WF-54: The Swiss FG-42 Scaled up to 7.5x55

The WF-51 was a Swiss intermediate-cartridge rifle developed by Adolf Furrer at Waffenfabrik Bern, inspired by the German FG-42. It featured a unique tipping bolt mechanism and was chambered in 7.5x38mm, with 35 units produced for trials. Although it did not enter service, its development influenced later Swiss firearms before the adoption of the SIG Stgw 57.

This review details the rare W+F Bern AK-44, a Swiss prototype rifle from 1944 that closely copies the Soviet SVT-40. While externally similar, the AK-44 is chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss and uses 6-round K31-compatible magazines. It features a short-stroke gas piston system and a tilting bolt, with an integrated telescopic sight. Despite its advanced design for the era, it was never adopted by Switzerland.

This video provides a detailed look at the FG-42 paratrooper rifle from WWII. Part 2 of the series delves into specific features such as the iron sights, the spring recoil system, and the mounting options for optics. It also touches upon the bayonet, offering a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts interested in this historically significant firearm. The content emphasizes an in-depth examination of the rifle's design and functionality.

This video explores the hypothetical FG-42 chambered in 8x33mm Kurz, discussing its potential benefits like reduced recoil and increased ammo capacity. It details historical proposals, rejections by high command favoring full-power cartridges, and subsequent testing by both the Army and Luftwaffe. Post-war Swiss adaptations and the FG-42's influence on the M60 are also covered.

This video reviews reproduction semiautomatic FG-42 rifles, comparing the 1st and 2nd patterns. The 1st pattern offers historical distinctiveness, while the 2nd pattern provides improved ergonomics and handling for better shooting performance. Both utilize ZB26 magazines and are chambered in 8mm Mauser.

The FG-42 Type E was a revolutionary German paratrooper rifle developed by Rheinmetall, designed to combine the compactness of a Kar98k with the firepower of a light machine gun. It featured select-fire capability, firing from a closed bolt in semi-auto and an open bolt in full-auto for cooling, chambered in 8x57mm Mauser. Despite its advanced design, including a unique recoil buffer and side-mounted magazine, its complex and expensive production limited its numbers, making it a rare and highly sought-after historical firearm.

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.