Ian McCollum: what started Forgotten Weapons? | PT Podcast #3

This video tests Steinel's .45 ACP ammunition, specifically loaded to lower .455 Webley pressures, in a standard 1911 pistol. The experiment confirms that these reduced-pressure rounds possess sufficient energy to reliably cycle the 1911's action, with the slide locking back on an empty magazine. This demonstrates the viability of using such ammunition in 1911s that might otherwise be damaged by standard .45 ACP loads.

The Nielsen device, also known as a booster, is crucial for the reliable cycling of recoil-operated handguns when suppressed. It temporarily decouples the suppressor's mass from the barrel using a spring-loaded piston, allowing the firearm's action to cycle correctly. This prevents the added weight and back pressure of the suppressor from impeding the slide's rearward travel.

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 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 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 entry details the safe handling of the T G-67 M-SOFT training hand grenade, as demonstrated by Ziga from Polenar Tactical. It emphasizes the critical role of the safety pin and spoon mechanism in preventing accidental detonation. The M-SOFT variant is likely for airsoft or training purposes, highlighting the importance of understanding device types for safety.

This expert guide from Polenar Tactical demonstrates the critical technique for applying a CAT-style tourniquet to control severe limb hemorrhage. The instruction emphasizes correct placement ('high and tight') and windlass application to stop bleeding, acknowledging the necessary pain involved. The video highlights that despite discomfort, proper tourniquet use is a life-saving measure.

This guide details the operation of the TAG 18 Smoke White grenade, as demonstrated by Polenar Tactical. It covers the basic mechanical components and the activation process, emphasizing its use for concealment or signaling. The instruction comes from an experienced source, offering a practical look at this tactical accessory.

This guide details the operation of the FBG-6 Flash Bang 2.0, a pyrotechnic distraction device. It emphasizes the function of the safety lever and the 2.0-second delay. The demonstration highlights that real flashbangs disorient through sound and flash, not the extreme visual effects seen in media. Expert instruction from Polenar Tactical covers safe handling and deployment principles.