M34: The Berthier Converted to the 7.5mm Rimless Cartridge

The Berthier Model 1916 upgrade focused on enhancing the existing French rifle and carbine systems, notably transitioning from a 3-round to a 5-round en-bloc clip designed by Lieutenant Vibert. This upgrade also included practical additions like mud covers for the action and improved, wider iron sights for better combat acquisition. Production was divided between Châtellerault and Saint-Étienne arsenals, with specific focuses on carbines and long rifles respectively.

This review details an early, battle-worn Berthier 1907-15 rifle, highlighting its evolution from carbine to infantry rifle. It covers unique markings, factory serial number systems, and evidence of combat repair and German capture modifications. The rifle's history is traced through its production dates and lack of post-1932 markings, suggesting it was a war souvenir.

This custom Berthier rifle conversion, designed to accept an 18-round Chauchat magazine, proved mechanically unreliable during range testing. The heavily tapered 8mm Lebel cartridge is fundamentally unsuitable for box magazines, leading to feeding failures and magazine detachment due to recoil. While historically interesting as a survival rifle concept, the conversion is not practical for reliable use.

This video details a rare Berthier cavalry carbine modified to accept a 20-round Chauchat magazine, originally intended for WWI aircraft and balloon crews. The conversion involved significant structural changes to the stock, receiver, and trigger guard to accommodate the single-stack Chauchat magazine. These carbines also served as survival weapons for aircrews downed behind enemy lines.

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.

The Model 1907/15 Berthier was adopted by the French military in WWI as a more cost-effective alternative to the Lebel rifle. Production was primarily handled by French arsenals like Saint-Étienne and Châtellerault, with significant contributions from Delaunay-Belleville and a troubled contract with Remington Arms. Key technical differences from the earlier Model 1907 include a straight bolt handle and a redesigned nose cap for the Lebel bayonet.

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.