Chinese Warlord Pistols: Shanghai Model 1900 Pistol-Carbine

This review details a high-quality Chinese copy of the FN 1900 pistol, manufactured by the Shanghai Arsenal. Unlike many inferior warlord-era reproductions, this example demonstrates factory-standard production, closely matching Belgian specifications. The review highlights its historical significance, manufacturing quality, and specific markings, offering valuable insights for collectors and historians of early 20th-century Chinese firearms.

This review delves into the 'Horn Grip Type' Chinese pistols from the Warlord era, noting their distinctive translucent horn grips and Mauser C96-inspired, often non-functional, rear sights. The pistols are exclusively chambered in .32 ACP and frequently feature fake European markings and proof marks. While some long-barreled versions accept shoulder stocks, the design is prone to damage. These rare collector items offer a glimpse into domestic Chinese firearm production of the period.

This review showcases a rare, customized Volcanic Repeating Arms Company pistol-carbine from the 19th century. It features a 16-inch barrel, a detachable stock, and a unique offset brass telescopic sight with manual adjustments. The firearm utilizes caseless Rocket Ball ammunition and demonstrates innovative design elements for its era, including a rotating barrel for loading and a protective lens cap.

This expert-level review from Forgotten Weapons details how to identify a fake Chinese FN Model 30 Mauser. Ian McCollum highlights key differences in receiver crests, machining quality, component attachment methods (nails vs. screws), and functional features like the bayonet lug and front sight. The rifle's poor craftsmanship raises significant safety concerns, making it unsuitable for firing.

This review covers the rare Star Model MMS and Model MB pistol-carbines, produced as late as 1975. It details their history, distinct calibers (7.63mm Mauser for MMS, 9mm Parabellum for MB), and unique features like the T-slot stock attachment. The video highlights production numbers, legal status regarding NFA exemptions, and the complete factory rig.

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.