M2 Carbine vs MP44 Sturmgewehr (w/ John Keene)

This review compares the M2 Carbine and the MP44 Sturmgewehr, highlighting differing expert opinions on their combat effectiveness. John Keene favors the MP44 for its armor-piercing capabilities and ergonomics, while Ian McCollum argues for the M2 Carbine's lighter weight and handiness. Both acknowledge the practical irrelevance of long-range accuracy in modern warfare.

The MKb-42(W) represents Walther's early attempt at the German Sturmgewehr concept, leveraging their expertise in sheet metal stamping. Key features include a distinct magazine hold-open, a riveted stamped handguard, and a gas piston system operating the bolt. It offered both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire modes, controlled by separate selectors.

This video provides an in-depth review of the STG44, often considered the original assault rifle. It details the firearm's specifications, historical development, and compares it to the AK-47, highlighting design strengths and weaknesses. The host, an experienced firearms collector, offers insights into its ergonomics, performance, and market value.

The MKb-42(W) was Walther's attempt at a Sturmgewehr, designed with stamped sheet metal for wartime efficiency. Despite its innovative annular gas piston and rotating bolt, it failed military trials due to complexity and cost compared to the Haenel design. Only around 200 were produced, making it a rare collector's item.

This Q&A episode from Forgotten Weapons tackles a wide array of firearm-related questions, ranging from the potential availability of FAMAS parts kits and the design choices behind European heel magazine releases to the historical value of specific French firearms like the Continsouza Berthier. The discussion delves into the evolution of carbine designations (M2/M3 vs. M1A2/M1A3), the merits of different operating systems for suppressors, and advice for new gun collectors. It also touches on intriguing historical topics such as the Pedersen Device, the longevity of single-shot rifles, and the development of simple submachine guns. The episode touches upon collector interests like provenance, desired firearms, and notable pawn shop finds. It also covers ammunition topics like the difference between Berdan and boxer priming, the historical context of .30 Carbine and .30-06 ammunition, and the viability of .300 Blackout. Finally, it explores specific firearm models and concepts including the Colt Python, straight-pull rifles, inertial operation, the Type 94 Nambu, MAB-15, and the Lebel rifle's historical impact.

Ken Hackathorn, a firearms instructor with decades of experience, clarifies the M1 Carbine's reputation versus its reality. He highlights its original design as a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) for support troops, its widespread use in major conflicts, and common reliability issues stemming from aging parts, flimsy magazines, and improper maintenance. Hackathorn provides actionable advice for modern owners to ensure reliability, emphasizing new springs, proper lubrication, and quality ammunition.

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.