Colt Lightning: A Pump-Action Rifle to Challenge Winchester

This "American Rifleman Television" segment explores the history and variations of the Colt Model 1877 revolver, specifically focusing on the "Lightning" model. Originally designed to compete with emerging double-action revolvers, the Model 1877 had three variants: Lightning, Thunderer, and Rainmaker. These distinct names were marketing terms introduced by a major Colt distributor, B. Kittredge & Company, to differentiate between the various chamberings of the pistol. The video highlights the context of its development in the 1870s and its place in Colt's product line.

This video from Brownells Gun Techs Keith Ford and Steve Ostrem showcases two exceptional Colt Model 1877 Double-Action Revolvers from the Rock Island Auction Company. The presenters highlight these "Lightning" (.38 Long Colt) and "Thunderer" (.41 Long Colt) models, noting their rarity and historical significance compared to the Colt Single Action Army. They discuss the Model 1877's complex and fragile action, which often deterred gunsmiths. The featured revolvers are described as nickel-plated with extensive engraving and Mother of Pearl grips, representing a more advanced double-action capability for their era. The description also mentions famous historical figures who carried this model, such as Billy the Kid and John Wesley Hardin, and its production lifespan.

This video explores the classic Winchester Model 62, a pump-action .22 rifle. It highlights the rifle's smooth operation, vintage craftsmanship, and enduring appeal for collectors and shooters alike, celebrating its place in rimfire history and its timeless fun on the range. The content aims to evoke nostalgia and appreciation for this iconic firearm.

This review delves into Colt's first double-action revolvers, the 1877 Lightning and Thunderer, designed by William Mason to compete with British imports. Despite a reputation for fragility and repair difficulty, these DA/SA revolvers, chambered in .38 and .41 Colt respectively, were produced in significant numbers and favored by historical figures for their concealability. The 1877 series shared aesthetics with the Single Action Army but featured a distinct bird's head grip.

This video explores the rare British SREM-1 bullpup sniper rifle, developed by the Armament Design Department in 1944. It features a unique pump-action mechanism integrated into the pistol grip and a 'downhill' bolt travel for improved sight alignment. Despite its innovative design, the SREM-1 was ultimately cancelled in favor of conventional sniper rifles and emerging self-loading designs.

This video details final hammer prices from the December 2019 Rock Island Auction, highlighting significant sales like the Powell Cartridge Counter Luger for $126,500. It covers a range of firearms from Civil War carbines and rare revolvers to modern rifles and unusual shotguns, providing specific auction results for each. The review emphasizes the market value of collectible and rare firearms, noting items that failed to sell due to high reserves.

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.