I Tried to Use the GR-1 Anvil at the BUG Match...

This expert-level review from Forgotten Weapons details the unique bolt lock-open and release mechanism of the ZK 381, a Czech pre-war prototype battle rifle. Ian McCollum explains how the bolt locks open on an empty magazine and is released by actuating the trigger, highlighting the absence of traditional bolt release levers. The video also provides a detailed look at the gas-operated system and the hammer/sear interaction.

This video provides an expert-level review of the M15 (T44E5) rifle, an American military prototype developed from the T44 program that eventually led to the M14. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details its design, intended role as a light machine gun to replace several existing firearms, and the reasons it was adopted but never mass-produced. The review highlights its heavy barrel, bipod, and select-fire capability, contrasting it with the standard M14 and discussing the challenges faced during testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides an expert overview of the H&R reproduction of the Colt LMG, a light machine gun based on the AR-15 platform. He details its historical significance, the prototype status at SHOT Show 2024, and its faithful design elements like a heavy barrel and bipod. McCollum encourages enthusiast feedback to H&R and PSA to potentially bring this iconic firearm to market.

The French MAT 1955 prototype rifle featured a unique gear-ratio-accelerated short recoil system, intended to delay bolt opening. Despite innovative design elements like a spigot grenade launcher and dial aperture sight, it proved fragile and inaccurate in trials. Ultimately, the MAS 49/56 was adopted instead, highlighting the MAT 1955's developmental shortcomings.

This review details the Krieghoff prototype for the FG42 paratrooper rifle, a unique design that competed against Rheinmetall's winning entry. Key features include a bizarre wire stock for weight reduction and recoil absorption, a gas trap system instead of a traditional gas port, and a cable-operated charging handle. Despite its innovative elements, the Krieghoff design was ultimately not selected for production.

This YouTube video focuses on the Samopal vz. 38, a unique interwar drum-fed submachine gun from Czechoslovakia, chambered in .380 ACP. The content explores this less-common firearm, likely detailing its history, design, and potentially its operational aspects. The video aims to shed light on a 'forgotten weapon' from the pre-World War II era.

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.