Ribeyrolles 1918 - France's First Assault Rifle or a Failed Prototype?

The 1917 Burton Light Machine Rifle is presented as an early example of an assault rifle, featuring a unique dual magazine system holding 20 rounds each. Its select-fire capability is achieved through a dual trigger mechanism, with the top trigger for semi-auto and simultaneous use of both for full-auto fire. The open-bolt design and internal sear operation are detailed, highlighting its advanced features for its era.

Roswell Rifle Works is producing a US-made SR3M, a variant of the 9x39mm VSS Vintorez and AS Val. The rifle maintains original mechanical designs but uses zero Russian parts and is supported by in-house 9x39mm ammunition and proprietary magazines. Pricing is set between $3,500-$4,500 for the SBR and $2,500-$2,800 for the pistol variant, with availability targeted for late Q2 or early Q3.

This video delves into the 'Gerat 06', exploring Germany's developmental journey towards roller-delayed blowback firearms. It connects this experimental weapon to the lineage of iconic German rifles like the STG series, including the MP44, MP43, STG44, and STG45, highlighting the incremental steps taken in firearm design during and after WWII. The analysis likely focuses on the technical evolution and historical context of these firearms.

This YouTube video, based on its title and description, discusses the M16A2 rifle and claims that its design was a 'downgrade' according to Eugene Stoner, the designer of the original AR-15 platform. The title explicitly mentions the M16A2 and Eugene Stoner, indicating a focus on the history and technical aspects of this specific firearm and its lineage. The description also includes a link to a full video, suggesting a more in-depth exploration of the topic.

The FAMAS G1 was a cost-reduced export variant of the French FAMAS F1 assault rifle, featuring a simplified trigger guard and removal of features like rifle grenade hardware and burst fire to lower manufacturing costs. Despite its 40% cost reduction, the G1 failed to secure export sales, partly due to GIAT's merger with FN. Its simplified trigger guard design was later incorporated into the FAMAS G2.

This video from Forgotten Weapons, hosted by Ian McCollum, delves into the Type 93 Chinese Assault Rifle, presented with a Fallout: New Vegas thematic introduction. The expert-level presentation includes a live-fire demonstration and historical context for this specific firearm model.

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.