AK50: How Hard Could it Be? Brandon Herrera's 10-Year Project

Brandon Herrera details the installation and testing of a new double-spring recoil system for the AK-50 V3 prototype. The guide covers initial live fire with standard and surplus ammunition, analysis of cycling issues using slow-motion footage, and plans for further gas system and ejection geometry adjustments. This expert-level modification aims to improve the reliability of the oversized AK platform.

This entry details the development and testing of the AK-50, a custom .50 BMG rifle designed by Brandon Herrera. It covers the engineering challenges of scaling the AK platform, the transition from milled to stamped receivers, and the successful live-fire testing of the V3 prototype. The content highlights the expertise of Brandon Herrera in firearm design and manufacturing.

This guide details the process of tuning the recoil system for the AK-50, focusing on the custom multi-spring assembly, buffer system, and piston shaft redesign. It includes steps for disassembly, inspection of components like the S7 steel extractor, and testing carrier velocity for optimal spring adjustment. The information is presented by Brandon Herrera, the lead designer of the AK-50, highlighting his expertise in custom firearm engineering.

This entry details the developmental journey of the AK-50, a .50 BMG AK-style rifle, as explained by its designer, Brandon Herrera. It covers the V1 prototype's challenges, including gas port failures and heat treatment issues, and highlights design solutions like the triangular bolt face, assist spring, and dual recoil spring system. Herrera's candid discussion reveals significant engineering hurdles overcome through iterative design and a deep understanding of firearm mechanics.

This guide details the analysis of the AK-50's muzzle brake design, explaining how vent placement affects barrel whip. It also covers a practical test to debunk the myth that a .50 BMG shockwave can damage targets without direct impact. The insights are presented by Brandon Herrera, the lead designer, highlighting his deep technical expertise.

This video details an experiment where a single .50 BMG round was heated in a pan on a portable stove, simulating cooking a hot dog. The .50 BMG round detonated, punching a hole through the pan and leaving an imprint of its base. The speaker, demonstrating experienced authority, emphasizes the extreme danger and unpredictability of such actions, advising against repeating the "forbidden hot dog" experiment. The demonstration was conducted at an outdoor range with safety measures like taking cover behind a truck.

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.