Light Machine Guns in Finland: DP-28 vs LS-26

The Finnish LS-26/31 represents a rare drum-fed variant of the Lahti-Saloranta M/26 LMG, developed by VKT for export. While typically using 20-round box magazines, these experimental models featured a 75-round drum and were chambered in various calibers, including 8mm Mauser for a large Chinese order. Despite a significant Chinese contract, only a fraction were delivered, with remaining units seeing limited Finnish Army service during the Winter War, often converted back to box magazine use.

The L41 Sampo was Finland's ambitious attempt at a belt-fed GPMG, designed by Aimo Lahti to replace the heavier Maxim. Despite a complex hybrid bolt system and good performance in trials, production issues and the adoption of MG-42s led to its obsolescence. Only seven examples are known to survive.

This review details the DP-28, a Soviet light machine gun known for its distinctive pan magazine. It covers the evolution from the DP-27 to the modernized DPM, highlighting differences like the pistol grip and stock. The video emphasizes the weapon's 7.62x54R caliber, 47-round capacity, and Degtyaryov's innovative flapper lock bolt system, demonstrated through disassembly and live-fire testing.

This episode of American Rifleman TV features NRA's Larry Quandahl discussing the NRA rules for safe gun handling. The 'Rifleman Review' segment focuses on the Hornady 6mm ARC cartridge, and the 'I Have This Old Gun' segment explores the history of the Soviet DP-28 light machine gun chambered in 7.62x54mm R. The description also provides information on where to watch full episodes of ARTV.

This review delves into the RPD Light Machine Gun, highlighting its lineage from the DP-28 and its role as a belt-fed weapon in 7.62x39mm. The Polish-manufactured model features a flapping lock system and a fixed, chrome-lined barrel, but lacks a quick-change barrel and has small, overheating handguards. Its 100-round drum-fed belt system is compared to other historical weapons like the BAR and MG42.

The Lahti-Saloranta LS-26 was Finland's first domestically produced light machine gun, designed by Aimo Lahti. It featured a recoil-operated system and a 20-round magazine, but suffered reliability issues in cold weather due to its tight tolerances and frozen preservative grease. Despite its advanced design for the time, it was eventually superseded by captured Soviet DP-28s.

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.