Slow Motion: C96 "Broomhandle" Mauser

This entry details the Armalite AR-17, a rare 12-gauge shotgun highlighted by its exceptionally light weight (under 5.5 lbs) and innovative aluminum construction. Expert Ian McCollum provides an analytical breakdown of its short recoil action, unique 10-lug rotating bolt derived from AR-10/AR-15 designs, and its two-round capacity. The construction features an aluminum barrel with a steel trunnion to manage firing pressures, positioning it as a unique piece in firearm history.

This video provides an overview of the MG 81 machine gun, a Luftwaffe favorite introduced around 1940. It highlights its design as a light, belt-fed machine gun intended for vehicle and aircraft mounting. Key technical features discussed include its unusual front-mounted bolt, a rear charging handle connected via a steel cable, and a trigger group potentially similar to the Lewis gun. The internal mechanism, including rotating lugs with rollers, is also briefly examined.

This video provides a detailed disassembly of the rare BSA Model 1924 .50 caliber machine gun, presented by Joe Ford from the Royal Armouries. The guide covers the removal of the magazine, receiver components, trigger group, bolt assembly, barrel, and barrel extension. It highlights the unique recoil operation mechanism, the pan magazine system, and the 50 Vices ammunition used, explaining why the design was an evolutionary dead end due to its slow rate of fire and small magazine capacity.

This entry details the rare C96 Mauser chambered in 9x25mm Mauser Export, as presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the cartridge's development, historical context within German pistol trials, and key visual and internal identifiers to distinguish it from the more common 7.63mm variant. The information is presented with expert authority, focusing on technical details and historical accuracy.

This expert review from Forgotten Weapons details the Mauser Schnellfeuer, a full-auto variant of the C96 Broomhandle. It covers the pistol's origins, production numbers, and technical specifications, including its short recoil operation and impressive 1120 RPM rate of fire. The review emphasizes the critical role of the shoulder stock for controllability, highlighting the significant muzzle climb and impracticality of firing without it.

This expert-level entry details the Shansei .45 ACP Broomhandle, a rare Chinese variant of the Mauser C96. The video, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlights its unique .45 ACP chambering, likely influenced by Thompson submachine gun popularity and arms embargoes in China. It covers the firearm's mechanical operation, including its short recoil system and stripper clip feed, and contrasts its significantly wider frame with the standard German Mauser C96. The assessment notes a front-heavy balance due to the caliber conversion.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.