A good track in the history of world weapons, which left the Berdan rifle

Every professional hunter or simple fan of training shooting heard about "bordank". However, in the modern world, few people know where these guns came from and what they are. Some suggest that Berdan's rifle is designed for a certain type of hunting, others think that this is a combat weapon.

Since 1866, in Russia there have been developments of a new type of rifles, charging from the breech part of the trunk. The basic models of the state were already obsolete compared to the armaments of other countries. After much work, the rifle of the Berdan system was chosen as the best model. At that time, the main caliber of ammunition was only 4.2 millimeters.

For two years the guns have been tested extensively, they have been used in various combat conditions, checking mechanisms for survivability and quality. After the completion of the detailed study, the Berdan rifle was adopted by the Russian Army. The model was a small-caliber type of weapon, and it was called "the first number."

Berdan's rifle was equipped with a special shutter, which was reclined upwards with a ball-shaped lever. The trigger in the deflated position performed the function of locking this element, and on the fighting platoon unlocked it. The design quickly allowed to charge the gun, and at that time a similar mechanism was unique. For a long time he was very popular.

Sighting devices were also provided, in which the initial shot velocity reached 431 m / s. The maximum rate of fire was up to 9 bullets fired per minute. Such a result was superior to all types of rifles at that time in Russia.

The first model Berdan rifle was ordered for serial production by Colt. The plant produced 30,000 copies of these models. In the process of production, the founder of weapons suggested making several changes to the system of his gun. The flap was replaced with a sliding device, which allowed improving the basic characteristics.

The improved model from 1870 went into service and became known as the Berdan-2 rifle. The drawings with the modernized shutter served as the basic configuration for the serial production of the gun. The sample belonged to a group of small-caliber rapid-fire weapons, it was the first and main prototype of the future legendary Dragunov rifle.

The newest weapons of the Berdan system were used in the army as a combat model until 1891. After the withdrawal from the armament, they began to be used only for hunting. Over time, there were converted rifles, in which it was possible to use cartridges of various calibers. The people who fell in love with the people received the name "Berdanka".

Rifles left a good mark in the history of weapons development, but to date, this design is considered obsolete, as it does not meet the necessary requirements and technical specifications. More modern specimens significantly exceed them in terms of performance. But it should be noted that lovers of antique guns still appreciate and acquire "Berdanca".