Marlin 1897 Bicycle Rifle

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.

This guide details the meticulous disassembly and restoration of a rare Colt/Burgess Light Carbine, emphasizing historical preservation techniques. Mark Novak, an expert gunsmith and historian, demonstrates advanced methods like rust conversion and localized heat application for stubborn screws. The process highlights the unique toggle-link action and potential structural weaknesses of this early lever-action design.

This guide details the disassembly and mechanical operation of the North & Skinner Wedge-Lock Revolving Rifle, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of the cylinder and highlights the unique wedge-lock system designed to mitigate the cylinder gap issue common in early revolving rifles. The explanation emphasizes the historical context and mechanical ingenuity of this 19th-century firearm.

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Porter Turret Rifle (2nd Variation), detailing its historical context, unique radial turret design, and safety improvements over earlier models. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons highlights the rifle's mechanics, including its lever-action, 9-round capacity, .50 caliber chambering, and innovative priming system, while also discussing its inherent safety risks and historical anecdotes.

This guide details the mechanical aspects of the Volcanic pistol, highlighting its toggle-link action, magazine loading system, and variations in frame materials and markings. It emphasizes the historical lineage connecting the Volcanic to later Winchester rifles. The information is presented with high authority by Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

This guide details the disassembly and operational mechanics of the rare Porter Turret Rifle, patented in 1851. It covers the unique lever-action, the 9-shot turret cylinder, and its distinctive percussion cap magazine system. The video emphasizes the historical context and the complex internal mechanisms, including the sideways hammer strike and indexing pins. Expert analysis highlights the safety risks associated with turret designs, particularly chain fires.

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.