Firearms of the Cold War Part 1 with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson & Cold War expert Ian Sanders

This entry details the identification and key features of the British L1A1 SLR, drawing from expert analysis by Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. It covers serial number interpretation, factory and inspector markings, distinctive British modifications like sand cuts and a folding cocking handle, and its service history up to the Gulf War. The guide emphasizes visual identification points and unique design elements of this iconic rifle.

This video provides an expert-level overview of battle rifles, focusing on the FN FAL and H&K G3. The host, an experienced firearms influencer, details the operational differences between 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm cartridges, including recoil and ammunition cost. He highlights historical contexts and modern configurations, offering insights into their 'cool factor' and suitability for collectors.

Garand Thumb showcases his extensive firearm collection, detailing historical significance and technical aspects of various iconic weapons. The video highlights the FN FAL, a replica of 'Gordy's Rifle,' the controversial SPAS-12, the unique LR-300, the suppressed De Lisle Carbine, a Seekins Precision SP10, the Colt Monitor, a 10mm MP5, the H&K MK23, and the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun. Garand Thumb's expertise shines through his historical context and practical insights.

This video provides an in-depth look at the FN FAL and FALO rifles as used by Cuba, detailing their history, identifying features, and political context. Expert Ian McCollum highlights the specific markings, early-pattern components, and the FALO's heavy barrel configuration, explaining their transition to Soviet arms after a catastrophic munitions explosion.

This entry details the FN FAL, a highly successful battle rifle known for its short-stroke gas piston and tilting bolt operation. It covers its historical development from the FN 49, its widespread global adoption by numerous armies, and its continued relevance in modern conflicts. The information is presented with high authority from a recognized firearms history expert.

This guide details the inspection and basic maintenance considerations for the experimental British EM-2 bullpup rifle, drawing on insights from Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. It covers checks for specific variants, potential issues like sight condensation and magazine catch durability, and historical context regarding its trials and adoption politics. The information is presented with an authoritative tone, reflecting the expert's deep knowledge of historical firearms and archival data.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.