The Weapon Hunter Season 2 Episode 6

Ep 6. Iwo Jima Franken-gun

  • TV-14
  • March 19, 2017
  • 46 min

In season 2 episode 6 of The Weapon Hunter, titled "Iwo Jima Franken-gun," host Paul Shull embarks on a mission to create a unique weapon using historic firearms and parts from the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The episode begins with Shull introducing the concept of Franken-guns, which are guns made up of various parts from different firearms. He explains that during World War II, soldiers often made these guns in the field as a way to customize their weaponry to better fit their needs.

To create his Franken-gun, Shull travels to Iwo Jima, which was the site of a significant battle between the United States and Japan during the war. He meets with local expert and gun enthusiast Rick Eppler, who has a collection of rare weapons and artifacts from the battle.

Shull and Eppler explore the island and uncover various pieces of firearms, such as bolts and barrels, that were left behind by soldiers during the battle. They also visit a museum on the island that contains several historic firearms.

Next, Shull returns to his workshop in Canada and begins the process of assembling his Franken-gun. He uses parts from several different firearms, including a 1917 Enfield rifle, a Mauser battle rifle, and a Japanese Arisaka rifle. Shull explains that it's important to use parts that are compatible and that will work together to create a functional weapon.

As he works on the gun, Shull also provides historical context about the Battle of Iwo Jima. He explains the significance of the battle and the impact it had on the larger war effort.

Once the Franken-gun is assembled, Shull takes it to a firing range to test it out. He explains that Franken-guns can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, so it's important to take safety precautions.

During the range test, Shull fires the gun and sees how it performs. He notes any issues or malfunctions that arise and makes adjustments accordingly. He also discusses the ethics of creating Franken-guns and using historic firearms for this purpose.

Overall, "Iwo Jima Franken-gun" explores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of soldiers during World War II and the various ways they adapted their weaponry to fit their needs. It also provides insight into the history of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the significance of the weapons used during the conflict.

Description
Watch The Weapon Hunter - Iwo Jima Franken-gun (s2 e6) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
The Weapon Hunter, Season 2 Episode 6, is available to watch and stream on Smithsonian Channel. You can also buy, rent The Weapon Hunter on demand at Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    March 19, 2017
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    46 min
  • Language
    English