Soviet World War Two 50mm Light Mortars (RM-39 & RM-40)

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 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 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 showcases a 76.2mm (3-inch) drill round for WWII tank destroyers, specifically the M10. It details the round's markings, origin (MMC, 1943), and compatibility with various 3-inch gun models. Historical footage illustrates the M10's operational use, highlighting the significance of this caliber in WWII.

The Pak-40 was Germany's primary WWII anti-tank gun, boasting a 75mm caliber and capable of penetrating most Allied tanks. Its live-fire demonstration highlights significant recoil, muzzle blast, and dust displacement. The gun fired a 15-pound projectile at 2,500 feet per second, making it a formidable weapon.

This content details the combat loadout of WWII flamethrowers, highlighting their limited fuel capacity and short burn times. It clarifies that infantry flamethrowers did not use napalm, which was reserved for tanks. The video also explains the necessity for flamethrower operators to carry a sidearm like the M1911 due to the bulk of their primary weapon and discusses the design features intended to mitigate the risk of catastrophic explosions.

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.