Ep 37. Machine Guns

Modern Marvels is a documentary series that explores various marvels of modern technology. Season 10 episode 37 delves into the world of Machine Guns.

The episode begins with a brief history of firearms before going into the development of machine guns. Viewers get a glimpse of the first hand-cranked machine guns, which were invented in the late 1800s. The episode covers the technological advancements involved in the development of machine guns, such as the Maxim gun. Manufactured in 1884, it was the first fully automatic machine gun, followed by the Browning Automatic Rifle, more commonly known as the BAR.

The show explores different types of machine guns, their mechanics, and how they function. One machine gun featured is the Gattling Gun, which was first used in the 19th century. It had six barrels that rotated around a central axis, and it was operated by a hand-held crank. The Gatling Gun was widely used by the US Army and played a significant role in various battles.

The AK-47 is another machine gun that the episode discusses. It is one of the most popular and widely used machine guns in the world. The AK-47, developed in 1947 by Soviet engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov, was designed to facilitate low-cost mass production, reliability, and ease of use, allowing it to be mass-produced quickly and efficiently. This machine gun is used by many armies worldwide.

The program delves into the manufacturing process of machine guns. A majority of machine guns are made of lightweight metal, such as aluminum, steel, or titanium. The manufacture requires precision and is a sophisticated and complex process. The show discusses how the machining process has evolved to the point where a highly automated system can now process complete gun assemblies.

The program also covers the regulations surrounding machine guns and the arms trade. In the United States, the National Firearms Act of 1934 introduced a series of tight weapons laws which led to the making of silencers and machine guns, illegal for civilian use. This law has been maintained to this day.

Lastly, the episode discusses the role that machine guns play in the military. Machine guns have drastically changed the nature of warfare, creating a significant shift in battle tactics. Machine guns led to the decline of traditional infantry charges, now used only rarely in modern warfare. The program talks about various wars and battles where machine guns played a critical role in either war or rescue missions.

The Modern Marvels episode on Machine Guns is an excellent episode for viewers who are interested in firearms and history. The show covers the history and evolution of machine guns, how they are made, and their role in modern warfare. It's a compelling episode that will leave audiences fascinated and informed.