Military Museum Opens April 26 for the 2026 Season

Published on January 29, 2026
Duration: 10:14

This video offers an expert-led tour of Dragonman's Military Museum, focusing on WWII explosives and ordnance. Mel Bernstein (Dragonman), a recognized authority on military collections, demonstrates deactivated explosives, including dynamite, landmines (M7, M7A1, M10), and their activation mechanisms. The tour also features .50 caliber armor-piercing rounds, machine guns, and mortars, highlighting historical military hardware with detailed explanations of their function and safety.

Quick Summary

Dragonman's Military Museum displays deactivated WWII explosives, including dynamite and landmines (M7, M10), with demonstrations of their mechanisms. Expert Mel Bernstein highlights the power of .50 caliber AP rounds penetrating 1.5 inches of steel and discusses NFA-registered items like 81mm mortars.

Chapters

  1. 00:00WWII Explosives Introduction
  2. 00:56.50 Caliber Armor Piercing Demo
  3. 01:26Detonators and Fuses Explained
  4. 03:11Museum Tour: Machine Guns and Mortars
  5. 04:11Landmine Collection Overview
  6. 07:31M10 Landmine Mechanics
  7. 08:41Detection and Marking of Mines

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of deactivated WWII explosives are featured at Dragonman's Military Museum?

The museum showcases deactivated WWII explosives including military dynamite (M1, 1942 dated), various landmines like the M7, M7A1, and M10 models, along with fuses, detonators, and booby traps. All items are confirmed safe for public viewing.

What is the demonstrated power of .50 caliber armor-piercing rounds?

A 660-grain .50 caliber armor-piercing bullet, identifiable by its black tip, is shown to penetrate a 1.5-inch thick steel plate, illustrating its significant anti-armor capabilities.

How were WWII landmines marked and detected?

WWII soldiers used specialized detectors to locate landmines. Once found, they marked the area with steel 'Danger' flags on extendable rods to warn vehicles and personnel, and to aid in deactivation efforts.

What NFA-regulated items are present in the museum?

The museum features an 81mm mortar, which is registered as a destructive device under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Other heavy ordnance like .50 caliber machine guns are also displayed.

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