Swedish Paratrooper Prototype: AK Fm/57

This entry details the Sedgley Model 45, a rare .22 caliber rifle from R.F. Sedgley Inc. of Philadelphia, known for its unique selectable semi-automatic and bolt-action mechanism. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its unusual features, including hand-stamped markings and a novel safety lever, speculating it may have been a prototype. The analysis provides technical insights into its operation and historical context.

This video provides an expert-level review of the M15 (T44E5) rifle, an American military prototype developed from the T44 program that eventually led to the M14. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details its design, intended role as a light machine gun to replace several existing firearms, and the reasons it was adopted but never mass-produced. The review highlights its heavy barrel, bipod, and select-fire capability, contrasting it with the standard M14 and discussing the challenges faced during testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Palmetto State Armory is updating its JAKL platform based on customer feedback from SHOT Show 2025. The JAKL 2.0, initially planned with specific design changes, is now evolving into an entirely new product to be revealed before SHOT Show 2026. Features intended for the 2.0 will be incorporated into a future JAKL 1.5 model, allowing PSA to retain the current platform's strengths while addressing market demands for mil-spec lower receiver compatibility.

This entry details the ZK-466 submachine gun, a rare prototype developed in Czechoslovakia in 1946. It highlights the unique folding magazine well mechanism, the Czech designation system, and its select-fire capabilities. The video features Ian McCollum, demonstrating deep knowledge of historical firearm design and rare prototypes.

This review details the Krieghoff prototype for the FG42 paratrooper rifle, a unique design that competed against Rheinmetall's winning entry. Key features include a bizarre wire stock for weight reduction and recoil absorption, a gas trap system instead of a traditional gas port, and a cable-operated charging handle. Despite its innovative elements, the Krieghoff design was ultimately not selected for production.

This entry details the Ishapore No6 Jungle Carbine Prototype, a rare variant based on the SMLE No. 1 Mk III* action, developed for jungle warfare. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its unique features, including a shortened barrel, conical flash hider, modified sling swivels, and a distinctive rotating aperture rear sight, contrasting it with the No. 4 Rifle-based No. 5 Jungle Carbine.

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.