Contracts & Bankruptcy: The Hopkins & Allen Model 1889 for Belgium

This video from American Rifleman Television explores the history and significance of the Model 1889 Belgian Mauser rifle. Introduced in 1889, it was a groundbreaking military rifle, one of the earliest to utilize smokeless powder and incorporating ingenious design elements that would influence later Mauser models like the 1893 and 1898. The segment highlights how the 1889 Belgian represented a significant advancement over previous German military rifles.

Roy Hill from Brownells showcases his recently acquired 1891 Argentine Mauser rifle. This historical firearm is closely based on the Belgian Model 1889, being one of the first military rifles to utilize smokeless powder cartridges in 7.65x53mm Mauser. The video highlights the 1891's features, including its stripper clip loading, detachable 5-round magazine, and 'cock on closing' bolt. The specific rifle featured is a well-preserved example manufactured in 1896, exhibiting matching serial numbers and post-1893 improvements like a longer handguard and a steel cleaning rod. The description emphasizes that original, unaltered Mausers in excellent condition can still be found at affordable prices.

The FN FAL, known as the 'right arm of the free world,' is a robust short-stroke piston-driven .308 battle rifle. Its widespread adoption by NATO during the Cold War highlights its significance. Key features include a fixed rear aperture sight, adjustable front post, and an adjustable gas system for tuning. It utilizes 20-round metric pattern magazines.

This video features a vintage Hopkins & Allen 1895 single-shot rifle chambered in .32-20 caliber. The content likely focuses on the historical aspects, mechanics, and potential performance of this specific firearm model. As a single-shot rifle, it represents an older design in firearm evolution, offering a glimpse into the history of shooting and sporting arms.

This review details the unique Mexican contract Pieper Revolving Carbine, a gas-seal model chambered in 8mm proprietary. Key features include a 9-round capacity, a right-swinging cylinder, and distinctive forestock carvings. The example discussed is unshootable due to a botched re-chambering attempt, highlighting a potential pitfall for collectors.

The FN FNC is a Belgian-made 5.56x45mm NATO rifle featuring a reliable long-stroke piston system, blending AK and AR design elements. It offers a precise 3-round burst mechanism that resets to zero and a versatile gas regulator. Despite challenging sights, its accuracy is praised, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts of both AK and AR platforms.

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.