive headspace can lead to catastrophic failure if the case wall isn't supported.

What safety feature does the RN-50 possess to prevent catastrophic failure?

The RN-50 incorporates a thick internal brass plug within its barrel. This plug is designed to support the cartridge case, even in a hypothetical separation scenario, thereby preventing high-pressure gases from venting into the firearm's action.

What theories will be debunked in future parts of the RN-50 explosion analysis?

Following the debunking of case head separation in Part 1, Mark Serbu plans to address and disprove other theories surrounding the RN-50 incident in subsequent videos. These specifically include theories related to the use of SLAP rounds and potential issues with the cap vent system.

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