Dallas Reed

Uncovering a Belgian Prototype Rifle through Primary Source Translation

2025 Armax Publication Grant recipient

Supported Article

Mr. Reed’s research initiative aims to translate, analyse, and contextualise a newly digitised Belgian Ministry of War dossier that details a prototype breech-loading rifle. The project’s goal is to produce a comprehensive English-language research article and an archival reference from this unique primary source. This work will make a critical historical document accessible to an English-speaking audience for the first time, offering new and valuable insights into the Belgian rifle trials of the 1870s.

Biography

Dallas Reed is a Medical Services Officer in the United States Army. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of New Mexico. Mr. Reed’s primary research interests are in early breech-loading, metallic cartridge rifle technology and the historical conditions that set the stage for their adoption. He is currently working on a research project covering the Belgian breech-loading rifle trials of the 1870s.

Outputs

The fellowship is expected to support an article in Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms as well as access to a translated primary source document. 

Period: 19th century

Geographical Region: Europe

Arms Class: Small Arms (Firearms)

Mr Reed’s research has been proudly supported by