Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World-Chapter 85: The Arms Manufacturing Companies Position

The executives of the popular gun manufacturing company, Smith and Wesson sat in stunned silence as they read the latest news reports, their faces contorted with worry and disbelief. The long-standing dominance that they had held in the arms manufacturing industry was now under threat, and they were struggling to come to terms with the implications of this new development.

As the silence stretched on, the CEO, Horace Smith, cleared his throat and addressed the group. "Gentlemen, we are facing a formidable adversary," he said, his voice heavy with concern. "This new rifle that Axelsen & Nielsen has developed is being hailed as the future of our industry, and if we don't act quickly, we will be left behind."

The other executives nodded grimly, their faces etched with worry. They knew that the industry was rapidly changing and that they would need to adapt quickly if they were going to stay competitive.

"That's true, one of the officers who attended the demonstration was astonished at the capability of their rifles. The rifle that you don't have to cycle can fire instantaneously until all bullets are spent," one of the executives of the company, Daniel Wesson, said and continued. "They secured a ten-million-dollar contract from the United States Military and if they were satisfied, they would order more, which, I assume be the case."

"So, what should we do? Should we focus on this new type of weapon? The semi-automatic," one of the executives asked.

"We don't know the technical details of it but I already have men in the patent office securing a copy of it. But don't expect some significant results out of that, we are simply looking at how it was assembled. I'm sure the inventors have omitted crucial details about the gun," Daniel said.

"That is right, as soon as we discovered the concept behind the rifle, we can start working on our prototype," Horace Smith. "Everyone, the battlefield has just changed, from revolvers to the semi-automatic rifle. The threat to our enterprise is no longer the Colt Manufacturing Company, but the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company."

The executives knew that the challenge ahead of them was a significant one. They would need to invest heavily in new technology, research and development, and marketing efforts if they were going to keep up with Axelsen & Nielsen's innovative products. They knew that they couldn't afford to fall behind and that they would need to take bold steps to stay competitive in the rapidly changing industry.

As the meeting came to a close, the executives exchanged nods and handshakes, their expressions resolute and determined.

Meanwhile, in another famous arms manufacturing company in Paterson, New Jersey.

The atmosphere in the boardroom was heavy with tension and worry as the Colt Manufacturing Company executives pored over the report about the AN-M1 rifle. They had long been proud of their position as a leader in the firearms industry, and now they were facing the very real possibility of losing it all.

"We have to do something," said one of the executive. "We can't let Axelsen & Nielsen beat us at our own game."

"But how do we catch up to them?" another executive asked, his expression troubled. "Their new rifle is leagues ahead of anything we have right now."

"We have to invest in research and development," said Samuel, his voice steady and determined. "We need to explore new technologies and manufacturing processes that can give us an edge over the competition."

The other executives nodded in agreement, their expressions more determined now. They knew that they had to act quickly and decisively if they were going to catch up with Axelsen & Nielsen's groundbreaking rifle.

"We also need to make sure that we're marketing our products effectively," said the head of sales. "We need to make sure that our customers know that we're still a top contender in the industry and that we're constantly working to improve our products."

Samuel continued to address the group of executives. "But we can't just stop at research and development and marketing. We also need to focus on our production efficiency and cut down on costs wherever we can. We can't afford to be losing market share to Axelsen & Nielsen while also wasting resources on inefficient manufacturing processes."

The room fell silent as everyone contemplated Samuel's words. They knew that they couldn't just rely on their past successes to carry them forward. They needed to adapt and change if they were going to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving industry.

"I agree," said one of the executives, breaking the silence. "We need to streamline our manufacturing processes and find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. We also need to explore new partnerships and alliances to help us stay ahead of the curve."

The other executives nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute and determined. They knew that they had a tough road ahead, but they were ready to do whatever it takes to catch up with Axelsen & Nielsen's AN-M1 rifle.

The meeting continued for several hours as the executives debated and strategized, their minds racing with the urgency of the situation.

In the weeks and months that followed, the Colt Manufacturing Company and Smith & Wesson launched an all-out effort to catch up with the AN-M1 rifle. They poured resources into new research and development projects, exploring cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing processes in an effort to stay ahead of the competition.

But despite their best efforts, they simply could not match the AN-M1's advanced technology. The rifle's unprecedented performance and accuracy had captured the attention of customers and enthusiasts alike, leaving the once-proud Colt Manufacturing Company and Smith & Wesson struggling to keep up. CEOs of respective companies watched helplessly as their market share dwindled, and their position as a leader in the industry was threatened.

***

It was a hot summer day, the kind of day that makes the air thick and hard to breathe. August 20, 883, three thousands of AN-M1 rifles being delivered to the armory of the United States Military.

The top executives of both companies, rivals in business and in life, gathered together in the backyard of Smith's residence to inspect the weapons. They checked the sleek gun from top to bottom, examining its features and capabilities.

"This is the rifle that is threatening our livelihood and business," Samuel said, a hint of frustration in his voice. "In the demonstration, it can fire eight rounds. But the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company improved that, making it ten rounds."

"The cartridge is also big compared to our existing ones," Wesson said, holding one of the 30.06 cartridges that are used on AN-M1.

"I haven't heard of a concept of using gas to repeat a cycle," Smith said, his brow furrowed in concentration. "But I've already grasped the mechanism. You see, gentlemen, as the bullet is fired, a small amount of high-pressure gas is tapped from the barrel and redirected into a small cylinder below the barrel. This pushes a piston back against a spring. This movement of the piston unlocks the bolt, allowing it to move back and eject the spent cartridge case. The movement of the bolt also compresses a spring that is located in the stock of the rifle, which then forces the bolt forward, picking up a new round from the top of the clip and chambering it in the barrel."

"But I wonder what steel they used to handle the thermal stresses made by the expanding gas. I'm sure it'll warp over time but I'm not seeing signs showing that, despite us firing hundreds," Wesson said, with a thoughtful expression.

"We know what we always do, we find ways," Smith said, with a hint of determination in his voice.

"Kind of ironic to see two competitors working together," Colt said, with a smirk on his face.

"The current state of our business is precarious, Mr. Colt," Smith spoke with a solemn tone. "We must collaborate and act in concert if we hope to withstand the competitive pressure of Axelsen & Nielsen. Since their entry to the market, we have experienced a gradual loss of market share, and our revolver and cartridge offerings have lost favor with the public."

"Agreed," replied Smith. "We're both facing a formidable opponent and it's clear that we need to take action to stay competitive in this rapidly changing market. Let's stay in touch and explore opportunities to work together to improve our products and processes."

Colt nodded in agreement.