FN Model D: The Last and Best BAR

This guide details the field stripping and basic maintenance of the FN Model 30 BAR, the first Belgian-made Browning Automatic Rifle. It covers disassembly of key components, cleaning procedures, and reassembly, highlighting specific Belgian improvements like the bolt guide lever and gas system modifications. The process is demonstrated by Ian McCollum, showcasing advanced knowledge of the BAR's mechanics.

This guide details the disassembly of the Swedish m/21 BAR, a variant of the M1918 BAR chambered in 6.5x55mm. The video demonstrates a field strip focusing on the removal of the trigger/grip group, highlighting its unique safety selector mechanism. Expert instruction from Ian McCollum provides historical context and technical insights into this early light machine gun.

This guide details the field modifications performed on the USMC Stinger machine gun, a hybrid weapon built from an AN/M2 aircraft Browning. It covers attaching an M1 Garand stock, a BAR bipod, and custom trigger work, along with reducing belt box capacity for ground use. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the ingenuity of these battlefield adaptations.

This guide details the quick-change barrel demonstration of the FN Model D, as presented by experts from Brownells and Rock Island Auction Company. It highlights the mechanical lineage of the design, influenced by John Moses Browning's original BAR and leading to later models like the M240. The video emphasizes the advanced engineering for its time, including features like a quick-change barrel, adjustable gas system, and robust construction.

This guide details the field stripping process for the Polish wz.28 BAR, a rare variant of the M1918 BAR. It covers the removal of key components like the gas plug, handguard, fire control group, charging handle, and bolt assembly. The video emphasizes the importance of proper disassembly for maintenance and understanding the firearm's mechanics. Instruction is provided by Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

This video, featuring firearms expert Ian McCollum, details the financial pitfalls of wartime arms manufacturing. It highlights how the Imperial Contracting Company, through the Springfield Arms Company and Hopkins & Allen, failed to fulfill British SMLE and Belgian Mauser contracts, leading to bankruptcy. The assets were later acquired by Marlin-Rockwell, which found success producing BARs and machine guns.

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.