A failed attempt; Britain's search for an Automatic Rifle with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

This video explores a rare, fully automatic M1 Garand prototype tested by the British in 1939. Jonathan Ferguson details the 'gas trap' variant and its experimental conversion for automatic fire, highlighting significant recoil and accuracy issues that rendered it impractical. The trials ultimately reinforced the concept of the semi-automatic rifle for average soldiers.

This demonstration showcases the AN-94's unique firing modes, including single shot, a signature two-round burst with an extremely high cyclic rate, and full auto. The video highlights the rifle's complex reciprocating barrel system and its rare production status. Expert insights emphasize safe handling and the technical intricacies of this advanced firearm.

The Mendoza Model 1934 LMG is a rare Mexican-designed firearm from the interwar period. Its unique features include an offset magazine to the right, allowing for a centered sight radius, and a distinctive pull-back magazine release. The design incorporates a rotating bolt, reminiscent of the Lewis gun or M60, and offers adjustable gas operation with a three-position fire selector.

This video provides an in-depth look at the M1918 BAR, distinguishing it as an 'automatic rifle' rather than a light machine gun. It details the M1918's technical specifications, including its .30-06 caliber, 20-round magazine, and open-bolt operation, while comparing it unfavorably to the heavier M1918A2 variant. The content explores the BAR's historical development, its role in combat, and critiques design modifications that attempted to force it into an LMG role.

The LMG-25 is a unique Swiss toggle-locked light machine gun developed by Waffenfabrik Bern. It features a three-position fire selector (Safe, Semi-auto, Full-auto) and an innovative toggle-lock mechanism that articulates during the charging cycle. A key feature is its advanced primer ignition mode, designed to reduce recoil by igniting the primer while the bolt is still moving forward.

This video defines a 'battle rifle' by four criteria: military pattern, shoulder-fired, self-loading, and chambered for a full-power cartridge. It distinguishes battle rifles from assault rifles (intermediate cartridges) and support weapons (like LMGs). Examples like the FN FAL, M1 Garand, and the upcoming SIG XM7 illustrate these characteristics, highlighting the return to full-power cartridges in modern military design.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.