M15 Automatic Rifle (aka T44E5): Adopted But Not Produced

This video provides an expert-level review of the Czech ZK 383, a unique firearm blurring the lines between SMG and LMG. The presenter, demonstrating high authority, details its 9mm caliber, adjustable rate of fire (450-700 RPM) via a tungsten weight, quick-change barrel, and 800m adjustable sights. The ZK 383's robust milled construction and features like an integrated bipod highlight its exceptional interwar design and rarity, with specific attention paid to a Venezuelan contract example.

The HK21 is the belt-fed light machine gun variant of the H&K G3 rifle, sharing approximately 48% parts commonality. Developed for export markets, it offered a common small arms family for nations already using the G3. Portugal was a key adopter, licensing production at FMP. While robust, its high rate of fire and recoil led to the development of the HK21E.

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.

This video provides an expert review of the Hotchkiss Portative light machine gun by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It details the weapon's development, its adoption and use by various nations including the US and UK, and highlights specific features like its bipod and quick-change barrel system. The review emphasizes the gun's durability and historical significance, noting its use in early aerial combat.

In this comparison of the Valmet M78 and FN Model D light machine guns, John Keene and Ian McCollum debate their military utility. Keene favors the FN-D for its quick-change barrel and robust design, while McCollum leans towards the Valmet M78 for its inherent reliability and lighter weight. Both experts acknowledge that soldier proficiency can overcome weapon limitations.

This review compares the Valmet M78 and FN-D light machine guns, with John Keene favoring the FN-D due to its quick-change barrel feature. Ian McCollum raises a practical point about the necessity of barrel changes versus ammunition capacity. Ultimately, both firearms are recognized as excellent, with the choice depending on specific tactical priorities.

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.