S&W Model 617 Mountain Gun

This video details the troubleshooting and repair process for a Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun experiencing double-action misfires. Expert reviewer Hickok45 demonstrates how the firearm was sent to the factory for service, where the forcing cone was cut and the yoke repaired. Post-service testing reveals significant improvement, though sensitivity to certain .22 LR ammunition brands persists, highlighting the importance of both firearm condition and ammo quality for reliable ignition.

This video provides an essential checklist for inspecting revolvers before purchase, covering both new and used models. It aims to help viewers identify potential issues and ensure they acquire a problem-free firearm. The guide details the most crucial checks, applicable to revolvers from various manufacturers including Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Colt, Kimber, and Taurus, to prevent headaches associated with acquiring a faulty weapon.

This video review highlights seven vintage revolvers that remain highly relevant for self-defense and general use in 2026. The ranking prioritizes dependability, shootability, mechanical simplicity, durability, and modern ownership factors like parts availability and price. The expert assessment emphasizes deep technical knowledge of revolver mechanics and historical context.

This review of the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp highlights its features as a .357 Magnum K-frame revolver from the Performance Center. It details the 2.5-inch barrel with a 'Power Port' compensator, Altamont Rosewood grips, Trijicon tritium front sight, and a moss Cerakote finish. The expert assessment notes its shootability due to all-steel construction and the compensator, despite a heavy double-action pull.

This review of the Smith & Wesson 586 L-Comp highlights significant reliability issues, specifically persistent light primer strikes. Despite troubleshooting attempts by tightening the leaf spring strain screw, the problem persisted, suggesting a potential factory defect. The speaker, drawing on extensive testing experience, ultimately recommends against this specific model due to these failures and advises returning it to the manufacturer.

This review of the Dan Wesson 715 .357 Magnum revolver highlights its robust build quality and unique features, such as the front cylinder release and moon clip compatibility. However, the firearm exhibits a significant out-of-the-box reliability issue: a persistent trigger reset problem in double-action mode. While accurate and comfortable to shoot, especially with .38 Special due to its weight, the trigger malfunction suggests it may require servicing.

This short showcases the historical 1855 Springfield rifle musket firing a .58 caliber Minie ball. It demonstrates the traditional muzzle-loading process with black powder and a percussion cap. The video highlights the satisfying impact on a gong, offering a glimpse into historical ballistics and firearm handling.

This review covers the Uberti reproduction of the 1860 Henry Rifle, highlighting its historical significance as the first successful lever-action. It details the unique loading mechanism, design flaws like the open magazine, and its evolution from Volcanic Arms to the Winchester 1866. The video demonstrates its rapid-fire capability and discusses its legacy as a precursor to modern lever-action firearms.

The 500 S&W Magnum, built on the X-frame, is a handgun designed for extreme power, dwarfing the .44 Magnum. It demonstrates significant recoil and impressive penetration capabilities, capable of passing through over 2,100 pages of a medical textbook. While not ideal for precision shooting due to blast and recoil, it serves as a powerful novelty or specialized hunting tool.

This video features a detailed look at a Mauser Kar 98K BYF 43, showcasing its historical significance and practical performance. Hickok45 demonstrates its accuracy on steel targets, discusses its all-matching condition, and explains the functionality of stripper clips for reloading. The review also touches on the rifle's historical context, the Mauser bolt-action design's influence, and the 8mm Mauser caliber's characteristics.