Fire Arms

Baryshev AB-762 and AVB-762 assault rifles (Russia)

2008-02-04T16:34:00.000-02:00

Baryshev AB-7,62 prototype assault rifle, chambered for 7,62x39 ammunition

Czech-made LCZ B20 (AVB-7,62) prototype automatic rifle, chambered for 7,62x51 NATO ammunition

Diagram from original patent, issued to Baryshev for his delayed-blowback action

	AB-7,62 / LCZ B10	AVB-7,62 / LCZ B20
Caliber	7,62x39 M43	7,62x54R or 7,62x51 NATO
Overall length (stock open / folded)	960 / 710 mm	1000/ 750 mm
Barrel length	415 mm	455 mm
Weight, empty	3,6 kg	3,9 kg
Rate of fire	750 rounds per minute	750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	30 rounds	10 or 20 rounds

Anatoly F. Baryshev designed its original delayed-blowback action in early 1960s. His design was very unusual for the time, mostly in the fact that it was a private effort - a thing, rarely encountered in Soviet Union. Nevertheless, Baryshev managed to find some support in the higher ranks of Soviet Army. Several prototypes were built and tested. New action showed its major advance - a significant decrease in felt recoil, but otherwise it proved to be unreliable under harsh conditions and inaccurate in single shots. Army rejected the design, but Baryshev and his supporters had been trying to promote this design till late nineties. During early 1990s Baryshev also cooperated with Czech company LCZ Group, which manufactured several prototype rifles in calibers such as 7,62x39 and 7,62x51. These rifles were displayed on several military exhibitions, but found no buyers, and apparently were dropped by late 1990s. In the mean time, Baryshev designed an unique large handheld caliber weapon, which fired 12,7x108mm heavy machine gun of 30x25B grenade ammunition (change of caliber required change of barrel, magazine and bolt). Because of Baryshev recoil-reducing action, this weapon can be fired from the shoulder, but it still had all drawbacks of all other Baryshev weapons - that is, insufficient reliability and insufficient accuracy in single shots, and accurate burst fire was also all but impossible from such large-caliber but lightweight gun with limited magazine capacity. It must be noted that Baryshev system allowed to build lightweight fully automatic weapons in powerful "rifle" calibers such as 7,62x54R or 7,62x51, which were controllable in full automatic fire; but this was the only significant advantage of the system over other, more conventional systems.

Baryshev action is a delayed-blowback system which is fired from open bolt only. Bolt group consists of four parts - bolt with tilting head, inertia piece and locking lever. When gun is fired, bolt group is released and goes forward at once, stripping a fresh cartridge from magazine. At the end of loading cycle, bolt with its head was stopped at the breech, while inertia piece still moved forward, rotating the locking lever and bolt head. The pivoting locking lever struck the firing pin, and fired the cartridge. Recoil of the shot tried to pivot the bolt head, but this movement was resisted by the mass and velocity of the inertia piece. Once the inertia piece was stopped and its movement reversed by the blowback action of the cartridge, it turned the locking lever to disengage the bolt from receiver. Once bolt is released, entire bolt group is moved back under residual pressure in the chamber. This sounds complicated as is, and the system never impressed anyone other than few high-ranking officers in Soviet army.

Walther P99 pistol (Germany)

2008-02-04T16:25:00.000-02:00

Walther P99 pistol (1st generation)

Walther P99 AS (Anti-Stress) pistol, 2nd generation

Walther P99 QA pistol

Walther P99 Compact DAO pistol, 2nd generation (note extended slide release lever, which is also duplicated on right side of the gun)

Type: Double Action
Caliber:9x19mm Para, .40SW
Length overall: 180mm
Weight: 720g unloaded
Barrel length : 102mm
Capacity: 16 rounds (9mm), 12 rounds (.40SW)

The P99 pistol was a rather radical step forward for the Walther company, made under new management. The development of a new pistol started in 1994 and the first production pistols were shown to public in 1997. The earliest pistols were made in 9mm, and a .40 S&W version appeared in 1999. By 2004, the Carl Walther company presented the second generation of the P99 pistols. These new guns had even better ergonomics, and new model designations – the old P99 was renamed (and slightly redesigned) to P99AS (Anti-Stress), the double-action only P990 turned into the P99DAO, and only the P99QA (Quick Action) retained its name. The second generation also included the P99 Compact pistols, apparently made with input from American company Smith & Wesson, as the basically similar SW99 Compact pistol appeared on the US market a little earlier. Smith & Wesson makes a close copy of the P99 as the SW99, using Walther-made polymer frames and its own slides and barrels of slightly different shape. S&W also makes a .45-calibre version of this pistol. 9mm P99 pistols also are manufactured under Walther’s licence in Poland, and are standard police sidearms there.

The Walther P99 is short-recoil operated, locked-breech pistol. It uses a modified Browning locking system, with the barrel engaging the slide with a single large lug entering the ejection window. The frame is made from polymer and has interchangeable grip backstraps. Three backstraps of different shape are included with each pistol, so users can adjust the grip to their own preferences. The trigger is striker-fired, with an automated firing pin block safety, and varies with the model. The standard P99 is double / single action with a decocking button. Earlier P990s and current production P99DAOs are double action only, and the P99DAO also features a slightly different automated safety built into the trigger. The third variation of the P99 family is the P99QA, which features a partially pre-cocked trigger for a constant trigger pull from the first to the last shot. One feature, unique to the P99 series pistol triggers, is that despite being striker-fired, these pistols do not require the user to press the trigger during disassembly to disconnect the sear from the firing pin. This is done by using the decocking button, built into the top of the slide. This button is relatively large on the standard P99, as it is routinely used to decock the striker, and much smaller on the P99QA, as it is used only during disassembly to disconnect the firing pin from the sear. The P99DAO does not have such button, as its firing pin is always disconnected from the sear and at rest, except for the time the trigger is being pressed. The most recent Anti-Stress feature is, in fact, a modification to the trigger system which makes the trigger pull for the first shot in Single Action mode much longer than for subsequent shots. The Anti-Stress feature is activated each time the pistol is reloaded. Another safety feature is a striker cocking indicator, made in the form of a small pin, which protrudes from the back of the slide when the striker is cocked. First generation pistols had a slide release only at the left side of the frame, second generation guns may have optional ambidextrous slide stop release levers which, combined with ambidextrous magazine release levers built into the base of the trigger-guard, make these pistols truly left-hand friendly. All variations of the P99 use adjustable rear sights with white inserts. Magazines are of double-stack design.

How to field-strip (disassemble) Walther P99: 1) remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release button; 2) check that the chamber is empty; 3) on P99, P99AS and P99QA, press the decocking button; 4) press down and hold the disassembly sliders, located at either side of the frame, above the trigger; 5) push the slide forward and out of the frame; 6) remove the return spring assembly from below the barrel; 7) remove the barrel from the slide.
Reassemble in reverse order.

Walther P38, P1 and P4 pistol (Germany)

2008-02-04T15:27:00.000-02:00

Walther "Armee pistole" or AP in short, a direct predecessor to the P38. Note that it has concealed hammer

Walther "Heeres Pistole" or HP in short, an early commercial version, produced before its official adoption as P38

Walther P38, produced in 1944 for Hitler's army

Walther P1, a post-war military version of P38 with aluminum frame

Walther P4, a post-war police version of P38 with aluminum frame, shortened barrel and modified safety system

Walther P38K, a short-barreled version of P4 produced for KSK during early 1980s

Walther P38 partially disassembled

	Walther P38, P1	Walther P4
Type	Double action semiautomatic
Caliber	9x19 Luger / Parabellum
Weight empty	840 g (steel frame) 770 g (aluminum frame)	740 g
Length	216 mm	197 mm
Barrel length	125 mm	104 mm
Magazine capacity	8 rounds

The Walther P38 pistol was developed as a military pistol for the German army (Wehrmacht) during the late 1930s. It first appeared in 1938, and small numbers of the original HP (Heeres Pistole – army pistol) were bought by Sweden before the Wehrmacht adopted it as the Pistole 38 and took over all production guns. During the war, P38 pistols were made by a number of factories, including the Walther itself. After the war, most of the ex-Walther machinery ended up in France as war reparations, and many of the post-war P38 pistols were actually built in France, by the Manurhin factory.
In 1957 the newly formed Bundeswehr adopted a slightly modified P38 pistol with a lighter aluminum frame as the Pistole 1, or P1 in short. Commercial pistols were still manufactured under the original P38 designation. Most of the post-war P38 pistols were made with aluminum frames, only handful of commercial pistols were made with steel frames. There were a couple of modifications of the P38, intended for police use, which appeared during the 1970s. The first was the P4, the first pistol to conform to new German requirements for police sidearms. Actually, the P4 was the P38 (or P1) with barrel cut back by 25mm (1 inch), fitted with an automated firing pin safety and decock-only lever. Early P4 pistols were actually made using P38 components, including slides, and thus were marked “P38 IV” instead of more common “P4”.
Another, less well-known variation was the P38K (Kurz, for Short in German), made for some special users such as the KSK – an elite counter-terror unit. This was a P4 (rather than original P38) with the barrel cut down at the front of the slide, and it was intended for concealed carry. The front sight was mounted on the slide, unlike the full-size model. It must be noted that a similar model was produced in small numbers during WW2 for the Gestapo and other such organizations. Wartime Kurz P38’s differed from post-war version by having a slightly longer barrel with the front sight mounted on the barrel. However, the service life of police derivatives of the P38 was much shorter than of the military P1 – most P4 pistols were declared obsolete and sold as surplus during the 1980s, while the P1 served until 1995. The last commercial P38 pistol was manufactured in 2000.
While P38 pistols were in some aspects revolutionary in design and concept, their post-war P1 versions were less than popular in the Bundeswehr, deserving the unofficial description of “eight warning shots plus one aimed throw”. Also, these pistols showed a typical German obsession for unnecessary over-complication of design – for example, the P38 pistol had eleven springs (mostly of very small size) – about twice that of the older P08 Luger pistol it replaced in service. It also had plenty of small parts and pins that were easy to lose during full disassembly, and a firing pin of intricate shape that easily broke.

The Walther P38 is short-recoil operated, locked-breech pistol. The barrel is locked to the slide using a wedge-shaped locking piece, which can tilt up and down below the barrel, while following the inclined surfaces on the frame. When the barrel and slide are in battery, the locking piece is in its upper position, and its lugs securely lock the slide to the barrel. Upon recoil, the locking piece drops down and out of the engagement with the slide, unlocking it and allowing it to recoil and complete the reloading cycle. Because of the short slide, the P38 has two captive return springs, located on either side of the frame and inside the slide. With time it was found that the aluminum frame developed cracks in the most highly stressed area, where the locking piece and barrel were slamming against it on recoil, so the frames of late production pistols were reinforced with the addition of a hexagonal cross-pin, made from steel. The trigger is double-action, with an exposed hammer and trigger bar (the link between the trigger and sear) unusually located outside of the frame at the right side. The standard safety also acted as a decocker, and was located at the left side of the slide. On the P4 pistol, the slide lever retained only the decock function and, once pressed and released, automatically returned to the fire position. P4 pistols were also fitted with a firing pin block safety. Magazines were single-stack, with the magazine release located at the heel of the grip. The sights were fixed. P38 pistols were also fitted with a loaded chamber indicator in the form of a small pin that projected from the rear of the slide, above the hammer, when a cartridge was loaded in the chamber.

How to field-strip (disassemble) Walther P38: 1) remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release button; 2) check that the chamber is empty; 3) pull the slide all the way back and lock it there with slide stop lever; 4) turn the disassembly lever down and forwards (located at the front of the frame, on left side); 5) while holding the slide, release the slide stop lever and carefully ease the slide into battery, then push it forward and out of the frame; 6) turn the slide upside down, and push forward the small pin at the base of the barrel, this will unlock the barrel from the slide; 7) pull the barrel out of the slide.
Reassemble in reverse order.

Walther PP, PPK and PPK/S pistol (Germany)

2008-02-04T14:37:00.000-02:00

Experimental Walther "Police model" pistol which served as a prototype for PP; note that it has longer grip for 10-round magazine, and frame-mounted manual safety

Early production Walther PP pistol with so-called 90-degree safety

Rare pre-WW2 variation of Walther PP with bottom-mounted magazine release

A typical prewar Walther PP pistol

Post-war Walther PP pistol in .22LR

post-war Walther PP pistol made under license in France by Manurhin

Post-war Walther PP pistol made in East Germany

Pre-war Walther PPK pistol in presentation gold finish with engraving, issued by RZM

Post-war Walther PPK pistol

Walther PPK pistol fitted with silencer - a setup, closely associated with James Bond, agent 007

Walther PPK pistol, partially disassembled

Walther PPK/S

Type: Double Action
Caliber: .22LR or 6.35mm auto (.25 ACP) or 7.65x17mm Auto or 9x17mm (.380 ACP)
Length overall 173mm PP, 154 mm PPK
Weight: 682g PP, 568g PPK
Barrel length: 99mm PP, 84mm PPK
Capacity: 8 (PP), 7 (PPK) rounds

Walther PP pistols were among the most important developments of the inter-war period. Produced between 1929 and 1945 in significant numbers, these pistols, among with the basically similar but smaller PPK, were widely used as police and military guns in Hitler’s Germany. After the war, production of the PP and PPK pistols was resumed in France by Manurhin under German licence. Later on, production was returned to the re-established Walther factory in the city of Ulm ab Donau (pre-war Walther factory was located in the city of Zella-Mehlis), and these pistols have seen widespread use by civilians and police, as well as for personal defense by many non-infantry officers in several European armies. Very close copies of the Walther PP were manufactured after the war by East Germany, Hungary, Romania, Turkey and USA. At the present time, Walther PP, PPK/S and PPK pistols are manufactured in the USA by the Smith & Wesson Company under licence from Walther.
Walther PPK pistols are essentially similar to the larger PP pistols, except for the different design of the grip frame – while on PP pistols the grip backstrap is integral to the frame and grip panels are two separate items (left and right), on PPK pistols grip frame has a rectangular shape of a magazine channel and the backstrap is formed by the single-piece U-shaped grip unit, also usually made of plastic. While most PPK pistols were made with steel frames, in the post-war period Walther also produced some aluminum-framed PPK/L (Lightweight) pistols.
Also, there are Walther PPK/S pistols, which are a cross-breed between PP and PPK, combining the PP frame with shorter PPK-style barrel and slide. These pistols were designed to avoid limitations imposed by the American Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1968. This act, in particular, limited the minimum size of a “sporting purpose” pistols that are allowed to be imported in USA, and use of the larger grip frame allowed importing these pistols instead of smaller PPK pistols, banned from importation under this law.

The Walther PP is blowback-operated pistol with a fixed barrel, usually of all-steel construction. A few aluminum-framed PP pistols were built in Germany before the war, and stainless steel versions are manufactured in the USA under Walther’s licence since the mid-1980s. The trigger is double-action, with an exposed hammer and a frame-mounted manual safety/decocker; the lockwork is somewhat complicated in a typical German manner and has many small parts and pins. Sights are fixed, with the rear sight blade dovetailed into the slide. Magazines are single-stack; the magazine release button is usually located at the left side of the frame, just below the slide and in front of the grip panel. However, at least some PP pistols were made both before and after the war with so called “European-style” magazine release, located at the heel of the grip. Walther PP and PPK pistols are fitted with a loaded chamber indicator, made in the form of a small pin that protrudes from the rear of the slide (above the hammer) when a cartridge is in the chamber. This indicator is not present on .22LR models.
It must be noted that most of PP and PPK pistols were made in 7,65mm (.32ACP) caliber, with 9mm Kurz (9x17, .380ACP) running distant second. The .22LR version was made in some numbers, and so far most rare is the 6,35mm / .25ACP version, with very few guns made early in production history of both pistols.

How to field-strip (disassemble) Walther PP or PPK: 1) remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release button; 2) check that the chamber is empty; 3) pull the trigger-guard downwards, then swing it to one side to lock in the open position; 4) pull the slide all the way back, then raise the rear of the slide to the top, and off the frame rails; 5) carefully ease the slide forward and off the barrel; 6) remove the return spring from the barrel.
Reassemble in reverse order.

MGV-176 submachine gun (Yugoslavia)

2008-02-04T14:15:00.000-02:00

MGV-176 submachine gun, butt folded

MGV-176 submachine gun, butt opened

MGV-176 submachine gun, with installed silencer

Caliber	.22 LR (5,6mm rimfire)
Weight	1,81 kg less magazine, 3,4 kg with loaded magazine
Length (stock closed/open)	480 / 795 mm
Barrel length	260 mm
Rate of fire	1200 - 1600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	161 rounds
Effective range	50-70 meters

MGV-176 submachine gun appears to be a clone of an American-180 submachine gun, but adapted to more modern materials and less expensive production techniques. MGV-176 appeared during 1980s, and was offered for export. After the dissolution of Yugoslavia MGV-176 was manufactured in Slovenia by Orbis, and apparently is used by Slovenian police. A semi-automatic version was made and encountered during the war in Bosnia.
It is a specialist weapon, which can be used at relatively short ranges, because of weak ammunition. However, when fired in full automatic mode, the very high rate of fire combined with low recoil will result in a significant lethality through multiple hits to target.

MGV-176 submachine gun is blowback operated, selective-fired weapon which fires from open bolt. The receiver and pistol grip are made from polymer. Fire mode (single shots / full automatic) is controlled by the trigger pressure - short pull on the trigger produces single shots, and long pull produces full automatic fire with rather high cyclic rate. MGV-176 is fitted with manual safety on the left side of the grip, plus an automatic grip safety is located at the rear of the pistol grip. Gun is fitted with underfolding shoulder stock made from steel wire. MGV-176 can be fitted with quick-detachable sound moderator (silencer) which weights about 200 gram and reduces firing signature by about 20 dB. The feed system employs flat pan magazines, which hold 161 rounds of ammunition in three layers, with bullets pointing to the center of the pan. Magazine covers are made from semi-translucent plastic. Spent cases are ejected downwards through aperture in receiver just in front of the trigger guard, so care should be taken to not cover ejection port by supporting hand.

M56 submachine gun (Yugoslavia)

2008-02-04T14:05:00.000-02:00

M56 submachine gun, butt opened

M56 submachine gun, butt folded

Caliber	9x19mm Luger / Parabellum
Weight	3,0 kg
Length (stock closed/open)	591 / 870 mm
Barrel length	250 mm
Rate of fire	600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	32 rounds
Effective range	200 meters

The M56 submachine gun appears to be a simplified clone of German MP40 submachine gun, adapted for 7,62x25mm pistol ammunition, which, compared to 9x19mm ammunition of MP40 provided longer effective range and better penetration, but slightly less stopping power. The M56 submachine gun had a relatively long service life.

M56 submachine gun is blowback operated, full automatic only weapon that fires from open bolt. The bolt system is of simple design, with exposed, large diameter return spring. The cocking handle is located at the right side of the bolt and doubles as a manual safety - pushing it inwards locks the bolt in open or closed position. The stock is copied from MP40 and folds down and forward to save the length. Sights are of open type, with flip-up rear, marked for 100 and 200 meters range. One unusual feature of M56 is that it has a bayonet lug on the barrel and thus can accept a knife-bayonet.

M49 submachine gun (Yugoslavia)

2008-02-04T14:01:00.000-02:00

Caliber	7,62x25 mm
Weight	3,8 kg empty
Length	847 mm
Barrel length	267 mm
Rate of fire	750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	35 rounds
Effective range	200-250 meters

The Yugoslavian M49 (Model 1949) submachine gun at first glance appears to be a clone of Soviet PPSh-41 submachine gun. On close examination. however, there are more than a few differences between those two guns, with some features (most notably the bolt group and safety) being taken from Italian Beretta M38A submachine gun. It must be noted that M49 had apparently a relatively short service life, being replaced by the latter M56 submachine gun, which was more compact and of slightly more modern design.

M49 submachine gun is blowback operated, selective-fire weapon which fires from open bolt. The trigger unit with fire selector lever, located inside trigger guard, is copied from Soviet PPSh-41. The bolt group, with return spring enclosed in tubular guide, is a derivative of Beretta M38A, and the cross-bolt safety, located in front of trigger guard, is copied from Beretta M38/49, although the location of button is slightly different. The basic layout with wooden stock and shrouded barrel is also similar to PPSh-41, although the barrel shroud and receiver are made from steel tubing rather than stampings. The disassembly procedure is different, as M49 is disassembled by screwing off the rear cap of receiver and then pulling the bolt group out of the receiver. The bolt system incorporates a separate spring buffer, and because of it, and slightly longer receiver, rate of fire for M49 is somewhat less than of PPSh-41. The feed system, along with folding magazine release lever, is similar to Soviet prototype, but M49 were issued only with 35-round curved box magazines and no drums.

Vigneron M2 submachine gun (Belgium)

2008-02-04T13:59:00.000-02:00

Vigneron M2 submachine gun, right side

Vigneron M2 submachine gun, left side

Caliber	9x19mm Luger / Parabellum
Weight	3,28 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open)	695 / 872 mm
Barrel length	300 mm
Rate of fire	620 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	32 rounds
Effective range	100 meters

The Vigneron submachine gun was developed during early fifties by the officer of the Belgian army and produced by Belgian company Precision Liegoise SA. It was adopted by Belgian army in 1953, and saw some combat in then-Belgian Congo. Vigneron submachine gun was quite conventional in design and appearance, and not much more can be told about this weapon.

Vigneron submachine gun is blowback operated, selective fired weapon which fires from open bolt. Fire mode selector / safety switch is located on the left side of the grip, just behind the trigger. It is interesting that in full automatic mode short pull on the trigger will still, produce single shots, and only a long pull will produce full automatic fire. Additional automated safety is built into the backstrap of the pistol grip. Cocking handle is located on the left side of the receiver, and is stationary when gun is fired. Ejection port has a spring-loaded dust cover. Barrel is relatively long and has two ports just behind the front sight base, which serve as a muzzle rise compensator. Sights are fixed, with rear aperture set for 50 meters range. Stock is made from steel wire and is retractable, with several positions so shooter can adjust it to his own preferences.

Reising M-50 and M-55 submachine gun (USA)

2008-02-04T13:40:00.000-02:00

early production Reising M50 submachine gun, so called "commercial" or "police" model, with 20-round magazine

late production Reising M50 submachine gun, "military" model

Reising M55 submachine gun, with shoulder stock folded

Reising M60 semiautomatic carbine

	Reising M50	Reising M55
Caliber	.45 ACP
Weight	3,06 kg empty	2,81 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open)	857 mm	556 / 781 mm
Barrel length	279 mm	263 mm
Rate of fire	550 rounds per minute	500 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	12 or 20 rounds	12 or 20 rounds
Effective range	100 meters	100 meters

The Reising submachine gun was designed by American Eugene Reising and patented in 1940. Production of the new submachine gun commenced in 1941 at Harrington & Richardson (H&R) arms factory. In 1942, US Marine Corps signed first contract for delivery of Reising M50 submachine guns, and several tents of thousands of Reising M50 SMG's were delivered to USMC during the war. It must be noted that USMC weapons were slightly different in appearance from original version, having different trigger guard, larger takedown screw head, and other minor changes. Similar weapons were sold to various US agencies to guard military facilities and other important locations in USA. For USMC paratroopers and tankers H&R produced a folding-stock version, known as Reising M55. H&R also produced a semi-automatic only version of the M50, known as M60, which was used for training and guard purposes. The least known version is the Reising M65, a training semi-automatic weapon chambered for .22LR ammunition. It must be noted that US Marines generally disliked the Reising gun for its poor reliability, especially when gun was fouled or dirty. However, it was quite accurate and sufficiently reliable in "urban" conditions, so many Reising submachine guns were used by various US Police departments through several post-war decades.

Reising M50 submachine gun is delayed blowback operated, selective fired weapon. It fired from closed bolt and has a separate striker (non-pivoting, sliding hammer) which hit the firing pin when gun was discharged. The delay for opening movement of the bolt was provided by displacing its rear upper edge from the recesses, made on the inside of the receiver. The fire mode selector was located at the right side of the receiver, in front of the rear sight. Charging handle was unusually located in the slot, formed on the underside of the stock, in front of the magazine. To cock the gun, shooter must insert his finger into the slot and pull the cocking handle back, and then release it. Feed was from box magazines; standard magazine capacity was 20 rounds, with cartridges held in double stack and with single position feed. For training purposes, H&R also produced 12-round single stack magazines. Currently, aftermarket 30-round magazines are available for all .45 caliber Reising weapons. Sights included front post and a diopter rear, adjustable from 50 to 300 yards range. Original M50 submachine guns featured an one-piece wooden stock and a muzzle flip compensator. "Paratrooper" Reising M55 guns had wooden stocks with pistol grip and side-folding stocks made from steel wire, and no muzzle compensators. Both types of submachine gun featured partially finned barrels. Semi-automatic only Resing M60 carbines featured longer barrels with no fins.

MGD / ERMA PM-9 submachine gun (France)

2008-01-31T00:54:00.000-02:00

7,65mm MGD submachine gun (possibly prototype) with fixed wooden stock

9mm MGD PM-9 submachine gun in ready position, right side

9mm MGD PM-9 submachine gun in ready position, left side

9mm MGD PM-9 submachine gun in folded position

Close-up view on receiver of MGD PM-9, with rotating charging handle and folding magazine housing

Author demonstrates the compact size of MGD PM-9 submachine gun in folded configuration

Drawing from original US patent, issued for design of the MGD submachine gun

Caliber 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum
Weight 2,53 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open) 359 / 659 mm
Barrel length 213 mm
Rate of fire 750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity 32 rounds
Effective range 100 meters

The MGD PM-9 submachine gun was developed during late 1940s and early 1950s by frenchman Louis Debuit, who at the time worked for French company Etablissements Merlin & Gerin in Grenoble. The idea behind this unusual and little-known weapon was to provide a compact and easily concealable weapon with low felt recoil. Apparently, the MGD name comes from names of the company (Merlin & Gerin) and name of designer (Debuit). Early prototypes were made in French 7,62x20 Long caliber, but later development switched to 9x19mm caliber weapons. M & G built undisclosed numbers (probably several thousands) of MGD PM-9 submachine guns in several modifications, including versions with fixed or folding stocks, and with standard (short) or quite long (rifle) barrels, all between 1954 and 1955. In about 1956, German arms company Erma Werke tried to produce 9mm MGD PM-9 submachine gun under license from Merlin & Gerin. According to available sources, Erma produced about 10 prototypes of MGD, and then switched to other designs, which were less complicated to make and thus less expensive. Actually, what killed this interesting weapon was it expensive construction, which required a lot of milling and other labor-extensive metal processing. It is not known if these weapons were ever issued to any military or police service, or participated in any military conflicts.
Author was able to examine one of MGD PM-9 submachine guns, and it was surprisingly devoid of any markings, and its history was unknown.

MGD PM-9 submachine gun is deleayed blowback operated weapon which fired selectively in single shots or full automatic mode, from open bolt. The most unusual design solution was very light and compact bolt (breechblock), with additional mass provided by rotating flywheel located in the circular extension on the right side of the receiver. The flywheel was connected to the clockwork-type spring, and had a projection on one side, which entered the vertical cam track, cut in the rear extension of the bolt. To cock the gun, shooter has to rotate flywheel for about 180o counterclockwise (looking from right side of the gun) through the handle which is located on the right side of the gun. Once wlywheel is fully rotated back, it is locked there by the sear. This cocking movement also pulls the bolt back. Upon firing, the pull on the trigger releases the flywheel, and its spring rotates flywheel clockwise, thus pushing the bolt forward, to load the fresh cartridge from magazine and then fire it once the cartridge is fully seated in the chamber. Upon discharge, the rearward movement of the bolt is delayed by inertia of the flywheel, the force and the spring, combined with the leverage, provided by the position of the pin on the flywheel relative to the axis of the flywheel.
Other features of MGD included a folding magazine housing (which received widely available MP38 / MP40 magazines of German origin), and a side-folding stock, made from thick steel wire. The sights were of simple fixed variety, set for 100 meters range.

TDI Kriss Super V™ submachine gun (USA)

2008-01-08T20:29:00.000-02:00

TDI Kriss Super V™ submachine gun, prototype

TDI Kriss Super V™ submachine gun, prototype, disassembled into basic components

Prototype Kriss Super V™ submachine gun is being fired by Tom Maffin of TDI

Diagram from US patent application which depicts the basic Super V™ action of the Kriss submachine gun.

Caliber	.45 ACP
Weight, empty	2,18 kg prototype 1,8 - 2,0 kg target for production gun
Length (stock folded / opened)	406 / 635 mm
Barrel length	140 mm
Rate of fire	800 to 1100 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	13 rounds (28 round magazine is being developed)
Effective range	100 meters

Kriss Super V™ submachine gun is an interesting experimental weapon which is currently (spring 2007) under advanced stages of development. The name Kriss comes from Indonesian sword or large knife with flame-like blade. This weapon is intended to provide operators with improved control over accuracy and bullet dispersion, in both semi-automatic and full automatic modes, while firing hard-hitting .45 ACP ammunition. The overall design also permits the Kriss to be fired single-handedly when required by tactical situations and with adequate accuracy. To achieve those goals, Kriss Super V™ submachine gun employs three basic solutions. First is to place the axis of the recoil force in line with the firing hand, thus minimizing the muzzle climbing. Such system was previously employed in Olympic-class small-bore pistol developed in Russia and was subsequently banned from international ISU competitions because of extremely high accuracy, which made completion "unfair". The second solution is probably more novel, as it uses a laterally moving weight, attached to the breechblock (bolt), to divert recoil forces to the bottom direction. The third solution is actually a part of the second system, and it employs a variable-angle track in the weight (#510 on diagram above), which puts a breechblock at a mechanical disadvantage during earlier stages of recoil, thus slowing down the movement of the bolt while pressure in the barrel is still high. As a result of these measures, Kriss Super V™ submachine gun has significantly less muzzle climb when compared to most modern submachine guns. This results in better accuracy and better grouping of hits on target, providing operators with greater lethality during short-range and short-time encounters.

According to the manufacturer, the Transformational Defense Industries, Inc. (TDI), a wholly-owned US subsidiary of the Gamma Industries (Switzerland), the Super V™ system also can be used for submachine guns in other calibers (i.e. 9mm Luger and .40SW). TDI is also developing civilian-legal semiautomatic carbines with 16" (405 mm) barrels. To date (April 2007) TDI has manufactured four prototypes of the Kriss Super V™ submachine guns, which displayed very promising results during numerous live-fire tests. The development of selective-fired version of Kriss Super V™ weapon is conducted in cooperation with US Army ARDEC and several undisclosed industry partners.

Kriss Super V™ submachine gun is delayed blowback operated, selectively fired submachine gun. It fires from closed bolt for enhanced first-shot accuracy. Fire control group is situated above the barrel. Very light bolt is connected to the vertically sliding weight, which is located within a polymer housing in front of the pistol grip. In one of tested configurations additional Enidine hydraulic buffer assembly is employed to further decrease rate of fire by about 200 rpm and to lower weight of the moving parts. Folding cocking handle is located on the left side of the gun, and does not move when gun is fired. Firing controls include ambidextrous fire mode selector switch, located about the middle of the upper receiver / trigger mechanism housing, which provides full auto fire, 2-round bursts and semi-automatic fie, and a separate ambidextrous manual safety switch, which is conveniently located just above the pistol grip. Feed is from 13-round Glock Model 21 magazines, but a larger capacity, 28-round magazine is currently in development. Magazine is inserted into a housing, located in front of the pistol grip. Kriss Super V™ submachine gun is fitted with two Picatinny type rails, one above the receiver and another below the barrel, and two additional rails can be installed on either side of the lower receiver, providing ample mounting space for all necessary accessories, such as laser-aiming modules or tactical flashlights. The upper rail can accept a variety of sighting devices, such as open or red-dot sights; lower rail is usually fitted with vertical foregrip. On latest prototype, the front of the upper receiver / trigger housing above the barrel is hollow and shaped as to accept tactical flashlight. A side-folding polymer buttstock is provided for more accurate shooting.

Kel-tec RFB rifle (USA)

2008-01-08T20:26:00.001-02:00

Kel-tec 5,56mm SUB-16 prototype personal defense weapon of early 1990s, which served as a starting point for RFB

Kel-tec RFB 'Target' rifle with heavy-profile 32-inch barrel, telescope sight, folding bipod and 10-round magazine

Kel-tec RFB 'Carbine' with 18-inch barrel, 20-round magazine and red-dot sight, compared to FN FAL Para rifle.

Kel-tec RFB rifle partially disassembled

Diagram displaying forward ejection system of the Kel-tec RFB rifle

Bolt of the SRT-8 (Kel-tec RFB prototype) rifle, with cartridge held in upper (ejection) position by dual pivoting extractors / ejectors.

	RFB Carbine	RFB Sporter	RFB Target
Caliber:	7,62x51mm / .308 Winchester
Barrel length	457 mm / 18"	610 mm / 24"	813 mm / 32"
Overall length	661 mm / 26"	813 mm / 32"	1016 mm / 40"
Weight, unloaded	3,67 kg / 8,1 lbs	3,95 kg / 8,7 lbs	5,1 kg / 11,3 lbs
Magazine capacity	10 or 20 rounds

The RFB rifle is a very interesting development of the Kel-tec CNC Industries company, USA. First displayed during ShotShow 2007 expo, this weapon is now (spring 2007) in advanced development; mass production scheduled to early 2008. The RFB is an acronym which stands for Rifle, Forward ejection, Bullpup. It is a brainchild of the George Kellgren, the chief designer of the Kel-Tec. George Kellgren was long involved into development of advanced bullpup rifles, starting with unorthodox Interdynamics MKR rifle of late seventies. During following decades, Kellgren designed a number of bullpup weapons, featuring first bottom and then forward extraction. During early nineties Kellgren designed a compact bullpup 'personal defense' weapon, designated SUB-16. This was a gas-operated semi-automatic weapon, firing .223 Remington ammunition and featuring forward ejection, with dual tilting extractors / ejectors used to move fired cartridge up from the breech face and push it into ejection chute above the barrel. SUB-16 was a promising and really novel design but the infamous Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 effectively has killed it. Nevertheless, the forward ejection concept was not forgotten, and in around 2003 Kel-tec initiated development of an accurate, semi-automatic rifle with long barrel and compact bullpup layout. In 2005, Kel-tec team began development of the SRT-8, the 7,62x51 semi-automatic sniper rifle. After much experimentation Kel-tec team successfully solved most problems associated with forward ejection system, and in November 2006 the SRT-8 project has changed its name to RFB. Original model designations 'Sniper', 'Hunter' and 'Battle' were also changed to less menacing 'Target', 'Sporter' and 'Carbine' respectively. As of now (April 2007), Kel-tec is tooling up for first pre-production batch of RFB. At the same time, Kel-tec is investigating smaller- versions of the same design, adapted to 'intermediate' calibers such as 7,62x39, 5,56x45 / .223, 6,5 Grendel or 6,8x43 Rem SPC. This weapon will be significantly lighter and more compact, retaining same ambidexterity and high barrel length to overall length ratio of the RFB.
It must be noted that at the present time the only fully ambidextrous bullpup rifle with forward ejection is the Belgian FN F2000 assault rifle and its civilian derivative FS2000, both available only in 5,56mm / .223 caliber.
The key advantage of the RFB is that it provides a compact and fully ambidextrous package, combined with increased barrel length, thus allowing for increasing ballistic performance using same cartridge (as compared to rifles with traditional layout).

Kel-tec RFB rifle is gas-operated, using short-stroke gas piston located above the barrel. Gas system is fitted with manual gas regulator, located at the front of gas block. Bolt system is somewhat unusual, as the long bolt carrier has an inverted U-shaped cross-section, and runs above the barrel and ejection chute. The bolt is hinged to the rear of the carrier. Locking is achieved by tipping the rear of the bolt down, to engage locking recesses in barrel extension. Forward ejection system includes dual extractors / ejectors, pivotally attached at either side of the bolt. Upon final stage of the bolt opening movement, those extractors are cammed up, to bring the fired cartridge above the barrel and in line with ejection chute above it. Upon closing movement of the bolt, it strips the fresh cartridge from magazine and feeds it into the chamber, simultaneously pushing the fired case forward and into ejection chute. Upon final closing movement of the bolt ejectors are cammed down to release fired case and to grip on the base of the fresh cartridge in the chamber. Fired cases then remain in the ejection chute until manually shaken out of it or pushed out by subsequent cases. Special provisions are made to avoid empty cases bounced back from chute and into receiver. Bolt system features dual return spring installed on captive spring guides. Upon disassembly, bolt group along with recoil springs is removed from the gun as one unit. Charging handle is reciprocating and can be installed on either side of the gun.
The rest of the gun is mounted on the barrel, which forms the backbone of the weapon, using four captive cross-pins. Forend, pistol grip / trigger pack / magazine housing and receiver cover / buttstock are made from impact-resistant polymer. Basic disassembly of the RFB requires no special tools other than a cartridge or other pointed object, which is used to push out connecting pins.
Firing unit is hammer-fired, and features an interesting system which provides consistent and crisp trigger pull. In essence, this system keeps the sear next to the trigger, and the necessary long linkage is located between sear and hammer, not impairing the trigger pull. The trigger is fully adjustable. Manual safety levers are located above pistol grip at either side of the gun. Feed is using "metric" FN FAL magazines, which are readily available on the market. There are no open / iron sights as standard on RFB rifles; instead, a Picatinny-type rail is rigidly attached to the barrel. This rail will accept any sighting equipment with appropriate mounting interface.

Walther PPS pistol (Germany)

2007-12-06T23:48:00.000-03:00

Walther PPS pistol in 9x19 caliber, with 6-round magazine

Walther PPS pistol, limited production "First edition" in 9x19 caliber, with 7-round magazine

Type	pre-cocked Double Action Only, semiautomatic
Caliber(s)	9x19 Luger / Parabellum, .40SW proposed
Weight unloaded	549 g less magazine
Length	160 mm
Barrel length	81 mm
Magazine capacity	6, 7 or 8 rounds

Walther PPS (PolizeiPistole Schmal - Police Pistole Slim) is a most recent offering from the famous German gunmaking company Carl Walther GmbH. It was first shown publicly during IWA 2007 exhibition in Germany, and it is proposed as a more powerful replacement for a venerable Walther PPK pistol, which was designed more than 75 years ago. PPS pistol is based on the proven Walther P99 design, specially adapted for concealed carry. Thanks to its single-stack magazines, PPS is only 23mm (~0,9 inch) wide.

Walther PPS is short recoil operated, locked breech pistol that uses modified Browning-type locking with tilting barrel. Frame of the gun is made from impact-resistant polymer. Trigger is of Double Action Only type, striker-fired, with pre-cocked striker system, similar to QA system used in Walther P99 pistols. This system requires a manual re-cocking (by partial slide retraction) in the case of misfire. Gun is fitted with automated trigger safety and firing pin block; additional "storage-type" safety is provided by removable backstrap of the grip; once backstrap is removed, the firing pin is automatically decocked and gun is blocked until the backstrap is reinstalled. This patented system is called QuickSafe by Walther. Magazines for PPS pistol are single-stack, and will be available in three sizes - 6-round (flush-fit), 7-round and 8-round (extended). Sights are low-profile, with rear sight adjustable for windage.

AMSD OM 50 Nemesis sniper rifle (Switzerland)

2007-12-06T23:46:00.000-03:00

OM 50 Nemesis rifle, prototype

OM 50 Nemesis Mk III rifle (production version) with replacement barrels and silencer (shown next to the rifle)

	OM 50 Nemesis Mk I	OM 50 Nemesis Mk II	OM 50 Nemesis Mk III
Caliber	.50 BMG (12,7x99)
Operation:	bolt action, single shot	bolt action, magazine-fed repeater
Overall length	from 1029 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1562 mm (with 838mm barrel)	buttstock fully extended: from 1029 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1562 mm (with 838mm barrel) buttstock folded: from 774 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1232 mm (with 838mm barrel)
Barrel length	381 to 838 mm (15" to 33"), changeable
Weight, empty	10 to 15 kg, depending on installed barrel
Feed system	single shot	5-round detachable box magazine

The concept, for what later became the "Nemesis" large caliber sniper rifle, was devised in 2001 by two former military, the retired US Marine Corps officer, James Owens and the Swiss Chris Movigliatti. First prototype was tested only 3 months after the design inception. In 2003, first production batch of rifles was made by AMSD, a Swiss company, highly specialized in the design of precision military light armament. The new weapon was officially christened as the OM 50 Nemesis (OM standing for names of the designers, 50 for caliber and Nemesis for the ancient Greek goddess of justice and vengeance).
The prime niche for this new weapon is precision anti-material shooting for military and police applications. The weapon can be configured as well for urban warfare as for long range target operations. A civilian version exists also for long range precision shooting. For this reason, the OM 50 Nemesis rifle features a fully modular design with three basic versions, known as Mk I, MK II and Mk III respectively. Each of these versions can be fitted with a variety of quick-change barrels, of different profiles and lengths, as well as with different add-ons (high efficiency muzzle brakes or detachable silencers / sound moderators). Barrel lengths vary from 381 mm / 15 inches for short range (urban) shooting against hardened targets and up to 838 mm / 33 inches for accurate long-range shooting. Barrel change can be accomplished in the field in less than 2 minutes, using a DIN screwdriver.

All OM 50 Nemesis rifles are built around the same aviation grade aluminum-alloy receiver and (steel) bolt group with a manually operated, rotary bolt. Bolt heads lock directly into the barrel extension with three radial lugs, relieving receiver from most of the stress and providing constant headspace, needing no adjustment. Barrels are free-floated, and are held in the receiver by a set of cross-screws. Trigger is of two-stage type, fully adjustable. The forend is attached to the receiver. Top of receiver is provided with one or more Picatinny type rails which can accept a variety of telescope and other accessories (laser; Night Sight; light). The top rail can be delivered with a 20 MOA to 40 MOA angle.
The OM 50 Nemesis Mk I has a manual feeding block, and features an adjustable fixed buttstock. It can be upgraded to the OM 50 Mk II configuration by taking out the manual feeding block and replacing/adding (1) the 5-round detachable box magazine, (2) the side-folding adjustable buttstock, (3) the folding bipod (attached to forend) and (4) the rear folding monopod (attached to the buttstock). Further upgrade, which includes extended forend with additional Picatinny rails, constitutes the OM 50 Mk III configuration. Depending on the mission, a particular version of the OM 50 Nemesis can be easily converted by the operator to another (up and down), with installation or deinstallation of necessary parts and modules.

Accuracy of the OM 50 rifles in field (real-life) conditions is described as 0,5 MOA at 300 meters and sub 1 MOA at 1000 meters; in testing, while fired by an experienced USMC sniper, OM 50 rifle shot 6x5 cm (about 2 1/2 inch) groups at 1000 yards (911 meters), which accounts for sub 0,25 MOA accuracy. The gun has already been commissioned with various police and military special operation forces.

Rasheed / Rashid rifle (Egypt)

2007-12-06T23:44:00.001-03:00

Rasheed rifle, right side, bayonet folded

Rasheed rifle, left side

Caliber: 7,62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting bolt
Overall length: 1035 mm / 40,7"
Barrel length: 520 mm / 20,5"
Weight: 4,2 kg / 9,25 lbs
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds

Rasheed rifle (or, more properly, a carbine; also sometimes spelled as Rashid) is a further development of Egyptian Hakim rifle, scaled down to accept significantly less powerful 7,62x39 Soviet ammunition, and slightly modified with introduction of the separate cocking handle and integral folding bayonet. Only about 8 000 of Rasheed carbines were apparently produced in Egypt during sixties. It seems that most of these guns were later sold for export as surplus.

Rasheed carbine is gas operated, semi-automatic only, magazine fed rifle. It uses direct-impingement gas system developed in Sweden by Erik Eklund. Locking is achieved by tipping the rear of the bolt down and into the recess in receiver. Cocking of the bolt is provided by separate bolt handle which is installed on the right side of receiver and does not move when gun is fired. Manual safety is located at the rear of receiver, above the stock. Feed is from detachable box magazine that holds 10 rounds, although the rifle is fitted with bolt hold-open device and can be reloaded using stripper clips with magazine in place. Sights are of open type, with range-adjustable u-notch rear (optimistically marked up to 1000 meters) and protected front. A non-detachable, folding-down bayonet is patterned after Soviet SKS carbine.

Hakim rifle (Egypt)

2007-12-06T23:41:00.000-03:00

Hakim rifle, right side

Close-up view on receiver area of Hakim rifle, showing cocking serrations and brass deflector on sliding top cover, as well as detachable magazine

Caliber: 7,92x57 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting bolt
Overall length: 1216 mm / 47,9"
Barrel length: 638 mm / 25,1"
Weight: 4,4 kg / 9,7 lbs
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds

Hakim rifle was adopted by Egyptian army during early fifties, after initial purchase of some Swedish-made Ljungman AG-42 rifles chambered for 7,92mm Mauser ammunition. Hakim rifle, in fact, was a minor alteration ow the Swedish design, with most visible change being addition of the prominent muzzle brake, necessary because of use of more powerful 7,92mm ammunition (as opposed to original 6,5mm Swedish ammunition, which has relatively smooth recoil). There also were minor changes in external appearance, but basic design remained the same. Production of Hakim rifles continued through 1950s and 1960s on machinery purchased from Sweden, with some 70 thousands rifles being made. Later on, Egyptians developed a scaled-down version of the Hakim rifle, designated Rasheed, and produced it in minor numbers.

Hakim rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic only, magazine fed rifle. It uses direct-impingement gas system developed in Sweden by Erik Eklund, with added manual gas valve that permitted adjustments for various types of ammunition. Locking is achieved by tipping the rear of the bolt down and into the recess in receiver. Cocking of the bolt is provided by sliding top cover which has gripping serrations on either side. To cock the action, one must push the sliding cover all the way forward, then pull it back. Manual safety is located at the rear of receiver, above the stock. Feed is from detachable box magazine that holds 10 rounds, although the rifle is fitted with bolt hold-open device and can be reloaded using stripper clips with magazine in place. Sights are of open type, with range-adjustable u-notch rear and protected front. Hakim rifle can be fitted with carrying sling and a detachable knife-type bayonet.

KS-23 riot shotgun / carbine (Russia)

2007-12-06T23:38:00.000-03:00

KS-23 riot shotgun / carbine, left side, with 'less-lethal' rubber slug ammunition

KS-23 weapon, right side close up with bolt partially retracted to show its rotary locking head

KS-23M weapon with removed steel butt

KS-23 rifled bore of 23mm caliber

Type: pump-action
Gauge: 4 / 23 mm (rifled barrel)
Length: 904 mm / 35,6"
Barrel length: n/a
Weight: 3,8 kg / 8,4 lbs
Capacity: 3 rounds in underbarrel tube magazine

The story of this unusual weapon began in 1970s, when Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs began the search for an effective anti-riot weapon, to be used during disturbances in prisons. After much research, it was decided to use shotgun-type ammunition of about 4th gauge caliber, which will launch tear-gas grenades to ranges of up to 100-150 meters with significant accuracy. To achieve desired accuracy, it was further decided to use weapon with rifled barrel, and the solution was eventually found in using rejected 23mm aircraft cannon barrels, turned down to slimmer profile to save weight. Basic weapon was designed by TSNII TochMash (central Scientific Research Institute for Precision Machine Machine building, a key Soviet / Russian developer of special-purpose small arms) and produced in small batches at Tula Arms factory. It was adopted by Soviet Militia (Police) and other MVD troops by mid-1980s, along with a wide range of specialized ammunition. At the present time KS-23 is used by Russian law enforcement forces as anti-riot weapon. It also saw some use in certain ex-Soviet republics which are now independent states.

During 1990s attempts were made to produce more compact and maneuverable weapon in the same caliber, for operations in cramped areas (inside buildings). Of two prototypes, KS-23M (with detachable buttstock) and KS-23K (with bullpup layout and box magazine) only the former saw some use.

It is interesting to note that all KS-23 ammunition is of "shotgun" type, with paper shells with brass bases, although, because of rifled barrel, it is type-classified as a "carbine" in Russia. KS-23 stands for "Karabin Spetsialnyj, 23mm - Special Carbine). Later on, to achieve bigger effect with tear-gas grenades, designers produced two types of add-on muzzle mortars of 36mm and 28mm caliber, called "Nasadka-6" and "Nasadka-12" respectively. These mortars are loaded from muzzle with single tear-gas grenade which is launched using special blank cartridge.

The standard range of ammunition for KS-23 includes following rounds:

23mm blank "grenade launching" cartridge
23mm "Barrikada" (Barricade) car-stopping cartridge with solid steel projectile which can easily destroy engine block at ranges of up to 100 meters
23mm "Volna-R" (Wave-R) less-lethal cartridge with rubber ball bullet. Minimum "safe" range is ~40 meters (at closer ranges it can cause serious body damage and death), maximum effective range is about 70 meters
23mm "Cheremukha-7M" (Bird cherry) tear-gas grenade loaded with CN agent. Maximum effective range is about 100-150 meters, tear gas cloud volume is about 50 cubic meters
23mm "Siren-7" (Lilac) tear-gas grenade loaded with CS agent. Maximum effective range is about 100-150 meters, tear gas cloud volume is about 50 cubic meters
23mm "Zvezda" (Star) flash-bang grenade round
"Shrapnel-10" and "Shrapnel-25" "lethal" buckshot rounds (max. effective range 10 and 25 meters respectively)
36mm "Cheremukha-6" tear-gas grenade loaded with CN agent; launched using 36mm muzzle mortar and blank cartridge. Grenade weight is ~70g, maximum effective range is 200 meters, tear gas cloud volume is about 60 cubic meters
82mm "Cheremukha-12" "high efficiency" tear-gas grenade loaded with CN agent, for using on open areas; launched using 82mm muzzle mortar and blank cartridge. Maximum effective range is 120 meters

KS-23 is manually operated weapon with rifled barrel and underbarrel tubular magazine. Barrel is locked using rotary bolt with four locking lugs. Bolt carrier is operated by sliding handguard, made of polymer. Trigger is of single action type; manual safety is cross-bolt button located at the front of the trigger guard. Sights are of rifle type, with fixed V-notch rear and drift-adjustable front. Buttstock on KS-23 carbine is made from wood, with rubber buttplate; on KS-23M carbine, there is a separate polymer pistol grip and a detachable metallic butt. Standard accessories include carrying sling and cleaning kit. Optional accessories include removable muzzle-loading mortars of 36mm and 82mm caliber.

QLB-06 / QLZ-87B semi-automatic grenade launcher (PR China)

2007-12-06T23:35:00.000-03:00

QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher, left side

QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher, right side

Caliber: 35x32mm SR
Type: gas operated, magazine fed semi-automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: 1046 mm
Weight: 9,1 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 600 m (point targets), 1000 m (area targets)
Feed and capacity: drum magazine, 4 or 6 rounds

The QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher is a further evolution of Chinese QLZ-87 automatic grenade launcher. It was first unveiled to general public in 2006. The double designation (QLB-06 or QLZ-87B) stems from the fact that internal Chinese sources (press) call this weapon as QLB-06, while Poly Technologies Inc, an export corporation of PLA, calls it QLZ-87B in its advertising literature. Either way, this weapon is a further step in direction of a lightweight, one-man portable infantry support weapon which can be used on squad or platoon level. Because this weapon is even lighter than its predecessor, the QLZ-87, an automatic fire mode was abandoned, and the design was changed to better suit "rifle-type" shooting positions using integral bipod. Magazine capacity also was decreased. Nevertheless, it appears that basic action of the gun remained more or less the same. It is yet to be seen if this weapon will prove itself any good, but on paper it seems as a formidable squad- or platoon-support weapon against both enemy personnel or light armor.

The QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher is gas operated weapon that uses direct gas impingement system. Barrel is locking by rotary bolt. Unlike its precursor, QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher uses separate cocking handle on the right side of a newly designed aluminum alloy receiver. Cocking handle is of folding type. Barrel is fitted with prominent muzzle brake, and action employs an additional recoil buffer for moving parts in attempt to decrease the felt recoil. Gun is fitted with standard pistol grip with trigger and manual safety. Folding bipod is attached to the barrel. Adjustable open sights are installed on the top of the integral carrying handle, and a Picatinny rail is provided on the left side of receiver for installation of the telescope or night sight. 3X fixed magnification telescope sight appears to be a standard issue accessory for this weapon.

Ammunition range (DF 35mm) includes HE, HE-DP, HE-I and practice (marking) rounds, with maximum range of about 1750 meters. Muzzle velocity is about 190 m/s, complete round weights about 250 gram. For HE ammunition, lethal radius of fragments against infantry is listed as 10-11 meters. For HE-DP ammunition, armor penetration is listed as 80mm RHA (probably at 90^o).

Bul Cherokee pistol (Israel)

2007-12-06T23:27:00.000-03:00

Bul "Impact" pistol, which was a predecessor to Bul "Cherokee"

Bul Cherokee full-size pistol, pre-2005 production

Bul Cherokee full-size pistol, current production

Bul G. Cherokee "Tactical" full-size pistol, with optional shoulder stock and fore-grip

Bul G. Cherokee "Spec-Ops" full-size pistol, with optional shoulder stock, silencer, red-dot sight and tactical light

Bul Cherokee Compact pistol

	Bul Cherokee	Bul Cherokee Compact
Type	Double Action semiautomatic
Caliber(s)	9x19 Luger / Parabellum
Weight unloaded	705 g	705 g
Length	205 mm (215 mm G. Cherokee)	190 mm (205 mm G. Cherokee)
Barrel length	108 mm	93 mm
Magazine capacity	17 rounds

In around 1999 private Israeli company Bul Ltd developed a new polymer-framed pistol, intended for security, civilian self-defense and sport markets. Designated as Bul Impact, this pistol was based on Italian Tanfoglio line of pistols, itself being a modification over popular Cz-75 pistols. During early 2000s Bul replaced the Impact pistol with more modern Cherokee pistol, which retains same basic Cz-75 type action but has a polymer frame of improved shape, and is also available in several modifications, and in 2005 Bul company further improved Cherokee line with introduction of the new frame design. These pistols are widely used by Israeli security agencies, as well as by several foreign police and military special operation services.

Bul Cherokee pistols are short-recoil operated, locked breech pistols that use modified Browning-type locking. Barrel is cammed in and out its locking recesses in slide by a cam track, cut in the barrel extension located below the breech. Frame is made from polymer, with slide rails being on inner side of the frame / outer side of the slide. Recent production Cherokee pistols have two types of frames - standard and G. type, the latter having wider grip, which better suites shooters with large hands. Additional benefit of G. Cherokee pistols is that these can accept optional detachable shoulder stocks which are installed using a hollow cavity in the bottom back of the (wider) grip. Frames of all current production Cherokee pistols are provided with integral Picatinny type rail. Triggers are of double action type, with exposed hammers and frame-mounted safeties. Safety mechanism permits for "cocked and locked" carry. Magazines are of double stack design.

Bul Cherokee pistols produced in two sizes - standard (full-size) and compact, which feature same frame but shorter barrels and slides and thus are better suited for concealed carry.

Bul M5 pistol (Israel)

2007-12-06T23:22:00.000-03:00

Bul M5 "Government" model pistol

Bul M5 "Commander" model pistol, with optional "V-jet" ported barrel

Bul M5 "Ultra-X" model pistol

Bul M5 "Ultimate Racer" model pistol for sport shooting

	M5 Government	M5 Commander	M5 Carry / Ultra-X
Type	Single Action semi-automatic
Caliber(s)	9x19mm Para, 9x21mm IMI, .38Super, .40SW, .45ACP
Weight unloaded	864 g	858 g	730 g
Length	220 mm	200 mm	175 mm
Barrel length	128 mm	107 mm	80 mm
Magazine capacity	18 (9mm/.38), 17 (.40) or 13 (.45) rounds		12 (9mm/.38) or 10 (.45) rounds

The M5 pistol was developed in 1991-92 timeframe by a private Israeli company called Bul Ltd. Manufacturing of this gun commenced in 1994 and ever since it became quite popular as sporting (IPSC and IDPA), self-defense and service weapon, used by numerous police and special military forces around the world, to include Latin America, Asia and Europe. Produced in a wide spectrum of modifications, Bul M5 pistols combine time-proven design and ergonomics of legendary US M1911A1 pistol with most modern materials and production techniques.

Bul M5 is short recoil operated, locked breech pistol that uses Browning-type tilting barrel locking with single swinging link that connects breech of the barrel with the frame. Wide-body frame is produced from impact-resistant polymer and can accommodate any caliber available in M5 product line without any changes (obviously, caliber change requires swapping barrels, magazines, springs and possibly slides). The single-action trigger system is same as in M1911A1 pistol, providing high accuracy potential and efficient safety measures, combining manual frame-mounted safety and automated grip safety. Pistols utilize double-stack high capacity magazines. Bul M5 pistols are produced with two frame sizes - standard and carry / Ultra-X. Additional configurations are permitted by installation of either a standard lenght (5" / 128mm) barrel or "Commander"-style shorter barrel (4,25" / 107mm) on standard frame; Ultra-X frame is fitted only with short (3,25"/80mm) barrel. Ultra-X frames also use shorter magazines, but also can use longer magazines from full-size models.
For sport purposes Bul manufactures a wide spectrum of specially tuned pistols which may or may not have various additions such as magazine wells, compensated barrels, red-dot sight mounts etc.
These include the Ultimate-Racer, the Modified and the IPSC models. The Ultimate Racer usually comes in 0.38 Super Cal, while the Modified and IPSC in 0.40 S&W

M99B / M06 anti-materiel / sniper rifle (PR China)

2007-12-06T23:20:00.001-03:00

M99B anti-materiel / sniper rifle with daylight telescope sight

M06 anti-materiel / sniper rifle with electronic night sight

Caliber(s): 12,7x108 (M99B-I and M06) or 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99B-II)
Operation: gas operated semi-automatic
Barrel: mm
Weight: ~12 kg (unloaded, less telescope sight)
Length: 1250 mm (M99B) or 1360 mm (M06)
Feed Mechanism: 5-round detachable drum magazine

This rifle first appeared in Chinese press as 12,7mm M99B, but it also was recently publicized as M06. It must be noted, however, that in official advertising literature, distributed by Poly Technologies Ltd, an export sales organization of the PLA, this rifle is designated as M99B. It appears that M06 rifle, which is slightly longer than M99B and is listed only with one caliber (12,7x108) is a "domestic use" version for PLA or PAP, while shorter and bi-caliber M99B is an export proposition.

This rifle is offered as anti-materiel / anti-sniper weapon, and is available for export in two calibers - 12,7x108 (M99B-I) and 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99B-II). No firm facts are available on accuracy of this weapon, but it is believed that it shoots about 2 MOA with Chinese standard issue ammunition (available information suggests R₅₀accuracy as less than 200mm at 600m). This is way below Western "sniping" standards but more or less enough for anti-materiel work or short-range enemy snipers suppression.

The basic design of this rifle appears to be a bull-pup variation of the M99 rifle. Not much information is available on internals of this rifle, although it is believed that it uses gas operated action with tipping bolt locking. Feed is from detachable drum magazines (which is rather unusual for this class of weapons), holding five rounds of ammunition. Ejection is to the right side. Rifle is fitted with adjustable bipod, adjustable rear monopod, and buffered buttstock. Left side of receiver is fitted with Picatinny style rail which will accept a variety of sighting equipment on appropriate mounts. Typical sighting set-up includes 10X fixed power telescope or 4X electronic night sights.

M99 anti-materiel / sniper rifle (PR China)

2007-12-06T23:18:00.000-03:00

M99 anti-materiel / sniper rifle

Caliber(s): 12,7x108 (M99-I) or 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99-II)
Operation: gas operated semi-automatic
Barrel: mm
Weight: ~12 kg (unloaded, less telescope sight)
Length: 1500 mm
Feed Mechanism: 5-round detachable box magazine

The M99 rifle is offered as anti-materiel / anti-sniper weapon, and is available in two calibers - 12,7x108 (M99-I) and 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99-II). No firm facts are available on accuracy of this weapon, but it is believed that it shoots about 2 MOA with Chinese standard issue ammunition. This is way below Western "sniping" standards but more or less enough for anti-materiel work or short-range enemy snipers suppression.

Not much information is available on internals of this rifle, although it is believed that it uses gas operated action with tipping bolt locking. Feed is from detachable box magazines holding five rounds of ammunition. Rifle is fitted with adjustable bipod, adjustable rear monopod, and buffered buttstock. Top of receiver is fitted with Picatinny style rail which will accept a variety of sighting equipment on appropriate mounts. Typical sighting set-up includes either a 10X fixed power telescope or 4-12X or 7-22X variable power telescope sights.

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun (Russia)

2007-12-02T23:12:00.000-03:00

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun, right side, with butt opened

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun, left side, with butt opened

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun, left side, with butt folded

Vepr 12 mod.01 (modification 01) with longer barrel and optional removable forward grip

	Vepr 12	Vepr 12 mod.01	Vepr 12 mod.02
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	12 Ga, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1057 / 725 mm	1147 / 815 mm	1307 / 975 mm
Barrel length	430 mm	520 mm	680 mm
Weight	3,9 kg	4,0 kg	4,2 kg
Magazine capacity	8 rounds

The Vepr 12 shotgun has been developed as a direct competitor to "tactical" versions of the Saiga 12 shotgun. The key niches for Vepr 12 are sport shooting under IPSC rules, as well as use for civilian home defense and for security purposes. Vepr 12 is produced by "Molot" factory, which also makes RPK-74 machine guns and Vepr brand semi-automatic hunting rifles. All "Vepr" brand rifles and shotguns are broadly based on the RPK-74 light machine gun designs, adapted for civilian purpose and appropriate ammunition.

The Vepr 12 shotgun is gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun which uses long-stroke gas piston located above the barrel, and a rotary locking bolt. Gas system is self-regulating and does not need manual adjustments. Gun is fitted with modified AK-style safety that has additional lever that permits faster "safety on" operation (mostly useful for IPSC shooters). Safety lever is also duplicated on the left side of the receiver. Other useful addition that is not found in AK or Saiga 12 is bolt hold-open device which holds the bolt open when magazine is exhausted. Magazine housing is provided with extended magazine tunnel, which permits for faster magazine insertion (without typical AK-style rocking movement, necessary to lock the standard AK-type magazine). Furniture includes a detachable or fixed flash hider on the barrel, a side-folding skeletonized butt with polymer coating, and plastic pistol grip and forend. Bottom handguard and bottom of gas block are fitted with Picatinny-type accessory rails, additional rail is provided on the receiver top cover, which is hinged to the receiver at the front. Standard sights are of AK pattern as well, with front sight installed on the gas block and adjustable rear sight on the receiver. It is worth to note that Vepr 12 shotguns can use both proprietary 8-round magazines and Saiga 12 magazines, but Vepr magazines will not work in Saiga 12.
Vepr shotguns are produced in three basic versions, standard (with 430 mm / 16,9" barrel with removable flash hider), Vepr 12 mod.01 (with 520 mm / 20,5" barrel with fixed flash hider) and Vepr 12 mod.02 (with 680 mm / 26,8" barrel with interchangeable chokes)

Saiga .410 shogun (Russia)

2007-12-02T23:05:00.000-03:00

Saiga 410S shotgun with folding butt

Saiga 410K shotgun with folding butt and short barrel

Saiga 410K-01 shotgun with 10-round magazine, AK-74M-styled furniture and side-folding polymer butt

Saiga 410K-02 shotgun with 10-round magazine, AKS-74-styled furniture and side-folding metallic butt

Saiga 410K-04 shotgun with 10-round magazine, AKS-74-styled furniture, short barrel and side-folding metallic butt

	Saiga .410	Saiga .410S	Saiga .410K
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	.410, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1170 mm	1080 / 840 mm	840 / 595 mm
Barrel length	570 mm	570 mm	330 mm
Weight:	3,4 kg	3,4 kg	3,2 kg
Magazine capacity	2, 4 or 10

Saiga 410 shotguns are developed along with similar 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns, all based on the time-proven Kalashnikov AK assault rifle design. These shotguns are manufactured in several configurations, oiptimized either for hunting or for home defence and security use. Hunting versions feature long barrels with optional interchangeable chokes and fixed stock with semi-pistol grip (stock can be made either from wood or polymer). Defensive / Tactical versions are produced with AK-74M style pistol grips and side-folding polymer buttstocks. There are several versions of the Saiga 410K, designated by additional digital suffix, i.e. Saiga 410K-01 etc. Those shotguns were initially known as "Cossak" models, that is, intended for defensive use by Cossacs in southern / Caucasian parts of the Russia. Those shotguns were re-designed to mimic genuine Kalashnikov AK-74 assault rifle. Today, several "K" versions are manufactured with polymer or wooden furniture, polymer or metallic side-folding butt, and 330 mm or 403 mm barrels. Those models also are fitted with AK-type sights, with adjustable rear sight having 2 settings marked for 25 and 50 meters.

Saiga 410 shotguns are gas-operated, semi-automatic weapons that use long-stroke gas piston located above the barrel. Gas system is fitted with two-position manual gas regulator, to provide reliable functioning with standard (70mm) or magnum (76mm) ammunition. Barrel is locked by rotary bolt. Barrel bore and action are chromed to provide better corrosion resistance. Barrels can be fitted with optional interchangeable chokes. Feed is from detachable box magazines, holding 2, 5 or 8 rounds. Standard furniture includes a long forend and either a butt with integral semi-pistol grip or separate pistol grip and side-folding polymer butt. Standard sighting equipment includes a rifle-type rear sight at the front of receiver and a front sight above the gas block. Some version can be fitted with side rail on receiver which can accept mounts for red-dot or other sights.

Saiga 20 shotgun (Russia)

2007-12-02T23:02:00.000-03:00

Saiga 20 shotgun in hunting configuration

Saiga 20S shotgun with folding butt and long barrel

Saiga 20K shotgun with 8-round magazine

	Saiga 20	Saiga 20S	Saiga 20K
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	20 Ga, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1135 mm	1050 / 720 mm	910 / 670 mm
Barrel length	570 mm	570 mm	430 mm
Weight:	3,5 kg	3,5 kg	3,2 kg
Magazine capacity	2, 5 or 8

Saiga 20 shotguns are developed along with similar 12 gauge and 410 gauge shotguns, all based on the time-proven Kalashnikov AK assault rifle design. These shotguns are manufactured in several configurations, oiptimized either for hunting or for home defence and security use. Hunting versions feature long barrels with optional interchangeable chokes and fixed stock with semi-pistol grip (stock can be made either from wood or polymer). Defensive / Tactical versions are produced with AK-74M style pistol grips and side-folding polymer buttstocks.

Saiga 20 shotguns are gas-operated, semi-automatic weapons that use long-stroke gas piston located above the barrel. Gas system is fitted with two-position manual gas regulator, to provide reliable functioning with standard (70mm) or magnum (76mm) ammunition. Barrel is locked by rotary bolt. Barrel bore and action are chromed to provide better corrosion resistance. Barrels can be fitted with optional interchangeable chokes. Feed is from detachable box magazines, holding 2, 5 or 8 rounds. Standard furniture includes a long forent and either a butt with integral semi-pistol grip or separate pistol grip and side-folding polymer butt. Standard sighting equipment includes a rifle-type rear sight at the front of receiver and a front sight above the gas block. Some version can be fitted with side rail on receiver which can accept mounts for red-dot or other sights.

Saiga 12 shotgun (Russia)

2007-12-02T22:50:00.000-03:00

Saiga 12 shotgun in hunting configuration

Saiga 12S shotgun with long barrel and side-folding butt

Saiga 12K shotgun with short barrel and side-folding butt

Saiga 12K disassembled

Saiga 12 shotgun heavily modified by Tromix in USA to their 8" Swat configuration, with aftermarket US-made 10-round magazine

	Saiga 12	Saiga 12S	Saiga 12K
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	12 Ga, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1145 mm	1060 / 820 mm	910 / 670 mm
Barrel length	580 mm	580 mm	430 mm
Weight:	3,6 kg	3,6 kg	3,5 kg
Magazine capacity	2, 5 or 8

This shotgun had been developed by the IZHMASH Russian State Arms company in the early 1990s as a member of the whole family of semi-automatic shotguns and rifles, based on the famous and time-proven Kalashnikov AK assault rifle design. All weapons in the Saiga family inherited the basic design of the AK, with long piston stroke gas system, rotating bolt with two massive lugs, and box magazine feeding. The shotgun part of this large family includes guns chambered for .410, 20 and 12 gauge magnum ammunition. In each chambering, there's at least three versions, with long barrel and fixed stock, long barrel and side-folding AK-74M type polymer stock and with same folding stock and shorter barrel. The latter versions intended as a security, police and self-defense weapons, and are widely used by numerous Russian law enforcement and private security services. .

As said above, the Saiga 12 is basically similar to the AK assault rifle, but with obvious exceptions. First, it is restricted to the semi-automatic fire only. Second, the receiver and the bolt group were redesigned to accommodate large, rimmed shotshells. Third, magazine capacity was limited to 5 or 8 rounds in the single stack plastic box magazines. Gas system is fitted with gas regulator with "standard" and "magnum" settings, and this shotgun can fire either 3 inch magnum or 2 3/4 inch standard loads interchangeably. Standard open sights were replaced by the short shotgun rib on the top of the gas tube. Optional side mounts for red dot sights are available. Barrel is equipped with screw-on choke system. The black plastic furniture features a long forearm and ether a fixed butt with semi-pistol grip or an AK-74M-type side-folding solid polymer buttstock combined with pistol grip. Saiga 12K shotguns, made for domestic market, featured a special safety block that locks the trigger when butt is closed, so the gun is compliant to the local gun laws, which prohibit the firearms with barrels shorter than 500 mm (20 ") and with overall length less than 800 mm. As you can see from the specifications above, with the open stock the Saiga 12K is legal in Russia, and with folded stock it is illegal, so the block makes this gun totally legal on the domestic market. It is offered for export, but with such a short barrel it is illegal in many states. The longer barreled version, Saiga 12S, is similar to 12K in every respect except that it has a barrel 520 mm long (20 2/5"), so it has no block and can be fired with butt folded.

In general, Saiga 12 shotguns are reliable and effective close hunting or close combat weapon, being much cheaper than its famous western counterparts from Beretta, Franchi and other brands.

Dragunov SVDK sniper rifle (Russia)

2007-12-02T22:47:00.000-03:00

SVDK rifle with night sight

Caliber(s): 9,3x64
Operation: gas operated, semi-automatic
Length: 1250 mm
Barrel: 620 mm
Weight: 6,5 kg less telescope sight
Feed Mechanism: 10 rounds detachable box magazine

The Dragunov SVDK large caliber sniper rifle (any rifle in caliber above 9mm is considered a "large caliber" in Russia) is a somewhat controversial weapon, recently adopted by Russian army. It was developed through "Vzlomshik" (Breaker) research and development program, along with 7,62mm SV-98 sniper and 12,7mm ASVK anti-materiel rifles. The purpose of SVDK is to deal with targets which are too "hard" for standard 7,62x54R sniper rifles like SV-98 or SVD, such as assault troops in heavy body armor or enemy snipers behind covers. There also were rumors that SVDK will serve as a long-range anti-personnel weapon, but the real-life long range ballistics of 9,3x64 7N33 ammunition is well behind the world's famous .338 Lapua Magnum, usually used for such applications. The effective range of SVDK is cited as "about 600 meters"; the 16,5-gram bullet has a hardened steel core and is launched at about 770 m/s, generating about 4900 Joules of muzzle energy. At 200 meters the 7N33 bullet has 80% chances to penetrate 10 mm (0,4") armor plate. It is interesting to note that 9,3x64 7N33 sniping cartridge is actually based on 9,3x64 Brenneke hunting round, designed in early 20th century for large game hunting, and the SVDK started its life as a 9,3x64 "Tigr-9" hunting rifle, based on SVD design.

Basic mechanisms of SVDK are similar to that of Dragunov SVD rifle, although receiver and other working parts were redesigned to accept larger and more powerful cartridge. It has same short-stroke gas piston action with 2-position gas regulator and a rotary bolt with three radial lugs. Receiver is also a machined part. The rear part of the barrel is enclosed into tubular steel jacket, which in turn is concealed within polymer handguards. This relieves the barrel from the stress, imposed by handguards and bipod, making it "almost free-floating". The trigger and safety are similar to that of SVD, and pistol grip and folding butt are copies of SVDS parts, although SVDK has a larger rubber buttplate to provide better dissipation of recoil forces. Unlike original SVD, the SVDK rifle has no provisions for a bayonet mounting. Like SVD, SVDK is fitted with afjustable open sights; telescope or night sights are installed using SVD_style side rail on the left side of receiver, using quick-detachable mounts. Standard optical sight is 3-10X variable power 1P70 "Giperion" telescope.

Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle (USSR/Russia)

2007-12-02T22:41:00.000-03:00

Original SVD rifle with wooden furniture, right side

Original SVD rifle with wooden furniture, left side

SVD rifle, major parts and assemblies

SVD-S rifle with folding butt and polymer furniture

Russian-made hunting version of the SVD, the 7,62x54R Tigr (Tiger) rifle with new-style plastic SVD furniture. Note that there's no bayonet lug on the barrel

Foreign SVD clones and look-alikes: top to bottom Al Kadesih rifle (Iraq), Type 85 rifle (China) and FPK rifle (Romania). Note that only two former rifles are true clones of SVD; the latter one, FPK in fact is a modified Kalashnikov AK rifle restyled to look like SVD and chambered for 7,62x54R.

Caliber: 7.62x54R
Operation: gas operated, short stroke, rotating bolt; semi-automatic
Weight: 4.31kg empty with telescope
Length: 1225 mm
Barrel Length: 620 mm
Capacity: 10 round detachable box magazine

Dragunov SVD was designed not as a "standard" sniper rifle in its Western meaning of the term. In fact, main role of the SVD in Soviet / Russian Army is to extend effective range of fire of every infantry squad up to about 600 meters and to provide special fire support. SVD is a lightweight and quite accurate (for it's class) rifle, cabable of semi-auto fire. First request for new sniper rifle was issued in 1958. In 1963 SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, or Dragunov Sniper Rifle) was accepted by Soviet Military. SVD can use any kind of standard 7.62x54R ammo, but primary round is specially developed for SVD sniper-grade cartridge with steel-core bullet. Every infantry squad in the Russian (Soviet) army had one man with SVD.
SVD rifle is extremely reliable in all conditions, and designed for heavy use. It has backup adjustable iron sights as a standard option, as well as a bayonet mount (standard AK-47 bayonet type).
Latest modernization incorporate rugged polymer stock. Also, for mounted and airborne troops a special variant was developed with folding buttsock and shortened barrel (590 mm). New flash hider/muzzle brake also installed.

It must be noted that several countries produced SVD copies or look-alikes. Of those, the "true" clones (rifles that have similar internal design) are Iraqui Al Kadesih rifle and Chinese Type 85 (in 7,62x54R) and NDM-86 (in 7,62x51 NATO). Others, such as Romanian Romak FPK or Yugoslavian Zastava M76, are only look-alikes as their internal design is different and usually based on Kalsshnikov AK assault rifle. Russia also produces a civilan version of the SVD, known as "Tigr" (Tiger), in 7,62x54R and 7,62x51 (.308 Win). This usually has shorter barrel, although it is available in several different versions. Older hunting version of the SVD, the "Medved" (Bear) is no longer produced and is quite scarce.

Dragunov SVD is gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle. It uses short-stroke gas piston, and gas chamber has a two-position manual gas regulator. Barrel is locked by rotating bolt with three lugs. Receiver is machined from steel block. The safety is somewhat reminiscent in its appearance to that of Kalashnikov AK assault rifle, although internal design of the trigger unit is different, and there's no provisions for full automatic fire. Trigger unit is assembled on a separate removable base that also incorporates a trigger guard. The second, smaller lever, located on the right side of receiver behind the safety, is a receiver cover catch, and is sued to disassemble the gun. Standard furniture includes a skeletonized wooden butt and a removable wooden handguard. Late production models may feature polymer handguards and, sometimes, polymer skeletonized butt. The short SVD-S rifle is fitted with separate pistol grip, made of plastic, and a side-folding metallic butt. All SVD rifles are fitted with adjustable open sights, as well as proprietary side rail mount, which will accept telescopic or IR sights on quick-detachable mounts. Standard telescope sight is the 4X fixed magnification PSO-1 with range-finding reticle. SVD rifles also are issued with carrying sling, cleaning kit and other accessories. A standard AK-type bayonet can be installed on the barrel.

PP-19-01 "Vityaz" submachine gun (Russia)

2007-12-02T22:38:00.000-03:00

PP-19-01 "Vityaz" submachine gun, right side

PP-19-01 "Vityaz" submachine gun, left side

two magazines for PP-19 "Vityaz" submachine gun, clipped together using special clip

Caliber	9x19mm Luger / Parabellum (9x19 7N21)
Weight	~3 kg (empty)
Length (stock closed/open)	460 / 698 mm
Barrel length	230 mm
Rate of fire	750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	30 rounds
Effective range	100-200 meters

The PP-19-01 "Vityaz" is a recent development of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (IZHMASH); this weapon evolved from relatively unsuccessful PP-19 "Bizon" submachine gun on request from elite Russian law enforcement team "Vytyaz" (SWAT-type formation). Like its predecessor, PP-19-01 is based on the AKS-74U compact assault rifle, with simple blowback action, although "Vityaz" (Knight in Russian) uses more conventional box magazines and fires more powerful 9x19 ammunition which is now standard in Russia. As of mid-2007, PP-19-01 is in limited production in Izhevsk and is already in use by some specialized SWAT-type OMON teams of Russian police and other law enforcement agencies. The PP-19-01 "Vityaz" can fire most commercially-available 9x19 Luger/Parabellum or 9mm NATO ammunition, as well as Russian issue 7N21 armor piercing ammunition.

The PP-19-01 "Vityaz" is based on AKS-74U compact assault rifle and shares about 70% of parts with the parten weapon. The bolt system is of simple blowback type, and gun is fired from closed bolt, ultilising standard AK-type trigger and safety / fire selector subsytems. A special magazine housing is attached below the receiver, which accepts proprietary double-stack magazines, made from polymer. Two magazines can be clipped together using special steel clip for faster reloading. PP-19-01 utilises AKS-74U-style side-folding skeletonized butt and tangent-type adjustable rear sight. Left side of receiver is fitted with Russian-standard side rail that will accept quick-detachable scope mounts with various sighting equipment. A modifiied version of PP-19-01 (Vityaz-SN) is available with additional Picatinny style acessory rails, left-side charging handle and additional safety lever on the left side of receiver.

PP-2000 submachine gun (Russia)

2007-12-02T22:35:00.001-03:00

PP-2000 as displayed at Interpolytech-2004 exhibition in Moscow; note spare magazine inserted at the rear of the gun to serve as a shoulder support.

PP2000, current production version with detachable folding butt, left side

PP2000, current production version with detachable folding butt, right side

PP2000, current production version with detachable folding butt, left side, butt unfolded

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: ~ 1.4 kg
Length (stock closed/open): 582 / 340 mm
Barrel length: no data
Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds
Effective range: 50-100 meters

The PP-2000 is the latest development of the famous Instrument Design Bureau (KBP) from Tula, Russia. It has been first displayed on public in 2004, although the patent for its layout has been filed in 2001 and issued in 2003. Today (mid-2007) it is already in use with some Law Enforcement (police and state security) units of Russian Federation.
The main "niche" for PP-2000 is a personal defense weapon for non-infantry military personnel, as well as close combat weapon for special forces and special law enforcement teams. As such, it is a compact weapon with as few parts as possible for enhanced reliability, simplified maintenance and low cost. Also, it is designed to fire any standard 9x19mm "ball" (FMJ) ammunition, as well as +P+ class 7N31 armor piercing ammunition of Russian origin. When loaded with 7N31 ammo, PP-2000 offers enhanced penetration against body armor, while maintaining stopping power against "soft targets", which is believed to be superior to foreign small-caliber rivals, like 5.7mm FN P90 or 4.6mm H&K MP-7.

The PP-2000 is a conventional blowback operated submachine gun, and it is fired from closed bolt for enhanced accuracy. The bolt is telescoped around the rear part of the barrel; front part of the bolt is exposed above the barrel and is fitted with side-folding charging handle. The receiver / housing is made from polymer as a single unit with pistol grip and trigger guard. Trigger guard is enlarged and its front part is shaped to provide front hand grip. The magazine housing is located inside the pistol grip; Housing for spare magazine is located at the rear end of the receiver, and, when inserted, spare magazine is used as a crude shoulder support (buttstock), although and optional removable side-folding butt is currently offered with the gun. Safety / fire mode selector is conveniently located at the left side of the receiver, above the pistol grip. PP2000 is fitted with fixed open sights, and a Picatinny-type acessory rail is provided on the top of the receiver cover. This weapon is most often encountered with various types of red-dot sights, best suitable for close combat. Special mount permits intallation of the tactical light or laser aiming module below the front part of the enlarged trigger guard.

Kedr PP-91 / Klin PP-9 submachine gun (Russia)

2007-12-02T22:32:00.000-03:00

Kedr submachine gun, right side, with 20-round magazine and butt folded

Klin submachine gun, with butt opened

Klin submachine gun, partially disassembled

Caliber: 9x18mm Makarov (9x18mm PMM - Makarov Modernized for Klin)
Weight: 1.55 kg empty
Length: 539 / 305 mm (butt open / folded)
Barrel length: 120 mm
Rate of fire: 800 rounds per minute (1050-1200 rounds per minute for Klin with PMM ammo)
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds box
Effective range: about 50-100 meters for Kedr; up to 150 meters for Klin with PMM ammo

The Kedr submachine gun had been originally designed by the Evgenij Dragunov (the designer of famous SVD sniper rifle) in the early 1970s as the PP-71, on request from Soviet Army. But then project was shelved and revived only in early 1990s, when Russian police felt the need for increased short-range firepower. PP-71 was slightly modified and then manufactured in limited numbers and issued to various law enforcement forces across the Russia. It was soon discovered that the original 9x18mm Makarov ammunition was not powerful enough, so new type of ammunition had been developed. This new cartridge, 9x18mm PMM, while retaining same dimensions, had slightly lighter bullet and heavier powder charge, which increased its performance. Basic Kedr design was slightly strengthened by 1994 for this new ammunition, and appeared as the Klin submachine gun. Both Kedr and Klin are used in limited numbers by various Russian police and security forces. It must be noted that for safety reasons use of PMM ammunition has almost ceased in Russian law enforcement, and most units are issued standard 9x18 PM ammunition. Therefore, only Kedr version is currently manufactured for police use.

Kedr PP-91 submachine gun is blowback operated, selective-fired weapon. It fires from closed bolt for enchanced accuracy, and features traditional hammer unit. Safety / fire mode selector lever is located on the right side of the stamped-steel receiver and permits for single shots and full automatic fire. The only difference between Klin and Kedr is that Klin is slightly strenghtened and has radial grooves in the chamber, to slow down wxtraction of the more powerful 9x18 PMM ammo. Kedr PP-91 submachine gun is fitted with top-folding steel butt, and can be equipped with detachable silencer. Standard sights are of open type, with L-shaped rear blade that automaticaly flips over to "short range" setting when butt is closed and to "long range" setting when butt is opened. Feed is from detachable box magazines holding 20 or 30 rounds.

OTs-02 Kiparis submachine gun (Russia)

2007-12-02T22:28:00.000-03:00

OTs-02 Kiparis submachine gun, fitted with optional silencer and laser aiming module

OTs-02 Kiparis submachine gun with butt folded; note different color of the plastic grip (early production model)

OTs-02 Kiparis submachine gun partially disassembled

Caliber: 9x18mm Makarov
Weight: 1.57 kg empty
Length: 590 / 317 mm (butt open / folded)
Barrel length: 156 mm
Rate of fire: 600 - 900 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds box
Effective range: 100 meters

The OTs-02 Kiparis (Cypress) submachine gun had been developed by designer Afanasiev during the 1970s on request from Soviet army at the Tula Central Sporting and Hunting Arms Design Bureau (TSKIB SOO). However, at the time the gun was not adopted, and design laid idle until early 1990s, when it was resurrected on request of the Russian Internal Affairs Ministry, as a possible special purpose police weapon. It is adopted in 1995 by MVD and Russian police and issued to various special troops, including OMON and SOBR groups.

The OTs-02 is a blowback operated weapon of conventional design. It fires from closed bolt for enhanced accuracy, and thus has a conventional hammer unit. Safety / fire mode selector is located on the left side of the gun and permits for single shots and full automatic fire. Receiver is made from stamped steel, magazines are inserted at the front of the triggerguard. OTs-02 is fed using straight box magazines of 20 or 30 rounds capacity, steel butt folds up at to the front when not in use. OTs-02 can be fitted with detachable silencer and laser pointer. Despite the relatively high rate of fire, OTs-2 is claimed to be rather accurate in full automatic fire, and even more so in semi-automatic mode.

Negev machine gun (Israel)

2007-11-29T23:05:00.000-03:00

Negev machine gun, in standard configuration and with 200-round belt container clipped to the magazine housing

Negev machine gun, with short "Commando" barrel, forward assault grip, red-dot sight and 150-round ammunition container

Negev machine gun, with short "Commando" barrel, forward assault grip, laser aiming module and 150-round ammunition container

Negev machine gun with Commando barrel, removed bipod and folded butt; note that rear sight is replaced by Picatinny rail

Negev machine gun with Commando barrel and Galil-type box magazine

	Negev Standard	Negev Commando
Caliber	5,56x45 NATO
Weight	7,4 kg	7,0 kg
Overall length	1020 / 780 mm	890 / 680 mm
Barrel length	460 mm	330 mm
Rate of fire	850 - 1150 rounds per minute
Feed system	Belt or box magazine, 30 or 35 rounds

During late eighties IDF requested a development of the 5,56mm light machine gun which could complement reliable, but overly heavy 7,62mm FN MAG machine guns for foot soldiers. The goal was to design a tactical equivalent of the FN Minimi light machine gun, which was tested by IDF but for some reasons was not adopted. First prototypes of the new LMG, developed by Israeli Military Industries Company (now a privately-owned Israeli Weapons Inc) were issued to elite IDF Givati brigade in limited numbers for field testing in 1993. Those early weapons developed a lot of problems with feed reliability and high sensitivity to sand and dust, and further development took about three more years. Starting circa 1996 IMI began to deliver Negev machine guns in limited numbers, and by about 2002 it became more or less a standard issue LMG across the IDF. Negev is favored by Israeli soldiers because it is much lighter and maneuverable than venerable FN MAG, and can be easily manned by single soldier. On the other hand, it is more sensitive to sand and dust that the MAG, and requires more care and cleaning; it also lacks the range and punch of the true GPMG, therefore both 7,62mm MAG and 5,56mm Negev continue to serve in IDF side to side, which obviously is most logical solution.

Negev is a gas-operated, air-cooled light machine gun. It features quick-detachable barrels, with two barrel sizes available – Standard (long) and Commando (short).
Negev machine gun utilizes long-stroke gas piston system located below the barrel. Gas system is fitted with three-position gas regulator, with first (minimum) position used to fire when fed from magazines, second when firing from belts in normal conditions and third – when firing belts under adverse conditions. The gas regulator setting also affects the cyclic rate of fire (position #1 – lowest rate, #3 – highest). The gas piston is attached to the bolt group by dual operating rods, running at either side of receiver, to provide necessary clearance for centrally mounted magazine housing. Barrel locking is achieved by rotating the bolt with four massive radial lugs which engages the cuts in the breech of the barrel.
Firing is from open bolt, and gun provides selective fire capability through three-position manual safety-fire selector, located on the left side of the pistol grip.
Negev machine gun features dual feed system, so it can alternatively use standard disintegrating belts or detachable box magazines. Belt feed unit is installed on the top of receiver, with belt feeding direction from left to right. Belt feed is operated by the side-mounted swinging lever, which is operated by cam track cut in the side of the bolt carrier (system somewhat similar to that used in post-WW2 Czechoslovak machine guns). Magazine housing is located below the receiver, with magazine being inserted vertically up. Ejection window for empty cases is at the right side of receiver, just below the empty link ejection window. By default, magazine housing will accept proprietary box magazines originally designed for 5,56mm Galil assault rifle, with 35-round capacity. An adapter can be installed in magazine housing to use STANAG-compatible (M16-type) 30-round magazines. Belts are usually fed from semi-rigid “assault pouches” with 150- or 200-round capacity. These pouches are clipped to machine gun below the receiver, using special projection at the top which is inserted into magazine housing and locked there using magazine catch. Early pouches were of circular (drum) shape, but later these were replaced with more rigid and reliable pouches of semi-circular shape. When not in use, magazine housing is protected by spring-loaded dust-covers.
Standard furniture includes polymer pistol grip, polymer handguard, and a side-folding Galil-type skeletonized buttstock. A lightweight detachable folding bipod is attached to the gas tube. It is interesting to note that when fitted with short (Commando) barrel and box magazine, and with bipod removed, Negev represents a formidable assault rifle, although it is somewhat heavy by rifle standards. It can be used as an effective CQB weapon, providing high maneuverability in confined spaces, with added benefit of serious firepower, thanks to its relatively heavy and quick-changeable barrel.

Type 64 assault rifle (Japan)

2007-11-29T23:04:00.001-03:00

Type 64 assault rifle

Caliber: 7,62x51 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting bolt
Overall length: 990 mm
Barrel length: 450 mm
Weight: 4,3 kg less magazine
Rate of fire: 450-500 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 rounds

In 1957 the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) began the search for a new automatic infantry rifle. Being heavily biased to the US in its military trends, Japan probably had no option in ammunition other than the newest US creation, the 7.62x51 NATO cartridge. However, the JSDF felt that it was too powerful, especially for the smaller and lighter Japanese soldiers. Japanese experts accordingly developed a reduced loading, similar in all dimensions to the standard 7.62 mm NATO but with a lighter bullet and a smaller powder charge that generated muzzle velocities of about 715 meters per second instead of the 'NATO original' 810 meters per second. The Howa Machinery Co developed the rifle for new cartridge, working closely with the JSDF. In 1964, the 7.62 mm prototype rifle R6E was adopted for JSDF service as the Type 64 rifle. Howa produced it exclusively for the JSDF until about 1988. Since 1990 the Type 64 rifle has been gradually phased out of service in favor of the 5.56 mm Type 89 rifles. Type 64 rifle was never exported from Japan.

The Type 64 rifle is a gas operated, selective fired weapon. The gas and bolt system were most probably inspired either by the Belgian FN FAL or by Soviet Tokarev SVT-40 rifles. The Type 64 has a short-stroke gas piston located above the barrel and fitted with manual gas regulator. The barrel is fitted with a massive muzzle brake. The bolt is locked by tipping its rear end down into recess in the receiver floor. The charging handle is located above the bolt carrier and is readily accessible by either hand. The safety switch / fire mode selector is located on the right side of the receiver, above the trigger guard.
The striker-fired trigger unit is of original design and features a patented fire-rate reducer, which produces a controllable rate of fire of about 450 – 500 shots per minute. Type 64 rifles are fitted with solid wooden buttstocks and hinged steel buttplates, lightweight folding bipods, and muzzle brakes which also serve as rifle grenade launchers. The open sights are mounted on folding posts, and the rear sight has two range settings, for 200 and 400 meters.
The reduced load cartridges and reduced rate of fire arguably make these and the original Spanish CETME guns the only true assault rifles in 7.62x51 caliber, as they are the only ones, which stand any chance of being controllable in fully-automatic fire.

Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle (Israel)

2007-11-29T22:55:00.000-03:00

Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle (standard version)

Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle (standard version), fitted with 40mm M203 grenade launcher and grenade launching sight

Tavor CTAR 21 assault rifle (compact version)

Tavor MTAR 21 assault rifle (micro version)

Tavor STAR 21 (designated marksman) rifle

Civilian (semi-automatic only) version of the Tavor. Note the different shape of the butt, handguard and the trigger guard, basically similar to that of the Micro-Tavor (civilian versions with oversized trigger guard also manufactured).

Tavor TAR-21 partially disassembled

	TAR 21	TAR C21 / CTAR 21	TAR M21 / MTAR 21
Caliber:	5,56x45 NATO
Action	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length	720 mm	640 mm	590 mm
Barrel length	460 mm	380 mm	330 mm
Weight	3,27 kg empty	3,18 kg empty	2,95 kg empty
Magazine capacity	30 rounds
Rate of fire	750 - 900 rounds per minute	750 - 900 rounds per minute	750 - 900 rounds per minute

The development of the new assault rifle, that should eventually replace in service the ageing M16A1, CAR-15 and IMI Galil assault rifles, began in Israel in the 1991. The new rifle was developed by the Israel Military Industries (IMI, now privatized as IWI - Israeli Weapons Industries Ltd) company, in close cooperation with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This new rifle received the name of "Tavor" and the designation of TAR-21 (Tavor Assault Rifle, for 21st century). The new rifle first appeared on public in the 1998, and it had been tested by the IDF during 1999-2002. Initial issue of Tavor rifles to IDF showed some teething problems, but by now the Tavor is already in widespread use by IDF, and it seems that many earlier problems are worked out. It is also in limited use with Special Operation forces of India and Georgia.

In general, the TAR-21 represents the mainstream of the present assault rifle developments. It shares all the "modern" features, already tried and proved successful by previous designs, like the bullpup layout, polymer housing, optical sights as a prime sighting equipment, modular design with several different configurations (from very short submachine gun and up to standard assault rifle and a para-sniper accurized rifle with heavy barrel). So far it seen not much real action, and it is hard to judge if it is really a success, and only time will show that.

The IWI also developed and manufactures a civilian, semi-automatic only version of the Tavor rifle, which looks much like the Tavor Micro rifle but with longer barrel. This version has already been exported to several European countries and Canada.

The Tavor TAR-21 is a gas operated, selective fire, magazine fed assault rifle of bullpup configuration. It is available in several configurations, which differ in the barrel lengths and accessories. The basic configuration is the TAR-21 assault rifle with the 460mm (18.1 in) barrel. Next are the compact assault rifle, called CTAR-21, with the barrel 380 mm (15 in) long, and the micro assault rifle, with the barrel of only 330 mm (13 in) long, called MTAR-21. The latter rifle also featured a redesigned front part of the housing, with charging handle placed further back on receiver, for a more comfortable hold of the short weapon. Micro-Tavor also can be converted to 9mm pistol ammunition (9x19) with installation of the caliber conversion kit, which includes a new barrel, bolt group and a magazine adapter.
TAR-21 utilizes a now-common long piston stroke, rotating bolt action, with the gas piston rigidly attached to the bolt carrier. Gas cylinder is located above the barrel and is completely enclosed by the gun housing. The rotating bolt is similar to one found in the M16 rifle and has seven lugs. The ejection ports are made on both sides of the weapon, and the right or the left side ejection can be selected by installing the bolt with the ejector mounted on the right or on the left, respectively (and, of cause, this change requires the gun to be partially disassembled). The bolt carrier rides on the single guide rod, with the return spring unit located above it, behind and inside the hollow gas piston rod. The charging handle is located at the front left side of the gun and does not reciprocate when gun is fired. The charging handle slots are cut on the both sides of the gun housing, so it can be installed on either side of the weapon, as required. The trigger unit is more or less conventional, with the ambidextrous fire mode selector / safety switch located above the pistol grip.
The TAR-21 has no separate receiver. Instead, all parts are mounted within the high impact-resistant plastic housing, reinforced with steel inserts where appropriate. The access to all the internal parts is controlled by the hinged buttplate, which can be swung down for internal inspection and disassembly.
Early production TAR-21 rifles had no open sights, but this has been fixed with introduction of the folded front and rear sights on current production models. Tavor rifles are fitted with the standard Picatinny-type accessory rail on the top of the gun. Early guns had Israeli-made ITL MARS as standard sight, which is a complicated and expensive reflex-type sight with the built-in laser pointer. For the night time operations the MARS could be complemented with the ITL Mini N/SEAS compact night vision device. Current manufacture Tavor rifles (except for Sniper version) are usually fitted with less expensive Meprolight red-dot sight. Sniper varsions usually are fitted with Trijicon ACOG optical sight with 4X magnification.
The TAR-21 utilizes the STANAG-compliant, M16 type magazines, with standard capacity of 30 rounds.
TAR-21 in its basic configuration can be fitted with 40mm M203 underbarrel grenade launcher.

Daewoo K7 submachine gun (South Korea)

2007-11-29T22:53:00.001-03:00

Daewoo K7 submachine gun

Caliber	9x19mm Luger / Parabellum
Weight	4 kg
Length (stock closed/open)	620 / 800 mm
Barrel length	n/a
Rate of fire	~1100 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	30 rounds
Effective range	~100 meters

The K7 submachine gun was developed by Daewoo Precision Industries Ltd Co, a subsidiary to the large DAEWOO Corporation. Daewoo K7 was developed to provide less expensive alternative to German-made HK MP5SD submachine guns, used by South Korean Special Forces. To achieve minimal costs and controls compatibility with other small arms in service with South Korean armed forces, K7 utilizes as many parts from Daewoo-made K1A and K2 assault rifles as possible. Daewoo K7 submachine gun is used by Special Forces of the South Korea and Indonesia.

Daewoo K7 submachine gun is blowback-operated, selective fired submachine gun. It fires from closed bolt, and employs hammer / fire control unit of the K1A assault carbine, borrowed along with aluminum alloy lower receiver. K7 is fitted with bolt hold-open device that holds the bolt open when last round from magazine is fired. The upper receiver is a modified K2 part, with omitted gas system. Telescoping buttstock is also borrowed from K1A carbine. Large magazine well has a special plug installed to accomodate shorter 9mm magazines. The most important feature of the K7 is its integral silencer, which is "wrapped" around the barrel and is said to reduce the sound signature down to about 120 dB.

M/44 Tikkakoski submachine gun (Finland)

2007-11-29T22:49:00.000-03:00

M44 Tikkakoski submachine gun with 20-round box magazine

M44 Tikkakoski submachine gun with 71-round drum magazine originally designed for Suomi SMG

Caliber	9x19mm Luger / Parabellum
Weight	2,9 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open)	620 / 830 mm
Barrel length	250 mm
Rate of fire	650 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	20 or 36 rounds box or 71 rounds drum
Effective range	150-200 meters

This submachine gun was developed during 1943-44 at Tikkakoski OY, Finnish arms-making company, as a less expensive alternative to excellent but overly costly Suomi submachine gun. This weapon in fact was a reverse-engineered copy of Soviet Sudaev PPS-43 submachine gun, adapted to 9x19 ammunition and used Suomi submachine gun magazines. Significatn numbers of M/44 submachine guns were manufactured at Tikkakoski factory during 1944 and 45, and these guns sreved with Finnish army for several decates after the war. It must be noted that the chief designer of M44, someone Willi Daughs, has left Finland soon after the war, and during early 1950s landed in Spain, along with manufacturing documentation for M44. There he managed to find manufacturing facilities, and a copy of M44 was produced in Spain as Dux M53. Small numbers of 9mm Dux M53 submachine guns were subsequently sold to West German Border Guard (Bundesgrenzshutz).

Tikkakosky KP M44 submachine gun is blowback operated, full automatic only weapon. It fires from open bolt. receiver and barrel jacket are made from single piece of sheet steel, cut, bent and welded to shape. Trigger unit is of simple design, copied from Sudaev PPS-43>, with similar sliding manual safety, located in front of trigger guard. The magazine housing is designed to accept all types of magazines, originally developed for Suomi submachine gun, including 20- and 50-round box magazines and 40- and 71-round drum magazines. During ealry fifties M44 submachine guns were slightly modified so it was possible to use new and highly reliable 36-round box magazines from Swedish M45 Carl Gustaf submachine guns (compatibility with older Suomi magazines was retained). Standard sights were of open type, with protetcetd front and L-shaped flip-up rear, marked for 100- and 200-meters range. Metallic butt was of top-folding design.

Jati-Matic submachine gun / GG-95 PDW (Finland)

2007-11-29T22:48:00.001-03:00

Jati-matic submachine gun

Diagram from US patent, issued to Jali Timari for design of the Jati-Matic SMG

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum
Weight: 1.65 kg empty
Length: 400 mm
Barrel lenght:
Rate of fire: 650 round per minute

Magazine capacity: 20 or 40 rounds

Jati-Matic submachine gun was designed by Jali Timari and manufactured at Tampeeren Asepaja Oy, Finland, in 1980 - 1987. In 1995 the Jati-Matic briefly appeared again, under the name of GG-95 PDW from finnish company Oy Golden Gun Ltd.

Jati-Matic is a blowback operated, select-fire submachine gun. The bolt recoils up an inclined plane at angle to the barrel, giving an element of braking to the bolt, and also resisting the upward movement of the barrel during the fire. The pistol grip is located higher than on many other SMGs, giving the better control over the recoil. Jati-Matic has no buttstock and has folding forward grip, which also acts as a cocking handle when opened. When folded, front grip also provides an element of mechanical safety, blocking the bolt. The receiver is made from pressed steel with hinged top cover. The selection of the fire mode (single or full auto) can be done with different trigger pulls - short pull produced single shots, long pull - full auto fire.

Suomi submachine gun (Finland)

2007-11-29T22:40:00.000-03:00

Suomi M/26 submachine gun, caliber 7,65x22 Parabellum

Suomi M/31 submachine gun with 71-round drum magazine, standard version

Suomi M/32 "tank" or "pillbox" submachine gun with 50-round 4-row magazine, no butt and special barrel jacket

Suomi M 37-39 submachine gun with short barrel, produced under license in Sweden by Husqvarna Vapenfabrik (original M37 weapons were chambered for 9x20 Browning Long ammunition, modified M37-39 - for 9x19 Luger ammunition).

Images from US patent issued to Aimo Lahti for basic design of Suomi submachine gun

Patent diagrams explaining (left to right) 40- and 71-round drums designed by Lahti and 50-round box magazine designed by Schillstrom

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 4.6 kg empty, 7,03 kg with loaded 71-round drum
Length: 870 mm
Barrel length: 314 mm
Rate of fire: 900 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20, 36 or 50-round box magazines and 40- or 71-round drum magazines
Effective range: 200 meters

The Suomi ("Finland") submachine gun was developed by Finnish arms designer Aimo Lachti in 1920-1930 period. First prototype was built by 1922, and by 1926 Lahti produced a working weapon, chambered for then-standard Finnish army's 7,65x22 Luger / Parabellum ammunition. Definitive version of the Suomi submachine gun was adopted by Finnish Army in 1931 as Suomi-KP Model 1931, or simply KP-31 (KP stands for Konepistooli - Automatic Pistol in Finnish language). Suomi submachine gun was manufactured by Finnish company Tikkakoski Oy, and licensed to Denmark (Madsen), Sweden (Husqwarna) and Switzerland (Hispano Suiza). Used mostly by Finnish and Sweden armies, it was also widely exported into Baltic countries, some European and South American countries. Suomi was used with great success during Winter War of 1940 against Soviet Union, when, wisely used, this SMG showed to the world the importance of the submachine guns to the modern warfare. Manufacture of the Suomi was ceased in Finland in 1944, but it was used well until the 1990s, when finally rendered obsolete and replaced in Army by assault rifles.

Suomi submachine gun is a blowback operated, selective fire weapon. It fires from the open bolt, and used so called "differential locking" or "advanced primer ignition" principle, when fixed firing pin ignites the primer BEFORE the bolt stops on its way forward into the battery, so the bolt momentum of inertia is used to lock the chamber during the initial phase of shot, when pressure in the chamber is high. The bolt and receiver were machined from high quality steel and bolt was fitted to the receiver almost airtight. The rear cover of the receiver was screwed on to it also almost hermetically. This was necessary to achieve a fire rate reduction by using a simple vacuum valve in the receiver cover - when bolt moved back, the valve let the air out easily from the space behind the bolt. When bolt started to move forward, the valve closed itself, so difference of air pressures behind the bolt and in atmosphere slowed the bolt on its way forward into the battery.
The charging handle was somewhat similar in appearance to one found on bolt action rifles; it is located behind and below the receiver, and does not move when gun was fired. The safety - fire selector is located at the front of triggerguard, and gun could be fired in semi-auto or in full-auto
Another interesting feature was the quick-detachable barrel and barrel jacket. This feature, more adequate to machine guns, was a welcome during intensive fire-fights, when many hundreds of shots were fired in fully automatic mode. Sometimes the barrel was also fitted with machined muzzle brake / compensator.
Suomi was fed from box or drum magazines. Box magazines were conventional staggered-column ones for 20 rounds or twin-staggered-column magazines for 50 rounds each (also known as "Coffin magazines" due to their shape, these could be described as two staggered-column magazines clipped together and having common cartridge exit). Drum magazines held 40 (rarely encountered early versions) or 71 rounds and later inspired Russians to adopt drum magazines for their PPD and PPSch SMGs. In mid-1950s Finnish army also adopted 36-round magazine, designed in Sweden for M/45 Carl Gustaf submachine gun, and Suomi submachine guns were slightly modified to accept those magazines.

In general, the Suomi KP-31 was a highly effective, reliable and accurate gun, but too expensive to manufacture.

SVU and SVU-AS (OTs-03AS) sniper rifle (Russia)

2007-11-25T12:34:00.001-03:00

Basic SVU (OTs-03) rifle without telescope and with open sights raised to working position

SVU-AS (OTs-03AS) rifle with 4X PSO-1 telescope sight and camo paint; bipod is folded

SVU-AS rifle with bipod extended

Caliber: Russian 7.62x54mm Rimmed
Operation: gas-operated, rotating bolt, semi-automatic (SVU) or select-fire (SVU-AS)
Capacity: 10 round detachable box magazine
Weight: 4,4 (SVU) kg with empty magazine and telescope sight; 5,5 kg (SVU-AS with empty magazine, telescope sight and bipod)
Length: 900 mm
Barrel Length: 520 mm
Rate of Fire: 650 rounds per minute (for SVU-AS only)

The SVU project (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Ukorochennaya - shortened sniper rifle) traces its roots back to 1970s, when it was decided to develop a compact sniper rifle for Soviet airborne (VDV) troops. Such rifle was designed using standard Dragunov SVD action converted to bullpup layout. Back then this project never went past development stage, but in around 1991 it was resurrected in Tula and offered to Russian Internal Affairs Ministry (MVD) as a possible weapon for urban operations. At that time MVD accepted the offer, but requested the rifle to be converted from semi-automatic to selective fired version (probably inspired by German HK G8 "police automatic rifle"). Such conversion was developed by TSKIB SOO (Central Sporting and Hunting Arms Design Bureau in Tula). It was initially known as OTs-03 in semi-automatic version and as OTs-03A and OTs-03AS in selective fired versions (SVU, SVU-A and SVU-AS respectively). Since mid-nineties this rifle was produced in Tula and issued in limited numbers to various law enforcement organizations across the Russia.
There are no firm data on accuracy of SVU rifle, but on short- to medium ranges it is believed to be on par with standard Dragunov SVD rifles.

The basic action of the SVU-AS rifle is inherited from Dragunov SVD sniper rifle - it is a gas operated, rotating bolt design with short-stroke gas piston. The trigger unit is modified with long connect bar, which links forward-mounted trigger with sear back in receiver. In SVU-AS, trigger unit is further modified with introduction of the full-automatic mode of fire. Selection of the mode of fire is done by the pull on the trigger - short pull produces single shots, and long, deliberate pull produces automatic (burst) fire. For semi-automatic fire only rifle is equipped with selector, which, when engaged, limits rearward travel of the trigger so only single shots can be squeezed out of the gun. This selector is located within trigge guard, above the trigger, and moves laterally. Because of bullpup layout, buttplate is attached directly to the receiver, and pistol grip and scope mount are moved forward. Barrel is shortened and equipped with combination flash hider / muzzle brake device. Integral folding bipod is attached to special rod, which runs forward from receiver. This is done to relieve the barrel from stresses generated by bipod. Early versions of SVU and SVU-A vere produced without bipod, and actually the "S" letter in SVU-AS designation stands for "soschka" (bipod in Russian). Standard sighting equipment includes open sights installed on folding bases, with rear being of diopter type and adjustable for range between 100 and 1300 meters. There's also a standard side rail, which will accept variety f telescope or night sights, the 4X PSO-1 being most typical. SVU-AS rifles use standard SVD magazines with 10-round capacity. Apparently, bigger capacity magazines were also designed for SVU-A, but it seems that none were produced in quantity.
The automatic fire feature of SVU-A and SVU-AS seems to be of any value only in emergency close combat or self-defense actions, as the limited magazine capacity and light barrel greatly limits automatic fire capabilities of this weapon.

Knights SR-25, Mk.11 Mod.0 and XM110 sniper rifle (USA)

2007-11-25T12:24:00.000-03:00

Knights SR-25 rifle, civilian version with 20" barrel

Knights SR-25 carbine, civilian version with 16" barrel and telescopic buttstock

US Navy / USMC Mark 11 Model 0 (Mk.11 Mod.0) sniper rifle system, with 10-round magazine, daylight telescope sight and bipod

US Navy / USMC Mark 11 Model 0 (Mk.11 Mod.0) sniper rifle system, with 20-round magazine, daylight telescope sight and installed quick-detachable sound suppressor

US Army XM110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle (XM110 SASR), with daylight telescope sight, bipod and quick-detachable sound suppressor

	SR 25 rifle	SR 25 carbine	MK 11 Mod 0	XM 110
Caliber	7,62x51 NATO / .308 Winchester
System	Semi-automatic, gas operated
Overall length	1118 mm	940 / 860 mm	1158 mm	1187 - 1200 mm
Barrel length	508 mm (20")	406 mm (16")	508 mm (20")	508 mm (20")
Weigth	4,31 kg (less scope and magazine)	3,86 kg (less scope and magazine)	6,9 kg (with scope and bipod, less magazine)	7,26 kg (with scope and bipod, less magazine)
Magazine	10 or 20 rounds, detachable

The SR 25 rifle (Stoner Rifle, model 25) was developed by Reed Knight (owner of Knights Armament Co) and Eugene Stoner (designer of M16 and Stoner 63 rifles among other things) during early 1990s. In essence, the SR 25 was the AR-15 rifle scaled up to shoot 7,62x51 / .308 Win ammunition, with up to 60% of parts of new rifle being interchangeable with standard AR-15 components. This rifle sold well among civilian shooters who needed an accurate semi-automatic rifle in 7,62 / .308 caliber for hunting or target shooting. This rifle also found a favor among US Military - during early 1990s it was adopted by US Navy SEAL groups, as Mark 11 Model 0 sniper rifle system; use of Mk.11 Mod.0 rifle was later extended to US Marine Corps. Mark 11 Model 0 rifle system included the semi-automatic SR-25 rifle, a quick-detachable sound suppressor, also developed by Knights Armament Co, Leupold Vari-X Mil-dot telescope sight, Harris bipod, 20-round magazines and other necessary accessories. In 2005, a modified version of the SR-25 / Mk.11 rifle won US Army Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle (XM110 SASR) competition, and today it is being issued to US Army snipers, in attempt to replace venerable M24 Sniper Weapon System. A certain controversy exists about this replacement, as some experts doubt that Knight's semi-automatic XM110 rifle could equal long-range accuracy of the bolt-action M24. However, Knights Armament Co claims that SR-25 is capable of 0.5 MOA accuracy with match ammo, and in the field Mk.11 or XM110 rifle can proved accurate and rapid fire out to 600 meters or even more, depending on particular circumstances and proficiency of operator. Use of quick-detachable silencer / sound moderator also has several benefits, the most obvious being concealment of the operator's position, as silencer decreases the sound of gunshot and completely eliminates muzzle flash. Another, less obvious benefit is that silencer also acts as an effective muzzle brake, decreasing recoil and thus permitting faster follow-up shots.

All rifles built on SR-25 platform share same basic action, which is based on AR-15 / M16 system. This is a gas-operated system with direct-impingement gas drive, which has no gas piston. Instead, powder gases are fed from the barrel and through a stainless-steel tube back into the receiver, and then into the cavity inside bolt carrier through the gas key. Inside the bolt carrier, powder gases push it back against the bolt, thus first causing the bolt to rotate and unlock from the barrel, and then to cycle the action. The rotary bolt has 7 radial lugs and improved extractor. Both upper and lower receiver halves are made from aircraft grade aluminum alloy, and connected by cross-pins. There is no "forward assist" button on the SR-25 rifles; the brass defelector is present. Barrels are of match class quality, and enclosed into free-floated forearm, fitted with Knights-made and designed Picatiny rails system. Because of AR-15-style recoil buffer, which extends rearwards fro the receiver, SR-15 cannot be fitted with folding buttstock; most rifles are fitted with fixed butt, while SR-25 carbines are fitted with telescoping buttstock. Trigger is also of match grade, fully adjustable.

Military versions of the SR-25, known as Mk.11 Mod.0 (USN / USMC) and XM110 (US Army) have some differences from civilian rifles. First of all, these rifles are fitted with proprietary sound moderator / silencer quick mount, located on the barrel just in front of the gas block. These rifles also finished to military specifications, and equipped with back-up iron sights (marked up to 600 meters and installed on folding bases). XM110 rifle also features a different buttstock, which is adjustable for length of pull, as well as different style forend rail system and a flash hider on the barrel. Military rifles are usually issued along with Harris bipod, Leupold variable-power 3,5-10X sniper scope, and a number of other accessories, including soft and hard carrying cases.

GL-06 40mm grenade launcher (Switzerland)

2007-11-25T12:17:00.000-03:00

GL-06 grenade launcher with optional accessories such as Red Dot sight, forward grip and a tactical light

GL-06 grenade launcher with barrel opened up for loading

LL-06 - a dedicated less-lethal version of the GL-06, intended for police application, with array of available less-lethal and practice munitions

Caliber: 40x46mm low velocity
Type: single-shot
Overall length: 590 / 385 mm (stock opened / folded)
Weight: 2,05 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 300 m

GL-06 grenade launcher is a dedicated stand-alone shoulder-firing weapon, intended for military and police applications. Designed by well-respected Swiss arms-making company Brügger & Thomet AG, GL-06 is already in use with certain European military Special Forces groups. A special dedicated "less lethal" version of GL-06 is produced as LL-06. It must be noted that the only difference between GL-06 and LL-06 is the color of the frame - both weapons are fully capable of firing a complete range of 40mm x 46 munitions.
It must be noted that GL-06 was born from recent request from police force of one of leading European nations, which sought to obtain a less-lethal weapon for anti-riot application, with particular need for pin-point accuracy at standoff ranges (beyond 40 meters for such scenarios) when firing impact rounds. B+T provided its client with both weapon and a special round, with added benefit of compatibility with wide array of lethal and less-lethal ammunition produced in 40mm low-velocity class. GL-06 is lighter and more compact than other stand-alone weapons of the same class (such as US M79 or German HK 69), yet it is capable of great accuracy, tactical flexibility and has good ergonomics.

GL-06 grenade launcher is a single shot weapon, with rifled tip-up barrel. For loading and unloading, rear part of the barrel is tipped up; therefore, rounds of any conceivable length can be easily loaded and extracted without problems. Barrel opening is assisted by special spring, thus speeding-up the reloading process. The barrel lock levers are fully ambidextrous and located in front of trigger guard, within the reach of the index finger. Trigger is of Double Action Only type, with concealed hammer. Additional manual safety is provided in form of the cross-bolt button located on the receiver above the pistol grip. GL-06 is provided with integral open sights (with adjustable diopter-type rear sight), and an integral Picatinny type rail on the barrel, which permits installation of many types of sighting equipment. Three additional accessory rails are installed on the short forend, below the barrel. GL-06 is fitted with side-folding butt, made of durable polymer, and is equipped with sling attachment points.

SIG MG 710 machine gun (Switzerland)

2007-11-24T10:42:00.000-03:00

SIG MG 710-1 (MG 57-1) machine gun

SIG MG 710-2 (MG 57-2) machine gun in light role, on bipod and with 50-round belt container attached

SIG MG 710-2 (MG 57-2) machine gun in medium role, on tripod and with 200-round belt in separate box

SIG MG 710-3 in light role, early model with wooden buttstock

SIG MG 710-3 in light role, with belt box attached, late production model with metallic buttstock

Data for SIG MG 710-3 machine gun

Caliber	7,62x51 NATO
Weight	9,25 kg (with bipod) + 10 (tripod)
Length	1146 mm
Barrel length	560 mm
Feed	belt
Rate of fire	900 rounds per minute

In around 1955, following the successful testing of the prototype SIG assault rifle which used a retarded-blowback action, SIG engineers began development of a universal machine gun using the same principles. The basic design was derived from German MG 42V / MG 45 machine gun, but rollers were replaced by swinging flaps with rounded locking surfaces. The first SIG prototype, known as the MG 55, looked much like German MG 45, although the Swiss weapon was made to much higher standards. The MG 55 retained the MG 42 / MG 45-style barrel changing procedure, and in the following years SIG designers tried a variety of other barrel change systems, which, along with other minor changes, led to a series of prototypes, known as the MG 57-1, MG 57-2, and, eventually, SIG MG 710, which appeared in 1960. This gun was ready for production, and a few were made in 6.5x55 Swedish caliber for export; gun was also advertised in a number of other contemporary chamberings such as 7,92x57. Later on, SIG produced a similar weapon in 7.92x57, which was designated SIG MG 710-2, but this also was only made in very limited numbers. This one had different barrel change procedure and thus featured a shrt, tubular barrel jacket. In 1965 SIG presented the latest and most successful weapon of the MG 710 line – the SIG MG 710-3, chambered in 7.62x51 NATO ammunition only. It was somewhat different from previous weapons of the same series, as it featured a different barrel change system. This machine gun was sold in significant numbers to several South American and African countries. It must be noted that Swiss army never used SIG 710 machine guns, being entirely happy with 7,5x55 MG 51 machine guns.

The SIG MG 710 (also often referred to as the SIG model 710 or simply SIG 710) is an air-cooled, belt fed, retarded-blowback operated machine gun. The barrel is stationary but can be easily replaced through the opening in the right side of the relatively short barrel jacket. The barrel is fitted with a special handle on the right side which is used to remove hot barrels from the gun.
The locking system is based on the SIG Stgw.57 assault rifle, which, in turn, is an evolution of WW2-era German designs, either the Mauser Stg 45(M) or Grossfuss MG 45. The bolt group consists of two parts, a lighter head and a heavier body, with a pair of delaying levers inserted at either side at the front of the group. When in battery, the levers are engaged with cuts made in the barrel extension. Upon firing, gas pressure, via the base of the cartridge, pushes the bolt head back, and levers provide a mechanical disadvantage by accelerating the heavier bolt body. The system is so timed that the levers leave their recesses in barrel extension as soon as the bullet leaves the bore and pressure in barrel drops to safe levels. From this moment on, the bolt group is free to recoil under its accumulated inertia to complete the reloading cycle. To provide more reliable extraction, the chamber has several longitudinal flutes to allow some gas to "float" the case from the chamber walls.
The feed system uses non-disintegrating steel belts with open pockets. Feed is of the single-stage, push-through type, the belt being pulled from the left side only. The SIG MG 710 fires from an open bolt and the trigger unit permits automatic fire only.
In the light machine gun role the SIG MG 710 is used from an integral, folding bipod that is attached to the barrel jacket. In the medium role it can be used from a universal tripod, made by SIG. Early SIG MG 710-3 guns were fitted with wooden buttstocks; late production guns were made with tubular metallic butts.

MG 51 machine gun (Switzerland)

2007-11-24T10:36:00.000-03:00

MG 51 machine gun in light role, on bipod

MG 51 machine gun in medium role, on tripod

Swiss soldiers firing the MG 51 machine gun (note that tripod is in low-profile position)

Caliber	7,5x55 GP11
Weight	16 kg (with bipod) + 26 kg (tripod)
Length	1270 mm
Barrel length	563 mm
Feed	belt
Rate of fire	1000 rounds per minute

In around 1942 the Swiss army initiated a competition for a new service machine gun to replace both the “heavy” MG 11 and the “light” Lmg 25, adopted in 1911 and 1925 respectively. Three participants joined the competition – government-owned Waffenfabrik Bern, and privately owned factories SIG and Hispano-Suiza.
Waffenfabrik Bern based its development on the very successful German MG 42. The first prototypes emerged in around 1944, and looked much like MG 42, although the shape of receiver and butt was somewhat different. The final design, which appeared in 1950, was in most respects similar to the MG 42, although many parts were produced by machining instead of stamping, and the locking system was changed from roller to flap locking. The resulting weapon was heavier than the German original, and much more finely made and finished. In certain respects it was a “Rolex” of machine guns.
Until very recently MG 51 served as a primary infantry and vehicle machine gun for Swiss army, although it is now being gradually replaced in service with lighter and less expensive, but also less powerful 5,56mm FN Minimi machine gun of Belgian origin and manufacture.

The MG 51 is a short-recoil operated, locked breech, air-cooled and automatic only, belt-fed weapon. It uses a modified MG 42 type locking system with a two-piece bolt and dual locking flaps located in the front part of the bolt. These flaps engage the cuts made in the short barrel extension to provide rigid locking. Upon recoil, the flaps are retracted toward the center of the bolt, to unlock it. An additional lever-type bolt accelerator is provided; it is located in receiver, next to the barrel breech and below the bolt. The gun housing also somewhat resembles the German MG 42, although it is made from two separate parts – the barrel jacket (made from stamped steel) and receiver (a solid machined body). The barrel jacket is permanently welded to the front of the receiver. The barrel can be changed rapidly if required; the barrel change procedure is similar to that of the MG 42, with the locking latch located at the right side of the jacket, which is opened to provide a barrel replacement window.
The belt feed system is also similar to the MG 42, with single-stage cartridge feed that uses open-pocket steel belts (push-through type) and a two-stage belt pull (on both the opening and closing movement of the bolt). Feed is from the left side. For the mobile role, 50-round belts can be loaded into drum-type containers, which are clipped to the side of the gun.
Standard sights are of the open type, but telescopic or night sight can be fitted to the gun if necessary. A folding bipod is fitted; for sustained or long range fire missions a universal tripod is provided. Early production guns had wooden pistol grips and buttstocks; more modern guns have polymer furniture.

SIG MG50 / M/51 machine gun (Switzerland)

2007-11-24T10:33:00.000-03:00

SIG MG50 (M/51) machine gun in .30-06 caliber in 'light' role, on bipod

SIG MG50 (M/51) machine gun in 'medium' role, on tripod and with telescope sight

Caliber	6.5x55, 7.5x55, 7.62x63 (.30-06) and 7.92x57
Weight	13.4 kg (with bipod) + 19.7 kg (SIG tripod)
Length	1245 mm
Barrel length	600 mm
Feed	belt
Rate of fire	Selectable, 600-700 and 900-1100 rounds per minute

When in early 1940s the Swiss army requested a new, universal machine gun to replace old Maxim and Furrer guns of pre-war design, SIG company decided to develop an indigenous design, and between 1944 and 1951 turned out a series of gas-operated machine guns, fed using either twin-drum magazines or belts. SIG MG 50 machine gun lost the Swiss trials to rival weapon designed by Waffenfabrik Bern (MG51), but continued for a while as a commercial venture. A definitive version of this design was adopted by Denmark in .30-06 caliber as SIG M/51; a version of the same gun, chambered in 6.5x55 was tested in Sweden as SIG MG53 but without success.

The SIG MG 50 is a gas operated, air-cooled, belt fed machine gun which fires from an open bolt in automatic mode only. The barrel is quick-detachable; its rear part, along with gas system below it, is enclosed by a tubular jacket without any cooling slots. The gas system is of the short-stroke type, and the gas cylinder is integral to the beech part of the barrel, so upon barrel replacement the gas cylinder and gas piston are also removed along with the barrel. The barrel is locked by a tilting bolt. Feed is via non-disintegrating belts assembled from 50-round lengths; the standard capacity is 250 rounds for tripod- or vehicle-mounted applications or 50 rounds (in a drum-type box) for light (bipod mounted) applications. Feed direction is from the left side only; empty cases are ejected downward through the aperture in the bottom of receiver.
The SIG MG 50 is fitted with a folding, non-detachable bipod which is attached to the front of the barrel jacket. For sustained fire missions the gun could be mounted on a special lightweight tripod.

AAT M.52 / Mod. F1 machine gun (France)

2007-11-24T10:31:00.001-03:00

AAT M.1952 machine gun in light role, on bipod, left side

AAT M.1952 machine gun in light role, on bipod, right side

AAT M.1952 machine gun in medium role, on tripod

Caliber 7,5mm French (AAT-52); 7,62mm NATO (AAT F-1)
Weigth ca. 10 kg on bipod with light barrel; ca. 23 kg on tripod with heavy barrel
Length 1245 mm with long (heavy) barrel
Length of barrel 500 or 600 mm
Feeding belt 50 or 200 rounds
Rate of fire 700 rounds per minute

French armed forces got their own universal machine gun in 1952 with adoption of the AAT Mle.52 (Arme Automatique Transformable Modele 1952, or transformable automatic weapon model 1952) machine gun in 7.5mm caliber, developed by MAC (Manufacture d’Armes de Chatellerault). It was tested against several other designs, including a MAS M1950 prototype, a gas-operated universal machine gun with combination box magazine / belt feed. AAT M52 is a slim-looking weapon of indigenous design, available in a number of versions (light infantry on bipod and with light barrel, medium infantry on tripod and with heavy barrel, vehicle with heavy barrel). It was not without certain flaws, however, the most important being its retarded blowback action, which is sensitive to headspace adjustments and the timing of the bolt / retarder group. This gun, along with the older M1924/29 light machine gun, served with the French army through the Indo-China and Algeria campaigns, and is still the primary universal machine gun of French armed forces. With the transition to the NATO standards, the M52 machine gun was adapted to the 7.62x51 NATO ammunition, and got re-designated as AAT F1. The AAT M52 / F1 guns are now old, and at the time of writing France had expressed interest in acquiring a replacement GPMG. It seems probable that this will be a foreign design.

The AAT Mle.52 is a retarded blowback operated, air cooled, belt fed, automatic machine gun which fires from an open bolt. Barrels are quick-detachable and available in two versions – “light” (intended for the LMG role) and “heavy” (intended for sustained fire role).
The AAT Mle.52 uses a modified delayed blowback action originally designed by Pal Kiraly before WW2. In this system, the initial opening of the bolt is retarded by a lever which is installed between the light bolt head and the relatively heavy bolt body. When the bolt is in battery, a short arm of the lever rests against a recess in the receiver wall, and the long arm rests against the bolt body. Upon recoil, this lever, which is attached via a pivot to the bolt head, rotates to accelerate the heavy bolt body relative to the bolt head, thus slowing down the initial movement of the bolt head. Once the pressure in the barrel is low enough, the retarding lever exits the recess in receiver, and the bolt group continues its recoil cycle as one unit, extracting and ejecting the spent case on the opening movement and then loading and firing a fresh cartridge if the trigger remains pressed. To assist reliable extraction, the gun has a fluted chamber. While this locking system is relatively simple, it is quite sensitive to headspacing and also permits a lot of fouling, created by burning powder, to get inside the receiver.
The belt feed is more or less a copy of the German MG 42 feed, and is operated by a stud on the top of the bolt body. Feed is from the left side, using disintegrating belts with open pockets. In the 7.62 NATO version, this gun uses American M13 links.
Standard furniture includes a telescoping butt, made of stamped steel, a stamped steel pistol grip with plastic grip panels, a carrying handle and a folding bipod, both attached to the barrel. In the light role the AAT Mle.52 can be fitted with an optional rear monopod; in the sustained fire role, it is installed on a modified US M2 tripod using a special adaptor with traverse and elevation mechanisms. It must be pointed out that while the barrel change procedure for the AAT Mle.52 is quick in theory, in practice it could be less comfortable when the gun is used from a bipod. Since the bipod is attached to the barrel, the gunner has to hold the gun in his hands while his Number 2 replaces the barrel. When the gun is used from more substantial mount, i.e. tripod or vehicle, this is no problem as the mounting via the receiver supports the gun

W85 heavy machine gun (PR China)

2007-11-24T10:27:00.000-03:00

W85 heavy machine gun on universal mount

Chinese soldiers aim with the W85 heavy machine gun

Caliber: 12,7x108
Weight: 18,5 (gun) + 17,5 (tripod)
Length: mm
Length of barrel: mm
Feeding: belt
Rate of fire: 550-600 rounds/min

The W-85 heavy machine gun at the first glance looks much like the Type 77 heavy machine gun, but closer examination reveals certain differences, such as very thick gas tube below the barrel (which conceals a conventional gas piston, as opposed to piston-less system of the Type 77 and Type 85), and the receiver is of generally rectangular cross-section, while the receivers of the Type 77 and Type 85 are more or less of tubular design. It is believed that the W-85 was built in parallel with the Type 85 HMG, most probably on a competitive basis, but lost in the PLA trials. Apparently, it survived as a commercial venture, as available information suggests that the NORINCO Corporation sold for export at least some armored vehicles armed with a “W-85 12.5mm machine gun”. Recently, information has surfaced in Chinese publications about the “new” 12.7mm QJC 88 tank machine gun, which looks exactly like the tank version of W-85.

The W-85 heavy machine gun is a gas operated, air cooled, belt-fed, automatic only weapon. Its design is loosely based on the Soviet DShKM / Chinese Type 54 heavy machine gun, although there are many differences in various subsystems.
The W-85 uses a long-stroke gas piston, located below the barrel. The piston is rigidly attached to the bolt carrier, which carries a compact breech block (bolt). The locking system can be described as an “inverted” Degtyarov / Kjellman flap lock; it uses two pivoting flaps, one at either side of the bolt, to engage cuts in the receiver walls. The key difference between the W-85 and DShKM is that, in the W-85, the flaps are pivoted at the rear and have special locking projections that lock into the receiver walls.
The feed is also broadly based on that of the DShKM, and the feed module is a detachable unit, attached to the top of the receiver. It is operated by a swinging arm which projects down at the right side of the feed. The fork-shaped bottom end of the arm engages a reciprocating charging handle, which is attached to the bolt carrier. Feed is from the left side.
The gun fires from an open bolt, in automatic mode only. The firing pin is operated by a projection on the bolt carrier; the same projection forces the locking lugs outwards so the gun cannot fire unless the bolt is fully locked. A manual trigger is fitted to the rear of the receiver, and dual spade grips provide firing controls. W-85 can be installed either on universal tripod, or on vehicle (tank) mounts.

Type 85 heavy machine gun (PR China)

2007-11-24T10:21:00.000-03:00

Type 85 heavy machine gun with telescope sight

Chinese soldier fires the Type 85 heavy machine gun

Caliber: 12,7x108mm (also 12,7x99mm / .50BMG in W95 version)
Weight: 24 kg (gun) + 17,5 (tripod)
Length: 2150 mm
Length of barrel: 1000 mm
Feeding: belt, 60 rounds
Rate of fire: 650-700 rounds per minute

The Type 85 heavy machine gun can be considered as a further evolution of the Type 77 heavy machine gun – most of the improvements concentrated at either end of the basic weapon. The Type 85, like its predecessor, was also used as a ground and vehicle weapon. It is currently in service with PLA, along with earlier Type 77. Recently, China has disclosed an export version of the Type 85 machine gun, known as W95. This gun is similar to Type 85 except that it is chambered for 12,7x99 NATO / .50BMG ammunition.

The Type 85 heavy machine gun is broadly based on the Type 77, but with certain improvements. It uses the same direct-impingement gas system with flap-locking bolt; the belt feed system also is similar to the Type 77. The key difference between the Type 85 and its predecessor is in the arrangement of the trigger and cocking system, which is patterned after the pre-WW2 Czechoslovak ZB 53 / vz.37 machine gun. The trigger module of the Type 85 machine gun is a separate unit which is attached below the receiver and can slide forward and back. To cock the bolt (as the gun fires from an open bolt) one must release the trigger unit lock, then push the trigger unit forward using horizontal spade grips which are attached to the unit. Once the trigger unit is its forward position, its sear engages the bolt, so retraction of the trigger unit causes the bolt group to unlock and go rearwards. Once the trigger group is fully retracted, it is locked in place by its own lock, and holds the bolt in a cocked position until the trigger is released.
The Type 85 heavy machine gun is fitted with open sights and has mountings for telescopic, night or special AA sights; it is used either from special vehicle mounts, or from a special lightweight infantry tripod. It is also normally fitted with a tubular shoulder stock.

Type 77 heavy machine gun (PR China)

2007-11-24T10:17:00.000-03:00

Type 77 heavy machine gun on universal tripod, in AA position; note periscope optical sight

Type 77 heavy machine gun on universal tripod, in ground fire (low-profile) position

Caliber: 12,7x108mm
Weight: 28 kg (gun) + 28.3 kg (tripod)
Length: 2150 mm
Length of barrel: 1016 mm
Feeding: Belt, 60 rounds
Rate of fire: 650-700 rounds per minute

During the mid-1970s PLA (Chinese army) has decided to develop a lighter 12,7mm weapon, suitable for mobile AA applications, from ground and vehicle mounts, as well as for ground troops support, which shall replace ageing 12,7mm Type 54 (Copy of Soviet DShKM) heavy machine guns. The new weapon was officially adopted by the PLA in 1977 as the 12,7mm Type 77 HMG; its mass production commenced in 1980. This weapon had a somewhat unusual (for a machine gun) direct impingement gas operated action, apparently in attempt to save on the weight of the moving parts. Its basic locking system and belt feed were adaptations of the proven DShKM solutions, and the entire gun with a universal tripod weighs some 56 kilograms – less than half that of the Type 54 / DShKM on its mount. The Type 77 HMG has a very heavy barrel with a prominent muzzle brake, and a slender, tubular receiver. The Type 77 was usually issued with low-magnification optical sight, suitable for both anti-air and ground applications. It seems, however, that this gun left something to be desired, as just five years after its entrance into service it was replaced in production by a newer weapon, known as the 12.7mm Type 85 heavy machine gun.

The Type 77 heavy machine gun is a gas operated, air cooled, belt fed weapon that fires from an open bolt and in automatic mode only. It has a very slim, tubular receiver machined from steel, and uses a direct-impingement gas system with no separate gas piston. The powder gases are fed from the gas block through a three-position gas regulator, which is located at the middle of the barrel, and are then fed through the gas tube to the receiver, where they strike the bolt carrier. The locking system is based on the Degtyarov / Kjellman system, with two pivoting locking flaps located at either side of the bolt. The barrel is quick-removable and is fitted with the carrying handle. The front of the barrel is fitted with a large, cylindrical muzzle brake.
The belt feed module is based on that of the Soviet DShKM / Chinese Type 54 system, and is operated through the oscillating arm by the projection on the bolt carrier. Feed is from the left side only. The feed system uses DShKM-type belts with open pockets and single-stage, push-through feeding. The belt box can be attached to the weapon to provide better mobility.
Controls include dual spade grips and thumb-triggers; the charging handle is located below the receiver. The gun is usually issued on a universal tripod, which can be used for both ground and AA missions. This has an adjustable-length front leg, which is retracted for low-profile “anti-ground” use, or extended for AA missions, for which it can be fitted with special shoulder stock, made from steel tubing. The Type 77 is fitted with fully adjustable open sights, plus it has provisions for mounting various telescopic, night vision and special AA sights.

Browning M1921 M2 M2HB M2B-QCB heavy machine gun (USA)

2007-11-24T10:12:00.000-03:00

John Browning testing his prototype .50 caliber heavy machine gun, circa 1919

Twin AA mount with Browning M2 water-cooled machine guns in action

Browning M2HB air-cooled machine gun on M3 tripod

Browning M2HB-QCB air-cooled machine gun of current manufacture with quick-change barrel, on M3 tripod

Caliber: .50BMG (12,7x99mm)
Weight: 38 kg MG, 58 kg complete with M3 tripod
Length: 1650 mm
Length of barrel: 1140 mm
Feeding: belt

Rate of fire: 450-600 rounds/min

The development of a large-caliber heavy machine gun in USA was initiated in 1918, at the direct request of General Pershing, the commander of the US expeditionary corps in Europe. He requested a heavy gun capable of destroying military aircraft and ground targets such as tanks and armored cars. The task of developing such a gun and ammunition was passed to John Browning (then based at Colt’s factory) and the Winchester Arms Co. respectively. The basic pattern of the new heavy machine gun was sealed in 1921. Officially adopted in 1923 as “machine gun, .50 calibre, M1921”, this water cooled, belt fed gun became the prime AA weapon for the infantry and the navy.
In the year 1930 US Army adopted a slightly modified .50 caliber M1921A1 machine gun, and further work on this gun concentrated on the development of a universal weapon suitable for most roles. The key design changes were made by Dr. Samuel G. Green, who redesigned the basic receiver so it could be used in conjunction with either water-cooled or air-cooled barrels, encased in a water jacket or short perforated sleeve respectively. He also developed a switchable left or right side belt-feeding unit. The US Army adopted the new, improved fifty-caliber machine gun as the M2, in a water-cooled anti-aircraft version, an air-cooled ground mount version and as an aircraft weapon. Since the original air-cooled barrels were too light to provide any degree of sustained fire in ground applications, heavier barrels were soon introduced for the ground-mounted guns, so this weapon became the “M2 Heavy Barrel” or M2HB for short. In 1938 the barrel of the M2HB was lengthened to provide more striking energy and longer range, and in this form the M2HB was made in great numbers during the Second World War. US arms factories turned out a little less than 2 million M2 guns in all versions between 1941 and 1945, of which over 400,000 were made in M2HB configuration for ground use.
After the WW2, .50-caliber Browning guns found a wide acceptance across the world, and today are still widely used as ground and vehicle guns in most of NATO countries and many others. Production of new M2HB guns is continued in USA and Belgium.

Browning M2HB machine gun is belt-fed, air-cooled machine weapon capable of semi-automatic and automatic fire. The M2HB fires from a closed bolt at all times, and uses a short-recoil operated action with a vertically sliding locking block, which rises up to lock the bolt to the barrel extension, and drops down on recoil to unlock the bolt from the barrel. It also has a bolt accelerator, made in the form of a lever located at the bottom of the receiver. Upon recoil, once the barrel is unlocked from the bolt, it strikes the accelerator, so the kinetic energy of the recoiling barrel is quickly transmitted to the bolt, improving the reliability of the weapon. Barrels are screwed into the barrel extension and are not quick-detachable on standard M2HB weapons; furthermore, once the barrel is installed in the weapon, the headspace must be adjusted prior to firing, or the weapon may fail to fire or produce a serious jam. However, quick change barrel (QCB) kits were developed by several companies during the 1970s and 1980s, and every M2HB weapon can be converted to a QCB version with the replacement of only a few parts, including the barrel. The rear part of the barrel is enclosed in a short, tubular, barrel jacket with cooling slots. The back of the receiver houses a bolt buffer, and additional buffer is used to soften the movement of the heavy barrel. On infantry guns, the cocking handle was invariably installed on the right side of the weapon, but slots were made on both sides of the receiver for tank installations which may require a left-side cocking handle.
Browning M2HB machine guns use a disintegrating steel belt, with the feed switchable from one side to the other through the re-installation of certain parts in the feed unit. The belt feed is of the two stage type – every cartridge is first withdrawn from the belt toward the rear by the pivoting extractor lever, attached to the bolt. Once the cartridge is clear of the belt, it is lowered into a T-slot cut into the bolt face, and pushed forward into the barrel. Spent cartridge cases are forced down the T-slot and out of the weapon through an opening at the bottom of the receiver by the following cartridges, or by the pivoting belt extractor lever (for the last cartridge case). A rotary switch is used to select the track for left or right side feed.
Since the gun fires from a closed bolt, it has a separate firing pin, powered by its own spring, and hosted inside the bolt along with the sear and cocking lever. Upon the recoil stroke of the bolt, the cocking lever pulls the firing pin back until it is engaged by the sear. Once the bolt is fully in battery (locked closed), a pull on the trigger raises the trigger bar so it acts on the sear and releases the firing pin. The standard firing controls consist of a push-type thumb trigger and sear release buttons located between the dual spade grips. Alternatively, an electric solenoid trigger can be installed for mounted vehicle applications. The M2HB has an unusual method of providing semi-automatic fire (probably added to the basic design as an afterthought) – it has a bolt latch, which locks the bolt to the bolt buffer in the open position after each shot. Therefore, if gun is fired in semi-automatic mode (single shots), for each shot the operator must first release the bolt forward by pressing the bolt latch release, located next to the thumb trigger (as the gun fires from a closed bolt). After the bolt is released and the gun is loaded, the operator may push the trigger to fire a single bullet. If the automatic mode is desired, the bolt latch must be turned off and locked by turning its lock to the left. In this position it will not engage the bolt and the gun will fire continuously as long as the trigger is pressed. It must be noted that original M2HB guns had no manual safeties; however, the recent M2E2 upgrade, developed by General Dynamics, includes, among other items, an additional manual safety located next to the trigger.
Standard sights consist of a folding blade front and frame-type rear. The rear sight is mounted on the receiver, the front sight is located at the front of the receiver and protected by an arc-shaped sight protector. Additionally, various types of telescopic and night sights can be installed using appropriate mountings.

Heckler-Koch HK MG4 MG 43 machine gun (Germany)

2007-11-24T10:08:00.000-03:00

Early version of the HK MG 43 machine gun

Production version of the HK MG4 as adopted by Bundeswehr, with telescope sight installed and bipod folded

HK MG4 machine gun, with bipod and carrying handle extended and open sights installed

	HK MG4 / MG4 E	HK MG4 KE
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Weight	8,1 kg (7.9kg MG4 E)	7,7 kg
Length	1030 mm	950 mm
Barrel length	482 mm	402 mm
Feed	belt
Rate of fire	880 (770 MG4 E) rounds per minute	770 rounds per minute

The HK MG 43 (this is an original factory designation of the project) is a light, 5.56mm machine gun, developed by famous German company Heckler & Koch as a direct rival to the well-established FN Minimi / M249 SAW LMG. The MG 43 was developed during late 1990s and first appeared circa 2001. It had been type-classified by the Bundeswehr (German Army) in 2003 as the MG4, and by 2007 is already in use as a ground and vehicle gun, gradually replacing older, but more powerful 7,62mm MG3 machine guns in German service. Recently HK has announced that Spain has ordered a slightly modified version of MG4, known as HK MG4 E (Export).
Like the HK G36 assault rifle, the MG-43 is a quantum leap from earlier HK designs, which were based on Vorgrimler-designed, roller delayed blowback actions. MG4 is a conventional, gas operated design, and utilizes all new trends in small arms development, including polymers and accessory interfaces (Picatinny rails).

HK MG4 is a gas operated, belt feed, air cooled automatic weapon. The gas group is located under the barrel and uses a conventional gas piston to operate bolt group. Barrel is locked using typical rotating bolt design. Barrel of the HK MG4 is a quick detachable, and has a folding carrying handle to assist replacement of the hot barrels. The two-pawl belt feed is operated by the roller on the top of the bolt carrier. Belt is fed from separate or clamp-on plastic boxes, from left to right. Spent belt links are ejected to the right, spent cartridge cases are ejected down from the window on the bottom of the receiver.

HK MG4 is fitted with folding bipod, integral to the forend, and has a standard interface for M2-type infantry tripod or vehicle mount. Plastic buttstock can be folded to the left side to save the space, and gun can be fired with the butt folded. HK MG4 is fitted with the Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver, and also is equipped with open sights as a standard. Front sight is mounted on the barrel and can be folded down when not in use. Rear sight is graduated up to 1000 meters, mounted on the Picatinny rail and can be easily detached if not required.

Foldable charging handle is located at the right side of the receiver. Ambidextrous safety switch is located on the pistol grip, and allows only for full automatic fire mode.

MG 42 and MG 3 machine gun (Germany)

2007-11-24T09:26:00.000-03:00

MG 42 machine gun in LMG role, right side view with bipod folded and carrying sling attached

MG 42 machine gun in LMG role, left side view, with bipod extended

MG 42 machine gun in MMG role, on infantry tripod mount Lafette 42.

MG3 machine gun in "light machine gun" role, as made under license in Pakistan

MG3 machine gun in "mdeium machine gun" role, as made in Iran

German soldier aiming the MG3, fitted with EOTech holosight red-dot optics and a 50-round plastic belt container (which appears to be empty)

Barrel change for MG 42 - barrel is unlatched and its breech part is exposed for removal.

MG-42, bolt assembly, with locking rollers and extractor claw seen at the right and belt-feed operating stud at the left

MG-42, bolt assembly schematic

	MG 42	MG 3
Caliber	7,92x57	7,62x51
Weigth	11,6 kg (gun) + 20,5 kg (Lafette 42 trpod)	10,5 (gun) + various tripods
Length	1219 mm	1225 mm
Length of barrel	533 mm	565 mm
Feed	belt	belt
Rate of fire	1200 - 1500 rounds per minute	700-800 or 1100-1200 rounds per mniute

With adoption of the MG 34 machine gun the Wehrmacht had the weapon that was envisaged some 20 years before, and the MG 34 bears the distinction of being the first practical universal (or general purpose) machine gun. While the MG 34 was good and practical, it was certainly not ideal. German experts wanted their machine guns to fire faster, while being simpler and less costly. A high rate of fire was desirable both for AA applications and for surprise flanking fire against targets moving through the battlefield. As early as 1937 HWaA issued a request for the next new universal machine gun,and three companies received development contracts – Johannes Grossfuss AG, Stubgen AG and Rheinmetall-Borsig AG. In 1939 a commission selected the Grossfuss-made MG 39 prototype for further development. Designed by engineer Gruner (often wrongfully referred to as Grunow) and small arms designer Horn, new weapon, in accordance with HWaA request, had a stamped steel construction, combined with locked breech, short recoil action. Initial trials suggested that the Grossfuss MG needed further development, and in late 1941 a small batch (about 1500 pieces) of improved guns was manufactured for troop trials as the MG 39/41.
The new machine gun, while being made to lower standards of fit and finish, proved to be quite functional and reliable (a feature that the much more “refined” MG 34 lacked, especially in the mud and snow of the Russian front). Subsequently, it was officially adopted as the MG 42, and production commenced later the same year.
In general terms, the MG 42 was a great success. It fulfilled the roles of a light machine gun on a bipod, a medium machine gun (on a newly developed Lafette 42 tripod), and an anti-aircraft machine gun, mounted in single and twin installations, ground and vehicle-mounted. It was relatively inexpensive to make and required less raw materials than the MG 34, and it was simple to maintain and use. On the minus side, it had a somewhat excessive rate of fire, usually quoted as 1200 rounds per minute, although German WW2 era manuals listed it as 1500 rounds per minute (25 rounds per second). This rate of fire resulted in excessive consumption of ammunition and rapid overheating. While the extremely rapid barrel change procedure allowed for sustained fire, the resulting accuracy left something to be desired; excessive vibration from recoil, combined with a short sight radius, resulted in degraded long range accuracy compared with earlier MG 34 and, especially, the heavy MG 08 Maxim guns. Nonetheless the MG 42 was an impressive and fearsome weapon, known among Allied soldiers as “Hitler’s saw”, for the sound of the firing which resembled the sound of a giant mechanical saw.
After the WW2 this weapon, unlike other wartime designs, lived on, as in 1958, the FRG (West Germany) re-instituted its official armed force, known as the Bundeswehr. Since the core of the Bundeswehr was formed of WW2 veterans, it was logical to adopt weapons which were already proven and familiar to the troops; and the MG 42 was one of such weapons. It was, obviously, chambered for a ‘non-NATO’ cartridge, but this was only a minor issue, as the 7.62x51 NATO and 7.92x57 Mauser shared the same cartridge base diameter, and were somewhat similar in ballistics. The real problem, however, was that Germany had lost most manufacturing facilities for the MG 42, so the newly reestablished Rheinmetall concern had to install production facilities from the ground up. The production documentation for original MG 42 machine guns was obtained from Grossfuss company and transferred to Rheinmetall (German government had to pay significant royalties to Johannes Grossfuns for manufacturing rights). Since the preparation for manufacture took some time, the FRG purchased some ex-Wehrmacht MG 42 weapons from other countries. Those guns were converted to 7.62 NATO by Rheinmetall and officially designated MG 2. The newly produced MG 1 guns went through a number of modifications, which resulted in the definitive MG 3 version, which still is rather close in design to the war-time MG 42, although made to much higher standards of fit and finish. The simplicity, low manufacturing cost and high effectiveness of the MG 3 attracted several other countries, which either bought the guns from Rheinmetall (such as Denmark), or obtained manufacturing licenses and build (or at least have built in the past) the same guns domestically (such as Italy, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and Yugoslavia). In total, at least twenty armies have used or still are using the MG 3 and its versions. It must be noted that in some countries these guns were used under their "commercial" Rheinmetall designation MG 42/59. The MG 42 is a short-recoil operated, air cooled, belt fed weapon which fires from an open bolt. The barrel is quick-removable, and can be replaced in less than six seconds by a properly trained crew, although an asbestos glove is required to remove the hot barrel. The action of the weapon is operated by the recoil of the locked barrel, assisted by a muzzle booster which uses pressure from the muzzle blast to increase the recoil impulse. Locking is achieved by a pair of rollers, which are forced outwards from the sides of the bolt head to engage cuts in the barrel extension. Locking (outward) movement of the rollers is controlled by the wedge-shaped front part of the bolt body; unlocking (inward) movement of the rollers by the cams made in the receiver. This is a simple and solid system which minimizes the length of parts that are under stress upon discharge, and also minimizes the strain on the receiver. On MG 3 machine guns, two types of bolts are available, with standard weight (about 650 gram) for fast rate of fire and with heavy weight (about 900 gram) for slow rate of fire. It must be noted that those bolts also are used along with different return springs.
The receiver and barrel jacket are made in one unit, and formed from a sheet of rolled steel, cut to shape by pressing and stamping, and then welded and pinned to form a gun housing of generally rectangular cross-section. The front part of the housing serves as a barrel jacket and has a number of oval cooling slots at all sides except the right. The right side of the jacket has one long slot which is used to remove the barrel. The barrel is held in place by a hinged lock, located at the rear of the opening in the right side of the jacket. To remove the barrel, the operator must first lock the bolt in the open position (cock the weapon), and then turn the barrel lock to the right and forward. This will release the barrel and bring its breech area out of the jacket, so it can be grabbed (using the issued asbestos glove or other heat insulation means if the barrel is hot) and pulled back and out of the jacket. The new barrel is then inserted all the way forward and lock then is snapped into place, bringing the barrel into alignment with the action.
The gun is fed using belts only. Feed direction is from the left to right; the feed is of the one-stage, push-through type. The belt is same as for the MG 34, with steel links with open pockets, assembled into non-disintegrating 50-round lengths. The same MG 34 type “Gurttrommel” 50-round drum-type belt containers can be used with the MG 42, and a new type of lightweight plastic 50-round belt container was developed in West Germany by HK and is now issued with MG 3 guns. The belt feed is operated by the reciprocating bolt which has a roller at the top of its body. This roller engages the cam track in the oscillating lever, located in the top-opening feed cover. The lever operates the belt pawls in two steps, on both opening and closing movement of the bolt, resulting in a smooth and positive feed. This two-step belt traction is particularly useful because the high rate of fire results in high-speed belt movement, and this system reduces the strain put on both the feed unit and belt links. Current production MG 3 guns can fire either non-desintegrating or desintegrating belts.
The trigger unit is of relatively simple design, and permits for automatic fire only. The manual safety is of the cross-bolt, push button type, located at the top of the pistol grip. The charging handle is located at the right side of the receiver, and is separated from the bolt group (it does not move when gun is fired). Each MG 42 was issued with an integral, adjustable bipod attached near the muzzle; MG 3 guns may have two points for bipod attachment, one near muzzle and another near the center of the gun. In the medium role, the MG 42 was used from the Lafette 42, a complicated foldable tripod with buffered cradle. A wide number of tripods is available for MG 3 guns, as produced in several countries.
The standard sights are open, fully adjustable, and mounted on folding bases. The universal tripod has provisions for mounting telescopic sights for long range and indirect fire missions.

STK / CIS Ultimax 100 light machine gun (Singapore)

2007-11-24T09:22:00.000-03:00

Ultimax 100 Mk.2 machine gun with 30-round M16 magazine and sheathed bayonet (an unusual accessory for a machine gun)

Ultimax 100 Mk.3 machine gun with 100-round drum; note different position of the carrying handle

Ultimax 100 Mk.3 machine gun in "assault" configuration, with short barrel, folded bipod and no butt. Magazine is not shown.

Caliber 5.56mm NATO
Weight 4,9 kg w/o magazine; 6,8 kg with loaded 100-round magazine and sling
Length 1024 mm with standard barrel and butt; 633 mm with assault barrel and no butt
Length of barrel 508 mm or 330 mm ('assault' barrel)
Feeding drum magazine 100 rounds or box magazine 30 rounds
Rate of fire 400-600 rounds per minute

In 1978, an American small arms designer James Sullivan, a man who previously worked for Armalite and participated in design of the AR-18 assault rifle, traveled to Singapore. There he joined the small arms design team at Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS; now Singapore Technologies Kinetics) Inc, with task to design a squad automat weapon / light machine gun that could serve as a companion to the assault rifle then in development at the same company. After about four years of development and trials, Singaporean army adopted the new squad automatic weapon, known as Ultimax 100, in 1982.
Ultimax light machine gun was produced in three subsequent versions (Marks), with fourth being evaluated in USA at the time of this writing (autumn 2007). The current production version is Ultimax 100 Mark 3, which is described below. Other versions are as follows: Ultimax 100 Mk.1 was a pre-production variant. Ultimax 100 Mk.2 was the first production gun, with fixed (non-detachable) barrel and a folding carrying handle located above the center of the mass of the gun. Production ceased by late eighties, with introduction of the Ultimax 100 Mk.3. Ultimax 100 Mk.4 is an updated version of Mk.3, developed for US Marine Corps “Infantry Automatic Rifle” competition. It features an updated barrel with M16A2-style flash hider, Picatinny rails on top of receiver, optional forend with additional Picatinny rails on 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions, and a quick-detachable magazine adaptor for unmodified M16 (STANAG) magazines. The new buttstock is of skeletonized design and folds to the side. The trigger / fire control / pistol group is a modular unit, which can produce a variety of firing modes including single shots, three-round bursts and full-automatic fire.

Ultimax 100 Mk.3 is gas operated, air cooled, magazine fed weapon. Ultimax 100 Mk.3 has quick detachable barrels, equipped with carrying handle to assist hot barrel removal. Each gun is supplied with two barrels, and additional barrels of standard (508 mm) or short (330 mm) length can be obtained from manufacturer (latest versions also available with optional 267 mm “VIP Protection” barrel).
Gun is gas operated, utilizing short-stroke piston gas system, located above the barrel and fitted with manual gas regulator that has five settings. Barrel is locked using rotary bolt with multiple radial lugs. The patented “constant recoil” action is in fact a simple effort to avoid the heavy bolt group slamming against the backstop in receiver. This is done by elongating the stamped-steel receiver (and available bolt travel path) and by carefully calculating the strength of return spring.
Feed is from detachable magazines only, using either proprietary 100-round drum magazines or slightly modified 30-round M16-type box magazines (modification involves an additional lock holes for Ultimax magazine catch). Drum magazines are made mostly from plastic, with translucent rear wall which permits easy check of available ammunition. Original intent was to make these drums disposable but currently these are reusable. Ejection of spent cartridges is to the right side, and ejection port is covered by spring-loaded dust cover.
Firing controls include a pistol grip and a conventional rifle-type trigger; ambidextrous safety / fire selector levers are located at either side of receiver, above the pistol grip. Gun fires from open bolt only, in semi-automatic or full automatic modes.
Standard furniture includes a lightweight folding bipod, attached to the gas block, short polymer forend with forward pistol grip, and a removable plastic butt (gun can be safely fired with butt removed). One somewhat unusual accessory for Ultimax 100 is a bayonet lug on the barrel, which permits attachment of a standard M16-compatible bayonet.

Vladimirov KPV-14.5 heavy machine gun (USSR/Russia)

2007-11-24T09:14:00.000-03:00

Vladimirov KPV-14.5 heavy machine gun on Kharanin-designed wheeled mount, right side; the scope mount is a recent addition and is non-standard

Vladimirov KPV-14.5 heavy machine gun on Kharanin-designed wheeled mount, left side

Vladimirov KPV-14.5 heavy machine gun on Kharanin-designed wheeled mount, view on the receiver and controls

ZPU-4 quad mount with four KPVT-14,5 machine guns

KPVT-14,5 tank / armored vehicle heavy machine gun

Caliber 14.5x115 mm
Weight 49.1 (gun body, KPV) + 105 (wheeled infantry mount) or 39 (infantry tripod)
Length 2000 mm
Length of barrel 1350 mm
Feeding belt 40 or 50 rounds

Rate of fire 600 rounds per minute

The KPV (Krubnokalibernyj Pulemet Vladimirova – Vladimirov large calibre / heavy machine gun) was born during WW2 from numerous requests from the Soviet fighting troops, who wanted a heavy MG firing the extra-powerful 14.5x114 armor-piercing ammunition developed for anti-tank rifles. Such extra-heavy MGs could be useful against German light tanks and armored personnel carriers, as well as against reinforced machine gun nests and other such targets. This also could make a formidable short range AA weapon. Development of the new heavy machine gun commenced in 1942, and the first working prototypes of the KPV were built by 1944. Following the trials and much refinement work it was adopted in 1949 in an infantry version (on a wheeled mount) and in three towed AA mountings (single, twin and quad). Later on, its ‘tank’ version was used as the primary armament of some armored reconnaissance and personnel carrier vehicles such as BRDM and BTR-70. In the AA role, KPV guns saw considerable action in the hands of the North Vietnamese armed forces, supplied from the USSR and China as military aid (China has produced copies of KPV as 14,5mm Type 56 heavy machine gun). Later on, AA mounts with KPVT guns were used by the Soviet Army in Afghanistan, to fire up at Mujaheddin hiding in the mountains and firing at Soviet bases and convoys from above.
The KPV entered mass production in about 1950, in infantry (ground-fire only) version with a wheeled mount designed by Kharykin, and in a number of dedicated AA mounts; single, twin and quadruple. In the 1955 the heavy Kharykin mount was replaced in production by a lighter tripod designed by Baryshev. Guns produced prior to 1955 retained their wheeled mounts and both version saw significant use during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The infantry version of this gun had a relatively short production life, being replaced by the improved KPVT (tank) version, which is used for both armored vehicles and dedicated AA mounts, as well as in naval mounts for light patrol vessels.

It must be noted that until very recently (when Chinese have introduced their indigenous 14,5x115 heavy machine gun) KPVT was the most powerful heavy machine gun in its class, providing almost double muzzle energy compared to 12,7mm / .50 caliber weapons. With muzzle velocities of about 1000 - 1030 meters per second and AP bullets weighting 60 gram, it generated muzzle energy of about 32,000 Joules and penetrated some 32mm of steel armor at 500 meters range and about 20mm at 1000 meters.

The Vladimirov KPV is a short-recoil operated, locked breech, air cooled, belt fed weapon. Bolt to barrel locking is achieved by the rotating bolt collar that has a set of interrupted thread lugs on its inner surface. These lugs engage cuts made on the breech of the barrel. Barrels can be quickly replaced along with perforated barrel jackets. The carrying handle is attached to the barrel jacket. The bolt collar is rotated upon recoil by the cross-pin that follows the cam track. The firing pin is permanently fixed to the bolt face and can strike the primer of the cartridge only when bolt is completely locked to the barrel.
The KPV is fed using disintegrating steel belts. The feed is of the two-stage type, with the cartridges first being pulled back out of the belt, then placed into a T-slot cut in the breech face. Spent cases are first pushed down and out of the T-slot by a fresh cartridge, and then either fall down through the ejection opening (on original infantry guns) or are ejected forward through the short tube (on modern KPVT guns). The final spent case is pushed out of the bolt slot by a special ejector lever. Belt feed direction can be easily adjusted for left- or right-side feeding.
The original infantry mount, designed by Kharanin, was more or less like a small artillery mount, with two large steel wheels with rubber tires, and dual tail booms used to tow the HMG behind a jeep or light truck, and to steady it in the firing position. Baryshev type tripods were significantly lighter, and infantry KPV guns were most often used at fixed checkpoints or incorporated into base defenses. Various AA type mounts included lightweight “mountain” ones with single guns, and heavier towed twin and quadruple mounts which had traverse and elevation mechanisms plus special sighting equipment and were usually manned by two operators and a number of loaders / assistants.

Modifications.
KPVT (tank) is the current version of the basic design, used for vehicle installations and various AA mountings. It has a shortened receiver, which is a great bonus for guns that are mounted inside compact tank or APC turrets. KPVT also have heavier barrel jackets and use 50-round belts instead of the original 40-round ones. KPVT HMG’s are the primary armament of the Soviet BTR-60B and BTR-70 armored personnel carriers and BRDM armored recon vehicles.

Kord 12.7 6P50 heavy machine gun (Russia)

2007-11-24T09:02:00.000-03:00

Kord heavy machine gun on 6T7 infantry tripod

Kord heavy machine gun on 6T19 lightweight mount, with belt box, early model

Kord heavy machine gun on 6T19 lightweight mount, with belt box, current production model

Caliber: 12,7x108 mm
Weight: 25 kg (gun body) plus 16 kg (6T7 tripod) or 7 kg (6T19 lightweight mount with bipod)
Length: 1980 mm
Length of barrel: no data
Feeding: belt 50 rounds

Rate of fire: 650-750 rounds/min

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 left some military factories located outside Russia; worse still, some of these factories were the primary makers of certain weapon types, such as the 12.7mm NSV and NSVT heavy machine guns. The “Metallist” factory that made these guns for the Soviet army remained in the now-independent Kazakhstan, and it kept all master drawings and other manufacturing documentation for this important weapon. It was therefore decided to take the opportunity to develop an improved HMG for use both by infantry and on vehicles (mostly tanks), and this task was handed over to the designers of the Degtyarov plant (ZID, the former Degtyarov machine gun factory ) in the city of Kovrov.
The new 12.7mm weapon was to retain same mounting interfaces as NSV, while providing better long-range accuracy. The ZID team did not have to start from the ground up – actually, the factory’s design team had been working on an improved 12.7mm HMG since 1987 - but the fall of the USSR delayed its development. The new Russian Army requirement allowed them to shake the dust from their older design drawings, and while development was rather slow (because of the constant lack of funding), the finalized gun was adopted by the Russian Army in 1997 and put into mass production in 2001. Known as “KORD” (Konstruktsija ORuzheinikov-Degtyarovtsev – design of Degtyarov plant team), or under the official index 6P50, this weapon is now issued to infantry troops and is mounted on most modern Russian tanks, such as the T-80U and T-90. Because it uses the same firing and mounting interface, KORD can be also retrofitted to older tanks (i.e. T-64 and T-72), to replace worn-out NSVT weapons. One unusual feature of the KORD is its relatively low recoil, which allows it to be used not only from the same lightweight tripod or AA mounts as the NSV, but also from a proprietary "bipod" mount 6T19, creating what could be called a lightweight heavy MG. In this configuration the KORD weighs ‘only’ 31kg, thus allowing it to be carried on the battlefield by a single soldier, although obviously for short distances only. This makes the KORD very useful during ‘limited warfare’ operations in urban and forest environments, as the HMG team can change positions almost as fast as the infantry it supports, and is able to fire from almost anywhere, including the high stories of urban buildings (through the windows) or even from the rooftops.

The Kord heavy machine gun is a gas operated, air cooled, belt feed, automatic only, weapon. It uses a more or less conventional long stroke gas piston, located below the barrel which is locked using a rotary bolt with multiple lugs. The barrel is quick-detachable and is fitted with highly effective muzzle brake. There are two basic patterns of muzzle brakes – early cylindrical one and current “flat” muzzle brake / flash hider
The belt feed uses the same steel, non-disintegrating belts as the NSV. The standard feed direction is from the right, but the Kord can be set up to feed from the left if required. Spent cases are ejected forward through a short tube pinned to the right side of the receiver.
Like the NSV, the Kord has no firing controls on the gun body, other than a firing lever and mechanical safety. Actual fire controls and charging mechanisms, be that a manual trigger with pistol grip and manual charging handle, or an electric solenoid trigger and pneumatic or electrical charging system, are installed on the mount. The Kord retains the same mounting interface as the NSV, so it is used from the same infantry tripods 6T7, AA mounts 6U6 or tank mountings. Because of reduced recoil (compared with the NSV or other 12.7mm HMGs, thanks to the effective muzzle brake and buffers) the Kord is equipped with one rather unique mounting 6T19, which consists of a standard gun cradle of the NSV tripod (with pistol grip, charging mechanism and shoulder stock), with attached bipod legs.
The Kord has iron sights as standard (hooded front post and tangent rear), plus a special rail on the left side of receiver, which can accept mountings for variety of telescopic or infrared sights.

NSV-12,7 "Utjos" heavy machine gun (USSR/Russia)

2007-11-24T08:58:00.000-03:00

NSV-12,7 heavy machine gun on 6T7 infantry tripod

NSV-12,7 on ZPU anti-aircraft mount

Caliber: 12,7x109 mm
Weight: 25 kg gun body, 41 kg on tripod 6T7 with 50 rounds of ammo
Length: 1560 mm (1900 mm on 6T7 tripod)
Length of barrel: 1346 mm
Feeding: belt 50 rounds

Rate of fire: 700-800 rounds/min

The venerable 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun served well into the 1960s, but it was far too heavy for manoeuver warfare, and proved to be insufficiently accurate over longer ranges. Therefore, a new requirement was drawn up for an improved 12.7mm HMG, which could be used as an infantry support weapon (on a tripod), as a tank defensive weapon (cupola-mounted) or as a short-range AA weapon (on dedicated mounts). Development of a new weapon was initiated in 1969, and in 1972 the Soviet Army adopted the design by Nikitin, Sokolov and Volkov. Known as the NSV-12.7, this weapon is also known as “Utjos” (cliff; the original codename of the development program). This weapon was significantly lighter than the DShKM (especially in its infantry support configuration – on a tripod and with 50 rounds in a belt the NSV weighed some 100 kg less than the DShKM on its wheeled mount with the same amount of ammunition), as well as more accurate and better suited for contemporary production techniques. The NSV quickly replaced the DShKM on Soviet tanks, as well as with infantry units as a heavy support weapon and in certain non-infantry units as a short-range AA weapon (on dedicated low-profile AA mounts).

The NSV heavy machine gun is a gas operated, air cooled, belt fed, automatic only, weapon which fires from an open bolt.
The gas system consists of a gas chamber, located below the barrel, with a gas regulator and a long-stroke gas piston attached to the bolt carrier. The barrel can be quickly replaced in the field during sustained fire. The receiver is of generally rectangular shape, and is assembled from heavy gauge steel stampings and machined inserts with many rivets. Bolt locking is achieved by lateral displacement of the entire bolt to the left side, until its locking lugs are engaged with locking recesses cut in the insert attached to the receiver wall. The bolt is linked to the bolt carrier with swinging links which control the longitinual and lateral movement of the bolt and, once the bolt is in battery and fully locked, strikes the firing pin to discharge the gun. The bolt carrier has several anti-friction rollers which ride on the tracks cut in the receiver. The rear of the receiver houses a spring buffer for the bolt group.
The NSV uses non-disintegrating steel belts with open links; feed is of the single-stage type. Belts are assembled from 10-round pieces, using a cartridge as an interlink. The standard belt feed unit feeds from the right side, but any NSV gun can be set up for alternative left-side feed. The belt indexing mechanism is built into the feed cover, which swings up and forward for loading and unloading. Spent cartridges are ejected forward through a short tube, located to the right of the barrel. The firing mechanism of the NSV consists of a trigger lever with the necessary linkage to the sear, and a mechanical safety. Firing controls must be built into the mount, in the form of a pistol grip on the cradle of the infantry tripod, or a firing solenoid in the cradle of the tank mount.
The standard mounting is either an infantry tripod, adjustable for height and intended for ground fire only, or a low-profile AA mount with mechanical traverse and elevation mechanisms and special sighting equipment. The infantry tripod can be folded down and carried by the soldier as a backpack using special slings. This tripod also houses a foldable shoulder rest (with a spring recoil buffer), a pistol grip with trigger, and a gun charging mechanism. This consists of a steel cable with a T-grip, wound on a spring-loaded drum, with a gear and toothed rack that connects to the bolt carrier once the gun is properly installed on its cradle in the tripod.
In infantry configuration, two soldiers can move the NSV across the battlefield; the same two soldiers can carry the NSV for longer ranges if the gun is dismounted from the tripod. One soldier then carries the tripod as a backpack, while the other carries the gun body. Each man also carries one ammunition can with a belt.
Standard sighting equipment for infantry NSV guns is the SPP selectable power telescopic sight (3X or 6X), with an illuminated range-finding reticle. Each gun is also fitted with back-up iron sights.

Modifications.
NSVT (Tank) is basically similar to the NSV except for the special mounting. NSVT machine guns are used mostly as roof-mounted AA / self-defense weapons on Soviet and Russian main battle tanks. The special tank mount has a buffered cradle, electrical (solenoid-operated) trigger, traverse and elevation mechanisms and a special collimating sight.

Degtyarov - Shpagin DShK / DShKM 12.7 heavy machine gun (USSR)

2007-11-24T08:52:00.000-03:00

Original 12,7mm DK heavy machine gun of 1930, with drum magazine

DShK heavy machine gun in ground configuration, with shield and late style muzzle brake

DShK heavy machine gun in AA configuration, with shield and wheels removed, and tripod extended. Muzzle brake is of early (original) style.
The particular gun on photo is from museum collection in St.Petersburg and it was used to shoot down several German airplanes during the Great patriotic war of 1941-45. The plate on tripod shows the gunner (with war decorations) and tells the story of the gun.

Post-war DShKM with the shield discarded. Note the flat belt-feed unit

Post-war DShKM mounted on a Soviet tank

Caliber: 12,7x109 mm
Weight: 34 kg MG body, 157 kg on universal wheeled mount with shield
Length: 1625 mm
Length of barrel: 1070 mm
Feeding: belt 50 rounds
Rate of fire: 600 rounds/min

In the 1925 the Red Army requested the development of a large caliber machine gun, with the intention of using it as an anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapon. First, an indigenous round of 12,7mm caliber was quickly developed. Unlike the standard Russian 7.62mm rifle round, the new 12.7x108 round had a rimless case and was generally similar to the American .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun round, although the Soviet round had somewhat longer case. By the year 1930 Degtyarov developed what was basically an enlarged DP-27 machine gun, known as DK (Degtyarov Krupnokalibernyj – Degtyarov large caliber). This was a large, gas operated, air cooled weapon that used a top-mounted magazine feed, with 30-round detachable drum magazines. DK machine guns were put into limited production by 1933, and used on certain armored cars, light tanks, and smaller naval and riverine vessels. However, the heavy 30-round drum proved to be unsatisfactory in service, and by 1938 the gun designer Shpagin developed an ‘add-on’ belt feed unit for the DK. The modified DK with belt feed passed the usual trials and was subsequently adopted as DShK-38 (Degtyarov – Shpagin Krupnokalibernyj – Degtyarov & Shpagin large caliber, model of 1938). While the DShK was a satisfactory weapon with reasonable power (at least to deal with low-flying aircraft and lightly armored vehicles), it had some peculiar properties, of which the most notable was the very heavy universal wheeled mount, which, despite its weight, could not provide the necessary gun stability and vibration dampening for accurate long range fire. During the immediate post-war period DShK went through modification program, and also experienced a long service life as the DShKM 1938/46, both in Soviet Union and in so-called ‘Soviet satellite’ countries, as well as in many other Asian and African countries. Copies of DShK were built in Czechoslovakia, China, Iran and Pakistan. Pakistan is the only country which still produces guns of the DShK / Chinese Type 54 pattern.

The DShK is a gas operated, belt fed, air cooled machine gun that fires from an open bolt and in automatic mode only. The gas piston and chamber are located below the barrel; the gas piston is of the long stroke type, and is attached to the bolt carrier. The gas chamber is fitted with a gas regulator, which requires a special wrench to make adjustments. The bolt, of generally rectangular cross-section, locks into the receiver with two outwardly pivoting flaps. These flaps are pushed outwards from the bolt to lock it by the enlarged firing pin, which in turn is operated by the vertical projection on the bolt carrier. The rear of the receiver houses two spring buffers, one for the bolt and one for the bolt carrier.
The heavy barrel is finned for better cooling, and is fitted with a large muzzle brake. The barrel can be detached from the weapon, but it hardly can be called “quick detachable”; it is screwed into the front of the receiver, and then fixed there by the cross-bolt, which is also screwed in place.
The ammunition feed is via non-disintegrating steel belts, from the left side only. The belt feed unit was designed as an afterthought for the originally magazine-fed DK machine gun, so it is clamped to the top of the receiver. It consists of a squirrel-cage type wheel which is operated by a swinging arm at the right side of the gun. This arm, in turn, is operated by the reciprocating round projection, which is located on the right side of the bolt carrier. The belt enters the circular feed unit at the top, and cartridges are carried clockwise (when looking from the rear of the gun). Upon discharge, the bolt carrier goes back on its recoil stroke, pulling the belt feed hand and rotating the feed wheel by 1/6th of a turn. Upon rotation, the belt is pulled across the unit, and cartridges are stripped down from the belt pockets by dual claw-shaped strippers. Once the cartridge reaches its bottom position in the feed unit, it is stripped forward into the chamber by the bolt. On DShKM guns, belt feed uses simplified slider-type belt traction unit, also powered through the swinging arm, and somewhat similar in design to the feed of the RP-46 gun. Spent cartridges are ejected down through openings in the receiver and bolt carrier.
In manual (ground and AA) applications gun is fitted with dual spade grips at the back of the receiver, and a dual trigger. Charging handle is also shaped as a spade grip, and is located horizontally below and between spade grips.
Standard sighting equipment is an open sight adjustable for range (up to 3500 m in 100 m increments) and windage. Additional anti-aircraft sights can be installed for AA use.
The standard mount is an universal setup, which can be used for both ground and AA roles. Designed by Kolesnikov, this mount consists of a detachable two-wheel base and three folding legs, which form the tail-boom for ground applications and are extended to form a tripod for AA applications. Kolesnikov mounts were issued with heavy armored shields, but crews often discarded shields to save some weight and to decrease the gun profile when firing from wheels. In the AA role, both wheels and shield were detached from the mount, and an optional shoulder support can be installed.

PKP Pecheneg (Petcheneg) machine gun (Russia)

2007-11-24T08:47:00.000-03:00

PKP Pecheneg machine gun, with belt box attached; production / current issue model

Details of the barrel jacket with cooling ports and carrying handle of PKP Pecheneg machine gun

View on the muzzle and bipod of the PKP Pecheneg machine gun

Caliber: 7.62x54mm R
Weight: 8.7 kg on bipod; 12.7 kg on infantry tripod mount
Length: 1155 mm
Length of barrel: 658 mm
Feeding: belt, 100 or 200 rounds
Rate of fire: 650 rounds/min

The Pecheneg (Pecheneg is an ancient aggressive tribe who lived in what later became Russia; also its name is sometimes transcribed as Petcheneg) light machine gun was born from experience of Afghanistan and recent local conflicts, especially the continuous fight with insurgents and terrorists in Chechnya. Basically, Pecheneg is a standard 7.62x54R PKM machine gun without the rapid barrel-change option, and intended for use from an integral bipod as a squad support weapon. It can provide much more sustained firepower than the standard-issue RPK-74, and the 7.62x54R cartridge offers a longer effective range (a rather useful feature in mountainous Chechnya), and, no less important, better penetration of light structures and improvised covers used by insurgents in urban and forest environments. Currently Pecheneg is being issued to certain Russian Army and Internal Affairs ministry Spetsnaz units operating in Chechnya.
The “Pecheneg” LMG can be considered as a modification of the PKM machine gun, but it is built for only one tactical role; that is, as a true squad-level light machine gun for mobile infantry and Spetsnaz troops. Its key difference from the parent design is the barrel, which is not intended to be replaced in the field (although it can be removed for inspection and maintenance). The barrel is somewhat heavier than that of the PKM, and has radial cooling ribs. This is enclosed in a steel jacket, which runs up to the muzzle to provide forced air cooling a-la Lewis machine gun of WW1 era. Cooling air enters the jacket through oval windows at the rear of the jacket, and exits at the muzzle. Early versions of the Pecheneg had standard PKM-type flash hider, which resulted in a significant muzzle blast once the gun is warmed up; current production guns have a special flash hider that eliminates this problem. At the rear of the jacket there is a carrying handle permanently attached to it. This handle has a characteristic elongated profile, as it is also intended to protect the line of sight from mirages generated by the hot barrel. The manufacturer claims that the Pecheneg can fire 600 rounds in continuous sustained fire without any danger to the barrel.
Another change from the parent design is the location of the integral, non-removable folding bipod which is placed near the muzzle. This feature is said to improve stability and long-range accuracy when firing from the bipod; but it also limits the arc of fire available without moving the position of bipod or shooter. Another consequence of such placement is that the Petcheneg is less comfortable to fire from the shoulder or the hip, as it does not have a handguard and the bipod is located too far forward to be used to hold the gun. However, the Petcheneg has sling swivels and can be fired from the hip using a sling and carrying handle to hold the gun.
In all other respects (action, feed, sights, stock) the Pecheneg is similar to modern PKM machine guns. It also retains the standard PKM mounting interface and therefore can be used from the same tripod, but it is always issued as an light machine gun (without tripod mount).

Kalashnikov PK / PKS / PKM / PKMS machine gun (USSR/Russia)

2007-11-24T08:31:00.000-03:00

The 7,62x54R Nikitin PN machine gun, from pre-production batch made in 1960 for final troops trials. This gun was almost adopted by Soviet army but then mysteriously lost final trials to Kalashnikov PK

Original Kalashnikov PKS (PK on tripod) machine gun; note partially fluted barrel and long flash hider

current production Kalashnikov PKMS (PKM on tripod) machine gun, with plain (non-fluted) barrel and short flash hider

current issue, early production Kalashnikov PKM machine gun, loaded with 100-round belt in box and ready to fire

current production Kalashnikov PKMT (PKM Tank) machine gun

	PK / PKS	PKM / PKMS	PKMT
Caliber	7,62x54R
Weight	9 kg (gun) + 7,7 kg (tripod)	7,5 kg (gun) + 4,5 kg (tripod)	10,5 kg
Length	1173 mm	1160 mm	1098 mm
Length of barrel	658 mm	645 mm	722 mm
Feed	belt, 100, 200 or 250 rounds
Rate of fire	650 rounds per minute	650 rounds per minute	800 rounds per minute

Like many others, Soviet military experts closely examined the German ‘heritage’ of WW2, and like many, they found the idea of a Universal (or General Purpose) MG to be very appealing, especially from the logistical and economical point of view. It was therefore decided to replace the separate company, battalion and tank MGs with a single universal design, adaptable to any of these roles. By the early 1950s, requirements were fixed for a new GPMG, firing 7.62x54R ammunition from belts and capable of firing from an integral bipod, an infantry tripod mound or a vehicle mount. After many false starts, by 1956-7 a new design became a favorite, the newly developed Nikitin GPMG. This was a gas operated, air cooled, belt fed weapon with a quick-detachable barrel. It used a fairly typical rotating bolt locking along with less typical (at least, for Soviet guns of the period) features, such as self-regulating gas system and push-through feed system with open-pocket steel belts (incompatible with earlier Maxim and SG-43/SGM belts). By 1958, the Nikitin design was already recommended for adoption, and a batch of 500 guns was ordered for extended field trials with troops, but the situation then became surprisingly complicated. For some reason,General artillery department of Soviet army decided to spur the somewhat slow development of the Nikitin GPMG, and ordered Mikhail Kalashnikov to build his own machine gun to compete with the already established design. At the time Kalashnikov was busy finalizing his improved AKM assault rifle and its companion machine rifle which later became the RPK. However, he accepted the challenge and put some men of his team onto the task of creating their own universal machine gun. It must be noted that this strange situation resulted in a clash of interests between GAU (who literally placed its bet on a new Kalashnikov design) and some elements in Army and Soviet Ministry of Defense Industry, who put their stakes (including their future careers) on the Nikitin design. Exact details of this “undercover battle” are unknown to the general public, but result is widely publicized – the Kalashnikov design won the trials and was subsequently adopted in 1961 as the PK (Pulemet Kalashnikova), in four basic versions: PK LMG (on an integral bipod), PKS MMG (on a universal tripod), PKT (tank coaxial gun with electric trigger and other necessary changes) and PKB (armored personnel carrier version with appropriate mountings). It also must be noted that while PK turned out to be an excellent weapon, people who tested PN often thought that it was actually superior to PK.
The Kalashnikov PK is a general-purpose machine gun which has four basic versions: light machine gun firing from an integral bipod – PK; medium machine gun firing from a universal tripod – PKS; tank coaxial machine gun – PKT; and machine gun for armored personnel carriers (in pintle mounts) – PKB. When the basic weapon was improved in 1969 to become the PKM, all of its versions also received similar designations – PKMS and PKMT.
Copies of Kalashnikov general purpose machine gun were or still are manufactured in Bulgaria, China, Iran, Poland, Serbia (former Yugoslavia), either in original 7,62x54R or in 7,62x51NATO chamberings.

The PK is a gas operated, belt fed, air cooled, automatic only, machine gun. It fires from an open bolt and has a quick detachable barrel. The gas system consists of a gas chamber with a manual gas regulator, and a long stroke gas piston located below the barrel. Locking is achieved through a rotating bolt with dual locking lugs.
The PK uses a two-stage belt feed from steel non-disintegrating belts. Upon the opening stroke of the bolt group, a special claw-shaped ejector withdraws the cartridge back from the belt, and a spring-loaded arm then lowers it into the feed way. Upon the closing stroke of the bolt group, the feed lug on the bolt pushes the cartridge into the chamber. Feed is from the right side only. Spent cases are ejected to the left through a special window in the receiver; this has a spring-loaded dust cover which automatically opens and closes during each reloading cycle. Loading and ejection windows in the feed unit also have dust covers. The feed unit cover is hinged at the front and can be lifted up for loading, unloading or inspection. Standard belts have a capacity of 100 (for PK) or 200 and 250 (for PKS) rounds. Belts are fed from special steel boxes, and a 100-round box can be clamped under the receiver of the PK for better mobility.
The PK is fitted with a skeleton buttstock made from wood and fitted with a hinged buttplate, and a wooden or plastic pistol grip. The rear part of the buttstock houses an accessory / cleaning kit, and a disassembled cleaning rod is stored in the right leg of the bipod. A folding bipod is fitted to the gas tube below the barrel. Each PK gun has a mounting interface which allows it to be placed into the cradle of a universal tripod, designed by Samozhenkov, to form the PKS medium machine gun. This tripod has traverse and elevation mechanisms, and has an adapter for AA use.
Standard sights are of the open type, with a hooded post front and tangent-type rear sight, marked for ranges of up to 1500 metres and with a windage adjustment mechanism. Special versions of the PK have a receiver rail, which accepts mountings of various night sights. Such versions are designated PKN or PKSN, depending on the tactical role.

Modifications.
PKM / PKMS (Modified) is a lightened version of the basic design. The barrel is not fluted, and has a different style shorter flash hider. The feed cover is strengthened by the introduction of stamped ribs. The Samozhenkov tripod is replaced by a new, lightweight tripod designed by Stepanov. This tripod has a special mount for the belt box, so a mounted PKMS gun can be moved through the battlefield without the need for unloading before movement and subsequent loading in a new position.

PKT (Tank) is coaxial weapon used on most Soviet and Russian main battle tanks. It has a heavier, non-fluted barrel. The barrel is also longer than on the PK to provide ballistics similar to that of the earlier SGMT weapon it replaced (to avoid replacement of the expensive tank sights). The gas block is modified and the stock, bipod and pistol grip are discarded. The firing solenoid is attached to the rear of the receiver, but the PKT also retains an emergency mechanical (manual) trigger.

PKB (for armored cars) is the same as the PK but installed on a special mount. However, there were special versions of the PKB fitted with dual spade grips instead of the pistol grip and shoulder stock. Such versions also were used on Mi-8 Hip transport and Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters in window and door mounts through the Afghanistan campaign of the Soviet army.

Kalashnikov RPK light machine gun (USSR/Russia)

2007-11-23T01:09:00.000-03:00

Kalashnikov RPK light machine gun with 75-round drum magazine

Kalashnikov RPK light machine gun with 40-round box magazine

Kalashnikov RPKS light machine gun with butt and bipod folded

Current production 7,62x39 RPKM light machine gun

Caliber 7,62x39 mm
Weight 4,8 kg empty
Length 1040 mm
Length of barrel 590 mm
Feeding box magazine 40 rounds, or drum 75 rounds
Rate of fire 600 rounds per minute

In mid-1950s Soviet army started trials for a new infantry weapons system to replace the 7.62x39 SKS carbines, AK assault rifles and RPD LMGs. Several designers submitted their designs, which included both assault rifle and machine rifle / LMG – basically the same weapon as the companion rifle but with a longer, heavier barrel and with larger capacity, but still compatible, magazines. In 1961, Soviet army has chosen the Kalashnikov system, comprising of a modified AKM assault rifle and RPK squad automatic weapon (machine rifle / light machine gun). RPK stands for Ruchnoy Pulemjot Kalashnikova - Kalashnikov hand-held (light) machine gun. Copies of the RPK were or still are produced in several countries, that also made AK type rifles; in Russia RPK light machine guns were mostly replaced in service by 5,45mm RPK-74 light machine guns of similar design, although few 7,62mm RPK may be still found in service with non-infantry units. Also, for export purposes, Russia produces 7,62mm RPKM light machine guns, which use same polymer furniture as RPK-74M but chambered for old 7,62x39 ammunition.

The RPK is a gas operated, magazine fed, air cooled, selective fire weapon. The basic action, with a long-stroke gas piston located above the barrel and a rotating bolt, is similar to that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The trigger unit and safety is also the same, therefore the RPK fires from a closed bolt in both semi-automatic and automatic modes. The barrel is permanently fixed to the receiver and cannot be replaced in the field.
Ammunition feed is from magazines only. The magazine interface is same as on the Kalashnikov assault rifle in the same caliber, and RPK and AKM magazines are interchangeable. However, the standard magazines for RPK are of extended capacity. The most common are curved box magazines holding 40 rounds of ammunition. Early production RPK magazines were made from stamped steel, but later on polymer magazines were introduced. Steel drum magazines were also produced for the RPK. These magazines were rather heavy and expensive to make, and loaded same way as box magazines, by inserting rounds one by one through the magazine mouth (which can be a rather boring procedure, especially if several magazines need to be filled at once). Those drum magazines held 75 rounds of ammunition.
Standard sights of RPK are basically similar to that of the AKM rifle, with hooded post front and tangent type rear sight, marked for ranges between 100 and 1000 meters. However, the RPK rear sight also includes a windage adjustment mechanism. Special versions with an “N” suffix in the designation (RPKN,) were fitted with a side rail on the receiver to accept mountings for night (IR) sights.
RPK machine guns are fitted with integral folding bipods made from steel stampings. The shoulder stock is of a special shape, which facilitates the proper hold for the non-firing hand. Special versions of the RPK, made for airborne troops, had a side-folding buttstock. Such version is designated as RPKS.

CBJ-MS PDW / submachine gun (Sweden)

2007-11-23T01:04:00.000-03:00

CBJ-MS PDW / Submachine gun 6.5x25 ammunition (top) compared to standard 9x19 Luger / Parabellum / NATO round (bottom)
image © Olof Janson

Caliber 6.5x25 CBJ-MS (also 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum)
Weight 2.8 kg (6.2 lbs) empty
Length (stock closed/open) 363 / 565 mm
Barrel length 200 mm
Rate of fire 700 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity 20, 30 or 100 rounds
Effective range up to 400 meters

The CBJ-MS personal defense weapon (provisionally known during early 2000s as SAAB-Bofors CBJ-MS PDW) is a brainchild of a Swedish arms designer Bertil Johannson, who established a private arms-making company CBJ Tech AB, which is located in Sweden. The CBJ-MS stands for 'CBJ Modular System'. The SAAB-Bofors association was temporary, as this Swedish military industry corporation briefly sponsored this project during early 2000s, when British military expressed their interest in CBJ-MS system as a possible Personal Defense Weapon. For various reasons British interest in CBJ-MS quickly declined, ad SAAB-Bofors withdrew from the project, but the CBJ Tech company still continues development of this interesting weapon (gun + ammunition) system.
The core of the CBJ-MS system is its special ammunition, nominally marked as 6,5x25, which fires a variety of high-velocity projectiles. The primary loading is a saboted sub-caliber tungsten projectile, with caliber of 4mm (0.16") and weight of 2 gram (31 grain). This armor-piercing projectile is enclosed into lightweight polymer sabot, and when fired from 200mm (8") submachine gun barrel, muzzle velocity is as high as 830 m/s (2723 fps). This provides significant armor penetration, defeating standard CRISAT target at 230 meters or 7mm rolled steel armor at 50 meters. For use against unprotected targets, CBJ offers a spoon-tipped sub-caliber 4mm bullets, which will readily tumble upon impact with the body, to cause significant wound cavity. Same cartridge case also can be loaded with full-caliber 6.5mm bullets of various design. It must be noted that 6.5x25 CBJ ammunition can be used in a variety of weapons, originally chambered for 9x19 ammunition, with just replacement of the barrel and return springs, as the CBJ case is based on 9x19 cartridge case stretched forward and necked down to 6.5mm.

The CBJ-MS Personal Defense Weapon / PDW is a blowback-operated, selective fire submachine gun which is broadly based on the Israeli UZI submachine gun. Barrel of CBJ-MS PDW is rifled, and can be easily removed from the gun for maintenance or replacement (with barrel of same or alternate caliber). CBJ-MS PDW fires from open bolt in standard configuration, but an alternative bolt system with separate firing pin can be installed for firing from closed bolt (for higher first-shot accuracy). Firing mode (single shots or full automatic) is selected by the pull on the trigger - short pull results in single shots, and full-length pull results in automatic fire. Charging handle is located on the back of the weapon, is fully ambidextrous and does not move when gun is fired. Magazine is inserted into pistol grip, and a spare box magazine can be carried inserted into the front grip. Standard magazine is of box type, holding 20 or 30 rounds, but a high-capacity 100-round drum magazine is also developed for special applications. CBJ-MS PDW is equipped with adjustable open sights, and a Picatinny rail is provided on the top of receiver for installation of various optical sights. CBJ-MS PDW is equipped with retractable shoulder stock made from steel wire, and can be fitted with detachable bipod.

M21 Sniper Rifle (USA)

2007-11-23T00:58:00.001-03:00

Original XM21 sniper rifle with ART telescope sight; note that it has an original M14 wooden stock (with cut out for fire selector above the trigger guard, and a hinged buttplate)

Current productsion Springfield M1A target rifle set up to duplicate M21, but with modified wooden adjustable stock.

US Army sniper with re-issued M21 sniper rifle fitted with new scope mount and telescope sight in Iraq, 2006

Caliber: 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Winchester)
Mechanism: Rotating bolt, gas operated semi-automatic rifle.
Length: 1118 mm
Barrel: 559 mm
Weight: without scope 5.27kg
Capacity: 20 round box magazine

Buy Springfield M1A / M21 rifles at Impact Guns online store

The XM21 sniper rifle was developed jointly by the Army Weapons Command at Rock Island, Combat Development Command at Ft. Benning, and the Limited Warfare Agency at Aberdeen, during late 1960s. The XM21 was an accurized M14 National Match (NM) semi-automatic rifle equipped with a Leatherwood 3X-9X Adjustable Ranging Telescope (ART). The Rock Island Arsenal converted 1,435 M14NM rifles to XM21 sniper rifles for initial fielding to Vietnam in 1969. The rifle was initially fielded with a wooden stock, which was later replaced with a fiberglass stock. The XM21 was officially type classified M21 in 1975, and remained a standard US Army sniper rifle until 1988, when it was officially replaced with M24 SWS. The M21 was accurate to 750 yards (690m). The rifle used 7,62mm NATO M118 ammunition, especially developed for sniping and long range match shooting. The ART telescope featured a variable magnification power of from 3X to 9X, for adjustable ranging between 300m and 900m. This adjustable ranging feature removed much of the guesswork from aiming at the target. The ART was ballisticly matched with M118 ammunition.
Later on, a modified M25 sniper rifle was developed for US Scecial Operations forces. It retained basic M14 / M21 mechanisms but added a McMillan polymer stock, some commercially available parts (such as replacement gas piston), and a new scope mount. M25 rifles are ususally issued with more modern Baush & Lomb or Leupold telescope sights. Older Sionics suppressor is replaced by Ops Inc suppressor.
Finally it must be noted that more than few M21 rifles were recently re-issued to US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to complement older M24 rifles before enough M110 semi-automatic rifles will be available. Some old M14 rifles also were recently converted to M21 configuration as well. Most such conversion and re-issues use new generation scope mounts with Picatinny rails and new-generation telescope sights.

M21 sniper rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic rifle which uses Garand-type rotary bolt locking and gas-operated short stroke piston system, located below the barrel. M21 rifle retained adjustable iron sights of M14 rifle, and added a telescope or night sight using standard M14 rifle side mount (each military M14 rifle was manufactured with provisions for mounting a scope bracket on the left side of the receiver). For special operations, M21 rifle was often issued along with Sionics sound suppressor (silencer).

Armalite AR-10(t) Target / Hunting / Sniper Rifle (USA)

2007-11-23T00:56:00.001-03:00

Caliber: .308 / 7.62x51mm (or .243 win)
Type: gas operated, rotating bolt, semi-auto
Barrel: 610mm (24" sst t heavy)
Overall length: 1105mm
Weight: 4.72 kg
Magazine capacity: 10 or 20 rounds

Buy Armalite rifles at Impact Guns online store

Armalite AR-10(T) rifle is a target / sporter / tactical version of the current AR-10 semi-automatic rifle, which in turn is a further evolution of original AR-10 and AR-15 / M16 rifles. Built by Armalite, AR-10(T) offers rapid second shot option along with good accuracy and great tactical flexibility. Version of AR-10(T) participated in US Army XM110 trilals but unfortunately lost it to Knight's SR-25 rifle, which is similar to Armalite version in many aspects.

Armalite AR-10(T) rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic rifle that uses direct impingement gas system along with totary bolt locking. Two-part receiver is made from aluminum alloy, furniture and stock are made from impact-resistant polymer. In standard configuration Armalite AR-10(T) is provided with Picatinny type acessory rail on the top receiver, which permits rapid installation of a wide variety of telescope and IR / Night sights.

Mauser 86 SR sniper rifle (Germany)

2007-11-23T00:54:00.001-03:00

Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO (.308), .300 Win Magnum
Operation: Bolt Action
Length: 1270 mm
Barrel: 730 mm
Weight: 5.9 kg empty, w/o scope
Feed Mechanism: 9 rounds detachable box magazine

Mauser 86SR sniper rifle was developed by Mauser Werke during mid-1980s as a further evolution of the Mauser 66 SP sniper rifle. The Mauser 86 SR offered more firepower (thanks to a detachable magazine of bigger capacity), and better tactical flexibility. It was used by a number of European police agencies and by Israeli military and security services.

Mauser 86SR sniper rifle employs a manually operated rotary bolt action with dual front locking lugs. barrel is free-floated and fitted with effective muzzle brake. Stock is made either from laminated wood or from fiberglass plastic, with adjustable buttpad and cheek rest. Bottom of the forend was equipped with special rail for attachment of bipod. Feed was from 9-round detachable box magazines. No open sights were provided on rifle by default, and it was usually fitted with Hensoldt telescope sight.

Mauser SP66 sniper rifle (Germany)

2007-11-23T00:51:00.001-03:00

Mauser SP 66 sniper rifle

Mauser 66 hunting rifle, which served as a starting point for a sniper weapon

Caliber(s): 7.62x51mm NATO (.308Win)
Operation: manual; rotating bolt action
Length: 1120 mm
Barrel: 730 mm
Weight: 6.12 kg empty with Zeiss scope
Feed Mechanism: 3 rounds integral box magazine

The Mauser SP66 sniper rifle had been developed fom Mauser Model 66 Super Match sporting rifle circa 1976. It was widely used by various military and police forces from many countries, including Germany, Italy and Israel. Currently some of the SP 66 rifles are still in service, but production had been ceased circa 1985 with the introduction of the Mauser 86 SR.

Mauser SP66 (like all other Model 66 Mauser rifles) is based on short-throw bolt action, developed by Gehmann. In this action bolt has two frontal lugs that engage the barrel extension, which is screwed onto the barrel. Unlike the famous standard Mauser cation, the Gehmann bolt has cocking handle near the front end of the bolt, and the receiver has a split bridge. The magazine is integral and holds only 3 rounds. The thumbhole stock is made from laminated wood and is ajustable for lenght of pull and position of the cheekpad. Heavy, macth-grade barrel is equipped with combined muzzle brake/flash hider. Mauser SP66 in standard configuration has no iron sights and comes with Zeiss Diavari ZA 1.5-6X variable power scope.

Walther WA 2000 Sniper Rifle (Germany)

2007-11-23T00:45:00.001-03:00

Walther WA 2000 sniper rifle, right side

Walther WA 2000 sniper rifle, left side, with bipod folded over the barrel

Walther WA 2000 sniper rifle, with slightly different stock and shorter frame around the barrel

Walther WA 2000 sniper rifle body (less wooden furniture and scope) disassembled to main components (from original Walther manual)

Caliber: .300 Win Mag or .308 (7.62x51mm NATO) or 7.5x55 Swiss
Operation: Semi-automatic
Length: 905 mm
Weight Unloaded: 6.95 kg
Barrel Length: 650 mm
Magazine: 6 round detachable box

Walther WA-2000 sniper rifle had been developed by Carl Walther Waffenfabrik (Germany) during late 1970s and early 1980s as a highly specialized police sniper rifle. First introduced in 1982, it was later adopted by some specialized police units in Germany, but rifle was too expensive to achieve widespread sales, and production was fairy limited. It is believed that only about 176 WA-2000 rifles were ever made. Unlike many other sniper rifles of that period, WA-2000 was not a conversion of the sporting or hunting rifle, but entirely new design with some remarkable features.

The gun is built in the bullpup style, to achieve most compact package while maintaining suitably long barrels. Basic chambering was .300 Winchester Magnum, with effective range well beyond 800 meters, with optional chamberings for 7.62mm NATO (.308 win) and 7.5mm Swiss. WA-2000 is a semiautomatic rifle, gas operated, with rotating bolt. Short stroke gas piston is located below the barrel. The heavy, match-grade barrel is fluted and free-floated and is unusually located between two aluminum struts that form the chassis of the rifle and provide mounting points for wooden forend and below and telescope mount and bipod above. The stock (buttplate and cheek rest) and trigger are adjustable. Feed was from single-stack detachable box magazines. WA-2000 sniper rifle had no open sights, and had a quick-detachable scope mount. Most common optical sight was a Schmidt & Bender 2.5-10X variable power telescope.