Forgotten Weapons Q&A November 2015

This video explores the impracticality of a bullpup Chauchat design due to its long-recoil mechanism. Ian McCollum highlights that the bolt and recoil spring must remain behind the action, making a compact bullpup configuration impossible. The discussion also touches on potential handling improvements through shortening the original Chauchat.

This video explores the origins of Navy Arms and its pioneering role in producing Old West reproduction firearms, focusing on the collaboration between Navy Arms founder Valforjet's father and engineers Veto Gregorelli and Aldo Uberti. It details the development of early models like the 51 Navy and Griswold revolvers, the strategic business decisions behind their production, and the subsequent expansion into lever-action rifles. The discussion also touches upon the rise of cowboy action shooting and the eventual sale of Uberti to Beretta, explaining why Navy Arms ceased production of these reproductions.

This video announces the release of the book 'Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond' by Caleb Daniels, published by Headstamp Publishing. It highlights the book's comprehensive coverage of firearms used by James Bond in both literary and cinematic forms, including detailed analysis of iconic weapons like the Walther PPK and Colt .45, as well as the historical context and real-world espionage ties. The book features photography by James Rupley and a contribution from Jack Carr.

This video showcases a live-fire demonstration of a reproduction 1877 Bulldog Gatling Gun. It details the assembly of the tripod and cradle, the gravity-fed 20-round magazine loading process, and the operation of the hand-cranked rotary mechanism. Slow-motion footage highlights the internal workings and cartridge extraction.

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Steyr M1912/16 Automatic "Repetierpistole," a select-fire variant of the Steyr-Hahn M.12 pistol. Ian McCollum details its unique features, including its high cyclic rate and selector mechanism, offering deep historical and technical insights.

This video announces the imminent end of the Kickstarter campaign for Ian McCollum's new book, "Forged in Snow: Finnish Small Arms 1917-2025." McCollum expresses gratitude for the campaign's success, highlighting that all stretch goals have been met, including features like spine hubs, custom end sheets, commissioned artwork, ex libris labels, cocktail sheets, and additional text sections. He details specific content additions, such as sections on the L35 target pistol, Ducks 53 and Ducks 59 submachine guns, and commercial Valmet semi-auto rifles. The book is slated for printing by the end of December, with expected delivery in August of the following year. A livestream event is scheduled for the final hours of the campaign.

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.