Videos tagged with Prototype Firearms

This entry details the ZKP-524, a rare Czech prototype pistol developed in 1952 as a potential replacement for the VZ-52. It closely mimics the 1911 design but chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev, featuring a heel-mounted magazine release and an 8-round capacity. The ZKP-524 was noted for its accuracy but suffered from reliability issues in harsh conditions and higher manufacturing costs, leading to its project termination.

This expert review by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details the rare Terni Model 1921, an Italian interwar prototype assault rifle. It highlights the rifle's select-fire capability, unique 25-round cube magazine inspired by the Fiat-Revelli M1914, and its 7.35x32mm intermediate cartridge. The analysis covers its short-recoil operation, locking mechanism, and historical context, noting its advanced design for its era.

This video delves into the history and revival of the Colt MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) by Centurion Arms. It highlights the MARS's innovative design, aiming for rifle-class power in a submachine gun form factor, and its superior ballistic performance compared to modern PDW rounds. The review emphasizes the technical challenges overcome in its resurrection and its potential relevance for special operations.

This entry details the T26, a prototype M1 Garand variant mistakenly called the 'Tanker' Garand. Developed for Pacific Theater jungle combat, it features an 18-inch barrel and a 1903 Springfield front band. The 'Tanker' moniker is a post-war marketing invention, and original military T26s are exceedingly rare.

Brandon Herrera explores a one-of-one prototype Thompson submachine gun chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a firearm previously thought to be mythical. The video details its unique colleted bolt mechanism, experimental friction-delay system, and modified BAR magazine, highlighting its historical significance and rarity. The prototype ultimately sold for $85,000 at auction, underscoring its value as a museum-quality artifact.

This video details Project PRAK, an experimental Czech program to convert the CZ50 pistol from .32 ACP to 9x18mm Makarov. The conversion involved significant modifications, including a new barrel adapted from a VZ65 Skorpion, a modified magazine, and alterations to the slide. Despite the technical effort, extensive testing revealed reliability issues, leading to the project's abandonment. The insights provided are from Ian McCollum, demonstrating deep knowledge of historical firearm development.

This video provides an in-depth look at the AK fm/54, a rare prototype Swedish paratrooper rifle based on the AG 42 Ljungman. Expert Ian McCollum details its conversion to a short-stroke gas piston system in 7.62 NATO, the integration of a Carl Gustaf M/45 submachine gun folding stock, and the unique 20-round magazine. The analysis highlights the rifle's experimental nature and its place in Swedish firearm development history.

This video details the identification and analysis of a rare Holland & Holland prototype self-loading hunting rifle from circa 1908. Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries meticulously researches the rifle's unique toggle-joint, short-recoil mechanism, caliber (.400/.375 H&H Nitro Express), and patent history to confirm its origin and purpose as an early semi-automatic hunting firearm. The video highlights the challenges of identifying unknown firearms and the importance of historical research and expert consultation.

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson exploring a unique American prototype firearm based on the M3 Grease Gun, designed to shoot around corners. It's compared to the German Krummlauf and is referred to as the M3 'Deflector'. The video delves into its 90-degree firing capability, potential use in tanks or armored vehicles, its "Infinity Sight," and its unusual yellow coloring. Ferguson also discusses the removal of the curved unit, reports on its accuracy and lethality, and touches upon the legacy of curved barrels, drawing a parallel to the modern CornerShot system. The content is presented by the Royal Armouries.

This review details the rare Welrod MkI prototype, the precursor to the famous SOE silent pistol. It highlights the MkI's unique bolt-action mechanism, integrated 5-round magazine, and experimental lever trigger. The suppressor design, featuring an expansion chamber and rubber wipes, aimed for extreme sound reduction, though trials showed the MkII was preferred for lethality despite the MkI's quietness.

This expert-level review from Legacy Collectibles details a rare Sauer 38h prototype chambered in 9mm Kurz, a significant deviation from the standard 7.65mm WWII production models. The instructor highlights key differences, including the absence of a decocker and a unique serial number prefix, underscoring its experimental nature. The piece is presented as a non-firing collector's item, valuable for its historical significance and rarity.

This expert-level guide details the takedown procedure for the rare prototype French MAS-49 SMG in .45 ACP, highlighting its unique stock extension for grip frame removal. It also provides an overview of the internal lever-delayed blowback mechanism, drawing comparisons to the MAS-1948. The information is presented by Ian McCollum from Forgotten Weapons, demonstrating deep expertise in historical firearms.