Interview with Dolf Goldsmith

This video features an interview with NFA expert Dolf Goldsmith, discussing the evolution of machine gun collecting over 70 years. Goldsmith shares insights into historical collecting prices, the stigma surrounding machine guns, and the shift towards semi-automatic variants. He highlights the PKM as a pinnacle of machine gun design due to its efficient use of recoil energy.

This guide breaks down the mechanics of toggle action firearms, explaining their function as locking mechanisms in iconic early self-loading weapons like the Luger, Maxim, and Vickers. It details the 'knee joint' principle, the unlocking sequence in short recoil and delayed blowback variants, and the historical reasons for their obsolescence. The explanation is delivered with expert analysis from Ian McCollum.

This Q&A session from Forgotten Weapons covers a wide range of firearms-related topics. Ian McCollum discusses the evolution of red dot sights, the importance of blood lead level testing for shooters, and the nuances of various historical and modern firearms, including the 5.56 NATO cartridge's twist rate evolution, the M14's manufacturing issues, and the challenges of polymer-cased ammunition. He also touches on niche subjects like underwater firearms, electromagnetic rifles, and the future of handgun design.

Ian McCollum, a recognized firearms expert, advises against viewing firearms primarily as an investment, stating they typically only track inflation rather than generating real growth. He emphasizes that deep knowledge, focusing on high-quality, pristine examples, and understanding the difference between collecting and investing are crucial for maximizing value in the firearms market. Market volatility and external factors like ammunition costs can significantly impact firearm values.

This video from American Rifleman explores the history of the M2 Browning Machine Gun. Focusing on the iconic .50 BMG caliber weapon, the content delves into its historical significance and development. The presentation aims to educate viewers on this legendary firearm's lineage.

This video features a firearms-themed Jeopardy game with three participants answering questions across categories like Military Make and Model, History, Pop Culture, and Manufacturer. The game covers a range of firearms and related topics, from historical handguns and rifles to modern military programs and pop culture references. The participants' knowledge and scores fluctuate throughout the game, culminating in a Final Jeopardy round and a tie-breaker question.

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.