Hall Breechloading Carbine

This documentary-style video from C&Rsenal's WWI Primer series explores the history, function, and live-fire demonstration of the Belgian Comblain Mousqueton Modele 1871/83 rifle. Presented by Othais and Mae, the video delves into this WWI firearm and features additional reading resources on the Comblain rifle and FN Mauser rifles. The series aims to cover WWI firearms during the centennial anniversary, with new episodes released bi-weekly. Ammunition data is provided by DrakeGmbH, and animations by Bruno.

This review delves into the rare System Kuhn single-shot breech-loading rifle from the 1870s/1880s. It highlights the rifle's unique two-trigger system for operation and safety, automatic case ejection, and robust internal mechanism. The analysis covers its 11mm black powder caliber, adjustable target sights, and origin from Besançon, France, suggesting a sporting or target shooting purpose.

This video explores Barton Jenks' Model 1867 rolling block rifle, a unique design that competed in US military trials. Unlike the Remington system, Jenks' rifle features a self-locking breech block that automatically recocks the hammer upon opening, potentially allowing for faster operation. While ultimately unsuccessful in trials, likely due to cost or durability concerns, the rifle represents an interesting evolutionary step in breech-loading firearm design.

The Keen-Walker Carbine, a rare Confederate breech-loader, was produced in 1862 at the Danville Arsenal with only 282 units made. This .54 caliber firearm features a unique pivoting breech block inspired by Perry and Maynard designs. Its limited production and historical significance make it a highly sought-after collector's item, with few surviving today.

This video examines Major Fosbery's prototype breechloading rifle, a contender in the late 1860s British military trials. The design featured a unique vertical flip-block action with an external hammer for cocking and status indication. Despite its innovative mechanism, it placed sixth, with the Martini-Henry ultimately being selected.

This Q&A session covers a range of firearms topics, from the failure of the XM8 rifle due to cost-effectiveness concerns to the historical reasons for continued revolver use in WWII. Ian McCollum discusses the technical nuances of firearm nomenclature, the practical issues of 1911 hammer bite, and the limitations of flechette ammunition. He also shares personal favorites from his collection and offers insights into the future of 3D-printed firearms and the plateau of modern firearm design.

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.