Schouboe Prototype .45 Pistols

Published on March 12, 2015
Duration: 11:18

This video provides an in-depth look at the Schouboe prototype .45 ACP pistols, designed by Jens Schouboe and manufactured in Denmark. The presenter, Ian from Forgotten Weapons, details their history, design, and functionality, highlighting their participation in the 1907 US Army pistol trials. The video includes a demonstration of the pistol's simple disassembly and reassembly process, emphasizing its straight blowback operation and unique use of lightweight bullets to manage recoil in a large caliber.

Quick Summary

The Schouboe prototype .45 pistols, designed by Jens Schouboe, are straight blowback firearms that participated in the 1907 US Army trials. They uniquely utilized a lightweight, high-velocity aluminum composite bullet to manage .45 ACP recoil, but were rejected by the Army for not meeting their preferred heavy bullet specifications.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction & Collection Overview
  2. 00:53Schouboe Prototype .45 Pistols
  3. 01:14Designer: Jens Schouboe
  4. 01:38Model 1906/1907 Specifications
  5. 01:55Straight Blowback Operation
  6. 02:14Disassembly Demonstration
  7. 03:52Detailed Disassembly Steps
  8. 05:09Barrel Assembly Details
  9. 05:21Reason for Trial Rejection
  10. 05:47Lower Assembly & Hammer Mechanism
  11. 06:46Reassembly Process
  12. 07:07Manufacturer Markings
  13. 07:23Manual Safety Function
  14. 07:41Ornate Presentation Pistol
  15. 08:03Monogram & Recipient
  16. 08:12Gold Inlay Details
  17. 08:35Inlaid Spare Magazine
  18. 09:07End of Development & Production
  19. 09:29US Army Trial Testing Details
  20. 09:44Model 1912 Variant
  21. 10:05Army's Rejection Rationale
  22. 10:16Tested Serial Number & Location
  23. 10:34Auction Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key design features of the Schouboe prototype .45 pistols?

The Schouboe prototype .45 pistols are straight blowback operated, meaning they lack a locked breech. They feature a six-round magazine and a simple, easy-to-field-strip design. A notable innovation was the use of an extremely lightweight aluminum composite bullet to manage recoil in the .45 ACP caliber.

Why did the Schouboe .45 pistol fail to be adopted by the US Army?

The Schouboe pistol was rejected by the US Army primarily because its design relied on a very lightweight, high-velocity bullet. The Army preferred a heavier, slower bullet (230 grains at 800-850 fps) for what they perceived as better penetration and wounding power, which the Schouboe's unique ammunition approach did not meet.

Who designed the Schouboe prototype .45 pistol and who manufactured it?

The Schouboe prototype .45 pistol was designed by Jens Schouboe, who also designed the Madsen light machine gun. These pistols were manufactured in Denmark by the Danish Recoil Rifle Syndicate, also known as the Madsen Company in Copenhagen.

What is the significance of the ornate Schouboe pistol shown in the video?

The highly decorated Schouboe pistol featured in the video is a presentation piece, likely gifted to the president of Uruguay. It is adorned with gold inlay and monogrammed 'CW', possibly for Claudio Willimman, and was intended to garner consideration for the pistol by South American military forces.

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