State of the Channel 2019

Ian McCollum, an expert in firearms history and associated with Classic Firearms, will not travel to Russia due to his vocal pro-Ukraine stance and the geopolitical climate. He acknowledges the FSB is aware of his public persona, which poses a personal risk. A planned book project on the Kalashnikov's history with a Russian author was also canceled due to the ongoing conflict.

This video explores the origins of Navy Arms and its pioneering role in producing Old West reproduction firearms, focusing on the collaboration between Navy Arms founder Valforjet's father and engineers Veto Gregorelli and Aldo Uberti. It details the development of early models like the 51 Navy and Griswold revolvers, the strategic business decisions behind their production, and the subsequent expansion into lever-action rifles. The discussion also touches upon the rise of cowboy action shooting and the eventual sale of Uberti to Beretta, explaining why Navy Arms ceased production of these reproductions.

This video announces the release of the book 'Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond' by Caleb Daniels, published by Headstamp Publishing. It highlights the book's comprehensive coverage of firearms used by James Bond in both literary and cinematic forms, including detailed analysis of iconic weapons like the Walther PPK and Colt .45, as well as the historical context and real-world espionage ties. The book features photography by James Rupley and a contribution from Jack Carr.

This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Stamm Saurer 1916 OOB Safety. The description highlights valuable firearms reference books available from Headstamp Publishing and provides links for supporting the creator on Patreon and Floatplane. It also directs viewers to purchase Forgotten Weapons merchandise. The content appears to focus on a specific historical firearm and its features.

This video explores the impracticality of a bullpup Chauchat design due to its long-recoil mechanism. Ian McCollum highlights that the bolt and recoil spring must remain behind the action, making a compact bullpup configuration impossible. The discussion also touches on potential handling improvements through shortening the original Chauchat.

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Steyr M1912/16 Automatic "Repetierpistole," a select-fire variant of the Steyr-Hahn M.12 pistol. Ian McCollum details its unique features, including its high cyclic rate and selector mechanism, offering deep historical and technical insights.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.