Shooting a WWII German 50mm Light Mortar (L.Gr.W.36)

This video showcases the rare French 50mm mle1937 light mortar, demonstrating its simple drop-fire mechanism. The presenter highlights the manual loading and firing process, where a projectile dropped into the muzzle strikes a firing pin. The demonstration occurs in a workshop setting, featuring the mortar tube and related components.

The Soviet Union's development of 50mm light mortars, specifically the RM-39 and RM-40, focused on simplifying production and improving operational safety. The RM-40 introduced stamped sheet metal for bipod legs and a simplified range scale adjusted by gas venting. Its base plate design was also improved to redirect vented gas away from the crew, enhancing safety during firing.

This video details the setup and test firing of a WW2-era 4.2-inch (107mm) M2 chemical mortar. It covers the assembly process, including the base plate, bipod, and mortar tube mounting. The logistics of ammunition transport and preparation are shown, followed by the sighting, loading, and firing sequence. The demonstration highlights the methodical operation and historical significance of this artillery piece.

This video demonstrates the German L.Gr.W. 36 (5cm) light infantry mortar from WWII, showcasing its setup, assembly, and aiming procedures. The demonstration highlights the challenges of using 80-year-old propellant charges, which introduce inconsistencies affecting accuracy despite precise mechanical adjustments. The mortar's design, including its three-point support system and leveling dials, is explained, along with the use of original ammunition and targeting propane tanks.

This video demonstrates the Soviet 1938 50mm Mortar (RM-38), highlighting its operation with a reusable practice round. It showcases the loading and firing sequence, emphasizing the impact and retrieval of the round. The content underscores the historical significance and practical mechanics of this vintage artillery piece.

This video showcases a live demonstration of an 81mm mortar, highlighting its historical use in conflicts like WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The creator also mentions owning a 60mm mortar and invites viewers to visit their museum during the summer for guided tours. The description also includes a link to their online store for t-shirts.

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 provides an in-depth comparison of the German MG-34 and MG-42 machine guns. It details the MG-34's high-quality milled construction and dual trigger system for semi-auto and full-auto fire. The MG-42 is highlighted for its cost-effective stamped receiver and rapid barrel change capability, though its cyclic rate was often moderated for reliability.