Special Presentation: Semiauto Pistols of the 1800s

This video provides a brief overview of the Merwin Hulbert "Skullcrusher" revolver, highlighting its historical markings and the general operation of a revolver, including firing and reloading. The content focuses on visual identification and basic firearm function without in-depth technical analysis or instructional guidance.

This entry details the Kubura Pećanka, a flintlock pistol from the Balkans with Ottoman influence, lasting into WWI. Expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries highlights its unique construction, regional style, and surprising longevity due to cultural factors and cost-effectiveness compared to modern firearms.

This video explores the history and mechanics of several four-barrel pistols, focusing on the Lancaster, Martin, and Bland models. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details their distinct internal firing mechanisms, comparing the revolving striker of the Lancaster to the tumbler striker system of the Martin and the Bland's reversion to a revolving striker. The discussion highlights design innovations aimed at addressing perceived issues with revolvers of the era, such as gas leakage and fouling.

This video humorously explores the perceived lack of innovation in the Colt Single Action Army (SAA) design over a century. By comparing firearms from 1874 to 2016, the presenter highlights the enduring appeal and practicality of the SAA's core design, suggesting that its longevity is a testament to its effectiveness rather than a failure to innovate. The video also touches on the historical use and continued popularity of the SAA for sport shooting and defense.

This video provides an overview of a Hopkins and Allen Ranger No. 2 revolver, identified as a single-action model from 1871. The speaker, a firearms collector, notes its engraved nickel finish and pearl-style grips, while also mentioning its rough condition and a purchase price of $400. The video highlights specific markings and the firearm's basic mechanism.

This video provides an expert look at the Westley Richards 'Monkey Tail' Carbine, a unique single-shot breech-loading rifle. It details the firearm's history, its distinctive mechanism, and its use by various historical groups, including the Boers in South Africa. The content highlights its collector market appeal and historical significance.

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.