World's Rarest Production Rifle: The AN-94, Part 2 with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

The AN-94 is an exceptionally rare and innovative Russian military rifle, noted for its unique 'hyperburst' mode firing two rounds at 1800 RPM. Despite its advanced 'delayed pulse' mechanism and impressive accuracy at close range, high production costs and complexity prevented widespread adoption, making it a fascinating but impractical firearm compared to the AK-74.

The AN-94 'Abakan' is a rare Russian assault rifle designed by Gennadiy Nikonov, featuring a unique 'hyperburst' mode capable of firing two rounds at 1800 RPM. Its complex internal mechanism includes a reciprocating barrel and a pulley system, distinguishing it significantly from the AK-74. The rifle also accommodates specialized accessories like the 6X5 bayonet and GP-25 grenade launcher.

This video provides a detailed comparison between the AK-47 and the AK-74, focusing on their ballistic performance. The AK-74's 5.45x39mm round, despite being lighter and faster, demonstrates superior wound channel creation in ballistic gel due to immediate tumbling. Recoil felt similar between the two platforms during range testing.

This video compares the M16 (chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO) and the AK-74 (chambered in 5.45x39mm) through various ballistic tests. The AK-74's 5.45x39mm round demonstrated superior penetration in pumpkins and paper stacks, while both rounds easily penetrated car doors. Terminal ballistics differed, with the 5.56 fragmenting more readily than the 5.45.

This video provides a hands-on review of the Russian AK74 rifle, chambered in 5.45x39mm. It demonstrates the process of loading a 30-round magazine and preparing the weapon for firing. The live-fire segment showcases the rifle's recoil and rate of fire during an outdoor range demonstration.

This YouTube video, titled "60 RUSSIAN ASSAULT RIFLES EVERY American NEEDS," promises a comparison of Russian firearms against American counterparts. The description highlights legendary AK platforms and modern sniper systems, emphasizing their ruggedness, reliability, and combat-proven design. Specific models like the AK-74M, Dragunov SVD, PP-2000, and VSS Vintorez are mentioned. The video aims to demonstrate why Russian firearms are trusted in harsh conditions and are still in service with elite units. It targets viewers interested in Russian vs. American gun comparisons, the best Russian weapons, and alternatives to the AR-15 and M4.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.