Tales of the Gun

Go inside the Beretta factory for an up-close look at how guns are made. It is forged from the most basic materials, yet it can last hundreds of years. It has few moving parts, but its design requires complex engineering. And its manufacturing process is among the most refined in the world. In the centuries since the gun was invented, hundreds of innovators, engineers and inventors have brought their vision to its manufacture. As a result, this simple tool has become among the most perfectly produced items made. THE MAKING OF A GUN chronicles the long history of firearm design and construction from the first, primitive weapons to today's computer-controlled, high-tech factories. Hear from people like Tom Valdrose, production manager of Beretta USA, and Roberto Rodriguez, executive director of the American Precision Museum. See rare examples of groundbreaking weapons, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how today's guns are made. From forge to finished, this is a comprehensive look at how guns are made.

Here is the story of the most important moving parts in the history of firearms. Without ammunition, the most powerful weapons in the world are little more than glorified paperweights or inelegant clubs. Yet the development of different bullets and ammo has often been overshadowed by the stories behind names like Colt, Remington and Kalashnikov. BULLETS AND AMMO goes inside the barrel for a fascinating look at the history of these deadly projectiles. Trace the evolution of ammunition from the earliest hand-cast lead shots to the specialized bullets of today, like "tumblers," "dum-dums" and centerfire cartridges. Head out to the firing range for a fascinating look at exactly how these specialized rounds perform, and journey back in time as we chronicle the pivotal breakthroughs and new technologies that have made guns deadlier, more efficient and more reliable. In the end, a gun is only as good as the round it fires.

At the turn of the 19th century, upper-class men of Europe and America fought pistol duels to the death. The pistols created for these duels were some of the most beautiful ever made. This program examines these magnificent weapons which gave this strange ritual its deadly character.

During America's western expansion, a new breed of man arose - the gunslinger. Sometimes he wore a badge, sometimes he was an outlaw. But he always had a gun at his side, and the urge to step to the edge and pull the trigger. Wild Bill Hickok, Jesse James, Wyatt Earp. See why the weapons they carried stamped these gunmen's existence.

From the .45 to the ''Peacemaker'' trace the history of the legendary guns that blasted their way into history. Even people who have never held a gun in their life know the Colt name. Arguably the most important firearms manufacturer ever, the company founded by Samuel Colt put weapons in the hands of some of the most famous criminals and lawmen in history, changed the face of warfare and were instrumental in the settling of the American West. From the first weapon Samuel ever built to the present day, GUNS OF COLT is the definitive chronicle of this storied company. From the revolving pistol to the M-16, Bat Masterson's "Peacemaker" to Billy the Kid's "Lightning", the guns produced by Colt Manufacturing have etched a place in history for their masterful combination of form and function. Through interviews with Kathleen Hoyt, the Colt company archivist, and Phil Spangenberger of Guns & Ammo, the Colt story comes to life. You'll understand why lawmakers and outlaws alike once claimed, "God created men, and Samuel Colt made them equal."

They have produced everything from ''women's'' derringers to the most coveted long-range rifles in the world. Starting with a small factory in upstate New York in 1816, the Remington Company has produced 35 million firearms over the years. As one of the oldest companies in America--and the oldest gun manufacturer--Remington's history mirrors that of the nation itself. Their weapons helped tame the Western frontier, win wars in Europe and Asia and earn medals in Olympic shooting competitions. GUNS OF REMINGTON is an authoritative tour through the history of this renowned company. Examine the weapons that made Remington the choice of legendary figures like Buffalo Bill Cody, George Armstrong Custer, and Sgt. York. Company historians detail the innovations that have kept Remington at the forefront of the industry for nearly two centuries. And tour the factory to see how a Remington is made. From the original weapons made by Eliphet Remington in the early 19th century to today, this is the definitive chronicle of the company that makes the guns which ''shoot where you aim.''

See how the partnership of two visionaries created some of the most storied weapons in history. Their names are engraved on some of the most famous guns ever made. But their influence went beyond their own company to shape the industry as a whole. Horace Smith and Daniel Baird Wesson pushed the limits of firearms technology with innovations that rewrote history. TALES OF THE GUN examines period documents, talks to weapons experts and visits some of the foremost gun collections in the world to tell their complete story. See how they developed the first self-contained cartridge and the .38 special. And see how they played a vital role in the development of one of their competitors' biggest successes—the Winchester repeating rifle. The company forged from their inspired partnership remains at the vanguard of today's handgun industry.

“Guns of Winchester” looks at firearms maker Oliver Winchester, a clothing manufacturer who went on to build rifles used by settlers and Civil War soldiers. Included: prices Winchesters command on the collectors market.

Revisit the era of early guns, which lasted for nearly 800 years - from the discovery of gunpowder around 1000 AD to the widespread use of the flintlock musket in the 19th century.

For nearly 400 years following the inception of firearms in the 14th century, hitting a target with a gun was often a matter of luck - until the technological leap of cutting grooves in the barrel permitted the bullet to spin, thus providing gyroscopic stabilization. This innovation sparked the evolution of the rifle...an evolution that began with the Pennsylvania rifle of the American Revolution.

From its high-class origins to its many uses today, here is the complete history of this ubiquitous weapon. After the handgun, it is perhaps the most familiar of all weapons. Large, powerful and able to cover a wide area with a single pull of the trigger, shotguns have an allure - and a danger - all their own. TALES OF THE GUN sets its sights on this ubiquitous firearm, documenting its origins, tracing its development and showcasing extraordinary examples of the gunsmiths' art. The world's first specialized weapon, it was originally used by the British upper class to shoot birds and small game for sport. It is still a favorite of hunters, but SHOTGUNS shows how its role has expanded dramatically in the centuries since it made its debut. Filled with interviews with gunmakers, collectors and historians, this is the definitive profile of one of the world's most familiar weapons.

Explore the legacy of the man considered the greatest gunmaker in history. Browning guns and rifles were the favorites of figures as diverse as Buffalo Bill, John Wayne, Theodore Roosevelt and Annie Oakley. They have seen action in every conflict of the 20th century. But very little is known of the man whose creations have led him to be regarded as the greatest gunmaker the world has ever known. THE GUNS OF BROWNING explores the life of the legendary weaponsmith and introduces the firearms that made him famous. Filled with interviews with weapons collectors, historians and military experts, it sheds light on a figure whose explosive creations changed the face of warfare and set the standard for all those who followed.

From the very first rapid-fire gun to World War I, trace the development of one of the deadliest weapons on earth. The machine gun is one of the most devastating, efficient killing machines ever developed. Pushed by the need to fire more bullets faster, weapons innovators started developing an automatic firing weapon as far back as the 14th century. But it was not until World War I that the machine gun came into its own. EARLY MACHINE GUNS is a fascinating chronicle of the development of these weapons, introducing innovators like Richard Gatling and Hiram Maxim and examining their inventions in detail. William Atwater, Director of the Army Ordnance Museum, shows off some of his collection's rare guns and details the technological advances that eventually transformed the machine gun from a dangerous curiosity to a devastating killing machine. See rare footage from World War I, when they proved their worth in some of the bloodiest battles in history. In one day alone during that terrible conflict, the machine gun was responsible for cutting down nearly 60,000 men! This is a story of triumph and tragedy; of remarkable technological innovation which put into the hands of one man the power of many.

Tales of Bonnie & Clyde and the Brady Gang highlight this profile of the weapons that blasted their way into American folklore. The rise of the American gangster coincided with the proliferation of new weapons that put far more power into the hands of the bad guys - and the law enforcement officers charged with stopping them - than ever before. GANGSTER GUNS looks at the hardware that blasted its way into history and the folklore that surrounds the gangsters and outlaws of the 1920s and '30s. See how the rise of the gangsters influenced the development of portable ballistics and forced the police to change their tactics and strategies. Discover some of the surprising tidbits from this era, including how the sawed-off shotgun was invented and who was the first to wear a bulletproof vest. And get an up-close look at the tommy guns, Gatling guns and other legendary weapons. GANGSTER GUNS is an explosive look at the weapons and criminals that blasted their way to a unique place in American history.

It was the weapon no one wanted, until it fell into the wrong hands. It blasted its way into history as the favorite of history's most infamous gangsters. The Thompson submachine gun was the most powerful, fastest-shooting weapon of its time. Built for the military and the police, they resisted the new gun, preferring to stay with ones they were familiar with. Soon, though, they learned to regret their decision, for the "Tommy Gun" proved its worth in the hands of men like Al Capone. TOMMY GUN is the definitive video history of this historic weapon. Retired FBI agent John Wallace remembers what it was like to face down criminals armed with this overpowering weapon. Author Tracie Hill, the world's leading expert on the Tommy Gun, reveals why it was snubbed by law enforcement and embraced by criminals. And film clips and real-life footage speak of the mystique and power that surrounded the weapon that helped put the roar into the '20s.

Tracing the role of the machine gun and the submachine gun since World War I. Included: WWII's German MGs and U.S. Brownings; and the more recent M60 and M6 Vulcan. Also: the popularity of lighter weapons amongst freedom fighters, terrorists, organized-crime forces and police units.

Ominously foreshadowing the horrors of World War I, the guns of the Civil War were the first modern weapons. More Americans died in the Civil War than in all other wars combined. The revolutionary weapons they fought with helped make sure that happened. The Civil War saw the introduction of guns that were far more deadly and accurate than those of just a few decades before. It was a gruesome proving ground for the technological advances brought about by the Industrial Revolution, and the innovations of weapons makers like Winchester, whose lever action rifle was one of the most sought after and effective guns used in the War Between the States. Filled with interviews with weapons experts and military historians, GUNS OF THE CIVIL WAR documents the advances and introduces the weapons that helped turn American fields red with blood. See rare photographs of Union and Rebel troops in action, and get an up-close look at the actual weapons that they used.

From the 13 colonies to the mountains of Cuba, these are the weapons that helped rewrite history. They were peasants throwing off the yoke of oppression and intellectuals tired of having their lives run by dictators. Pushed to the limit, they chose to fight. And their struggles would never have succeeded without the aid of the GUNS OF THE REVOLUTION. From the 13 Colonies to the October Revolution to Cuba and beyond, TALES OF THE GUN examines the weapons that helped make history. Go inside world-famous collections to see actual guns used in these battles. See how each fight was affected by the weapons available, and go to the front lines through the personal recollections of those who were there. They took up arms to win freedom and change; they fired the GUNS OF THE REVOLUTION.

World War Two introduced instruments that pierced the darkness and weapons that released the power of the atom. Yet for all the advances in science and technology, the American infantryman on the ground fought the war with guns that, for the most part, were designed decades before. U.S. infantry weapons were not revolutionary in concept or design; but in robustness and dependability, they were, with few exceptions, unequaled. This hour examines the weapons that came through surf and snow, dense jungle and choking dust...guns of the American G.I.

From the six-shooters of the Old West's outlaws to the weapons used by assassins, this is a dramatic look at the guns that changed history. There are guns that have earned a place in history for their innovations--breakthrough weapons that advanced the science of firearms. There are others, however, that secured fame through their use--the guns that have killed presidents, started wars and starred in legendary showdowns in frontier towns. INFAMOUS GUNS is a dramatic look at the guns that fired bullets that changed the course of history. Explore the stories of the weapons used by the gunmen who killed Kennedy, Lincoln, McKinley and Garfield. Discover which guns started wars, killing the Archduke Ferdinand and firing "the shot heard 'round the world." James Nottage, curator of the Autrey Museum of Western Heritage, shows off significant weapons from the Old West, while collectors and scholars talk of the appeal and allure of the individual guns that are most prized by aficionados. It's a fascinating profile of the INFAMOUS GUNS that blasted their way into history.

Germany's stealthy quest to re-arm led to the creation of some of the most infamous names in the history of the gun. In 1918 Germany was stripped of its military might and forbidden to re-arm by the Treaty of Versailles. Yet 15 years later, a new, revitalized German Army under the command of dictator Adolf Hitler marched into combat once again, armed with Lugers, P38s, Mauser Pistoles and Karabiners and other devastating weapons that would write their names in blood over the next 12 years. This fascinating program documents the rebirth of the German weapons industry and profiles the infamous weapons they created for the infantry soldiers. Discover how manufacturers hid their real products from the rest of the world until they were powerful enough that discovery no longer mattered, and see rare archival footage of their disguised factories. Hear from the men who wielded these weapons in combat, and relive the battles where they proved their worth. From armistice to World War II, this is a fascinating portrait of the secret birth of some of the most effective guns ever made.

A history of the luger, invented by Georg Luger and introduced in 1900. Originally called the Parabellum, the weapon gained prominence when adopted for use by the German Army in 1908.

Here is the story of the single most important military shoulder arm in history. The name may not be as familiar as Colt or Remington. But to gun enthusiasts, Mauser is every bit as important as the more famous manufacturers; this German company produced the single most important shoulder arm in military history. The Mauser bolt-action rifle was perfected in 1898. Eventually, 100 million would be made--enough to circle the globe 2 and a half times! GUNS OF MAUSER recounts how Paul and Wilhelm Mauser began developing weapons in the 1860s. By 1871, their revolutionary bolt-action, metallic cartridge rifle was adopted by the Prussian Army. For the next several decades, they refined the design--and built their company into a success. TALES OF THE GUN uses company documents, the testimony of arms experts and extensive footage to tell the Mauser story. See how their rifle was adopted by gun-makers and armies the world over, and learn the story behind the equally famous ""broom handle"" pistol, which Winston Churchill claimed saved his life. Twice forced to abandon gun production, Mauser has survived to the present day in its original home, and is now poised for success in a new millennium

Combat footage highlights this look at the weapons deployed by the Jewish state. It is a small nation in an unforgiving land, surrounded by enemies. It fought three large-scale wars in the years between 1950 and 1980, and countless smaller engagements during and since that time. Not surprisingly, Israeli experts have designed and developed some extremely effective weapons to help in their seemingly never-ending battle to defend their homeland. TALES OF THE GUN puts these firearms in the crosshairs, telling the stories behind such well-known weapons as the Uzi submachine gun, which set the standard for some 50 years. Battlefield footage shows the Galil assault rifle in action. Designed to perform in the harsh desert environment, it has repeatedly proven its worth. And we'll see a prime example of the latest generation of Israeli weaponry, the Tavor 21, a lightweight, 21st century assault rifle. No nation has had to fight as frequently, and as a result, the GUNS OF ISRAEL are combat proven many times over.

The curator of the St. Petersburg Artillery Museum leads a private tour through its extensive collection. Forged in the shadow of modern Europe, Russian small arms were once dismissed as crude copies. But though they lack the finish and refinement of their western counterparts, the weapons designed and produced in the former Soviet Union have proved their worth in numerous battles throughout the world. TALES OF THE GUN visits the factories where these weapons were forged in the heat of the Cold War, chronicling their design, development and deployment. In world-famous collections, including the Artillery Museum in St. Petersburg, where curator Alexander Kulinski leads us on an exclusive tour, we'll see the most important examples of Russian and Soviet weaponry. From one-of-a-kind guns produced during the reign of Peter the Great to the robust, simple sidearms that have become some of the most influential weapons in history, this is the definitive look at the GUNS OF THE RUSSIAN MILITARY.

A look at Japan's error of using the same weapons against the Allies in WWII years after using them to fight the colonies. Their outdated equipment led to their defeat.

Get up close with some of the largest guns ever made--the massive weapons that give meaning to the concept of "sea power." They are among the largest weapons ever made. They can fire projectiles weighing thousands of pounds beyond the horizon with deadly accuracy. In many ways, they are the ultimate evolution of the firearm. NAVAL GUNS takes to the high seas with the massive ships and powerful weapons that give meaning to the term "sea power." From the days of ships-of-the-line and broadsides to the computer-controlled weaponry of modern battleships, this is a fascinating tour through the history of these sea-borne guns. We'll relive some of the epic battles in history and get an up-close view of the weapons that won--and lost--them. Military scholars trace the developments that transformed naval guns over the ages, and visits to modern warships provide a remarkable, up-close view of how they work. From sail to steam to steel, warships of the world came to exist for one purpose--to face the enemy with guns at sea.

The M-16 is the most powerful assault rifle ever used in combat. But its significance goes beyond its unrivalled force. And its overwhelming efficiency as a killing machine has put it firmly in the spotlight of the ongoing debate over gun control. Gerald McRaney hosts this fascinating look at the weapon that has become the backbone of countless infantry forces worldwide. Learn of its unique origins as the only military rifle in the 200-year history of the Armory System designed by an outsider. In a rare, archival interview, the inventor, Eugene Stoner, talks about the hurdles he had to overcome to get the Army to try out his gun and the engineering difficulties he solved with its revolutionary design. Then, trace its bizarre evolution a complex and controversial saga of out-dated battle strategies, political infighting and well-meaning but disastrous improvements. From the drawing board to the world's battlefields, this is the explosive history of the deadliest gun ever made.

The development of the deadly Avtomat Kalashnikova, 1947, known as the AK-47, is discussed by its inventor, Mikhail Kalashnikov, who talks about working within the secretive world of the Soviet military at the height of the Cold War.

It seems ironic, but could advances in gun technology make the world a safer place? It is a multi-billion dollar business that is increasingly under siege. Their products are designed to kill, and there can be little doubting their effectiveness. But is it possible that advances in gun technology will make the world a safer place? SUPER GUNS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW goes into the labs of top weapons manufacturers to see how new technologies are transforming the industry. From trigger locks to chips that disable the weapon unless its registered owner handles it, gun companies are taking their responsibility to protect the public seriously. But there are those who say that this newfound concern with safety is just the newest face put on by an industry determined to protect its profit. Here, experts, critics and insiders present all the sides of the debate, and we'll get an up-close look at the latest developments in weapons technology.

Visit Nellis Air Force base to witness the historic "Red Flag" flights in this fascinating look at airborne weaponry. Visit Nellis Air Force base to witness the historic "Red Flag" flights in this fascinating look at airborne weaponry.

Trace the development of the controversial weapons at the heart of today's debate over gun control. One hundred years ago, they didn't exist. Today, they are fixtures in war, the fight against crime and the weapons of choice for terrorists and criminals. The automatic pistol combines extraordinary firepower and reliability in a weapon that can be easily concealed. AUTOMATIC PISTOLS tells the story of the weapons that are at the heart of the charged debate over gun control in America today. See some of the finest gun collections in the world, with examples of everything from the very first, awkward model "the Borchardt" to the sleek modern weapons made by Berreta and Glock. Trace their development over the years and learn the stories of the innovators who transformed the "six-shooter" into the familiar weapons of today. And get a look at the new "smart guns" that can only be fired when held by their owners.

A fierce presence on every battlefield since the first buckskin-clad patriot fought in the American Revolution, today sharpshooters are an indispensable part of law enforcement in the form of SWAT marksmen. Whether in target competition or on the battlefield, their precision firearms enable sharpshooters to hit targets a half a mile away!

From tense standoffs to a tour of museums where old armaments are preserved, this is a fascinating look at the weapons used by the police. They are the weapons used to preserve the law. For over 150 years, the latest and best guns have been tested by the nation's police, and some have become essential tools in the ongoing fight against crime. TALES OF THE GUN visits with the boys in blue to see what guns they are using, why they have been selected and how they perform in real-life situations. We'll go on the road with Massachusetts State Police Troopers and hear about the times where they have had to rely on their weapons. We'll visit the New York Police Department Museum, where weapons from nearly two centuries ago share space with the latest creations of the world's great gunsmiths, and we'll see how different guns and new features have been favored by the law over the years. And we'll meet with the men who train the police in how to use "deadly force" in the safest and most effective manner possible. From six-shooters to laser sights, this is a comprehensive look at POLICE GUNS.

From Annie Oakley to today, this is a surprising look at the history of firearms and the fairer sex. Guns are a guy thing. At least that's the popular notion. But throughout history there have been countless exceptions to this unwritten rule. Some have been entertainers, some criminals and others soldiers, but WOMEN AND GUNS do go together. There's even evidence to suggest that women are better shots than men. From Annie Oakley to today, TALES OF THE GUN takes a look at the legendary women who have blasted their names in history. Some were frontier figures who had to take up arms to survive. Some bucked tradition and even risked imprisonment, disguising themselves as men to protect their nation. And others have earned notoriety as outlaws. With fascinating interviews, rare photos and period artifacts and accounts, WOMEN AND GUNS tells their stories.

The types of firearms used to assasinate Presidents Kennedy, Lincoln and McKinley. Also: speculation on what kind of firearm was used to fire the “shot heard 'round the world” during the American Revolution.

Here are the stories of the weapons and men behind some of the most notorious crimes of the century. They are the weapons that have changed history. They are the guns wielded by men like Lee Harvey Oswald and Charles Whitman. They fired the bullets that killed John Lennon, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. They are the GUNS OF INFAMY. From the demons that drove the triggermen to commit their desperate acts to the often-humble origins of the weapons that they used, this program tells the stories of the guns and men behind some of the most notorious crimes of the century. Historians, weapons experts and collectors all share their insights, while archival footage brings the incidents to life once more.

“Million Dollar Guns” examines firearms with a historic legacy and the stories that make these weapons so valuable. Included: Catherine the Great's pistols; Hitler's gold pocket pistol.