The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Why no inventor built a simple automatic weapon during the War Between the States?

North East Redneck · July 26, 2012, 06:22 PM

Rachen-
Interesting idea, but the wheel of invention turns slowly. Wheel locks, match locks, flint, percussion, pin fire cartridges etc. At the time they made their respective debuts, they were state of the art. I would believe that a fighting man used to a single shot flint gun was in awe of a six shot percussion revolver. Same as a more modern fighter was impressed (yeah, I know some were not) by the M16 or AK when he was familiar with the M1 or some other WW2 vintage weapon system. I'm sure in a 100 years or 200 years the modern M4 and semi pistols will be looked at as relics, the people then will marvel that we in our time did not produce what they have.

July 26, 2012, 06:22 PM	#8
North East Redneck Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2012 Location: Berkshire Hills Posts: 741	Rachen- Interesting idea, but the wheel of invention turns slowly. Wheel locks, match locks, flint, percussion, pin fire cartridges etc. At the time they made their respective debuts, they were state of the art. I would believe that a fighting man used to a single shot flint gun was in awe of a six shot percussion revolver. Same as a more modern fighter was impressed (yeah, I know some were not) by the M16 or AK when he was familiar with the M1 or some other WW2 vintage weapon system. I'm sure in a 100 years or 200 years the modern M4 and semi pistols will be looked at as relics, the people then will marvel that we in our time did not produce what they have. __________________ NRA Patron Member SAF Life Member GOAL Member