An Aladdin's Cave of Ethiopian Arms from InterOrdnance

This video details the unboxing of a crate of Ethiopian rifles, primarily Mannlicher M95 variants, imported by Royal Tiger Imports. A rare Steyr Model 1878 French Navy rifle is identified, showcasing its historical significance and unique Ethiopian markings. The crate also contained a diverse mix of other military surplus firearms, highlighting Ethiopia's complex arms history.

This video delves into the origins of the CZ-75, focusing on the rare 'Short Rail' and 'Pre-B' models. It highlights František Koucký's design process, influenced by the SIG P210 and Browning High Power, and details the evolution of features like frame rails, finishes, and safety mechanisms. The discussion also touches upon the unique patent situation that led to the CZ-75's widespread copying.

This video delves into the history and evolution of Czechoslovakian flare pistols, specifically the vz. 44/67 and vz. 44/81 models. It details their origins, based on the Soviet SPSh flare pistol, and the subsequent improvements made by CZ. The narrative covers material upgrades, enhanced durability, and ergonomic refinements across different production runs. The featured pistols are noted as surplus from the Slovakian Army, recently imported into the US by Royal Tiger Imports. The video also features mentions of specific brands for merchandise and reference materials.

This review from Forgotten Weapons examines a unique Ethiopian modified Gewehr 88 carbine. The rifle, originally a full-length Gewehr 88 Commission rifle manufactured at the Danzig Arsenal in 1894, features a carbine-length barrel but retains a standard rifle nose cap with a side-mounted bayonet lug. Notable modifications include a turned-down bolt handle and Amharic script on the receiver, indicating Ethiopian origin. The absence of the rear sight suggests a simplified 'point and shoot' configuration, adding to its historical intrigue.

The Carcano M91, an Italian workhorse rifle, utilized a unique 6.5x52mm cartridge and gain-twist rifling. Despite criticisms, it was a robust design, with over 3.5 million produced. Key features include a Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip and a distinctive flag safety, though a bolt guide lug can be a potential jamming point.

The East German Wieger 942 was a 5.56mm variant of the AK-74, developed to circumvent Soviet export restrictions. Despite its AK-derived design, it featured unique elements like a vertically splitting handguard and proprietary magazines. Production was limited, with some examples exported to Peru and India, and later US clones were produced.

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.