Sterling S11: Donkey in a Thoroughbred Race

This review explores a modernized semi-automatic Sten Mark V build, highlighting its historical context as a low-cost WWII emergency weapon. Despite improvements like Picatinny rails and a moderator, the 'Future Sten' faces reliability issues, particularly extraction failures, attributed to the inherent challenges of semi-automatic tube gun conversions. The video also critiques the Sten's original magazine design and compares its size to other historical SMGs.

This review tests the practical accuracy of a semi-auto, closed-bolt L2A3 Sterling SMG in 9mm. The firearm performed well on a standard SMG-PCC course, achieving 80/80 points in 19.21 seconds with a Hit Factor of 4.13. Despite its historical design, the Sterling's manageable recoil and accuracy were highlighted, though its ergonomics and trigger were compared unfavorably to modern PCCs.

This video re-evaluates several firearms previously deemed disappointing, exploring if ammunition or modifications can improve their performance. The Webley Mk.VI shows promise with specific ammo and moon clips, while a modernized Sterling SMG still struggles with reliability. The High Standard HS-10B is noted for its 'cool factor' but criticized for ergonomics, and the POF Tombstone is appreciated for its novelty but hampered by proprietary magazines and high cost.

This review of the Sterling SMG highlights its compact and portable design, featuring a reliable 34-round magazine designed by George Patchett. While the light weight can cause muzzle climb, the aperture sights and semi-automatic mode aid accuracy. The video demonstrates traditional hip-shooting techniques and praises the gun's overall handling and historical significance.

The CETME C2 (CB-64) is a Spanish submachine gun inspired by the Sterling SMG but with significant internal improvements. It features a unique bolt-lock charging handle and an internal safety wedge to prevent slam fires. While visually similar to the Sterling, parts are not interchangeable, and it uses a straight 30-round magazine. The C2 was chambered in 9mm Parabellum and 9mm Largo, replacing older Star submachine guns.

The ZX-7 is a rare .45 ACP adaptation of the Sterling submachine gun by PAWS, utilizing modified M3 Grease Gun magazines. It exhibits a faster rate of fire than standard 9mm Sterlings due to its caliber and bolt design. The firearm's ergonomics are affected by the weight of a fully loaded .45 ACP magazine, and shooting requires active recoil control to manage the forward pressure.

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.