Big Iron: Development of the Colt 1848 Dragoon Revolver

This guide details the operation and inspection of the Colt Paterson No. 1 Carbine, one of Samuel Colt's pioneering revolving rifles. It covers unique features like the ring trigger, cylinder engravings, and the historical context of its production and use. Expert Ian McCollum highlights the mechanical intricacies and potential maintenance considerations for this rare firearm.

This entry details the rare Colt Prototype Zig-Zag Root Revolvers, focusing on their unique mechanical innovations. It highlights Elisha K. Root's contributions, the 'creeping loading lever,' and the experimental 'Zig-Zag' cylinder indexing system. The analysis includes comparisons to later designs and emphasizes the historical significance and rarity of these experimental pieces, drawing on expert insights from Ian McCollum.

This guide details the installation process for a rare Canteen Stock onto a Colt 1851 Navy percussion revolver, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. The process involves aligning specific cutouts and securing the stock with a tensioning screw. The video highlights the historical significance and unique design of this accessory, emphasizing the improved accuracy it offers.

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.