Videos tagged with Max Popenker

This video features Max Popenker discussing the history of Russian pistols and ammunition, focusing on the evolution of cartridges and their development for different applications. The discussion begins with the 7.62x25mm Tokarev, moving through the 9x18mm Makarov, and into the modern 9x21mm and 9x19mm armor-piercing loadings like 7N21, 7N30, and 7N31. Specific pistols such as the GSh-18 and PSM with its 5.45x18mm cartridge are also briefly examined. The conversation highlights the shift in military needs and the rise of specialized ammunition.

This video from Forgotten Weapons showcases an FN 1900 pistol that was acquired by the Russian Imperial Army's Gymnastics and Fencing School. The institution, established in 1909, trained officers to become instructors in these disciplines. The video explains that while not formally adopted, the FN 1900 was among the handguns approved for private purchase by Russian officers. These pistols were often bought in batches by various Army schools for resale. A distinctive feature of these Russian contract FN 1900s is the frequent use of a factory nickel-plated finish, which was uncommon for FN pistols. The video also highlights how certain small parts, like the magazine release, trigger, and safety, were intentionally left in a black primed state to avoid fitting issues caused by plating thickness. The marking on these institutional purchases, such as the crossed Mosin Nagant rifles, varied as there was no single large Army order.

This video features Max Popenker discussing the Soviet and Russian development of the 9x39mm suppressed rifle cartridge. The conversation covers early attempts to improve suppressors and explores various firearms chambered in this unique caliber, including the AS Val, VSS Vintorez, OTs-14 Groza, SR-3, SR-3M, and VSK-94, as well as the ongoing development of the AMB-17 by the Kalashnikov Concern. The video highlights the history and technical aspects of these specialized firearms and their associated ammunition.

This Q&A episode features Max Popenker discussing a wide range of Soviet and Russian firearms. Topics include the Russian-contract Colt 1911, SVD accuracy, PSO-1 scope calibration and features, the impact of Perestroika on Izhmash AK quality, the influence of US 5.56mm on Soviet 5.45mm development, and the relative scarcity of English books on Soviet arms. The discussion also touches upon Russian reports on the vz58, Soviet SMG usage in WWII, SKS history, Soviet vs. American arms trials, Czechoslovakia's non-adoption of the AK, thoughts on the AK-12 and AK-15, the purpose of 9x39mm rifles (Groza, VSS, SR-3), Koborov rifles, helical AK magazines, the fate of PPSh-41s after the PPS-43, the delay in Russian aperture sight adoption, Soviet procurement bureaucracy, SKS use in the Battle of Berlin, Naval Infantry use of the SVT-40, the adoption of 9x18mm over 7.62x25mm, the future of 9x39mm, Soviet small arms copying from Finland, Russian preconceptions of Western guns, the distinction between SVD as a DMR and a sniper rifle, the 12.7x55mm cartridge, and why Russia hasn't adopted a rimless 7.62x54R equivalent.

This video, featuring Russian small arms historian Max Popenker, delves into the historical development of the Kalashnikov PK machine gun, widely recognized as a top-tier general-purpose machine gun. The discussion covers Soviet machine gun designs from the end of World War II, the Nikitin MG, Kalashnikov's competing entry, and subsequent modernizations into the PKM and the PKP Pecheneg, noting its distinctive Lewis-style cooling system. The creator also promotes their first book available for pre-order and their Patreon page.

This video delves into the history and development of the SVD Dragunov rifle, featuring Russian small arms researcher Max Popenker. The discussion covers the rifle's origins in response to NATO forces, the design competition, its adoption, and various experimental iterations including flechettes, different calibers, and bullpup variants like the SVU. The video concludes by touching on modernized versions of the Dragunov currently in use, such as the SVD-M. This detailed historical account is presented as a unique resource available in English.

This video features Russian small arms researcher Max Popenker discussing the developmental history of the AK rifle series. Popenker addresses common misconceptions in the US regarding Kalashnikov's design process and the potential influence of German engineers. The discussion highlights that the AK was part of a broader Soviet program to create a new intermediate caliber small arms system, which also included the SKS and RPD, filling distinct roles. The video aims to provide an expert historical perspective on the AK's origins and its place within this larger military initiative.