Curtis 1866: The First Bullpup - with Jonathan Ferguson

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson unboxing and examining a unique Victorian-era percussion pistol, potentially a Reilly model, with a peculiar "Emigrants of the Universe?" label. The episode delves into the pistol's design, its intended purpose, and the historical context of its maker, offering insights into a specific period of British firearms history. The video also includes beauty shots of the firearm and historical background on Reilly.

This expert-level entry details the British L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), specifically serial number one, as explained by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. It covers the rifle's historical context, unique British modifications like 'sand cuts' and an enlarged magazine catch, its service life from 1957 to 1991, and specific markings for identification. The L1A1 SLR represents a significant evolution in British small arms development.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Rexim Favor SMG, featuring expert Jonathan Ferguson. The analysis covers its unusual internal mechanics, design features, and historical context, including company drama and the influence of designer Favier. The video also explores its unexpected afterlife in science fiction, referencing its appearance in Star Wars and Alien. The Royal Armouries museum context is highlighted, with links to their collection and support pages.

The PSS 'Silent' pistol, developed in the Soviet Union, utilizes unique captive piston ammunition (SP-4) to achieve internal suppression, eliminating muzzle flash and blast. Its design, featuring a sliding chamber and Makarov-derived controls, prioritizes covert operations for special forces and intelligence units. While effective, its deep grip and specialized ammunition present certain ergonomic and logistical considerations.

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson examining a rare and 'cursed' bullpup mock-up of the Armalite AR-18. The prototype is characterized by its unconventional design, including a lack of trigger linkage, mismatched receiver parts, crude welds, and an unusual front sight arrangement, making it more suited for a video game than actual combat. The discussion also briefly touches upon the SA80 as a point of comparison for bullpup designs.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Electronic Individual Weapon 97 (EIW97), an experimental electronic variant of the SA80, presented by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson. It details the system's programming, software, and operational capabilities, including its unique tailoring for individual soldiers and integration potential with future soldier systems. The EIW97 explored advanced concepts like electronic ignition and programmable fire control, influencing modern small arms development.

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.