Anvil 058: Johnson Automatic Rifle

This video focuses on troubleshooting and repairing a 1941 Johnson Automatic Rifle. The customer reported issues with the hold open function and the magazine gate. The description explicitly states this is NOT a tutorial, but rather a demonstration of what is needed for repair, warning untrained individuals against attempting it. Support for the channel is encouraged through Patreon.

This video focuses on the field stripping of the M1941 Johnson Rifle, a unique firearm from US military history. Despite its limited production compared to the M1 Garand, some M1941 Johnson Rifles saw action with US forces in the Pacific during World War II. The video highlights the design and mechanics of this historical rifle.

This video details a complex gunsmithing process to convert a rare Peabody Rifle from its original 11.15 Romanian Beaumont chambering to .45-70 Government using a sleeve from a Swiss Vetterli barrel. The conversion involves extensive machining of the barrel and breech block, fitting a new extractor, and carefully modifying the chamber for reliable feeding. Crucially, the modification is deemed safe only for black powder loads due to significant thinning of the breech block.

This video details the conservation-focused restoration of a severely flood-damaged Mauser K98. Mark Novak emphasizes preserving original finish over aggressive cleaning, using techniques like rust conversion boiling and careful scraping. Key steps include disassembling the rifle, treating rust with boiling and carding, steaming dents from the wood, and repairing the handguard with polyurethane glue.

This video provides a practical, live-fire demonstration of the 1918 Chauchat light machine gun, focusing on its unique long-recoil action. Mark Novak showcases the weapon's cycling in slow-motion, highlighting the reciprocating barrel and bolt assembly. The demonstration emphasizes the historical significance and operational mechanics of this WWI-era firearm.

This video details the conservation of a barn-found LC Smith 20 Gauge shotgun. Mark Novak demonstrates critical steps including barrel solder testing, proper disassembly with fitted tools, and analysis of the stock's inherent weaknesses. The conservation process involves boiling metal parts to convert rust to black oxide and treating the wood with oil, followed by meticulous reassembly and a successful test fire.