The Deadly Weapons That Changed History | With Jonathan Ferguson

[@WaltonSauce]

Night at the Museum would be a very different experience in the Armouries

[@echeekflower7495]

Yes a 5 minit Move

[@Kaarl_Mills]

"Evening gents!" *Johnathan standing behind his Home Alone-esqe gauntlet of traps*

[@aesthetics8230]

I read a /K/ Story bout something similliar

[@callumjohnston858]

@@Kaarl_Mills Honestly sounds like a solid horror comedy. Getting hunted by a historian who insists on telling you about every single weapon and trap.

[@Kaarl_Mills]

@@callumjohnston858 *bang* "Now this here is the MP5SD, and you're in for a real treat: the integral suppressor means that none of your mates are gonna hear the weapon rapport, and you'll be able to hear my thoughts on it that much better!"

[@OdaTheSamurai]

Jonathan is KZbin's Quartermaster and I'm here for it.

[@mrpurple2306]

Our lord and saviour Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries in Leeds is back and this time with a banger!

[@MrEdgeer]

amen

[@MarquisVincentBissetdeGramont]

Amen 🙏

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

I think you mean with a bang. There isn't a sausage in the whole place.

[@AntonAdelson]

Our Lord and Savior is Ian but Jonathan is the top disciple!

[@adenkyramud5005]

​@@AntonAdelsonpraised be gun jesus, for he is the light and the way, but occasionally the light is muzzle flash

[@JustSomeVideos0]

Can we just have an entire channel of Jonathan and the boys firing stuff? Reckon 4 or 5 series might show half the stuff in the armoury? 😃

[@silentassassin47]

yes! 😊

[@NetherStray]

"Cheers, mate! Let's see what this Howitzer can do! In three... two... one...!"

[@danielcurtis1434]

I’m guessing cuz it cost a bunch they need to get permission from the museum. Worse these guys don’t understand firearms at all so they don’t know what to pick that would make sense. A much better option is a trip to America!!! A single trip they could shoot just about anything!!! There are rental places in plenty of states just go pay and do no complex BS. A museum just isn’t the same as a genuine range. Also it would be nice if they shot at any significant distance, like more than 15-20 yards???

[@blackjacka.5097]

​@@danielcurtis1434American gun nuts trying to shut up for 5 minutes challenge (IMPOSSIBLE)

[@R0ndras]

Royal Armouries. Its the museum channel and its mostly Jonathan explaining history of weapons and there's some shooting in there too.

[@cheutho]

Jonathan Ferguson totally needs a cameo in John Wick 5. I'm sure we can find an excuse for a chase scene through the museum.

[@TheEFRoommates]

If they have a firefight in the middle of the Royal arms museum or a theatrical copy of it, it would be like the knife fight in the third one

[@WayStedYou]

British continental armourer

[@Bobbymaccys]

Needs to be a scene with him holding off the bad guys with the Vickers!

[@andreasevt1]

Imagine him and Gun Jesus in a JW movie :D

[@kylewhite8434]

​@@andreasevt1That would be fucking awesome!

[@jimbass1664]

I love the way Jonathan keeps total control of the room whilst sounding so laid back and relaxed. Though I did beat him to "finger off the trigger!"

[@grimsladeleviathan3958]

He has the vibe of visiting a friend while they're at their work place. They are friendly and jokey, but still have an air of professionalism. I really like him!

[@snideaugustine2143]

Trigger discipline lads. XD

[@MeanBeanComedy]

​@@grimsladeleviathan3958It's why he's the internet's favourite gun historian!

[@christopherpage2622]

​@@MeanBeanComedyhim and gun jesus would be a fantastic collaboration sharing knowledge

[@LordChesalot]

​@@christopherpage2622they have in the past

[@Specter_1125]

An important detail about the battle of Pavia: the French gendarmes were occupied by other enemies in melee while they were getting shot in their flank and back.

[@billder2655]

wouldn’t want to have been a hapsburg infantryman finding out that i was going to be the anvil to that hammer😂

[@theprancingprussian]

Johnathan still keeps his emotional support mp5 to cuddle after a long day of seeing what cod players do to their guns, in case of vanguard he uses his emotional support sturmgewehr also I'm pretty sure this is a reupload

[@Raul_Menendez]

Cringe comment.

[@CorvusCorone68]

it's one thing to allow customization in WWI or II depictions, it's another to have the tech offered be anachronistic; case in point: red dot sights were far too cumbersome for infantry firearms; they were on vehicles only; it's like how in movies they show someone wielding a minigun portably

[@Bossmoonpie]

I'm a simple man. I see Jonathan Ferguson, I hit like.

[@MrSquigglies]

Maxims have been seen in fighting in Ukraine, updated with red dot sights and magnified optics. That's a firearm designed in the 1890s with the same cartridge from even earlier, taking active part in fighting after the development of the thermonuclear bombs.

[@Brian-tn4cd]

As i told my mom one time the discussion of getting a gun came up (we are not from US just by the by), a gun made 200 years ago can still kill, its more dependant on skill of the shooter and the armor utilized by your opponent, latest and greatest are more convenient but if your goal is to kill it'll all work

[@hboyO2]

​@@Brian-tn4cdfor that matter a very simple single shot homemade gun can kill, and anyone can build that with a couple days of research at best. Hell, if you really want to kill someone most people will just grab a knife, that'll do the work alone most of the time. Modern gun laws are more about trying to limit the reach and number of people you could kill in a short time without having a real struggle or "fight", but yeah a gun is a gun

[@oogaboogaicu]

@@hboyO2 except that this month British police have been confiscating guns from certificate holders alongside all reloading equiptment and books regarding firearms. can still watch a guy make a 12 gauge shotgun out of 2 pipes a washer and a nail on youtube though.

[@andreasevt1]

Meaning it's a relable weapon and an efficient design. :D

[@andrewince8824]

When the Vickers was replaced in British service in the 1960s, the army was curious. They gauged one to ensure it was factory spec. Then 1 million rounds were put through it. It was gauged again. Still factory spec. The Maxim system just works. Even the Browning M2 is at heart a beefed up Maxim action. The system may be over 120 years old but the results are undeniable.

[@Angelfyre.]

My dad owns an Australian No.4 Lee Enfield, and as someone who weights 120lbs soaking wet I can say the .303 really kicks your shoulder if your not used to it. My arm was sore for hours afterwards, and I only put 20 rounds through it. I have to say I’ve never had issues with my M1 Garand .30-06, it’s a comparable cartridge but I think the weight of the Garand helps with the cartridge more than the Lee Enfield

[@kylekemp1446]

Also the m1 is using some of the gas to cycle the action so not all of the recoil energy is going straight to your shoulder like a bolt action

[@Dumpster-Fire40]

@@kylekemp1446pretty much all modern firearms

[@ravenfeeder]

@@kylekemp1446 my shoulder can confirm, 30-06 is absolutely brutal out of a bolt action, the gas system helps a ton

[@Alex.Holland]

There was one time as a kid I put 80 or 100 rounds through my m1, and it gave me a hell of a bruised shoulder. I must have had sloppy form that day, as it never happened again. You would think that metal buttstock and .30-06 would result in nasty recoil, but teh damn thing weights 12 pounds, and uses gas to cycle. In general I have not found it too bad.

[@jugo1944]

120 lbs? Are you a dwarf?

[@pierreb7100]

This Jonathan guy that I'm discovering today has a really great personality.

[@kaede4292]

he's great, theres an entire series where he looks at guns from popular video games and compares them to the real life thing

[@CorvusCorone68]

@@kaede4292 it's also good that he's a gamer as well and respects that realism can sometimes be disadvantageous, for example for balance purposes

[@Snellythedog]

He’s pretty amazing. I’d recommend gamespots Loadout and Firearms Expert Reacts series if you want more of him.

[@Snellythedog]

@@CorvusCorone68I do appreciate that about him. Like how snipers work in TF2, despite that being one of the worse in terms of firearm accuracy.

[@livethefuture2492]

Does he have a channel of his own? I would like to look it up after this.

[@Reddotzebra]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that many complained about the early muzzle loading weapons because they considered the Longbow's rate of fire so much higher. To the tune of a competent archer being able to fire ten arrows before you could reload once. Edit: I guess the armour piercing properties still made it worth it though, they should have used these as specialized support weapons against heavy armour.

[@scootergrant8683]

Many may have complained but that's just older generational thinking with newer generational tools. That's been the case throughout modern arms history. Older ways of thinking being applied to new tools and blaming the tool for the problem and not the outdated fighting strategies.

[@brettread6373]

Think about the American civil war l can not remember his name but a high ranking officer in supply didn't like the Spencer repeating rife as he thought troops would waste Ammunition. You couldn't make it up.

[@RevanAlaire]

Ease of use had more to do with firearms replacing bows than armor penetration. Training someone to use a bow takes years, whereas loading and firing a muzzleloading firearm can be taught in a few days.

[@markieman64]

Appreciate the compilation. I enjoy anything with Jonathan Ferguson in it!

[@americankid7782]

Muskets and Muzzle loaders were damn scary. Those wound channels are unlike anything I’ve seen with few exceptions.

[@B0redZer0]

Jonathan looking like a badass in the thumbnail.

[@TheOldMan-75]

And then you click on the video and there he is with a purple tie :D

[@Baegitte]

This is the collab none of us expected but all of us now want to continue ❤

[@silentassassin47]

absolutely

[@Playingwith3D]

My dad had a 1907 SMLE, my brother and I would do the mad minute in the back yard when we were kids. I still have it. It still freaks me out to hear someone say they have never handled a firearm before. Different times.

[@tonyoliver2167]

I think that it was handling firearms of all kinds, black powder to all the rest, which gave me true discipline

[@peterclarke7006]

​@@tonyoliver2167with us brits, it's handling tea of all kinds, from the nasty instant stuff, to the various types of teabag, to the looseleaf tea made in a teapot. You're not a real brit if you can't make a good cup of tea in a teapot.

[@tonyoliver2167]

@@peterclarke7006 you're not a real Brit if you don't like discharging your 12 gauge on your twentie acres in the direcsioun of this Chistmasses phesent

[@dark2023-1lovesoni]

​@@peterclarke7006most Americans would then chastise you though for pouring cream/milk in it. I personally enjoy my Chai or Earl Grey with cream, but I'm part of a tiny minority here in the US that don't drink it either black or cold & sweetened to hell.

[@peterclarke7006]

@@dark2023-1lovesoni The day a Briton takes chastisement from an American regarding how to make tea is the day we decide we've had quite enough of your uppity nonsense and recolonise you in order to teach you the error of your ways! 🤣 But seriously... We don't put cream in tea. The mere suggestion will result in civil unrest and Urgent Questions in parliament. It's milk, preferably semi-skimmed, or possibly a slice of lemon if we're feeling posh. Or we might just have it black. Saying that, if someone offers to make you tea, and you ask for it black, expect them to add milk out of sheer instinct.

[@__TK___]

„The Colt Single Action Army. The greatest handgun ever made. Six shots, more than enough to kill anything that moves.“ -Revolver Ocelot

[@GeordieSwordsman]

But the engravings offer no tactical advantage whatsoever.

[@thebroheamyth6478]

@@GeordieSwordsman engravings offer you EVERY tacticool advantage ever.

[@ninabooker2904]

The Lee Enfield is a beautiful looking weapon, would love to display one over a fireplace mantel.

[@nem447]

nah you shoot it

[@kisel1973]

1-2 world war bolt actions are all beautiful, just perfection

[@AhsokaTanoTheWhite]

Bite. Pour. Spit. Tap. Aim. Fire. Watching and remembering what Richard Sharpe taught me, that's Soldiering. Sad that there was no baker rifle, the loading techniques of that weapon are interesting, with the patch of leather, and everything, and it's damn beautiful.

[@IvannaDominguez-v4f]

Jonathan is KZbin's Quartermaster and I'm here for it.. Appreciate the compilation. I enjoy anything with Jonathan Ferguson in it!.

[@SFxTAGG3]

I will never not be amazed that your range is just some back room with a bunch of junk in storage rather than a purpose built room with traps at the end.

[@edwardking9359]

It is a purpose built room with traps at the end. Its just a room that doesn't see as much use as the rest of the building, and becomes a convenient place to put stuff that doesnt really have anywhere else to go.

[@nobodyjustacreep]

I love when Jonathan tells them something dangerous can happen he's so chill about it... "it could potentially blow up.. maybe"

[@Maggi9909]

Jonathan would be a good fit for a Western action movie he just looks right with a revolver

[@chancylvania]

Hey look it’s Johnathan Ferguson, keeper of firearms and artilleries at the royal armories in the UK, which hosts thousands of iconic weapons from throughout history.

[@ler3968]

I always loved the Lee Enfield look and its history. My brother and I bought one in the `1960s. I came across a supply in a local gun store in the early 90s selling for about $190. It was in Cosmoline grease protective wrapped from a factory I assume, the wrapping label indicated EGYPT 1955, in .303 cal w bayonet, it looks like a No. 4. I still have not fired a round thru it. I even found WWII UK surplus bandoliers with clips and rounds. My kids will probably sell it someday for 10 Quid. :(

[@imperialus1]

The Enfield is a beautiful gun. My grandfather bought one when the Canadian Armed Forces was getting rid of their old surplus in the 60's or 70's since he was so familiar with it from WWII. Used it as a hunting rifle for years before I inherited it. Was never into hunting myself, but I did some target shooting with it for a few years before I had kids and decided to sell it to someone who would take proper care of it rather than just leaving it moldering in a gun safe like I was.

[@dark2023-1lovesoni]

As an American Enfields used to be a common budget rifle here. Nowadays though they've been mostly gobbled up by collectors. I have a sporterized Mk3* my uncle converted into a hunting rifle. I've been slowly trying to find the furniture and parts to restore it to it's former glory (basically restoring it to "as issued"). Most bolt actions available in the US use Mauser style cock-on-open type actions. The Enfield style short pivot & cock-on-close action is much better in my opinion. I feel like it's significantly smoother and faster. I just love it. If I can track down a 2nd one for a reasonable price, or possibly an Ishapore, I intend to file the paperwork and turn it into a De Lisle carbine.

[@alganhar1]

@@dark2023-1lovesoni There is another advantage of that short pivot, you can maintain cheek weld while operating the bolt, which you cannot do on most Mauser style rifles unless you want a black eye. It makes for much faster follow up shots, and allows you to move onto new targets more rapidly because you are never losing your sight picture.

[@LeftJoystick]

That Vickers gel test really puts some possible injuries into..perspective? I can totally see how these machine guns during the First World War could literally have blown limbs off of advancing troops…or even cut them in half. Horrifyingly effective. Imagine knowing that’s what could happen to you and yet you willingly go over the top with your mates anyway. Sure, World War 2’s machine guns were even more fearsome, but the Great War just hits me differently. I’ve seen videos of the recent trench combat in Ukraine, but the sheer scale of the Western Front trenches during the Great War is still difficult to comprehend.

[@DaveDexterMusic]

My recollection is that WW1 was when the gladly embraced lie of warfare being glorious, noble and righteous was deflated forever. Soldiers didn't really know what they were signing up for, at least at the start, and so I'm sure you had a lot of poor bastards going over the top genuinely not expecting this kind of weaponry and consequence. And as for going over with your mates, that was part of the conscription/signup propaganda.

[@andrewince8824]

The sickening part is that the British brass knew what these systems could do. One can forgive Germany, Austria-Hungary or even the French for their unpreparedness, however, Britain faced machine guns and modern small-bore rifles during the Second Boer War (1903) and the Russians had seen the results in the Russo-Japanese war (1905). On the bright side, the wounds inflicted have improved medicine. Between 1914 and 1918 medicine advanced at a lightning rate and the effects last even today. Every cloud has a silver lining or something like that.

[@scootergrant8683]

They definitely did not blow limbs off or cut them in half. It's way more likely to happen with a musket than a 150 grain piece of copper-coated lead. Even then, I don't think the limb being blown off is a concern considering the entrance and exit wounds due to musket-fire.

[@scootergrant8683]

@@andrewince8824 What is sickening? Everyone had these kinds of ammunition since the 1880s. The First World War was 30 years later. By that time, all armies had engaged with this weaponry. I do suggest you do look further into the topic before making such claims.

[@scootergrant8683]

@@extantfellow46 Do you happen to have those accounts on hand because machine gun fire is not directed on singular soldiers. Remember, it's accuracy by volume at large swaths of targets. Sure, it may have happened but it's not something that a machine gunner team would be responsible for in every instance of engagement.

[@ohheyitsjoshhinac495]

Nah bruh I wanna see them mag dump ww1-2 weapons. That would be sick. Mp18 Type 100 map 40 m1919 a bar a mg42 would be sick too. Who else agrees?

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Jeez. The main difference is one is a percussion revolver and the other is not. Navy=.36 army=.44 but if it’s been a conversion for cartridges then maybe 45 long colt? And I got so nervous when that random guy said his hands got clammy and then with. A loaded cocked firearm it looked like he was slightly “swinging” it all over the place. Thought he was gonna drop it

[@MegadethTillDeth]

A British accent and a whole shit load of firearms. About as good as entertainment can get for an American I must say.

[@SirRollAnO]

Should have gotten some real American men to teach those yuppies how to shoot, lol i joke awesome informative video!

[@jadesharks6535]

​@@whatsMyNameAgainAgainwhy do you associate 2a supporters as idiots?

[@sammidwood404]

Ugh...you guys skipped the best one...between the 1853 and the martini came the 1860's variants of the enfield with the cutout breeches. Made from the recycled 1850's styles rifles with only 1 difference. An opening breech. Enter....the enfield schnider in .577.

[@mikepj67]

I have a #4 mark 1 lee enfield from 1944 not certain how it arrived here unless it was a bring back after the war doesn’t have import markings. It was gifted to me 8 years ago by a fellow I worked with.

[@sagasfromthesea4676]

What a great thing to have. Maybe take it along to Royal Armouries? They might be able to identify marks etc. Or send them photos.

[@Cats-TM]

50:35 Fun fact: president Theodore Roosevelt got shot…specifically, he got shot before a campaign speech. The only reason he survived is because his glasses case and speech (which was conveniently folded up) stopped the bullet from going far enough into him. Then he did the speech anyway after telling the crowd and police not to harm the guy who shot him. He was both a hunter and an anatomist so he knew that since he was not coughing blood his lungs were not punctured and therefore he could survive until he got to the hospital. So, yeah, getting shot is not that bad if it does not exist or puncture anything important.

[@Mustang94c]

Imagine if like me an American who was proficient with firearms knowledge was here...... good God I doubt that historian taught you how to shoulder and stand correctly judging by this video that said I'd still hoped that you felt privileged to shoot such firearms ugh lucky bastards 21:42

[@georgesedov7973]

i wonder what was the legal reason that can prevent you from shooting whatever on a shooting range.

[@deathcat1016]

I noticed that too. somthing about they had to shoot the percussion revolver for legal reasons. I imagine it slightly like how guns are regulated in the US. In the us black powder (non metallic cartridge) guns are not regulated at all and can be shipped straight to your door without a background check. Im guessing they were not allowed to shoot the colt single action army because of some license or permit that Jonathan has because he is gun museum curator. probably some law covering handguns. they were fine with everything else because of barrel length.

[@georgesedov7973]

@@deathcat1016 that regulation is only applicable if you want to own a gun. But shooting it on a firing range? Don't see how it's relevant.

[@danghostman2814]

Could be legal reasons as in the museum's policies that allow them to remain open & insured, rather than a question of direct law enforcement. I.e., He wouldn't get in trouble with the police, but the lawyers would be very unhappy.

[@WatcherMovie008]

First you go with Matchlock, which is correct, I can understand not going wheellock because those are rarer, so flintlock is correct step, but then you jump straight into the Lee Enfield??? Excuse me? No percussion cap Enfield? Then back to the Martini Henry? Then the Maxim and cowboy shooters? If your gonna do something related about the history of firearm and how deadlier it got, at least do it in chronological order.

[@jm9371]

"There is still people using bolt action rifles today".... like EVERY hunter on the planet and many 'snipers".. just saying.

[@Charon-ee8gt]

I cringe watching these two shoot sometimes 😂. Watching the weapon kick like a mule and bounce off their shoulder 🫣.

[@THECHEESELORD69]

Let me sum it up “deadly weapons that changed history #1 the gun, thank you for watching and hit the sub!”

[@nero354]

Jonathan loves firearms so much that he inhales the smoke that comes from the barrel, proper lad 15:50

[@EricDeKirkwood99]

No walkthrough of the 4 fundamental rules of gun safety? Yikes. I wouldnt want to be anywhere near these guys.

[@Slizzo82]

Why do I feel like I watched this same video a year or two ago?

[@grantharriman284]

As an American the phrase "purpose built firing range" is hilarious. We basically just put a target in front of a decent size hill or even just a mound of dirt in a more or less empty area and have at it. We only build firing ranges like that if we don't want to leave the city and still want to shoot.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

It was informative historical coverage about early and primary fire power of three different periods designed rifles of English commonwealth Soldiers also it was thrilled looking 👍🏻 8:37

[@rongray8416]

Lube that bolt more on the enfield and you should be able to load and reload rounds with 1 finger. The action is so smooth you shouldn't need to jerk the bolt around at all. Being an owner of more than 1 enfield for years now they are one of the smoothest action rifles I own...though a type 38 Arisaka 6.5 x 55 Jap is a unique experience in low light (the 2 little blue flames shooting up each time you shoot the rifle make it interesting)

[@SefuDonalBastet]

Teach the lads a "Mad Minute"...😆

[@rongray8416]

@@SefuDonalBastet Funny thing is its the only bolter I own out of 5 that really needs more than 1 magazine. Just fire 10 shots and swap mags instead of using the stripper clip its just as fast...last time i did a mad minute I was close to 37 shots...didnt really hit anything for shit and was all over the place but lol not a bad count as far as rounds...if you really want to hit it good average is 1 shot every 3 seconds, youll be hitting bodies all day long from 150 yards on in, prob could even do 200 but its been awhile since I took her out (been taking my Mosin Nagant M-44 carbine for really long range target shooting lately 500 plus yards and longer)😁

[@davidkinsey8657]

Many arquebusses came with metal stands to help keep the gun straight. I'm surprised they didn't have them.

[@TOFKAS01]

Those stands became outdated quite fast.

[@liam3104]

oh yea i remember seeing those in video games

[@Gameprojordan]

Those were monopods and they were completely seperate from the gun. You'd really only see those used by sharpshooters or people on emplacements.

[@MeanBeanComedy]

8:30 "No!! Don't do it!! You have too much to live for!!! Seriously, wtf is he doing??

[@ariasandhygustidiredja8197]

Oh my gosh Jonathan Ferguson have a legs?????

[@lunalovegoodwitch]

It's an interesting video but they were holding those handguns completely wrong

[@johnwilson2338]

It's always interesting to see newbies using guns. The U.K. should instill more shooting clubs!

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

Great to see you guys meeting up again! Maybe next time bring along Alice or Dan? Their expertise might be more towards the pre-firearm eras, but I am sure they're equally curious as most of your audience is 🙂

[@markieman64]

Dan is in this video.

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

I hadn’t finished the entire video when I wrote my comment 😂

[@screamingcactus1753]

This is really cool, but I just find it kinda funny that their shooting range has the same tiled ceiling and fluorescent lights as my old school

[@jackhanma376]

This is Jonathan Ferguson, keeper of firearm and artillery at the royal armouries museum in the UK which houses a collection of thousands of iconic weapons from throughout the history, and on this episode of expert react...oh wrong video

[@petercarlisle2927]

Shot a firearm before? Lmao. Guns are not for peasants silly.

[@bookaufman9643]

I'm not a gun and rifle guy but for a couple years I was on course to join the United States Army. I was in the junior reserve officer training corps in high school and we used the M 1903 A3 which is kind of the equivalent in the United States of the Lee-Enfield rifle. It was a very basic rifle but was known for its straight-shooting and was even a World War 1 sniper rifle at times. That is what we were told anyhow. We didn't just use it for firing ,we also used it for drill but obviously unloaded. Actually I think the drill rifles had been filled in so they couldn't be fired. I ended up as the drill team Commander at my high school which meant that we did all of the rifle spinning and throwing and all of that on our parade ground and competed against other ROTC programs. Sometime in my junior early senior year I realized how much of a turn off a JROTC cadet was to the ladies and I started finding my way onto a different path. Still I got to fire many weapons especially when we did field trips and summer camps at active army bases. I actually got to fire a grenade launcher which is the easiest weapon I've ever fired. It's kind of like a T-shirt cannon. We fired smoke grenades but at a camp one summer I got to fire a white phosphorus grenade into an old wooden building that they kept for that kind of thing. You definitely have to have the wind right before you can fire it because Willie Peter as they call it is dangerous stuff and even a tiny speck can burn its way all the way through your arm and come out the other side. Cool stuff.😊

[@chrislaws4785]

What's funny is that Russian soldiers NOW are STILL being issued Lee Enfield rifles AND they are using a LOT of Vickers machine guns because the Russian government cannot afford or even have the logistics to be able to properly arm or supply their soldiers anymore. I have seen photos of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers mounting Vickers machine guns to trucks and even connecting up to 4 of them together. So some places have most definitely NOT moved away from these old firearms.

[@IllidanSturmgrimmDeusVult]

You should reduce your mainstream media consume 😂

[@obi-wankenobi1233]

Don't mind me, just leaving a personal timestamp. 59:08

[@juusolatva]

Jonathan must be awfully sore from carrying all the weight of Royal Armouries' marketing on his shoulders

[@WayStedYou]

And GameSpot

[@patrickbo2045]

I loved watching this. Especially the tests on the gel blocks were a great way to see how much damage these armaments could do! The tumbling Enfield bullet had me terrified!

[@Slater6377]

I am an American in a state with very few firearm restrictions and I am jealous of yall's opportunity to shoot these pieces of history. Wow. It would be so cool to get the chance that yall had to spend the day with this historian surrounded by all of that history.

[@grimsladeleviathan3958]

Johnathan when they were talking about the Martini Henry, the suit, the blue gloves, all he needs is a mask and he'd be on his way to join the Payday gang

[@stemill1569]

Jonathan is a real pro. The first thing he does when he gets a weapon back is opening the chamber to check that it's empty. Even he saw just a second before that the chamber is empty. That's professional weapon handling.

[@ThetrueDrnastyflaps]

Had it in my head that pepper boxes were the most common gun in the old west. Would have loved seeing them try one of those or even a little derringer.

[@dark2023-1lovesoni]

Pepperboxes were somewhat archaic by the time of the west, while Derringers were usually considered either a vest pocket pistol or ladies gun. The most common firearms were probably actually older cartridge conversion rifles (think Trapdoor Springfield), Rolling Blocks & Spencers. After the Civil war a lot of those guns became extremely cheap as military surplus guns and many ranchers didn't see a significant need for a pistol. However, when it comes to revolvers, yes the older percussion revolvers were quite a bit more common amongst the average man. Mostly because they were cheap and ammunition was significantly more plentiful. If you happen upon a store while out riding it's unlikely that they'd have the specific metallic cartridges you might need unless it was a particularly popular load. While you could almost garuntee any shop would have basic powder, percussion caps and lead (either in bars or .36 /.44 caliber balls). Carrying a small cast mold was pretty simple for casting your own balls or conical bullets, and there were only 3 or 4 common sizes between both rifle and pistol (.36 & .44 for most pistols, .50 and .54 for rifles) Gunslingers were somewhat unique in usually wanting to carry/use the newest innovations. So while Schofields and SAAs are often seen amongst those sort, they didn't catch on anywhere near as fast with commoners (mainly due to higher cost and ammo concerns).

[@Gameprojordan]

Pepper boxes were oldschool. I'd say they hit their peak in relevance during the american Civil War era. They required you to load powder and ball into each chamber on the cylinder. Early deringers worked the same way but later ones were loaded with metal cartridges, meaning they were way more efficient to load and fire, making the old pepper boxes obsolete

[@johnslaughter5475]

I've watched the individual episodes, but still kinda fun to watch again. I don't particularly care for all the repeat firings. Jonathan's statement about the danger of the weapon firing as the shot is rammed down is quite true. In my study of the early vital records of Massachusetts, I've seen a few deaths that were caused by the ramrod being shot into the guy loading or someone near him. Another type of death was caused by the explosion of the powder magazine when people were making the gunpowder. Bad enough the risk of death in battle. There was plenty more at home while practicing loading and firing and making the gunpowder.

[@hoisinholdup]

Could this be the only comment left under this video by an American that isn't utterly embarrassing, but instead actually interesting? Fair play to you John

[@soultraveller5027]

@johnslaughter5475 well done mate thanks for coming

[@robincole1140]

It was probably a good call to skip past the matchlocks.

[@terrynolan5831]

Great Video, the armoury guy really good

[@prycenewberg3976]

At about 1:10:00, I just want to explain a little more WHY the Army (shot by Johnathan) is easier to load. It uses metallic cartridges. Metallic cartridges were a significant development in firearms technology. The Colt Navy still used loose powder and ball (or PAPER cartridges). I kind of wish they had shown the loading process for the Navy so that you could see the difference between it and the Army. P.S. Question about British law. Was the comment "... for legal reasons," (1:11:28) made in jest or would it really have been a legal problem for them to shoot the Colt Army?

[@EastBayFlipper]

The royal armories should do a show on air guns😉👍 I noticed that bulbous air receiver in the rifle rack

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

Note, around 34:00, that if you label your product "Mark 1" from the start, you're telling the world "This thing is obsolete and we'll get one that works out to you as soon as we can.

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

These 3 should have a channel together, would sub instantly.

[@Highimdadtwo]

1:04:40 I was named after Frank and Jesse James- but I’ll never tell which

[@Strigulino]

I would debate his etymology of breech as coming from a breach in a wall, so a hole. I'd say it's much more likely to be related to the breech as in a breech birth - so a baby coming bottom first. Breeches being clothes that covered your breech, i.e. your bottom. So a breach loader just means you load it at its bum-end instead of the mouth-end :D Hence why the opening at the business end is called a "muzzle" which is another term for an animal's mouth. No shade intended on the legend that is Jonathan Ferguson etc. etc. but I think it's "breech" not "breach" in that case. Also, later in the video you pronounce it "Loo-tenant" but British Army would have been (and I believe still is) "Lef-tenant".

[@fanbatcher]

In the States, there’s been a resurgence of interest in Lever Action rifles with the likes of Henry Repeating Arms and Marlin leading the way. In fact, Uberti makes a nice 1873 replica in .357 Magnum

[@edwardmauch2918]

The royale armory has such beautifully preserved treasures. I always love seeing the old stuff in pristine condition

[@stuartArmourer]

Mr Ferguson I believe you should give respect and credit to the custodian of the PATTERN ROOM ENFIELD the late Herbert J Woodend .He was the master Historian with small arms world renowned. He put the collection together which is now at the National firearms centre ...! !

[@bao6287]

Johnathan actually looks like an assassin from the John Wick universe in the thumbnail

[@Chrisander90]

Gotta love HistoryHit & the Royal Armouries Museum

[@aceman1126]

Enfields are the sexiest bolt action battle rifles... so awesome! Glad to have gotten my long branch and ishapore rifles back when they were reasonably priced.

[@dr.sergeykutzofykock9720]

Proper rifle stance would help tremendously when firing these.... Ok, didn't know they'd never shot rifles before...with that being said, not bad...not good lol, but bad.

[@EricDeKirkwood99]

Holy shit that range looks so sketch.

[@ThePrader]

As a black powder shooter, with a .50 Hawken reproduction, a .58 "Kodiak" double barreled rifle with a .12 gauge extra barrel, a pair of 1851 Colt Navy .36 's , and a 1860 New Army .44 Colt, along with a Colt 1851 Colt Navy .44 ( not historically accurate- all 1851 Colt "Navy" pistols were issued as .36 caliber pistols) but mine has an attachable carbine stock. I am most curious about the size of the powder itself? Was it equal to a 2 FF? a 3 FFF or even larger? Also, what was the weight of the powder charge itself? I shoot my .58 caliber with between 60 to 80 grains of 2 FF. Would that have been a " heavy" rifle back in this time period? I shoot my "Navy" .36 pistols with about 28 to 30 grains of 3 FFF. Would that pistol, with a .357 ball, with 28 grains of 3 FFF penetrate a plate armour chaest plate?

[@clickytheblicky9895]

1:08:30 my family were Spanish settlers during the “Wild West” in my families journals and stories passed down it was normal for children to have a gun of their own, as young as 7 years old. It was a hard life and you had to grow up and grow strong and get smart REAL FAST to stay alive. Native American raids were a very real thing and of course scalping, also murder and theft/rape was just as big of a threat in those times. My great great great grandmother talks about in her diary meeting a man who survived a Indian raid and was scalped, he was shot and passed out, natives raided and scalped them and he woke up and walked a whole day to the nearest homestead who tended to his wounds and saved his life.

[@clickytheblicky9895]

@@tatumergo3931 yes, when I turned 8 my father got me a 22 rifle. He taught all his sons gun safety and how to shoot starting around the age of 5-7. Grew up in New Mexico and Arizona. It’s very common to teach kids young about guns and how dangerous they can be. It’s all about knowledge and safety. Kids don’t carry guns anymore like they used to back when the west was being settled but learning how to protect yourself is very important even now especially on the south border states of the US. Lots of break ins, kidnappings, and murders from illegal immigrants crossing the southern border. About 12 years ago my neighbors wife was raped and valuables stolen while he was at work. So there very much is a need to learn how to protect oneself and their family and property at a young age. And it’s not just the country side. Even cities have young responsible gun owners all over the US. But it is more common in the west/southwest , and southern US. Majority of Americans take gun safety very seriously especially your “country” type people. Lots of men grow up with stories of their first BB guns or 22 rifles get smashed up by their father for pretending to point at someone or being irresponsible with the weapon. And if they are smart they learn from their mistake and if they work hard and be good they might get another rifle for for their birthday and this time they will remember to never be irresponsible with it because they don’t want dad to smash it again lol. That’s a very common story western/southern American men go through as rambunctious children.

[@holstatt6896]

you'd think the colonists woulda got the message that the land they were stealing was already occupied. Stupidity and obstinance run through white people like rivers, tho.

[@andrewroberts8959]

I would want a wrist brace to shoot that sawn-off one handed... Jeez

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

History cant be changed unless time travel is real, and if someone went back and changed history, it wouldnt be changed, it would still be just history. History HAPPENS, and just what happens, IS history. We can't change history. History changes us...

[@deathcat1016]

Great video. Jonathon would make a fine American.

[@TDuiker]

is it just me, or did that first gun misfire because someone forgot to open up the pan ? :P

[@patrikhjorth3291]

About the Vickers: it "could not have been built before the very late 19th century. You could design it, but not make it happen." That sounds like the Babbage Difference Engine. It was conceived and designed, but manufacturing shortcomings prevented it from becoming reality. The Vickers did become reality. I can't help but wonder how the world had developed if the situations were reversed.

[@odanewilson]

I need 9000000000000000000 of those to buy ok

[@walterkurtz4360]

I still use a 1915 B.S.A. SMLE .303 to hunt with mine has had the barrel and stock shortened about 7in or so though but its my favorite bolt action rifle

[@maverickcruise99]

You need to demonstrate the importance of triangles for strength and stability when rifle firing. Used in all firing positions, be it kneeling standing or lying. I have 303 marksmen qualification all be it 45 yrs since lol.

[@MrPh30]

No Mauser 95,98, or 1908 in there ?

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

That surprised me as well 🙁

[@derekp2674]

There's no shortage of 98's at Royal Armouries - just check out their Hall of Steel where the 2700 displayed artefacts include loads of Gewehr 98s.

[@MarquisVincentBissetdeGramont]

Among the "weapons that changed history", they should have mentioned some from continental Europe (France (Lebel 1886), Germany (StG44), Russia/USSR (AK series), etc.)

[@soultraveller5027]

The program is exploring the lineage of british small arms through its Historical development wasn't you paying attention you facking muppet

[@miklawson211]

I learnt to shoot a 303 Lee Enfield in the Army Cadets. I really enjoyed the Lee Enfield although i found the L1A1 fun. Proffessionally i carried the L85A1 and didn't really have any of the advertised L85 problems.

[@theTeknoViking]

40:37 Don't show a pic of a random gun without at least make/model info. IMHO. Apart from that, nicely done! Interesting!

[@blitzzbob5643]

Seems like a complete waste for someone that doesn't know anything about them or even fired a gun before to be able to do this. They don't even understand or appreciate the history behind these things. Johnathan may as well be telling them fairy tales about these guns and why they're iconic, they wouldn't know the difference

[@Del-Blanco-Diablo]

why were they still using charger strips with the smle during ww2 ???? surely bacolite magazines would have been quicker too reload.

[@Jack_of_Blades_1980]

Gods, ib love these videos they make, but be consistant, yards, miles, kilometers, feet, inches, meters... European and (especially American) measurements are so damn different, and it borderline makes me gag...

[@sureshot8399]

I really like Jonathan Ferguson, he's very entertaining. I had to turn off when Dan Snow turned up though as I can't stand his overplayed drama queen style. It's very off-putting.

[@zulubeatz1]

As a kid in the Army Cadets I shot the .303 SMLE and it was like a bazooka to us ! We were scared of the kick. I also shot a .22 conversion of it which was very nice to shoot as the build of the LE cushioned the .22 really well. We had the LMG too which was a modernised Bren gun.

[@nicktrueman224]

Jonathan do you need a old age apprentice who loves British Military rifles and antiques with expierience in keeping them in condition and firing. I love stripping rifles down and haven't had any issues. Please!