Murdoch & Co New Production SA80 Rifles - SHOT Show 2026

The Falkland Islands Defense Force (FIDF) opted for the Steyr AUG over the British L85A1 due to the latter's documented reliability and durability issues. The FIDF's AUGs feature a unique 3-position selector, including a progressive full-auto trigger mode. This procurement decision highlights the FIDF's independent evaluation of military hardware.

This Q&A session covers a wide range of firearms topics, beginning with a report from SHOT Show. It delves into historical firearms like the 1895 Lee Navy, discusses the L85A2, and explains the adoption of the 5.56x45mm NATO round. The discussion touches on Cold War small arms, modern firearm concepts like belt-fed ARs and folding Glocks, and favorite firearms from 'Project Lightening'. It also explores AK-based rifle designs, the 9x39mm AK on the US market, and optics like the Aimpoint P1 ACRO. Historical firearm variations, cartridge design principles (Browning's semi-rimmed cartridges), and the debate between original and reproduction match gear are covered. The video touches on collections with pre-CNC tools, the decision to restore or keep sporterized guns, and hypothetical scenarios like the US adopting the M1 in .276 Pedersen. Disassembly challenges, imports of German reproduction guns, historical reenacting, semi-automatic bolt rifle conversions, VZ58 upgrades, and a comparison of WWII submachine guns with modern ones are also addressed. Futuristic concepts like armament for powered exoskeletons, historical usage of the Lebel, US military shotguns, and specific WWI firearm tactics are explored. Finally, the video discusses the pros and cons of 7.5mm Berthier and Lebel conversions, alternative paths for the M16/AR15, choices for a 1938 US Army rifle, the trend of comped red dot handguns, personal habits, and the origins of the host's interest in firearms.

Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries discusses the L85A1's inherent design flaws, predating manufacturing issues. He also touches upon how strict UK gun laws paradoxically aid the Royal Armouries in acquiring modern firearms for its reference collection. The historical 'Pattern Room' is highlighted as a crucial resource for military weapon standards.

This YouTube Q&A video from Forgotten Weapons covers a wide array of firearms-related topics. It delves into technical aspects like gain twist rifling and compares the 6.5mm Arisaka to modern cartridges. The discussion also touches upon historical firearm decisions, such as the US abandonment of the M1917 Enfield, and explores future acquisition interests. The video addresses the mechanics of Stoner's gas impingement system, potential BAR modernization, and the reasons behind military firearms surplus and its dealers. Additionally, it provides guidance on identifying collectible firearms, discusses the decline of rimmed and rimfire cartridges, and examines modern firearm technologies like binary triggers and rotating barrel pistols. French arms reputation and the potential US availability of the L85A2 are also explored, with a brief mention of on-location battlefield footage.

This video explores the early mockups and prototypes of the British SA80 rifle, focusing on the Sterling and Stoner-based bullpup conversions. It details the design considerations, including caliber choices and configuration decisions, that led to the final L85 design. The prototypes demonstrate the feasibility of the bullpup concept using existing rifle platforms.

This YouTube video features Jonathan Ferguson, the author of the book "Thorneycroft to SA80: British Bullpup Firearms 1901-2020," giving an advance look at his newly released work. Ferguson showcases the contents of the book, which covers British bullpup firearms from the early 20th century to 2020. The description provides a link to pre-order or purchase the book from Headstamp Publishing's website and informs viewers that copies are in transit and will be available soon. Kickstarter preorders will ship immediately upon receipt.

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.