Winchester Mystery Prototype: Melvin Johnson does Project SALVO?

This entry details Winchester's experimental 'NATO Burp Guns' (N2/N4 patterns) from the 1950s, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The firearms featured an open-bolt, blowback action, a folding wire stock usable as a foregrip, and were designed for 9x19mm Parabellum. Key mechanical issues and differences between the N2 (aluminum) and N4 (steel) variants are discussed, alongside reasons for project abandonment.

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 Johnson M1941 Light Machine Gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of major components like the barrel, receivers, and bolt, highlighting the weapon's short recoil operating system and unique disassembly features. The instruction emphasizes safety and the importance of proper reassembly for reliable function.

This entry details the unique .22-06 Duplex M1 Garand, an experimental firearm discussed by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The rifle, presented from Rock Island Auction, features a significantly smaller bore than standard M1 Garands, designed for duplex cartridges. These cartridges, part of the 1950s Project SALVO, aimed to increase hit probability by firing multiple projectiles. While testing showed a potential 65% improvement, the project was ultimately canceled due to practical and cost concerns.

This video details the barrel of the Johnson 1941 rifle, highlighting its similarities to the AR-15 barrel extension. The presenter discusses the process of restoring a sporterized Johnson 1941 barrel, including removing unwanted modifications and using Evapo-Rust to address pitting and corrosion. The segment emphasizes the historical connection between Melvin Johnson's designs and Eugene Stoner's AR-15.

This guide details advanced gunsmithing techniques for the M1941 Johnson Automatic Rifle, presented by Master Gunsmith Mark Novak. It covers comprehensive disassembly, common repair issues like stock damage and magazine tube thread repair using specialized methods such as Cerrosafe casting, and reassembly of critical components. Novak's expertise shines through in his explanations of the rifle's unique short-recoil system, rotary magazine, and safety features, offering invaluable insights for collectors and restorers of this historical firearm.

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.