My New Book: Small Arms of World War Two - United States

This video provides an in-depth review and technical breakdown of the SIG 543 semi-automatic rifle, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The SIG 543, a carbine variant of the SIG 540 series, is explored for its historical context, design features, and operational mechanics. The review highlights its development stemming from SIG's collaboration with Beretta and later Manurhin in France due to Swiss neutrality laws. The video includes a detailed field-strip demonstration, showcasing its long-stroke gas piston system and AK-like rotating bolt mechanism, while also noting its unique features like a longitudinal hammer spring and optics mounting points. Shooting impressions emphasize its pleasant recoil and handling, despite a noted subpar trigger.

This video details the history and markings of a Japanese Type 38 Arisaka carbine, tracing its journey from Japanese production through British and Russian military use, and finally to Finland. It highlights how to identify provenance through specific markings and modifications, emphasizing the rarity of finding examples with complete British and Russian usage history.

This video features a comparison between the Franchi LF-57 and the Colt SMG, hosted by Ian McCollum and John Keene. They discuss the pros and cons of each submachine gun, considering factors like ergonomics, reliability, parts availability, and collectibility. While the Colt SMG is technically superior in many shooting aspects, the Franchi LF-57 is favored for its rarity and unique appeal as a collectible item.

This video provides an in-depth look at the TRW Low Maintenance Rifle (XLMR), an experimental firearm developed by ARPA in 1969. The rifle features a unique roller-locked, open-bolt design and was initially chambered for the 5.6mm XM216 flechette cartridge, aiming for high muzzle velocity and extended point-blank range. The presenter, Ian McCollum, details its unconventional side-mounted magazine and gas tube, its M60-derived components, and its disassembly process, highlighting its rarity as only six were manufactured.

This video reviews the Beretta 1934 pistol, chambered in .380 ACP, often referred to as 9mm Corto or 9mm Browning. The presenter uses the pistol in a BUG match, highlighting its performance as a backup gun. The review touches on its historical context as a service pistol and its availability on the US surplus market.

This review provides an expert look at the Japanese Type 4 rifle, a World War II-era firearm that served as a Japanese adaptation of the American M1 Garand. The analysis, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlights key design differences, such as the caliber change to 7.7mm and the adoption of a box magazine fed by stripper clips instead of the Garand's en-bloc clip system. The review also touches upon Japanese design influences and offers a critique of the rifle's rear sight.

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.