Ward Burton Model 1871: The US Tries a Bolt Action

The S.R.E.M. (Sniper Rifle Experimental Model) was a unique British bullpup sniper rifle prototype from WW2, featuring a pistol grip that doubled as a charging handle to maintain sight picture during cycling. Only two were commissioned, and this is the sole surviving example. Its action utilizes a simple two-lug rotating bolt locked by a pin mechanism.

This expert-level overview of the Japanese Type 30 rifle, introduced in 1897, details its historical context, receiver safety features like gas vents, and its sighting system. The guide highlights the Type 30 bayonet lug, the five-round staggered column magazine, and the unique two-piece stock construction. It also explains the cock-on-close bolt action and its service life with the Imperial Japanese Navy, noting its replacement by the Type 38.

Geissele has unveiled their new line of bolt-action rifles at Shot Show 2026, featuring in-house manufactured actions and barrels built on a Remington 700 footprint. These rifles are initially chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and utilize MDT chassis systems with folding stocks. The design emphasizes accuracy and durability, incorporating features like cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrels and a user-adjustable competition trigger.

This video focuses on the rare Ross 1912 Cadet rifle, a .22 rimfire training firearm introduced in 1912. It discusses its history as a smaller variant of the military Ross rifles, its single-shot straight-pull action with an unusual locking bolt, and its limited production run ending in 1917. The description highlights its rarity today and provides links to reference books, Patreon, Floatplane, and merchandise.

This review of the Kahr Arms TAL 50 at Shot Show 2026 highlights its innovative design for managing the .50 BMG caliber. A Kahr Arms representative explains how a specialized muzzle brake significantly reduces felt recoil, making it comparable to a .308 Win rifle. This allows for better sight picture retention between shots, a notable achievement for a .50 caliber bolt-action firearm.

This review details the Maroszek wz.38M, a Polish WW2 battle rifle. Key features include a fixed magazine, a hybrid locking system inspired by the ZB26, and a unique tilting bolt mechanism. The rifle also incorporates a simple muzzle brake and a manual bolt hold-open feature.

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.