Bolt Action Cartridge Conversion of a French M1822 Rifle

This entry details an Ethiopian-modified Mauser 1871 Carbine, originally a single-shot 11mm black powder rifle. The firearm has been significantly altered with a re-chambered bore (estimated .30 caliber smokeless powder), a fabricated stock, and a non-functional bayonet lug. Expert assessment highlights extreme safety concerns due to the inadequate locking system for modern high-pressure cartridges, rendering the weapon unsafe to fire.

This guide details the disassembly and operation of the Winchester Thumb Trigger Rifle, a unique .22 caliber bolt-action firearm produced from 1904-1923. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates its simple takedown procedure, highlighting the integrated extractor and trigger mechanism. The rifle was mass-produced as an affordable 'boys' rifle' for plinking and varmint hunting, featuring a distinctive thumb-operated trigger.

This video details the initial stages of a custom 300 PRC rifle build, focusing on the selection and manufacturing of the rifle's action. The presenter, Ivan from Kit Badger, emphasizes the importance of adhering to weight restrictions for hunting and competition, leading to the choice of a Defiance anTi-X long action. The manufacturing process at Defiance Machine is showcased, highlighting their precision techniques and quality control.

This video explores the Colt Thuer cartridge conversion, a workaround developed by Colt to circumvent the Rollin White patent which had granted Smith & Wesson exclusive rights to manufacture modern breach-loading cartridge revolvers. The Thuer conversion, while loading from the front, ingeniously utilized center-fire cartridges to avoid patent infringement, showcasing a fascinating piece of firearm innovation history.

This video details the Miller cartridge conversion, a post-Civil War effort to adapt percussion muskets to metallic cartridges. Primarily using the Parker Snow Model 1861, the conversion featured a unique breech block with a self-retracting extractor and used the original hammer to fire a pin. Despite ~2,000 units produced, military testing revealed gas leakage and misfires, leading to its rejection for general service, though some saw limited militia use and surplus sales.

This video, despite lacking a detailed description, focuses on the practice of "pinching percussion caps." The title explicitly states a negative recommendation for this technique, suggesting it will likely delve into why this method is inadvisable. The content will probably cover potential safety issues, firearm malfunction risks, or proper ammunition handling procedures related to percussion caps. Expect explanations and demonstrations of why not to pinch percussion caps.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.