In the grand narrative of firearm evolution, Japan’s Meiji Type 18 Murata rifle holds a unique place as the nation’s first domestically produced military rifle. Designed by Major Murata Tsuneyoshi, this rifle was a crucial step in Japan’s transition from imported weaponry to self-sufficient arms manufacturing. As the world’s great powers raced toward industrial and...
Category: Rifle/Long Guns
The 1855 Colt New Model Revolving Rifle
The mid-19th century was a period of rapid innovation in firearms technology, and few weapons exemplify both the ambition and limitations of that era quite like the Colt New Model Revolving Rifle. Developed by Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company, this firearm sought to extend the revolver's rapid-fire capabilities to a rifle platform. While it offered...
The Colt Lightning: The Pump-Action Rifle That Challenged Winchester’s Dominance
Few firearms in history have left as unique a mark as the Colt Lightning rifle. Introduced in 1884 by Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, this pump-action repeater was a radical departure from Colt’s revolver-dominated lineup. It was designed to compete directly with Winchester’s immensely popular lever-action rifles, offering a faster rate of fire with...
The M25 Sniper Weapon System: Development, Manufacture, and Battlefield Performance
The M25 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) represents a critical evolution in precision battle rifles, combining the durability of the M14 platform with the refined accuracy required for long-range engagements. Designed for U.S. Army Special Forces and select military units, the M25 emerged as a highly effective semi-automatic sniper rifle, offering enhanced reliability and rapid follow-up...