The Gras in Ethiopia: Carbines of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu

This review examines the Gewehr 88 and Karabiner 88 rifles acquired by Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia. These German-made firearms, marked with Amharic script, represent Ethiopia's modernization efforts and successful defense against Italian colonialism, culminating in the decisive Battle of Adwa. The rifles feature the 8x57mm (M/88) caliber and a 5-round en-bloc clip system.

This review details the East German TGF1950, a post-WWII Czech-made Mauser 98k variant. It highlights the Brno Arsenal's continued production for export, unique receiver markings ('tgf 1950'), Czech proof marks, and Ethiopian service numbers. The rifle features a distinct trigger guard and floor plate combination and various front band styles, reflecting its history as military aid to Ethiopia.

This video explores the FN Mauser rifles and carbines supplied to Ethiopia under Haile Selassie I. It details FN's post-WWI recovery and their contract with Ethiopia between 1933-1936, supplying 17,500 rifles and 7,500 carbines. Unique features like the Lion of Judah property mark replacing the serial number and specific sling arrangements on carbines are highlighted, alongside Belgian proof marks indicating foreign inspection.

The SIG KE-7 Light Machine Gun, designed by Pal Kiraly and Gotthard End, showcases intricate Swiss engineering with a unique progressive trigger for semi-auto and full-auto fire. Primarily chambered in 8mm Mauser for contracts with China and Ethiopia, it features an open-bolt operation and a sophisticated short-recoil system with an accelerator lever. While marketed with a quick-change barrel, its field stripping is more involved than typical mid-combat replacements.

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.