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Everyone's a nerd about something. What are you a nerd about?

I know it's an unpopular opinion given current circumstances, but I've always been a huge nerd about Russia. The history, the geography, the music, etc. And as an American, I've always found it fascinating how U.S.-Russian relations have fluctuated over time. We've gone from allies, to enemies, to frenemies. This doesn't mean I support Z or Putin, of course. What are you a nerd about?

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188 comments
  • Firearms history and engineering. Interestingly the American companies Remington and New England Westing House made Russian contract Mosin Nagants rifles for military service with the tsarist Russian army.

    Which is facially kind of odd when Russia and America have been at each other's throats for most of living memory.

    • Ooh I didn't know that about Mosin-Nagants. I guess business sees no boundaries or something.

      The histories of old military firearms is pretty fascinating to me.

      Like the Finn-captured Nagants that were (in some cases) refurbed and used to fight the Russians... (I think I have that right; let me know).

      Sort of wild that in the late 1800s Mauser was so successful in military rifles with dozens of countries fielding some type of Mauser model. Meanwhile Russia is like, nyet! -- and built their own completely different design (for better or worse).

      I find the different designs fascinating, also.

      • Without looking it up I believe you're right. I think it was something like Finland didn't make any Mosin receivers but instead only issued captured then upgraded ones.

        Also I want to say some American soldiers got issued Mosins to fight in Russia during the revolution against the Reds.

        Video on American Mosins

        https://youtu.be/L-OfevJb03M?si=

        • Interesting about us issued mosins. Those weird contract gun hybrid mix up things like the Webleys in .45 ACP are fun to read about. Anyway thanks for all the great posts on the forgotten weapons community.

          • Anyway thanks for all the great posts on the forgotten weapons community.

            I'm just being the change I want to see. And I'm always glad to hear people enjoy what I share or to see people share their own knowledge.

            Also if you haven't already looked into it the T48 might be up your alley.

188 comments