SS77: South Africa Builds a GPMG on the Shoulders of Giants

The American 180 is a unique .22LR submachine gun celebrated for its exceptionally high rate of fire, estimated between 1200-1500 RPM, and its distinctive 177 or 275-round drum magazine. Historically used by law enforcement and even in controversial military applications in Rhodesia, its open-bolt, blowback operation is complex, particularly the manual winding of its multi-level magazine. Despite its historical significance and 'Thompson-esque' aesthetic, the practicalities of loading and its 'less lethal' concept are debated.

The Vektor CP-1, a South African 9mm pistol developed in 1995, featured a polymer frame and a gas-delayed blowback system inspired by the HK P7. Despite its innovative design, including CAD development and a unique trigger guard safety, it suffered from reliability issues with certain ammunition and a critical drop-safety flaw discovered in 2000. This led to a recall, significantly impacting its legacy, though rare variants and media appearances keep its memory alive.

The MG-3 is a modernized 7.62 NATO variant of the iconic MG-42, developed by West Germany for Cold War rearmament. Key upgrades include a spring-loaded feed cover and bolt roller for improved reliability, a modified muzzle booster, and a heavier bolt to manage the higher rate of fire. While visually similar to the MG-42, these internal changes enhance its performance and durability.

The Madsen Saetter was a Danish Cold War attempt to enter the GPMG market, designed by Eric Larsen Saetter and produced by DISA. It incorporated WWII advancements like quick-change barrels and belt-feed systems, drawing inspiration from German designs like the MG34/MG42. Despite its technical merits, including a flapper locking system and modular trigger group, it ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption due to arriving late to market, losing out to established competitors like the MG3 and FN MAG.

The Milkor M32 and M32A1 are South African-designed 40mm rotary grenade launchers with significant US military adoption. The M32, a 6-shot launcher, features an adjustable stock and specialized optic, while the M32A1 boasts an 8-inch barrel and is rated for medium-velocity grenades, extending its range to 800 meters. Both utilize a unique gas-operated system that only allows cylinder rotation after firing for safety.

The Negev 7 is an Israeli upgrade to the original Negev machine gun, chambered in 7.62 NATO and introduced in 2012. It features a dedicated belt-fed system, removing the box magazine option of its 5.56 predecessor. The weapon boasts a simplified, manually adjustable gas regulator with distinct 'regular' and 'adverse' settings, designed for ease of use even when hot.

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.