I know, I know. I should have chained myself to the milling machine or the lathe and work through the weekend like I normally do, instead I went out and had some fun.My son, wife and I went to a local machine and cannon shoot and had a great time. I am working on a video to show all the fun we had. As a teaser I shot and played with the following toys.MG-42, MG-34, Gatling gun, 13.7 Japanese machine gun, 50mm Krupp cannon, full auto Fal, Bren, STg-44, 1950 madsen smg, pps 43, and 30 or 40 other weapons that slip my mind. Video to follow.
OK Ian, I’ll look forward to the video.
Had a few out Sunday as well.
Ultimax, MP44, FA FAL, AR18, Sweedish K,Thompson M1A1, AR70 FA.
Had good weather considering the Midwest, early spring.
Pete in St. Louis
Not to plug my blog on one of Ian’s blogs, but did you guys know that the VG 1-5 was expressly rejected, supposedly by Hitler? I have a two-part series on the decision, the second of which includes a translation of Speer’s letter, which says that the Führer his ownself gave the Gustloff semi-auto a thumbs down, because it was as costly and production-intensive as the MP44. (He also rejected single-shots out of hand).
My speculation is that this is because the MP44 was made of more complex multistage stampings, its production was more automated, while the VG 1-5 was designed with a view to cottage manufacture (rather like what Chuck is doing here, with all of us gawping over his shoulder as he works). Anyone may check my translations, too.
Part 1 The Genesis of the Volkssturm Carbines. Why? http://weaponsman.com/?p=14262
Part 2 Volkssturm Carbines, part 2 of 2 http://weaponsman.com/?p=14665
The other interesting take-away was that it was again, according to the documents, Hitler who suggested the short magazine, specifically so that riflemen would be less exposed in the prone firing position. I has always assumed (that word!) that the occasional short mags were meant for lab and workbench use, even though that didn’t make much sense, because they’re more often found with rare or prototype firearms.
Kevin. I read and enjoy your blog every day. If you are excited about the VG1-5 project you will love the Gerat 05 and 06 projects. We are down to the last few parts to be made on the VG1-5 and have all ready completed a portion of the next two rifles. I know I am behind on posting updates but have been really busy in the shop.