America's First Assault Rifle: Burton 1917 LMR

The Marlin Model 1917 is a licensed copy of the Colt Model 1895/1914, itself an evolution of the original Colt 'Potato Digger'. It features a unique gas-operated system using a swinging lever mechanism, distinct from typical gas pistons. This lever, when activated by gas tapped from the barrel, cycles the action, earning the 'Potato Digger' nickname due to its violent movement potentially digging into the ground.

The Browning 1917 is a water-cooled heavy machine gun weighing 32.6 lbs, with an overall length of 37.5 inches. It utilizes a 250-round belt of .30-06 ammunition and requires a tripod for operation. Despite arriving late for WWI, it proved to be a robust and reliable weapon.

This review covers an original Smith & Wesson 1917 revolver in .45 ACP, distinguishing it from Brazilian imports. The presenter details its personal restoration from a disassembled state and demonstrates its impressive accuracy at an outdoor range, highlighting the importance of correct ammunition for vintage revolvers.

This review covers the Webley Mk VI .455 revolver, highlighting its 1917 production markings and robust construction. The video demonstrates the top-break action for loading and automatic ejection of spent casings. Live fire showcases the double-action trigger and recoil in a snowy outdoor setting.

This video provides a detailed look at a Lyon & Healy "Improved George Washburn" banjo from 1913-1917. It discusses the banjo's "improved tone ring," suggesting it might have been a response to Fairbanks' designs. The video also delves into the potential manufacturing origin with Rettberg & Lange and highlights specific setup details like the Waverly Fiberskyn 2 head, La Bella No. 17 nylon strings, and a historical reproduction Bolsover Gibbs banjo bridge. The content creator, Clifton Hicks, is a banjo musician and educator, with various links to his music and support platforms provided.

The Mauser K98a, a 1917 Erfurt-manufactured rifle, is a historically significant and mechanically sound firearm. This review highlights its evolution from the G98 and its role as a precursor to the K98k, noting its compact 'small ring' receiver and distinctive features like the stacking hook. Despite the rising cost of 8mm Mauser ammunition, the K98a remains a pleasure to shoot, valued for its historical combat roles and smooth operation.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.