Chapter 264: The Backlund Typewriter
Inside the production workshop of Loggert Firearms Factory, Lorne was tinkering with a pile of scattered gun parts.
"The design of your gun is indeed very interesting. But it's not suitable for the army.
"What the army needs are weapons with high reliability, simple maintenance, and a wider range of applications—"
After a 'heated' private discussion with Hazel, the two eventually bit the bullet and returned to the study, jointly clarifying their relationship to Councilor Macht, repeatedly emphasizing that they were merely 'pure' friends.
Actually, Lorne now somewhat regretted this matter. He regretted not having directly discussed the situation with Hazel in front of Councilor Macht. That way, it might have shown his openness and clear conscience. Choosing to communicate privately with Hazel, on the contrary, made it seem like he was trying to cover something up.
As Lorne expected, Councilor Macht did not fully believe their explanation. In his eyes, Hazel's behavior was defined as 'shyness,' and Lorne was labeled as 'lacking responsibility.' However, fortunately, he somewhat understood that the relationship between the two was probably not as intimate as he had imagined.
As for the sales channels, Councilor Macht ultimately agreed to help make connections, out of consideration for his daughter, Hazel.
But he did not have a high opinion of the lever-action shotgun Lorne presented. In summary, it was too cost-ineffective.
In fairness, Councilor Macht's words were not intended to disparage. Shotguns, as weapons, do not have many use cases in a regular army. They are more often used for trench clearing or specific defensive tasks, making it difficult for them to be primary equipment.
Furthermore, the lever-action shotgun designed by Lorne had many parts and a relatively complex structure, leading to low reliability in harsh battlefield environments.
"However, the colonies might be interested in these weapons. I can help you ask my old comrades-in-arms—"
The final result was that the probability of the Kingdom's domestic army purchasing this gun was low. Colonial guards might have some hope, but the quantity would not be very large.
Lorne could still accept this outcome. After all, it was his own oversight for not understanding the army's actual needs beforehand. Being able to sell some was already good. Getting familiar with the military could also pave the way for the future.
However, Councilor Macht's words did remind Lorne. He began to ponder whether to design some weapons more suitable for military equipment.
After leaving Councilor Macht's residence, Lorne immediately immersed himself in the firearms factory's production workshop, beginning to reflect and conceive new directions.
The Thompson submachine gun.
This was the first weapon that came to Lorne's mind. Before transmigrating, he had watched many videos introducing this classic weapon. Replicating its basic structure through the ability of the Robot should not be difficult.
"Before transmigrating, the nickname 'Chicago Typewriter' was world-famous. If I build it, can I call it the 'Backlund Typewriter'?" This slightly teasing thought made the corners of his mouth twitch slightly.
Besides the Thompson, Lorne also had ideas for another weapon.
The Sten submachine gun.
Although this gun did not have a good reputation in his previous life, and was even jokingly called the 'pipe gun,' it was said that it once misfired and accidentally killed an entire ship of friendly forces.
However, its biggest advantage was its low cost! It was extremely suitable for mass production!
For the army, 'cheap' and 'usable' are sometimes the best reasons.
The military level of this era was roughly still around World War I. If the army could be massively equipped with submachine guns, it would very likely trigger a subversive military revolution.
The Thompson submachine gun was expensive, making it difficult for the army to equip it on a large scale. But the Sten submachine gun was cheap! It could perfectly form a high-low combination with the Thompson.
As long as those in charge of military procurement were not stubborn and conservative old-fashioned types, the military would surely realize the powerful suppressive firepower value that submachine guns could demonstrate on the battlefield.
"Sigh, I still have to hand-make them first. I'm almost becoming a professional craftsman—" Lorne sighed, deciding to use his old method: first, hand-make two prototype guns, and then, based on the physical objects, draw detailed production blueprints.
"The Backlund Typewriter—" Thinking of this name that might become famous in Loen in the future, Lorne chuckled softly. But then, his brows furrowed slightly.
The nickname 'Chicago Typewriter' was not just a joke. Behind it lay the blood of countless gangsters and innocent people.
If I bring it into this world, will it— Lorne's eyes flashed with a hint of imperceptible hesitation.
"Hmph, what am I, an arms dealer, thinking about—"
"Weapons themselves are innocent; the guilty ones are those who use them."
Lorne sighed, no longer thinking about these idle thoughts. He picked up the file again and continued his monotonous 'iron-grinding' career.
Lorne stayed at the factory until evening.
To be honest, for a pure tech geek or craftsman, a place like a firearms factory, with all its tools, could in some ways be considered a kind of alternative paradise.
But unfortunately, Lorne was not that kind of person purely devoted to technology. Although his efficiency was very high due to being a Beyonder, and he had managed to roughly create the rough shape of a prototype gun in one afternoon, several hours of continuous 'iron-grinding' still left him feeling physically and mentally exhausted.
He went to the roadside, wanting to hail a horse-drawn carriage taxi to go directly back to Rose Street.
Just as he was planning to hurry home and lie directly on his bed, he inadvertently noticed the unusually crimson and full moonlight that night.
Today was—a full moon!
"Fors, could something have happened to her—" This thought suddenly appeared in Lorne's mind.
"It shouldn't—be, right?" He tried to comfort himself that Fors's 'Full Moon Eating Words' wasn't always severe enough to be life-threatening.
But a bad premonition, like a tide, surged into his heart.
"Last time's Eating Words also affected me."
"Moreover, she already owes me enough, there's no need for me to take risks for her again. And the identity of Scott should be more domineering; I can't always accommodate her like before."
Despite saying this, Lorne's steps unconsciously stopped. The cool night breeze ruffled his slightly messy hair from work.
"Sigh, never mind, I'll still go to her house to check and confirm—"
"After all—we are acquaintances. She even sent me money back then—"
Lorne sighed deeply in his heart, his gaze becoming serious again.
"Woman, throwing a tantrum at Scott will come at a price!"
"Before you repay all the favors you owe me, don't you dare die!"