Royal Armouries

This video provides an in-depth look at the T148E1, a three-shot grenade launcher developed by Springfield Armory in the 1950s. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details its design, mechanism, and historical context, highlighting its contemporary development alongside the M79 and explaining why it ultimately did not see widespread adoption. The T148E1 featured a unique 'negator spring' system for automatic advancement of the firing chamber and utilized the 40x46mm high-low pressure round.

This video discusses ideal loadouts in Battlefield 6, focusing on powerful, slower-firing weapons for accurate engagements. The speaker highlights the effectiveness of the 'vanilla' HK G3 battle rifle and the PG7 rocket against army vehicles, noting its surprising damage output compared to guided munitions like the Javelin. The FN Five-seveN Gen 2 pistol is also favored for its low recoil and dispersion, making it effective for engineers, especially when paired with a low-magnification optic.

This video provides a detailed look at the Steyr Pieper Model 1909 pocket pistol, specifically a second series model manufactured in 1924. It highlights the pistol's 6.35mm caliber and its intended uses for self-defense and target shooting. A unique feature discussed is the single-loading mechanism, which allows a round to be chambered directly into the barrel via a tipping action, bypassing the magazine. The video also notes unusual Belgian proof markings on an Austrian-made firearm, suggesting a possible post-manufacture modification or resale by 'Nicolas,' whose name appears on the grips. A comparison is made to a larger caliber 7.65mm version, illustrating standard Steyr markings and grip design.

This video provides an expert-level examination of an Iranian-produced copy of the Rheinmetall MG3 machine gun, tracing its lineage from the iconic MG42. Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the naming conventions, production history in Iran, and specific technical features that distinguish it as an MG3 variant. The analysis highlights key differences from the original MG42 and earlier MG1 variants, including internal components and external features, offering insights into its manufacturing and adoption by the Iranian military.

This video details the M-1955 body armor, also known as the 'flak jacket,' a significant piece of military equipment used from the Vietnam War onwards. It highlights its development from earlier models, specific features like the two large front pockets, raised collar, and rifle butt stock rib. The armor's construction from Doron fiberglass composite is explained, emphasizing its protection against fragmentation and shrapnel rather than direct bullet impact. The unique M-1910 suspension system for load-bearing is also discussed.

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson debunks the popular myth that the idiom 'the whole nine yards' originates from the length of machine gun belts, particularly those used in aircraft. He presents evidence suggesting the phrase predates aviation machine guns and likely stems from a humorous anecdote in an 1855 Indiana newspaper about a shirt made with 'the whole nine yards' of material. While acknowledging the intuitive appeal of the firearms connection, Ferguson's research indicates no historical basis for it.

This video details a highly unusual Enfield revolver modification featuring a significantly extended 25-inch barrel. The expert explains the process of chopping the original barrel and threading in a custom-made smoothbore barrel, noting the machining and finishing details. The discussion also touches on UK firearms law regarding barrel length and bore type, and the proofing marks indicating the modification was officially inspected.

This video is a short film about medieval jousting, focusing on the celebration of the sport and the community it fosters. It highlights the historical inspiration and the passion passed down through generations. The film emphasizes the camaraderie and shared love among participants from various countries, celebrating the legacy of medieval life and warrior traditions.

This video details the identification and historical context of the Browning .50 caliber aircraft gun, focusing on its use in British bombers. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains how to distinguish between different turret installations like the Bolton Paul Type D and Fraser Nash FN82 by examining features such as flash eliminators and solenoid mechanisms. The discussion highlights the gun's role as a compromise between rate of fire and destructive power, and its evolution in various aircraft.

This lecture delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between firearm designers Paul Mauser and Georg Luger, and the industrialist Isidor Loewe. It explores their collaborations, patent disputes, and the impact these had on iconic firearms like the Mauser C96 and the Luger pistol. The presentation highlights the historical context of patent law and business practices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, revealing how personal rivalries and corporate strategies shaped the development of early semi-automatic pistols.

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries demonstrates the correct magazine reload technique for the L85A3 rifle. He highlights the importance of using the thumb to depress the magazine catch through the dedicated cutaway, a method made necessary by the protective steel shroud added to prevent accidental magazine release. This contrasts with unrealistic in-game animations that fail to account for the shroud's design.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Soviet GSh-23 twin-barreled aircraft cannon, detailing its design philosophy, technical specifications, and internal mechanisms. Curatorial Assistant Joe Ford explains the gun's gas-operated system, its unique dual-barrel firing sequence, and the intricate linkage that achieves its high rate of fire. The presentation includes a partial disassembly, highlighting key components like the bolts, hammer, trigger mechanism, and the innovative belt feed system, offering valuable insights for enthusiasts and gunsmiths interested in historical aviation weaponry.