

Episode 1104: The Weaponry of the Spanish Civil War w/ Karl Dahl
Sep 8, 2024
Karl Dahl, an author with specialization in the Spanish Civil War, dives deep into the fascinating world of weaponry used during this tumultuous time. He discusses the innovative small arms created by Basque manufacturers and the vital support from foreign suppliers like the Soviet Union. Dahl highlights the intricate dynamics of firearm accessibility influenced by political regulations and the unique features of iconic weapons, like the Astra 400 pistol. The conversation weaves personal narratives with historical insights, offering a captivating look at arms and their role in shaping the conflict.
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Dahl's Gun Interest
- Pete Quiñones asks Karl Dahl about his interest in Spanish Civil War weaponry.
- Dahl explains his prior gun interest and Spanish firearms affordability in the 90s.
Spanish Arms Industry
- The Spanish arms industry, based in the Basque Country, thrived on exports.
- They copied popular weapon designs, offering them at lower prices than competitors.
Ruby Pistols
- France contracted Gabilondo y Uresti to produce Ruby pistols during WWI.
- Subcontracting led to quality and reliability inconsistencies, impacting the pistols' reputation.