Dolf Goldsmith on $5 Finnish Mortars

This video provides an in-depth look at the French 50mm Mle 1937 mortar, highlighting its compact size and trigger-fired mechanism. Demonstrations include loading and firing, with an estimated range of 136 yards achieved. The content showcases historical military hardware in action.

The Soviet Union's development of 50mm light mortars, specifically the RM-39 and RM-40, focused on simplifying production and improving operational safety. The RM-40 introduced stamped sheet metal for bipod legs and a simplified range scale adjusted by gas venting. Its base plate design was also improved to redirect vented gas away from the crew, enhancing safety during firing.

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.

This video details the setup and test firing of a WW2-era 4.2-inch (107mm) M2 chemical mortar. It covers the assembly process, including the base plate, bipod, and mortar tube mounting. The logistics of ammunition transport and preparation are shown, followed by the sighting, loading, and firing sequence. The demonstration highlights the methodical operation and historical significance of this artillery piece.

This video showcases a live demonstration of an 81mm mortar, highlighting its historical use in conflicts like WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The creator also mentions owning a 60mm mortar and invites viewers to visit their museum during the summer for guided tours. The description also includes a link to their online store for t-shirts.

This video explores a rare flintlock hand mortar, a 17th/18th-century launching device. It discusses its potential use for launching grenades, signal flares, or fireworks, highlighting the significant recoil and dangers associated with its operation. The construction features a robust wooden stock and a large bore, with internal inspection revealing a wooden barrel base suggesting low-pressure applications.

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.