Anvil 104: Colt/ Burgess "Light Carbine" resurrection

This guide details the disassembly and mechanical operation of the North & Skinner Wedge-Lock Revolving Rifle, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of the cylinder and highlights the unique wedge-lock system designed to mitigate the cylinder gap issue common in early revolving rifles. The explanation emphasizes the historical context and mechanical ingenuity of this 19th-century firearm.

This guide details the mechanical aspects of the Volcanic pistol, highlighting its toggle-link action, magazine loading system, and variations in frame materials and markings. It emphasizes the historical lineage connecting the Volcanic to later Winchester rifles. The information is presented with high authority by Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

This guide details the disassembly and operational mechanics of the rare Porter Turret Rifle, patented in 1851. It covers the unique lever-action, the 9-shot turret cylinder, and its distinctive percussion cap magazine system. The video emphasizes the historical context and the complex internal mechanisms, including the sideways hammer strike and indexing pins. Expert analysis highlights the safety risks associated with turret designs, particularly chain fires.

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.

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides an expert-level guide to disassembling the Marlin Model 1897 Bicycle Rifle. The demonstration highlights the unique takedown mechanism patented by L.L. Hepburn, allowing the rifle to be separated into two main components for storage in a bicycle frame bag. McCollum also details the internal action, including the lever operation, cartridge elevator, hammer safety features, and bolt assembly, offering valuable insights for collectors and gunsmiths interested in this rare historical firearm.

This entry details a Khyber Pass-manufactured pistol mimicking the Martini-Henry action, chambered in .303 British. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its crude, handmade origin and nonsensical markings, including fake 'Enfield' stamps and an anachronistic date. A strong safety warning is issued against firing this weapon due to its dubious construction.

This guide details the expert gunsmithing process of sleeving a Peabody rifle's chamber to .45-70 Government, as demonstrated by Mark Novak. The modification involves precise machining on a lathe and milling machine to adapt the breech and extractor for the larger cartridge. Crucially, the rifle is only safe for black powder loads due to structural modifications.

This guide details a meticulous, conservation-focused restoration of a flood-damaged Mauser K98, led by Master Gunsmith Mark Novak. It covers advanced techniques for rust removal, wood repair, and finish preservation, emphasizing the importance of retaining historical integrity over achieving a pristine appearance. Novak's expertise is evident in his use of specialized tools and adherence to established gunsmithing principles from authors like Jerry Kuhnhausen.

This guide details the firing sequence of the 1918 Chauchat light machine gun as demonstrated by expert Mark Novak. It covers safe handling, live fire, and a detailed analysis of the weapon's unique long-recoil action using slow-motion footage. Novak's expertise is evident in his proficient handling and clear explanation of the mechanical operation.

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.