Colt M13 Aircrewman Revolver: So Light it was Unsafe

This entry details the Smith & Wesson M13 .38 Special revolver, a lightweight survival weapon issued to US Air Force aircrews. The video highlights its aluminum alloy construction, distinctive 'PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE' marking, and the critical safety issue of frame cracking that led to the destruction of most units, making surviving examples highly collectible. The expert assessment emphasizes detailed knowledge of historical military firearms and their specific failure points.

This entry details the US Air Force S&W M13 Survival Revolver, a lightweight firearm designed for aircrews in the 1950s. It highlights key identification features like specific markings and serial number ranges, discusses its aluminum construction and associated design flaws, and provides historical context regarding its production and comparison to other survival weapons. The information is presented with the authority of an expert collector and researcher.

The Yankee Marshal presents his top five 6-shot .38 Special revolvers, focusing on value and performance. He highlights the Rock Island M206 as a budget option, the Charter Arms Undercover Elite for its lightweight design, the Kimber K6s XS for its premium build and trigger (despite being DAO), the Taurus 856 for its reliability and variety, and the Colt Cobra series, particularly the Night Cobra Special, as the top pick for its robust construction and +P rating. The guide emphasizes practical considerations for choosing a .38 Special revolver.

This video explores the resurgence of the .38 Special cartridge and revolvers, challenging the notion that they are obsolete. The presenter highlights the reliability, simplicity, and historical effectiveness of revolvers, particularly for self-defense and concealed carry, contrasting them with modern semi-automatic pistols. It details specific revolver models and modern .38 Special ammunition, including Plus P loads, that offer improved performance.

The Yankee Marshal provides an expert review of the Colt Night Cobra Special, highlighting its advantages over competitors. He details its six-round capacity, DA/SA action, and superior build quality, emphasizing the smooth trigger pulls measured at ~6 lbs 12 oz (DA) and ~2 lbs 14.6 oz (SA). The review covers its 23-ounce weight for recoil management and compares it to models like the S&W J-frame and Kimber, concluding it's the best .38 Special +P revolver available.

This video identifies seven revolvers that are likely to retain or increase in value, focusing on models with historical significance, superior build quality, and enduring practical utility. The presenter, Ted from Line 45, highlights specific features and production eras that contribute to their desirability, advising viewers on which revolvers are wise to hold onto for the long term.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.