Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What's new?

Something my buddy and I discussed awhile back is the dearth of firearm innovation for the civilian market.

Certainly there have been design improvements over time, but our focus was on truly ground-breaking technologies that would change the entire industry.

Once the ebil gun-loons settled on...

1. Centerfire metallic cartridges.
2. Smokeless powder(nitro-cellulose based).
3. Necked casings.

We kinda hit a wall in my view. Like I said, many improvements have been made to both guns and their ammunition but what was the last thing that impacted the entire industry?

The Mauser 98 bolt action design is probably still the best there is and semi-auto handguns have become smaller to compliment CCW laws sweeping the nation over the last few decades. But outside of the military, what was the last thing that changed everything.

More importantly, what do you THINK will be the next big breakthough?

One idea I had was a handgun which had its barrel directly in line with the center of your wrist and arm so that recoil would be directed straight rearward, into your shoulder, instead of your wrist being a pivot point for upward rotation. This would keep you on target for quick follow up shots.

Something like the palm pistol as far as alignment, but with more modern ergonomics and capacity.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Seen the Chiappa Rhino .357 Magnum - fires from bottom chamber of 6 round cylinder? (no relation, just fyi)

Enjoy your blog, btw - keep up the good work.

Scot

Anonymous said...

The KRISS is something of a substantial breakthrough, though more in statics and dynamics than actual firearm technology, though.

I agree that the Chiappa Rhino is along the lines of what you were talking...

Aside from that, though, I was really hoping MetalStorm technology would catch on, but the company appears a breath away from folding. Likewise, caseless ammo would be all manner of shiny, but no signs of its commercial adoption on the horizon.

Problem is, what we have works, and works quite well. Until someone comes up with something revolutionary, we have reached something of a sticking point.

Unknown said...

The biggest developments in the last 50 years have been in projectile design. I'm putting my marker on "jacketed hollow point".

George said...

Plasma phase rifle in the 30 megawatt range?

lee n. field said...

"but what was the last thing that impacted the entire industry?"

Plastic (excuuse me, "polymer"). Glock and all it's emulators.

"One idea I had was a handgun which had its barrel directly in line with the center of your wrist and arm"

My snubbie is closest to that. Chiappa's underbarrel revolver.

kaveman said...

I was not aware of the Chiappa design. That is pretty cool, a revolver platform certainly lends itself to the idea.

Thanks for the info.