CETME C2, aka CB-64: Spain's Version of the Sterling SMG

This review of the Sterling SMG highlights its compact and portable design, featuring a reliable 34-round magazine designed by George Patchett. While the light weight can cause muzzle climb, the aperture sights and semi-automatic mode aid accuracy. The video demonstrates traditional hip-shooting techniques and praises the gun's overall handling and historical significance.

The Australian F1 SMG, adopted in 1962, was designed to replace the Owen gun, aiming for cheaper production while retaining its top-mounted magazine. It features a progressive trigger for semi-auto and full-auto fire, a non-reciprocating charging handle, and uses Sterling magazines. While functional, its offset sights and perceived fragility compared to the Owen gun are noted drawbacks.

This review explores a modernized semi-automatic Sten Mark V build, highlighting its historical context as a low-cost WWII emergency weapon. Despite improvements like Picatinny rails and a moderator, the 'Future Sten' faces reliability issues, particularly extraction failures, attributed to the inherent challenges of semi-automatic tube gun conversions. The video also critiques the Sten's original magazine design and compares its size to other historical SMGs.

This video re-evaluates several firearms previously deemed disappointing, exploring if ammunition or modifications can improve their performance. The Webley Mk.VI shows promise with specific ammo and moon clips, while a modernized Sterling SMG still struggles with reliability. The High Standard HS-10B is noted for its 'cool factor' but criticized for ergonomics, and the POF Tombstone is appreciated for its novelty but hampered by proprietary magazines and high cost.

The Sterling S11 was a 1965 prototype SMG designed by Frank Waters to be a cheaper, easier-to-produce alternative to the original Sterling SMG, utilizing a stamped receiver. Key features include an offset barrel and sights, interchangeable Sterling magazines, a Lanchester-style folding stock, and dual bayonet lugs for No. 5 and L1A1 bayonets. Despite innovative design elements like a ratcheting charging handle, technical flaws and high tooling costs led to its cancellation in 1967.

The Patchett Machine Carbine Mk I, predecessor to the Sterling SMG, was designed by George William Patchett to improve upon existing models like the Sten and Lanchester. It met most 1944 British War Office requirements for a 9mm machine carbine, though its rate of fire was around 600 rpm. Key differences from the later Sterling include a 90-degree magazine well for Sten/Lanchester magazines, aluminum grips, and a distinct folding stock mechanism. Despite successful trials, it wasn't adopted until refined into the Sterling SMG.

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.