Q&A
Ask Ian: Why Does the AR15 Have a Buffer Thingie?
From Arvid on Utreon: “Why does an AR-15 need a buffer thingy? Why can’t it just have a spring like every other normal gun?” The Ar-15 really doesn’t need the buffer and tube, but it […]
Video
Prototype
A Path Less Traveled: IM Metal’s Tavor-Based Prototype for the VHS-1
Today we are continuing to trace the development of the IM Metal / HS Produkt VHS rifles. During this period, Croatia briefly considered adopting the Israeli Tavor rifle. Part of the adoption would have included […]
Q&A
Ask Ian: Why No German WW2 50-Cal Machine Guns? (feat. Nick Moran)
From Nathaniel on Patreon: “Why didn’t Germany or Axis powers have a machine gun similar to the American M2?” Basically, because everyone faced the choice of a .50 caliber machine gun or 20mm (or larger) […]
Semiauto pistol
Star Megastar: Spain’s Massive 10mm Autopistol
In the late 1980s, the Spanish gunmaker Star decided to join the new hot trend of 10mm semiauto pistols. The cartridge was getting a lot of press, and Star saw this as an opportunity too […]
Prototype
Genesis of the VHS: IM Metal Gets a FAMAS
After their abortive effort at designing a bullpup AK conversion, IM Metal (later to become HS Produkt) decided to make another try at developing a rifle for the Croatian Army. This time, they decided to […]
Accessories
CETME-L Handguards: The Poor Early Model and the Later Better One
The early production CETME-L (and CETME-LC) rifles used a thin, fragile, full-length handguard. It was redesigned fairly early in production with a much more durable version that provided better hand insulation. The Spanish Army updated […]
Accessories
Germany Copies the Soviets: L23 & L27 Silencers
The German L23 silencer was essentially a copy of captured Soviet Bramit silencers, complete with the attachment system locking around a rifle front sight. Two hundred of these made for the K98k rifle for German […]
Prototype
The CZ-2000 as a 9mm SMG Prototype
There have been several examples of the AK being used as the basis for a pistol-caliber SMG or PDW. The Russians made the Vityaz, the Hungarians made the KGPF-9…and the Czechs actually made a version […]
Aircraft MGs
Lahti’s Last Machine Gun: The L33/39 Antiaircraft Gun
In response to a Finnish military need for a machine gun better than the old Maxim for aerial and anti-aircraft use, Aimo Lahti developed the L33 machine gun from the basis of the Lahti-Saloranta design. […]
Q&A
Ask Ian: My Most Unsafe Range Experience (Incoming Rounds!)
From Brian on Patreon: “What’s the dumbest or most unsafe thing you’ve ever witnessed while out shooting in the desert or at a range / match?” That would definitely be when a pair of totally […]