Lepage Wax-Bullet Dueling Pistols

This video debunks the myth of the 'duelling pistol' by examining historical examples from makers like John Twigg, Robert Wogdon, and Joseph Manton. It reveals that 'duelling pistol' was often a marketing term for high-end pistols used for target shooting and self-defense, not solely duels. The discussion highlights technical advancements, the evolution from sword duels, and surprising statistics on duel fatalities, suggesting pistols were paradoxically seen as more humane.

This video from Brownells Gun Techs explores a pair of exquisite Jules Manceaux dueling pistols from 1843. The presentation-grade percussion pistols are heavily engraved and inlaid with gold, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The description highlights their historical significance, having been presented by King Louis Philippe to English naval hero Capt. Thomas Cochrane, the inspiration for Patrick O'Brian's 'Master and Commander' novels. The accompanying accessories, including the presentation box, nipple wrench, bullet mold, powder measure, and primer box, are equally elaborate, making the entire set a masterpiece of the gunmaker's art.

This video showcases a cased pair of 1890s duelling pistols designed to fire wax bullets. Johnathan Ferguson, Curator of Firearms, explains their unique purpose for mock duels, where participants wore protective masks and coats. The description also provides links to the Royal Armouries' online collection and their website, blog, Facebook, and Twitter for further information about this and other artifacts.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.