Beautiful 1625 Breechloading Wheellock

This guide details the mechanical operation of the Merrill Breechloading Conversion applied to the 1841 Mississippi Rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the breech lever and ramming mechanism for loading, and accessing the patch box for spare parts. The video highlights the rarity of these conversions due to the destruction of the Harpers Ferry arsenal.

This entry details two 16th-century Saxon Wheellock Pistols presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. These high-status firearms, dating from 1575-1600, showcase intricate staghorn inlay, functional 'puffer' pommels for cavalry, belt hooks, and rare tubular aperture sights. The presentation highlights their handmade nature and artistic variations, distinguishing them from later reproductions.

This video showcases a matched pair of 25 caliber wheellock hunting rifles from 1652, highlighting their intricate craftsmanship and historical significance. The presenter details the walnut stocks with extensive horn and bone inlays, sliding patch boxes, and the complex wheel lock mechanism. The rifles feature fully rifled barrels, fine sights, and gilded metalwork, with unique gothic numbering on each gun. Despite their age and some signs of repair, these rifles represent a remarkable piece of historical firearms engineering.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Terry Patent Carbine, a unique bolt-action breechloader used by British Hussars and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details its historical context, mechanical operation, and the reasons for its eventual obsolescence in favor of metallic cartridges. The carbine's specific features, like its obturation system and presentation engravings, are highlighted, offering valuable insights for firearm enthusiasts and historians.

This guide, informed by Ian McCollum's expert analysis from Forgotten Weapons, details how to differentiate between authentic 16th-century German wheellock pistols and high-quality 19th-century reproductions. It emphasizes examining craftsmanship, guild marks, and natural aging, while acknowledging the challenge posed by aged reproductions that can be mistaken for originals. The distinction between deceptive fakes and honest reproductions is also clarified.

This video from Forgotten Weapons, hosted by Ian McCollum, delves into a fascinating array of rare British breech-loading rifles and trials guns. McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, showcases unique mechanisms and historical conversions, offering detailed insights into their design and function. The content highlights the evolution of breech-loading technology from early wheel-locks to 19th-century cartridge systems.

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.