Videos tagged with Collector Grade Publications

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson unboxing and discussing a rare Aluminium Model 1928 Thompson 'Tommy Gun'. The discussion delves into the historical context, material considerations (specifically duralumin and its comparison to traditional receivers), and ownership history of this unique firearm. The video also includes a special announcement for viewers at the end, with a link to participate.

This comprehensive book review highlights the second edition of Wayne Johnson's 'The FN-49: The Last Elegant Old-World Military Rifle'. The expanded 450+ page volume, published by Wet Dog Publications, is now considered the definitive resource for collectors. It delves into the rifle's history, design by Dieudonné Saive, and covers various national contracts, technical details, and collector-specific notes like identifying Century Arms rebuilds. The book is highly recommended for its depth and quality.

This expanded edition of 'Sturmgewehr! From Firepower to Striking Power' by Hans-Dieter Handrich offers a deep dive into the development of the German assault rifle, starting from WWI limitations of the Gewehr 98. It meticulously details the evolution through intermediate cartridges and experimental designs, culminating in the MP43/44 and StG44, including Hitler's initial rejections and eventual adoption. The book is lauded as a comprehensive resource with original documentation, production statistics, and troop trial reports, also touching on the StG44's influence on the AK-47.

This review of Steve Raw's 'The Last Enfield: SA80 The Reluctant Rifle' by Ian McCollum highlights the book as the definitive resource on the SA80 program's complex and often troubled development. It details the L85A1's issues and the H&K-led L85A2 improvements, tracing the lineage back to post-WWII bullpup designs and the critical 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge selection. The book is recommended for those interested in the intricacies of firearm development.

This video features an interview with Ralf Dieckmann, a German-born firearms designer. Dieckmann's passion for firearms began in post-WWII Berlin, amidst the war detritus. He later emigrated to Canada, served in the military, and designed his P66 pistol. This design led to work with notable American firearms companies, including Mossberg, Thompson Center, and Ruger. The interview offers insights into his design journey and experiences, which are presented as valuable lessons for contemporary designers and appealing to firearms enthusiasts.

This expert-level review of 'The Schmeisser Myth' by Martin Helebrant, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, delves into the complex history of German submachine guns. The book meticulously debunks the myth that Hugo Schmeisser designed the MP40, attributing its development to ERMA technicians and German trials officers, while clarifying Schmeisser's actual design of the MP41. It covers early WWI submachine guns, the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on German arms development, and provides extensive technical details on MP38/MP40 variants, magazines, and accessories, making it an invaluable resource for firearms collectors and historians.