I Have This Old Gun: Afghan Jezail

This video from NRA Publications explores the Medieval Hand Cannon, tracing its origins from Chinese gunpowder discoveries to its evolution in Europe. Experts like Mark A. Keefe IV and Kenneth L. Smith-Christmas detail its basic design, ignition methods, and projectile types, highlighting its role as the precursor to modern firearms. The segment emphasizes the historical significance and technological progression of this early gunpowder weapon.

This video delves into the intricate Wheellock ignition system, highlighting its technological advancements over the problematic Matchlock. It explains the mechanics of the Wheellock, including the spun wheel, dog's head mechanism, and the use of iron pyrites for spark generation. The discussion touches upon its complexity, cost, and limited adoption as a military arm, while noting its collectible value and historical significance in early firearms legislation.

This video explores the technological disparity between matchlock and flintlock firearms, highlighting how this difference contributed to the British victory in the Opium Wars and the acquisition of Hong Kong. It contrasts the slow, unreliable ignition of matchlocks with the more advanced and reliable flintlock mechanism, demonstrating the practical implications of these firearms in historical conflicts. The discussion also touches upon the socio-economic factors, including the opium trade, that underpinned these historical events.

This lecture by Joe Tryner, PhD Student at The University of Sheffield, explores the evolution of portable firearms during the Italian Wars (1494-1560) and their societal impact. It details the development of matchlock, wheel-lock, flintlock arquebuses, and pistols in production centers like Italy and southern Germany, highlighting their effect on battlefield tactics and their rapid spread into civilian life. The talk uses the example of goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini to illustrate early gun cultures, examines the appeal of firearms in 16th-century Italy across various social strata, and offers a new perspective on this period by exposing the realities of early modern warfare and the Italian Renaissance.

This video traces the evolution of the revolver from early hand cannons to modern firearms. It highlights key innovations like the matchlock, flintlock, and the first self-rotating cylinder by Samuel Colt. The narrative emphasizes the development of metallic cartridges and significant models like the Colt Single Action Army and the Smith & Wesson Model 10, underscoring the enduring popularity of revolvers and their associated calibers.

This video provides an overview of early firearm ignition systems displayed at the Cody Firearms Museum in Wyoming. It highlights a repeating hand cannon from 1425-1475, followed by examples of matchlock, wheel lock, flintlock, and percussion ignition types, illustrating the evolution of firearm technology.

This video from NRA Publications provides an in-depth look at the manufacturing process of Hornady ammunition, from bullet creation to final packaging. It details the steps involved in forming bullets, annealing and shaping cartridge cases, and rigorous quality control testing to ensure product reliability. The expert-level instruction highlights the precision engineering and domestic manufacturing of Hornady products in Grand Island, Nebraska, USA.

This video provides an expert overview of the British L1A1 SLR, a variant of the FN FAL. Mark A. Keefe IV, Editor-in-Chief of American Rifleman, details its design differences from the Belgian FN FAL, its extensive service history in conflicts like the Falklands War, and its eventual replacement. The segment highlights the rifle's robust construction, its adoption strategy by British Ordnance, and its legacy in firearm history.

This video documents a startling bobcat attack on a turkey hunter. The hunter's calls, intended for turkeys, attracted a bobcat which stalked and then pounced. The hunter's reaction caused the bobcat to retreat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of situational awareness.

This video details the revival of Remington Ammunition under Vista Outdoor's ownership, focusing on the Lonoke, Arkansas facility. It highlights the brand's historical significance, the challenges faced during bankruptcy, and the strategic steps taken by Vista Outdoor to restore production, quality, and employee morale. The narrative emphasizes a commitment to American manufacturing and supporting the Second Amendment.