Interview with Ashley Hlebinsky - Cody Firearms Museum Curator

Ashley Hlebinsky, Executive Director of the Firearms Research Center, provides an expert overview of modern historic firearm reproductions seen at SHOT Show 2026. The exploration covers Revolutionary War muskets, the historical origins of lever-action rifle designs, and contemporary models like the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 and the Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon. The presentation highlights the blend of historical significance and modern manufacturing.

This live Q&A session from Small Arms Solutions covers a wide range of firearms-related topics. The instructor, demonstrating significant expertise, addresses issues with Sig AR pistols, discusses the Chris Vector's ergonomics, and analyzes the potential for 5.56mm round development. He also provides insights into the 300 Blackout cartridge, the PSA KS47's performance, and the Benelli M4 shotgun's combat-proven status. The discussion extends to ammunition quality, manufacturing challenges for retro AR parts, and the debate between nitriding and chrome lining for barrels.

Ashley Hlebinsky, an arms historian and museum curator, discusses the profound cultural impact of firearms and how their history is intertwined with various industries and societal developments. She highlights her work in making firearms history accessible to diverse audiences, including those with no prior knowledge, through innovative museum exhibits. Hlebinsky also touches upon her role at the University of Wyoming Firearms Research Center, focusing on creating pathways for students interested in firearms law and industry careers.

This video explores the historical influence of three major military pistol cartridges: the .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and 9mm Luger. Hickok45 discusses their origins, military adoptions, and enduring popularity, showcasing various firearms chambered in each. The content highlights the significant impact these rounds have had on firearm design and usage from the late 19th century to the present day.

This YouTube video is a short format content piece focusing on Browning firearms, indicated by the title. The description is empty, but the title includes hashtags related to history facts and YouTube shorts, suggesting an educational or brief informational segment about the Browning brand or its history. Given the focus on a specific firearm manufacturer and historical facts, the content likely aims to provide quick insights for firearm enthusiasts.

This video by hickok45 explores how the Winchester Model 1892 and Model 1894 lever-action rifles, introduced in 1892 and 1894 respectively, were often used in Western films set in earlier decades. The presenter discusses potential reasons for this anachronism, including the firearms' durability, availability of ammunition (including blanks), and the assumption that viewers wouldn't notice the discrepancy. The video highlights visual cues like the loading gate and bolt mechanism to identify these models.

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.