The gun that doesn't want to be fired: Hermann's Patent Revolver with Jonathan Ferguson

This video explores a highly decorated Auguste Francotte revolver gifted to Captain H. Bateman, a member of the Honorable Artillery Company and a rifle enthusiast. The discussion delves into the revolver's Belgian origins, its unique gold damascening, and its mechanical features, including a rebounding hammer and cylinder removal system. The narrative connects the gift to Bateman's advisory role in the Victorian government's acquisition of Francotte cadet rifles, highlighting his expertise in firearms.

This documentary delves into the history and technical evolution of the Webley No.4 revolver, often misidentified as the Webley Pryse. It traces the lineage from Belgian inventor Philippe Joseph Cony's designs, highlighting key features like the top-break action and self-extracting mechanism. The video details the progression through various patents and manufacturers, culminating in Webley's refined No.4 model, discussing its variations, calibers, and eventual adoption.

This video from Brownells Gun Tech features firearm historian Keith Ford showcasing the Nagant M1895 revolver. The presentation highlights its unique gas-sealed system, which allows for suppressor attachment, a feature not typically found on revolvers. Ford also discusses its origin in Belgium and subsequent production in Russia, its longevity in service, and its somewhat complex single-action-like ejection process. The "dirty secret" of its trigger pull is also mentioned.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.