Holy Mother of Muzzle Flash, the Rico Special

The LMG-25, Switzerland's first modern light machine gun, features a unique toggle-locking system developed by Adolf Furrer. Chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss, it offers select-fire capability and a 30-round magazine compatible with the Stgw 57. A notable feature is the Advanced Primer Ignition (API) system, which reduces felt recoil and rate of fire by igniting the primer while parts are still moving forward.

The SIG PE-57, civilian Stgw 57, is a robust roller-delayed blowback rifle chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss. Its design, influenced by the MG-42, features a unique 'base-first' ejection system and a 'winter trigger' for cold weather use. Despite its weight, it offers a soft-shooting experience and impressive ergonomics.

This entry details the book 'Small Arms of the Cold War: Battle Rifles of NATO' by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers over 60 authentic battle rifles from NATO and Western democracies, focusing on the period from the 1950s to the 1980s. The book features detailed information on iconic firearms like the FN FAL, G3, M14, and AR-10, alongside lesser-known variants and prototypes, drawing from museum collections worldwide.

This Q&A session, filmed in Finland, features Mike and Fabien from the Bloke on the Range YouTube channel joining the host. The discussion covers a wide range of historical and modern firearms, including early smokeless rifles, Swiss straight-pull rifles (like the Stgw 57), comparing the Stgw 57 with the FAMAS, and discussing "bring backs" in Europe. They also touch upon Swiss gun laws, the perception of the Bloke on the Range channel, and compare various rifle platforms such as the P14/M1917 and SMLE/No4, and FAL vs G3. Ammunition prices, availability in Europe, and recommendations for new shooters are also addressed. Specific calibers like .303 and 7.5x55 are debated, along with modifying sporterized SMLEs. The conversation delves into Switzerland's decision not to adopt NATO calibers, surprising firearms, non-military manufacturers of SMLE parts, the impact of hollow point bans on 9mm vs larger handgun calibers in Switzerland, and the best breech-loading conversion systems. The video also promotes the Bloke on the Range and Forgotten Weapons Patreon pages and merchandise.

The WF-54 was a Swiss prototype rifle developed by Waffenfabrik Bern, scaling up the German FG-42 design to fire the full-power 7.5x55mm GP11 cartridge. It featured a closed-bolt firing system, a simplified charging handle, and a folding winter trigger. While only about 10 were made, it represented an iterative step towards the later SIG Stgw 57.

This video examines the W+F Bern C42 and E22 prototype rifles, which competed against SIG in the trials for the Swiss Army's Stgw 90. Despite innovative features like quick-detach barrels and modularity, these rifles were ultimately rejected due to accuracy issues and design flaws, such as a problematic charging handle. The E22 used a proprietary 6.45mm round, while the C42 chambered the standard 5.56mm NATO.

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.