Q&A #3: What-Ifs and How-Comes

In this month's Q&A video, I take on more questions from my wonderful Patreon supporters, including:
* Would we still have Browning pistols if the 1911 had not been adopted?
* Gun designs from non-industrialized places
* British .303 Conversions of the Martini
* Weapons best left forgotten
* What conflict led to weapons innovation besides the World Wars?
* Reproductions I would like to see, and why we won't see them
* The MG81
* And more!
Want to get your question in for next month's Q&A? Head over to my Patreon page ( / forgottenweapons ) and sign up for just a buck a month. It lets me continue bringing you Forgotten Weapons, and it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside!

[@stephenwoods4118]

Please continue with the excruciatingly long answers, Thank you

[@HPBrowningBoy]

+Stephen Woods I would like to second this! I really enjoy these in depth explanations.

[@saxon215]

I third this!

[@saxon215]

+galaxiesaver no, nerdism

[@stephenwoods4118]

+Stephen Woods Nope a serious request.

[@counterstrifekid]

+Stephen Woods i Quarter this

[@ew3612]

I am “rewatching” all of your Q and A videos and they are very entertaining and informative. I put it in parentheses because I mostly listen and not watch them while I am driving around doing errands or on the way to work since that is the majority of my free time. I always enjoy and appreciate the work that you do.

[@cams.3102]

It’s my current “podcast” on my commute.

[@matt291]

​@@cams.3102I just burned through a dozen or so episodes on a multi-state drive. Ian has been consistently improving like a fine Scotch.

[@garethfergusson9538]

Rewatching again in 2024😂

[@ew3612]

@@garethfergusson9538Worth every minute.

[@maverickpaladin4155]

No sir, with respect to your videos, the longer the better. There are many others about whom I cannot say the same. Your videos are concise, very entertaining, and extremely informative, even at nearly 50 minutes in length. Please continue your great work.

[@gworfish]

Right? I love that he apologizes for giving us more of what we want.

[@warywolfen]

A unique feature of the Schwarzlose pistol is that it was a "blow forward" design. Instead of the breach-block travelling to the rear, the barrel moved forward.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

+Clyde Wary The blow-forward Schwarzlose is the 1908 model, not the 1898 one.

[@davidgcalderone]

Honestly, never too long for a History Geek and Gun Nerd like myself.

[@holtz3943]

Yes, Ian. We saw that editing goof. It was funny, and please... by all means excruciate us with more long-form, highly informative videos like this one. I think we can afford to suffer that sort of pain and suffering. Gladly, even. :P

[@ForgottenWeapons]

+Orlando Medeiros I thought it had potential to be funny, but it didn't come out quite right...and then I forgot to cut it out of the video before uploading. Whoops.

[@holtz3943]

+Harrad Rush That might be a little excessive for just that little joke at the end. I remember Ian did a couple more lighthearted videos a while ago, so maybe sweeping some of the funny goofs and other bits left behind on the floor of the metaphorical editing room and turning those into a funny 3-minute video would be more appropriate. Hell, I know I was laughing my ass off with both the Tactical Gyrojet Carbine Demonstration and the ending of the Chiappa Triple Threat video. :P

[@mattorama]

Hey Ian, small suggestion, how about listing the overall lengths and weights of the guns you review? I think people would really be taken back at how much some of these older weapons weigh and how big they are compared to their range plinkers.

[@kyleiverson6856]

I'd appreciate that as well.

[@DeWolf33]

That's actually a great idea

[@saxon215]

Agred

[@ameskid2]

Yah

[@twirlipofthemists3201]

+1. Although, that's pretty much all on wiki.

[@LoreliaDeMildiane]

Still watching, but I have a hard time to stop myself thinking "he's gonna raise his right arm and knock the laptop over - he's gonna raise his right arm and knock the laptop over - he's..."

[@Bibl888]

+Lorelia De Mildiane totally :D

[@nixie2462]

Same here!

[@renifeer]

+heesus bloggs itd a DDPM British military uniform shirt.

[@starkicker5623]

+Lorelia De Mildiane haha i thought that exact same thing

[@raphaelambrosiuscosteau8763]

+Lorelia De Mildiane That goes in the blooper video.

[@servicerifle16]

I've seen several .303 converted Martini-Henry carbines in Afghanistan displayed in my unit's HQ on the walls along with some AK47s, AKMs, some kind of Russian single shot shotgun and an M1 Garand of all things.

[@xwrn]

Thanks for the Q&A. On the note of "Best Forgotten Weapons" and the idea that militaries don't issue unsafe weapons, the exception that comes to mind is the Japanese Type 94 Nambu that could be fired by squeezing an exposed seer. You did a short video on it a couple years ago. It's not "blow up in your face" bad, but certainly wouldn't want to be near anyone carrying one.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

+xwrn I think the problems with the Type 94 are much overblown. One of these days I will do a full video on it...

[@BrandonVanKeuren]

+Forgotten Weapons I was gonna mention this gun, only because Patrick from TFB TV almost shot himself with it. I would like to hear your take on it.

[@stanburton6224]

I would suggest that Brasil and the Taurus company would also fall in that category. The Brazilian government contracted with Beretta to build a manufacturing facility to manufacture handguns for military use. Once the contract ended, they retained all the designs and tooling and started rolling thier own copies of the Beretta pistols, then they started modifying the designs.

[@redburton2661]

Thanks for answering my question, Ian! I was really tempted to follow it up with, "and why is it the American Civil War?" Really cool explanation! Love the long video too. -Ryan

[@ForgottenWeapons]

+Red Burton You bet! Glad you liked it.

[@gordonormiston3233]

Great video. Don't worry about the length of your replies cos the subject matter is very interesting and your response to folk's queries is always fascinating. Keep it up Ian.

[@HughesEnterprises]

I'd buy a burgess shotgun if Uberti produced one at the $1k price point. Very neat gun.

[@nichisjesus]

I googled the Burgess folding shotgun to see what it was, and imagine my pleasant surprise when I find an article on Popular Mechanics authored by none other than yourself! Very cool.

[@schofieldscarecrow4325]

Some purpose built martini's were built, namely the martini metford and the martini enfield. I have a purpose built martini enfield built in 1900 and refurbished in 1911. The barrel is stamped with 18.5 ton proof. Modern ammunition in British purpose built martini enfields is safe as long as the action is in good condition. These rifles are a very fun to shoot.

[@aureliusrusticus2320]

No need to second-guess the length of the video - it was perfectly appropriate for the thoroughness of the content. I was so drawn in by the information that I didn't even notice the length. Great video, very informative, thank you for your dedication to a very cool aspect of history and for putting in the time to share it with all of us layfolk.

[@MauldtheMan]

Your review on the Chauchat made me want one; they're just so goofy and that *CHU-CHUNK* of the action is wild. I think that may be my first NFA weapon (outside of an SBR Uzi).

[@tiiiimmmmmm]

This was a really cool series to listen to. I love guns and find history very fascinating, so this is a fantastic thing that has merged here haha.

[@brianreddeman951]

Awesome Q&A. Love the time spent answering the questions. Looking forward to more.

[@Totaldane]

When it comes to conflicts that sparked weapons invention, I would argue that the 2. Schleswig war between Denmark and Prussia/Austria of 1863-64 had a profound impact in Europe. Observers from many countries witnessed the effectiveness of the Dreyse needle rifle over the Danish percussion muzzleloaders, and many countries adopted their own needle rifle, right thereafter. Most notably the french and the italians. More than anything Europe feared a unified Germany under Bismarck - and rightfully so. Secondly the Danish army started a development programme that among other things would eventually lead to the Madsen light machinegun - a weapon that was way ahead of its time in the early 20. Century.

[@bilboproudfoot]

Righteous time spent. Thanks Ian.

[@timonthetube92]

I was working out when I watched this. That look when he stopped and said "Simon says" over again I about dropped a dumbell laughing. That was pretty funny

[@kaoswylie5928]

I am a gun nerd because of this channel :p Thanks for the video!!

[@kimjanek646]

+Kaos Wylie I was a gun nerd before I knew this channel. After playing CS I just started looking up every possible gun that was commonly known :D

[@jameskazd9951]

video games made a whole generation of gun nerds... i shot some of of my dads guns as a teenager but videogames really got me interested lol

[@kevkfz5226]

Interesting, well balanced and educational as ever Ian. Thank you.

[@genericdenizen1]

Truly enjoyable, and informative. Thank you Ian.

[@jeffhumphreys8642]

So much education! Good job Forgotten Weapons.

[@frankemcgillivray6695]

Thanks Ian, I find I'm looking forward to these chats more and more.

[@Spitsz01]

Great stuff Ian. Hope you get that Martini 308. And we get to see it!

[@ridgely1635]

There are 2 guns i would like to see reproduced, they are the Winchester 1895 lever action in its russian configuration chambered in 7.62x54r, as well as the burgess folding pump shotgun

[@wrathofkbizz]

I just spent almost 50 minutes of my life on this, and I'm not even mad. Typically I get sick of a KZbin video after about 15 minutes. It was interesting to just hear your take on all sorts of different gun stuff.

[@raider762]

I'd like to see Winchester make some 1895s in 7.62X54R with bayonet mounts, just like the ones the Russians ordered.

[@Primarch359]

agreed

[@gottmituns3225]

Lever Gunkenstein

[@DasBoeseFleisch]

The lovely sound of rain in the background made this Q&A even better :-)

[@chasevogt2090]

I hope one day I'll be able to seriously be a patron, I binge watch fw videos. Thank you Ian for providing hours of entertainment

[@casinferneycf45]

I love sitting and watching your videos.

[@danielthompson7453]

still watching and love these.

[@matthewmoses4222]

Another example of a small nation having a local design and eventually manufactured military firearm was the Owen Gun in Australia. All other firearms used before or since by the Australian Defence Forces have been either made overseas or licenced to be made by Small Arms Factory Lithgow/ADI/Thales.

[@trigger_sloth2232]

I just want to say u have prolly the most interesting KZbin channel ever I love the videos and just wanted to say thank u for being so in depth and just cool

[@loganhoy2265]

I really love these long educational videos! It's kind of like gun college lectures!🔫😀

[@collinmclaren6608]

With Ian regularly bringing up the Burgess shotgun in the videos from this time I can totally picture a modernized bullpup take on the Burgess action. Imagine a KSG, but the pistol grip is the pump. Stupid? Yes. Pointless? Maybe. Interesting? Without a doubt.

[@viperscot1]

not to long you kept my interest all the way through keep up the great work

[@tobiasL1991]

The depth is great man, from Europe so guns are kinda literally forgotten history over here. At least for civilians. Love the stories of how the gun as a concept changed.

[@grahamhawes7089]

You rock Ian, thanks for giving me something to fold laundry to.

[@MUCKLEECH]

Watched the whole thing, very very interesting!

[@ohredhk]

I will never think this is too long. By all means make it as long as you can.

[@justinevans6546]

great vid can't wait for more

[@whyjay9959]

On gun designs from non-industrialized countries; You may be interested in Nepal's Bira Gun. These machine guns were produced by hand, so there was quite a bit of variance in their parts' dimensions, and many were not interchangeable; Each individual gun had its own magazine/s, for example.

[@Not_Sure_81]

45acp is absolutely necessary. Another great vid Ian

[@jondho530]

Regarding the use of revolvers vs autoloaders: I did some research lately to find the pros and cons of each in a concealed carry role and I found that revolvers have some very important advantages. For one, they will continue to fire the remaining cartridges if a one misfires. This is very important in a close quarters struggle, because you will mostly likely not have time and both hands free to cycle the slide on an autoloader. And the second issue which is related to the first, is an attacker will most likely attempt to grab your gun at close range. If it's an autoloader, you will be able to fire one shot and then the slide won't cycle because of his/her grip on the firearm. This puts you in the situation where you have to wrestle your gun free and then rack the slide. Most revolvers on the other hand have a cylinder gap which sprays out hot gasses and metal fragments when you pull the trigger and that might cause someone to let go of your gun. Once you gun is free you can continue to fire with one hand. It's true that you can stop a revolver from firing just by holding the cyclinder, but I don't think that negates the advantage of operating it with one hand. I think those 2 issues make the revolver a superior close quarters carry firearm. At ranges where a struggle is unlikely the autoloaders have the clear advantage.

[@hekkenschutz]

please do go into as much "excruciating" depth and detail as you can! I love these videos

[@XXSnipaBoiXX]

On the topic of long form content, if you do more classes and workshops, will you post them like you did with the Clips and Magazines and Proof Marks ones? I found those videos both informative and entertaining, great to put on the background and listen to while I'm doing other things. Just curious. Also thank you for giving us so much great content!

[@user-xg8yy7yl1d]

I always assumed magazine cuttoffs were there because of a holdover from "napoleon style" or the so called "gentleman warfare" where soldiers would fight in lines and load aim and fire as the officer commanded. The only place id see them as useful outside that holdover of "old tactics" is maybe in sniper type rifles where you could keep a lower profile loading single shots rather than doing a full magazine change or reload depending on whether its a fixed or detachable mag

[@Sanderford]

I did some looking and found some artistic imagery of an MG-81 converted to LMG use with an attached bipod.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

Cheers, Iain, from a MacIver (yes, really) from the Hebrides. Great content: always good to see someone who loves his job. Could you organize the QA videos in some sort of chronological order, in your copious free time of course. Thanks. oh, and BTW the natives are revolting.

[@jeffreyreardon7487]

khyber pass Martini's fall into the "don't ever shoot" category

[@TheSuburban15]

As long as there's enough powder to get the bullet all the way down the barrel, a revolver will function with really any (safe) load without changing springs or anything else. Advantage revolver. Really the only practical use I have for revolvers, is to carry an airweight concealed hammer S&W in a jacket pocket, occasionally, however.

[@stolenmuppets9099]

14:35 I would guess that when you are in a last stand / emergency situation, documentation is not a high priority

[@pr4runner]

Thanks for the Q&a

[@ivanbelacic9624]

Yes, we are nerds. ;)

[@UncleJimmema]

You should do a video on the Medusa Model 47, that's an interesting revolver that I'm sure plenty of people would love to hear about!

[@nutz4gunz457]

People always call at the worst time.

[@sakelaine2953]

LEMME SHOW YOU THIS FUNNY CAT PICTURE

[@myalienware]

Gun designs from non-industrialized places: Rhodesian Mamba pistol.

[@hoeruokamix]

Long? Yes. Very interesting to watch? Even more so. Any one of those questions I could have listened to for quite a while longer. Have you considered doing something akin to a podcast?

[@mikeatfraxa]

Not too long at all---fascinating!

[@gewamser]

Very interesting...no boredom here!

[@TheShrike616]

Quite a bit of knowledge on hand here. I wouldn't mind having a conversation with you over a nice cold (Belgian) beer about the impact of FN, Browning and their common impact on weapon manufacture. Greetz from Belgium.

[@jakjsr]

love the q&a.

[@user-xg8yy7yl1d]

The Ross rifle is an example of a gun that in its earlier configurations could be dangerous to the user. In their default from factory condition theyre perfectly safe but if you reassemble the bolt wrong say youre sleep deprived in a trench trying to field strip it which on earler versions it was possible to do then the bolt could not lock properly and then fly open when you shoot because there was no "idiot proofing" for lack of better words to stop the gun being assembled wrongly. 100% safe rifle when assembled correctly or if you have a later version that couldnt be assembled wrongly but i doubt this is the only gun in history that could be assembled wrongly and then be a danger

[@shanebairstow5926]

I am a Patron, love the show. One point about Japaneses arms manufacturing. Within 12 years of the first European reaching Japan, the Shoguns were making fire arms in good numbers themselves. It was one reason they were able to resist colonization completely.

[@joeedgar5453]

GREAT INFO AS ALWAYS . CHEERS FROM B.C CANADA.

[@buonafortuna8928]

Good job Ian - and I checked my phone twice for the buzzing :D

[@mChrest05]

It would be great if you could insert a picture of some of these weapons ( like the folding shotgun) when you were talking about it.

[@janpieter4219]

Cool video once again ! Could you do a review on the HK4 pistol ? quite interesting gun !

[@nixie2462]

Excruciatingly what?? You where explaining interesting things, I don't see the problem on a long video, we can always pause and continue watching later (muchbetter than watching TV!)

[@drmaudio]

Long, yes, excruciating, not a bit. Unless, of course, you meant it was excruciating for you...

[@ForgottenWeapons]

+Gun Sense (drmaudio) Nope, I enjoy doing these.

[@Andy47357]

good info and I watched the whole video.

[@sundoga4961]

Fascinating stuff. I'm no fan of the .45 ACP, and I have to wonder at a world without it.

[@edg3818]

27:40 (just before) Man did Ian eat those words lol. Congrats on the new book!!!

[@mitchschutter4302]

21:13, just noticed the Kel-Tec RDB there.

[@frankperkin124]

Henry Martinis in .303 were used by British Chinese troops during the Boxer Rebellion.

[@nate_thealbatross]

For the cool unique designs, I think a small manufacturer should set up a kickstarter where if they get a certain number of orders/money, they start production. As long as the numbers are fifty or sixty, why bother. But if you get thousands of orders, might as well do a limited run.

[@iysaw]

A video on the KH2002 would be pretty cool (maybe shooting it too), I only know it from video games though but it interests me quite a lot, reminds me of a Famas.

[@SandyofCthulhu]

I'd have to say the Nambu 94 must be an exception to the rule of "armies don't make guns that can shoot their users"

[@matthewmoss1589]

I'd love to see a Pedersoli or Uberti Beaumont-Adams revolver line. I think that would be more than possible considering the similarity to Colts, Stars, Kerrs and Remingtons. But I think they're too obscure, shame they're gorgeous revolvers.

[@RobertoDonatti]

I once had to pass on a cased percussion Adams that sold for $1200. Was flat broke at the time.

[@minxythemerciless]

Unusual indigenous weapons include the Australian designed and built Owen Machine Carbine and the F1 sub-machine-gun. Both were mainstream weapons and were designed specifically for jungle warfare in WW-II through to well after the Vietnam war. There were British and American equivalents - e.g. the British Sterling SMG - but none were specialised for jungle warfare. I used the F1 a lot and it's a very pleasant, accurate, and reliable weapon. Its main usage by Australia was in the Vietnam war in conjunction with the L1A1 battle rifle.

[@m1994a3jagnew]

I just thought of a really badass gun to try and look at. the USMC "Stinger" assault weapon

[@SayNoToDemocide1]

I would like to have the Burgess shotgun reproduced as well. Though the main reason for me wanting it reproduced is to see if it can be introduced as a Category "A" weapon on Australia, and be used as a substitute for Category C pump-action (and semi-automatic) shotguns (I think any shotgun that holds more than 5 rounds in the magazine is category "D" in Australia).

[@platty9237]

Regarding interest in specific types of non standard firearms, it got me thinking there should be some sort of firearm like shop for something like massdrop.com. They could be limited run group buys based on interest in a specific design.

[@51WCDodge]

Early versions of the Lee Enfield, No1 had mag cut off and side mounted volley sights out to 1200 yards. Just drop a load of hurt on them, if thier in a bunch you'll hit something. The No1 Mk 111 of about 1916 on got rid of theses.

[@Viraqua]

The Burgess shotgun would also appeal to the survivalist community as well due to it's ability to fold down. Just put it in a movie. That really gets the hype. Kinda like the Winchester 1887 for the Terminator.

[@thatguy3428]

On the MG81, I remember reading that during the German invasion of France one of the tactics was to land multiple bf-110s at French airfields, dismount the rear gun, and use it to suppress the personnel at the airfield. However, based on the time frame I think those would have been more likely to be MG15s. I can't remember any specific mentions of MG81s in ground use in the books I've read. Like Ian said, it may have happened but was an emergency tactic.

[@moonman1537]

putting a simple air pocket and reshaping the m193 round would really improve it

[@McFlingleson]

I just went and found your video on the Burgess shotgun, and I think I might buy one if I needed to store it in a tight spot, like if I decided I needed a car gun or something like that, but I'd want two changes made. For one, and I might just be remembering this wrong, but I think you said you need to open the action to load it, and I'd want to be able to load it with the action closed like a more traditional pump shotgun. Also, I'd want the bolt release somewhere other than inside the trigger guard, because it just seems really dangerous to have anything other than the trigger in the trigger guard.

[@bingo45100]

I enjoyed the almost hour long video. I beat anything on TV that's for sure.

[@radustanciu2445]

Kid'a late to the game...: for someone that is so knowledgeable and passionate in/for firearms, what's with the cavalry saber leaning proudly at your arm's length? Are you also into blades from the same period ? Btw. Thank you for all the vids- they exude ( can't find other words that define your work) in depth knowledge and passion!

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

martini 577/450 type rifles in 303 are safe as long as they are in good condition and are of proper manufacture or conversion.... take Ian's comments regarding the Afghan one to heart! the 450/577 Actions are far less common here in Down under these days as in the 1950's on wards they were one of the favored actions for conversion to other calibers originals are collectors items...wish i still had one from my youth the .310 cadet martini action is the smaller action that i have also used and seen many conversions done( 44mag being the largest i have seen) but as above they are getting rare in original condition

[@IMadeChuckNorris]

You mentioned that you'd need good 3d printed metals for the reproductions situations change. I agree with this, and I'll explain in a little more depth. We're up to the point of 99% solid metals, which is more than enough. The issue arises with the cost of materials, and speed of printing/tolerances. The cost of materials is due to the machine makers, you can only use their type of powder that they mark up, the powder itself isn't that expensive. To my knowledge, most if not all are marking up the materials beyond reason. Then there's the tolerances and speed. Due to the nature of spreading the powder, then solidifying it layer by layer, you have to find a compromise between speed, material density, and tolerances. This will improve over time, but will always be behind proper cnc machines for mass production. I think for future designs, there's going to have to be a bit of change in the way we think. Instead of tighter tolerances to make designs work, which sadly, the the manufacturing world is riddled with, and that's because machines that can are enabling designers to put less effort in, we're going to have design things around the lower tolerances we can achieve with 3d printing. You may say, why even bother with 3d printing? It's currently more expensive, slower, and can't reach the same tolerances. Well that's because there's certain things you just can't make with a typical cnc mill or lathe, whether it be certain densities to reduce cost or weight, or certain structures that you can't reach or machine with a tool. In my opinion, there could be some very cool designs that take advantage of what 3d metal printers have to offer over mills or lathes. Before any of this happens we'll have to wait for prices to go down, technology to improve, and a change in method of design. Sorry if any of this is wrong or stupid, but I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, just offering my thoughts. Maybe some of the things like the powders being restricted by the makers has changed, I dunno :P

[@tbrusky61]

Regarding the revolver vs. semi-auto debate, I believe it's worth mentioning that the revolver, debatably, is more reliable. There's no risk of stovepiping or jams (however, I suppose mechanical binding COULD be a failure mode in a revolver). Also, in the event of a dud round, the user simply has to pull the trigger to fire the next round, as opposed to racking the slide. (This would be beneficial for self carry, especially for someone not familiar with firearms.)

[@VFRSTREETFIGHTER]

I kept thinking my phone was going off...

[@SgtKOnyx]

I record a lot at work, and I always seem to have to deal with a situation about half way through. And I'm a one take kinda guy

[@keithkeyser9546]

Yeah, no kidding. It's OK to turn your phone off while recording.

[@Hetzelmr]

as of right now there are manufacturers experimenting with metal 3d printing. Also, I was looking at your book case in the bacround, is that "The sword and the shield-the mitrokin archive " I saw there?