Wilkinson Arms "Linda"

The Wilkinson Arms Linda is a unique 9mm pistol from the 1970s-80s, featuring a distinctive 'funky' design reminiscent of sci-fi props. It operates via a blowback system with a forward-weighted bolt and a reverse spring assembly for recoil management. While the pistol is vintage, carbine variants of this design are still manufactured today, indicating its enduring platform.

This "Gun of the Week" video from American Rifleman showcases the Wilkinson Arms Linda 9mm Carbine. The review details its design, inspired by 1960s-80s aesthetics, featuring a blowback-operated, semi-automatic action. Key components highlighted include a 6061 T6 aluminum receiver, a 16.5-inch barrel with 1/2x28" muzzle threads, a reciprocating handle, a simple vertical grip, a crossbolt safety, a wood fore-end, and a folding stock with a Picatinny mount. The carbine accepts 31-round stick magazines and has provision for optics. The video offers an on-range look at the 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.