Knoble .22 Rimfire Prototype Pistol

This expert review by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details the rare Terni Model 1921, an Italian interwar prototype assault rifle. It highlights the rifle's select-fire capability, unique 25-round cube magazine inspired by the Fiat-Revelli M1914, and its 7.35x32mm intermediate cartridge. The analysis covers its short-recoil operation, locking mechanism, and historical context, noting its advanced design for its era.

This video provides an expert-level examination of the extremely rare 1893 Lee-Metford Trials Carbine, a pre-production prototype. Ian McCollum details its unique features, including its Mark II Lee-Metford action, reduced magazine capacity, Martini-inspired front sight, and the notable absence of a safety mechanism. The review highlights evolutionary design choices compared to both earlier and later adopted models, offering deep insight into military firearm development.

This entry details the Colt Model 1910 Prototype, a scaled-down variant of the Model 1911 chambered in .38 ACP (9.8mm). It explores its historical context, development for international markets, unique production methods, and its role in Colt's strategic negotiations. The prototype's rarity, with only five known examples, is emphasized, along with its distinct features compared to the standard Model 1911.

This entry details the Bern Prototype Cavalry Carbine, a significant firearm from the 1920s that explored intermediate cartridges. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its unique long recoil action, tube magazine, and early adoption of ballistics that foreshadowed later assault rifle designs. The carbine represents a crucial, albeit less-known, step in the evolution of military small arms.

This video provides an in-depth look at the rare Heckler & Koch G11 caseless assault rifle, featuring expert Jonathan Ferguson. It covers the rifle's complex internal mechanisms, historical development, and the pros and cons of its caseless ammunition technology. The video highlights the G11's innovative design, including its recoiling barreled action and unique three-round burst system, while also detailing its development challenges and eventual discontinuation.

This video delves into the rare Heckler & Koch P7M7, a .45 ACP variant of the P7 series. Ian McCollum highlights its unique hydraulic buffer system, designed to overcome the recoil and gas pressure challenges of the larger caliber, distinguishing it from the standard gas-delayed blowback P7 models. The discussion covers the prototype's limited production, the reasons for its cancellation due to market demand and cost, and its potential, though unrealized, connection to 'Miami Vice'.

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.