Vila Velebita: Croatian Submachine Gun Made in a Shed

The Zagi M-91 is a Croatian submachine gun developed during the War of Independence, blending MP40 aesthetics with Sten Gun mechanics. It features a 9mm Parabellum chambering and uses MP40 magazines, with a rate of fire between 600-700 rpm. Early prototypes differed significantly from production models, showcasing a transition from metal to polymer components and fixed to telescoping stocks.

This expert-level review from Forgotten Weapons details a second-pattern presentation Šokac SMG, a significant Croatian submachine gun from the Homeland War. Ian McCollum highlights its unique presentation case, hybrid design influenced by Czech and Russian models, and specific markings indicating it was a gift to Chief of Police Đuri Brodarcu. The review covers its 9mm Parabellum caliber, magazine variations, and suppressor attachment.

The RT20 is a unique Croatian 20mm anti-materiel rifle developed during the Homeland War, utilizing surplus anti-aircraft gun barrels. Its design features a bullpup configuration and a novel gas redirection system to manage the extreme recoil of the 20x110mm Hispano cartridge. While a single-shot bolt-action, its size and recoil necessitate a two-man crew for efficient operation and transport.

The Manda is a minimalist .50 BMG single-shot sniper rifle developed by Croatia's Ministry of the Interior during the Homeland War. Utilizing repurposed Browning M2 barrels and featuring a unique BDC scope mount, it was designed for simplicity and effectiveness. Only 84 were produced between 1991 and 1994, serving with the Croatian Special Police before being retired.

This video details the development of the Croatian VHS bullpup rifle, starting with a modified French FAMAS prototype. IM Metal (now HS Produkt) adapted the FAMAS receiver and barrel, simplifying its design and aiming to convert its complex lever-delayed blowback to a gas piston system. Key modifications included relocating the charging handle and reducing weight by removing unnecessary FAMAS components like the barrel sleeve and bipod mount.

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.