Calico Reliability Testing: Round 4, the Saga Continues...

This expert-level guide, presented by Luke from Line 45, focuses on reliable handguns available for under $400, challenging the notion that price dictates performance. It details essential maintenance for police trade-in models like the Glock 22/23 and provides insights into the reliability and features of other budget-friendly options such as the Stoeger STR-9, Beretta APX, Ruger Security-9, S&W SD9 2.0, Canik TP9SF, and PSA Dagger. The emphasis is on practical performance and value over brand prestige.

This review of the Sig P320 Carry, a former police officer's handgun, involved a 500-round reliability test. The firearm demonstrated good performance with no malfunctions, though a stock magazine failed. Key takeaways include solid accuracy with iron sights, a good trigger feel, but significant concerns regarding the grip module's short length and the P320's historical drop safety issues. The instructor, with demonstrated expertise, recommends grip module upgrades for improved handling.

This review highlights the Kimber Micro 9 Comp, a compact 9mm pistol praised for its comfortable grip texturing and flat profile, making it easy to handle. The speaker emphasizes its exceptional reliability, citing 1,642 days of use with zero malfunctions across their Kimber firearms. The pistol is equipped with night sights and a 7+1 capacity, making it a strong contender for concealed carry.

Ben Stoeger, an experienced firearms instructor, discusses the reliability of the Staccato HD 4.5, particularly when run dirty. He highlights that this model may require more frequent maintenance than others and suggests that while it shoots well, striker-fired alternatives like the Glock 47 or Walther PDP might offer superior reliability for high-workload duty use without constant attention. Stoeger also touches on recoil spring dynamics, extractor issues, and the impact of lubrication choices on performance.

Micah Mayfield provides an in-depth review of the PSA Mixtape .300 BLK after a 2,000-round test. He details component wear, particularly noting issues with the adjustable gas block seizing and potential bolt bounce with light buffers. The review highlights the rifle's standard AR-15 construction, competitive pricing, and compares it to higher-end models like the Q Honey Badger, emphasizing differences in engineering and materials.

This video details the extreme durability testing of the BRN-4 rifle after it experienced a simulated internal explosion. The rifle, despite significant internal stress, continued to function flawlessly, maintaining its zero and cycling reliably through extended firing sequences. The speaker, a seasoned firearms instructor, emphasizes the rifle's robust construction and the importance of proper headspace gauging in high-quality firearms.

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.