From the Vault: M1918 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle)

This review delves into the iconic M1918 BAR, highlighting its historical significance from WWI to modern conflicts. It details a specific Winchester 1918 model with British and Korean War modifications. The video contrasts the BAR's design with the Bren gun, discusses its manual of arms, and explores its enduring pop culture presence, concluding with a look at the modernized HCAR.

This review delves into the Fliegerselbstlader Karabiner 1915 (FSK 1915), a WWI German self-loading carbine designed for aviators. It highlights the rifle's substantial weight (9.6 lbs) and length (47.5 inches), its unique 30-round drum magazine requiring hand-fitting, and a distinctive two-stage progressive trigger. The sights are noted for fast acquisition rather than precision, and recoil is surprisingly mild.

This ARTV episode offers a multi-faceted look into the firearm world. It begins with an exclusive visit to Benelli's Italian facilities, providing an inside perspective on one of Italy's prominent gun manufacturers. The segment then shifts to a detailed review of the Springfield Armory Saint Victor rifle series by American Rifleman's Brian Sheetz. Finally, the "I Have This Old Gun" feature delves into the history and examination of the iconic U.S. M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), designed by John Moses Browning.

This documentary explores the U.S. Chauchat Model 1918, a .30-06 caliber machine rifle adopted by the U.S. during WWI due to severe arms shortages. It details the weapon's specifications, including its 20 lb weight and 16-round magazine, and discusses its origins as a conversion of the French CSRG 1915, influenced by a successful Belgian variant. The video highlights the strategic necessity of the Chauchat as a stop-gap measure while more advanced American firearms were in development.

This review of the Remington Model 1917 Enfield highlights its historical significance as a WWI bolt-action rifle produced in large numbers. Key features include its Mauser-style claw extractor, a cock-on-closing action, and a high-quality peep sight. The rifle demonstrated excellent accuracy with a tight group at short range and proved capable with reactive targets at longer distances, showcasing the effectiveness of the .30-06 cartridge.

This demonstration showcases the original 1918 BAR, emphasizing its semi-automatic and full-automatic capabilities and original iron sights, contrasting it with the later A2 version. The video details the fire selector mechanics and demonstrates live fire from the shoulder, highlighting its surprising controllability. A key segment focuses on the WWI 'walking fire' technique using a specialized gunner's belt, though its practical abandonment due to recoil is discussed.

This video details the installation of a Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail on an AR-15. Key steps include using a Geissele Reaction Rod for upper receiver stability, proper torquing of the proprietary barrel nut, and secure installation of the gas block and tube. The rail is then slid on and secured with two cross-bolts using a T-handle hex wrench. Final steps involve muzzle device installation and a thorough inspection.

Proper ammunition storage is crucial for maintaining reliability and safety. Avoid storing ammo in cardboard boxes in damp environments, as this leads to moisture absorption and corrosion. Utilize airtight containers like ammo cans and control humidity with desiccants like silica gel packs. Heat accelerates gunpowder and primer degradation, so store ammo at stable room temperatures. Reloading primers are particularly vulnerable to moisture and require strict airtight storage.

This video demonstrates how to upgrade an AR-15's A2 furniture to Magpul components. It details the removal of the A2 grip using a Bondhus hex set and the installation of a Magpul MIAD grip with interchangeable backstraps for improved ergonomics. The process also covers preparing and installing the Magpul PRS stock, highlighting its adjustable features for cheek weld and length of pull.

This video explores the custom Remington 11-87 shotgun used as a prop in 'No Country for Old Men.' The film required a semi-automatic shotgun with a suppressor, a combination not readily available at the time. Prop master Larry Zanoff details how a non-functional, 'homemade' looking suppressor was custom-built for the 11-87, with the iconic silenced sound effect achieved entirely in post-production.