Could a Tankgewehr Really Take Out a British MkIV Tank?

This video tests the effectiveness of the German 1918 Tankgewehr against a replica of British WWI tank armor. Firing original armor-piercing ammunition, the 13.2mm round easily penetrated the steel plate, demonstrating the rifle's capability against early armored vehicles. The test highlights the significant advancements in anti-tank weaponry during World War I.

The Marlin Model 1917 is a licensed copy of the Colt Model 1895/1914, itself an evolution of the original Colt 'Potato Digger'. It features a unique gas-operated system using a swinging lever mechanism, distinct from typical gas pistons. This lever, when activated by gas tapped from the barrel, cycles the action, earning the 'Potato Digger' nickname due to its violent movement potentially digging into the ground.

This video delves into an exceptionally rare Mauser C96 variant, with only around 40 produced and just 3-4 known survivors. The 1917 Trench Carbine variant is highlighted for its unique detachable magazine, a significant innovation predating the Schnellfeuer model by 15 years. Each surviving example is noted for its distinct frame, barrel, hammer, and stock.

This video delves into the Mauser M80SA, revealing its surprising Hungarian origin and its direct lineage to the Browning High Power. The description highlights Mauser's struggles in the late 1980s, leading them to partner with FEG of Hungary. FEG, already licensed to produce High Power copies, manufactured the M80 for Mauser from 1990-1995. The video notes the omission of the magazine safety and discusses the limited production run and the gun's poor sales, attributing it to an outdated design and the diminished value of the Mauser branding at the time.

The Beretta M1918 is a rare Italian semiautomatic carbine from WWI, often mistaken for a submachine gun. It evolved from the Villar Perosa, utilizing a 'parts bin' approach with Carcano and Vetterli components for economical production. This open-bolt, delayed blowback carbine features a unique top-mounted 25-round magazine and offset sights, chambered in 9mm Glisenti loaded to 9mm Parabellum specs.

The MP-18,I is recognized as the first submachine gun to see combat, developed by Germany in late 1915 for trench clearing. It features a simple open-bolt, blowback-operated mechanism with full-auto fire only, lacking a disconnector. The design includes a Trommel magazine with a sleeve to prevent over-insertion, and early models bear distinct markings like 'M.P. 18,I.' and the year of manufacture.

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.