10 Military Guns Most People Never Knew Existed

Published on August 2, 2026
Duration: 11:50

This video explores ten obscure military firearms that solved unique battlefield problems. It highlights innovations like the Steyr AUG's bullpup design, the Owen machine carbine's reliability in harsh conditions, and specialized weapons such as underwater pistols and rifles (SPP-1, APS) and suppressed carbines (De Lisle). The entry also covers the Heckler & Koch P11, the Hungarian GM6 Lynx anti-materiel rifle, the Corner Shot system for engaging targets around corners, and the StG 44's experimental Krummlauf curved barrel attachment.

Quick Summary

The Steyr AUG, adopted in 1977, revolutionized rifle design with its bullpup configuration, placing the action behind the trigger for a compact yet full-length barrel. Its synthetic stock, translucent magazines, and standard optics made it a futuristic firearm for its era.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Sci-Fi Guns for Real Problems
  2. 00:3010. Steyr AUG: The Futuristic Bullpup
  3. 01:399. Owen Machine Carbine: Reliable in the Mud
  4. 02:328. De Lisle Commando Carbine: The Silent Assassin
  5. 03:387. Welrod Pistol: The Whisper of Covert Ops
  6. 04:426. SPP-1 Underwater Pistol: Firing Through Water
  7. 05:485. APS Underwater Rifle: For Combat Swimmers
  8. 06:484. Heckler & Koch P11: The Underwater Appliance
  9. 07:583. GM6 Lynx: Compact .50 Caliber Power
  10. 09:072. Corner Shot: Seeing Around Corners
  11. 10:181. StG 44 Krummlauf: The Curved Barrel Experiment
  12. 11:25Conclusion: Ingenious Yet Impractical Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Steyr AUG revolutionary for its time?

The Steyr AUG, adopted in 1977, was revolutionary due to its bullpup design, placing the action and magazine behind the trigger. This allowed for a full-length barrel in a compact body. It also featured a synthetic stock, translucent magazines for ammo checks, and standard factory optics, setting it apart from contemporary rifles.

How did the Owen machine carbine achieve its legendary reliability?

The Owen machine carbine's reliability in harsh conditions was attributed to its robust design and compartmentalized construction, which helped keep debris away from critical moving parts. It was specifically tested and proven effective in water, mud, and sand, outperforming competitors.

What was the primary purpose of the De Lisle Commando Carbine?

The De Lisle Commando Carbine was designed for British special operations units during WWII, specifically for silent raids and eliminating targets without announcing their presence. It achieved this through its use of a subsonic pistol cartridge (.45 ACP) and an integrated, oversized suppressor.

How do underwater firearms like the SPP-1 and APS function?

Underwater firearms like the SPP-1 pistol and APS rifle use specialized ammunition, often a long, dart-like projectile. They rely on hydrodynamic stabilization rather than rifling and are designed to function in water, where conventional bullets lose velocity and stability rapidly. Their effectiveness is significantly influenced by water pressure and depth.

What was the main challenge with the StG 44's Krummlauf attachment?

The Krummlauf, an experimental curved barrel for the StG 44, faced significant challenges. Forcing a bullet through a curve created enormous stress, leading to rapid barrel wear, reduced accuracy, and potential projectile deformation or fragmentation. While it technically worked, its performance was inconsistent and abusive to the weapon.

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