Braverman "Stinger" Pen Gun

The Braverman Stinger is a unique firearm disguised as a pen, produced in calibers like .22 LR, .22 Magnum, .380 ACP, and .32 ACP. Despite its novel appearance, it suffers from significant practical limitations, including a complex transformation process for firing, a lack of accuracy due to a shifting barrel, and severe extraction issues requiring manual clearing. Legally classified as a standard pistol, it avoids NFA 'Any Other Weapon' status but is not recommended for self-defense due to its unreliability and slow reload.

This review critically examines seven handguns deemed unsuitable for self-defense by Honest Outlaw, based on extensive testing. The list includes novelty items like the Braverman Stinger and Altor Pistol, unreliable firearms such as the Taurus PT 22 and Intratec Tec-22, and poorly designed options like the Bond Arms Honey B and S333 Thunderstruck. The Girsan Witness 2311c is also highlighted for significant malfunctions and poor build quality.

The Stinger Pen Gun, a single-shot .25 ACP novelty firearm, was manufactured from the early 90s to 2004. It legally bypasses ATF's 'Any Other Weapon' classification by requiring transformation into a pistol shape to fire. Designed by R.J. Braverman and produced by American Derringer Corp. and others, it's now a valuable collector's item, appreciating significantly over time.

The H&R Handy Gun, a smoothbore pistol designed for personal protection, was effectively banned by the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA). Originally a modified shotgun, it was chambered in .410 bore and 28 gauge, with some advertised for .44 caliber. The NFA classified such smoothbore pistols as 'Any Other Weapon' (AOW), halting US production and requiring a $5 transfer tax today.

This video provides a first look at the PTR 'The Jack', a newly released Any Other Weapon (AOW) firearm. The host, from 2WiLD Guns, expresses initial excitement and surprise at the significant recoil and muzzle blast generated by the compact 12-gauge shotgun during its first shots on an outdoor range. The review highlights its unique configuration and the immediate, visceral reaction to firing.

Mark Serbu details his unique .22 LR NFA AOW 'Butt-Master' pen gun, designed over 20 years ago. He explains its simple striker-fired mechanism, the cocking cutout, and the breech loading process. Serbu highlights the firearm's specific ban by name in Canada, despite only one existing and remaining in his possession. The video also showcases a custom suppressor and concludes with a demonstration of the Olight PL-3 Valkyrie weapon light.

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.