The video discusses a unique Martini-Henry Mark IV rifle modified with Harston's external magazine system, patented in 1888. This adaptation aimed to convert single-shot rifles into repeaters, potentially saving costs by avoiding the need for entirely new magazine rifles. The system, however, was complex and ultimately not cost-effective compared to newer models like the Lee-Metford, which featured built-in magazines and bolt actions. Despite its innovative design, Harston's system was not adopted, and he later left the firearms industry for insurance. The video is part of a series exploring unusual weapons and is presented by Jonathan from the Royal Armories.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The rifle being discussed is a Martini-Henry Mark IV.
2. The Martini-Henry was a breach-loading rifle used by the British military.
3. The rifle had a hinged lever that was used to eject spent cartridges.
4. The Martini-Henry was a single-shot rifle, meaning it could only fire one round at a time.
5. Captain Charles Gravel Harston developed an external magazine system for the Martini-Henry rifle.
6. Harston's magazine system was patented in 1888.
7. The magazine system held 5 rounds of .450 Martini ammunition or 7 rounds of .402 ammunition.
8. The magazine system was designed to be retrofitted to existing Martini-Henry rifles.
9. The system used a spring-loaded follower to feed rounds into the chamber.
10. The magazine system was complex and expensive to manufacture.
11. The cost of converting a Martini-Henry rifle to use the magazine system was 15 shillings.
12. The system was not widely adopted due to the development of new rifles with built-in magazines.
13. The Lee-Metford rifle was being trialed by the British military in 1888 and eventually became the standard-issue rifle.
14. Harston gave up on firearms design and went into the insurance industry.
15. Captain Charles Gravel Harston was born on August 10, 1848.
16. Harston joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry as a second lieutenant on July 31, 1867.
17. Harston resigned from the military with the rank of Captain on February 18, 1871.
18. Harston later served as a Captain in the Royal Grenadiers Canadian Militia.