Comments by "" (@neutronalchemist3241) on "Italy Modernizes: the Carcano Needlefire Rifle Conversion" video.

  1. The rubber sealing on the Chassepot used more material than the thin disk on the Carcano, and required to be changed every few shots anyway (that costed time in action).
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  2. It rested on the base of the barrel when the bolt was opened, so directly ahead of the new bullet, and was expelled with the next shot.
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  3. It remained at the base of the barrel, and was pushed forward when the new cartridge was inserted, so sitting ahead of the new bullet, to be ejected when it was fired.
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  4. The Vetterli was quite advanced when Italy adopted it in 1870. The subsequent conversions were not "we want something new", but "we want this rifle to be still serviceable for rear echelons troops".
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  5. Usually the soldiers were issued with spare needles.
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