Flintlock to percussion to needlefire, this is just a few conversions away from a plasma rifle in the 40-watt range.

Russia also had needlefire rifle. Designed in 1865, tested in 1866, adopted in 1867, replaced in 1868.

From a flintlock to a percussion cap then to a needle fire, that old firearm certainly did not want to go away.

that rifle has no business having a 1km sight on it

I’m pleased to say I’ve now watched enough FW to know what a needle fire rifle is, even before starting :)

FYI: You noted looseness of bolt, the dried out, hardened rubber obturator contributed to your observation. Having fired a renovated  a collector's  Chassepot, with custom fabricated cartridges, a fresh obturator does tighten up bolt closure.

I don't know why but I enjoy these videos about older firearms a bit more than modern firearms.

In 2019 the French military announces the FAMAS will be replaced by a .223 conversion of the 1822 flintlock/percussion/needle rifle.

Best way to start a Sunday? Forgotten weapons, coffee, and weed sitting by the fire.

and then some one polished the bejesus out of it.

I thought the name was a Belgium ripoff of Nickleback

For some reason I find this particular rifle very pleasing. I can only imagine the original owner proudly showing off his newly converted gun to his friends I bet he got brought a few beers for a chance to shoot it

These rifles merkel the waters, a bit like sticking your hand into a bagh and see what comes out. Like finding a needle in a haystack.

First thought, needlefire, don't see those much.

Second thought, that's actually a pretty elegant conversion in the grand scheme of things. Using as many of the original parts as it could, while also, showing the new tech. That removable bolt? Simple engineering and a link, spring for safety.

Still..... I can see why it wouldn't have taken off. You have to have the rifle, in the first place, pay more to convert it, then still replace the need and rubber. I'd take a whole new rifle in these new fangled cases thank you very much. Probably going to cost me less in the long run too.

It might be interesting to make modern needle fire cartridges with molded PVC cartridge cases. Should be as waterproof as brass and might be self obturating.

Interesting to see in a fine sunday evening here in the philippines

"host rifle", like needle fire is a kind of parasitic infestation.

The design was invented by Louis Merckelbagh of Liege, Belgium, operating out of No.8 Southhampton Buildings, London, in January 1871. The particular model was built by Liege gunmaker Jules Bertrand, who was mainly associated with pistols and revolvers. This appears to be an attempted venture into the sporting market - but the idea evidently never took off, and why would it? Given that needle-fire had had its hayday. In Britain where Louis was based, one could buy the Needham or Wilson needle-gun.

God bless the innovators, the tinkerers, the professionals and the amateurs one and all for giving us our modern weapons.

With the "é" accent on the E letter, the word "breveté"(patentED, whereas "brevet" ([bruhvay]) means "patent") actually would rather be pronounced [bruhvtay] instead of [bruhvett]: this final E letter is indeed not mute (because of the accent).Thanks for a very interesting video!