Book Review: Japanese Submachine Guns by William Easterly

This video features a comparison between the Franchi LF-57 and the Colt SMG, hosted by Ian McCollum and John Keene. They discuss the pros and cons of each submachine gun, considering factors like ergonomics, reliability, parts availability, and collectibility. While the Colt SMG is technically superior in many shooting aspects, the Franchi LF-57 is favored for its rarity and unique appeal as a collectible item.

This video provides an in-depth look at the TRW Low Maintenance Rifle (XLMR), an experimental firearm developed by ARPA in 1969. The rifle features a unique roller-locked, open-bolt design and was initially chambered for the 5.6mm XM216 flechette cartridge, aiming for high muzzle velocity and extended point-blank range. The presenter, Ian McCollum, details its unconventional side-mounted magazine and gas tube, its M60-derived components, and its disassembly process, highlighting its rarity as only six were manufactured.

This video details the history and markings of a Japanese Type 38 Arisaka carbine, tracing its journey from Japanese production through British and Russian military use, and finally to Finland. It highlights how to identify provenance through specific markings and modifications, emphasizing the rarity of finding examples with complete British and Russian usage history.

This expert review by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details the rare Terni Model 1921, an Italian interwar prototype assault rifle. It highlights the rifle's select-fire capability, unique 25-round cube magazine inspired by the Fiat-Revelli M1914, and its 7.35x32mm intermediate cartridge. The analysis covers its short-recoil operation, locking mechanism, and historical context, noting its advanced design for its era.

This review details the Krieghoff prototype for the FG42 paratrooper rifle, a unique design that competed against Rheinmetall's winning entry. Key features include a bizarre wire stock for weight reduction and recoil absorption, a gas trap system instead of a traditional gas port, and a cable-operated charging handle. Despite its innovative elements, the Krieghoff design was ultimately not selected for production.

This review compares the Valmet M78 and FN-D light machine guns, with John Keene favoring the FN-D due to its quick-change barrel feature. Ian McCollum raises a practical point about the necessity of barrel changes versus ammunition capacity. Ultimately, both firearms are recognized as excellent, with the choice depending on specific tactical priorities.

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.