Solothurn S18-1000: The Pinnacle of Anti-Tank Rifles

This video demonstrates a critical loading failure with the Swiss 20mm S18-1000 anti-tank rifle. The operator experiences an auto-eject magazine malfunction upon cycling the action, highlighting a potential reliability issue with this specific firearm configuration. The instructor's casual reaction and acknowledgment of the 'fail' suggest a familiarity with heavy weaponry and a focus on practical, albeit sometimes humorous, firearm handling.

This video provides an expert look at the rare Solothurn S18-1000 anti-tank cannon, focusing on its unique Swiss-made wheeled carriage designed for enhanced portability. The carriage allows for storage of ammunition and features complex elevation and traverse mechanisms. The presenter, Ian McCollum, demonstrates how the weapon can be easily towed by a single person after a simple preparation, highlighting its innovative design for a heavy weapon. The video also notes its legal status as an NFA Destructive Device and mentions an upcoming auction.

This compilation showcases a range of large-caliber firearms and cannons, from 20mm to 76mm, highlighting their power and historical significance. Featured weapons include the Inkunzi PAW, Solothurn S18-1000, Lahti L39, Krupp Mountain Gun, M3 and Bofors 37mm anti-tank guns, the German Pak 40, and the T124E2 and Sherman M4A2E8's 76mm guns. The video emphasizes the impressive muzzle blast, recoil, and operational aspects of these formidable pieces.

The Mauser Tankgewehr M1918, the first anti-tank rifle, was tested against a British MkIV tank's armor. It successfully penetrated 12mm AR450 steel at 90 degrees with AP ammunition, causing significant spalling. However, at a 45-degree angle, increasing effective thickness to 16-17mm, the rifle failed to penetrate, highlighting the effectiveness of sloped armor.

The Boys Anti-Tank Rifle, designed by Captain H.C. Boys, was a formidable bolt-action rifle chambered in .55 caliber, effective against early WWII tanks. Despite its recoiling action for recoil absorption, it was notoriously unpleasant to fire. Its design featured a massive bolt, a unique stock with an oiler, and a distinctive muzzle brake, later upgraded. Classified as a 'Destructive Device' under the NFA due to its caliber, it remains a transferable item.

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.