Q&A April 2026: The Good, the Bad, and the Really Dumb

This video reviews Bruce Canfield's book, "The U.S. Model 1917 Rifle - America's Enfield." The book provides comprehensive historical coverage of the M1917 rifle, from its origins as the British Pattern 1913 to its extensive use by American forces in WWI and WWII, as well as its post-war service and accessories. It highlights the rifle's conversion to .30-06 caliber and its production by Remington, Winchester, and Eddystone.

This video from Kentucky Ballistics tests the bullet resistance of a 22-pound steel mug against a wide array of firearms, from .22LR to .577 Tyrannosaur and .50 BMG. The presenter, Scott, systematically fires each caliber at the mug, documenting the impact and penetration. While smaller calibers like .22LR and 5.7mm had no effect, larger handgun rounds like .44 Magnum and .460 S&W Magnum began to dent and deform the mug. Rifle calibers, particularly the 5.56mm and 277 Fury, caused significant damage and penetration. The most powerful rounds, the .500 Nitro Express, .577 Tyrannosaur, and .50 BMG, all inflicted substantial damage, with the .577 Tyrannosaur and .50 BMG penetrating the mug, though neither fully passed through. The test highlights the impressive durability of the heavy steel mug.

This video compares the cost of firing various World War II firearms with current ammunition prices. It highlights the M1 Carbine in .30 Carbine as an affordable option, followed by the Mosin Nagant and the 1911 pistol. The M1 Garand is noted for its higher ammunition cost, and the German Luger is identified as the cheapest to fire but with reliability concerns.

This video tests the ballistic resistance of a Dr. Pepper vending machine against various firearms, from .22LR to .50 BMG. The machine demonstrated significant resistance to smaller calibers, stopping rounds like 9mm and .45 ACP. However, larger calibers, including the .44 Magnum, .308 Winchester, and ultimately the .50 BMG, penetrated the machine, with the .50 BMG completely destroying it and passing through. The test highlights that while a vending machine can offer some protection against smaller threats, it is not a reliable ballistic shield against more powerful firearms.

This video provides an expert overview of ten dirt-cheap military surplus rifles available to civilians for under $250. It details their historical service, operational characteristics, common variants, and ammunition availability. The presenter highlights pros and cons for each rifle, offering insights for collectors and shooters looking for affordable historical firearms.

This video from Kentucky Ballistics features a detailed test of various firearms against a life-sized Velociraptor replica to determine what it would take to defeat one. Host Scott, alongside Chris from Ballistic Dummy Lab, tests handguns from .22LR up to .500 Magnum, shotguns including a Spas-12, and rifles ranging from .45-70 to a .4 Bore. The experiment provides insights into the stopping power required for different threats, with a focus on practical application and the effectiveness of various calibers against a simulated large predator.

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.