British Breechloaders and Trials Rifles

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 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 video provides an expert-level look at a rare 1625 German Breechloading Wheellock rifle, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The firearm showcases advanced 17th-century engineering, including a unique breech mechanism with a reusable steel cartridge and double set triggers for precision. The intricate bone and mother-of-pearl inlays highlight its status as a piece for wealthy patrons. The video emphasizes the historical significance of this early breechloading design.

This comprehensive guide delves into the history, mechanics, and quality assessment of boxlock shotguns, drawing on expert insights from TGS Outdoors. It covers the evolution of boxlock actions, including key patents and designs like the Anson & Deeley and Greener's Facile Princeps. The video highlights the craftsmanship of high-end boxlocks, dispels myths about their inferiority to sidelocks, and discusses innovations like the Westley Richards Drop Lock for field maintenance. It also provides guidance on assessing quality and understanding current market values, noting the impact of historical competition from Spanish and Italian imports.

This guide details the expert gunsmithing process for repairing a Westley Richards Cape Gun, focusing on re-soldering a detached forend lug and reinforcing a split stock. Mark Novak, an expert gunsmith and firearms conservator, demonstrates advanced techniques including precision soldering, the use of 'dog bone' cross-bolt reinforcements, and Acraglas bedding. The repair addresses common structural failures in vintage firearms to ensure continued functionality and preservation.

This guide details the expert process of crafting a custom ebony ramrod for a vintage Westley Richards percussion muzzle-loading shotgun, as demonstrated by an experienced gunsmith. The steps involve precise woodworking and metalworking techniques, including shaping ebony with a dowel maker and tapering fixture, and machining brass tips on a lathe with specific thread pitches. The assembly process emphasizes secure fitting with epoxy and brass pins, followed by finishing techniques to match the antique aesthetic of the firearm.

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.