This video delves into the domestic small arms development of Burma (Myanmar) following its independence. It focuses on the G3 rifle family license-produced there, specifically examining the BA-64 (a light machine gun variant rebuilt to BA-63 configuration) and the BA-72 carbine. The description highlights the genesis of Burmese firearms production with the TZ-45 SMG, and the subsequent licensing of the G3 from Rheinmetall and H&K. The BA-72 is noted for its compact design due to shortened receiver and stock.
This video delves into the "Domestic Burmese G3s," specifically examining the BA64 Rifle and the BA-72 Carbine. It highlights their connection to the G3 platform and their origins in Burma/Myanmar. The content also touches upon historical aspects and manufacturers like H&K and Rheinmetall, offering insights into these lesser-known firearms within the context of the G3 lineage.
James and Kaya from Classic Firearms highlight the top 6 long guns from IWA 2025 and Enforce Tac. The video features impressive firearms such as the suppressed Bren 3 SD, HK 433 PDW, a Turkish SIG MCX clone from Akdas, and a Czech vz.58 chambered in .300 Blackout. They also showcase a new Rheinmetall grenade launcher. This episode builds upon their previous content and is presented in a clear, review-style format.
This video delves into the history and mechanics of the Steyr-Solothurn S2-200, a firearm with a complex development story involving German and Swiss companies due to post-WWI arms restrictions. It highlights its role as the Austrian MG30 and Hungarian 31M, and its influence on later designs. The presenter thanks the Royal Armouries for access to rare examples for filming and disassembly, providing links for researchers and for supporting the channel.
This video details the evolution of the German MG-3, a modernization of the classic MG-42. Initially adopted by the Bundeswehr in 1958 by converting existing MG-42s to 7.62x51mm NATO as the MG1, it later progressed to a new production version by Rheinmetall in 1968. The MG3 featured improvements like an enhanced belt feed, integral anti-aircraft sights, and adjustable rate of fire. It served as the standard German MG until 2012 and was adopted by numerous other countries. The video offers a comparison between a transferable MG3 and an original MG42 to highlight the improvements made.
This video provides an in-depth look at the MG-34, a pioneering Universal Machine Gun heavily utilized by Germany during and after World War II. It explores the MG-34's historical development from the MG 30, its design modifications by Heinrich Vollmer of Mauser Industries, and its intended roles as a portable infantry support weapon, anti-aircraft gun, and even for sniping. The description highlights its exceptional mobility and touches upon the technical aspects, including its feed mechanism and the complex Patronentrommel 34 drum magazines. The video also references other related World War II German firearms content.
This video examines the Rheinmetall VG45K, a late-World War II German Volkssturm rifle design chambered in 8x33mm. Also known as the VG-3, this bolt-action rifle was intended for mass production with minimal resources. The featured example utilizes a stamped receiver and feeds from standard Sturmgewehr magazines. Despite its crude construction and heavy trigger, the rifle proves surprisingly comfortable to shoot, accurate, and reliable, offering a glimpse into desperate German arms development during the final days of the war.
This video explores the Rheinmetall MG42/59, a modified variant of the iconic MG42 machine gun. Following WWII, West Germany's Bundeswehr adopted the MG42, with Rheinmetall tasked with its recreation in 7.62 NATO. The MG42/59, produced for commercial export and the Bundeswehr (designated MG1), features significant iterative improvements. Notably, it incorporates a nearly doubled bolt weight to reduce its cyclic rate to a more manageable 700-900 rpm. Other upgrades include a hinged top cover, an improved feed tray, an integrated AA rear sight, and a new muzzle booster design, foreshadowing the final MG3. This specific example, a 1964 production, is a transferable C&R item in the US.
This video delves into the history and design of the M79 "Bloop Tube" 40mm grenade launcher. It explains the military's need for a better direct-fire weapon than the bazooka, leading to the development of the 40x46mm grenade. The "high-low" system for launching the grenade is detailed, highlighting its accuracy, reliability, and low recoil. The description also mentions the M79's limitation at close range and its eventual replacement by the M203 launcher, while noting the M79's continued global presence due to its robust nature.
This video explores Germany's 3.7cm Pak, their first World War II anti-tank gun. It details its origins from obsolete Hotchkiss cannons, its development by Rheinmetall into a more modern design with a larger case, and its initial horse-drawn configuration. The evolution of the gun with steel wheels, pneumatic tires, and suspension for motor towing is covered, along with its designation change. The video highlights its service numbers at the start of WWII, its obsolescence by 1941 due to increasing tank armor, and the introduction of specialized ammunition like AP rounds and the Stielgranate 41. Finally, it mentions its phasing out in favor of the 75mm Pak 40.
This video delves into the mechanical operation of Portugal's M938 Light Machine Gun, also known as the MG-13. The MG-13 was an interim German machine gun from the 1930s, designed to be perceived as a WWI-era weapon. The video highlights its closed-bolt, magazine-fed, short recoil, and hammer-fired mechanism. It also showcases unique features such as an adjustable recoil spring tension and a folding stock. The M938 is fed by 25-round box magazines and 75-round double drums. The focus is on the gun's internal workings rather than its developmental history.
This video provides an in-depth look at a rare pre-production FG-42 rifle, serial number 015, manufactured by Rheinmetall. It's positioned between the early prototypes and the troops trial guns. The presenter highlights specific variations from the standard 'first pattern' FG-42, including a different rear sight and a split pin for the trigger group. The rifle's provenance is traced back to a noted Dutch collector and originally the Rheinmetall factory museum. The video also discusses the connection to the French MAS-36 bayonet and explores the early development of the FG42.
