Lewis Short Recoil .45ACP Prototype Pistol

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Isaac Newton Lewis is best known for the Lewis light machine gun, but that was not his only foray into firearms design. He also patented two different types of handguns - one gas operated and this short recoil design. Very little information about this pistol is available, although it was apparently tested (and rejected) by the French military in the early 1920s. It is quite a bulky gun, although with that bulk does come a 15-round magazine capacity, and a rather clever unlocking system.
Русская версия: • Самозарядный пистолет ...

[@TazzeOptical]

it gives off a bit of a "ye olde glock" vibe

[@charleswatson2088]

TazzeOptical does it take glock mags?

[@MrFreakyFarhan]

I see a more of a Webley 1905 than a glock, however I can also see where you got that impression from..

[@Dimetropteryx]

It definitely does, but for no logical reason the first gun that popped into my mind was the VP70.

[@silverbackseven7]

TazzeOptical I was actually going to make that exact comment. The boxyness of it.

[@dustinhinzman]

TazzeOptical it kinda does

[@Jacob-yg7lz]

With a name like "Isaac Newton Lewis" how could you expect him not to be an engineer?

[@joaopedrosambatti2474]

It would be even better if they found an inertia operated prototype somewhere

[@Tunkkis]

​@@joaopedrosambatti2474 Recoil operated firearms function by way of the action-reaction principle, so at least there's that.

[@whitey129]

I like to think my $5 a month provides Ian a tasty bistro sandwich on his travels.

[@pastorofmuppets325]

Or maybe a "Single Origin" Latte, where all the beans were sourced from one of top 5 worst active war zones in the world. The coffee must taste of blood and Cordite or he sends it back ☺️ #Oorah

[@mencken8]

It’s interesting how “the wonder years” of the automatic pistol produced such a wealth of original design, while later success of some, e.g., Browning’s, just breeds a host of imitators.

[@falloutm134]

I don't know why but I really like the look of that pistol. Look like what a early semi auto pistol prototype should look.

[@Bladerunner5434]

It is amazing how smart those people were and the level of workmanship is outstanding. This weapon had some really neat features for its time.

[@kyleg8928]

The barrel sleeve appears to be a recoil spring guide, protecting the barrel from spring bind chaffing under full compression. What a great sample of firearm history! Thanks Ian.

[@kunicross]

Kyle Groetsch about my impression as well.

[@seanmehonoshen9440]

Also the bearing surface for the recoil spring. Ian was slightly confused about how the spring operated.

[@TonboIV]

That sleeve provides a stationary bearing point for the back end of the spring. The barrel extension recoils, so it can't act as a recoil spring bearing point.

[@ztungaz]

yep! was digging through the coments to see if someone got it...

[@hereb4theend]

Issac Newton : formulated Calculus, a method to measure the rate of change. Issac Newton Lewis : formulated the LMG. A method to measure the rate of change.. With bullets.

[@user-ns3vs3bp3e]

When a c96, m1911 and a glock love each other very much lol

[@OddballSherman]

I'd love to see a few rounds put through it, really see how it performs. It would be interesting to see if the extra weight and that long rear overhang are a benefit when it comes to keeping it under control. At least you won't have to worry about hammer bite. :)

[@troy9477]

Interesting design. With a name like Isaac Newton Lewis, he was destined to become a scientist or engineer. Great video as always. Thank you

[@dawsontyndall5646]

i cannot put into words how incredibly cool this pistol is to me, honestly short recoil with the cool cut out and the back shroud like thing on the end just makes it so cool too bad ill never anything like it that isnt made out of wood

[@jaketho5086]

Ahh, coming home after a disappointing day of work to some Forgotten Weapons, keep up the Awesome work Ian. Love from the U.K

[@victoriaevelyn3953]

must be some good reason as to why it wasn't adopted manufacture cost maybe it certainly looked well made and closed up enough that dirt wouldn't hinder it from operating

[@fademusic1980]

Vector Corbin I also think there's just something sexy about it. I wish it went into production

[@Zop3Q]

Size aswell perhaps?

[@millwaterpublishing1387]

Maybe they thought the long brace arms on the locking mechanism were a potential weak point. Seems like it'd be tricky to get them just right. Too hard and they'd crack. Too soft and they'd bend/flex.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

I can see a lot of stovepipes with that relatively small eject window so far from the actual chamber. Apart from that, it seems a well tought design, with a remarkably low bore-axis.

[@hugebartlett1884]

One really has to admire the imagination and ingenuity of those gun designers,who for the most part had to start from scratch,and work out everything for themselves. And then of course,find someone who could put the whole thing together,and construct a working model. This was at the time of steam engine production,and the original cars. Ingenuity was running at a very high level in those days,inventions coming thick and fast. We have a lot to be thankful for,in our present civilization,due to those pioneers.

[@4doorsmorewhores418]

This would go nice with a foldable wire stock.

[@hh4826]

You'd be nice with a folding wire stock ;)

[@hh4826]

wait what

[@andrewclark7269]

Eduardo Solis ^^^Damn he wants that D bruh.

[@PowerfulWizard]

nothing is ever nice with a wire stock

[@lanceluthor6660]

It needs a 15 pound mahogany stock that turns into a miniature steamer trunk to haul it all around in.

[@OneShotNick92]

Prehistoric glock?

[@dndboy13]

a very Flashy Shoota for the discriminating Git

[@Chaosrain112]

Could have more dakka, boss.

[@thedamnyankee1]

Its not red.

[@tobiaszistler]

taht was exept the same i was thinking wen i see the video xD

[@5thweeble1]

Mac 10 /glock

[@JerryEricsson]

When I was a boy in the 1950's my family was a poor small farm family. We didn't get a lot in the way of toys or other luxuries, food and clothing was where the sparse funds went. One thing my father did though was to insure that I got toy guns. One of which for some reason comes to mind when I see this gun. It was a tin machine gun but the toy action was much like this gun and it had a red colored piece of gel paper and sparked from a flint mounted in the gun that spun a striker when I pulled the trigger. It was a cool toy for the 50's. I was always thankful that dad spoiled me with guns from the toy cap guns to a Red Rider Daisy BB gun, then a Checz made break open .22 Pellet rifle, then a BB pistol that looked and felt like a M1911 when I got older and of course I got to use his Remington Target Master Jr. .22 Rifle when I got to be 12 years old, I still have that rifle with the old JC Higgins scope on top of it. Indeed I was spoiled by my dad, my sisters used to hate me for it, may they rest in peace beside mom and dad who are now gone as well. Getting lonely here, as I am the last of my family and at 73 I may not last much longer, cancer has visited me already but they say they got it all, I hope.....

[@Buzzard-wq1bw]

I NEED IT!!!! looks so AWSOME!!! it's huge, has big capacity mags, it's in 45, and it's an all metal everything :). All it needs now is a lanyard ring and better sights!!!..... a double action trigger would be nice though...... maybe when I start making guns I'll make a gun similar to this :)

[@10wanderer]

I,am with ya kid ! that,s a proper gun!!!

[@celowski6296]

Love watching the history of Forgotten weapons. An amazing teacher and such a rich history subject.

[@Jay-du3tp]

Looks like a small Uzi Glock mashup. Mag release is in a bad spot. Really cool pistol though.

[@Jay-du3tp]

I need to see it fired

[@purplesticky3437]

it reminded me of like a mac-10 glock hybrid =p

[@hughgass2484]

@@purplesticky3437 I was thinking that too.

[@eojinkim5960]

True gansta gun

[@SteinerArts]

I get lots of Astra 400/MAC-11/Glock vibes. And it's awesome.

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

Man this thing is all kinds of neat!

[@benbilbrey749]

TheGoldenCaulk I SEE YOU EVERYWHERE. SPOOKY. 😱

[@randomcosmonaut8150]

M

[@Tracks777]

Excellent video

[@Tidebo1]

From what I gathered, Lewis was an amazing gunmaker that got dealt a bad hand. Could he have been more influential had he had more luck in his career?

[@Buzzard-wq1bw]

Tim de Boer from what I've seen of his designs DEFINITELY.. he was a very talented and creative individual. but he got the short end of the stick when it came to the political side of things :(

[@williamprince1114]

Seems very durable with a minimal amount of skilled or intricate machine work. Kind of Russia like.

[@bladudemovies]

Ian's not wear a Forgotten Weapons shirt! The world must be ending!

[@skepticalbadger]

bladudemovies He must have ...*Forgotten* it....

[@haroldbalzac6336]

The world ended awhile ago, we just haven't accepted it yet.

[@dustinhinzman]

As I was typing is it a guide sleeve or an over travel stop you say it's a guide sleeve. I give you full credit I've learned a lot from your videos thanks

[@EchosTackyTiki]

This thing has the ergonomics of a hotel room hair dryer, but I love it and I would absolutely run it as a sidearm.

[@dustinhinzman]

Thank you for the great videos

[@TheDallasdeadeye]

That's a beautiful gun.

[@ronmartin3755]

I think this is a great design. It appears to be fairly simple yet a lot of thought went into this pistol. I mean Lewis designed his machine gun and it was a very good weapon! I would love to see an older one-off pistol like this made again. I just wonder what the felt recoil on this pistol was? It would be interesting to see this design shot. Too bad Ian wasn't able to show a video of it being shot and how the recoil was handled by the shooter. There are a lot of firearms that were made that never made it to production. I of course have no idea what made the people who tested these unique firearms find what they didn't like unless they simply didn't work! But I think it would be really a great idea for some of the older firearms like this to be made again and maybe see what kept them from being accepted and manufactured. Of course, the amount of money involved would be huge! I wish I had money! I would try and see if I could make some of the firearms that didn't find acceptance at the time they were made. However, I don't have a lot of money and continue to struggle to buy anything I find unique if I can afford it!! But Ian has come through as usual with a great old firearm from the past. Thanks, Ian.

[@ZGryphon]

Going back through some earlier videos, I've been amused by the realization that you can sort of vaguely date Forgotten Weapons videos from the first few seconds. - Does it start with machine gun fire? no - OK, it's not one of the really early ones. Does it have theme music? no - OK, newer still. Does Ian say his last name? no OK, then it's not one of the very newest ones. Analysis complete. This video is: *semi-recent*

[@bartyszek6514]

Back side of this pistol could be a hammer. ;p

[@user-ib4qj5tj1g]

Multitool xD

[@lordilluminati5836]

D&D jokes on forgotten weapons, what a time to be alive!

[@codyjolley6565]

Hello jacket.

[@calvingreene90]

That is a nice safety feature the first thing you do to take it apart is clear the action.

[@grifter3680]

Great video Ian! Have you considered doing a series of videos on the Glock pistol development? It would be interesting to see how such a ubiquitous handgun evolved over the years, and the design decisions behind it!

[@michaelhatfield3430]

Looks like a MAC-10, a Hi-Point and a 1911 had a three way lovechild, LoL. This gun actually looks very kool. I could imagine what it would look like with some final tweaks and finishing. Improved sights and 1911 style thin grips,etc. I have always like guns that are different in styling. I like less common handgun calibers also. Thanks for All you do Ian, without your hard work, We would probably never get to see or learn about the many rare,unique and one-of-a-kind firearms and their history that you present to us in an informative and entertaining way. Stay Awesome Ian.

[@brocksdaddy081910]

This thing is absolutely fascinating

[@u4ia420]

Complex simplicity.. What a interesting firearm.

[@CCW1911]

Really cool and different, an interesting take on a locked breach pistol. I wonder what the shooting experience would be like?

[@melvinolson8381]

reminds me of the Webley navy pistol, but double Collom mag added.

[@korblborp]

Huh... Rewatching this (in Sep. 2021), it occurred to me: wouldn't something like this, updated a bit, be almost perfect for the whole "pistol cheek weld grip" thing you posted about the other day?

[@XMarkxyz]

Very cool and simple mechanic

[@longtsun8286]

Seeing the difficulty our host has disassembling the gun, really makes me appreciate Browning's genius in designing the M1911 as a weapon an average military serviceman can personally perform maintenance on, instead of having to send the weapon to a specially trained armorer with special equipment.

[@kopperhed4472]

In the same way that the 50's has a retro-futuristic style, I like to think this is the pistol Doughboys of the 1920's retro-future have in their holster.

[@TheBrackishCoast]

When an Astra 400 and a Mac 11 reproduce.

[@jjkroll32]

The individual who owns these and whose home you're at is of impressive means and highly refined taste

[@LittlepipActual]

This thing is like the MAC-10 of the 20's

[@prestngarvey9233]

This thing looks beautiful I want one

[@jacobstaten2366]

I could see a smaller, streamlined version being useful. I would think covering most of the slide/action covered would help for carry.

[@packerjansen12]

That gun is so sealed! I bet it'd do well with the mud test!

[@bendover9862]

Looks so solid. So solid it could be a bit on the heavy side, maybe that's a reason why it was rejected.

[@TheSolidlad]

I've watched many of your pistol vids, and this one is my favorite! The design seems really simple and understandable for me. Any idea why did it fail the trials?

[@Brice23]

I am pretty sure at the time the French were armed with Ruby 32 ACP pistols, which were a great sidearm, simple blowback, efficient, and manufactured by several different companies. The only metric in which this prototype seems to be superior is the size and power of the cartridge, yet that advantage of course is offset by the much greater weight and size of this prototype. All in all it just was not at all superior to what they were already using. Well that is my guess, and I only offer it because no one else said anything :D

[@markspencer3612]

I would imagine that the barrel sleeve is actually a spring guide to keep that flat spring from binding on the barrel when the spring is compressed .

[@robgreene1776]

Too cool. Thank you !

[@DarkestVampire92]

Thats a really cool looking gun. The Glock of the 1920s, with high capacity to boot... and i´ve never seen a locking action like that before. Wonder why it failed. Reliabilty and weight, i´m guessing.

[@lordfinklebottom7278]

This pistol is interesting in so many ways

[@Reckec]

Very interesting design but seems overly complex with a lot of little springs and pieces. Plus the trigger / sear assemble pulling out on the top edge of a flat spring feels like a weak spot. However, a few minor changes and you have a "15 round"(!) .45 ACP pistol when 6 shot wheel guns where most common. Great video topic regardless.

[@holyravioli5795]

I really like that middle finger mag release.

[@randywatson8347]

Cool, simple design

[@prestonhenson263]

I would think that barrel sleeve give a solid backing for the recoil spring to push on the barrel assembly

[@Goonygoon84]

Is it just me or did this look like a full auto gun? I see a transfer bar, I see a sear, ..I didn't see any type of disconnect, though. With the trigger pulled, the sear continues to be disengaged and I didn't catch any mechanical stop/disconnect for either hammer or transfer bar. It looks full auto. (maybe I missed something)

[@josuelservin2409]

I'm also curious about that.

[@wadekirby8575]

At 5:42 you can see an extension in the middle of the feed ramp that appears to be positioned to lift the transfer bar during cycling, acting as the disconnecter.

[@jimabernethy1939]

Was my first thought too. I'm not convinced that little piece picks up a the transfer bar, looks to push down onto to pivoting link to me

[@Wanton110]

I REALLY like the look of that

[@DualDesertEagle]

The locking mechanism is pretty damn interesting and might be a nice addition to 1 of my future lego guns.

[@Bearthedancingman]

This pistol is awesome.

[@oliharding]

Very very cool episode.

[@Gerrygambone]

As a one off not surprised Ian could not try it out on the range....would have been cool if he could have

[@nosferatu5]

Love the look of it. Very Bondian.

[@observed00]

the sear location and short recoil thing seems like it would work well in an open bolt smg

[@lanchanoinguyen2914]

this is the fact of the things that go beyond the time

[@alexnorris7291]

I have a feeling that the barrel sleeve could have been even better if it was made out of gunmetal or high-carbon cast iron. You would then have a really nice bushing to prevent the barrel or slide from wearing much at all. With a replacement sleeve every 10000+ rounds, you could probably make that gun run forever and a day.

[@ghostshadow9046]

Look close at top rear of frame, it looks like there may be starts of cracks at rear sight and the rear cover appears to be moving back at the top.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Some interesting ideas going on with this design. For some reason it reminds me of the Thompson SMG

[@Oblithian]

I must be learning from these videos since this is the first time I understood the function of a component before Ian. (In film time)

[@donwilliams6170]

Nice job....love that .45.

[@edwardmelvin9184]

Intriguing design. It would be interesting to see what issues it had during the trials. I would love to know if it was capable of being developed into a serviceable firearm, or if the issues where too much to fix.

[@ostiariusalpha]

The Savage 1907 is semi-stagger, that is not the same thing as double stack. Even the gun's designer, Searle, would have admitted that.

[@yangcheng-jyun8542]

So,an improved Mannlicher 1896 pistol action.Awesome.

[@edward569]

ide buy it hands down

[@awetisimgaming7473]

This almost reminds me of the borchardt, and even the wildly 45 win mag guns with the big chunk of funk of the back of the gun. You'd think people would figure out that doing that ruins ergonomics immediately just by holding one.

[@uttaradit2]

ahead of its time

[@johndelagarza361]

If it were select fire looks like it could have been a cool machine pistol ahead of it's time.

[@Punisher9419]

I like it. Would be happy to use that.

[@olivialambert4124]

I'm surprised it didn't see any service at all. I wonder what the reliability and cost was like? I mean in terms of purely the numbers having such a high capacity .45 cal pistol would have been a huge benefit. I'm very impressed at the intelligence of the design too. Back before people realised a simple blowback would suffice the pistol designs were pretty creative.

[@calebdavis1323]

Olivia Lambert you have almost a 1000 subs with no videos? how? Please don't tell me it THAT many thirsty guys on the internet follow you because of your profile pic.

[@fatman.reviews]

I think someone should make it, as it looks great sorta old yet modern

[@Knightrem]

So, this is where Gaston got his design inspiration from....

[@truffleshuffl]

Man fire place guy has a kool gun collection. So many oddballs and curious. Well jel.

[@RafaAelM]

I believe that sleeve protects the recoil spring from the heat of the barrel

[@DACFalloutRanger]

Isaac Newton Lewis: Very Cool Dude

[@Shadow_Hawk_Streaming]

I suspect that sleeve between the spring and the barrel may have been a heat shield to protect the spring from heat and from the barrel expanding

[@codymoncrief8478]

The bushing is probably to keep the spring from binding on the barrel, increasing friction

[@peaceraybob]

Okay, I now have a toss-up between this beauty and the Webley Automatic for when I really need to splash my targets all over the hill-side.

[@innocentoctave]

A very industrial-looking pistol, and none the worse for that.

[@bobmccormick5290]

The ejection port looks kind of small. Cool to see an early cocking indicator.

[@lanchanoinguyen2914]

prettiest design from 1900s

[@shadowfoxcorp]

Reminds me of a Ingram M11.

[@legionitalia309]

I see remarkable similarities between this pistol and the MAC series of smg's. No locking system on the mac, but the overall shape and construction has some aspects in common.

[@DayoftheJakeL]

wow. thats actually really interesting

[@dandel351]

Wow Ian that gun looks kinda cool. Do you think it could still be in firing condition? I'd love to see it fire off a few rounds.

[@jaymassengill3340]

I think it's mainly a consequence of holding the pistol to allow the camera to see what's going on, but at 3:03 retracting the slide looks awkward and dangerous. On the range you could charge the pistol without your hand covering the muzzle, but maybe the unusual handling characteristics of the front-only serrations left a bad impression on the French. It would be awesome to find the actual report on the testing.