Was this the rifle used to assassinate MLK? With firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on January 17, 2024
Duration: 21:50

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries examines a Remington 760 Gamemaster, discussing its features and its potential connection to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. He analyzes ballistic evidence and debunks conspiracy theories regarding the rifle's twist rate and the deformation of the recovered bullet.

Quick Summary

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries examines the Remington 760 Gamemaster, a pump-action rifle linked to the MLK assassination. He details its features, including a 14-lug bolt and detachable magazine, and analyzes ballistic evidence, debunking theories based on twist rate and bullet deformation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Remington 760 Gamemaster
  2. 01:45Remington 760 Features & History
  3. 02:45Magazine and Capacity Details
  4. 05:10Sights and Bolt Action Explained
  5. 07:30The MLK Assassination Connection
  6. 08:40Ballistic Evidence Analysis & Debunking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Remington 760 Gamemaster?

The Remington 760 Gamemaster is a pump-action hunting rifle, first produced in 1951. This specific model dates to the mid-1960s and features a detachable box magazine, a smooth action due to its 14-lug bolt, and is often chambered in calibers like .30-06 Springfield.

What is the significance of the Remington 760 Gamemaster in relation to the MLK assassination?

James Earl Ray, convicted of assassinating Martin Luther King Jr., owned a Remington 760 in .30-06 Springfield. While the recovered rifle was a Remington 760, definitive ballistic matching proved difficult due to the deformed state of the bullet found.

What is the twist rate of a Remington 760 Gamemaster in .30-06 Springfield?

The standard twist rate for a Remington 760 Gamemaster chambered in .30-06 Springfield is 1 in 10 inches. This specification is crucial for stabilizing the bullet during flight and is consistent across standard models.

How does the Remington 760 Gamemaster's action differ from a typical pump shotgun?

Unlike many pump-action shotguns that use a tubular magazine, the Remington 760 Gamemaster utilizes a detachable box magazine. Its action is also noted for its smoothness, attributed to a multi-lug bolt design with 14 locking lugs.

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