Ian McCollum - Forgotten Weapons

Q&A #10: Collectible Surplus Guns, Dumb US Decisions, and Lots of French Stuff

May 16, 2017 Ian McCollum 31

We have some great questions this time around! Specifically: 0:25 – Gain twist rifling, description and application 5:40 – The 6.5mm Arisaka compared to modern 6.5mm cartridges 7:44 – US abandonment of the M1917 Enfield […]

1891 Salvatore-Dormus: The First Automatic Pistol

May 15, 2017 Ian McCollum 16

The Salvatore-Dormus has the distinction of being the world’s first semiauto pistol, being patented in 1891. It is chambered for the 8mm Dormus cartridge, and holds 5 rounds in a Mannlicher type clip. Only about […]

Book Review – The Last Enfield: SA80 the Reluctant Rifle

May 14, 2017 Ian McCollum 14

Available from Amazon: Available from Collector Grade Publications: Since we are in the midst of an ongoing video series looking at the development of the SA80 weapons family, I figured this would be a good […]

SA80 History: XL70 Series Final Prototypes (Individual Weapon and LSW)

May 13, 2017 Ian McCollum 23

Armament Research Services (ARES) is a specialist technical intelligence consultancy, offering expertise and analysis to a range of government and non-government entities in the arms and munitions field. For detailed photos of the guns in […]

Kiraly 43M: Hungary’s Overpowered Submachine Gun

May 12, 2017 Ian McCollum 37

The 43M submachine gun was developed by Pal Kiraly, based on the MKMO and MKPS series of submachine guns he had worked on for SIG in Switzerland before returning to Hungary (we would go on […]

Final Prices: James D. Julia Spring 2017

May 11, 2017 Ian McCollum 5

Final prices from the last Julia auction. I think they systematically underestimated the market for Bob Faris’ Enfield collection!

SA80 History: XL60 Series in 4.85mm

May 10, 2017 Ian McCollum 41

Armament Research Services (ARES) is a specialist technical intelligence consultancy, offering expertise and analysis to a range of government and non-government entities in the arms and munitions field. For detailed photos of the guns in […]

Suppressed OSS M3 Grease Gun and Bushmaster Booby Trap Trigger

May 9, 2017 Ian McCollum 15

Today, we have a chance to take a look at a suppressed M3 “Grease Gun”, as purchased and issued by the Office of Strategic Services (the OSS; predecessor to the CIA). Thanks to its readily […]

Dreyse 1910: An Attempted Military 9mm Pistol

May 8, 2017 Ian McCollum 25

Designed by Louis Schmeisser, the Dreyse Model 1910 was an attempt to build a blowback pistol in 9x19mm for German military or police service, expanding on the existing market for the popular smaller .32ACP (7.65mm) […]

Book Review: Firearms Developed and Manufactured in Southern Africa 1949-2000

May 7, 2017 Ian McCollum 18

FIREARMS: Developed and Manufactured in Southern Africa 1949-2000 Until recently, there has been very little published information on South African and Rhodesian firearms outside of a few sporadic magazine articles – but that is no […]