L41: Arado's WW2 Experimental MP40 Silencer

This YouTube video from Arm&Gun focuses on the MP40 submachine gun, a prominent firearm of World War II, often referred to as "Hitler's Grease Gun." The description highlights the potential for the MP40 to be considered the best SMG of WW2 and encourages viewers to get "Gunpilled." The video delves into the history, controls, and ergonomics of the MP40. It also mentions an ASMR review and debunks the myth that the MP40 is a "Schmeisser." The description includes affiliate links to various products, merchandise, and social media channels, as well as discount codes for firearm-related accessories.

The MP40/I was a rare WWII German submachine gun prototype featuring a dual-magazine system designed to increase firepower. It addressed perceived shortcomings against Soviet PPSh-41 but suffered from structural fragility and excessive weight due to its modified receiver. Ultimately, its design compromises led to its rejection for widespread adoption.

The Austen MkI, an Australian Sten adaptation, surprisingly performs well despite its poor reputation. It incorporates MP40 features like pistol grips and an underfolding stock, offering better ergonomics than the Sten. While the stock is wobbly and sights are large, its controllable rate of fire and lack of muzzle climb are notable positives.

The Schmeisser MP41 is a unique hybrid submachine gun, merging the MP40's upper receiver with the MP28's lower receiver and wooden stock. Unlike the full-auto-only MP40, the MP41 features a semi-automatic capability due to a specific disconnector track on its bolt. This design allows for more controlled fire, differentiating it from its predecessors.

The MP40 submachine gun, a WWII icon, is reviewed for its historical significance and performance. Its full-auto-only design features a unique constant recoil mechanism for smooth operation and a relatively slow cyclic rate that aids controllability. The folding stock is highlighted as a key ergonomic advantage, especially for vehicle crews. Field stripping reveals its innovative telescoping firing pin assembly, and it reliably handles various 9mm ammunition types.

This comparison between the MP40 and MP41 highlights their key differences, focusing on stock design and ergonomics. While the MP40 features a folding stock with potential wiggle and poor cheek weld, the MP41 offers a fixed wooden stock for improved stability. Both are chambered in 9x19mm and share internal mechanisms, but their stock types lend themselves to different tactical uses.

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.