Book Review: Sub-Machine Gun, by Max Popenker and Anthony Williams

This Q&A with Max Popenker delves into the history and specifics of Russian and Soviet small arms. Key topics include the rarity of Colt 1911s from Russian contracts, SVD accuracy standards and PSO-1 scope calibration, the evolution of AK rifles and the 5.45mm cartridge, and the vast production of WWII SMGs like the PPSh-41. Modern developments like the AK-12/15 and specialized 9x39mm weapons are also discussed, alongside the enduring legacy of cartridges like 7.62x54R.

This video provides a comprehensive overview of the Forgotten Weapons channel's state in 2020, detailing its mission to explore rare and developmental firearms, its expanded six-video-per-week content schedule, and its unique approach to sourcing and documenting historical pieces. It also highlights upcoming publications from Headstamp Publishing and the 'Archive Project' initiative, emphasizing the channel's commitment to open-access historical firearms education supported by its community.

This video provides an in-depth historical overview of the Soviet Union's development of General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), focusing on the PK, PKM, and PKP Pecheneg. Expert Max Popenker details the design evolution, competition between prototypes, and the technical advancements that led to these iconic firearms, highlighting their reliability and lightweight design.

This video delves into the developmental history of the AK rifle, tracing its origins from early Soviet automatic weapons and the influence of German designs like the MKb-42(H). It highlights the post-war trials, the competition between designers like Kalashnikov, Simonov, and others, and debunks myths about foreign design influence on the AK. The evolution from the AK-47 to the AKM is also covered, emphasizing the design choices that led to the AK's legendary reliability.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.