High Standard T3 Prototype: An American Blowback

This video features a review of the High Standard H-D Military, a classic .22 LR target pistol. The description highlights its historical connections and the unique history of the specific example shown. It also includes links to other High Standard firearms, such as a Derringer and a Sentinel Revolver, as well as a video on the Fiala Model 1920 from Forgotten Weapons.

The AutoMag Model 160 in .357 AMP represents a rare variant of the iconic AutoMag pistol, chambered in a custom, handloaded cartridge derived from the .44 AMP. This review highlights the .357 AMP's limited commercial availability, its status as a handloader's cartridge, and the pistol's innovative quick-change barrel system. It also touches on the technical challenges of handloading for this high-velocity firearm and its collector's appeal due to its rarity.

This video explores the rare High Standard .45 ACP prototype pistol, a commercial evolution of the Grant Hammond design intended for WWI trials. It details the pistol's mechanical differences from the Grant Hammond, including its pivoting locking wedge system and dual recoil springs. The review highlights unique features like the external magazine loading button and an unusual rear sight, noting the pistol's rarity with only two known examples.

This review covers the High Standard HDM, a suppressed .22 LR pistol used by the OSS in WWII. The specific model is an Armstech clone built on an original frame, featuring a Parkerized finish and an integral suppressor. It operates single-action with a 1911-style safety and heel magazine release, using 10-round magazines compatible with the Colt Woodsman.

The M37 is an improved, air-cooled variant of the Browning 1919 machine gun, specifically designed for tank mounting and addressing issues like single-side feeding and part durability. Key enhancements include a captive recoil spring, dual-side feed capability, a relocated charging handle, and an improved rear assembly with a manual safety. Originally chambered in .30-06, later M37E1 models used 7.62 NATO.

The AMT Automag IV is a large-frame semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 Winchester Magnum, introduced around 1990-1991. It utilizes a Browning-style short recoil action with a tilting barrel, distinct from the original Auto Mag's rotating bolt. Despite its impressive scale and magnum caliber capability, the Automag IV, like many magnum semi-autos, faced challenges with ammunition cost, recoil, and reliability, limiting its market appeal primarily to hunting and target shooting.

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.