Two Strange Project SPIW Magazines

This review delves into the AAI 2nd Gen SPIW flechette rifles, prototypes from 1966-1967 designed to replace traditional rifles with high-velocity flechette ammunition. Despite impressive muzzle velocity (4,585 fps) and a unique primer-activated operating system, the program faced significant reliability and accuracy issues during trials, particularly with mass-produced ammunition. The 1967 model introduced improvements like a barrel radiator to address cook-off problems.

The Colt XM-148 was the US military's first under-barrel grenade launcher, developed from the SPIW program for the M16 rifle. Despite its innovative design, it suffered from significant flaws, including a snagging trigger bar, high cocking force, and mechanical complexity. These issues led to its replacement by the simpler and more reliable M203, making the XM-148 a notable but ultimately unsuccessful footnote in firearms history.

The Winchester 1964 SPIW was a prototype developed for a 1962 U.S. military program seeking a multi-purpose combat rifle. It featured flechette ammunition for point targets and an integrated 40mm blow-forward grenade launcher. Despite innovative concepts like a soft recoil system, the SPIW suffered from poor balance and reliability issues, ultimately failing to be adopted.

The AR-15 forward assist, a feature insisted upon by the US Army, was a solution searching for a problem, with the Air Force and designer Eugene Stoner deeming it unnecessary. Despite initial opposition and the Air Force's preference for slick-side receivers, the Army's requirement for a manual bolt-closing device led to the adoption of the plunger-style assist, influenced by experiences with older service rifles. Testing showed Colt's plunger design performed better in adverse conditions than Springfield's alternative.

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.