The De Lisle 'Commando' Carbine with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

The De Lisle Carbine, a WWII-era integrally suppressed bolt-action rifle, is examined for its exceptional quietness. Developed for clandestine operations, it converted Lee-Enfield rifles to fire .45 ACP using a massive integral suppressor, achieving historically low sound levels around 85-86 dB. Modern comparisons show it outperforms many contemporary suppressed firearms, with its report becoming indistinguishable from ambient noise at 100 yards.

The Welrod MkII .32 ACP pistol, developed for the British SOE, is a unique suppressed firearm with a bolt-action mechanism and a magazine-based grip. Its integrated suppressor utilizes baffles and rubber wipes, which are effective initially but degrade with use, increasing the sound signature. The pistol features simple controls, a grip safety, and low-light sights, making it an interesting historical piece for silent operations.

The Coenders Bolt-Less Rifle was a desperate late-WWII German prototype for the Volkssturm, featuring a unique forward-sliding barrel action instead of a traditional bolt. Designed by August Coenders for Roechling, it suffered from poor trial performance, including accuracy issues and breakages. Despite its flaws and limited production, it represents an interesting, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to arm militia forces under extreme wartime conditions.

The ZF-41 scope was designed for German squad marksmen, not elite snipers, intended for precision shots up to 200 yards. It features a simple post reticle with an 800-yard BDC but lacks standard windage/elevation adjustments, using eccentric cams for zeroing. Its low magnification and unique adjustment system contribute to its controversial reputation.

This review compares the iconic WWII submachine guns, the German MP-40 and Soviet PPSh-41. While the MP-40 offers better ergonomics and a slower, more controllable rate of fire favored by beginners, the PPSh-41 excels in raw firepower with higher velocity and capacity. Both have distinct design philosophies, with the MP-40 prioritizing portability for troops and the PPSh-41 focusing on mass production and effectiveness.

The Gerät Potsdam was a German copy of the British Sten Mark II submachine gun, produced by Mauser to meet the demand for a cheap, fast-to-manufacture firearm. Exactly 9,972 units were accepted by the Wehrmacht. Key visual differences include spot-welded barrel shrouds and magazine wells, and a lack of typical manufacturer markings.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.