Announcing: Thorneycroft to SA80 - British Bullpup Firearms 1901-2020

This video features Jonathan Ferguson discussing British military firearms, specifically contrasting the AR-15 platform with historical flintlock revolvers. Ferguson, an author and firearms historian, delves into the evolution of firearms, referencing his books "Thorneycroft to SA80" and "Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier." The description also links to his articles on flintlock revolvers and provides resources for other firearms history channels and reference books, indicating a deep dive into historical firearms development and design.

This video promotes the presale of the book "Thorneycroft to SA80: British Bullpup Firearms 1901-2020" through PayPal and Kickstarter. It also introduces a new author poster featuring Jonathan Ferguson with a Thorneycroft carbine, part of a planned series by Headstamp Publishing. Links to the BackerKit preorder, merchandise, and Kickstarter campaign are provided.

This video delves into the etymology and definition of the term 'bullpup,' tracing its origins to American benchrest shooters and wildcatters in the 1930s-40s. The term likely derives from the 19th-century descriptor 'bull-pup' for bulldog puppies, signifying a squat, aggressive design. The discussion highlights the challenges in creating a strict technical definition, as informal definitions often fail to encompass all designs, particularly handguns.

This video delves into the history and development of the Hovea 44, a firearm originally intended for Swedish "super troopers" but which found its true success in Denmark. Hosted by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson, the content explores the gun's journey from a Swedish design to Danish adoption and refinement. The description also promotes event tickets, Jonathan Ferguson's book on British bullpup firearms, and the Royal Armouries museum through various links and calls to action, encouraging subscriptions and support.

This video from the Royal Armouries traces the evolution of British military firearms, specifically focusing on the transition from the Thorneycroft rifle to the SA80. The description highlights the museum's extensive collection of arms and armor, inviting viewers to explore behind-the-scenes content, combat demonstrations, and expert insights. It also encourages audience engagement through comments and provides links to their website and social media channels.

This livestream finale celebrates the end of the Kickstarter campaign for "Thorneycroft to SA80: British Bullpup Firearms 1901-2020." The video features the author, Jonathan Ferguson, discussing the book and encouraging viewers to still preorder. The goal is to reach the #10 all-time Kickstarter Publishing project. The discussion centers around British bullpup firearms from the early 20th century to the SA80.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.