What is this Weapon? Christmas Cracker, with firearms experts Jonathan Ferguson and Ian McCollum

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson debunks the popular myth that the idiom 'the whole nine yards' originates from the length of machine gun belts, particularly those used in aircraft. He presents evidence suggesting the phrase predates aviation machine guns and likely stems from a humorous anecdote in an 1855 Indiana newspaper about a shirt made with 'the whole nine yards' of material. While acknowledging the intuitive appeal of the firearms connection, Ferguson's research indicates no historical basis for it.

The Maroszek rifle, a Polish semi-automatic design from the 1930s, is highlighted for its advanced features and ease of maintenance, which reportedly surpassed contemporary designs. Its development was unfortunately cut short by the German and Soviet invasions of Poland, preventing it from entering widespread service. Despite not being adopted, the Maroszek is considered a well-executed and innovative firearm for its era.

This video details how Sam Cummings, a collector and "gun nut," secured a significant contract for AR-10 rifles with Guatemala in late 1957. After demonstrating the prototype AR-10 (serial number 1001) across Central and South America, Guatemala placed an order for 450 units for their military school, the Escuela Politécnica. The delivery was scheduled for mid to late 1958.

This video details the rapid evolution of US flamethrowers during World War II, moving from the unreliable M1 to the superior M2. The M1 was an emergency development, built in 90 days with off-the-shelf parts, suffering from poor reliability and combat effectiveness. Its shortcomings spurred immediate research, leading to the M2, which incorporated lessons learned from studying Allied and Axis flamethrowers.

This comprehensive video delves into the iconic Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolver, exploring its history, evolution, and cultural impact. It covers the SAA's lineage from early Colt revolvers, its adoption by the US military, and its enduring legacy as the 'gun that won the West.' The video also features detailed discussions on various SAA configurations, historical context, shooting techniques, and its prominent role in popular culture, particularly Western films.

This video offers a retrospective of Lenny Magill's extensive career in the firearms industry, spanning from the 1980s and 90s to the present. It showcases his early experiences with various firearms, product reviews, and self-defense training, alongside his current involvement with Glock and the GlockStore. The content highlights his enduring expertise and passion for firearms.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.