Enjoying Black Powder Episode 8: Mauser 71/84

The Coenders Bolt-Less Rifle was a desperate late-WWII German prototype for the Volkssturm, featuring a unique forward-sliding barrel action instead of a traditional bolt. Designed by August Coenders for Roechling, it suffered from poor trial performance, including accuracy issues and breakages. Despite its flaws and limited production, it represents an interesting, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to arm militia forces under extreme wartime conditions.

The T26 'Tanker' M1 Garand was an experimental rifle developed for jungle warfare, not for tank crews. Its 18-inch barrel and modified gas system aimed for better 'brush-cutting' capability. Despite initial orders, testing revealed excessive muzzle blast and concussion, leading to project cancellation after WWII. Post-war 'Tanker' Garands are often commercial recreations.

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.

Roswell Rifle Works is producing a US-made SR3M, a variant of the 9x39mm VSS Vintorez and AS Val. The rifle maintains original mechanical designs but uses zero Russian parts and is supported by in-house 9x39mm ammunition and proprietary magazines. Pricing is set between $3,500-$4,500 for the SBR and $2,500-$2,800 for the pistol variant, with availability targeted for late Q2 or early Q3.

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omission of the magazine safety and discusses the limited production run and the gun's poor sales, attributing it to an outdated design and the diminished value of the Mauser branding at the time.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 SIG AK-53 is a unique Swiss experimental rifle featuring a forward-recoiling barrel action and a two-flap locking system. Its annular gas piston system and unusual mechanical cycle set it apart from conventional designs. The rifle also incorporates a side-mounted magazine release lever on the stock, requiring a manual process for magazine removal.

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.