Forgotten Web Gear: Johnson LMG Magazine Backpack

This "Weapon Trivia Wednesday" episode from Forgotten Weapons focuses on the Johnson Light Machine Gun and its associated Grip-Pod. The description also links to the creator's Patreon, merchandise shop, and a related article. While the specific firearm is the Johnson LMG, the title and general context suggest a historical firearms discussion, likely with trivia and historical context provided by the presenter, Ian McCollum.

This YouTube video is a "Road Trip Edition" Q&A session covering a wide range of firearms-related topics and discussions. Segments include questions about PMC training and NFA issues, the influx of MP5 copies, advice for first-time competition shooters, historical firearms design (Pedersen, Reising, Garand, FAL, M14, M16, FG42, Mosin Nagant, Johnson LMG, Mauser rifles, Lee Navy), modern firearm platforms (AR, AK, bullpups, Scorpion Evo3, XM-5), optics development, ammunition types (4.6 vs 5.7, .45 ACP, 30 Super Carry, 277 Fury), historical firearms technology (Civil War, WWI magazines), firearm maintenance (scope mounting), and collecting. It also touches on related gear like holsters and magazines, as well as personal opinions on whiskey and future channel expansion.

This review of the USMC Johnson LMG highlights its unique design for paratrooper operations, including its 20-round single-stack magazine and dual firing modes (closed bolt semi-auto, open bolt full-auto). The video details its significant recoil, especially in semi-auto, and compares its portability to the BAR. It also showcases the rare feature of topping off the magazine with stripper clips.

The Johnson M1941 rifle, designed by Melvin Johnson, was an alternative to the M1 Garand, featuring a unique short-recoil operation and a 10-round rotary magazine. Despite limited US adoption, it was used by Dutch forces and US Para-Marines. Its design, particularly the rotating bolt, influenced later AR-15 development.

The Johnson M1944E1/M1945 Light Machine Gun, nicknamed 'Emma', represents the final iteration of Melvin Johnson's LMG design. Key improvements over the M1941 include a unique monopod/foregrip, a gas-assist system for enhanced reliability, an improved rear sight, and a tubular steel buttstock with internal storage. Despite positive feedback from combat veterans and successful endurance testing, development ceased with the end of WWII.

The Johnson M1941 LMG, developed by Melvin Johnson, was a unique WWII firearm featuring a short recoil operating system and a quick-change barrel. Despite its advanced design and reliability, it saw limited production and service, primarily with US Marine Paramarines and the FSSF. Its innovative features, like a 25-round capacity and flexible fire modes, made it a capable weapon in the Pacific and Italian campaigns.

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.