How Warhammer 40k’s Iconic Bolter Was Created - Loadout

The Boltgun, also commonly referred to as the Bolter, is most well known for being the primary armament of the Space Marines in Warhammer 40K. From its use in the iconic tabletop game to the virtual representations we see in games like Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior and Space Marine, the Boltgun has made an undeniable mark on pop culture. To find out what makes this brutal weapon stand out from the crowd, Dave travelled to Warhammer World in the UK to talk to the very people that created this 80s sci-fi icon.

[@IrregularDave]

Well this was a bloody amazing day at work.... Big thanks to all of the wonderful Games Workshop folk who helped make this happen! Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Sisters of Battle to paint...

[@theinquisitionsparrot6749]

Irregular Dave Noise Marines are better lol

[@brenbo_TM]

A son of sanguinius salutes your painting efforts

[@jameslyddall]

Irregular Dave can I as a new arrival to Warhammer 40k thank the following in this wondefful community that helped me understand the lore: Leutin09, oculus imperia, Arch Warhammer and Grim Dark Narrator who have wonderful content on their channels. In their each respective way I love listening to their videos on the universe of 40k. I wish this can come to netflix someday as a huge budget series.

[@essex3777]

The Blot gun is good all but I WANT THE LASGUN!!!!

[@williamtempelmann852]

@@jameslyddall well your in luck friend, gw lisenced a tv series called eisenhorn, also if you havent already, check out astates mini series, and, "if the emperor had a text to speech device" welcome to the world of warhammer!

[@scruffles3838]

"he just wanted something really brutal" This single phrase describes the entirety of 40k excellently

[@MollymaukT]

the gravely voice was the cherry on top

[@CrizzyEyes]

I think it was actually a little more well-thought out than that. Space Marines have to fight in the vacuum of space, or minimal atmosphere planets/satellites, where traditional firearms won't function due to lack of oxygen. Any planet without enough oxygen in its atmosphere would also pose a problem. A rocket-propelled bullet, however, will function in the vacuum of space or anywhere else.

[@davidearielrossolato978]

@@CrizzyEyes most guns work in space

[@armymedic8]

Crazy Eyes normal guns would work in space, overheating would be a problem though

[@elijahaitaok8624]

@@armymedic8 also oil vaporizing off the firearms too

[@heinzschmitt9661]

The Astartes fan-made videos are pretty good at showing how a Boltgun should be.

[@joescarborough8434]

They nailed the detonation sound and the crumping sound the torso makes as it gets hit by one of the mass reactives.

[@sankhyohalder97]

I was hoping they'd feature some clips from it in this video lol

[@dagonofthedepths]

He nailed the bolt round itself but that was definitely in the "fires to fast" side of things.

[@axelhopfinger533]

Except they forgot that any Boltgun can realistically only have about 5 rounds of ammo in its mag and Space Marines would be reloading more than anything else, whilst not carrying any visible ammo reserves anywhere.

[@heliveruscalion9124]

@@axelhopfinger533 it's 40k what do you expect

[@capthavic]

You can't deny the pure simplicity of just a big f***ing gun.

[@fernandorivera4719]

Why did they had to change it for the Primaris? They should've left them with the classic bolter.

[@squishy1706]

Remember to walk softly, and carry a big gun

[@snakeyman5560]

@@fernandorivera4719 I like it kinda. It's the battle rifle of Bolters.

[@SephirothRyu]

Indeed. Short of super advanced energy storage methods, a bit of metal propelled by a chemical explosive is a simple and reliable type of weapon. Marines and vehicles just use bigger ones. But it there are smaller versions that normal humans can wield. The primary complexity of the bolter is that its bullet has a rocket secondary stage to further increase its velocity. If we ignore the future-fantasy alloys, It is a weapon that we could actually make (in its most basic form of ammo) with today's technology, and there already are development projects for various "smart bullets" which, aside from not having rockets, are geared towards having some of the features of bolter rounds (such as homing abilities, etc). Obviously, there is no reason to make one as large as the ones space marines use, of course. Unless we were mounting the gun on a vehicle as an AP-HE weapon, anyway (with current tech, this would likely make it a weapon for wrecking whatever is inside a soft target such as a building or non-tank military vehicle. It would pierce armor and explode inside). The actual bolter gun itself is just a very rugged, durable, and reliable gun.

[@jamesbaker3153]

@@SephirothRyu That describes a highly advanced rocket propelled grenade launcher, not a "Simple gun".

[@jamesflames6987]

I love that the guy who invented 40k constantly refers to space marines as "toy soldiers".

[@olookslike0]

I mean, it's kinda humbling in its bluntness. Cause u get lost in the sprawling lore and the massive universe, but at the end of the day, they're toys for big boys.

[@barahng]

That's literally what they are, as funny as the monicker sounds when its supposed to be SUPA SRS GRIMDARK.

[@BrandonL337]

I think the sci-fi setting kinda hides that idea, but it's completely true, I just know when I think "toy soldier" I think little plastic army men, or maybe those old pewter(or lead) soldiers on horseback you might see at grandma's house.

[@imscary2]

cause they are

[@nerdwhosawtoomuch3511]

How GW got it's bolter design: "What did you draw there son?" *sees son's huge gun design* "It's beautiful."

[@ZannNewman]

It shoots bullets that explode and has skulls on!!!!

[@johnnyscifi]

It's...GRIM DARK!!!

[@emzetkin1100]

The Bolter in the lore: a deadly weapon that can slay any foe of mankind The Bolter on the tabletop: can take out a single Tau or guardsman. Anything tougher is probably ok.

[@DGneoseeker1]

The lasgun in the lore: Flashlight. The lasgun in tabletop: Can theoretically kill most things. I'm curious how things work these days because there used to be some pretty weird rules. e.g. The Avatar of Khaine being immune to all heat based weapons... except lasers. This is pretty stupid. Also I believe hero unit stats are a lot lower in general compared to what they used to be. Does this make it much easier to kill someone's commander with a lasgun?

[@eyescrossedFTW]

@@DGneoseeker1 play the fantasy flight games RPGs if you want an experience more accurate to the lore. The tabletop game is just an abstraction

[@DGneoseeker1]

@@eyescrossedFTW Fantasy flight? What is this?

[@eyescrossedFTW]

@@DGneoseeker1 Google Dark Heresy, Deathwatch, Black Crusade and Rogue Trader

[@bobuscesar2534]

@@DGneoseeker1 I think the representation of the Lasgun is actually quite good in 8th edition. It is an excellent weapon, if not the best option when it comes to killing GEQ with it's high rate of fire but does terrible against MEQ and above (it needs 18 shots on average to kill one Tactical Marine).

[@kurtengel4652]

let me tell you of a love story between a rocket launcher and a machine gun

[@Dinitroflurbenzol]

so a GraMaWa is ists sister?

[@revolverDOOMGUY]

The thing about the bolter, the thing that gave it its popularity, is its uniqueness. The las guns, the plasma weapons and the power swords are REALLY nice, especially with the great aestethics of the WH40k universe, but they are things SEEN BEFORE. I've already seen so many weapons shooting energy or blades that cut trough everything because of some hi-tech power or magic. But BOLTERS are different. They look squared and bulky, made in mass from a big industrial complex, nothing on them looks useless or flimsy, they look like HUMAN made tools for killing in the most brutal way.

[@thebigenchilada678]

revolverDOOMGUY they look like nerf guns big guy...

[@justinfs]

@@thebigenchilada678 I'm not sure of this is a bad thing every thing 40k is pretty over the top yet the bolt gun is both over the top but believable in a mass produced structure much like a nerf gun. Unless it's painted in some odd chapter colors you can tell that it is beast of a weapon buy look and scale.

[@WintersTheSixth]

@Lassi Kinnunen if it doesn't die from a mag of bolt rounds (literal rocket powered projectiles), you shouldn't even be firing at it in the first place

[@SemiOmni314]

@@WintersTheSixth Or you're not trying hard enough

[@Wookie_oo7]

It is the same with the Chainsword, it's not a fancy high-tech weapon, its a chainsaw that is shaped like a sword, it is a loud terrifying weapon that is believably human because we can make it today. Same with the Bolter, we could make it, it would just be impractical to us.

[@khartog01]

"The deadliest weapon in the world is a marine and his rifle" General Pershing "The deadliest weapon in the Galaxy is a Space Marine and his bolter" The God-Emperor of Mankind

[@huskpl3yz358]

General pershing The god-emperor of mankind Coincidence? Hotel Trivago

[@khartog01]

Big E is believed to have intervened in world events from time to time. He can change his appearance at will as well. He's potential every famous leader throughout history, especially military leaders.

[@toniodu371200]

Spoiler : Both are wrong

[@thomasp506]

@@toniodu371200 Yeah, I'd say WMD's win out in both scenarios.

[@gobot4455]

Clearly neither have visited a Taco Bell when the food in the cooler is about to expire.

[@TCRP117]

2. Thin. Coats.

[@markd1328]

Finally an answer that isnt breaking the immaterial

[@bellerophon5602]

All hail Detail Daddy Duncan

[@harbl99]

@@buster7797 Chad Nuln Oil shot.

[@flyingplatypus7272]

Obligatory thin your paints

[@Foxman955]

'Painting can be a calming experience' , me looking at my necron canoptek wraiths, having to paint 24 arms....YEAHSOCALMING

[@IrregularDave]

Tbh painting 30 poxwalkers wasn't that chill either.

[@steweygrrr]

24 arms? Is that all? AAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH CULTIST BLOBS

[@clintlickr]

Foxman955 I’ve never heard a necron player complain about applying grey paint and null oil....

[@steweygrrr]

@@clintlickr to be fair, Necron armies usually contain more than 3 minis these days so I can see where such a player may class 20 as 'a lot'

[@internetzenmaster8952]

_Me looking at my huge Ork army, which still has a good 30% left to prime and paint._ You've got Necrons, you're fine. I've still got at least three mobs of 30 boys to finish... and that's before I get to all the new vehicles I picked up in the last year! _Also looking at my new Sisters of Battle Army and ALL THOSE THRONE-DAMNED TINY DETAILS on their models._ Gork I hope painting is calming, because those tiny details are terrifying to think about painting...

[@UnknownOrc]

You should have mentioned the Astartes series also. One guys spreading the light of Emperor.

[@mikewaterfield3599]

We don't know there not heretics! Innocence proves nothing!

[@bellerophon5602]

I’m glad you mentioned that series, that means I don’t have to

[@maxelleasgadrah3974]

His channel got hacked

[@honkusponkus8575]

@@maxelleasgadrah3974 he got his channel back a while ago. Posted a teaser for part 5

[@mikewaterfield3599]

He got it back. He's making a part 5.

[@MothMan-jl3qh]

In reality, the standard bolter's recoil couldn't destroy your arm. The weapon is just so heavy that it counters the recoil, at least to the extent to which it could hurt you or whatever. On that note however, holy shit would it be heavy. I'd imagine at least as heavy as a 240 if not heavier just from how bulky that thing is. Truly a weapon made for the battlefield's demigods. I think I'd throw out my back just looking at the heavy bolter lmao. Great video! A very pleasant surprise!

[@cesarespinozaspain]

Some Very Robust guardsmen can carry and hip fire a heavy bolter.

[@MansMan42069]

@@kaistzar2831 It's a hybrid system, actually. The main charge propels the round to lethal velocities, overcoming the problem of a purely gyrojet design: low muzzle velocity. The jet propulsion then kicks in to maintain the round's velocity, thus giving it a very flat trajectory.

[@MothMan-jl3qh]

Very interesting observations indeed! Me, I'd be happy with a bolt pistol. A plasma gun would be neat too. Either it works really well, or, suddenly, it's not my problem anymore.

[@Inquisitor_Vex]

Sylas Grayson 50 points!

[@MansMan42069]

@@Inquisitor_Vex Thank you, Inquisitor. Praise the Immortal Emperor. =][=

[@BaronAlden]

I love the bolt gun in Darktide. The gun chews through mobs of enemies insanely fast and is such a fun gun.

[@thepoweroftacos5311]

It's so good

[@NacnudPinky]

It’s a really good weapon to run for support of close range characters and combat and if it had a scope rather than iron sights it would be so much easier to use as a mid to long range elite killer. With the iron sights, it’s hard to decide when the sights are on your target. But that and it’s ammo hungry nature with low mag capacity are my only gripes about it. It’s brilliant otherwise

[@HellbirdIV]

Having recently played both Darktide and Necromunda: Hired Gun, I can say that both are pretty good with the power of the Bolter - but Darktide is the far better one no question. It is by far the best depiction of a Bolter in a video game to date, the weight, the THUNK of its firing and massive recoil, the way enemies hit by it are blasted to pieces - and indeed, the emphasis on single shots due to the limited ammo in a weapon of such massive calibre just further emphasizes how powerful it is while adding a sense of realism to its absurd design. I hope Space Marine 2 manages to make the Primaris Bolt Rifle feel even half as satisfying to use!

[@WTFisTingispingis]

It's the perfect representation of the boltgun and I love using it

[@dog11222]

Astartes did a great job of showing off marines weapons....

[@djcuevas1057]

dog11222 Including actually scaling the damn gun properly. That’s why the barrel looks so small it’s because he actually scaled the barrel to .75 cal.

[@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269]

The only thing I didn't like about the bolters in Astartes is that they were too quiet

[@JerichoYeet]

@@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269 Watchu mean? It’s loud for me using headphones.

[@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269]

@@JerichoYeet What I meant by that is I was expecting the bolters to have more of a loud BLAM than the bolter sounds in the videos

[@JerichoYeet]

@@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269 Ah, ok.

[@Sgt_Glory]

*Space Marine repairing his armour after a battle. *Techmarine walks in, looks him over slowly up and down. ... "THIN YOUR PAINTS, BROTHER."

[@samharradence5689]

2. Thin. Coats.

[@vtr0104]

*Duncan Likes that

[@harbl99]

Verily brother!

[@npc6817]

based be the emperor brother

[@vaiyt]

*screams in brightly colored blobs of horror*

[@ryanzahn6581]

Other Sci Fi universes such as star trek or star wars: we use sophisticated technology to stun and subdue our foes, like lasers and plasma, its sleek, sexy, looks futuristic, like technology has moved on from where we are now, while being mostly weapons of peacekeeping or in some cases tools pressed into service as a weapon Warhammer 40k: this is a bolter, its a big gun, basiclly a big hunk of steel that makes a decent makeshift club in emergencies, and it basiclly shoots 40mm armour piercing grenades that are meant to detonate the moment AFTER it penetrates, exploding targets like an overfilled waterballoon The thing i love about the bolter is that when you look at it, it embodies so much of what 40k is as a whole. Its big, industrial, ugly in a charming, rugged kindve way. This is not a weapon of a noble peacekeeping knight roaming the galaxy, nor a weapon of exploration and hope. This is a weapon designed to utterly destroy anything it comes into contact with, a weapon of brutal, desperate engagements where no quarter is asked for or given.

[@dannygelbart6827]

Uh not 40mm, 75mm.

[@ryanzahn6581]

@@dannygelbart6827 I refuse to contemplate a normal bolter being 75 mm. Now yes I've seen them described as .75 CALIBER but 75 mm are tank rounds my guy

[@dannygelbart6827]

@@ryanzahn6581 That's the whole point...however that is the standard for Astartes bolters/boltguns. Not sure for the Adepta Soritas or IG/Inquisition models. Also, it's not a tank round. Specially considering sniper riffles like the Barret shoot .50cals.

[@dudds9319]

@@dannygelbart6827 I think he's highlighting the fact that caliber and mm are not the same measurement. 75mm and .75 cal are different measurements and not the same size

[@bobuscesar2534]

@@dannygelbart6827 .75 is around 19mm.

[@MajesticDemonLord]

As much as I love the Bolter, it always cracks me up that a 30 round magazine looks to contain in reality about 5-10 rounds (assuming a double stacked feed)

[@Ushio01]

The only fictional universe worse for weapon scale is Universal Century Gundam.

[@ralexcraft990]

@@Ushio01 I bring to you fallout 76's QUAD legendary.

[@ts25679]

It's a damn shame there haven't been follow up Spacemarine games. I was really hoping for a Deathwatch vs. a tendril of a hive fleet, sort of like the fall of Reach, but if you and your team can hold the line long enough for the Imperial Navy to turn up with more reinforcements.

[@insanehippiehippieinsane3828]

The Spacemarine Game made by THQ was exposed to be a trilogy of games.

[@Lightscribe225]

Yeah but a combination of poor sales, bad timing, and general stupidity on the publisher's part got the thing canned.

[@nekrataali]

It's the only 3rd. person shooter I've not only enjoyed, but would recommend for anyone to pick up. The multiplayer isn't half bad either and adds even more playtime. I'm really sad that we'll likely never get a sequel.

[@NingenSlayerZamasu]

I’d love a 40k game about the fall of Cadia similar to Halo:Reach. It ends with you and your squad being one of the last remaining forces on Cadia getting all injured and Civies to safety.

[@TheDragonfriday]

If you want a simpler weapon that shoots rockets wiping out enemies I know a weapon from a video game has it. The weapon is called Acceptor the game is called warframe accepter is my most favorite weapon wiping out enemies even in high level enemies up to lvl 80 pure delish cleaning a room. Only downside it doesn't hold a lot of ammo, but that can be easily fix using ammo mutation. Warframe is free to play on allllll platforms even on the switch

[@toastie8173]

Jess Godwyn sounds like what i imagine a primarch would sound like

[@thestinkydwarf]

and Brian Blessed as Leman Russ would be gold

[@sleepychicken6185]

Well Simon Grant sounds like an ork...an das is gud

[@Fatman311]

I think my favourite description came from the recently released Fury of Magnus novella. 'She saw the brass casing of a single bolter shell. Bending to pick it up, she sniffed the acrid propellant within. Projectiles designed to kill legionaries made a horrifying mess of a baseline human. The boltgun was a weapon designed by a psychopath.'

[@Skitlless]

Every other sci-fi universe: We're op! 40K: Hold my twin-heavy-boltgun

[@deathknight02]

what if we...... add a 3rd bolter

[@bobuscesar2534]

@@deathknight02 Make it six and you have a hurricane Bolter.

[@Skitlless]

@@bobuscesar2534 make it 12 and then you'll start to get on the same level as an Ork nob

[@logandelaharpe6317]

@@Skitlless laughs in valcan mega bolter

[@SJMORG]

Star wars were are the strongest universes 40k: well every thing is dead here when we start shooting so bow down and worship the EMPEROR slave

[@user-mp5lb7sh5r]

_Where there is uncertainty, I shall bring light_ _Where there is doubt, I shall sow faith_ _Where there is shame, I shall point atonement_ _Where there is rage, I shall show its course_ _My word in the soul shall be as my bolter in the field_

[@brainfreezzzze6900]

" a spacemarine can be outnumbered but never outgunned" (the forgefiend with 3 sets of ectoplasma cannons ready to turn the entire squad into vapor)

[@dkwh1986]

The guy in the jean jacket has an incredibly satisfying voice

[@BlueZirnitra]

@OriginalYithian He really looks like I imagined that guy would look. Low key bad ass. I expected some weedy guy lol

[@Aristaios]

his voice reminds me of Ralph Ineson's

[@mochimoni1975]

5:26 *_"a tool of discipline in the hands of a commissar"_*

[@pyroparagon8945]

That's true.

[@ScathingMobile]

Interviewer: "Do you believe in corporal punishment?" Commisar: "Corporal. Sergeant. Whatever. If they break, I'll discipline them all."

[@AshtonCoolman]

The light of the God Emperor of Mankind is spreading. Soon the masses will be uplifted out of darkness and a heretical path. You'll all be put into service of the Imperium of Man.

[@jordanclarke8104]

The emperor protects

[@NRV0]

*DEATH TO THE FALSE EMPEROR!!!*

[@AshtonCoolman]

@@NRV0 it sounds like you're a HERETIC!!!!

[@Sigismund697]

Praise be

[@henrymilner7061]

The Emperor Protects

[@nemesis7884]

exploding bullets and chainswords thats warhammer 40k for you in a nutshell

[@mikewaterfield3599]

Heretic! You forgot the exterminatus.

[@darkangel31314]

I just love how the Boltgun sounded in the film "Ultramarines" - the sound of someone slamming a heavy metal door every time it fired... Music to my ears.

[@jlovedown]

Hopefully this path of mainstream popularity doesn't imply changing the core intellectual property to please everybody. Too much change will only kill the franchise.

[@bobuscesar2534]

40k has changed drastically since rogue trader...

[@skorgezagreat2462]

Guess whaaaat! Warhammer is getting worse and most fans are mad

[@slayerofmidgets3201]

the bolt gun never gets a glancing hit unless you get a low roll

[@TheDragonfriday]

The acceler from warframe is superior version of the bolt gun.

[@conor9848]

TheDragonfriday no one cares you know?

[@FMHikari]

@@conor9848 Seems like you do, to be bothered by it.

[@conor9848]

M P it took 5 seconds to type that reply, dunno where you’re coming from with that

[@Deadvalley200]

@@conor9848 It just seemed like a pretty rude reply

[@bolrath6984]

Lord duncan and his sign, the coat of thin twins. Blessed be this video

[@MrCovi2955]

This needs to be updated. The bolter in Darktide is a wonderful addition to the videogame boltgun collection

[@fabiocosta3830]

Jes Goodwin (senior miniature designer) has a perfect, manly voice for a Adeptus Astartes chapter master

[@Kutulainen]

I would LOVE to see these professional artists (that were interviewed in the video) give their reaction to how the bolter was presented in youtube series "Astartes". That has, as I consider, the best presentation of what a bolter is and how it sounds like in ANY media. Seriously... get these people's reactions and insights about the Astartes.

[@coreyjameshaims449]

I love the interviews on this particular episode; can just feel the passion & enthusiasm for the lore 😍

[@Delveintohobby]

seeing Duncan on a Gamespot video makes me happy

[@bryngoldsmith1848]

I love Warhammer soo much I have a space wolves army, it’s so fun to paint

[@RyanCunningham]

Russ will return

[@badspacewolve13]

FOR RUSS AND THE ALLFATHER FENRYS HJOLDA!!!!!

[@BubblesTheBard]

White Scars for life bruh

[@beastiebear7231]

Dawn of war 1 was one of the best RTSs ever. It have like 15 different armies when you had all the expansions. It's probably the reason why they changed it up for the DOW2 because they came closer than any other game to being a 'complete' game in one go. Then each expansion had it's own campaign until you got to the last one were it turned into a massive (at the time) game of risk.

[@ethericboy]

"Depleted Deuterium"?! Deuterium is a form of heavy Hydrogen with one neutron which makes it heavier and could be used in fusion reactors,if they ever manage to produce one.There"s no such thing as depleted Duterium

[@metalbass5]

The Fire Warrior bolter was absolutely badass. Glad y'all mentioned it.

[@ArtypNk]

You know what I find absolutely amazing? It's the fact that most of us might know *some* things about our oun real life lore about any given time, be it rome, middle ages, or industrial revolution. And yet we know so, so much more about a fictional world of warhammer...

[@jeffbenton6183]

makes sense, since it sounds like the Imperium of Man's culture is largely based on misconceptions on what the European Middle Ages were like.

[@MoreLoreYT]

We put a lot of work into this video, including our first attempt at custom 3d model/renders! Let us know what you think below and be sure to subscribe for more videos

[@LeadSkillets]

One of the things I've always loved about the bolter is how easily it can be made with our current technology. Replace 40k material names with real world equivalents and a bolt is simply a spin-stabilized solid-fuel rocket with high explosive charge and a DU penetrator. A carefully calibrated combination of a powder charge (gunpowder) and timed fuse for the rocket propellant can be used to get around the slow launch velocity (and inherent inaccuracy) of the gyrojet and overpressure issues of rockets.

[@MansMan42069]

Your profile pic is confusing and heretical

[@AsianImpaler]

The 40 k lore is so damn amazing. It's a shame that the videogames are at best decent.

[@trolltalwar]

which games are you playing? plenty of good ones

[@alephkasai9384]

Dawn of War, Mechanicum and Gladius are really good games. Or at least I believe they are.Some people disagree.

[@Keaghan9]

@@alephkasai9384 I haven’t played the last two but I’d find dawn of war more enjoyable if it was more like halo wars 1&2

[@alephkasai9384]

@@Keaghan9 Eh, I find Halo Wars gameplay more stifling and less freeform than most PC RTS'. It does great at being a console RTS though.

[@Keaghan9]

@@alephkasai9384 yet it’s more simple and easy to understand than dawn of wars unnecessary confusing controls and camara controls

[@haxney]

Once I started thinking about ammo storage, the boot guns started seeming more comical to me. Compare the diameter of the barrel to the size of the magazine. How many rounds could you fit in there? Looks like 5-6, if double stacked. Then, to store enough spare magazines for any long engagement, Space Marines would need to be absolutely buried in spare magazines. They're in power armor, so we can ignore the weight, but the sheer volume of the rounds would be enormous. The storm bolters are even more comical. Yes, yes, I know, it's a fantasy setting, and one that I thoroughly enjoy.

[@jwavs39]

The Astartes fan film has the best representation of the boltgun.

[@wolflordgio6320]

Think of It as a Assault Rifle That Shoots RedBull Sized Bullets Which explode on impact..... Its A RPG Assault Rifle But its So much more IT IS THE HOLY WEAPON OF THE GOD EMPERORS WRATH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@IrregularDave]

YES SON OF RUSS

[@nateskywalker3571]

sick

[@anubis1416]

Okay russian badger

[@NightLexic]

The thing is with the bullets, they dont explode on impact or they shouldn't they are designed to pierce into the enemy and explode from within the impact point. Not on the surface.

[@GiRR007]

That's quite an exaggeration , a 75 cal round ;which is what bolters fire cannocicly; wouldn't be the size of a soda can, not even close.

[@spike.strat1318]

Could you imagine the reaction of the crew of say, the enterprise, were to see a squad of space marines striding onto the bridge... lots of pants would need cleaning.

[@eikixia]

great quality content. Never expected this look at the 40k universe from Gamespot. More please.

[@ostegonation]

I just wanted to say that the camera work here is awesome, the production value is great!

[@haineko1101]

Amazing how that one pic of the Emperor by Genzoman from deviantArt got such traction that it's basically canonized now.

[@henrikandreason7261]

Darktides version is actually more brutal than space marines version. Both in sound and the visceral output of what happens when it hits. Granted that this video is 2 years old, but the truth nonetheless.

[@Powaup]

Yes do more 40k videos please, this was really well done

[@paulofreire7520]

Thank you Jes, for so many wonderful miniatures 🙏🏻

[@brzk_]

anybody remember the stormbolter in space marine MP? goooood that thing was good, that game really nailed the bolter as a whole, as you said

[@matchesburn]

I think it's very befitting of humanity to, 28,000 years from now and beyond, to look at equipping our most capable soldiers and arrival at the conclusion to use a weapon firing projectiles with explosive based reactions. It's something we know, it's something that works, it's something we're *_very_* good at making and it's powerful and capable.

[@Maulyr]

Love that Jes, such a nice chap and very interesting to talk to. As for games, Fire Warrior & Space Marine nailed bolt weapons.

[@TheRendar]

great video !!! more 40K content please!!! amazing work gamespot!

[@aesthetics8230]

*sees other sci fi weapons* "cute" *grabs Commissar bolter with malicious intent*

[@casemeisterT900]

Umm... YOU 'UMMIES KEEPZ SAYING DA CHOPPA WRUNG!! WOTZ DIS BOLT GUN YA KEEPZ SAYIN WIF YA GOB!? YOU GITZ NEED A GOOD KRUMPIN WIF ME CHOPPA!

[@shawnosborne7102]

NO LOUDNER WHAT THEY UMMIES THINKING

[@sicarius6501]

Paint yer anger purple

[@casemeisterT900]

BURPLE... ME AINT NEVA SEEN NO BURPLE

[@imperialfistsmarine5064]

No.

[@MansMan42069]

How to insult a Flash Git and his Snazzgun

[@rowdyzack5914]

For being 40,000 years in the future, infantry carrying an autocannon as standard is actually pretty mild stuff TBQH.

[@Mugthraka]

14:35 "The Bolters feels more Medevil", and this when you considere the inspirations for the Marines, is spot on. Space marines are technically Warrior-Priests, they are futuristic Knights, in Knightly Orders(Chapters). The Bolter is the equivalant of a broadsword or Arming sword.

[@zepher_blackstoc2366]

"GET OFF MY SHIP, SPACEMARINE!"

[@shaneh1872]

Grimskull is best xenos

[@ScoutSgtZaku]

Ah yes the Bolter. I my own bolt pistol has slain numerous xenos, heretics and other threats to mankind. Feth, even eliminated a few traitorous guardsmen that forgot what they stood for when facing these enemies. As I tell my regiments troops “even when you have given everything, you can still give your life”! If your not willing to part with it then I shall take it from you”. **The Emperor Protects**

[@tunguskalumberjack9987]

Great video- earned my sub from this alone.

[@laurentderrien]

this hobby has gone so far in 25 years, we used to hide, not preach ! that's very cool, thanks for doing it

[@Start3rPack]

This just makes me think of that small fan film by Astartes and that final scene where a Space Marine is dead set to kill his target even if he was stopped by this tech wizard, almost ripping him from the inside.

[@charlieschaefer3830]

Glad you were able to interview Duncan, we will all miss him

[@mathewchristy2006]

Good video!.. excellently presented 👍👍👍

[@Sujad]

"Heroes". Oh wait, this is a Gamespot video. That's why.

[@KillerOrca]

Okay now I HAVE to go to Warhammer World 5:27 Discussing commissars, shows Ciphias Cain, who is notable for NOT EVER HAVING USED A BOLT PISTOL...

[@IrregularDave]

Killer Orca I find it fascinating that in all the covers and imperial Picts, he’s shown as wielding a bolt pistol, almost like it’s used to play upon his heroic image, despite the fact he, as you rightly points out, never uses one in the books.

[@magicmanscott40k]

The quality of this video is amazing. Surprised you got the writers I'm this. Good job

[@JVarley9001]

Playing through Fire Warrior for a video. Now that's dedication to your craft.

[@phantasmo9998]

I always thought of the Bolter as a perfection of simplicity.

[@Shaun_Jones]

I’m not sure you can call a weapon simple when the ammunition literally requires rocket science to work.

[@seasons1745]

@@Shaun_Jones the round is basically just a non guided missile basically

[@polskipolak9073]

@@seasons1745 that would be incredibly inacurate irl

[@snapshot4269]

"Walk softly, and carry a big gun."

[@TheGosslings]

The Bolter is the icon of Warhammer 40K. It ties together everything that the franchise has to offer and sends a very clear message: Even with this massive handheld cannon, your survival is by no means guaranteed. Excellent doc. Really enjoyed this and was fascinated by the backgrounds with the GW sets.

[@SpanishDio]

Excellent video!

[@IrregularDave]

Thanks!

[@Jebu911]

I always thought that bolters had like maybe 6 bullets in its magazine. I mean the bullets look huge and the magazine is so damn small but all the games make it seem like there somehow is like 30 shots in it.

[@Hey_Revolver]

To all Warhammer fans out there, I highly recommend playing Space Hulk: Death Wing, (10:52) imagine Vermintide in Warhammer 40k universe, a flawed game that mods can easily fix. Too bad the devs never provided tool kits so no mods anywhere. It is a good game that could be a masterpiece with a little tweaking done by good modders. It's such a waste since the devs abandoned it. Maybe if they get sudden surge in sales, we could convince them to reupdate the game or better, provide tools for modders. It's dirt cheap on Steam almost every sale period, it is fun, flawed, but very atmospheric. I really hate for such a good game to remain just that, a good game.

[@twat3789]

Here’s to hoping Darktide could provide that

[@DouglasParkinson]

A few additions I would like to make. There is a fan-made set of rules that have been updated over different editions, called Movie Marines. It was designed on the idea of recreating the power of the Space Marines from the background, on the tabletop. Half a dozen models could take on a typical tabletop army and win without being a total kerb-stomp. That makes the boltguns equally brutal, as per their portrayal. Further to Jes' comment about rate of fire, I've always thought that Dawn of War 2's representation was closest to "realistic". I think I recognised that helmet and storm bolter in the background; it looks like parts of Daniel Knox's awesome Crimson Fists space marine costume, which he has retired and is working on a new Primaris version.

[@DannyByWest]

8:32 i found it hilarious when the ad break cut right here, and started playing the chorus of “Call my maybe”!!

[@nicholasjoseph9062]

The Heavy Bolter. When you need to kill a heretic easily and still be able to take down a Tyranid and space Weaboos

[@mikewaterfield3599]

I would love to see a 40k FPS with proper big budget development.

[@Nexum120]

This was a fantastic video! Still hoping for Space Marine 2!

[@stephanbertram723]

YOU GOT YOUR WISH

[@Gruntcakes69]

Very pro, great vid guys 👌🏼

[@nakenmil]

fun fact: I remember the first gameplay teaser trailer of Space Marine featuring the bolter firing like a submachine gun, and fans were really upset, and I think THQ changed it partly on that feedback.

[@8Maduce50]

"The greatest weapon on earth Is a marine and his rifle."-General Pershing

[@thefroknight3149]

0:48 Heroes huh? Yep. Heroes. That's the Imperium right there.

[@comlitbeta7532]

"Can be outnumbered but never outgunned" my flat 12 damage stormsurge canon assure me otherwise

[@NickgerXS]

If I meet Duncan, I would die, lol.

[@bobuscesar2534]

It's quite said that he leaves GW.

[@depressivetangela2033]

While bolters are aesthetically pleasing, I still see 40k’s chainaxes and chainswords as being the most grandiose weaponry from that series

[@theanimaster]

Surprisingly good documentary! Dannnnng!

[@Gottaculat]

Fun observation: The rounds on that look to be on par with a 12ga 3 1/2" shotgun shell. For those who don't know, 12ga shotgun slugs are about .72 caliber (just a wee narrower than the .75 cal mentioned). Since the length of the cartridge/shell is so dang short don't expect it to have the power of a full size .75 caliber shell, which would be about 28x199mm like on the old American WWII naval anti-aircraft guns. A 3 1/2 inch shell's still gonna pack a whallop all right. If using brass shells, you could really get some amazing power out of that. 100yards and in, it'd be a helluva hard-hitter, especially running slugs with APHE capability. The biggest drawback, just like with real life shotguns, is ammo weight/bulk and the resulting capacity. Space Marines would need a steady supply chain of ammo. Then again, if their suits are just packed full of ammo, I guess that'd solve that, but also keep in mind ammo in mags takes up a lot more room than loose ammo. There'd be a lot of down time needed for them to reload their spent magazines, assuming they even held onto the magazines. Devastating gun, for sure, but a logistical nightmare if it were IRL. Fun observation 2: Given the mass of the bolt gun, no doubt if you, a average person fired it, you could do so safely; recoil would be high, but not unmanageable. You'd probably want a nice, thick shoulder pad, though. As for sustained fire, yeah, probably a bit much, though I'd wager a body-builder could handle it.

[@rotwang2000]

20-something guys back in 1980's UK had no clue as to how guns work, it was the rule of cool. They created a big boom gun that looked mean and deadly seemed to shoot some massive caliber ammo judging by the diameter of the muzzle on your average model. Also if it's truly a gyrojet weapon it would probably have extremely low recoil, more like shooting fireworks than conventional ammo. It's a weird weapon and best left as an imaginary weapon rather than break your head trying to make it work. Superman flies, Gandalf goes toe to toe with a walking kiln and JJ Abrams is still paid to make movies ... We'll never figure out how.

[@TheDanNation]

Would love to see this updated with DARKTIDE

[@earnestbrown6524]

8:58 Yes "Finding" wargear and relics.

[@luangomes2431]

*finding relics: shows blood ravens* Me: press X to doubt

[@HalikBun]

As someone who knew nothing about warhammer 40k and just got a hold of a bolter in Darktide (clearly meant to be the smaller, non-space marine version). I must say, it stands out compared to other weapons with how it feels. Very heavy, very chunky, and very destructive, but still somewhat balanced but how long it takes to load or even swap to it from your melee weapon.

[@SphinxCrusader]

I am really hoping for them to release a normal Bolter and give it to the ogryns!! That would be so cool, just imagine

[@ironbomb6753]

Well presented sir.👍 Dakka Dakka! ♥️

[@DeltaLeader035]

BY THE DARK GODS, this was great to watch seeing someone else recognize the awesomeness that is 40k.