#History

The M14 rifle holds a significant place in the history of American military firearms, serving as a bridge between the battle rifles of World War II and the US’ military’s modern assault rifles. Developed in the post-World War II era, the M14 was the standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military during the early stages of the Vietnam War. Despite its relatively short service life (though it has soldiered on in niche roles), the M14 is like that crazy ex-girlfriend that somehow keeps coming back when you least expect it. This year marks the M14’s 72nd birthday and the 52nd anniversary of its civilian variant, the M1A produced by Springfield Armory. And with the recent new that the CMP would be making surplus M14s available, I thought this would be a good time to look back at the history and development of one of my favorite battle rifles of all time.

Headstamp Publishing has launched pre-orders their latest book "The Real Schmeissers: From the M.P. 18.I to the M.P. 41," a 678-page book covering the complete history of Hugo Schmeisser's submachine gun designs from World War I through World War II.

The UK’s path to develop the SA80 is littered with fascinating kitbashed mock-ups and (some might say) abominations. These sort of mock-ups and prototypes are common within firearms development and the UK’s Royal Armouries is custodian of quite a few of them, including a series made during the design of the SA80 bullpup family of weapons. A couple of weeks ago we shared a video published by Murdoch & Co., a US-based company, who have just launched a line of American-made SA80 clones, which looked at a bullpup Stoner 63 assembled by UK’s Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield.

You've just mailed your 1,800th tobacco tag to St. Louis. Weeks later, a wooden crate arrives containing your "free" Colt 1877 revolver. You think you've beaten the system…You haven't. The Continental Tobacco Company just made you their customer for years, and the math was never in your favor. Welcome to Fudd Friday, where we're examining the golden age of tobacco premium programs. Back when companies gave away firearms, wagons, toiletries, boxing gloves, baby strollers, and anything else you can think of to create captive customers.