The Big John radio show #6 ( first guns and prepping )

This video from NRA Publications explores the Medieval Hand Cannon, tracing its origins from Chinese gunpowder discoveries to its evolution in Europe. Experts like Mark A. Keefe IV and Kenneth L. Smith-Christmas detail its basic design, ignition methods, and projectile types, highlighting its role as the precursor to modern firearms. The segment emphasizes the historical significance and technological progression of this early gunpowder weapon.

This video delves into the intricate Wheellock ignition system, highlighting its technological advancements over the problematic Matchlock. It explains the mechanics of the Wheellock, including the spun wheel, dog's head mechanism, and the use of iron pyrites for spark generation. The discussion touches upon its complexity, cost, and limited adoption as a military arm, while noting its collectible value and historical significance in early firearms legislation.

This video provides a historical overview and ranking of the top 10 most impactful revolvers of the Old West. It details their significance, technical features, and notable users, highlighting how these firearms shaped the era. The content is presented with a focus on historical context and the practical application of these weapons in a brutal frontier environment.

This video explores the multifaceted concept of 'history' as it relates to firearms, differentiating between broad historical context and personal ownership narratives. The host, hickok45, shares personal stories and reflections on various firearms in his collection, from his long-owned Smith & Wesson Model 29 to a Civil War-era Springfield rifle and a US Cavalry Colt. The discussion highlights how firearms can serve as tangible links to the past, offering a unique appeal to enthusiasts beyond their functional use.

This video delves into the 'gold rush' of surplus firearms that flooded the market after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Val Forgett of Navy Arms, alongside Ian McCollum, recounts the chaotic but lucrative period of importing vast quantities of Soviet and Eastern Bloc weaponry, including Makarovs, SKSs, and Mosin-Nagants. The discussion highlights the origins of these firearms, the logistical challenges of international trade in the 1990s, and the surprising historical context of World War II era weapons being sourced from former Soviet republics like Ukraine. It also touches upon other significant surplus acquisitions, such as British L42 sniper rifles and Ishapore Enfields, detailing their market value then and now.

This video provides an expert look at the oldest firearm in the NRA's National Firearms Museum collection: a circa 1350 hand cannon, also known as a handgonne. The instructor details its construction, historical context, and operation, highlighting its unique hook for castle wall mounting and its discovery in a moat in Salzburg, Germany. The presentation emphasizes the artifact's significance as a national treasure for NRA members.

John Hickok, an experienced firearms instructor, demonstrates the Zastava M92 PV, a legally converted full-auto AK variant. He highlights the NFA's role in restricting civilian access to such firearms and showcases the weapon's performance with both standard and drum magazines. The video emphasizes the AK selector design for quick semi-auto transitions and the manageable recoil of this compact full-auto platform.

This video provides an expert-level accuracy test of the Micro Draco AK, a short-barreled variant imported by Century Arms, chambered in 7.62x39mm. Instructor John Hickok demonstrates techniques for assessing mechanical accuracy using shooting supports and discusses the ballistic trade-offs of its 6-inch barrel. The assessment highlights surprisingly practical accuracy at moderate ranges for this compact firearm.

This video demonstrates a practical marksmanship drill using a rare Marlin 1895 STP in .45-70 Government. Instructor John Hickok challenges viewers to clear a field of animal-shaped steel targets efficiently. The drill emphasizes accuracy and shot economy, framed as a hypothetical survival scenario. It highlights the capabilities of the Marlin 1895 STP, a limited-run rifle known for its historical significance and robust performance.

This guide details techniques for controlling a full-auto firearm, specifically the Glock 17, as demonstrated by John Hickok. It emphasizes the importance of grip, anticipating muzzle rise, maintaining sight alignment, and practicing controlled bursts. Hickok, an experienced shooter, highlights that mastering full-auto requires understanding the firearm's specific characteristics and dedicated practice.