Death In Their Hands

This is the story of the pistol, from the very first rudimentary weapons - as likely to kill firer as target - to the sophisticated fashion accessories of the present day. It includes sections on the Browning, the Baretta, the Mauser, the Luger, the Colt and the Smith and Wesson.

Of all hand weapons, it is the rifle that has seen the greatest technological advances, as this episode demonstrates. From the times when rifles were little more than cannons on sticks to the era of the ultra-high powered snipers rifles. The programme also looks at the Brown Bess, the Martini Henri, The Lee Enfield, the Springfield and the Carbine.

The story of some of the most feared and deadly weapons on the battlefield from the very early primitive German mass fire machines to the modern MG3. This episode explores the stories behind such legends as the Sten Gun and the Owen.

This episode looks at the advent of the defensive machine gun and particular at the remarkable Vickers story - the Lewis Vickers is still one of the most famous guns in military history. Also included are the Bren Gun, the MG 40 and the MG 42.

Anti-tank weapons, rocket launchers, grenades, bazookas, mortars, flame throwers and rifle grenades - all of these have won a place on the battlefield as close support weapons during an infantry assault. This episode traces the development and deployment of those weapons.

While there is war the development of personal weaponry continues apace, with the emphasis now on personal armour protection. 21st Century weapons must be multi-purpose and this episode poses some fascinating questions: what role does the modern soldier play? How much should he be expected to do? Is the man inside the armour now as important and valuable as his weapon?