Papuan Vrijwilliger Korps Mauser Carbine

The Armalite AR-16 is a rare prototype chambered in 7.62 NATO, bridging the gap between the AR-10 and AR-18. It features a short-stroke gas piston, dual recoil springs, and a unique 5-aperture rotating rear sight. Only two AR-16s are known to exist, making it a significant piece of Armalite's design history.

The Armalite AR-16 represents a crucial, yet often overlooked, step in rifle development, bridging the gap between the AR-10 and the AR-18. It pioneered the use of stamped sheet metal receivers and a short-stroke gas piston system to reduce manufacturing costs. Though never mass-produced, its design innovations significantly influenced subsequent combat rifle designs like the L85, Steyr AUG, and G36.

This review compares the Valmet M78 and FN-D light machine guns, with John Keene favoring the FN-D due to its quick-change barrel feature. Ian McCollum raises a practical point about the necessity of barrel changes versus ammunition capacity. Ultimately, both firearms are recognized as excellent, with the choice depending on specific tactical priorities.

This comprehensive overview of the Swedish Kulspruta m/36 double Browning machine gun, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details its historical development, unique technical specifications, and combat applications. The video highlights the powerful 8x63mm cartridge, the sophisticated water-cooling system with steam management, and the specialized buffered tripod mount. McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, explains the weapon's operational mechanics, including its dual spade grips, safety features, and advanced sighting systems for both anti-aircraft and indirect ground fire.

The FR-G1 and FR-G2 are rare French sniper rifles developed for the Air Force, utilizing modified MAS-36 receivers as an economical alternative to the FR-F series. They feature unique adjustable flash hiders for barrel tuning and a STANAG-style scope rail. The FR-G2 specifically incorporates the FR-F2 bipod for enhanced pivot capabilities. Production was limited, and these rifles have largely been succeeded by modern platforms like the HK417 and FN SCAR.

This review from TFB TV explores Sako's new AR-15 platform rifles, designated ARG 40 and ARG 50. These rifles are being adopted by the Finnish and Swedish militaries as service and sniper rifles, respectively. The review highlights their direct impingement and piston operating systems, ambidextrous features, and accuracy standards, offering insights into Sako's advanced firearm manufacturing.

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.