One of the rarest guns in the world? The Solothurn S3-200 with firearm expert Jonathan Ferguson

This video provides an expert-level examination of an Iranian-produced copy of the Rheinmetall MG3 machine gun, tracing its lineage from the iconic MG42. Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the naming conventions, production history in Iran, and specific technical features that distinguish it as an MG3 variant. The analysis highlights key differences from the original MG42 and earlier MG1 variants, including internal components and external features, offering insights into its manufacturing and adoption by the Iranian military.

This entry details the Taden GPMG (X11E4) and its related EM1 design, experimental British attempts to create a General Purpose Machine Gun. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries explains their technical features, design evolution from the Bren gun, and the critical flaws, particularly the complex feed mechanism, that led to their failure and the adoption of the FN MAG (L7 GPMG).

This video provides a detailed slow-motion analysis of the PKM general-purpose machine gun's operation. It highlights the open-bolt firing mechanism, the spring-loaded dust cover's actuation by the bolt carrier, and the unique pull-out belt feed system. The presenter, with clear expertise, explains how the enlarged and inverted AK action functions, emphasizing the delay between trigger pull and firing due to the bolt's travel.

This video provides an expert-level review of the Barrett M240LW, a lightweight variant of the M240 General Purpose Machine Gun. Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson details the design evolution from the FN MAG 58 and US M240 variants, highlighting the LW's significant weight reduction achieved through a welded steel receiver and fluted barrel. The review covers key improvements like the KeyMod handguard, adjustable buttstock, and a new bipod system, offering insights into its engineering and potential advantages over previous models.

This YouTube video pits two iconic firearms against each other in a shooting match: the M240 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and the M16A2 Rifle. The description poses the question of which marksman would prevail in such a contest, suggesting a focus on the capabilities and performance of each weapon system. The title implies a comparative analysis, likely highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of a heavy machine gun versus a standard issue rifle.

This video segment from American Rifleman TV (ARTV) offers a multifaceted look at firearms. It begins with NRA's Larry Quandahl covering fundamental firearm handling and safety, with a focus on long guns, addressing the influx of new shooters. The review section features the Heritage Mfg. Inc. Barkeep, a .22 Long Rifle snub-nosed single-action revolver. The program concludes with a historical examination of the Cold War-era PKM, a belt-fed general-purpose machine gun chambered in 7.62x54R, noting its continued widespread use.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.