America's Forgotten SMG: The Hyde/Marlin M2

This guide provides an overview of the Hyde/Marlin M2 submachine gun's disassembly, as presented by Ian McCollum. It highlights the firearm's unique construction, including its sintered metal components and open bolt blowback mechanism. The M2 is noted for being lighter and cheaper to produce than the M1 Thompson, utilizing compatible magazines.

This guide details the disassembly of the Bendix-Hyde Second Model prototype carbine, a competitor in the U.S. military's Light Rifle program. The video, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlights the complex disassembly process, noting its difficulty compared to the eventual M1 Carbine. The carbine features a gas-operated, long-stroke piston system with a tilting wedge lock and is chambered in .30 Carbine. Its rejection in favor of the Winchester design was due to reliability issues and a cumbersome disassembly procedure.

This entry details the George Hyde Model 33 submachine gun, a rare firearm developed by German-born gunsmith George Hyde. It covers its design influences, unique horizontal magazine system, mechanical operation, and its performance during US military trials in 1939, where it showed promise but faced development challenges. The information is presented with high authority from a recognized expert in historical firearms.

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.