@thendrix That might look very crude at first glance but it's electronic ignition which has been implemented on only one weapon I know of. That weapon was a Remington bolt action meant for marksmen. It was a commercial failure. I guess they used a low power load because that black iron isn't very strong. It's even worse when it started life as a sheet of iron and has a weld running the entire length of the pipe.
There are several designs of improvised weapons that are fully functional, some full auto and can be made from common materials. Better armed police or soldiers have been the intended targets of such weapons.
There's not going to be a future that includes not having private firearms. Think of those in power. The USA didn't know the true damage of nuclear weapons when Japan got nuked twice. No apologies. More powerful weapons were developed and none have been used. We know the dangers but won't get rid of the biggest threat to humanity.
He crafted some pistols and explosives from reports. As to why he chose this weapon who knows. Ironically as we know from history sometimes you can miss with a bomb and then change the world with a gun. That's how we got into WWI with a few shots of .380 ACP.
@thendrix A chemical primer isn't too difficult to make. A chlorate should do well. The issues I've heard of have to do with the case. The construction must be of very good quality or it risks ignition and fragmentation. The timing is also going to be affected if the material isn't the same.
It's possibly the future but it has too many problems. Brass is still being used because it seals the chamber when firing and takes a fair amount of heat from the weapon because it is conductive.
Even the XM5 uses a mostly brass case when they could have used all steel. Weapons tech is really weird.
