Again very interesting explanations from Ariel and Jim. Thank you!

I will follow with great interest the newly opened debate! :)

I just read through Ariel's very thorough explanation.......superb!!!
That is pretty much 'textbook'!
Now, we leave this thread to original topic, and the shashkas to that thread.

Jim, Ariel read a lot of books. But after writing the books passes time. But science does not stand still. All the time there are new data. Or are old data that previously did not notice

I'd really love to know what new data have appeared to disprove my analysis.

And what old data did I miss.

One lives, one learns:-)

Do not worry. Soon you'll know :)

Actually in the many years I have studied arms, I too have been through many books on virtually every field at one time or another. I have well known the earliest and often used references as well as the ongoing references which have been published in my own times as well as many of the authors who wrote them.
Quite true, the understanding of material in virtually every field does not 'stand still', but constantly expands as more research continues. That is what we are all doing here, and together.

The purpose of discussion is to share and compare information, with the very point being that making that material collectively known in one dynamic and comprehensive group, we can properly evaluate the entire corpus of data.

Personally I consider our threads and the interaction between participants to be 'discussions'.....NOT debates, which are typically heated exchanges whose purpose is to disqualify one side or the other. That kind of polarized exchange is completely useless in our combined efforts here especially when personal attacks ensue.
In discussion, if one disagrees or has more pertinent or updated information, then it is presented for all to better formulate and change or reinforce positions held.
Personal barbs do nothing but mute understanding and rational evaluation by amplifying emotion and rancor.

Having noted these views, I would like to thank everyone here who indeed do adhere to topics, courtesy and constructive DISCUSSION.
I learn every day from the valuable material and observations you guys place faithfully in these pages. :)

Mahartt, I may be thrown of this forum, for what I will be saying - but I think you are more than arogant, and I do think you ought to give Jim and Ariel an exchuse.
Maybe in the future you should write on the Russian forums.