I Have This Old Gun: Model 1863 Springfield Rifle Musket

This video revisits the 1861 Springfield Rifle Musket, an original .58 caliber muzzleloader from 1862. Hickok45 demonstrates its historical loading procedure with Goex black powder and Minié balls, highlighting the unique experience of shooting antique firearms. He emphasizes the importance of maintenance due to black powder fouling and discusses the projectile's historical impact.

This video demonstrates the historical loading and firing procedure for a 1795 Springfield Smoothbore Musket. It covers setting the musket to half-cock, priming the pan with black powder, loading the barrel with powder and a lead ball, and ramming the charge. The demonstration emphasizes historical accuracy in manual of arms.

The Bommarito represents America's first attempt at a toggle-locked battle rifle, tested by Springfield in 1916. It features a 20-round detachable magazine with a lock-open-on-empty function and utilizes a short recoil mechanism where the barrel and receiver travel 1.25 inches. Despite its innovative design, testing revealed significant extraction issues and difficulties clearing jams, hindering its development.

This video examines AR-15 serial number 000006, a rare example of an original configuration prototype. Key features include a 25-round straight magazine, a top-mounted charging handle with a protective guard, and a thin pencil barrel profile. The stock is made of woven fiberglass, and the muzzle is plain, reflecting early design considerations before the widespread need for muzzle devices.

This video explores the unusual history of the rod bayonet in U.S. military service, primarily in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It details attempts to lighten soldier loads by integrating an internal rod or tri-bladed bayonet into rifles like the Hall, 1873 Trapdoor Springfield, and M1903 Springfield. The video highlights the rod bayonet's eventual failure due to fragility, bending, and obstruction of the barrel, culminating in President Theodore Roosevelt's direct involvement. It also briefly touches on a similar, poorly received concept by the British for the No. 4 rifle.

This video delves into the history and specifications of early .50 caliber black powder cartridges, focusing on those from the 1860s and 1870s. Larry Potterfield examines cartridges like the .50 Remington Pistol (50-25-300), the .50-45-400, and the .50-70 Government, detailing their bullet weights, powder charges, and the firearms they were designed for, such as Remington Rolling Blocks and Springfield Trapdoors. The presentation includes historical context and a range demonstration showcasing the performance of these antique rounds.

This video details the meticulous process of ammunition manufacturing at Hornady's facility in Grand Island, Nebraska. It covers the creation of bullets, starting with copper cups and lead cores, and the production of brass cartridge cases through annealing and hammering. The content also highlights Hornady's rigorous quality control testing on a 100-yard range and the final packaging stages, emphasizing their commitment to American-made quality.

The L1A1 SLR, a British variant of the FN FAL, was adopted by the UK military for its semi-automatic-only operation and inch-pattern components. It served through major conflicts like the Falklands War and was eventually replaced by the L85 bullpup. The rifle is known for its robust design and reliability, though original British-made examples are now rare.

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.

Vista Outdoor has acquired the iconic Remington Ammunition brand, aiming to revive its manufacturing operations in Lonoke, Arkansas. The acquisition follows Remington's 2020 bankruptcy, with Vista Outdoor integrating the brand alongside Federal, CCI, and Speer. The focus is on restoring quality, securing raw materials, and re-employing skilled workers to meet high market demand for popular lines like Core-Lokt and UMC.