Clockwork Basilisk Update: $150k and Four Stretch Goals!

This video details how Sam Cummings, a collector and "gun nut," secured a significant contract for AR-10 rifles with Guatemala in late 1957. After demonstrating the prototype AR-10 (serial number 1001) across Central and South America, Guatemala placed an order for 450 units for their military school, the Escuela Politécnica. The delivery was scheduled for mid to late 1958.

This video from Forgotten Weapons, hosted by Ian McCollum, details the global journey of Lithuanian rifles after World War II. Due to Soviet and German occupations, these arms were scattered and ended up in various international conflicts and markets, including China, Vietnam, and Africa. The expert analysis highlights the complex geopolitical events that led to the widespread dispersal of these firearms.

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson debunks the popular myth that the idiom 'the whole nine yards' originates from the length of machine gun belts, particularly those used in aircraft. He presents evidence suggesting the phrase predates aviation machine guns and likely stems from a humorous anecdote in an 1855 Indiana newspaper about a shirt made with 'the whole nine yards' of material. While acknowledging the intuitive appeal of the firearms connection, Ferguson's research indicates no historical basis for it.

This video details the history of the Cosmopolitan carbine, focusing on the patent dispute between inventor Henry Gross and the Cosmopolitan Arms Factory's Edward Gwyn and Campbell. It explains how Gwyn and Campbell patented a simplified action, effectively ousting Gross from the business by no longer producing firearms covered by his original patent.

This YouTube video promotes a Kickstarter campaign for a book titled "Forged in Snow." The book, a five-year project, delves into Finnish firearms, covering a wide range of weapons including pistols, Mosins, submachine guns, light machine guns, Finnish Kalashnikovs, and new Sako AR models. The author highlights collaborations with the Finnish Army Museum, Sako Defense, Varusteleka, and Finnish small arms collectors, expressing excitement for the finished product.

The Colt Franklin rifle, with only 50 units manufactured, underwent US Army and Navy trials in 1887-1888, firing approximately 4,000 rounds without significant issues. Despite its performance, the military did not place an order, likely due to concerns about the delicate, exposed box magazine being susceptible to damage by enlisted men. Most of these rifles were subsequently destroyed, with their survival attributed to a dedicated Colt collector.

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.