British EM-2 rifle

The Armalite AR-16 is a rare prototype chambered in 7.62 NATO, bridging the gap between the AR-10 and AR-18. It features a short-stroke gas piston, dual recoil springs, and a unique 5-aperture rotating rear sight. Only two AR-16s are known to exist, making it a significant piece of Armalite's design history.

The Armalite AR-16 represents a crucial, yet often overlooked, step in rifle development, bridging the gap between the AR-10 and the AR-18. It pioneered the use of stamped sheet metal receivers and a short-stroke gas piston system to reduce manufacturing costs. Though never mass-produced, its design innovations significantly influenced subsequent combat rifle designs like the L85, Steyr AUG, and G36.

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 video examines the AK fm/54, a Swedish prototype paratrooper rifle developed in the mid-1950s. It features a folding stock adapted from a Carl Gustaf m/45 submachine gun and a unique 20-round magazine chambered in 7.62 NATO. The design incorporated a short-stroke gas piston system, a departure from the original Ljungman's direct impingement. Ultimately, the Swedish military rejected this prototype in favor of the G3 (AK4).

This comprehensive overview of the Swedish Kulspruta m/36 double Browning machine gun, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details its historical development, unique technical specifications, and combat applications. The video highlights the powerful 8x63mm cartridge, the sophisticated water-cooling system with steam management, and the specialized buffered tripod mount. McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, explains the weapon's operational mechanics, including its dual spade grips, safety features, and advanced sighting systems for both anti-aircraft and indirect ground fire.

This video showcases the LMT LM8 MWS rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO, highlighting its exceptionally soft recoil, even in full-auto fire. The description includes affiliate links for various shooting accessories and gear, as well as discount codes for Centurion, Fort Scott Ammunition, Challenge Targets, Otis Tech, G96, and Manta Products. It also provides links to the Small Arms Solutions website, donation page, Patreon, and social media profiles. The content appears to be a demonstration and potential review of this specific rifle model.

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.