USMC Stinger Machine Gun: Medal of Honor on Iwo Jima

The Stinger was a custom USMC weapon built from an AN/M2 aircraft machine gun, featuring a BAR bipod and M1 Garand stock. Modified for ground use, it had a high rate of fire (1400 rpm) and reduced ammo capacity (100 rounds) for portability. This unique firearm was famously used by Tony Stein during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The M1922 BAR was a rare light machine gun variant developed from the M1918 BAR, featuring a heavier barrel and bipod for sustained automatic fire. While Colt produced commercial versions, only 500 M1922s were converted from existing stocks before being declared obsolete in 1941. Key features include cooling fins on the barrel and a rear monopod for stability, though it was less ergonomic for left-handed shooters.

This segment from American Rifleman Television's "I Have This Old Gun" series focuses on the Browning 1917A1 Machine Gun. The video likely explores the history, design, and operational aspects of this iconic firearm, providing insights for enthusiasts interested in historical military weaponry.

The Colt MG38, based on the Browning Model 1917, featured significant design improvements like self-contained recoil springs and a higher rate of fire (up to 850 RPM) achieved by lightening the bolt. The 'B' designation in MG38B specifically indicated models sold with spade grips, differentiating them from earlier or standard configurations.

The Colt MG38 was a commercial variant of the Browning M1917 machine gun, produced by Colt for international sales. It featured several improvements over the original, including a self-contained recoil spring for easier disassembly and an optional anti-aircraft bolt with 'speed holes' to increase the rate of fire. The MG38 was offered in various calibers and configurations, with Argentina being a significant customer.

This video showcases a rare, double-size (200%) cutaway training model of the Browning M1919A6 machine gun manufactured by Reflectone. It details the model's construction from aluminum and zinc, its 78-inch length, and 55-pound weight. The demonstration highlights how these non-firing replicas were crucial for WWII military training, allowing clear visualization of internal mechanics and safety features without sacrificing live firearms.

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.