Roth Haenel Model 1899 - The First Semiauto Sporting Rifle?

This review examines Haenel's simplified StG45(H) prototype, designed to reduce manufacturing costs through extensive use of stampings. Key modifications include relocating the recoil spring to the top of the receiver and a simplified bolt carrier design. While intended for mass production, the actual functional performance of this specific prototype remains undocumented.

This YouTube video features a review of the Haenel Jaeger 8 rifle. The reviewer, Jonny, breaks down the firearm, discussing its aesthetics starting at 1:22, its practical applications at 2:15, and the ammunition it uses at 4:20. The video encourages viewer engagement through likes, comments, and subscriptions for more reviews.

This review of the Sturmgewehr (MP43, MP44, STG44) highlights its historical significance and technical features. The video demonstrates its full-auto capability and discusses its development under the 'Machine Pistols' designation. Key technical aspects like the dust cover, magazine release, separate fire selector, and left-side charging handle are detailed. Shooting performance is assessed in both semi-auto and full-auto, with notes on trigger quality, sight adequacy, and a comfortable cyclic rate of 450-480 RPM. Long-range testing reveals ammunition-dependent points of impact.

The Zielfeuergerät 38 (ZfG 38) was a blank-firing training aid developed by Haenel in 1939 to simulate machine gun fire realistically during exercises. Initially mistaken for booby traps by Allied troops, its true purpose was stress inoculation without live ammunition. Production was limited, and few survive today due to their bulk and lack of combat utility.

The Schmeisser MP-28,II is Hugo Schmeisser's refined version of the MP-18, featuring a more efficient milled receiver and a crucial selector lever for semi-auto and full-auto fire. Its box magazine design influenced later iconic submachine guns like the MP-38/40 and Sten. Despite a front-heavy characteristic typical of early SMGs, the MP-28,II offers smooth handling and control during automatic fire, with a lower rate of fire than its predecessor.

This review covers the Haenel CR223 pistol, a firearm that famously outperformed the HK416 in German military trials before a contract dispute. The US-imported version features a KeyMod rail and an SB Tactical SBA5 brace, which is noted as legally permissible. The video includes live-fire demonstrations, highlighting its performance.

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.