[BNW] A Piece Of History

[Alderac@aol.com]

    Over the weekend, I happened upon an episode of Tales of the Gun on the 
History Channel that featured the Top Ten Firearms of all time.  15 
Historians & Weapons Experts based their list the weapon's design 
significance, and historical significance.
    I just thought this was something interesting to share with you.  I have 
re-created the list below as best as I can recall, and what significance the 
Historians gave it.  I know all of these weapons are on the list, but the 
order may be a little off.  Enjoy!

Greatest Firearms Of All Time
10.  Browning Automatic Rifle - first man portable/shoulder fired machine gun

9.  Kentucky Rifle - practical applications as a hunting weapon (longer, 
rifled barrel), and then used by Colonial forces during the American 
Revolution.

8.  Matchlock Musket - firt true long arm of war, used by Gustavus Adolphus 
to prove the primacy of infantry firearms on the "medieval" battle field.

7.  Mauser-Gewehr, Model 1898 - revolutionary  bolt action & loading 
mechanism.

6.  British Brown Bess - Napoleon was defeated, and Britains Empire was won 
with this weapon (except, of course, the American colonies ;-)).

5.  M1 Garand - the infantry weapon that won WWII.

4.  Colt-Patterson Cap N' Ball Pistol - the first true revolver.

3.  AK-47 - weapon of revolutionaries & terrorists, as well as the epitome of 
sub-machine/assault rifle gun design.

2.  Colt M1911 .45 Automatic Pistol - first widely used (and still used) 
automatic pistol.

1.  Maxim Machinegun - brought land warfare to its truly modern stage.

Honorable Mentions
    Medieval Hand Cannon
    Colt .45 Peacemaker
    Winchester Repeating Rifle
    Gatling Gun
    Sturm-Gewehr Sub- Machinegun
    Thompson .45 Sub-Machinegun

Sincerely,

Marcelo A. Figueroa
Promotions Manager
AEG