W+F Bern P43: A Swiss Take on the Browning High Power

This video delves into the Mauser M80SA, revealing its surprising Hungarian origin and its direct lineage to the Browning High Power. The description highlights Mauser's struggles in the late 1980s, leading them to partner with FEG of Hungary. FEG, already licensed to produce High Power copies, manufactured the M80 for Mauser from 1990-1995. The video notes the omission of the magazine safety and discusses the limited production run and the gun's poor sales, attributing it to an outdated design and the diminished value of the Mauser branding at the time.

TheYankeeMarshal, an experienced firearm enthusiast, questions the actual ownership prevalence of the Springfield Hellion, noting its apparent lack of visibility despite initial popularity. He contrasts this with the Springfield SA-35, a Browning High Power clone, expressing interest in a stainless version and discussing potential trades for a desired stainless FN High Power clone.

This video delves into the origins of the CZ-75, focusing on the rare 'Short Rail' and 'Pre-B' models. It highlights František Koucký's design process, influenced by the SIG P210 and Browning High Power, and details the evolution of features like frame rails, finishes, and safety mechanisms. The discussion also touches upon the unique patent situation that led to the CZ-75's widespread copying.

The new FN High Power is a modernized take on the classic design, addressing flaws like hammer bite and low capacity while retaining iconic aesthetics. It features a 17-round magazine, improved ergonomics, a simplified takedown lever, and updated internal mechanisms like a coil hammer spring. While purists may object, this reimagining offers a fun, functional platform with potential for future enhancements.

This review details the Estonian Defense League's Browning High Power pistols, procured from FN in the late 1930s. Key features include early commercial traits like a squared ejection port and a 500-meter tangent sight. Distinctive backstrap markings 'EV' or 'KL' denote Republic of Estonia or Home Guard issue, respectively. While equipped for holster stocks, Estonia produced these locally.

This video from American Rifleman reviews the EAA Girsan MCP35 PI Ops, a factory-upgraded version of the classic High Power pistol. It highlights the pistol's compact 3.88-inch barrel, integrated Picatinny rail, beavertail grip, ambidextrous safety, and flat-faced trigger. A significant upgrade is the slide cut for Shield RMSc-pattern red-dot sights, bringing the design into the 21st century. The review notes its comfortable shooting experience, all-steel construction weighing just over 25 ounces, and a 15-round capacity. The video concludes that it's an affordable way to get a feature-rich High Power variant.

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.