The CETME-L and the CETME-LC at the Range

The CETME-L, adopted by the Spanish Legion, represents Spain's transition from the 7.62x51mm CETME-C to the 5.56x45mm caliber, aligning with NATO standards. While its 'space gun' aesthetic is distinct, its ergonomics are surprisingly favorable compared to the CETME-C. The rifle utilizes a roller-delayed blowback system, similar to the G3, and accepts STANAG magazines, offering an AR-15-like shooting experience with some unique operational quirks, such as a less-than-ideal magazine release placement.

The CETME-L, Spain's 5.56mm rifle from the 1980s, was developed from the 7.62mm CETME Model C. While sharing some design cues with HK roller-delayed systems, it features a square cocking tube and proprietary STANAG magazine compatibility issues. Disassembly involves removing buttstock pins and the bolt carrier group, with the trigger group requiring specific selector positioning. Range testing revealed reliability concerns and a unique 'cyclic cascading' full-auto feel.

The CETME-L, despite its historical reputation for unreliability, performed exceptionally well in a rigorous mud test, cycling flawlessly through multiple applications of mud and debris. The roller-delayed blowback action proved highly effective at clearing obstructions. A single failure occurred only when mud was directly applied to the charging handle slot, which was easily cleared.

The AMELI, Spain's MG82, is a rare 5.56mm light machine gun developed by CETME. It utilizes a roller-delayed blowback system, distinct from the MG42's recoil operation, featuring a fixed barrel and H&K-style sights. Despite its innovative design and adoption by Spain, Mexico, and Malaysia, reliability issues in mass production led to its replacement by the H&K MG4.

This YouTube video provides a comprehensive review of the Marcolmar CETME L rifle. The content covers initial firing impressions, exploring various magazine options, and showcasing surplus accessories. It also delves into reloading practices for the platform, tests iron sight accuracy, demonstrates bipod functionality, and explores bayonet usage. Additionally, the video touches upon bump firing techniques.

The Spanish CB-51 Mosqueton, designed in 1951, was an experimental semi-automatic rifle chambered in 8x33mm Kurz, heavily influenced by the M1 Garand and StG-44. It featured a unique grip safety that also acted as a bolt release, but this design prevented the bolt from locking open on the last round, a significant flaw. Despite its advanced features for the time, Spain ultimately adopted the CETME rifle, leaving the CB-51 as a historical footnote.

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.