Did these experimental bullpups see action? The EM-2 with firearms expert, Jonathan Ferguson

The L85A3 represents a significant ergonomic and structural modernization of the British Army's SA80 rifle, primarily featuring a new Heckler & Koch-designed slimline M-LOK handguard and an FDE Cerakote finish. While internal components largely remain A2 specification, improvements like electron beam welding enhance receiver rigidity. The optic is typically the Elcan Specter OS4, often paired with a Shield CQB red dot.

This video provides an in-depth look at the EIW97, an experimental electronic variant of the SA80 rifle, presented by Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. The EIW97 explored electronic ignition and programmable fire control to enhance lethality and hit probability, featuring specialized ammunition and a significantly reduced cyclic rate for improved accuracy. Expert Murray discusses its origins as a mid-1990s research program investigating future weapon systems.

This review of the IWI Tavor X95 highlights its advantages as a compact bullpup rifle, offering a 16.5-inch barrel in a package similar to a 10.5-inch AR-15. The video details its unique features, including ambidextrous controls, a decent trigger for a bullpup, and the potential for legal benefits in restrictive states. Accuracy testing reveals it's capable of sub-2 MOA with appropriate ammunition, making it a compelling option for those seeking a distinctive and well-built firearm.

This video delves into the fascinating history of early bullpup rifle designs, specifically focusing on the Thorneycroft First Pattern rifle, which is presented as a potential 'Edwardian SA80.' Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson provides an in-depth analysis, covering its design, features, and historical context. The video also briefly mentions the Gamwell Rifle and draws comparisons to well-known firearms like the Lee-Metford and SMLE. In addition to the historical firearm content, the description announces an upcoming Call of Duty livestream event for the Royal Armouries.

The T31 was John Garand's final rifle design, a unique bullpup that bore no resemblance to the M1 Garand. Its initial pneumatic gas system proved problematic due to carbon fouling, leading to a redesign with a traditional short-stroke piston. This video details the T31's innovative but flawed design and its evolution.

Brandon Herrera explores a one-of-one prototype Thompson submachine gun chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a firearm previously thought to be mythical. The video details its unique colleted bolt mechanism, experimental friction-delay system, and modified BAR magazine, highlighting its historical significance and rarity. The prototype ultimately sold for $85,000 at auction, underscoring its value as a museum-quality artifact.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.