Gun Stories Presented by MidwayUSA Season 7 Episode 20 Inside The FBI Gun Vault

Inside The FBI Gun Vault is the 20th episode of the 7th season of Gun Stories Presented by MidwayUSA. In this episode, viewers are given an inside look at the firearms collection of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the history behind some of the agency's most significant firearms.

The episode begins with host Joe Mantegna visiting the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia. CJIS manages the FBI's vast collection of firearms, which includes more than 17,000 firearms and accessories. Mantegna gets an exclusive tour of the FBI's firearms vault, which is not open to the public.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from a variety of experts and FBI agents who share their knowledge of the firearms in the FBI's collection. The team at CJIS discusses how they catalog and maintain the collection, including the use of technology such as 3D printing to recreate parts for rare firearms that are no longer manufactured.

The episode also highlights some of the most significant firearms in the FBI's collection. Viewers learn about the Winchester Model 1897 shotgun used by FBI special agents during the 1930s, including during the famous "Kansas City Massacre" of 1933. The Model 1897 was favored by the FBI for its reliability, durability, and effectiveness, and it became a symbol of the agency's fight against organized crime during the Prohibition era.

Another significant firearm in the FBI's collection is the Colt Model 1911 pistol used by FBI special agent and legendary marksman Jack Dempsey. Dempsey joined the FBI in 1934 and became one of the most skilled firearms trainers in the agency's history. His Colt Model 1911 was customized specifically for his use, and he used it to train thousands of FBI special agents over the course of his career.

The episode also highlights the innovations that the FBI has made in firearms technology, including the development of the Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver, which became the standard issue firearm for FBI agents in 1940. The Model 10 was lightweight, reliable, and accurate, making it ideal for law enforcement use.

Viewers also learn about the FBI's efforts to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of firearms technology. This includes the creation of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), which studies criminal behavior and helps the FBI anticipate new threats and trends in firearms use.

Overall, Inside The FBI Gun Vault provides a fascinating look at the history of firearms in law enforcement and the role that the FBI has played in shaping that history. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in firearms history, law enforcement, or the FBI's role in American history.