Jonathan is perplexed by these mystery pivoting pistols, with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

This entry details Winston Churchill's personal Patchett Machine Carbine, an early iteration of the Sterling submachine gun. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides insights into its design, historical provenance, and technical distinctions from later Sterling models. The entry also touches upon Churchill's broader influence on post-war British small arms policy and his cultivated public image.

This entry details the Kubura Pećanka, a flintlock pistol from the Peć region, influenced by the Ottoman Empire and used from the mid-18th century into WWI. Expert Jonathan Ferguson highlights its construction, including imported locks and barrels assembled with local stocks and brass furniture, noting its distinct Balkan decorative style and functional features like vertically grooved frizzens. Despite perceived 'crude' fit by Western standards, its longevity was due to cultural significance, affordability, and ease of maintenance.

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson examining an exquisite Auguste Francotte revolver, a Belgian-made presentation piece gifted to a British officer. The episode delves into the mystery of Captain Bateman, the history of Francotte of Liège, and the craftsmanship and design of the revolver, exploring whether its purpose was primarily functional or fashionable. The Royal Armouries, the UK's national collection of arms and armour, presents this in-depth look at a unique historical firearm.

This video announces a livestream event featuring Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries, discussing the L85A3 (SA80) in Battlefield. The event highlights a collaboration between the Royal Armouries and the Cody Firearms Museum, showcasing expert knowledge on firearms within a gaming context.

This entry details a WWI-era Erfurt P08 Luger pistol and personal items belonging to Major Charles Frederick Ashdown, curated by Lisa Traynor of the Royal Armouries. It covers the Luger's technical specifications, historical context as a trophy of war, and associated personal effects like a silver cigarette case engraved with battle locations. The expert analysis highlights the pistol's unique markings and modifications.

This "What Is This Weapon?" episode features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson examining concealed pen guns from the Royal Armouries collection. The video delves into the engineering, calibers, rifling, and loading mechanisms of these unusual firearms. It also discusses the practical challenges of using them covertly, including the integration of suppressors on some models. The discussion highlights the legacy and enduring appeal of pen guns as icons of concealment, exploring various firing methods and the historical context of these curious weapons.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.