Elbonian Prototype Hakim LMG

The S.R.E.M. was an experimental British WWII bullpup sniper rifle designed to allow cycling without disturbing the sight picture. It featured a BESA machine gun-inspired mechanism where the pistol grip acted as the charging handle, and was chambered in 8mm Mauser. Despite 22 prototypes being commissioned, only two were completed before the project was canceled in 1945.

The T44 LMG prototype, a 1946 Springfield Armory project, combined German FG42 and MG42 components to explore post-WWII US light machine gun concepts. Developed by Bridge Tool & Die Works, it aimed to test the feasibility of merging these designs, influencing the later T52 and ultimately the M60.

This entry details the experimental 9x19mm vz.38 'Nutcracker' prototype, a rare firearm with only two examples ever produced. Unlike standard blowback models, this prototype features a locked breech system utilizing a rotating barrel mechanism. The analysis highlights its unique mechanical modifications, including a thickened slide and helical cam grooves on the barrel retainer, allowing for safe operation with the more powerful 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. The firearm also offers single-action capability, a departure from the standard double-action-only military production guns.

This video explores a rare Ross .30-06 self-loading prototype developed for British trials in 1913. It features a unique upside-down bolt action, a 25-round magazine, and innovative sheet metal construction for rapid prototyping. The rifle's design shows influences from the Lewis Gun and SMLE, highlighting early attempts at automatic fire for shoulder-fired weapons.

This video showcases a rare, unidentified prototype bullpup over/under shotgun with a unique curved barrel design. The curved barrels allow for a straight sight rib while maintaining bullpup ergonomics. The breech mechanism is lever-actuated from the buttplate, revealing the chambers and extractor. This innovative design is compared to historical curved barrel firearms like the German Krummlauf.

This entry details a rare 'toolroom in the white' prototype of the Walther Olympia pistol chambered in .32 ACP, developed for intermediate caliber competitive shooting. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its heavier steel slide compared to the .22 LR version, modified PP magazine, and unique tool marks. The pistol's development was likely halted by WWII, leaving it a unique piece of Walther's history.

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.