Hotchkiss Portative Disassembly

This video provides an in-depth, expert-level guide to disassembling the Bergmann MG 15nA, a World War 1-era light machine gun. Curatorial Assistant Joe Ford meticulously walks through each step, from removing the feed tray cover and buttstock to extracting the bolt, barrel, and locking mechanisms. The guide highlights the unique design features and operational principles of this historically significant firearm, offering valuable insights for gunsmiths and firearms enthusiasts.

This guide details the field stripping process for the rare Soviet DS-39 machine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of major components like the recoil spring tube, trigger group, and bolt assembly, offering insights into its unique internal mechanisms, including Degtyarev-style locking flaps and an accelerator lever. The expert-level instruction highlights the complexity and specific design choices of this historical firearm.

This guide details the installation of a Drop-In Auto Sear (DIAS) into an AR receiver, a process that converts the firearm to full-auto. The DIAS is a self-contained, legal machine gun that can be moved between compatible AR platforms. Due to its NFA classification, understanding its legal status and transferability is crucial. The video highlights the extreme rarity and high market value of pre-1986 registered DIAS units.

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the Marlin Model 1917 Machine Gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of the pistol grip, side plates, recoil springs, feed sprocket, and barrel. The video emphasizes the unique design elements of this early gas-operated firearm.

This video focuses on the disassembly and reassembly of the MG34 trigger group, demonstrated with Greg from Allegheny Arsenal. The process is presented as a solution for cleaning cosmoline-laden trigger groups found in parts kits. The content is practical and instructional for those working with or restoring MG34 firearms.

This guide details the disassembly and reassembly of the rare Colt CMG-2 light machine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It highlights the unique features such as the sheet metal receiver, quick-detach barrel, cam-driven feed mechanism, and unusual bolt design without a traditional extractor. The process involves careful manipulation of the pistol grip assembly and bolt carrier group.

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.