The US Adopts A Maxim: The Colt Model 1904

This expert-level comparison by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons evaluates the sound differences between a real XM-177 moderator and a fake flash hider, using a standard M16 as a baseline. The testing highlights the extreme loudness of the fake flash hider and references historical military data to underscore the effectiveness of the original XM-177 moderator in reducing both flash and sound.

The Colt Monitor, officially the R80, was a 1931 development of the BAR tailored for law enforcement. Modifications included removing military features, shortening the barrel to 18 inches, and adding a pistol grip and Cutt's Compensator for recoil management with the .30-06 cartridge. Its high cost limited adoption, with the FBI acquiring around 90 units.

The Colt LE-901-16S was Colt's modular multi-caliber rifle designed for the SCAR trials, capable of firing both 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm. It featured a proprietary bolt carrier and a magwell adapter for caliber conversion. Despite its robust construction, the rifle ultimately failed in the market due to compromises in modularity and the higher cost compared to owning dedicated rifles.

This video review analyzes the Colt LE-901 Modular Multi-Caliber AR rifle, labeling it a "well-designed failure." The description highlights its multi-caliber capability and mentions specific model numbers like LE901 and CK901, alongside the "forgotten weapons" channel context, suggesting an in-depth examination of its features, design, and ultimate shortcomings in the market.

The 1855 Colt revolving shotgun is a unique 10-gauge firearm featuring a five-shot cylinder and a distinctive rack and pinion lever system for cycling. Its side hammer design and the placement of ratchets on the axis pin are notable mechanical features. However, the design suffered from a significant cylinder gap issue, posing a risk of dangerous chain fires despite attempts to mitigate it.

The Colt SMG, an early 9mm AR variant from the 1980s, was designed for law enforcement SWAT teams. It leveraged existing M16 controls to minimize training. Key features include a three-position selector, a gas deflector requiring a shortened dust cover, and a simple blowback, closed-bolt operation.

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.