Book Review: Deutsche Fertigungskennzeichen bis 1945

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.

The M3 Infrared Sniper Carbine kit, mounted on an M1 Carbine, offered a 75-150 yard night vision capability during WWII. It featured a large spotlight and an image-enhancing optic, powered by a 6V battery pack with a 20,000V transformer. The added 28 lbs and vertical grip with integrated switch were key features for its defensive tactical application against enemy sappers.

This video delves into the rare, original configuration of the Romanian Orita Model 1941 submachine gun. It highlights unique features like the V-notch rear sight adjustable to 500 meters and the distinct selector switch for semi-automatic ('1') and full-automatic ('A') fire. The presentation also details the unusual trigger mechanism and notes differences in the latch compared to later upgraded models.

This YouTube video announces the availability of "Small Arms of WWII: Soviet Union," a new book from Headstamp Publishing. It follows their "Small Arms of WWII: USA" volume and offers an in-depth look at Soviet firearms from the Second World War. The book features historical commentary and meticulous photography by Ian McCollum (Forgotten Weapons) and James Rupley (Vickers Guide). It covers handguns, submachine guns, bolt-action rifles, self-loading rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns, and miscellaneous items like anti-tank rifles and grenade launchers. The video also mentions pre-order shipping timelines and the availability of slipcases for the US volume.

The FNAB-43 is a unique Italian submachine gun from late WWII, featuring a compact design with a folding magazine well and a delayed blowback action. It utilizes a closed-bolt system with separate selectors for safe/fire and semi/full-auto modes. While not widely adopted, its innovative mechanisms offer insight into firearm development during the era.

The Stinger was a custom USMC weapon built from an AN/M2 aircraft machine gun, featuring a BAR bipod and M1 Garand stock. Modified for ground use, it had a high rate of fire (1400 rpm) and reduced ammo capacity (100 rounds) for portability. This unique firearm was famously used by Tony Stein during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

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.