Q&A 21: French Edition

The FAMAS G1 is a simplified export variant of the French FAMAS rifle, featuring a redesigned polymer lower receiver integrating the pistol grip and trigger guard. Production was streamlined by removing features like grenade rings, grenade sights, and slide-up night sights. These changes aimed to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost for international markets.

This review details the French trials of the FN CAL rifle in the 1970s, focusing on its adaptation for rifle grenade capability. The video showcases the evolution of grenade launching systems tested on the FN CAL, including early STRIM sights and later adjustable barrel stops. It also touches upon experimental magazines and the eventual outcome of the trials, where the FN CAL was unsuccessful.

The H&K 33F, a predecessor to the HK416F, was marketed to French forces in the 1960s-70s. Despite performing well in 1974 trials against the FN CAL and M16, France opted for the domestic FAMAS. This variant features a reinforced magazine well and specific barrel modifications for rifle grenade use, including range rings and a grenade sight mount.

The HS Produkt VHS-F2 is a Croatian bullpup rifle that competed in French military trials. It features impressive modularity, including an interchangeable magazine well for STANAG, G36, or FAMAS magazines, and fully ambidextrous controls. Its design incorporates a short-stroke gas piston system and a unique bolt carrier for easy ejection side changes.

The FAMAS G2 represents the final iteration of the French FAMAS bullpup rifle, specifically developed for the French Navy to meet NATO standards. Key upgrades include a 1:7 twist rate for SS109 ammunition and a push-button magazine release compatible with NATO STANAG magazines. Despite its advanced features and historical significance, the G2 is a rare firearm with limited production.

This review of the Mle 1866 Chassepot highlights its unique needle-fire bolt action and caseless paper cartridges. Despite significant black powder fouling that stiffens the action, the rifle remains functional for its intended engagement lengths. The manageable recoil and historical significance make it a fascinating piece for firearms enthusiasts.

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.