RIA Feb 2020 Special: Mystery Spanish Revolver

This video details the extremely rare .30-06 Thompson Submachine Gun prototype, a one-of-a-kind firearm previously considered mythical. Expert Brandon Herrera provides an in-depth look at its unique features, including a modified BAR magazine and a complex colleted bolt friction-delay system designed for the higher pressure .30-06 cartridge. The prototype's historical context and auction results are also discussed, highlighting its significance as a museum-quality artifact.

This guide details the unique gravity-feeding mechanism of the Colette Gravity Pistol, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers the specific 'Rocket Ball' ammunition and the vertical breech block operation. The process involves tilting the muzzle to load and cocking the hammer to seal the chamber, highlighting a rare and complex action type.

This guide details several ingenious field gunsmithing modifications performed on Berthier rifles imported from Ethiopia, as presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. These adaptations address the scarcity of original clips by creating internal clips, converting the rifle to a Mauser-like configuration, implementing external feed lips, and even adapting it to accept Lee-Enfield magazines. The video highlights the resourcefulness of Ethiopian gunsmiths in maintaining firearms in operational condition.

This entry details two 16th-century Saxon Wheellock Pistols presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. These high-status firearms, dating from 1575-1600, showcase intricate staghorn inlay, functional 'puffer' pommels for cavalry, belt hooks, and rare tubular aperture sights. The presentation highlights their handmade nature and artistic variations, distinguishing them from later reproductions.

This guide details the process of testing a Berthier rifle modified to accept an 18-round Chauchat magazine, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers loading, insertion, live-fire testing, and analysis of common malfunctions encountered due to the 8mm Lebel cartridge's taper and rimmed design in a box magazine configuration. The project highlights a fascinating historical curiosity but notes its practical unreliability.

This guide details the loading and operation of the Venditti Repeating Pistol, an Italian copy of the Volcanic. It covers the specific steps for loading the magazine tube via the muzzle cap and the single-action operation initiated by the lever. The information is presented with expert historical context, highlighting the evolution of Venditti's designs and their mechanical comparisons to the original Volcanic pistol.

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.