Most of the guns in use between 1914 and 1918 were far too advanced for the body armor of the day to stand a chance. Many tried to come up with solutions that they hoped would save lives.
Types of Body Armor in World War I – VIDEO
Today is Friday, October 23, 2020 
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Logan Metesh is an historian with a focus on firearms history and development. He runs High Caliber History LLC and has more than a decade of experience working for the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, and the NRA Museums. His ability to present history and research in an engaging manner has made him a sought after consultant, writer, and museum professional. The ease with which he can recall obscure historical facts and figures makes him very good at Jeopardy!, but exceptionally bad at geometry.
Inside the Smithsonian Gun Room, aka the National Firearms Collection – VIDEO
Better known as the Smithsonian’s Gun Room, what is officially known as the National Firearms Collection is an assemblage of more than 7,000 firearms dating back centuries.
This Day in History: Browning Patents His 1st Rifle
On October 7, 1879, John Moses Browning was issued US patent number 220,271 for a breechloading firearm.
The Most Historic Pistols in the US – VIDEO
Made by French gunsmith Jacob Walster around 1775, this pair of pistols is, in my opinion, the most historic pair in the United States.
Bringing Knives and Knuckledusters to Gunfights – VIDEO
You might need to keep fighting after the bullets run out, so these revolvers were designed to keep you in the fight – sort of.
Death by Duel in Congressional Combat: Cilley – Graves Duel – VIDEO
In 1838, two congressmen dueled one another. The result was something that had never happened before or since – the death of a sitting member of Congress at the hands of another.
What’s in a Name? Derringer vs Deringer
It’s not uncommon for brand name objects to assume the role of catch-all term for their generic equivalent. That’s the case with the terms “derringer” and “Deringer.”
This Day in History: William B. Ruger is Born
On June 21, 1916, William Batterman Ruger was born in Brooklyn. He would go on to lend his name to one of the iconic arms companies of the 20th century.
This Day in History: B. T. Henry Dies
On June 8, 1898, Benjamin Tyler Henry passed away at the age of 77. Henry’s repeating rifle design paved the way for Winchester to become a household name.
This Day in History: Rollin White, of Revolver Patent Fame, is Born
Rollin would become best-known as the man who provided Sam Colt with a golden opportunity to be on the cutting edge of revolver design and was rebuffed.
Five Favorite Firearms Coming Up at Morphy Auctions
There are more than 700 lots available during Morphy Auctions’ Extraordinary Firearms Auction, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to my five favorites.
This Day in History: Winchester is Founded
On May 22, 1866, one of the most iconic names in the arms industry was founded: Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
This Day in History: D. B. Wesson is Born
On May 18, 1825, Daniel Baird Wesson was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He began working in the firearms industry at 18 with an apprenticeship to his older brother Edwin.
The Guns of Cinco de Mayo – Mexico’s Victory Over French Forces
It’s not uncommon for people to mistake Cinco de Mayo as a day to celebrate Mexico’s independence, but that’s actually September 16, 1810.
This Day in History: Thomas Blanchard, Gunstock Duplicating Lathe Inventor, Dies
On April 16, 1864, Thomas Blanchard died at the age of 75. He spent his entire life inventing all sorts of things, but some of his best-known creations were for the arms industry.
This Day in History: Joseph Manton, Pioneering British Gunsmith, is Born
On April 6, 1766, Joseph Manton was born in Grantham, England. By the time he was 23, Joseph had opened up a gun shop of his own.
This Day in History: M1 Garand Becomes Greatest Battle Implement
On January 26, 1945, Gen. Patton uttered the famous phrase, “In my opinion, the M-1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised.”
Brownells Introduces New BRN-180 Lower Receivers
The BRN-180 line of lower receivers do away with the traditional receiver extension threads, and in their place have a milled in 1913 Picatinny rail section for mounting of stocks or braces.
This Day in History: Horace Smith Dies
On January 15, 1893, Horace Smith passed away at the age of 84. He retired 20 years earlier in 1873, having spent most of his life in the arms industry.
This Day in History: Arms Designer Christopher Spencer Dies
Christopher Spencer’s most impressive moment was securing a military contract for his gun by walking into the White House then shooting it with the President of the U.S. on the National Mall…
