Book Review: Handguns of the World by Edward Ezell

This comprehensive book review by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons highlights 'The Complete Book of Tokarev Pistols' by Dr. Cameron White. The book is praised for its scholarly research, high production quality, and detailed coverage of Tokarev variants produced across various countries, making it an invaluable resource for collectors. It offers extensive photographic evidence and essential data for identifying and understanding these historical firearms.

This video provides a book review of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms," a foundational reference for firearm enthusiasts. The reviewer highlights the book's comprehensive documentation of American firearms from the Colonial period through the Spanish-American War, detailing production numbers, configurations, and other essential specifics. Published initially in 1977, with its most recent update being the 9th edition, Flayderman's Guide is considered an essential staple for any firearms reference library. The book is praised for its breadth of coverage and is readily available, with older editions being particularly affordable.

This video showcases the FAIR Jubilee Venice Shotgun, highlighting its quality craftsmanship from Italy. The description emphasizes its reinforced receiver, premium C+ wood with an oil finish, intricately engraved side plates, Prince of Wales stock with a wood butt pad, and a single selective gold trigger. The accompanying link points to a comprehensive firearms resource, including gun manuals, schematics, and reference guides.

This entry details a book review of 'The Winchester Model 1895: Last of the Classic Lever Actions' by Rob Kassab and Brad Dunbar, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The review highlights the book's comprehensive research, covering the rifle's design, military contracts (especially the massive Russian contract), historical use, and technical specifications. McCollum praises the authors' dedication and the book's accessibility, noting its value as a reference for collectors and historians.

This video is a book review of George Layman's "Communist Bloc Handguns," an overview of Cold War pistols from various Eastern Bloc countries. The reviewer notes that while the book provides a good single-stop reference for basic handguns of the era, its 157 pages necessitate a brief level of detail on each firearm. It's recommended for the "idly curious" and as a handy reference for understanding variations, particularly with Tokarev pistols, but lacks in-depth information on rare variations, production totals, or developmental details. The reviewer also mentions the book contains personal anecdotes rather than formal research and finds the $39.95 price point a bit high given the content, but acknowledges limited alternatives for those interested in the Cold War period.

This video provides a detailed look at the book "Pistolas y Subfusiles de la República Producción de Guerra," a comprehensive 580-page reference on pistols and submachine guns produced in the Republican zone during the Spanish Civil War. While the reviewer's Spanish is limited, they showcase the book's content, highlighting chapters on specific firearms like the Astra 400, Ascaso, Isard, Olot-Fontbernat, Labora, David Schmeisser, and Erma EMP. The video emphasizes the book's extensive photographic content, including detail shots, factory condition images, and period propaganda. It also touches on the general context of Spanish arms manufacturing and ammunition production during the war.

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.