Gerat Potsdam: Mauser Copies the Sten Gun

The Gerät Potsdam was a German copy of the British Sten Mark II submachine gun, produced by Mauser to meet the demand for a cheap, fast-to-manufacture firearm. Exactly 9,972 units were accepted by the Wehrmacht. Key visual differences include spot-welded barrel shrouds and magazine wells, and a lack of typical manufacturer markings.

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omission of the magazine safety and discusses the limited production run and the gun's poor sales, attributing it to an outdated design and the diminished value of the Mauser branding at the time.

This video demonstrates the rare WWII German K98k rifle equipped with a 20-round 'Grabenmagazin' (trench magazine). The demonstration includes attaching a bayonet, manually loading the extended magazine using stripper clips, and live-fire exercises showcasing the rifle's performance with the higher capacity. The presenter exhibits high authority through safe handling and knowledge of historical accessories.

This review of the German Gewehr 1898 by C&Rsenal highlights its robust construction and historical significance. The rifle weighs 9 pounds with an overall length of 49.2 inches, chambered in 8mm Mauser. Key features include a fixed double-stack magazine loaded via stripper clips, a smooth cock-and-open bolt action, and a simple Mauser flag safety. While the trigger on the example tested was described as 'muddy' in its second stage, the rifle's manageable recoil and effective sights make it a noteworthy piece of military hardware.

This Q&A segment from Forgotten Weapons debunks the idea of a .455 Auto Sten Gun, highlighting the cartridge's unsuitability for reliable submachine gun feeding. Ian McCollum explains that by WWII, British pistols used .38-200, also ill-suited for SMGs, and that experimental .455 SMGs like the Owen Gun were unsuccessful, favoring 9mm Parabellum.

This video is a book review of a comprehensive three-volume series on the ERMA Erfurter Maschinenfabrik, covering its history from 1924 to 2003. The review is presented by Forgotten Weapons, a channel known for its in-depth look at historical firearms. The description highlights specific firearms that ERMA produced or were associated with, including the Mauser K98k and the MP40, indicating the historical significance and likely focus on these iconic weapons.

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.