Russian Berdan II

This review of the Berdan II, Russia's first mass-produced metallic cartridge black powder rifle, highlights its robust but ergonomically challenging bolt-action design. Despite its historical significance, the rifle features a heavy trigger pull and a short bolt throw, compounded by challenges in finding correct ammunition, often requiring custom reloading. While functional, it's noted as one of the least user-friendly black powder bolt actions tested.

The Berdan II, a single-shot bolt-action rifle adopted by Imperial Russia in 1870, served as a crucial predecessor to the Mosin-Nagant. Designed by Hiram Berdan, it features a unique cock-on-closing bolt mechanism and volley sights marked in 'arshins'. Despite high production, these rifles are rare in the US, showcasing significant combat history before its successor.

This review of the Berdan II rifle highlights its bolt action system with a 45-degree bolt throw and a notably tiny bolt handle. The speaker, demonstrating expert knowledge, points out the extremely heavy trigger and a significant issue with the action becoming sticky after only a few shots. The Berdan II's bolt handle is deemed the least useful among comparable rifles, and its trigger is considered the worst.

The Colt-Berdan Model 1868, or Berdan I, was Russia's first military rifle to adopt a centerfire metallic cartridge, specifically the .42 Berdan. Designed by Hiram Berdan, it featured a unique rear-mounted striker and a lifting breech block, differing from US Trapdoor Springfields. Though Colt produced 30,000 units, it was quickly superseded by the Berdan II, making surviving examples rare.

This video from C&Rsenal's WWI Primer series delves into the history, function, and live-fire demonstration of the Russian Berdan II rifle. It is part of a series honoring the centennial anniversary of World War I and features Othais and Mae exploring this classic firearm. The description also includes links for supporting the channel, purchasing merchandise, and additional reading on related firearms and ammunition.

This Q&A delves into the history and evolution of Finnish small arms, comparing iconic models like the Suomi KP/-31 to Soviet counterparts such as the PPSh-41, highlighting Finnish design superiority in quality and reliability. It covers early service rifles like the Berdan II, details the Suomi's features, and discusses Finnish Maxim machine guns. The discussion extends to modern Finnish firearms, including the RK 95 and the new Sako M23 AR platform, while also touching on Finnish culture and spirits.

This video demonstrates loading the rare Howell Automatic Rifle, a semi-automatic conversion of the SMLE. It showcases the efficient use of four 5-round stripper clips to fill the 20-round detachable box magazine with .303 British ammunition. The process highlights the mechanical operation of chambering a round after magazine insertion.

This review showcases the Springfield 1903 Air Service Rifle, highlighting its unique 25-round extended magazine and loading procedure using stripper clips. The demonstration includes live fire from a standing position, emphasizing the bolt-action operation and recoil management of the .30-06 cartridge. Visual analysis in slow motion captures muzzle blast and barrel harmonics, concluding with target results at 70 yards.

This ASMR video showcases the unique Lancaster 4-barrel pistol, demonstrating its loading, action closure, and firing mechanisms. The presenter highlights the .455 Webley caliber and a 4-round capacity, emphasizing smooth mechanical operation and proper muzzle discipline. The content is geared towards experienced firearm enthusiasts due to its historical nature and focus on technical details.

This video provides a detailed live-fire demonstration of the WWI-era Lewis Gun. It showcases the unique process of loading the 47-round pan magazine and mounting it onto the firearm. The footage includes full-auto fire, slow-motion analysis of the cycling action, and target results at 50 yards, highlighting the weapon's effectiveness and handling characteristics.