The Most Over-the-Top Revolver of the 1800s?

This video delves into the developmental Roth Steyr pistols of 1904 and 1906, precursors to the Austro-Hungarian cavalry's adopted Model 1907. It details their evolution, including the removal of a manual safety at the trials commission's request and changes to sights and lanyard rings. The M2 model, a striker-fired 8mm pistol, is highlighted for its mechanism, comparable to modern designs.

This video provides an expert-level examination of a rare Ethiopian M90/95 Hybrid Mannlicher Carbine. Ian McCollum, a recognized firearms historian, details its unique construction, combining M1890 and M1895 Steyr components. The review highlights specific markings, mechanical differences, and historical provenance, emphasizing the value of Ethiopian imports as 'time capsules' of firearm evolution.

This video provides an expert-level overview of the rare Springfield Arms Double Trigger Navy Revolver, a .36 caliber percussion pistol produced briefly in the early 1850s. Ian McCollum details its unique double-trigger system designed to circumvent Colt's patents, its safety features like the rest notch, and a straightforward field-stripping procedure. The rarity is emphasized, with only about 250 produced in total.

The 1912 Steyr-Hahn pistol, the primary service sidearm of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, underwent a rigorous mud test to assess its reliability in harsh conditions. Despite some failures to go into battery after submersion, the pistol demonstrated notable resilience, particularly due to its rotating barrel design which protected critical locking surfaces. It was ultimately ranked as the second-best pistol among Central Powers firearms of its era, trailing only the Luger P08.

This review delves into the Steyr Model 1911, a pre-WWI semiautomatic trials rifle developed for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It highlights the rifle's innovative gas-operated, rotating bolt system, internal rotary magazine, and unique features like an automatic dust cover and a stock-mounted recoil spring. The video also contrasts the military trials version with a civilian sporting variant chambered in 6.5x54mm Mannlicher.

The Frommer Stop was a compact Hungarian semi-automatic pistol designed by Rudolf Frommer and produced by FEG. It utilized a complex long recoil operating system, chambered in proprietary cartridges like 7.65x17mm and 9x17mm. Despite its innovative design and significant WWI production, it was known for difficult field stripping and a sensitive action.

This review showcases a remarkably preserved 1917 DWM Artillery Luger, featuring an 8-inch barrel and 98% original finish. The firearm boasts all matching serial numbers, including the magazine and wooden stock, which is fitted with an Imperial proof mark. The set is complete with its original 1917-dated leather holster, cleaning rod, and loading tool, highlighting its collector value.

This video showcases a rare Japanese Baby Nambu pistol, specifically a presentation model gifted by Emperor Hirohito. It details the pistol's historical context, including its limited production of approximately 10,000 units and issuance to Japanese officers. The presentation includes a close-up of the Kanji inscription and a demonstration of the original holster, cleaning rod, spare magazine, and period-correct ammunition.

This video debunks the myth that Luger production ceased in 1942, showcasing examples of Krieghoff-produced Lugers from 1943 and 1944. It details the 'byf' Mauser code and the 'Black Widow' model, noting 1942 as Mauser's final production year before retooling for the P38. The controversial 1945 Krieghoff Lugers are also discussed, with debate surrounding their wartime versus post-war assembly.

This video highlights a rare 'Un-Quality' marked M1 Carbine variant from WWII, a collaboration between Union Switch & Signal and Quality Hardware. With only about 30,000 produced, these carbines are highly sought after by collectors and command a premium price. The speaker humorously contrasts this with a standard Winchester M1 Carbine, discussing the potential collector preference and historical context.