The Electrolux Version of the Charlton Automatic Rifle - Forgotten Weapons

🔍The Electrolux version of the Charlton rifle was a self-loading rifle, unlike the original New Zealand version which was a select-fire light machine gun.

🔧The production of the Electrolux version was more standardized and efficient compared to the New Zealand version which used a variety of obsolete guns for conversion.

🔥The Electrolux Charlton had a more streamlined appearance due to the added metal cover plates, although the internal design was still complex.

🔒The selector lever on the Electrolux version had three positions: safe, lock (bolt hold open), and fire.

🔩The Electrolux Charlton retained the Enfield safety and the gas piston operated through a cam track system.

How many Electrolux Charlton rifles were produced?

—The plan was to produce 10,000 Electrolux Charlton rifles, but their production was halted due to the end of World War II.

What was the purpose of the Electrolux Charlton rifle?

—The Electrolux Charlton was intended to be a backup arm for the home guard in New Zealand, as the country was facing a potential Japanese invasion.

What were the major differences between the Electrolux and New Zealand versions of the Charlton?

—The Electrolux version was a self-loading rifle, while the New Zealand version was a select-fire light machine gun. The Electrolux version also had a more standardized production process and a more streamlined appearance.

How does the selector lever on the Electrolux Charlton work?

—The selector lever has three positions: safe, lock (bolt hold open), and fire. The lock position allows the bolt to be held open for reloading or to show that the gun is empty.

What is the function of the gas piston in the Electrolux Charlton?

—The gas piston operates through a cam track system and is responsible for cycling the action of the rifle.

00:00Introduction to the Electrolux version of the Charlton automatic rifle.

02:28The Electrolux version of the Charlton was a self-loading rifle, unlike the original New Zealand version.

04:45The production of the Electrolux Charlton was more standardized and efficient compared to the New Zealand version.

06:20The Electrolux Charlton had a more streamlined appearance due to the added metal cover plates.

08:50Overview of the selector lever and safety features on the Electrolux Charlton.

09:55The gas piston in the Electrolux Charlton operates through a cam track system.