Why did this British pump-action sniper not get adopted? With firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

The L85A3 represents a significant ergonomic and structural modernization of the British Army's SA80 rifle, primarily featuring a new Heckler & Koch-designed slimline M-LOK handguard and an FDE Cerakote finish. While internal components largely remain A2 specification, improvements like electron beam welding enhance receiver rigidity. The optic is typically the Elcan Specter OS4, often paired with a Shield CQB red dot.

The S.R.E.M. was an experimental British WWII bullpup sniper rifle designed to allow cycling without disturbing the sight picture. It featured a BESA machine gun-inspired mechanism where the pistol grip acted as the charging handle, and was chambered in 8mm Mauser. Despite 22 prototypes being commissioned, only two were completed before the project was canceled in 1945.

This expert review details 15 firearms deemed to be losing significant value or becoming functionally obsolete by 2026 due to critical design flaws, poor quality control, and lack of modern features. The analysis highlights specific issues like the Remington Model 700's outdated design and quality problems, the Taurus Circuit Judge's accuracy and safety concerns, and the widespread reliability issues plaguing models from Bear Creek Arsenal, ATI, and Century Arms. The speaker's critical, data-driven tone and deep knowledge of manufacturing defects and market trends establish high authority.

This video provides an in-depth look at the EIW97, an experimental electronic variant of the SA80 rifle, presented by Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. The EIW97 explored electronic ignition and programmable fire control to enhance lethality and hit probability, featuring specialized ammunition and a significantly reduced cyclic rate for improved accuracy. Expert Murray discusses its origins as a mid-1990s research program investigating future weapon systems.

This review of the IWI Tavor X95 highlights its advantages as a compact bullpup rifle, offering a 16.5-inch barrel in a package similar to a 10.5-inch AR-15. The video details its unique features, including ambidextrous controls, a decent trigger for a bullpup, and the potential for legal benefits in restrictive states. Accuracy testing reveals it's capable of sub-2 MOA with appropriate ammunition, making it a compelling option for those seeking a distinctive and well-built firearm.

This video delves into the fascinating history of early bullpup rifle designs, specifically focusing on the Thorneycroft First Pattern rifle, which is presented as a potential 'Edwardian SA80.' Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson provides an in-depth analysis, covering its design, features, and historical context. The video also briefly mentions the Gamwell Rifle and draws comparisons to well-known firearms like the Lee-Metford and SMLE. In addition to the historical firearm content, the description announces an upcoming Call of Duty livestream event for the Royal Armouries.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.