The Best BAR: Luxembourg .30-06 FN-D at the Range

This review of the original 1918 BAR highlights its distinct features compared to later variants, such as the absence of a bipod and the presence of both semi and full-auto fire modes. The video emphasizes the superior usability of its aperture iron sights over the A2 model and details the specific safety mechanism on the fire selector. A live-fire demonstration showcases the rifle's shoulder-fired capability.

The FN Model D, an evolution of the Browning Automatic Rifle, features a quick-detach barrel for easier maintenance and a unique mechanical rate reducer for controlled fire. Developed by Dieudonné Saive, it offered improvements over earlier BAR designs, including an improved bipod and adjustable gas system. While lacking a dedicated semi-auto mode, it provided selectable slow (350 rpm) and fast (600 rpm) automatic fire rates.

The FN-DA1 represents the final evolution of the Browning Automatic Rifle, adapted for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. Key modifications include a spacer for FN FAL magazines and updated fire control linkages. External improvements feature a recessed barrel release, aperture rear sight, and a more stable bipod. Production of the BAR lineage concluded in 1967, with its action influencing later designs like the FN MAG.

This video provides an overview of the Browning 1918 BAR, a historic automatic rifle with service in WWI and WWII. The semi-automatic version reviewed is chambered in .30-06 Springfield and demonstrates its operation from various shooting positions. Visuals include slow-motion ejection and cycling, highlighting the rifle's classic design and performance.

The US Army opted for the M1 Garand over a semi-automatic BAR due to weight and magazine requirements. The BAR, weighing 16 lbs, exceeded the 9.5 lb target for a new service rifle. Additionally, the military desired a clip-fed system, while the BAR used detachable box magazines. Captain Green's 1919 proposal for a semi-auto BAR was rejected by the Infantry and Cavalry Board, which favored a clip-fed, self-loading rifle.

This video discusses the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and its near miss at becoming a practical select-fire infantry rifle at the end of World War I. Despite modifications and updates into World War II, the opportunity for this capability was seemingly missed by engineers. The video also highlights that Ohio Ordnance still produces faithful reproductions of this classic American rifle, and mentions the availability of discounts for Challenge Targets and OpticsPlanet.

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.