DS-39: The Failed Soviet Machine Gun of World War Two

The Bren MkI is highlighted as a feature-rich light machine gun from World War Two, notable for its stabilization handle and innovative 30-round magazine design that prevents rim lock. Its operating mechanism fires from an open bolt, utilizing a gas piston system for cycling. The fire selector offers automatic, semi-automatic ('Repetition'), and safe modes, with a dust cover protecting the magazine well.

The RP-46 is a belt-fed conversion of the Soviet DP/DPM light machine gun, designed to bridge the gap between the RPD and heavier machine guns. It features a quick-change barrel, an adjustable gas system operated by a mallet, and unique cleaning rod storage within the bipod legs. Despite its 1946 adoption and service until 1961, original Soviet RP-46s are rare.

This review delves into the rare original DShK-38 Soviet heavy machine gun, highlighting its development from the DK and Shpagin's crucial rotary feed system. The video contrasts its 12.7x108mm caliber with the US .50 BMG and details its unique charging mechanisms and flapper-locking action. Despite slow WWII production, it became a ubiquitous post-war tank and allied weapon.

The DP-27, also known as the "Record Player" due to its pan magazine, was a Soviet light machine gun developed by Vasily Degtyarev. It utilized a unique 47-round pan magazine to reliably feed the rimmed 7.62x54mmR cartridge. While initially full-auto only with a grip safety, combat experience led to the modernized DPM variant.

The ZB37 was a Czechoslovakian super-heavy machine gun developed by Václav Holek, evolving from earlier designs like the ZB50 and ZB35. It featured a unique dual rate of fire, adjustable from 500 to 700 rpm, and a robust, expensive receiver machined from a single steel billet. Adopted by the Czech military and later by the German SS as the MG37(t), its design was also licensed by the British as the BESA for tank use.

This review explores a semi-automatic conversion of the Soviet DShKM heavy machine gun, chambered in .50 BMG by Midwest Metal Creations. Originally developed as an anti-aircraft weapon, the DShKM's design history is traced from its 1920s origins through Shpagin's improvements. The conversion retains the distinctive Shpagin feed system and unique charging method while adapting to a closed-bolt, striker-fired semi-auto operation for US accessibility.

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.