M1917 Run and Gun (The 'Merican Enfield)

This guide details critical inspection points for the Lee-Enfield No.4 rifle, moving beyond general condition checks. It covers specific variations like trigger hanging mechanisms (Mk 1/1* vs. Mk 2) and bolt release differences (push button vs. rail gap). The video emphasizes checking for stock play, bolt head overtravel, and proper barrel bedding pressure, offering practical advice for collectors and buyers.

The M1917 Enfield, a 1918 Remington-made rifle, demonstrates remarkable long-range accuracy at 750 yards using open sights and handloads. Its robust cock-on-close bolt action and 6-round capacity, coupled with a well-designed ladder rear sight, make it a surprisingly capable historical firearm. Despite its age, the M1917 remains a superior design for long-range performance.

This video explores the 'Khyber Pass' firearms industry in Pakistan, focusing on replicas of historical rifles like the Martini-Henry and Lee-Enfield, as well as modern Kalashnikov variants. It highlights the remarkable craftsmanship of local gunsmiths who can hand-file and replicate firearms with surprising accuracy, often in about 10 days. The segment also showcases a unique hybrid rifle chambered in 8mm, featuring a Mauser bolt action, AKMS stock, and Bren magazine.

The Enfield No. 4 rifle, a successor to the SMLE, offers a stronger action, improved sights, and a thicker barrel, making it more robust for WWII production. Its fast bolt-action, cock-on-close mechanism, and 10-round detachable magazine (primarily loaded via charger clips) allow for rapid firing. Widely available on the surplus market, it remains a historically significant and functional bolt-action rifle.

The M1895 Lee Navy, a 6mm straight-pull bolt-action rifle adopted by the US Navy, featured a high-velocity cartridge intended for anti-torpedo boat and Marine landing party roles. Despite its fast action and light trigger, it suffered from mechanical flaws like a difficult bolt removal and a fragile extractor, compounded by ammunition instability in humid naval conditions. Ultimately, the Navy reverted to the Krag-Jørgensen due to these issues and the era's technical limitations.

The L42A1 represents the final evolution of the Lee Enfield sniper rifle, a conversion of the No. 4 T model to the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. Key upgrades included a heavy barrel, modified L1A1 scope, and a new magazine. Despite its limited production and eventual replacement, the L42A1 served as a dedicated precision tool for the British military.

This TFBTV episode identifies the top 5 most reliable firearms across different categories: Glock (handgun), Uzi (SMG), Mauser 98 (bolt-action), Remington 870 (shotgun), and Galil (self-loading rifle). The selections prioritize mechanical simplicity, proven track records, and resilience in harsh conditions, often outperforming more complex designs. The video highlights specific features contributing to their reliability, such as the Uzi's single moving part and the Galil's robust construction.

This review highlights five hilariously impractical firearms for concealed carry. It details the slow, complex loading of black powder firearms, the impractical size of the Mauser C96 and full-size .22 pistols for concealment, and the dangerous accidental discharge flaw in the Type 94 Nambu. The video emphasizes that while historically significant, these guns are unsuitable for modern self-defense.

The Ruger Mini-14 offers distinct advantages over the AR-15, including a lower profile, better stock trigger on modern variants, superior maneuverability with folding stocks, a longer sight radius, and a cleaner piston operating system. Modern Mini-14s also boast improved accuracy (around 2 MOA), cold hammer-forged barrels for durability, and optional all-stainless construction for corrosion resistance. While the AR-15 remains more modular and generally cheaper, the Mini-14 excels in specific areas.

This TFBTV episode reviews five excellent surplus rifles available for under $500, focusing on historical significance and affordability. Featured firearms include the Lee Enfield, Yugoslavian Mauser 98, Swiss K31, MAS 49/56, and a debate between the SKS and Mosin Nagant for the final spot. The discussion highlights unique actions, historical context, and the availability of surplus ammunition.