M20 75mm Recoilless Rifle: When the Bazooka Just Won't Cut It

This video provides a historical overview and operational demonstration of various recoilless rifles, from the man-portable 57mm to the vehicle-mounted 106mm. Expert insights highlight the evolution of these anti-tank weapons, their technical specifications, and historical significance. The content is presented with a high degree of authority, showcasing practical knowledge of military ordnance.

This guide details the operation of the M40 106mm Recoilless Rifle, emphasizing its unique breech-loading mechanism and the use of an M8C spotting rifle for accurate targeting. Instruction is provided by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlighting critical safety procedures related to its significant backblast and specialized ammunition. The M40 is presented as a highly effective anti-tank weapon with a history of extensive use in global conflicts.

This entry details the German Pak-40 75mm anti-tank gun, a formidable weapon of World War II. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its 75mm caliber, 15-pound projectile fired at 2,500 fps, and its capability to penetrate most Allied armor. The video showcases its live-fire demonstration in a desert range, emphasizing its significant muzzle blast and recoil.

This guide details the process of adjusting the azimuth and elevation for recoilless rifles mounted on M38A1C and M38A1 Jeeps. It covers the use of manual adjustment mechanisms for precise aiming. The video showcases these techniques on restored military hardware, emphasizing the operational aspects of these vintage anti-tank vehicles.

This entry details the German Pak-40 75mm anti-tank gun, a pivotal weapon of WWII. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its development by Rheinmetall, production numbers, and its effectiveness against Allied armor. The Pak-40's technical specifications, including its range, projectile weight, and muzzle velocity, are discussed, alongside its unique double-layered armor shield and powerful muzzle brake. The restoration of a rare live-firing example in the United States is also covered, emphasizing the challenges and historical significance.

This guide details the operational procedures for the Carl Gustav m/42 recoilless antitank rifle, focusing on loading and mechanical functions. It highlights the pivoting breech, extractor, trigger mechanism, and the wear characteristics of the breech block plate. Expert instruction from Ian McCollum emphasizes the unique design elements of this historical weapon.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.