Grant Hammond .45ACP Trials Pistol

This entry details the unique Powell Cartridge Counter Luger, a variant tested by the US military. It focuses on the operation of its innovative grip-mounted cartridge counter, which relies on a specialized magazine and follower system. The historical context of its development and US trials is also highlighted, noting its significance as an early attempt at a 9mm military pistol for the United States.

This video provides an in-depth look at the rare Mannlicher 1894 pistol, a pioneering example of the blow-forward operating system. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details its unique mechanics, historical context, and limited production, highlighting Ferdinand Mannlicher's innovative legacy. The review covers its ballistics, manufacturing by SIG, and the results of US military endurance tests.

This video provides an in-depth look at the rare Remington-Keene Repeating Carbine, a bolt-action rifle developed by John W. Keene and produced by Remington in the early 1880s. The expert analysis covers its unique features, production numbers, and its limited but notable service history, including trials with the US Navy and use by Indian agents. The presentation highlights the rifle's historical context within the evolution of bolt-action firearms and its mechanical intricacies.

This review of the Smith & Wesson Model 39 highlights its historical significance as the first semi-automatic 9mm pistol made in the United States by S&W. The presenter, from Cranky Gun Reviews, praises its craftsmanship, ergonomics, and shooting characteristics, comparing it favorably to modern pistols like the Beretta 92FS. The review details its construction, features like the decocker, and its near adoption by the US military.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Beretta 92SB, an Italian classic pistol with a significant history in US military trials. The presenters detail its evolution from the initial 1979 design through to its selection by the US Air Force in 1985, highlighting key modifications like the heel magazine release change and the addition of a firing pin block safety. The review covers the pistol's technical specifications, including its sights, ambidextrous safety/decocker, double-action/single-action trigger, and 15+1 capacity, noting its reliable performance and historical significance.

This entry details the Chaffee Reece Model 1882 rifle, an experimental bolt-action firearm chambered in .45-70 Government. Despite an innovative design to prevent accidental cartridge detonation in its tube magazine, the rifle suffered from mechanical fragility, heavy trigger pull, and poor durability during US military trials. It was ultimately not adopted and saw limited production, with most units sold as surplus.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.