Arcelin Mousqueton: An 1850s Breechloader with a Ludicrous Bayonet

This comprehensive review of the Russian Berdan II Infantry Model, presented by C&Rsenal, details its physical specifications, including a 9.2 lbs weight and 53-inch length. The guide covers its single-shot operation, the 10.75x58mmR black powder cartridge, and its unique 45-degree bolt action. The speaker, demonstrating high authority, also discusses the rifle's sights, half-cock safety, and a moderate recoil, noting its historical context as a viable, albeit dated, service rifle.

This video provides an expert-level unboxing and overview of various Swiss straight-pull rifles from Classic Firearms, including the K31, 96/11, 1911, and 1889 Antique. The presenters, Matt and Josh, highlight the excellent condition of these surplus firearms, discuss their unique mechanical features like the straight-pull action and magazine design, and touch upon their historical context, including use in Swiss shooting competitions. The review also clarifies legal classifications for antique models.

This expert review from Line45 breaks down six budget military surplus rifles that remain relevant and powerful in 2026. Host Luke assesses their performance, historical significance, and current market value, highlighting which are still smart buys and which are overpriced nostalgia. The analysis covers rifles like the Carcano, SKS, Mosin-Nagant, K31, Lee-Enfield, and M1 Garand, detailing their unique ballistics, reliability, and practical applications.

This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" focuses on the Burnside carbine, a significant firearm used by cavalry during the American Civil War. It explores the carbine's unique breech-loading design, its inventor Ambrose Burnside's multifaceted career (including his role in the NRA's founding), and its historical context as the third most popular cavalry carbine of the war, trailing the Sharps and Spencer. The discussion highlights the rapid pace of firearm development during the era, rendering the Burnside technologically obsolete within a decade. Despite its eventual limitations and the Burnside Company's bankruptcy, the carbine is recognized as an important step in firearm evolution.

This guide details the unique bolt operation of the Lee Navy rifle, highlighting that the breech typically only opens after the firing pin falls. It demonstrates the use of a manual override lever on the left side of the receiver, which allows the bolt to be opened independently of the firing pin. This technique is crucial for safe handling and clearing, especially for those unfamiliar with the mechanism.

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Krag-Jørgensen carbine, presented by firearms instructor Hickok45. It details the rifle's unique side-loading gate, magazine cut-off, and historical context, including its service with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders and its appearance in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. The demonstration showcases the carbine's surprising effectiveness on various targets despite its age.

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.