SA80 History: XL60 Series in 4.85mm

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson examining a rare and 'cursed' bullpup mock-up of the Armalite AR-18. The prototype is characterized by its unconventional design, including a lack of trigger linkage, mismatched receiver parts, crude welds, and an unusual front sight arrangement, making it more suited for a video game than actual combat. The discussion also briefly touches upon the SA80 as a point of comparison for bullpup designs.

The Aly & Kaufman AKB-23 is a bullpup conversion kit for the Brownells BRN-180, designed to emulate the British L85/SA80. It features a milled aluminum lower with an AR-15 fire control group, connected via a trigger transfer bar. The 3D-printed furniture mimics the L85's ergonomics, and range testing confirms it captures the rifle's feel and accepts SA80 magazines.

Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries explains that the L85A1's fundamental design flaws, such as the ejection port size, could not have been fixed by Enfield even if the company hadn't been sold. While improved quality control might have reduced malfunctions, the inherent issues would have persisted, making the SA80 platform problematic regardless of manufacturing.

The Aly & Kaufman AKB-23 is a bullpup conversion kit for the Brownells BRN-180, designed to replicate the feel and ergonomics of the British SA80/L85 rifle. Utilizing the AR-180's mechanical lineage, the kit offers an affordable way to experience the bullpup platform. It features a milled aluminum lower and 3D-printed furniture, with assembly requiring integration of the BRN-180 upper. Performance is noted as reliable, providing an authentic handling experience.

This video provides an expert overview of Murdoch & Co's remanufactured SA80 family of rifles, including the L85A1, L85A2, and L85A3 models. Evan, CEO of Murdoch & Co, details the company's mission to preserve the history of the SA80 by producing semi-automatic versions in the USA. The L85A3 is highlighted for its modern upgrades like an M-LOK handguard and free-float barrel, while the Collector Series focuses on historical accuracy. The trigger performance is noted as superior to other bullpup designs.

The L85A1, a British bullpup rifle, was tested for reliability and handling. While accurate, it exhibited historical issues like inconsistent ejection and a failure to extract/eject. The rifle is strictly right-handed, and the SUSAT optic's short eye relief poses a safety concern during recoil.

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.