Rifles of Emperor Menelik II: Ethiopian Gewehr 88 and Karabiner 88

This review examines two Ethiopian Gras carbines, highlighting Ethiopia's unique historical sovereignty against European colonialism. Emperor Menelik II's modernization efforts and Empress Taytu's influence are discussed, alongside the rifles' French origins, conversions, and markings, including Ge'ez script and later Italian occupation brands. The M80 modification for safety and typical condition of Ethiopian surplus rifles are also detailed.

This review details the extremely rare Afghan contract Schlegelmilch carbine, a unique bolt-action rifle produced for Afghanistan's Kabul Arsenal. It highlights Louis Schlegelmilch's innovative bolt design, originally intended for German military trials, adapted with a Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip system. The carbine features tool-less field stripping and a receiver marking the 'Mosque' crest of Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, dated 1321 Hijri (1903).

This video provides an expert-level review of the German Karabiner 88 and Gewehr 91 carbines, descendants of the Gewehr 88. It details their design origins in response to smokeless powder rifles, unique features like the Mannlicher bolt and barrel jacket, and their specific roles for cavalry and other troops. The review highlights their compact size, handy handling, and historical service, noting production by commercial firms and later safety updates.

This documentary delves into the history and technical aspects of the German Karabiner 88 and Gewehr 91 rifles. It details their development in response to French advancements, design features incorporating elements from Mauser and Mannlicher, and manufacturing challenges. The video also covers their mechanical operation, range performance, and service history, particularly their use by specialized troops and during WWI.

This video provides a book review of "International Arms Review 1," a compilation of firearms-related articles printed in the late 1970s. The reviewer highlights the book's focus on unusual and historical firearms, including early breechloading systems, medieval arms and armor, and more modern guns. Specific topics covered in the table of contents range from siege guns and pellet guns to detailed examinations of rifles like the Gewehr 88, Lugers, Dreyse Needle Gun, Mauser variants (Zig-Zag, Broomhandle C96), Werder Rifle, Guedes Rifle, and the FG-42 paratroop rifle. It also delves into pistols such as the Schwarzlose and the 1911 Swiss Service Rifle, alongside historical topics like the evolution of firearms in Europe and the age of armor. The reviewer suggests the book offers a lot of worthwhile information for firearms enthusiasts.

This video examines a unique Chinese bolt-action M1 Carbine copy from the Civil War era. It highlights the rifle's 'Chinese flair,' including spurious 'Waffenfab Oberndorf' markings mimicking German Mauser designs. The bolt mechanism is revealed to be based on the German Gewehr 88, not the original M1 Carbine's gas system. Modifications like open-notch sights and a dowel rod replacing the oiler cap are also noted.

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.