Johnson LMG: History & 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 M1944E1/M1945 Johnson Light Machine Gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers barrel removal and accessing the buttstock storage. The video highlights the unique gas-assist recoil system and the monopod mechanism.

This guide details the field stripping process for the Swiss LMG-25 light machine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of the barrel and bolt assembly for cleaning or maintenance. The video also highlights the unique toggle-lock action and the importance of the API system.

This guide details the field stripping process for the H&K MG4, a 5.56mm light machine gun. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates how to disassemble the weapon into its primary component groups, highlighting the removal of the buttstock, recoil spring, grip assembly, and bolt carrier group. The process involves the use of captive pins and emphasizes the stamped steel receiver construction.

This guide details the field stripping process for the SIG KE-7 Light Machine Gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It highlights the complexity of the Swiss design, including its short recoil operation and progressive trigger. The process involves separating the barrel and receiver assemblies and then further disassembling the bolt carrier group.

This guide details the field stripping process for the IWI Negev 7 light machine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of major components like the buttstock, recoil springs, bolt carrier group, and pistol grip. The video also highlights the quick-change barrel system and the two-position gas regulator. McCollum's high authority level as a firearms expert provides a reliable technical overview.

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.