Q&A October 2025: Weird Pistols & Future Plans

Published on October 25, 2025
Duration: 92:00

This Q&A session with Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons covers a wide range of firearms topics, from historical Finnish Mosins and the evolution of NATO cartridges to modern firearm development and controversial designs. McCollum discusses the provenance of Finnish Mosins, the rationale behind NATO's cartridge standardization over rifle standardization, and the technical challenges of advanced grenade systems like the XM25. He also touches on the viability of various pistol and rifle designs, the future of ammunition, and the durability of classic machine guns like the Maxim.

Quick Summary

The Maxim gun family is considered the undisputed champion of durable and transferable machine guns due to their engineering for hundreds of thousands of rounds. While requiring more operator understanding and maintenance than modern firearms, their robust design ensures exceptional longevity and reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Sponsor
  2. 03:06Ian's Current Activities & Headstamp Publishing
  3. 04:39Firearms Background Before Forgotten Weapons
  4. 05:47Favorite Finnish Firearm
  5. 08:21Learning French & Finnish Pronunciation
  6. 10:00Future Plans for Channel & Headstamp Publishing (2026)
  7. 12:14Wife's Involvement in Businesses
  8. 13:49Access to Collections as Author vs. Videographer
  9. 15:32Guns Attached to Person's Hand/Arm (Glove Guns)
  10. 18:12NATO Standard Assault Rifle Attempts
  11. 24:18Diversity of Opinion on Rifle Grenades
  12. 27:28US Army Adoption of XM25 vs. MTL30
  13. 32:52Dardic vs. Gyrojet: Least Useless?
  14. 34:30Classification of 30 Carbine & Comeback Potential
  15. 38:15Albonia's Defense Minister & the XM7 Rifle
  16. 41:48Squad Level Support Weapon: Beltfed vs. Magazine Fed
  17. 44:15Portugal's G3 Replacement Choice
  18. 46:55US Firearm Choice if 5.56 Never Existed
  19. 48:28Recommended Firearms Reference Books
  20. 51:01Recommended Cartridge Research Books
  21. 52:09Origin of 'Spring Tension' Terminology
  22. 53:54Pseudo Full Auto & PCC Development
  23. 57:19Metal Storm Style Weapons Future
  24. 59:20Interesting Delayed Locking Systems for Pistols
  25. 1:03:24Schofield vs. Single Action Army for .45 Colt
  26. 1:04:40DQ'd from a Match & Handling It
  27. 1:04:40Champion of Durability & Transferable MGs
  28. 1:07:45Will Russia Phase Out 7.62x54mmR?
  29. 1:16:16Dedicated Rifle for Drones?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Finnish Mosin-Nagant rifles like the M28 and M28/30?

Finnish Mosin-Nagant variants such as the M28 and M28/30 are notable for their traceable provenance, often incorporating parts from various countries and having seen service in multiple conflicts. This makes them historically significant and interesting to collectors.

Why did NATO prioritize cartridge standardization over rifle standardization?

NATO focused on standardizing cartridges and magazines in the 1970s because it offered greater logistical advantages for allied forces. This approach ensured interoperability of ammunition and magazines, which is more critical for supply chains than having every nation use the exact same rifle.

What are the main challenges with guns attached directly to a person's hand or arm?

Guns permanently mounted to a person's hand or arm, like glove guns, are historically impractical. They inhibit the ability to manipulate the physical environment and lack a convenient way to be stowed when not in use, making them inconvenient for daily tasks.

Is 30 Carbine considered a pistol or intermediate cartridge?

Despite its use in some pistols, 30 Carbine is classified as an intermediate cartridge. It falls on the lower end of the power scale for intermediate cartridges but is suitable for carbine platforms like the M2 Carbine, aligning with assault rifle concepts.

What makes the Maxim gun family the champion of durable and transferable machine guns?

The Maxim gun and its derivatives are engineered for extreme longevity, capable of firing hundreds of thousands of rounds. While they require more operator knowledge and maintenance than modern guns, their robust design makes them exceptionally durable and reliable for transferable ownership.

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