Random Shots Episodes in the Life of a Weapons Developer
Random Shots Episodes in the Life of a Weapons Developer by Roy E. Rayle is published by Merriam Press in 2012 and spans 222 pages. This first edition presents a detailed account of Rayle’s diverse career, beginning before World War II and covering his experiences at the Naval Gun Factory and Aberdeen Proving Ground, as well as his wartime service with Aviation Ordnance in the USAAF. The narrative primarily focuses on his work at the Springfield Armory during the 1950s and 1960s, where he contributed to the development of various military weapons, including the M14 and M16 rifles, the M60 machine gun, and the AC-130 “Spectre” gunship cannon.
Readers will find a comprehensive exploration of military technology and engineering through Rayle’s firsthand accounts, which include chapters on infantry board tests, rifle production, and the development of small arms. The book also features a collection of anecdotes related to World War II and various military experiences. With subjects covering history, military science, and weapons technology, this work serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the evolution of military armaments and the intricacies of weapons development.
Official synopsis Publisher
Merriam Press Military Monograph 317. Fifth Edition (2012). Fascinating account of Rayle’s varied career from prior to World War II, working at the Naval Gun Factory and Aberdeen Proving Ground, his wartime service with Aviation Ordnance in the USAAF, and his postwar career with Army Ordnance. This book deals primarily with his service at the Springfield Armory in the 1950s and 1960s where he participated in the development of such weapons as the M14 and M16 rifles, M60 machine gun, aircraft revolver and Gatling guns, 40mm M79 grenade launcher, tank machine guns, HAW/BAT/TOW and spotting rifles, and the side-firing AC-130 “Spectre” gunship cannon, plus a chapter recounting several gun stories, mostly dealing with World War II experiences. Contents: Foreword; Chapter 1: Infantry Board Tests; Chapter 2: Arctic Rifle Tests; Chapter 3: An American FN Rifle; Chapter 4: Industry Interest in Small Arms; Chapter 5: Final Development of Two Rifles; Chapter 6: Final Rifle Tests; Chapter 7: M14 Rifle Production; Chapter 8: Armalite/Colt Rifles; Chapter 9: The M60 Light Machine Gun; Chapter 10: Aircraft Revolver and Gatling Guns; Chapter 11: The 40mm M79 Grenade Launcher; Chapter 12: Tank Machine Guns; Chapter 13: HAW/BAT/TOW and Spotting Rifles; Chapter 14: Side-Firing Gunship Cannon; Chapter 15: Random Gun Stories (Caliber .50 Only for the Army Air Corps; Dirty Ammunition in Benghazi; Bad Bombs in France; Automatic Carbines in Belgium; Chrome-Plated Barrel Bores; Small Arms Museums; An Army 9mm Pistol); Chapter 16: Epilogue; Appendix 1: U.S. Rifle 7.62mm M14; Appendix 2: Rifle 7.62mm T48 (FN); Appendix 3: U.S. Machine Gun 7.62mm M60; Appendix 4: Rifle 7.62mm AR-10 (Armalite) (Early 1957 Version); Appendix 5: U.S. Rifle 5.56mm M16A1; Appendix 6: Gas Systems; Appendix 7: Gun Barrel Design; Appendix 8: Automatic Weapons Calculations; Appendix 9: Primer Setback Analysis; Appendix 10: Case/Chamber Relationships; Bibliography; 17 photos; 5 figures; 7 tables.
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