Ask Ian: History and Development of Pinfire Cartridges

The Little Tom is highlighted as the world's first Double Action Only (DAO) automatic pistol, featuring a unique bi-directional magazine loading system. Its barrel disassembly involves pushing it back to release an oval lug from a dovetail slot. The internal mechanism demonstrates a specific trigger bar and hammer interaction for DAO operation.

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.

The 2.7mm Kolibri is the world's smallest centerfire cartridge, firing a 3-grain projectile at 650 fps with 3 ft-lbs of energy. Approximately 1,000 units were produced before WWI, ceasing due to wartime production shifts. The pistol, weighing 7.7 ounces loaded, features the 'FP' monogram for designer Franz Pfannl and was sold in a presentation case.

This video from Forgotten Weapons details the extensive journey of a single Arisaka rifle, manufactured in 1910 Japan. The rifle's history is traced through its service with the British, transfer to Russian forces, and eventual presence in Finland during its Civil War. The expert speaker demonstrates how specific markings on the firearm authenticate its complex provenance, highlighting its eventual import into the United States.

Long-range rifle sights, like those on the Gras Rifle, were primarily designed for company-level volley fire against formations at 1,000 meters, not individual sniping. They also served for area denial and indirect fire, particularly with early machine guns capable of reaching 3,500 meters, to interdict enemy movement by creating a threat of random fire. This historical context highlights a different approach to long-range engagement than modern marksmanship.

This expert analysis debunks common misconceptions about the .22 Short cartridge, revealing its historical significance as a self-defense round and its surprising modern performance. The .22 Short, often dismissed as weak, demonstrates effective penetration and material destruction capabilities when tested under realistic conditions, challenging its 'plinking only' reputation.

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.