Near-Complete Failure: Delta CAR-15 at Midnight Brutality 2023

This review delves into the Colt 723, a CAR-15 variant famously used by Delta Force in Mogadishu. It highlights the challenges and nuances of building historically accurate retro clones, emphasizing the importance of period-correct parts over movie props. The discussion covers technical aspects like IR aiming devices, optics for passive aiming with NVGs, and the ballistic advantages of a 14.5-inch barrel for the 5.56mm cartridge.

This review delves into the Colt 723 and 733 carbines, often called the 'Gordon Carbine,' which served as precursors to the modern M4. It highlights their significance in special operations, detailing configurations like Gary Gordon's suppressed setup and the technical evolution from earlier models. The review includes range testing, demonstrating accuracy and the benefits of suppressed fire, ultimately crediting these carbines with influencing modern military firearms.

The Colt Model 607 represents the first AR carbine, developed around 1965 for specialized roles. Key features include an early slab-side receiver, a unique shortened pistol grip, and an early collapsing stock. Its 10-inch barrel necessitated a 'moderator' muzzle device to improve reliability and reduce noise, paving the way for the XM177 series and the modern M4.

This review details a clone of Sergeant Randy Shughart's M14 rifle from Black Hawk Down, highlighting historical accuracy and film inaccuracies regarding optics and accessories. It explores Shughart's preference for the 7.62 NATO cartridge and the specific Aimpoint 3000 optic and AIM-1 infrared laser he likely used, contrasting them with the film's depiction. The build's significance lies in its representation of a Medal of Honor action, despite the M14's known service limitations.

The Walther MPK and MPL are post-WWII submachine guns developed in the late 1950s and produced from 1963, competing with the Uzi and MP5. They feature a simple stamped sheet metal construction, ambidextrous controls, and a manageable 550 RPM rate of fire. While robust and portable, their sights are considered a weak point by the reviewer.

This review covers a rare surplus Knight's Armament SR25 EMC, featuring a genuine Delta Force upper receiver. The SR25's evolution from a civilian platform to a military sniper rifle, culminating in the M110 system, is detailed. The carbine variant was developed for CQB while retaining accuracy, and these surplus examples are highly collectible due to their rarity and field use.

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.