Forgotten Weapons · Video summary
NFA Taxes, More M7 Ranting, and Rimless 12ga: Q&A May 2026
In this Q&A video, Forgotten Weapons' Ian McCollum discusses various firearm topics, including the potential of rimless 12-gauge shotgun shells and the evolution of military cartridges, while addressing historical firearm innovations hindered by metallurgy limitations.
Watch on YouTube ↗Key takeaways
- Historical innovations in firearms were often limited by metallurgy and powder technology, notably prior to 1886 when self-loading firearms were hindered by black powder residue.
- The Winchester-Lee Navy rifle's 6-mm cartridge suffered from throat erosion due to early smokeless powder, illustrating how advancements in materials could have improved its performance.
- The introduction of rimless 12-gauge shotgun shells by DTA Arms could fill a niche in the market, especially for military applications where ammunition compatibility is less of a concern.
- Shotguns are currently being considered for use as anti-drone weapons, indicating a shift in military needs and the potential for specialized ammunition to enhance effectiveness.
- The Q Fix rifle is seen as a modern interpretation of the scout rifle, integrating contemporary features like suppressors and detachable magazines to enhance versatility.
- Explore local liquor stores for Kyrö rye whiskey, or order online using the code forgottenmalt10 to receive 10% off your purchase.
Chapters
- 0:00🎥 Introduction
- 0:22🔍 Early Self-Loading Firearms
- 6:51🔫 Winchester-Lee Navy Issues
- 13:33📦 Rimless 12-Gauge Shotgun Shells
- 16:47🛡️ Anti-Drone Shotgun Potential
- 20:45🔍 Modern Scout Rifle Concept
- 23:31🔫 P7 Pro Pistols Update
- 25:48🔭 Aperture Rear Sights on Mausers
- 27:07💣 NATO Intermediate Cartridge Speculation
- 32:25⚔️ Combat Weapon Choices
- 36:40🔧 Metallurgy in Firearm Strength
- 42:05🔄 FAMAS Clone Development
- 45:00📏 Longest Feed Path in Firearms
- 47:22🔄 Japanese 7.62 NATO Choices
- 53:15🔍 Kalashnikov Stamping Technology
- 55:50💥 6.8 SPC vs. 6.8 Fury
The digest
Ian McCollum addresses a range of firearms-related questions, offering historical insights, technical analysis, and thoughtful opinions. Topics covered include the impact of metallurgy on early rifles, the potential market for rimless 12-gauge shotgun shells, modern interpretations of scout rifles, suppressor regulations changes, cartridge development debates, and firearm design nuances. This dialogue is valuable for firearms enthusiasts, collectors, historians, and industry professionals seeking detailed perspectives on both historic and contemporary small arms issues.
High Level Overview
This Q&A session elaborates on historical firearms development and modern firearms technology while addressing regulatory changes, particularly regarding National Firearms Act (NFA) taxation. Ian provides detailed responses to patrons' questions, exploring the intersection of technology limitations, design innovations, and market dynamics. The discussion extends from black powder-era challenges with self-loading guns to modern niche ammunition developments and evaluates the broader implications of evolving firearms laws and military cartridge debates.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 10-minute article, 26 more sections, and every new episode from Forgotten Weapons and the creators you follow.
- Detailed Analysis
- Early Firearms Limited by Technology and Powder (00:13–04:10)
- Rimless 12-Gauge Shotgun Shells and Market Viability (04:11–08:30)
- Modern Scout Rifle Interpretation: The Q Fix (08:31–13:30)
- P7 Pro’s Revival of the P7 Series Pistols (13:31–15:10)
- Aperture Rear Sights on Military Mausers (15:11–16:20)
- Hypothetical Intermediate NATO Cartridge Origin (16:21–19:30)
- Choosing Among the PM63, Stechkin, and Vz 61 Skorpion (19:31–21:55)
- Metallurgy’s Role in Firearm Strength (22:00–25:25)
- US-Made FAMAS Clone Prospects (25:26–27:10)
- Firearms with Longest Cartridge Travel Paths (27:11–29:20)
- Japan’s Use of Two 7.62×51 Loadings (29:21–32:55)
- German Influence on Soviet AK Stamping (33:00–36:10)
- 6.8 SPC vs. 6.8×51 Fury Cartridge Comparison (36:15–42:30)
- AR Charging Handle Variants (42:50–43:50)
- Squared Front Trigger Guards on Modern Pistols (43:51–45:55)
- Access to Firearms Collections and Museums (45:56–48:30)
- Impact of NFA Tax Changes on Vintage Suppressors (48:31–51:40)
- Future of the National Firearms Act (NFA) Taxation (51:41–54:00)
- Value of Replica Firearms in Collecting (54:01–57:50)
- Ian’s Perspective on the Morality of Firearms (57:51–58:50)
- Key Frameworks and Models
- Modern Scout Rifle Criteria (09:00)
- National Firearms Act (NFA) Taxation Layers (51:30)
- Practical Implications & Takeaways
- Action-Oriented Summary
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