Videos tagged with Post-war firearms

This review details the French-produced P38 pistol, manufactured by Mauser under French occupation from 1945-1946. It highlights the unique 'SVW 45' and 'SVW 46' markings, the distinctive five-pointed star acceptance stamp, and variations in grips and safety markings compared to German models. The video also covers the pistol's production history, its 'Grey Ghost' nickname, and technical specifications.

This review details the French Occupation Mauser K98k, specifically the svwMB variant produced in Oberndorf post-WWII. It highlights the Kriegsmodell features, French modifications like the star proof mark and hexagonal stacking rod, and the unique bolt serialization process. Approximately 52,000 of these rifles were made between 1945-1946, many serving in the First Indochina War.

This video explores the significant post-war legacy of the German FG42 automatic rifle, despite its limited production. It details how the FG42's innovative design, including its side-mounted magazine and unique firing mechanism, influenced later firearms. Key examples include the British EM-1 Korsak, Swiss Waffenfabrik Bern prototypes, and most notably, the American M60 machine gun, which evolved from an FG42-inspired T44 prototype.

The SSG-98k represents Austria's post-WWII repurposing of German Mauser 98 actions into sniper rifles chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO. These rifles featured modified stocks for barrel free-floating and were paired with Kahles ZF 58 optics, known for their 1000-meter Bullet Drop Compensator. The SSG-98k served as the standard Austrian sniper rifle until its replacement by the Steyr SSG 69.

This video explores the Webley Jurek, a post-war pistol inspired by the Walther P38, designed by Marian Karol Jurek. Despite innovative features like an internal mainspring for a slim grip, it suffered from a heavy 32lb double-action trigger pull and failed British military trials due to complexity and poor performance in harsh conditions. The Browning Hi-Power was ultimately adopted, ending Webley's handgun development.

The Vigneron M2 is a Belgian post-war submachine gun, adopted in 1954 and used extensively by the Belgian military and in Africa. It features a simple blowback action, a collapsible wire stock inspired by the M3 Grease Gun, and a unique cleaning rod integrated into the stock. While its 32-round magazine resembles the MP40's, it is not interchangeable.

This video explores the BSA-28P, a British post-war attempt at an automatic rifle chambered in .280 caliber. Despite its conventional design and M1 Garand-inspired operating system, the rifle suffered from accuracy issues at its natural rate of fire and ultimately failed crucial reliability tests, including an out-of-battery detonation. Only a handful were produced, making surviving examples rare.

The Royal Armouries' Jonathan Ferguson details the Thorpe EM1, a 1949 British bullpup rifle designed by Stanley Thorpe. Unlike its competitor, the EM2, the EM1 utilized stamped steel construction influenced by German designs like the Gerat 06. It was chambered for the .280 (7mm) intermediate cartridge and featured a non-magnifying optical sight and a unique bayonet system.

This video segment from American Rifleman Television's "I Have This Old Gun" series focuses on the Madsen M1950 submachine gun. It delves into the history and development of this Danish-designed and manufactured firearm, highlighting its open-bolt operation. The content is presented by the NRA's American Rifleman, suggesting a focus on historical firearms and their significance.

This video segment from American Rifleman Television's "I Have This Old Gun" series delves into the history and development of the Fabrique Nationale Model 1949. The FN Model 1949 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic service rifle that was manufactured for various nations following World War II and was produced in several different calibers. The description highlights the rifle's significance and context within post-war military firearm production.

The MAS-45 is a French .22LR military training rifle developed by Mauser engineers under French occupation. It combines components from various Mauser .22 models, featuring a robust design potentially capable of centerfire conversion. Production occurred in Germany and France, with distinct variations in markings, stock wood, barrel length, and twist rate between the two.

This video details the French occupation of the Mauser factory in Oberndorf, Germany, after WWII and their subsequent production of Luger P.08 pistols. It highlights the technical specifications, marking variations, and historical context of these post-war firearms, noting their use by French forces in Indochina and later by the Austrian Army. The content provides deep insights into the markings and production history of these unique Lugers.