Liegeoise 1888 Trials Rifle

The Marga Trials Rifle was a competitor in late 1880s Belgian Army trials, ultimately losing to the Mauser Model 1889. Its design featured rear locking lugs, a V-spring firing pin, and a tension-based ladder sight, elements that were becoming obsolete with the advent of smokeless powder. While it incorporated a useful magazine cutoff for single-shot firing, its technical shortcomings led to its failure in trials, though its designer later found success in ammunition.

The FN Model 30 represents the first Belgian-made BAR, evolving from Colt's designs with metric retooling for Poland and commercial export. Key improvements include a rate-reducing mechanism for controllable automatic fire (350-600 rpm), an automatic dust cover, and a refined magazine release. While sharing similarities with the M1918, it features enhanced reliability through a reversed gas piston system and was produced in 7.65x53mm Belgian and 8mm Mauser calibers.

The AFN-49 is the selective-fire variant of the FN-49 rifle, with nearly half of its production being automatic. Key features include a selector lever and a specialized locking pin requiring an armorer's tool for full-auto use. Its high rate of fire and fixed 10-round magazine make automatic fire challenging to control, emptying the magazine in about one second.

The FN-DA1 represents the final evolution of the Browning Automatic Rifle, adapted for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. Key modifications include a spacer for FN FAL magazines and updated fire control linkages. External improvements feature a recessed barrel release, aperture rear sight, and a more stable bipod. Production of the BAR lineage concluded in 1967, with its action influencing later designs like the FN MAG.

The Belgian M1915/27 Chauchat represents a significant improvement over the original French design, particularly in its adoption of the 7.65mm Mauser cartridge for a more reliable magazine. Key enhancements include robust dust covers for all openings, a unique tensioning latch to maintain receiver assembly integrity, and a redesigned, more stable bipod. Despite being officially replaced by the FN BAR, it served with Belgian forces through WWII.

This documentary from C&Rsenal's WWI Primer series delves into the history, function, and live-fire demonstration of the Belgian Nagant Revolvers used in World War I. The video, presented by Othais and Mae, aims to honor the centennial anniversary of the conflict by examining firearms from that era.

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.