State of the Channel: 2024

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.

Forgotten Weapons is shifting its content strategy to focus on long-term projects like the Archive Project and upcoming books on silencer history and Finnish small arms. The public video schedule will reduce to four videos weekly, with a fifth exclusive behind-the-scenes video for supporters on Patreon, Utreon, and Floatplane. Collaborations with Varusteleka for merchandise are expanding, and new content formats like field footage and museum visits are planned.

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 entry details the Soviet RM-38, RM-39, and RM-40 50mm light mortars, focusing on their design evolution and manufacturing simplifications. The RM-40's use of stamped sheet metal and a gas venting system for range adjustment is highlighted as a key innovation for mass production. The analysis draws from expert commentary on historical firearms.

This video announces the availability of an ad-free viewing experience for Forgotten Weapons content on Patreon, Utreon, and Floatplane. It encourages viewers to sign up for these platforms to support the channel and enjoy videos without advertisements. This is a meta-announcement about the channel's operational model and viewer support, rather than a review or demonstration of any specific firearm.

This video provides an overview of the Forgotten Weapons channel's mission, content scope, and future projects for 2021. It highlights the channel's commitment to historical accuracy and an apolitical stance, while detailing upcoming book releases and a new archival project. The video also touches on the channel's support model and growth.

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.