A wrong turn for First World War sniper sights, with weapon and firearms expert, Jonathan Ferguson

This video showcases five distinct WWI-era bolt-action rifles: the Turkish Mauser Model 1938/43, British P14 Enfield, Lee-Enfield SMLE No. 1 Mk III*, Soviet Mosin-Nagant M91/30, and Argentine Mauser Model 1891. Demonstrations focus on their manual of arms, loading procedures with stripper clips, and firing characteristics. The SMLE highlights its rapid-fire capability, while other models emphasize their historical significance and unique design features.

This video, featuring firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson, delves into the story of Britain's revolver shortage during World War I. It explains how Britain sought off-the-shelf alternatives from the USA and Spain to supplement their existing Webley revolvers. The Royal Armouries, presenters of the video, are the United Kingdom's national collection of arms and armour and invite viewers to learn more about their work, collections, and support opportunities.

This video explores the surprising use of artificial trees during World War I. These fabricated trees served a crucial role as camouflage and concealment for soldiers and equipment in the trenches. The video likely delves into the engineering and tactical advantages these deceptive structures offered, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of military history and innovation.

This video explores the reasons behind Germany's use of the C96 Carbine during World War I, a departure from the standard Broomhandle Mauser pistol. Expert Jonathan Ferguson delves into why a version with a permanently longer barrel and buttstock was necessary, despite the original pistol's ability to use its holster as a stock. The explanation is linked to the rapid advancements in weaponry and warfare during the conflict. The Royal Armouries, a prominent institution for arms and armor, presents this historical analysis.

The Maxim Model 1910, a derivative of British Vickers designs, served extensively with Russian and Soviet forces. Its robust water-cooled system and the innovative 'tractor cap' filler, adopted from Finnish designs, allowed for sustained fire in extreme conditions. Despite simplifications for 1943 mass production, it remains operational today due to its enduring design and the commonality of its 7.62x54mmR ammunition.

This YouTube video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson discussing the adaptations made to the British Vickers machine gun for aerial combat during World War I. The content explores how pilots were expected to operate a heavy machine gun independently in the challenging environment of aerial dueling. The Royal Armouries, a UK national collection of arms and armour, is highlighted as the source of this historical expertise.

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.