Guns: The Evolution of Firearms

Director: Kevin R. Hershberger

GUNS-EVOLUTION OF FIREARMS (DVD/2 DISC)

• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• UPC: 683904529145
• Release Date: January 2013
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Publisher: Distribution Solutions
• Director: Kevin R. Hershberger
• Number of Disks: 2
• Other Video Info: DVD
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.5" x 5.4"

Customer Reviews

“This is my rifle. This is my gun. This is for shooting. This is for …” -military cadence song.

7 Episodes Narrated by Coby Batty. The program is titled “Guns: The Evolution of Firearms.” So that narrows it down. The introduction explains that they are really working on the evolution of the American military rifles and pistols, so that narrows it down more. There is only so much time, so they use it sparingly on the history of firearms and parallel histories in the rest of the world. Of course, this means the probable absence of your favorites. Also, the absence of many details, such as the smaller .223 round, is designed to tumble, causing more destruction of the target. In episode 5, they gave only 10 seconds to the BAR. I thought how chintzy. But they finally gave a full accounting in episode 6. I got to borrow a BAR from the local Montagnards in 1968. Never found anything to shoot at. But it was fun to handle. I know most of the Vietnam pictures are reenactments. But they keep showing the M16E2 calling it an M16a2 and vice versa. The M16E series has a three-prong flash suppressor used to break the bands on “C” ration cases. The presentation quickly covers each topic. Unfortunately, it uses the outdated sound-bite format, with each expert offering quick opinions, then repeating the same opinions again. It gives the impression that they are repeating themselves. One of the experts is Phillip Schreier of the Curator's National Firearms Museum. Another expert is Christopher Ruff, the Curator of the National Museum of the Army Reserves. One distraction is that Cristopher is badly in need of a haircut. The best part of the presentation, because of the narrow focus on U.S. arms, is that we gain more insights into subjects such as the buildup to the American Revolution. Periodically, the fact that no two wars are the same is brought up, which also influences the design of rifles. The presentation is good for history. However, it ends with Post WWII to Today: From the M-14 to the M4 Carbine. The last episode aired in January 2013. So, where is our new documentary?

Very thorough, educational, well made.

Very thorough, educational, well made.