What is a Duffel Cut?

This video from Forgotten Weapons details the extensive journey of a single Arisaka rifle, manufactured in 1910 Japan. The rifle's history is traced through its service with the British, transfer to Russian forces, and eventual presence in Finland during its Civil War. The expert speaker demonstrates how specific markings on the firearm authenticate its complex provenance, highlighting its eventual import into the United States.

The GyroJet pistol, developed in the 1960s by MBAssociates, was an experimental firearm firing rocket-propelled rounds. While theoretically offering no recoil and potential for long-range penetration, it proved impractical due to weak close-range performance, high cost, inaccuracy, and unreliability. Despite its unique concept, the GyroJet is considered a historical failure.

This video explores the firearms one might have carried in 1878, proposing a 'battery' of a handgun, rifle, and shotgun. Expert instructor Hickok45 details the Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver, the Iron Frame Henry rifle, and the ubiquitous 12-gauge double-barrel coach gun, providing historical context and live-fire demonstrations. The discussion highlights how wealth and location influenced firearm access during that era.

The Little Tom is highlighted as the world's first Double Action Only (DAO) automatic pistol, featuring a unique bi-directional magazine loading system. Its barrel disassembly involves pushing it back to release an oval lug from a dovetail slot. The internal mechanism demonstrates a specific trigger bar and hammer interaction for DAO operation.

This video explores the possibility of legally shooting rare firearms. While the description is brief, the title suggests a focus on the accessibility and legality of owning and handling uncommon or collectible firearms, potentially touching on regulations, acquisition, and actual use at a range or in a specific context. It aims to inform viewers about the practicalities surrounding these unique pieces.

Mark Serbu, a gun designer, shares his experience at the SAR West Gun Show in Phoenix, Arizona. He highlights the show's size and the unique firearms discovered, including a rare WWII German Panzerbüchse 39 and a Winchester M1 Carbine with serial number 0. Serbu also showcases his own acquisitions, the Hamilton Model 15 and Remington Model 12 .22 rifles, detailing their innovative designs and historical significance. The video emphasizes the value of gun shows for hands-on discovery and learning about historical manufacturing techniques.

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.