Valmet M78 vs FN-D (w/ John Keene)

This review compares the Valmet M78 and FN-D light machine guns, with John Keene favoring the FN-D due to its quick-change barrel feature. Ian McCollum raises a practical point about the necessity of barrel changes versus ammunition capacity. Ultimately, both firearms are recognized as excellent, with the choice depending on specific tactical priorities.

The LMG-25, Switzerland's first modern light machine gun, features a unique toggle-locking system developed by Adolf Furrer. Chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss, it offers select-fire capability and a 30-round magazine compatible with the Stgw 57. A notable feature is the Advanced Primer Ignition (API) system, which reduces felt recoil and rate of fire by igniting the primer while parts are still moving forward.

The H&K MG4 is a German 5.56mm squad automatic weapon designed for sustained fire. It features a two-position selector (safe/full-auto), clamp-on iron sights with BDC, and a quick-change barrel system. Its belt-feed mechanism draws inspiration from the MG34/42, and an independent front trunnion ensures precise headspace control during barrel swaps.

This video delves into the Colt OICW Mark II LMG prototype, a sophisticated but ultimately unadopted weapon system. It highlights the advanced LE1020 external piston system, designed with lessons from the SCAR program, featuring user-accessible gas systems and carrier tilt mitigation. The LMG variant showcased a quick-change barrel and a robust bolt carrier group engineered for sustained fire, representing a significant, albeit obscure, development in Colt's history.

The Bren MkI is highlighted as a feature-rich light machine gun from World War Two, notable for its stabilization handle and innovative 30-round magazine design that prevents rim lock. Its operating mechanism fires from an open bolt, utilizing a gas piston system for cycling. The fire selector offers automatic, semi-automatic ('Repetition'), and safe modes, with a dust cover protecting the magazine well.

The Stamm-Saurer Model 1916 is a rare experimental Swiss light machine gun designed by Hans Stamm. This air-cooled prototype, one of two built, retains features from water-cooled designs for manufacturing ease. It utilizes a short-recoil action, fires the 7.5x55mm GP11 cartridge from a 20-round magazine, and incorporates a unique out-of-battery safety mechanism.

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.