The Revolver they *should* have used in Zulu, with firearms and weapon expert Jonathan Ferguson

This guide details the process of converting a Remington New Model percussion revolver to fire cartridges, a common practice in the late 19th century. It covers the steps for removing the percussion cylinder and installing a conversion cylinder, as well as the procedure for reloading after firing. The video emphasizes that while these conversions were popular, they were often performed by gunsmiths rather than being a simple factory option until later.

This video from Brownells Guntech Steve Ostrem delves into the history and specifics of the 1860 Richards Army Conversion. The content focuses on the innovative cartridge conversion of percussion Colt revolvers, highlighting Charles Richards' patent for this breech-loading improvement. The series encourages viewer participation for future featured firearms.

This guide details the differences in disassembly between the original LeMat revolver and the fictionalized prop used in HBO's WestWorld. The original features a fixed shotgun barrel, while the prop allows for its removal with the cylinder, a common cinematic adaptation. The video, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlights these distinctions, offering insights into prop design and historical firearm mechanics.

This video details the Thuer cartridge conversion process for Colt percussion revolvers, specifically the 1851 Navy. It explains how a conversion cylinder and ring allowed these firearms to fire modern cartridges without violating existing patents. The process involves removing the original percussion cylinder and wedge, installing the conversion components, and then reassembling the barrel. The video highlights the historical context of cartridge conversions in the post-Civil War era and the ingenuity required to adapt existing firearms.

This guide details the operation of the Pryse-Cashmore revolver's unique double-action/single-action hybrid trigger. Expert Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the Royal Armouries, explains how to utilize both modes for rapid fire or precision shooting. The video also touches on the historical context and design evolution of these Victorian-era firearms.

This guide details the operational and mechanical aspects of the Miller Breechloading Conversion, a post-Civil War modification for the Model 1861 Musket. It covers identifying key markings, understanding the breech block, extractor, and firing pin mechanisms, and the importance of the stock channel for cartridge loading. The conversion, developed by George and William Miller, aimed to adapt percussion muskets to .58 caliber rimfire cartridges. Approximately 2,000 were produced, but military testing revealed issues like gas leakage and misfires, leading to its limited adoption.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

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.