Deep Lore on Machine Guns: Q&A with John Keene

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Today I'm speaking with retired Master Sergeant John Keene, the NFA export for Morphy's. John is a machine gun collector himself, and between this and his work with Morphy's he has exceptional experience and expertise. So we have a slate of questions for him from Patrons:
0:00 - Introduction
0:29 - What’s the best way to sell a transferrable SMG?
5:00 - German small arms engineers used by the US after WW2?
10:44 - Could the T24 (American MG42) have worked?
14:09 - Are there any machine guns underpriced or overpriced right now?
18:30 - What new machine guns would become popular if the NFA registry was reopened?
21:18 - Was open bolt ever a bad thing on a crew-served gun?
24:14 - Best first machine gun?
27:31 - Converting Colt Balloon Guns into other models - acceptable?
35:06 - If you bought a Thompson in 1932, what was required to keep it legal until today?
42:27 - Why was the MG42 considered such a good machine gun?
48:48 - How effective was the M1919A6 as a squad automatic?
53:00 - Most important improvement in machine guns by today?
55:29 - Are variable rates of fire actually practical?
1:00:51 - What is the current direction of machine gun collecting?
1:06:20 - Impact of Knob Creek ending, and will there be a replacement?
1:11:50 - Examples of feed systems that hinder a gun?
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[@chartreux1532]

5:00 As a German who grew up with lots of WW2 Veterans in the Family (only one still alive right now turned 105 in September of this Year!) I really appreciate the Story of his Pediatrician who was a Veteran in the Crimea Pocket. And when John Keene mentioned that he was the only one of his Unit getting out alive because he got wounded i was not surprised at all. Veterans who survived that Pocket received the "Krim-Schild" (Crimea Shield) for their Uniform which of course wasn't really something any Veterans cared about after that Experience. I myself got to meet a lot of American WW2 Veterans who attended the German WW2 Veteran Meetings here in Germany every now and then and had Beers and BBQ together and i'm glad there have been a lot of German Veterans who continued their Life in the USA and got to meet and talk with Americans and vice versa! Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps

[@_ArsNova]

Makes sense. I imagine the Crimea and Courland veterans weren't particularly happy about their experiences. Either got evacuated as wounded before they were sealed off, or got the joy of a decade in the gulag while watching half your buddies die. To say nothing of no one appreciating their service after the fact either. German male born between 1890-1930 is a rough lot in life.

[@wurzel9671]

​@@_ArsNova I wonder why nobody appreciated their service.

[@bennybwood]

Just to throw my two cents in, I miss having more of the longform Q&A’s. Solo or with a guest.

[@noah4822]

Amen

[@zehnerdygamer3329]

I miss Q&As - keep them coming!

[@fire_tower]

Same, hope the make a return to their old schedule.

[@TheTrueNorth11]

@@fire_towerPatreon only I believe. Maybe HoW&W now.

[@fire_tower]

​@@TheTrueNorth11I'm on patreon too

[@TheTrueNorth11]

@@fire_tower Do all the Q&A vids get posted there?

[@fire_tower]

​​​@@TheTrueNorth11I don't think there's been one for a minute. I don't remember when I asked the question that got in at 18:30. He's probably been busy with recording videos, writing books, or personal stuff.

[@kurtbergh]

John is a really good guest, hopefully you'll do more of these Q&As with him.

[@c.j.1089]

I have spent a lot of time firing MG42's and MG3's and the best answer I can give someone as to why a higher cyclic rate is better is they were utilized very differently than their allied counterparts. MG42/3 is meant to be fired in short bursts. At 400 meters a 1/2 second burst from that GPMG will usually land 3-5 rounds on target. With a US 1919 you're essentially spraying the target the entire time to land shots. Long ridiculous MG42 rips you see in movies are not how these weapons were used in combat, they were burst fired. That is also the Germany doctrine to this day. Have you seen the "It's a machinegun!" meme video? That's a Bundeswehr soldier bursting the M2HB because that's how he was trained to fire his MG3. Doctrinal differences.

[@jeromethiel4323]

It's always nice to see two people who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a subject just ping pong off each others knowledge.

[@BatCaveOz]

If the registry was opened to new manufactured guns, every man and his dog would want an AR15 full auto receiver.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Dog, cat, bird, hamster, rabbit, even my cordless drill gets one.

[@LordJuan4]

Yeah I'll take an extra for my dog

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

Whereas currently, your dog definitely does not want you to acquire a full auto AR-15

[@toxicresidue]

Yes that's the spirit 😆 of 1776.

[@wes11bravo]

My dogs are pro 2nd Amendment so they'd encourage select fire weapons ownership.

[@mykolatkachuk7770]

Of all of your guests Mr. Keene is the most appreciated. Calm, intelligent narration. Glad, he's back

[@scottd9448]

My father as a teenager, ended up with owning a Bren, Sten & MP-40 in the 1950's. But living in England, they were already outlawed and there was of course no ammo available for these. Not much fun to be had. He (my father) told me that he swapped them for an electric guitar, amplifier and a really decent Weihrauch spring .177 air rifle. I think that is a good trade for the time.

[@edm240b9]

Anyone in the New England area looking for a replacement Knob Creek should consider trying to reserve a spot at the Green Mountain Boys Machine Gun Shoot at Camp David in Eden, VT. This happens one a year, third weekend in July. Camping spots are available. Food vendor on site. First responders are also immediately on site as well.

[@darthhodges]

Another thing that would suddenly enter the market if the registry was reopened is full auto AKs. I've met several vets who brought back an AK from Vietnam or the Middle East and are risking jail time just by having them.

[@andrewgates8158]

Do they run a dog shelter?

[@deathtdow]

...As all Americans should the restrictions are clearly illegal by the constitution.

[@justinmishler6758]

Knob Creek no longer being around has definitely affected the community. I went to it at least once a year every year I could and for many year’s running multiple times. It was definitely the place for someone getting into the hobby to meet people and form friendships. Not to mention find parts, items, and ammo to buy in person.

[@DB-yj3qc]

It was a shock to me when I was at Knob Creek's last shoot n show. I shot there regularly 91-95 and would try to get to the full Auto events.

[@Inflorescensse]

I need more “affordable” machine guns rated “pretty slick” so I know what to buy next!

[@Brick001]

It would be interesting to see how little one could possibly cost, perhaps a video of the most affordable transfers🤔

[@Sevensixtytwo]

I think that so called "stemple" line of SMG's are both affordable and slick. Check Ian's documents about Stemples

[@_ArsNova]

The trouble with that is, if it's "affordable" and mentioned on this channel, it no longer will be.

[@reedyg666]

I love when John is your guest. Real knowledge from a legit source

[@mellusk9194]

Surely it has to be easier to find a deactivated PanzerSchrek for a display piece than having to find a live transferrable one? That's nuts.

[@Jreb1865]

I would have no doubt it is. It makes no sense for them to even be on the DD registry any longer as ammo for them has not been made in 80 years...lol The British PIAT was taken off a number of years ago for a number of reasons - lack of ammo supply as well as the firing system being among the reasons...

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

John Keene has it spot on for You Carry it and I only know I talked to a guy who had the semi auto that I thought was close to perfect due to its ergonomics (Robinson Arms XCR). He had an ACR but he longed for his M-16 he had in Vietnam. It was light and it was easy to carry and that is all he cared about. XCR he was happy as a bench gun but it was heavier and the weight was forward.

[@waltergolston6187]

Reminds me of evenings when my Dad and my Uncle Ted would talk about weapons. Both were WW2 and Korea Vets.

[@MikeMk1]

My copy of Small Arms of WWII arrived today! Ian, you and James did an absolutely fantastic job. I can’t wait to see the next addition to the series. All the best to you, sir!

[@Jkr66]

If we could build our own full autos like prior to 1986 we wouldn't have to pay ridiculous amounts of money for those old guns..

[@jameskilpatrick7790]

These interviews are always fascinating, and SO much fun. Thanks!

[@wd4scz579]

Y'all clean forgot about the ability of the M85 machine gun to switch between high and low rates of fire. By doctrine low rate was for use against ground targets, high rate was anti-aircraft. A gun much "loved" by a generation of tankers who only had the M73 to compare it against.

[@ColtGuthrie]

I love these videos with John. My family has a lot of history with machine guns so it’s always really fun to hear a conversational type of Q&A about the subject.

[@_ArsNova]

Love your Q&As Ian! Always interesting guests and questions, really hope we see more of them! The repeat guests are great too, always a treat seeing John Keene or Nick Moran on the channel.

[@Bolo2028]

These deeper conversations are wonderful.

[@janwitts2688]

Remember when reenactor groups in the UK had 20 or so sten guns and mp40s and they all worked... now.. maybe a few deactivated... miss smgs truelly an enabling weapon type..

[@davidspence5567]

Actually British Army Section s were Built around Bren Guns like German ones around MG 34s/42s...

[@janwitts2688]

@davidspence5567 Not really.. at times they opted for fire superiority and upped the brens to 2 and then 4 per section in some Korean actions... but even in ww2 the bren gunner and his loader were like the piat 2 man team... the section was very much more flexible and didn't just rely of winning the mg fight..

[@turbografx16]

Sessions with John are always fantastic.

[@mockingpirate7659]

Always enjoy your interviews with John

[@ben501st]

A sorted reising with a mess of 20 round mags is a great beginner subgun.

[@evanc.9186]

Q&As with John are always so interesting and well rounded covering many areas of collecting weather it be technical or social factors. 10/10

[@wolf_7479]

Ian I see that Type 100, please tell me this means the video on it is finally coming.

[@MrJerrycampbell]

Excellent conversation and information!

[@jamesr792]

The person who destroyed that panzerschrek should be ashamed

[@leonardwei3914]

Maybe it was a Veteran Sherman Tank driver.

[@tsuchinokoz5036]

been waiting for a longer video for Awhile thanks !

[@paleoph6168]

Ian pulling no punches here, this is the fifth consecutive daily upload. Nice!

[@zell9058]

Excellent interview.

[@groovnreuben]

Absolutely love this content!

[@ThailandOutsider]

They pulled the same tax stamp trick with weed not long after, you had to take your bit to the shop to be weighed to then pay for your tax but " oops no stamps left" quick call to the cops and then your done for tax evasion, dirty af but genius work around

[@shepardsinsequence]

Good ole marijuana tax act …. Supreme Court rules in Timothy Leary’s favor

[@miketenny5201]

Always a fun chat. Thanks.

[@TMFShooting]

Great Info thank you John , Great Stuff 💯 Thank's Ian 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@Tusk_III]

Awesome content. Thank you

[@sbreheny]

One example of a German firearms engineer who was scooped up by the US was Ott-Helmuth von Lossnitzer, whose book Ian has reviewed before.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

I often say this about military equipment, but if professional hikers were selecting weapons and gear they'd pick the ones that weigh the least.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

Suppressing fire into a beaten zone is still part of the army doctrine for a reason. IT WORKS.

[@jfess1911]

Yes, but people like John who actually WAS a machine gunner typically prefer to hit their target rather than shoot around it. The point is that they would generally prefer to create their own beaten zone rather than it being an artifact of an inaccurate weapon/ammo combination. Ironically, the classic US Army training movie that shows how the WWII German machine guns compare to the US ones makes a big point of the reduced dispersion of the American weapons. It is funny in retrospect since even in the worst case, each person would have been hit several times. It was supposed to reassure the US GI but I doubt the thought of ONLY being hit 3 or 4 times made them feel better about it.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

@jfess1911 that is your assumption showing thorough, clearly you never severed or used a machine gun or had to control the use of one, I did.

[@AlexLee-dc2vb]

YES I missed the long-style of Q&A video :)

[@mm3mm3]

We all love you Ian 😊😊😊😊😊

[@konstantin.v]

So long since the latest Q&A! 😃

[@andreholmlund1981]

Awsome episode

[@royalsoldierofdrangleic4577]

Cool to see the man behind the Remington-keene rifle, one of my favorite odd weapons from the old west. He looks pretty young too for a person that lived more than 150 years

[@hashiondiscord8540]

Hey ian, a small critism I have is that your guest is a tad quiet. Besides that amazing video

[@memph1ston]

>Colt Balloon Gun chambered in .458 win mag Never have I wanted something so impractical, so much

[@elijahsmith8597]

Im staring at that type 100 in the background

[@dwightdhansen]

The Hughes amendment needs to be abolished.

[@Stevarooni]

Right before the NFA.

[@wes11bravo]

Absolutely

[@_ArsNova]

NFA is such an absurdly poorly written law I'm baffled that it was never tossed out by the courts. Rigged system.

[@getyousum]

This is the best video you have done in a long time Ian. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Stop bashing my Hotchkiss Portative!!!! Lol😂

[@chpet1655]

Ho Ho Ho …now I have a Masheeen Gun

[@rileyharville8379]

Its really crazy that there is no way for a law abiding citizen to register a machine gun he finds in his grandfather's attic. Any other item you get from your grandparents is yours to keep but a machine gun has to be turned over to the ATF so they can destroy it.

[@stefanmolnapor910]

#freedom #tyranny

[@BudGreene87]

It doesn’t HAVE to be… that’s just one possible scenario. There are also scenarios where it “disappears”… and nobody ever calls the ATF

[@stefanmolnapor910]

@BudGreene87 hello my friend , I too love Freedom, and Our Natural Rights. Hell yes

[@SKTLclan]

Sank with grandpas boat

[@ogregolabo]

Thanks

[@williamlloyd3769]

Incredible topic! Thank you. PS - Fortune just publish a short article with photograph - Brand-New Ukrainian Drone Blasted A Russian Machine Gun From 1910 - The M1910 had a Finnish modification (based on picture included) which dates it as a 1943 build

[@AeYronu]

???? Pruf

[@williamlloyd3769]

Look up story and examine photo and the analysis for yourself.

[@AeYronu]

@@williamlloyd3769 your subscription interests me little. you better provide evidence in the form of documents or links

[@fire_tower]

Wait hey that Firetower guy sounds familiar! 18:30

[@GarGhuul]

I do have to wonder if the ATF has a record of all “properly registered” transferable machine-guns, and won’t allow any more to be added. Like say someone inherits an old car and finds a pile of forgotten Thompson SMGs in their original crates in the trunk.

[@bachasaurus]

That is exactly the case. They discuss in this video the possibility of an amnesty period whereby someone who owns a Pre-86 but not transferable MG (a car full of Thompsons) could submit their guns to the registry and have transferable MGs.

[@nickglover7183]

The Salt mines of Soledar!

[@allangibson8494]

The registration is linked to the name of the registered owner. If you cant identify the registered owner and document legal transfer you are screwed.

[@teddyfartypants]

Just don't say anything lol

[@philllax1719]

I know I'd have an American 180

[@PeterDavid7KQ201]

Anybody gotten a shipping notification for the WWII US small arms book?

[@mo45327]

Another great chat! Can't believe you didn't remember the Fiat 1914 machine gun when you mentioned stupid feeding devices that didn't last long 😅

[@Jreb1865]

A couple of guns not mentioned as a good "first mg" are the M2 Carbine and the MK2 Sten. The Mod76 S&W was mentioned as a good gun to start with, but spare mags are difficult to find...

[@silentseawolf]

heck, you guys can talk all day as far as I care, cool stuff

[@jamesr792]

Your point about what works on paper vs what works in reality is so incredibly important. The SA80 worked great on paper…..

[@justinriley8651]

and h&k made it work in reality.

[@christophersilsby7829]

MAT 49, is that the one the THE VEITMIN changed to 7.62x25mm.

[@ernieszabo3878]

MG 42 was 'modern GPMG' portable, rapidly changed barrel without taking gun out of firing position. GIs hated it because high rate of fire made let it hit more men with the initial burst. Since U.S. was usually advancing, most engagements were ambushes/ Germans shooting from defensive positions. U.S. leaders were not as impressed since in the attack you want fire suppression which is better for slower fire gun.

[@billshepherd4331]

Nice Q&A! Is that a Japanese Type-100 against the wall?

[@GunFunZS]

He says there's three categories people: collector, speculator, investor. If the registry are open today though there would be at least two more categories, casual hobbyist and serious trainer, probably also there would be something like clueless prepper as well.

[@ArcofZen]

Maybe I've missed the video but have you ever been to see Dragon Man Ian? I can think of reasons why you definitely wouldn't....but on the other hand he does seem to have an incredible collection of firearms and militaria.

[@janwitts2688]

The mg42 was a suppressive weapon used for area effect which meant you were heavily encouraged to shelter from it.. this it had a very good defensive ability... and a reasonable offensive one... the German method of employment where a squad was formed on the machine gun also made it more highlighted... other armies did not place so much in one basket and the British were happy to use a 2 inch mortar chap to inflict casualties along with many other options..

[@menachem2521]

Great interview! I think it'll be worth it to invest in proper sound equipment. It'll make the listening experience a lot more enjoyable.

[@mjriemen]

As far as Knob Creek… there are a lot of ranges that offer an opportunity to shoot machine guns in Las Vegas, and many other vacation destinations. Its expensive, but it was expensive at Knob Creek too… That doesnt answer the question of buying or selling and finding parts…

[@yusheng386]

Type 100 SMG back there?

[@knooters]

I don't collect neither guns nor guitars, but I think some of the "I want them to go to someone who appreciates them" talk is not about the money, but that they don't just let them sit on display. Both guns and guitars are made to be used, and I would imagine in one case the wish is for it to be used and taken to the range, and in the other case to be played rather than being another collectible collecting dust till the next owner comes along.

[@christophersilsby7829]

I have been told because I can not backup my information on a picture I seen in a series on photos of world war 2, the one that I am talking about is a photograph taken of the French coast, from the dock above this landing craft, which was half full of small arms, the caption of the photograph says that these were dumped in the see. And later on in the series was a similar thing in the Pacific Theater doing the same thing

[@jordangreenwade2931]

Casually has a Type 100 in the background

[@bebo4807]

The two Thompsons on the the table were the best part of this video.

[@tristanholland6445]

A joke I hope not a Thompson in that room.

[@timblack2885]

I essentially converted a semi 1919A4 to a 1919A6… it’s not good. It’s heavy AF 🤣

[@bigchimptactical]

That Mac 11 is still in reach ❤😂

[@dragonhealer7588]

Oooooo, fun toys!🎉😊❤

[@kaschberle6948]

does Mr. Keene have social Media? i think content about his collection would be very interesting!

[@toxicresidue]

Here's a question, why can't we the People have the same muskets that the redcoats carry🤔??

[@stefanmolnapor910]

Here is the Answer: we can! I am not a lawyer

[@toxicresidue]

@@stefanmolnapor910 only if you have a shitload of Extra money can you fully express your God given 2nd amendment Right. And I'm not a lawyer.

[@stefanmolnapor910]

@toxicresidue not if you think like the Men that created this nation!

[@christophersilsby7829]

When you take parts from a special type of Machine, Gun as long as keep all the original parts, then you get the best if both worlds, a special type and the original weapon you can fire both.

[@bigslinking]

@christophersilsby7829 Your comment sound like FJB reading the teleprompter at the wh!teh0use.🤔 WTF does that even mean bro, please translate it from b!den gibberish dementia talk.🤷

[@sbreheny]

I have a Reising and I would not recommend it as an entry level MG. Mine has taken a LOT of effort to get it working properly and there are still issues. When it runs, it runs well and is great to shoot but it wasn't a great design for durability and reliability.

[@samueltucker8473]

It never ceases to amaze me. There are so many rule makers who are under the induced delusional thinking that a 50 cal shot gun slug traveling at subsonic speed leaving the barrel at subsonic speed is the same thing as a military round traveling multiple times the speed of sound. One is very different from the other in that one will take down some old walls and can even kill anything near (the shockwave turning most organic matter to Jell-O) in its path of it passes and the other small stone being slung from a good sling shot. . Is it very unlike a stone or heavy minerals falling from the space station?

[@BatCaveOz]

Increased use of drones could result in increased use of shotguns in modern warfare.

[@seanflorian4653]

For bird hunting you gotta be within 50 yards or so. Maybe that could be stretched out to 60 or 70 but my understanding is drones fly higher

[@lathanchurch8352]

Belt fed shotgun

[@paulwosmek7316]

Shotguns do have more range then people think but even a semiauto 12 gauge or a 3 1/2” 10 gauge with 18 pellets of 00 buck might not be enough to reliability take out multiple suicide drones. Single or low flying drones sure but you’d need at least a punt gun or small bore auto cannon shooting flak shells. That’s assuming you can spot them in time

[@BeingFireRetardant]

​@@paulwosmek7316 Based on the footage I have seen lately, by time you see it coming, you are dead.

[@Calvin_Coolage]

​@@lathanchurch8352So 40k ripper guns?

[@arthurbrax6561]

on the m1919a6, was it possible to add a quick change barrel to it?. I know the M2 .50cal has a quick change barrel and it is the same gun just scaled up for a bigger bullet. Was no quick change barrel added because of American doctrine? we know that the Belgians put a quick change barrel on their BAR and also Colt did sell BAR with quick change barrels on the military market.

[@RobFeldkamp]

I would imagine cloth belts are one of the, if not the, easiest parts to reproduce? Perhaps even home-make?

[@andybachtel2190]

Ian, are MG-42's made Steyer???

[@kingweez2611]

Oh my God. I never thought I would see the day when FW posted another Q&A. I can finally stop listening to all the previous ones on repeat 😂😂😂

[@andreholmlund1981]

Same here

[@barbarapiercy4312]

You both brought up a good point about machine gun events. Or more accurately, the lack there of! I live in Arizona like you. This is a fairly pro-gun state. Why don’t we try to start up a machine gun meet/shoot? Seems like Ben Avery (in Phoenix) would be a great location for such an event. It’s big, lots of motels, food, etc….. What are your thoughts on this. I’m poor and live in the middle of nowhere. You have the contacts to make this happen.

[@barbarapiercy4312]

PS. I forgot RV parks and/or campgrounds!

[@rydplrs71]

Speaking of the maxim silencer company. How many people have seen a snowblower they made?

[@Sevensixtytwo]

I'd say that if there is any tikkakoski m/44's transferable those are the ones to look at. In Finland we have lot parts for guns but not so much opportunities to have one because our cursed gun laws

[@wes11bravo]

That was enlightening - I always thought the US MG42 copy was every single part made new by a machine shop but I guess there was no practical reason to do that.

[@jfess1911]

If I recall right, the ejection port was enlarged and, on paper, large enough for the US 30-06, but the case would sometimes bounce foreward and cause a jam. It is the kind of thing that could have been fixed given time and effort. Like they mentioned in this video, not much effort was put into the project. If you watch a machine gun in slow motion, not all of the cases eject exactly the same way.

[@bigsiege1848]

in the background what is the gun with the magazine near the muzzle?

[@givennamesurname2565]

Japanese type 100 SMG.

[@robinshull6510]

I think there is a big machine gun shoot in Oklahoma, but I don't know where it is held.

[@RedHuntsman]

The one I would ask is what would happen if the NFA or at least the Hughes amendment is overturned? Will there be a devaluation of all MGs or just some. I'm afraid there are enough wealthy MG owners who don't want the NFA or Hughes go away who can lean on members of congress to keep MGs exclusive.

[@scottbosso1123]

One Scorpion Evo 3, please.

[@hendriktonisson2915]

So had the US adopted the .30-06 in a shorter form (for example 7.62x55mm instead of 7.62x63mm) the T24 could've been more successful as there would've been no problem with the .30-06 being too long to work with the MG42 receiver without considerable redesign of the receiver. I wonder if 7.62x51mm NATO would even exist if .30-06 had been adopted in the form of 7.62x55mm instead of 7.62x63mm?

[@xoxo2008oxox]

I'm concerned over how Remington fell, then RemArms came in and now, looks like they will go under.