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

This review of the Solothurn S-18/1000 20mm Anti-Tank Rifle, presented by Scott from Kentucky Ballistics, offers an expert-level look at a World War II-era behemoth. The video details its immense size, comparing it to a Barrett M82A1, and showcases the unique manual crank loading mechanism. Live-fire demonstrations highlight its power and recoil management features, including a reciprocating barrel. The review emphasizes the historical significance and extreme ballistics of this anti-tank weapon, providing valuable insights for enthusiasts of large-caliber firearms.

This entry details the Panzerbüchse 39 anti-tank rifle, a significant weapon from the early stages of WWII. Expert Ian McCollum provides a deep dive into its mechanics, historical context, and performance. The PzB 39, while effective against early armor, was eventually outclassed, leading to its conversion into grenade launchers. Its unique falling block action and powerful PzB 318 cartridge are highlighted.

This review provides a detailed look at the Finnish L-39 Lahti anti-tank rifle, nicknamed 'Norsupyssy'. The video demonstrates its operation, including loading the 10-round magazine with 20x138mmB cartridges, charging the heavy bolt, and adjusting the specialized sights. Live fire showcases the rifle's significant muzzle blast, recoil, and gas-operated cycling, highlighting its role as a formidable anti-armor weapon from WWII. The instruction comes from an experienced individual knowledgeable in handling rare heavy ordnance.

Ian McCollum, demonstrating high expertise, provides a detailed comparison of the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle Mk I and Mk I* variants. He highlights key design improvements in the Mk I*, such as a simplified muzzle brake and bipod, and discusses the rifle's historical context, production, and service history. The analysis includes technical specifications and insights into its effectiveness against early armor.

This entry details the Soviet PTRD-41 anti-tank rifle, a powerful single-shot weapon developed rapidly during WWII. It highlights its 14.5x114mm cartridge's armor penetration capabilities and its unique recoil-operated action. The analysis, drawing from Ian McCollum's expertise on Forgotten Weapons, also touches on its historical context, production, and modern limitations.

This expert review by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details the Granatbüchse 39 (GrB-39), a German WWII anti-tank rifle converted into a grenade launcher. The video highlights its unique falling block action, specialized ammunition, and historical context, offering deep insights for firearms enthusiasts and historians.

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.