XM29 and the Origins of the Experimental Guns List
The video opens with a countdown of the top five experimental guns of all time, focusing on unusual, forward-thinking firearms rather than conventional service rifles. At number five is the XM29, a large, bulky bullpup platform that combines a 5.56 rifle with a 20 mm airburst high-explosive grenade launcher. It is described as a “saber selectable assault battle rifle,” reflecting its dual-role capability. The design shows clear influence from Heckler & Koch and the earlier G11 program, especially in its futuristic profile and integrated systems approach. Despite its ambitious concept, the XM29 was ultimately sidelined in favor of the XM8 program and never became a standard-issue weapon. However, it gained a second life in pop culture through appearances in Call of Duty, where players experienced its airburst capabilities virtually, underscoring how experimental military projects often live on in video games even when they fail to reach full deployment.
Lebman Machine Pistol and Early Gun Control History
The number four slot goes to the Lebman machine pistol, a heavily modified 1911 chambered in .45 ACP with a continuous-fire conversion. This compact weapon features a heavy muzzle brake, a Thompson-style wooden forend, and extended magazines, giving it the appearance and handling of a miniature Tommy gun. It reportedly could run around 2,000 rounds before failure, impressive for such a radical conversion of a standard handgun. The Lebman machine pistol became infamous through its association with notorious criminals like Babyface Nelson and John Dillinger, who used it during the gangster era. Its use in high-profile crimes helped spur public concern and political pressure that contributed to the passage and enforcement of the National Firearms Act and subsequent gun control measures. The host highlights how this obscure experimental conversion had an outsized impact on American firearms law, illustrating how design innovation, criminal use, and legislation can intersect in unexpected ways.
Magpul FMG9 Concept and the Unreleased FDP9
Attention then shifts to a striking Magpul concept that surfaced in a video more than a decade ago: the FMG9, a folding gun disguised as a briefcase- or flashlight-like device. When folded, it resembles a large battery-powered tool or light, suggesting long battery life and everyday utility rather than a firearm. Online audiences were captivated by the idea of a compact, rapidly deployable 9 mm weapon hidden in plain sight. Despite the buzz, Magpul never brought the FMG9 to market, and the company went quiet about the project. Years later, Magpul and Zev announced the FDP9, a modern evolution of the folding-gun concept, reigniting interest. Enthusiasts hoped for a real release, but concrete details and availability have remained elusive. The host even floats the idea of giving one away as part of an everyday-carry package if it ever becomes a commercial reality, underscoring how experimental concepts can build long-term hype without ever reaching production.
Hellriegel Prototype and Its Battlefield 1 Legacy
The discussion moves into the realm of video games and historical oddities, noting how experimental weapons like the XM25 and FMG9 have appeared in Call of Duty. Focus then turns to Battlefield 1’s depiction of the Hellriegel, often referred to in-game as the 1915 Hellriegel. It is portrayed as a dominant, almost mythical weapon, instantly recognizable by its distinct firing sound that players either loved wielding or dreaded hearing while entrenched. Historically, the Hellriegel was a heavy, water-cooled experimental automatic weapon from the early 1900s, firing the 9x23 mm Steyr cartridge. It used a large drum magazine that many mistakenly assume is a belt-fed system, adding to its mystique. The host frames it as an early attempt at a high-capacity, high-rate-of-fire personal weapon, conceptually related to later unconventional designs like the Steyr AUG and FN P90 that did reach service. Its limited documentation and experimental status make it a prime example of how obscure prototypes can gain new life through digital recreations.
HK G11 Caseless Rifle and Closing Reflections
The final featured firearm is the HK G11, a radical bullpup rifle that came close to replacing the G3 in German service before the G36 was ultimately adopted. The G11 is notable for its 4.73x33 mm caseless ammunition, which eliminates traditional brass cases and allows for a compact, high-capacity design. Its detachable magazine holds roughly 45 to 50 rounds and sits on top of the rifle, feeding into a rotating chamber system. The rifle includes an integrated optical sight and even provisions for a bayonet, emphasizing its intended role as a full-service infantry weapon. Comparisons are drawn to the MP7’s small-caliber high-velocity cartridge and the P90’s 50-round 5.7 mm magazine, showing how the G11 anticipated later trends in compact, high-capacity personal defense weapons. The video closes by explaining that these guns were chosen for their technological ambition, influence on modern cartridges and platforms, and even their impact on laws. Viewers are invited to comment on which designs were new to them and to share other experimental firearms they find noteworthy.
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