At the beginning of 1967, the Vietnam War was escalating and defense industries were responding to the military’s need to counter an increased enemy threat. Numbered among the most effective and reliable systems were the various Gatling guns produced by the General Electric Armament Systems Division in Burlington, Vermont. The war brought on an ever increasing demand.

GE weapon systems at that time were designed around two Gatling guns: the 20mm M61 and the 7.62mm Army M134 also designated by the Air Force as GAU 2B/A Minigun. Both guns and ammunition handling systems were being produced in record numbers. Internal installations of the M61 were found on most fighter and attack aircraft and a few bombers. The F4 Phantom aircraft had no internal gun systems and relied on the SUU-16 and newer SUU-23 gun pods for strafing and close combat encounters with enemy MIGs. Miniguns were finding application everywhere. Pods, helicopter pintles and internal aircraft applications were all being manufactured along with a module system used for side firing these guns from AC-47 cargo planes – a deadly system nicknamed “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

On January 3, 1967, the Monday following a huge weekend snowstorm, more than 100 new employees waited patiently outside the GE plant while the guards arranged for them to be escorted to security processing and orientation. GE desperately needed inspectors, machinists, secretaries, engineers, and other workers to support new production. Fresh out of engineering school, I waited with them, anxious to get started on my first real job.

Soon after their employment, every employee in any way involved in design or testing was made aware of the most important design secret responsible for the success of these weapon systems. That secret was Round Control. GE guns were like no others. Rounds were not fed by being launched into free flight with hopes they would find their way into the chamber. There were no fired cases or links propelled by springs or ejected out of gun receivers by impact. GE guns and ammunition handling systems always had 100% complete control of the round, the fired case, and if there was one, the link. Every round transfer, every link movement, every round transport had to be under complete control at every position in the weapon cycle. Springs were permitted in these systems but were never used for positioning of rounds, cases or links.

Achieving round control in these designs was a costly and labor intensive process. In the earliest stages of design, a layout was prepared by highly skilled draftsmen, called “designers.” On their layouts, silhouettes of rounds, links, or fired cases, (appropriately called “paper dolls”) were moved to every position through the system to determine if control was maintained throughout the cycle. After the first prototype was built, technicians and engineers went through a similar ritual by moving dummy rounds through the system. Dummy rounds were rotated through the sprockets and passed by round guides to see if one could be forced out of control, or moved into a lock-up position. They tested for any condition that could potentially jam the system. Evidence that control could be lost was cause for a redesign and retrial. No live firing was permitted until these design flaws were corrected.

During these trials, it was inevitable to find some obscure sequence of events that might cause a round or case or link to be coaxed into a position where a jam or loss of control was possible. A debate would ensue. Could this bizarre sequence ever really happen? Was it worth the risk or would it be wise to modify to the design? In the end, the older, experienced heads would prevail. Appropriate changes were made and retested. Inspired by Murphy, GE had a corollary to the Round Control rule: In a gun system, if it can happen, it will. After the hand cycling system testing was demonstrated to keep good control of the ammunition, it was time to move out to the firing range.

At the range, company photographers trained 16mm Fastax cameras on various parts of the system to see in slow motion, what happened when the gun was fired. Depending on the camera model, the rotating mirrors in these Fastax cameras captured motion at a rate of 5,000 to 16,000 frames per second. After a lengthy development process, the films were reviewed on special motion analysis projectors that permitted frame counting – a feature that enabled engineers to estimate the speed of the moving parts they were observing. It was always amazing to study these films. Steel parts and tightly bolted joints seemed to move as if they were made of rubber while traveling waves ran back and forth in the springs making some parts of it extend while elsewhere adjacent coils crashed into each other. Camera set-up and filming of weapon systems was time consuming and costly but was one of the only ways to indicate problems that would have gone unnoticed until a part failure or jam occurred. High speed photography was another one of the GE secrets used in the development of reliable weapon systems and was an invaluable tool in figuring out the cause and corrective action of feed jams – appropriately called “wrecks.”

Before the development of a new Gatling gun could begin, some important design parameters had to first be decided. The maximum rate of fire achievable was fixed by the length of the round, the pressure characteristics of the ammunition, and the number of barrels. One important design parameter resulted from a decision on how the weapon would be cleared at the end of a burst. The intensive heat developed in the barrels during firing would quickly rise to a level that would cause a live round to detonate shortly after it entered the chamber. Gun powder only has to reach around 330° F before cookoff becomes a problem. Cookoff is a safety issue that cannot be tolerated and it was up to the design engineers to figure out how avoid it. GE had a simple rule: no matter how it was accomplished, at the end of each burst, all barrel chambers had to remain free of live rounds.

There were various ways to clear a Gatling gun and each one had advantages and drawbacks. Designers of the first modern Gatling gun, the 20 mm M61, solved the problem by allowing the gun bolts to cycle through a second, alternate cam within the main housing. The primary cam moved the gun bolts fore and aft so the weapon would fire as the barrels rotated. A second cam held all the bolts to the rear, in clearing mode, so rounds being fed simply went into the gun and came out without ever being fired. A solenoid actuated switching cam determined in which cam the bolts would travel. This hold-back clearing method was simple and effective but was not popular on the battlefield. In the 20mm gun pods, SUU23 and older SUU16, hold-back clearing dumped 6 to 8 live rounds overboard each time the pilot released the fire button. When dropped over Vietnam, they could be picked up by NVA or Viet Cong who used them as a principle ingredient for booby traps. Their electric primers were easily detonated with a common battery.

The 7.62mm Minigun used diversion clearing that was almost the same as hold-back clearing; only it happened a little earlier in the feed cycle. As soon as the gunner let off the trigger, the gun feeder would divert live rounds overboard so they would not be fed to the gun bolts. This system had the advantage that it didn’t require an expensive, separate cam path in the main gun housing like the M61 to keep the bolts to the rear at the end of the burst. Like holdback clearing, the rotating barrels and rotor could coast to a stop without stressing the system. The disadvantage was the same – more rounds carried out to the battlefield that never got fired.

Some of the helicopter gun systems and eventually the Minigun system used a declutching feeder for clearing. The declutching mechanism was located on one of the sprockets feeding the weapon. The principal of operation was simple: when the sprocket turned it fed rounds when it stopped turning it didn’t. The sprocket was connected to a series of rotating knife blades and a solenoid activated clutch that caused the feed sprocket to stop and start.

The advantage of the declutching feeder was that it didn’t dump any live rounds overboard and left the chambers clear of live rounds after each burst. The disadvantage was that when the feed was declutched, the gun system spun free to wind down, but the entire feed system including links and ammunition was forced to come to a sudden halt. Consequently, this method could only be used on lower rates of fire since at full rate, 6,000 shots per minute, the knife blades and other parts would eventually self destruct.

The achievement of 100% round control would not have been possible without another GE secret, the linkless feed drum ammunition handling system. Here was a system that allowed for the efficient storage of ammunition in the airframe capable of reliably feeding ammunition at 6,000 shots per minute. To the relief of ground troops, the “double ended” linkless feed system retained all fired cases and unfired rounds within the system rather than releasing them overboard.

The linkless feed system may someday be remembered as one of the most ingenious article storage and delivery systems ever designed. The workings were simple, but the design and execution was complex. The basis for the system is a drum with longitudinal retaining tracks that engage the rim of the round for control and allows the rounds to travel along the rails.

A sheet metal auger, called the helix, works as a screw conveyor to push the rounds along the tracks as it turns. Follow the path of a round in the figure as it makes a complete cycle through the system. Beginning with the round labeled “Round A”, as the drum helix turns it augers all the rounds in the drum toward the exit. When “Round A” reaches the end of the feed drum it is plucked out of the retaining tracks and moved by the scoop disc sprocket. It is then placed into a rotating ring that has retaining tracks that constrain the round longitudinally by holding it at the case rim. At this point, it’s important to note that the drum helix is really a double lead helix; meaning that at the same time “Round A” reached the scoop disc sprocket, another round reaches a second scoop disc sprocket located 180 degrees away. Both rounds enter the retaining ring at the same time, and rotate around with the retaining ring until they are picked out by a sprocket in the drum exit unit. The drum exit unit places each round into a conveyor bucket called a “conveyor element.” The conveyor elements are linked together and constrained to work in flexible chuting – a semi-flexible channel that keeps rounds or fired cases under control as they are transported.

After “Round A” reaches the gun feeder it is picked out of the conveyor element and fed into a gun bolt through a series of feeder sprockets. Another secret of the GE designs is that when rounds are transferred from the control of one sliding or rotating member to another, the transfer must take place with both devices moving at the same speed. For example, feed sprockets must accelerate rounds to match the speed of the faster-moving gun bolts. Conversely, fast moving fired cases are slowed down after they leave the gun bolts to match the velocity of slower-moving conveyor elements.

At the gun/feeder interface each round is precisely fed into in the fixed extractor of a gun bolt so the bolt can chamber and fire the round. After being fired, “Round A” is now depicted as “Fired Case A” in the figure and is extracted by the rearward-moving gun bolt. “Fired Case A” passes through the unload sprockets on the opposite side of the feeder and is decelerated to match the speed and spacing of the conveyor element. The moving conveyor transports “Fired Case A” to the back side of the ammunition drum where it is picked out by the Drum Entrance Unit. Hereafter it is transported by components identical to the exit side of the drum, “Fired Case A” is returned to control of the drum helix and finally reaches the point where it started through the system as “Round A”. The linkless feed system goes from completely loaded to completely empty as rounds are fired by the gun system. Round control reigns as king in every transition and along every inch of conveyer, through the gun and back into the feed drum as cleared rounds are placed back in the drum.

Through much of the 1960s, helicopter and fixed wing systems were armed with the 20mm M61 Gatling gun that still used linked ammunition handling systems. Linked belts of ammunition were simply pulled from a box and into a feeder where the link was stripped and the round fed, as always, under rigid control. As long as every round was properly linked with every cartridge rim properly seated in the link detent provided for that purpose, life in the gun system was good and reliability could be maintained at a high level. But every now and then, somehow back at the ammunition factory where the belts were initially linked, a round could be linked “long”. The case rim was forward of where it should have normally been causing the projectile of the long round to stick out from the belt about 1/4 inch higher than the rest.

Unfortunately, accommodation of this condition was overlooked in the original design of the feeder. When the long round entered the feed sprocket the case rim went over the top of the rim guide instead of being properly engaged by it. The round would pass through the feed sprockets long and instead of this feeding round being engaged in the fixed extractor groove in the gun bolt, it was fed out ahead of it. The round was pushed forward by the bolt, chambered, crushed a bit by the extractor, then was left in the chamber as the bolt drew back. Since the bolt extractor was not engaged with the case rim the round could not be extracted. The fun really started when the next round was fed into this bolt. The incoming round came forward and found the long round already chambered. The hydraulic motor powering the system didn’t know or care that two objects were now trying to occupy the same space and the bolt came grinding forward to create a surreal union of these two rounds. Detonation was possible and wreck of huge proportions was assured. In the aftermath the remains of the two rounds, properly de-activated, made an interesting artifact for an engineer’s desktop as an inspiration to develop a means to prevent this occurrence.

Eventually a clever engineer figured out the cure for the long round malady. It was out of the box thinking that made GE world famous in gun design business. What did he do? It was surprisingly simple. He merely redesigned the feeder so that every normally linked round was pushed forward to become a long round and then he positioned the rim guide and all of the other components for proper feeding and engagement of what were then all long rounds. Should an improperly linked long round ever come along it simply didn’t get pushed forward since it was already in position to feed normally: and it did.

The engineering time required to lay out a complete gun and ammunition handling system was very long and laborious, but GE did it right. Engineering designers working on drafting boards made layouts showing different views of all connecting and related parts. Engineers worked with the designers making tedious slide-rule calculations and laboratory tests with bread board and brass board models to verify the integrity of the design. When the design team was happy with the job they held their first design review, passing out copies of the design layouts to a review team of engineers not associated with the program. There were several design reviews held throughout the development phase of the system with a formal design review required before full scale production could begin. Their purpose was to root out any obvious or not so obvious errors to be corrected before proceeding to the next stage in the development. With so much brain power in these meetings, it was not uncommon that major design improvements were often suggested, resulting in an even better system.

The design review team was relentless. After determining the design met the basic design criteria, they dug deeper: Could any parts be assembled backwards? Could disassembly assembly be done safely and with common tools? Were chamfers put on parts to aid in assembly? How were threaded fasteners kept from loosening? Were the hardness levels appropriate and did the design team make sure that parts of the same hardness did not slide against each other – a design subtlety found in the best mechanical designs? The design team was given a list of action items for design remediation and a redesign effort took place followed by the final design review. Only after proper corrections, testing and reviews were completed would there be approval to commit the design to production.

When a design was finally approved for production, a team of draftsmen and drawing checkers would be assigned to make the final drawings and parts lists. It was these individual part drawings making up the Technical Data Package (TDP) that played a major role in the success or failure of any design. TDP drawings were used by the Production Department for the manufacture of parts, and were the documents to be sent out to vendors of springs, castings, forgings, and other procured items. Intensive studies were undertaken to make sure that the tolerances – maximum and minimum dimensional extremes of every feature of every part would always produce components that worked together without interference at one extreme or excessive play at the other. Tolerance studies were expensive and time consuming but uncovered potential problems that, if overlooked, could turn a great design into an awful one.

Before any drawing would be released for production, the responsible draftsman sat with an experienced manufacturing engineer to review the manufacturability of the part and to establish what are known as datum planes. Datum planes are used in manufacturing to orient the part in the x-y-z planes. In general, three datum points or “targets” on the part specify the principal plane, restraining the part in the X direction, two datum targets specify how the part is held in the Y direction, and a single target is all that is needed to restrain the part in the Z direction. When the part is positioned for manufacture it is held in a fixture that touches on the datum targets. The Quality Control department uses these datum targets too, positioning the component by these targets in order to inspect the part the same way it was manufactured. It may appear odd to applaud something as obvious as this, but surprisingly few manufacturers do this and worse yet, they’re surprised when their parts don’t measure up. But GE knew how to do it right and it was another secret to their successful designs.

When the draftsmen met with the manufacturing engineer to establish the datum planes and targets, it was not uncommon for them to be in conflict. After all, the designers knew which dimensions were important to the design and had their own ideas on how the parts should be held. The manufacturing engineer, on the other hand, had the last word on how the parts would be manufactured and established the datums based on ease of manufacture. Their conflicts were known to GE management and purposely overlooked. In today’s advanced managerial courses, managers are taught that not all conflict is bad and properly handled can be a driving force for improved performance. Accepting that the manufacturing engineer had the final say, the draftsmen would think through the manufacturing of the part and establish datums and datum targets at points that made good manufacturing sense to them. In time, most of the draftsmen got so adept at this that the manufacturing engineer would only make few, if any, changes to the first draft, saving everyone time and GE money.

After guns systems were built they were trucked out to the Underhill Range, a government facility that was managed by GE. Here the systems would be bolted to the floor of a three sided weapons bay so the guns could be fired and measurements taken of accuracy, power consumption, and rate of fire. All firing was done from behind a reinforced door since wrecks and cookoffs were extremely dangerous. It should be noted that even though the gun was designed to be empty at the end of a burst, an unplanned stop in the cycle caused by a wreck can leave a live round in the chamber.

Today, companies tout their certification with the International Standards Organization (ISO-9000 or ISO-9001) to assure their customers that they are following strict quality control standards. Predating ISO was the U.S. Government quality standard Mil-Q-9858 that was enforced along with a host of other guiding military specifications. Adherence to specifications under the watchful eye of an in-house U.S. government inspector became yet another reason for the success of these systems.

In the peak and latter years of the Vietnam War, the dedicated men and women of the General Electric Company Armament Systems Department worked tirelessly to consistently produce the finest, most reliable gun systems in the world. These were built to support American and allied fighting forces, yet almost daily these employees would be subjected to insults, heckling, and even threats from war protesters who paraded back and forth in front of the factory in organized demonstrations.

The GE Armament Systems Department was eventually sold to Martin Marietta and later to General Dynamics (GD). Today GD finds that they can do the same work with fewer employees due to the major strides made in computer aided engineering, computer aided manufacturing, high speed videos, and advances in computer numerical controlled manufacturing and inspection. With more modern equipment, GD still designs and produces advanced weapons and ammunition handling systems. Most of the Vietnam era employees retired long ago, but not before the design secrets had been passed along. GD continues to produce weapons with enviable reliability records and is well known for their expertise in the field of weapon system development.

Throughout the first half of the last century, the great majority of sniper rifles were more or less modified versions of the standard military rifles, chambered for the standard rifle/MG cartridge. The growth of self-loading rifles during and after World War 2 saw sniper rifles departing from this tradition as the bolt-action type was generally retained for its greater accuracy. A further difference came when the standard rifles adopted lower-powered intermediate cartridges, much less suited to the business of long-range sniping. During the second half of the century, the military sniper rifle became a purpose-designed specialist instrument, capable of the highest practicable accuracy. This was usually complemented by precision-made ammunition, often loaded with heavier low-drag bullets, such as the 7.62×51 M118LR.

These developments have resulted in some superb equipment, but trends in accurate aimed fire can now be detected in two different directions: one is for the shorter ranges to be addressed by accurised self-loading guns providing faster repeat shots; the other is for guns firing more powerful cartridges being selected to increase the effective range. This article is concerned with the cartridges developed for meeting the second of these needs: long-range sniping.

To achieve a significantly longer range than the usual 7.62×51 requires at least a larger cartridge case to generate a much higher muzzle energy, and preferably a larger caliber as well; other things being equal, heavy large-caliber bullets retain their velocity better and are less affected by cross-winds. This was recognised by the first attempts to fire accurately at very long range; which often used anti-tank rifles of 13-14.5mm caliber. In fact, as early as the Great War, the 13mm Mauser M1918 anti-tank rifle was used in the counter-sniping role, although in this case the motivation was not so much to achieve long range as to punch through the armour plates being used to protect Allied snipers. The Korean War saw Soviet 14.5mm PTRD rifles being used for long-range fire, as well as and, on the US side, some experiments with .50 BMG guns. However, the guns were usually not that accurate and, even if they were, the standard production MG ammunition certainly wasn’t.

A change came in the 1980s from two different sources in the USA. One was the adoption of long-range anti-materiel rifles in .50 BMG caliber, not primarily for sniping but for attacking vehicles and other inanimate objects, normally using standard API or (later) Multipurpose MG ammunition. The other was the establishment of the .50 Caliber Shooters Association, promoting the use of this caliber for long-range civilian shooting, which inspired much more accurate rifles and ammunition. In combination, these two developments led to the use of .50 BMG rifles for long-range sniping as well as anti-materiel use.

There is a problem, however: the .50 BMG rifles and their ammunition are necessarily very big and heavy, not ideal for the sniping role. Many believed that a smaller, but still powerful, caliber would do that job more efficiently. As a result, specialised long-range sniping rifles are now available in several competing calibers. The ones described in this article are those offered in military sniper rifles; though there are a host of wildcats in addition. Furthermore, some anti-materiel rifles are also offered in the Russian calibers of 12.7×108 and 14.5×114, but these will not be considered here.

A high muzzle velocity is an advantage in long-range sniping, but that alone is not enough. As ranges extend, it is the ability of the bullet to retain its velocity which becomes increasingly important; bullets that slow down gradually are far more useful than those which rapidly shed velocity. To achieve this, the bullet needs a high ballistic coefficient (BC). This is achieved partly by using a bullet of exceptionally streamlined shape, and partly by making it heavy. It is worthwhile sacrificing some muzzle velocity in order to use a bullet with a higher BC.

The key yardstick for long-range sniper ammunition is the range at which the bullet drops below the speed of sound. This is important for two reasons. The first is because that provides a quick proxy for the trajectory and time of flight of the bullet; and the flatter the trajectory and the shorter the flight time, the greater the hit probability, other things being equal. The second is that dropping back through the transonic zone usually disturbs the flight of the bullet, adversely affecting accuracy, although this effect is minimised with the very low drag bullets developed for the more specialised calibers. To give an example, the 7.62×51 147-grain M80 standard NATO ball bullet is fired at a muzzle velocity 200 fps higher than the 175-grain M118LR, but drops to subsonic velocity at around 875 meters compared with 950 meters for the heavier and initially slower bullet.

The table gives basic measurements and typical performances for the cartridges being discussed. The muzzle velocities and energies will of course be affected by the barrel length selected: figures quoted here are at the high end of the range. It is also worth remembering that some of the more specialised cartridges may develop higher chamber pressures than would be acceptable for a standard MG round, pushing their performance up quite significantly.

.300 Winchester Magnum

This was first developed as a commercial hunting round in the early 1960s. Work on adapting this cartridge for the long-range sniping role was undertaken by the USN in the 1980s to meet a special operations requirement for a rifle which would extend the 800 meter effective range of the 7.62×51 out to 1,200 meters. The standard loading uses a Sierra Match King bullet, which retains minute of angle accuracy out to at least 1,000 meters. This is in US service for special purposes.

.338 Lapua Magnum

Originally developed in the mid 1980s by the Research Armament Company as a long-range sniper round to meet the same USN requirement as led to the use of the .300 Win Mag described above, this was subsequently adopted by Lapua and is now made for both military and civilian requirements. The normal maximum range is regarded as 1,200 meters, but in ideal conditions it can reach out to 1,600 meters, the distance at which the bullet becomes subsonic. Many feel that this is a very practical round for sniping since the rifles are not much bigger or heavier than the .30 caliber weapons, and its use is spreading. The British Army adopted some Accuracy International rifles in this caliber some years ago, and recently announced its intention of replacing many of its 7.62mm sniper rifles by acquiring more of the .338 guns.

.375 CheyTac

The most recent addition to this field, this is simply the .408 CheyTac (see below) necked-down to the smaller caliber. It has been calculated that for the most potent loading, shooting 375-grain Lost River Ballistic Technologies solid copper-nickel alloy bullets at 3,050 fps muzzle velocity, the supersonic range would be around 2,230 meters. Wildcat versions of this cartridge, using very long 408-grain Viking bullets developed by Lutz Möller and fired at 2,854 fps, are claimed to achieve astonishing performances, with the supersonic range in excess of 3,000 meters.

.408 CheyTac

This round was developed by Cheyenne Tactical, LLC and introduced in 2001 in conjunction with its own range of sniping rifles. The original basis for the cartridge was the old .505 Gibbs big-game hunting round, but it has been much modified as well as necked down. The standard 419-grain Lost River Ballistic Technologies bullet remains supersonic and effective to 1,900-2,000 meters. A different loading, firing a lighter (305-grain) bullet at a velocity of 3,250-3,500 fps, has been developed to provide a flatter trajectory and shorter flight time out to 1,000 meters. The CheyTac rifle has reportedly been tested by the USMC, and sold abroad for Special Forces use.

.416 Barrett

This was developed recently by the famous maker of .50 caliber rifles, reportedly in irritation at a California decision to ban .50 cal. weapons. The basis of this round is the .50 BMG case, which is shortened and necked down. The performance is highly impressive, the standard bullet remaining supersonic to more than 2,250 meters. This bullet takes 2.5-2.6 seconds to reach 2,000 yards (1,830 meters) compared with 3.0 seconds for the .408 CheyTac. No service use is known at present.

.460 Steyr

This round pre-dates the .416 Barrett, being developed in the early 2000s by the Austrian Horst Grillmeyer, but adopts the same principle of shortening and necking down the .50 BMG case, this time to .458 caliber. Little information about the performance of this round has so far emerged, but very specialised long-range bullets have been developed for it, so it is reasonable to assume a supersonic range in the region of 2,000-2,500 meters. As with Barrett and their .416, Steyr Mannlicher can easily make weapons in this caliber by fitting new barrels to the .50 BMG rifles which they already offer. This also means, of course, that the guns are as big and heavy as .50 BMG rifles, so the customer will need to decide whether the ballistic advantages of these cartridges are sufficient to outweigh the loss of the wide range of ammunition types available in .50 caliber.

.50 BMG

The history of this old warhorse is too well known to repeat here. Apart from its usual MG loadings, specially accurate bullets and loadings have been developed for use in rifles, for example the Sniper Elite listed in the table above. Most military sniper loadings are limited in their performance by being restricted to matching the trajectory of standard .50 MG rounds, which means that they only remain supersonic out to 1,500-1,600 meters. More specialised loadings reveal a lot more potential. For example, the Hornady A-MAX 750-grain bullet, shown in the photograph, remains supersonic out to 2,250-2,300 meters despite having a muzzle velocity of only 2,700 fps.

In conclusion, the long range sniper is spoiled for choice to a degree never seen before, and the drive to achieve the best possible performance and accuracy out to astonishing distances is pushing forward the boundaries of bullet design and ballistics.

Anthony G Williams is an author and military technology consultant, specialising in small and medium calibre ammunition. He maintains a website at http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk

Nestled unobtrusively just yards from the sun drenched golden sands and gently lapping waves of the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Waikiki sits Battery Randolph; originally built as a first line of defense against an enemy attack by sea and now the home of the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i.

Ring of Steel

From the ocean side, the battery presents a very low profile, looking more like a grass-covered sand dune than the emplacement of the Army’s powerful coastal defense weapons. In 1906 the Taft Board recommended a system of Coast Artillery batteries to protect strategic Pearl Harbor and Honolulu from attack by battleships. The original plan called for six 12-inch rifles, four 6-inch rapid fire rifles and sixteen 12-inch mortars. Construction began in 1909 at the principal locations of Fort Kamehameha, Fort Armstrong, Fort DeRussy and Fort Ruger. The original plan was modified by adding two 3-inch rapid fire batteries, and most importantly, substituting two 14-inch rifles for the DeRussy 12-inch rifles. Fixed batteries were supplemented by harbor mines and mobile guns, providing a ring of steel at both long and close range to repel any potential invader. Infantry, cavalry and field artillery units supported the batteries. By the eve of World War I, the system was essentially complete.

Battery Randolph, located at Ft. DeRussy, was completed in 1911 and is made of steel reinforced concrete up to 12 feet thick; able to withstand a direct hit from a 2,000-pound artillery shell. Mounted on the battery’s two gun decks were 14-inch rifles on Buffington-Crozier “disappearing” carriages that fired a 3/4 ton projectile 14 miles. A marvel of engineering in its day, the carriage was hidden behind a concrete parapet for loading, and then raised to its firing position by dropping a 50-ton lead counterweight. Recoil from the firing pushed the carriage down to the loading position and reset the counterweight. Observation posts at Diamond Head and Tantalus helped direct the battery’s fire for pinpoint accuracy.

During the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in December, 1941, the guns remained silent as they were of no use against an aerial attack. At the end of World War II, the giant guns were declared obsolete and cut up and sold for scrap; never having fired a shot in anger or defense. Battery Randolph was then used as a warehouse, and eventually abandoned. In 1969, the Army attempted to knock down the walls of the old Battery Randolph so that a hotel could be built on the site. The steel reinforced, 12-feet thick concrete walls repeatedly defied destruction by the wrecking ball and it was decided to relocate the site of the hotel. In 1976, the site was designated as the home of the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i.

The U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i

The museum preserves the architecture and the story of historic Battery Randolph, and chronicles the military history of Hawai’i from early contact with western civilization through the Vietnam War. Standing on part of the 72 acres which comprise the Armed Forces Recreation Center at Fort DeRussy, the museum occupies 13,500 square feet and contains over 2,000 artifacts and 1,900 photographs.

The main floor of the museum exhibit area is divided into 15 areas: an Introduction Foyer, Theater/Changing Gallery, Hawaiian Warfare, Camp McKinley, Defending an Island, Shell Magazine Replica, Manning the Defenses, Army Aviation Takes Off, The Winds of War, December 8, 1941, Hawai’i on Defense, Hawai’i on Offense, Hawai’i’s Japanese Americans, Korea – 5th Regimental Combat Team Commemoration, and the Vietnam War.

The tour through the museum follows a chronological order beginning with early Hawaiian warfare and the introduction of western military technology. King Kamehameha’s use of western weapons and advisors helped consolidate the Hawaiian Islands. On August 12, 1898, the United States ratified the treaty of annexation, and in 1900 the Organic Act proclaimed Hawai’i as a territory. Four days after annexation, the 1st New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment arrived by ship in Honolulu and began fortifying the islands by building Camp McKinley in Kapi’olani Park.

In each historical era gallery, displays of weapons, graphics, and artifacts tell the story of the military importance of Hawai’i. While the display of weaponry is not overwhelming, there is an excellent selection of weapons ranging from the early Brown Bess rifles to modern weaponry through the Vietnam era that fully convey their meaning and importance in the context of Hawai’i’s military history

Gallery of Heroes

On the second floor of the museum is the Gallery of Heroes. This small, cool and quiet gallery was developed in 1980 by Major General Herbert Wolff to honor Hawai’i’s recipients of the nation’s two highest awards of valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, or its equivalents, the Navy Cross or the Air Force Cross.

In the wall facing the mountains is a striking stained glass backdrop replica of the Medal of Honor. Originally, six recipients were placed on Koa pedestals in a semicircle, and in January 2001, twelve more were added, with their citations on the wall behind them. A citation was added in 2006 for Captain Humbert “Rocky” Versace, who died as a POW in 1966. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2002.

Across the way in another room, a curved lighted display currently honors 41 of Hawai’i’s residents who have received the Distinguished Service Cross or the Navy and Air Force Cross.

Another small room on the second floor houses the Corps of Engineers Regional Visitor Center.

Upper Deck Gun Battery

The second floor also leads the way to the two solid concrete gun mounts that make up Battery Randolph. Though the old 14-inch rifles on Buffington-Crozier “disappearing” carriages are long since gone, two 7-inch naval guns from the battleship USS New Hampshire have been mounted in their place, their mute barrels pointing through the palm trees over the sands of Waikiki “protecting” the vacationer’s paradise from an attack by sea.

Also on display on the roof is a “G” model U.S. Army AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter that was used extensively during the Vietnam War.

The Museum

The U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i is authorized and certified by the Commanding General, U.S. Army Center of Military History. The Museum is operated by the U.S. Army Garrison, Hawai’i, and serves both the military and civilian community. Battery Randolph and the Museum are located at the intersection of Kalia and Saratoga Roads. Admission is free, although donations are welcome to support museum development. Validated parking is available in Fort DeRussy’s parking lot and garage. The Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Monday). Allow 60 to 90 minutes for the complete tour. It is air conditioned with handicap facilities and an elevator (as well as stairs) is provided for access to the second floor where the Gallery of Heroes and the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center are situated as well as access to the gun deck and helicopter display.

The U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i is a wonderful and eloquent visit, well worth your time away from tanning yourself on the beach. Over 100,000 visitors tour the museum every year, making it one of the most frequently visited U.S. Army Museums in the world. The displays are concise but meaningful, well thought out and educational. Hawai’i’s military history is well presented in the historic setting of the massive Battery Randolph at Fort DeRussy.

Hawai’i Army Museum Society

Chartered in 1976 as a non-profit corporation, the Hawai’i Army Museum Society’s (HAMS) sole mission is to support the development of the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i and help fund exhibit expansion and creation, and other improvements at the museum. The Society is membership-based and besides a number of fund-raising events, operates the Gift Shop in the Museum lobby selling military-related merchandise with the Museum benefiting from 25% of net profits.

U.S. Army Museum of Hawai’i
Kalia Road
Battery Randolph, Ft. DeRussy
Mailing address:
U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii
Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Stop 319, U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii
Fort Shafter, HI 96858-5000
Phone: (808) 438-2821
Fax: (808) 438-2819
Historical Inquires: (808) 438-2822
Group Guided Tours: (808) 438-2825
Website: Go to 25idl.army.mil and scroll to: U.S. Army Museum Hawaii
Hawai’i Army Museum Society
P.O. Box 8064
Honolulu, HI 96830-0065
Phone: (808) 955-9552
Email: hams1@hawaiiantel.com
Website: www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org

If the television reality-show craze were to momentarily abort political correctness and expand into the gun world, there could certainly be potential in a new series called Pimp-My-Rifle. Just like the auto industry and the homebuilders have done, a bone-stock firearm could be presented for enhancement and returned to its owner in a highly modified configuration. Unfortunately, for the time being, no such reality show exists but thanks to the folks at CAA, many upgrades from mild to wild can privately be accomplished with a single phone call.

Plastic Rifle Popularity

There are several companies who specialize in manufacturing AR-15 style rifles in configurations too numerous to list here. The popularity of the semiautomatic version of America’s primary service weapon has exploded onto the civilian gun scene in the last decade evidenced by the number of major “sporting rifle” manufacturers who have added a version of the Black Rifle to their lineup. A firearm once considered on the fringe, or of limited interest, the AR-15 style rifle is no longer only being produced by specialized companies catering primarily to a military or law enforcement market. Eying a desirable and profitable market share, such well-known manufacturers as Remington, High Standard and Smith & Wesson seem to have now embraced the firearm that companies such as Colt, Bushmaster, DPMS, Olympic Arms, DoubleStar, and so many others have specialized in for decades.

With so many gun owners joining the ranks of the Black Rifle Owners Club, there has been a major influx of new ideas, points of view and weapon objectives brought forth by the fresh customer base and a desire to adapt this platform to their particular shooting discipline. This has, in turn, boosted the accessory market in volume and innovation. Jumping directly into the deep-end of the demand issue, CAA has a huge line of accessories for these rifles that continues to grow at an amazing pace. Their product line creates an environment where someone can purchase a standard, basic rifle and accessorize it for their particular purpose. Unfortunately, there have been specific cases where sensory overload occurred (too many available options and configurations) at a time when a purchase was about to be made and has led to a lost sale because the potential buyer wanted to “buy the right rifle the first time” and needed to do more research before buying.

Overload Problem Solved

One of the greatest advantages of the Black Rifle is the complete modularity built into the system. Almost any configuration in almost any caliber can be obtained with a little assistance from the aftermarket accessory industry. This means that for some shooters, especially those new to the AR-15 style rifle, the initial purchase can be as easy as a stripped-down, basic rifle, and it can be later customized to fit the specific criteria the new owner would desire. As well as making the initial purchase easier, this strategy has the potential to save the end user a substantial amount of money. Best of all, the configuration can be altered again, an unlimited number of times if desired, if a different or ever-changing end use should occur.

From Practical to Tactical… and Beyond

There is always plenty of discussion about what is considered a legitimate and useful accessory versus what constitutes an accessory deemed silly or ineffective. Ultimately this decision has to be the choice of the end user. This statement comes with a few light-hearted warnings.

• Black Rifle Bling – If you find something you can’t live without, hanging off the barrel of your Black Rifle, but it is a little “outside the box,” the ribbing from your peers is just part of the game. There are several accessories available and only you can decide what will meet your requirements. A light, a fore-grip or a laser, are usually acceptable in most shooting social circles. A bayonet lug mounted multi-blade combination lock-pick and hot dog fork might not.
• The 20-pound Light Rifle – Almost universally taunted by veteran AR-15 type rifle owners are those who purchase every accessory to the point of concealing the identity of the original firearm, and are often lightheartedly referred to as “Mall Ninjas” or “Internet Commandos.” Some guns have been intentionally over-accessorized and photographed for the web to poke a little fun at these, and some are even quite humorous. You will have to decide what you need for your new rifle based on the purpose you want it for. Just don’t mount everything you can find, anywhere it will fit, all at once.

If you are new to these rifles and maybe a little overwhelmed by the number of accessories available, consider these previous points your fair warning. They may save you some seemingly vicious but light-hearted ribbing.

The Right Touch

In order to demonstrate a series of practical upgrades to a base rifle, this writer contacted Command Arms Accessories (CAA) and explained the concept. They were asked to choose some of their popular accessories for a “makeover” on a basic rifle. In a very short period of time a few boxes arrived with several accessories and with the addition of a few components laying around the workshop, the first magazine version of Pimp-My-Rifle was underway.

The base rifle we started with had a low-end collapsible stock, a flattop upper receiver, standard front carbine-length forend, stock pistol grip and a traditional front sight & gas block.

• Stock – The makeover started at the rear and moved forward towards the muzzle. The first step was to deal with the factory stock. It was replaced with a CAA Collapsible Stock. This new stock gives the shooter a better cheek-weld and includes a no-slip rubber recoil pad as well as a small compartment that holds 4 CR123 Batteries, a short Picatinny accessory rail and an optional push-button sling swivel.
• Sling – With a mounting hole at the front of the new stock available, a one-point sling from CAA was chosen for this application. One-point slings work well in tight quarters and assist in weapon retention while incorporating quick-detach connection points.
• Pistol Grip – The stock pistol grip was replaced with a CAA Ergonomic Grip. This grip is a little wider, incorporates finger grooves and completely fills the space above the grip to the rear of the receiver for a very comfortable hold.
• Sights – Since this rifle had only a flattop receiver and standard front sight post, a combination of dot-type scope and adjustable iron sights were added and co-witnessed. They can be used in combination with each other or used individually if necessary or desired. The rear sight chosen was an LMT Tactical Adjustable Rear Sight. It is completely adjustable for windage and elevation. The red-dot scope chosen was a 30mm S.P.O.T. scope and mount from MGI Military. With several dot intensity settings this sight performs well in all light conditions.
• Rail System – Possibly the most versatile, and arguably the most popular, accessory of this rifle platform is a front rail system that allows for the attachment of numerous accessories. Since this was a project utilizing a base rifle with a standard upper receiver and front sight post, a TDI Arms X6 rail system was chosen. Manufactured from solid billet aviation aluminum, this 2-piece, 6-rail system simply replaces a standard carbine-length handguard and works in conjunction with the standard front sight. It is a drop-on rail installed with the factory delta ring and tightened with 5 bolts to secure the system. The top MIL-STD 1913 rail matches the height of the factory flat top rail to facilitate multiple accessories. Unused rail surfaces were covered with the assistance of an X6 Thermal Rail Cover Kit.
• Front Vertical Grip – The particular grip chosen for this project met a few different criteria. We used a CAA Flashlight Grip Adapter. This vertical front grip mounts on the front rail and accepts a standard 1-inch flashlight. Tactical lights with a rear button can utilize the built-in thumb switch in both a constant on and a momentary on mode. Lights with a pigtail-style pressure switch are also accommodated with built-in mounting surfaces.

Enough is Enough

Since we earlier made light of those who over-accessorize their rifles, we were cautious not to fall into that category with this build. Those who either need more accessories or just different accessories can rest well knowing that we didn’t even scratch the surface of the available items. For a full listing of CAA accessories you can visit their website at www.commandarms.com. Be prepared to be there for a while. There are numerous variants of the items we installed such as stocks, grips, mounts, slings and several other accessories not included such as magazine clamps, stock accessories, lasers and mounts, bipods and much more. They also carry accessories for many more firearms than just AR-15 style guns including AK47s, Uzis, P-90s, MP5s, Galils and several handguns.

Sources

Command Arms Accessories
76 Vincent Circle
Ivyland, PA 18974
Ph: (267) 803-1518
Fax: (267) 803-1002
www.commandarms.com

Lewis Machine Tool Company
1305 11th Street
W. Milan, IL 61264
Ph: (309) 787-7151
Fax: (309) 787-7193
www.lewismachine.net

MGI Military
102 Cottage Street
Bangor, ME 04401
Ph: (207) 945-5441
Fax: (207) 945-4010
www.mgimilitary.com

By Leszek Erenfeicht

Henryk Strapoc (pronounced: “Strompoch”) of Czerwona Gora-Podlesie in the Kielce region of southern Poland, was a village blacksmith’s younger son and a talented mechanic designer in his own, with a flair for amateur gunsmithing. At the ripe age of 15, in 1937, he made his first, entirely hand-made semiautomatic pistol patterned after his uncle’s cheap Spanish .25. He proudly demonstrated it to his classmates in a ravine behind the village, but got caught red-handed in the process by the school headmaster. He very nearly ended up in jail for illegal gun manufacturing and possession, but his early age proved his defense As a juvenile and first-offender, he was only chastised and ordered to report at the local police station once every week for a year’s duration. Despite this early setback, and his solemn promises not to stray again from the straight and narrow, he made three more pistols and a revolver before the war started.

In 1939, Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany and then, a little over a fortnight later, was stabbed in the back by the Soviet Union. Fighting on both fronts, she was eventually defeated despite a gallant defense. Hopes for a military action on the West, spurred by Britain’s and France’s declaration of war against Germany on September 3, were forlorn. Other than declarations, no tactile help was provided. The occupied country was divided, with “Uncle Joe” Stalin taking up 54% of the pre-war territory – more than Hitler did!

Almost overnight, various factions started to organize military underground resistance structures. The political spectrum of the Polish underground was as colorful and varied as was the pre-war society. Every party and a faction had its own underground military branch, running the gamut from socialists on the left wing up to crypto-fascist nationalists on the far right one; only the Communists kept out of it, obeying their orders from Moscow. Strapoc joined the conservative Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (PSL, Polish Peasant Party) underground forces, called the “Peasant Battalions” (Bataliony Chlopskie – BCh, or phonetically misspelled: BH, hence the later name of his submachine gun). He was at long last going to do what he loved: gunsmithing for the local guerilla force.

After two years of re-vamping the small arms dug out from sites, when surrendering Polish Army units cached their weapons for further fight, by the fall of 1942, he commenced work on the submachine gun of his own design.

One class of arms that his and most other outfits most sorely missed were submachine guns. Pre-war Polish Army only experimented with submachine guns, which by then proved to be very useful guerilla weapons. At that stage, the SOE had not started their weapon air-dropping program yet, and the front, where first-line units abounded in SMGs was far, far away, out in the East, at the feet of Caucasus, where German offensive targeted their own “one bridge too far” at the city of Stalingrad. The only source of SMGs at that time were German police units, mostly armed with antique MP 18,I – sometimes even complete with their oblique snail-drums. Disarming German police units resulted in bloody punitive raids against suspected villages, and, besides, only one in ten policemen or MPs had the bloody thing. Having an SMG at your disposal was a great prestige between the guerillas, and his outfit was going to have one, come hell or high water. Several ambushes against German police units produced no demanded result: several rifles and pistols were captured, but no SMGs, and in reprisal several villages were burned. Then Strapoc proposed to better use the other alternative, and decided to design and built a SMG of his own. He set up a workshop in his brother Edward’s forge. The only tools he got there for the job were those he was able to find in a village smithy: a hacksaw, hand-cranked drill and lathe, set of screw-taps and die-nuts, a handful of files and a couple of drifters.

Submachine guns were novel firearms then, and starting his work in the deep hinterland, Mr. Strapoc only had a general idea on how the actual SMG worked. Despite this, by spring of 1943 the weapon was ready for testing and worked remarkably well from the first shot on. Jan Swat (nome-de-guerre “Orzel”), a draughtsman from the former Huta Ostrowiec (HO) metalworks in nearby Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, now renamed the Hermann-Goering-Werke, prepared a set of drawings for all component parts of the gun. His other friends, sworn-in guerilla soldiers from the HO works, started to turn out parts for the weapon in secrecy. Strapoc was tasked with finishing, fitting and assembling the submachine guns. The misspelled name “BH” struck to their sides was a matter of available letter punches, and not a testimony to the incomplete education – his brother’s set of punches simply lacked the letter C.

Preparations for assembling the first batch took a full year to complete. Parts manufacture began by October 1943, with the first finished components delivered in late November. First complete “series-production” submachine guns were test-fired and handed over to the partisans in the first days of 1944. Of the 11 weapons finished before the Red Army arrived in July of 1944, only one has been preserved in Warsaw’s Polish Army Museum.

Main Characteristics

Most of the dozen BHs manufactured (one prototype and 11 of the first batch) were chambered for the 9×19 Luger, though the two or three last ones were chambered for the Soviet 7.62×25 Tokarev ammunition. As the barrels were recycled from old rifles, it was way much easier to find a ready .30 caliber barrel for the Soviet round than having to re-drill and re-rifle these to fit the German round.

Though the BH was a blowback submachine gun, the design incorporated many novel and unusual features – more out of innocent ignorance, because Strapoc simply didn’t know that nobody used these in the real SMGs, than in the pursuit of the novel designing trends. The bolt is more of a slide, telescoping the barrel, the latter guiding the return spring in turn: just like in pocket semiautomatic pistols. The firing mechanism incorporates a hammer, and the weapon fires from the closed breech position. There is a three-setting safety/fire selector lever fitted on the left side of the receiver. In the fully automatic (FA) mode of fire, the automatic sear trips the sear for each shot, thus preventing the premature firing of the round. The trigger bar acts as a disconnector in semiautomatic (SA) firing mode. There is no hold-open device. The extractor claw is a spring-loaded rotary variation, also common for the European pocket automatics of the early 20th Century. Projection of the automatic sear serves as an ejector.

The weapon is fed from the 30/32-round staggered-row box magazine. The empty magazine weighs 0.31 kg (.68 lbs) and, loaded, weighs 0.7 kg (1.54 lbs). The sights are of open iron type, with a rigid, pistol-type V-notch and front blade, roughly set for 50 meters, with the sighting radius being 385 mm (15.15 in.). The bolt, incorporated into the slide reciprocating on top of the frame/receiver; again in a pocket-automatic fashion, can be retracted by hand or by pulling on the front portion of the sling attached to the underside of the slide’s front rounded portion. The weapon is 445 mm (17.52 in.) long overall. There is no stock of any type, nor a provision for one. The empty weapon weighs 2.43 kg (5.35 lbs.), and loaded 2.82 kg (6.21 lbs.).

Design Features

The BH submachine gun consists of six main groups and assemblies: a slide assembly, a frame assembly with rigidly installed (screwed-in) barrel, a trigger group, a hammer group, a magazine and a return spring.

The slide assembly includes front spring cap/barrel bushing, slide, and the breechblock, complete with spring-loaded firing pin and extractor claw, secured inside the slide by means of two screws.

The spring cap is secured by two screws, one on either side of the muzzle. There is a large ejection opening on the upper right side of the slide. The front sling swivel is brass soldered to the lower part of the front, cylindrical portion of the slide. The complete bolt assembly weighs 0.685 kg (1.51 lbs.).

The frame assembly consists of the frame, barrel screwed into the frame projection, magazine catch assembly, two slide rails bolted to the rear part of the frame and a wooden pistol grip fitted with the rear sling swivel. The whole assembly weighs 1.39 kg (3.06 lbs.). The barrel is 240 mm (9.45 in.) long, with 6 grooves, right hand twist rifling, one turn in 224 mm (8.82 in.).

The trigger group incorporates an ingenious and intricate duplicated firing mechanism for the two firing modes, consisting of a single trigger blade with two trigger bars, sear with two linking levers, automatic sear for fully automatic fire and a fire selector-cum-safety lever. The automatic sear prevents the premature firing of the round and carries the ejector.

The hammer group consists of a hammer with its spindle and the hammer plunger containing concentric, doubled hammer spring.

The magazine is of a staggered row double-position type, and consists of a milled body with a catch lug soldered to the front, a follower, a bottom lid with a snap-catch, and an ingenious staggered-coil follower spring.

The return spring is of helical variety, 20 mm (.79 in.) in external diameter, and has 32 coils made of 1.2 mm (.047 in.) wire.

Field Stripping and Reassembly

1. Unload and clear the weapon.
2. Unscrew the front cap retaining screws and remove the cap and spring.
3. Retract the slide, unscrew the barrel and withdraw it from the slide.
4. Loosen four frame-rail retaining screws, thus enabling the slide to be slid up and off the frame. Further stripping is neither needed nor recommended. To reassemble, repeat in reverse order.

Action of the Mechanisms

The weapon is ready to fire in a semiautomatic mode with the full magazine (31) in place, bolt (7) fully home, hammer (26) cocked, automatic sear (24) lowered, fire selector (16) set to the semiautomatic notch. Upon squeezing the trigger (18), the main trigger bar (19) rotates the upper sear link (21) and disconnects with it in its foremost position. The upper sear link pulls the lower sear link (22), which in turn rotates the sear (23), freeing the hammer (26) to fall. The hammer, propelled by the mainspring acting via plunger (27), strikes the inertia firing pin (9), which in turn strikes the primer of the chambered round, thus igniting the cartridge. The expanding gases blow the bolt backwards. The bolt extracts the spent case from the chamber by means of the extractor claw, while cocking the hammer. The case is then ejected through the opening in the slide upon hitting the ejector (28), forming part of the automatic sear (24). During the return stroke, the bolt strips the next round from the magazine’s (31) lips, feeds and then chambers it. The returning trigger makes the trigger bar (18) snap in place and contact the upper sear link. Upon pulling the trigger again, the cycle is repeated until all the rounds are fed from the magazine.

In the fully automatic mode the cycle is mostly the same. It starts with the same parts disposition, except for the fire selector being set to the full automatic notch. The trigger sets the hammer in motion by lieu of a semiautomatic trigger bar and both sear links, just like in the semiautomatic mode, but at the same time the secondary, external fully automatic trigger bar (20) raises the automatic sear (24). Upon the shot, the slide on finishing its return stroke rotates the automatic sear, which in turn pushes back the sear, thus triggering the next shot. The cycle repeats itself as long as rounds are fed and the trigger is held back.

The Technology Issue

To manufacture such a complicated device with the primitive tools at hand was a serious technological challenge; making the production difficult and time-consuming. It would take several months for one man to make the whole set of parts for one gun. This rate was unacceptable, and thus the manufacturing of the parts was delegated to the Huta Ostrowiec employees. They were responsible for production of the slides, bolts, frame groups, trigger and hammer mechanisms, magazines and barrels pre-fabrication. The latter were made out of rifle barrels from scrapped World War I worn-out rifles, found by accident in the far corner of the metal works scrap-heap. These were then supplied to Strapoc in 480 mm (18.9 in.) long sections, with external threads cut to either end. Strapoc was boring these out to about 9mm internal diameter, from the original 7.62mm (Mosin), 8mm (Mannlicher) or 7.92mm (Mauser), then rifled them with the use of ram-drifters. This was a very difficult operation because it called for accuracy, which was in a very short supply indeed with the tools at hand. Many barrel blanks were wasted in the process. Upon rifling the barrel blanks, chambers were drilled on either end of the barrel, and then the barrel was hack-sawed in half to make two submachine guns barrels.

The HO people manufactured the semi-finished slides out of 26 mm (1.02 in.) diameter steel tubing, cut down to 405 mm (15.94 in.) length. Then the tube was cut longitudinally for a half of a future slide, the sides were unfolded and hammer-straightened to become vertical sides of the slide. Strapoc then made the ejection openings and screw holes, soldered-in the end-parts of the slides, complete with the bolt attaching lugs, and riveted the slide rails in place. The frame group components were then brass-soldered or riveted together.

Design Analysis

The BH submachine gun is by all means an original weapon. It was – as far as it is known – probably the first submachine gun ever to fire from the closed breech with the swinging hammer-type trigger mechanism. Only the US Reising and Swiss Furrer MP 41 submachine guns were firing from a closed bolt before it, but both were striker-fired. The bolt is of the external slide variety, straddling the frame, much like in the automatic pistols, a design feature to be re-born in Mr. Wilniewczyc’s PM63 machine pistol of the late 1950s. At the same time, the hammer-fired submachine guns were also re-discovered, in the form of the German HK MP5 (then still known as the MP64) and the Czech Skorpion vz.61.

The setup of the weapon is readily inspired by the MP38/MP40 series with their separate pistol grips, folding stocks and vertical magazines. The vague knowledge of the actual principles on which a weapon like that operates caused Strapoc to built a very complicated hammer mechanism instead of some kind of KISS-principle (keep-it-simple-stupid) slam-fire one. Several parts bear some resemblance to various weapons, mostly the pocket automatics of the early 20th Century. The hammer plunger assembly is similar to that found in 6.35mm Walther Mod.8 or Belgian F. Delu 6.35mm pistols, while the disconnecting action is similar to that of the Hungarian 7.65mm M1901 Frommer pistol. The trigger mechanism as a whole, however, is a very unusual one for a submachine gun in those days, and it is very doubtful if a village blacksmith ever had an opportunity to see most of the designs listed above.

The positioning of the ejector (a projection on the automatic sear) is believed to be governed by the lack of space behind the magazine well – but no other gun has an ejector arrangement like that. The ability to cock the weapon by means of the sling is also an original idea, since then only once recalled, in the Austrian Steyr MPi 69, a quarter of a century later.

The hammer firing mechanism, then a rarity, nowadays is a standard for all high-tech submachine guns, such as the ubiquitous Heckler & Koch MP5, also designed a quarter of a century later. With such advanced design features, one can surely say that this out-back, middle-of-nowhere country blacksmith had preceded the professional submachine gun designers by at least that – a quarter of a century.

Polish BH Submachine Gun

“You’ve got Rangers all over … doing the exact same thing for God and country, that never see each other. When we go to fight the war we fight in small elements. It’s a rare opportunity you get to see your brethren and take time to get to know one another and celebrate all that you’ve done….” Major Rob Schultz of Headquarters, 75th Ranger Regiment, in a USASOC news release

When nearly a thousand of your best buddies drop in one evening for a visit, you can bet one helluva party is gonna follow.

This is just what happened on the 6th of August, 2007 at historic Fort Benning, Georgia, home of the US Army’s Infantry Branch and headquarters of the 75th Ranger Regiment. The next three days were filled with all the rugged Ranger-theme competitions, events and activities that have come to characterize Ranger Rendezvous over a period of twenty years. Not a party in the way most folks define the word, but an officially sanctioned biennial gathering of elite US Army Rangers past, present and even some likely future Rangers.

Intended to foster esprit de corps within this proud warrior brotherhood that traces its lineage back more than three centuries, well before Robert Rogers’ Rangers of the French and Indian War, the Rendezvous also provides outsiders with unique opportunities. Because most Rendezvous activities are open to the public, it is a rare chance for non-Rangers to get a close look at these necessarily secretive men, along with their highly lethal weapons and exotic, specialized equipment.

So SAR made attendance a priority, courtesy of an invitation from the 75th Ranger Regiment and personally escorted by Carol Darby-Jones, US Army Special Operations Command’s Public Affairs Officer, as well as Tracy Bailey, the Regimental PAO. Thanks to special arrangements by these friendly and energetic ladies, we were privileged to get right in the middle of the action and to speak “on the record” with some selected Rangers.

Vertical Envelopment

Ranger Rendezvous 2007 kicked off on Monday evening with a spectacular mass tactical airborne operation over Benning’s Fryar Drop Zone. Not for show, mind you, but for tangible training value to everyone involved including highly professional USAF aircrews and all varieties of Airborne Rangers from the Regiment’s 1st and 3rd Battalions. 2nd Battalion, with home base at Fort Lewis, Washington, is currently deployed at undisclosed locations overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Diving headfirst out of a turboprop MC-130P Hercules Combat Shadow provided by the US Air Force’s 9th Special Operations Command, Ranger Pathfinders HALO’d in under crescent shaped ram-air chutes nimbly steered to pinpoint landings, quickly setting up ground-to-air communications. It was their job to begin directing waves of the Air Force’s giant C-17 Globemaster transports, as well as more C-130s, each crammed with Rangers in full battle gear. Flying at precise intervals and trailing at altitudes set like ascending stair steps, the lumbering aircraft efficiently disgorged more than 700 Rangers in short order, filling the hot and thickly humid evening air with translucent green canopies.

Once on the ground, the Rangers lost no time rolling up their parachutes and moving out smartly to designated rally points at the perimeter of the enormous DZ, just like in a real combat operation. Sure, doctrine calls for all this to be done under cover of darkness, but where would they get enough night vision goggles for the enormous crowd of spectators and news media reps who all wanted to see the drop?

Regimental Run

The next day started in typical Ranger fashion at the proverbial “O Dark-Thirty” with a Regimental formation on Peyden Field. Gone are the bad old days of running in fatigues and jump boots. Uniformly clad in distinctive black shorts and RANGER tee shirts with running shoes of their personal choice, companies and battalions formed up in the steaming pre-dawn darkness for the prescribed limbering up exercises then took off at a faster than double time pace for a three mile run. The long, living ribbon of Rangers snaked through Benning to the sound of traditional cadence calls, reinforcing warrior spirit in the chanters and providing something of a warning to those who would foolishly tangle with these superbly conditioned and highly motivated fighters.

The Army’s Premier Raid Force
By 75th Ranger Regiment Public Affairs Office

The 75th Ranger Regiment is a lethal, agile and flexible force, capable of executing a myriad of complex, joint special operations missions in support of US policy and objectives. Today’s Ranger Regiment is the Army’s premier raid force. Each of the three geographically dispersed Ranger Battalions is always combat ready, mentally and physically tough and prepared to fight the Long War. Their capabilities include air assault and direct action raids seizing key terrain such as airfields, destroying strategic facilities, and capturing or killing enemies of the Nation. Rangers are capable of conducting squad through regimental size operations using a variety of infiltration techniques including airborne, air assault and ground platforms. The Regiment remains an all-volunteer force with an intensive screening and selection process followed by combat-focused training. Rangers are resourced to maintain exceptional proficiency, experience and readiness. The 75th Ranger Regiment is a proud unit and a team of teams serving the nation – Rangers lead the way.

Run, Sweat, Shoot, and Drag

There was no rest for the weary afterward, at least among those who were competitors in the Stress Shoot. Arguably the most Ranger-like event of the gathering’s several competitions, this demanding test of physical conditioning and marksmanship skills harshly measures each team’s performance under simulated combat conditions.

Because the typically brutal Georgia summer heat and humidity were forecast to top 100 degrees by noon, the Stress Shoot began way earlier than scheduled. By 0800 hours, many of the Regiment’s three man teams had already completed the prescribed run, sweat, shoot and drag.

Our Ranger host for this event, Sergeant Myles Grantham of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, told us that the timed and scored event has its start point way back in the Regimental area, a mile from where we were on Farnsworth Range, site of the live fire portion. The clock starts on each team in turn as they take off at a dead run, burdened by the “battle rattle” of weapons, body armor and gear.

Not surprisingly, all the teams we observed arrived at the range with lungs heaving and sweat pouring, moving right up to the first set of a series of three plywood barriers simulating various typical fighting positions. Closely supervised by fellow Rangers acting as lane coaches, they slammed magazines into their special M4A1 SOPMOD carbines, now lethally loaded with standard green tipped ball 5.56mm M855 ammo. Then, taking up required shooting stances from standing to prone, they do their best to put well aimed shots into stationary E-Type silhouettes set a various distances.

It’s up to each Ranger to decide what day sight he wants to use from among the standard issue types, Grantham noted, including traditional iron aperture and post, no-magnification electronic red dot, or the four power ACOG. Each has advantages and disadvantages given the nature of the shooting conditions and we saw all types in use.

All members of the team must have finished firing the allotted number of rounds and cleared their weapons before they are allowed to run forward, pressing their simulated assault from the next set of plywood positions. Grantham pointed out the tough tradeoff between elapsed time and hits on target, but also noted the core Ranger value of teamwork as a major factor. Some are fast and others are precise. Together they get the job done.

Immediately after the last rounds are fired and magazines removed, each Ranger’s carbine gets a cleaning rod down the barrel to verify it as clear and safe. The team runs to the side of the range and each man harnesses up the pull ropes of a SKEDCO drag bag, heavily burdened with several 5 gallon cans of water to simulate the weight of a wounded comrade. The finish line is 50 meters away and the pull requires a tremendous amount of leg strength and stamina. The unrelenting stopwatch doesn’t halt until the last of the three makes it across the line.

We are pleased to announce that the winning team for this year’s Stress Shoot represents C Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Their hard work and skill were rewarded with a trophy.

Guns and Gear

Early completion of the Stress Shoot worked out fine for us because we got extra time at the Ranger Open House, set up outside the impressive headquarters building for the 75th Ranger Regiment. This display was a 24 karat gold mine for the specialized guns and gear that are usually hidden from public view and jealously guarded from the prying eyes of the news media and other suspected or known adversaries.

But, under the watchful eye of USASOC PAO Carol Darby-Jones, we were given nearly free rein to photograph the real stuff on display and to talk with the stalwart Rangers who had brought their workplace tools to the show. Our earlier conversations back at the Stress Shoot with Ranger Sergeant Myles Grantham, a combat-experienced sniper, sent us on a beeline for the precision rifles table, ably manned by a pair of his sniper buddies from HHC of the 3rd Battalion.

Sergeants Jake Attebery and Staff Sergeant Robert Shoup good-naturedly displayed their .50 caliber Barrett M107, a 7.62mm Knight’s MK11 Mod 0, and the exotic MK13, custom built around a Remington 700 bolt action receiver chambered for the undeniably efficient .300 Win Mag cartridge. Their day sights, night sights, suppressors, spotting scopes, and plenty more were right there on display, prompting more than one visiting Ranger veteran to offer observations on how things have certainly changed for the better since way back when.

Less precise in application but far more lethal on a wider scale and longer range are the Regiment’s mortars, sized from 60mm to a whopping 120mm. This is all the Regiment has in the way of organic artillery, necessarily so given mobility requirements. If heavier firepower is needed then backup is usually supplied by various supporting aircraft that are part of a combined arms force tailored for particular missions.

The 40mm Mark 19 grenade machine gun, a veteran of the Vietnam War, has been recently replaced in the Regiment by the 40mm MK47 Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher, a high tech bomblet chunker boasting a computerized fire control system with integrated day and night sights for much greater first round and subsequent hit probability day or night.

Conspicuously absent from the display were the 84mm M3 Carl Gustav multipurpose recoilless rifle, the Javelin antiarmor system and the Stinger antiaircraft missile launcher. Each of these tactical tubes is uniquely suited for specialized tasks by the fast moving and hard-hitting Rangers, representing essential offensive and defensive capabilities for a wide variety of missions. It’s not as if there were secrets to keep as all are listed on publicly posted fact sheets.

The ubiquitous and highly regarded .50 caliber M2HB and 7.62mm M240B machine guns, standard throughout the US Armed Forces, were prominently mounted on a brand spanking new M1113 Special Operations Ground Mobility Vehicle. This is an even more robust and powerful version of the workhorse HMMWV, newly fitted with a turbocharged diesel engine and custom configured with plenty of extra stowage racks for all that ammo, fuel, water, food and gear needed in deep penetration raids.

Because both of the belt guns on the GMV are too heavy for efficient dismounted missions, today’s Rangers are blessed with a pair of machine guns that were developed by US Special Operations Command specifically for the Navy’s SEAL teams. Replacing the Army’s standard M249 SAW in the Regiment is the 5.56mm MK46, a smaller, lighter, more rugged and reliable upgrade of the same weapon. And for times when it is desirable to have a 7.62mm belt gun that can be carried by one man, the MK48 is now in the Ranger arsenal. Often called a “SAW on steroids,” the 48 is essentially a beefed-up version of the MK46 to handle the heavier-hitting, longer-ranging round.

Sidearms and shotguns were also laid out for inspection, inviting a closer look at the pairing of a standard 9mm Beretta M9 next to the unmistakably boxy profile of a Glock 19 sporting a day tactical light. Seems “certain Rangers” get the Glock – surprisingly chambered for the same puny 9mm round – while most others carry Berettas. Our guess is that this has something to do with reliability since terminal effects with GI issue ball ammo are the same. All this could change in the not too distant future when and if USSOCOM makes good on its on-again, off-again intent to find and field the best new handgun and cartridge combo.

Rangers are believed to be the only ones in the Army to have been issued the M1014 shotgun, originally intended to replace nearly all 12 gauge scatterguns in the US Armed Forces. No sign of the M1014 at the display but that’s OK because there was a really mean looking chopped down scattergun complete with Pachmayr Vindicator pistol grip, Picatinny rail on top and sidesaddle shell carrier. This ultra compact breaching blaster is one of the handiest versions we’ve seen of Remington’s superlative 870 slide action classic.

SCAR Sighting

Seems the Regiment is in the process of evaluating the 5.56mm FN SCAR-L, recently fielded with Navy Special Warfare units including elite SEAL teams. Someone thought it would be a nice touch to bring one of the test guns over for the Open House display; most likely because anything “new and improved” ought to be proudly shown.

The SCAR-L dispenses with the hot and dirty direct gas system of the M16 family in favor of a cool and clean gas piston.

If the 75th decides at some point to replace its M4s with SCAR-L, or the HK416, known to be in use by the Army’s officially non-existent Operational Detachment Delta, that will be BIG news throughout the US Armed Forces and beyond.

Commo Check

We’re gun guys, not real smart but at least smart enough to know that C3I – command, control, communications, and intelligence – are absolutely essential combat multipliers. Reluctantly leaving the weapons displays behind, we moved over to check out the really high tech stuff. Imagine joining the Rangers, going through all that parachute qualification, snake eating, mud crawling, and other character building qualification training, then getting assigned to sit behind a computer screen. Cushy job? Think again….

Sure, a high level Ranger operation uses a bunch of really impressive stuff like SATCOM rigs, hardened computers, whiz-bang digital battlefield displays, encrypted burst long range transceivers, and much more. But they’re designed to travel light, fast and rough, and be used in what is euphemistically known as “austere environments.” So your dream job as a Ranger REMF has the hard reality of freezing cold, blazing heat, driving rain, ravenous insects, cold MREs, round-the-clock operation with no sleep, and the very real possibility of getting your butt shot off while tapping on a keyboard. Still interested?

Our favorite high tech gear among the gadget goodies on display was the little RQ-11 Raven, a battery powered miniature spy plane that sends back radio-linked real-time video to a laptop computer. Its Ranger “pilot” uses a video-game joystick controller to fly the thing out for a bird’s eye peek at what the bad guys are doing, simultaneously sending the imagery to any of several levels of command. Yes, it’s been around for awhile and the Regiment has some other eye in the sky recon robots that they didn’t choose to reveal, but that doesn’t minimize its value in real-world operations.

Ranger Sports

While we were getting our guns ‘n gear fix in the shade of the canopy covered display, one helluva lot of Rangers were out “playing,” most in the direct sun and hundred degree heat. On athletic fields at various locations around the Regimental area groups of Rangers faced off in friendly but fierce competition, representing their units in traditional sports like football, softball and tug-of-war. All in a day’s work for these men who take tremendous pride in physical and mental toughness in any environment.

But the biggest crowds gathered later that afternoon in Hanger 301 at Lawson Airfield for the Combatives Tournament, a Ranger smackdown with all the ferocious intensity of Ultimate Fighting but geared toward motivating military warriors. While the Army has long promoted hand-to-hand combat training using a variety of martial arts techniques, Combatives takes the concept to its highest level. Instead of teaching specific techniques in a controlled situation, Ranger-style Combatives puts the emphasis on real fights between individuals. Yeah, they’re supposed to hold back just a little bit so as not to seriously injure each other, but few see much evidence of that.

Cheered on by nearly 2,000 spectators, Rangers in six weight classes tore into each other with relentless punches, kicks, elbows and choke holds. Winners emerged decisively when their opponents had been brought to the mat, sometimes bloodied but, amazingly, fit enough to fight again.

Sergeant Treybutt Hull, quoted in a USASOC news report from the Rendezvous, reflected on emerging as Regimental champion in the 140 pound weight class. “You know it’s all about farther, faster and fight harder!” the 1st Battalion Ranger said.

Honors and Ceremonies

While it is hard for outsiders to fully appreciate the importance of formal ceremonies to those in the military brotherhood, even clueless onlookers were moved by the solemnity and reverence that accompanied several events on Wednesday and Thursday. The first, recognizing outstanding accomplishments while assigned to the Regiment or providing it support, saw induction of seven Distinguished and three Honorary members of the 75th Ranger Regiment. This was soon followed by another to induct fifteen Distinguished and two Honorary members of the Ranger Hall of Fame.

Thursday, the last day of the Rendezvous, dawned with more of the same typically hot, muggy and hazy Georgia summer weather. The ultimate sacrifice paid by Ranger brothers of the distant, more recent and immediate past was honored that morning at the Ranger Memorial with the laying of floral wreaths, three precision volleys of blank fire, and somber reflection during the haunting and mournful bugle notes of “Taps.”

Finally, in the lengthening shadows of early evening at Sergeant Alvin York Field, the Regiment formed up for a Change of Command. There, precisely adhering to ceremony dictated by hundreds of years of US Army tradition and protocol, Colonel Richard D. Clarke accepted the Regimental Colors, taking command of the 75th Ranger Regiment following the distinguished service of Colonel Paul J. LaCamera.

Find Out More

No man can know with certainty what will happen in the 75th Ranger Regiment over the two years that will pass before Ranger Rendezvous 2009. But let there be no doubt that these brave and dedicated men are determined to uphold tradition and gather once again. We suggest the following internet references for detailed information on the Regiment and, at some point in the future, an announcement of dates and location of the next Rendezvous:

• 75th Ranger Regiment Official Website: www.benning.army.mil/75thranger/index.asp
• Ranger Recruiting: www.goarmy.com/ranger/index.jsp
• 75th Ranger Regiment Association: 75thrra.com
• US Army Ranger Association: www.ranger.org

Next Month

The US Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, under operational control of the US Special Operations Command, is a unique combat asset, proven absolutely necessary and undeniably effective in a long list of wartime and covert missions. In the next issue we’ll take a close look at Ranger training, weapons and equipment.

This year’s Small Arms System Symposium and Firing Demonstration, hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), was heated by more than just the Texas sun. The event, an international and joint services forum, saw a variety of topics related to small arms, often with opposing viewpoints. Participants ranged from the regular Defense Industry and Military Procurement personnel, a Senatorial aid, and even an Israeli Defense Forces officer fresh from an obscure Jerusalem base. What brought these small arms professionals to the Fairmont Hotel and Convention Center in Dallas is that the NDIA symposium is the one place to see relevant equipment, evaluate new products, and hear a multitude of professional presentations about the current status of the nation’s small arms industry. Many came to look to the horizon and gain a sense of future requirements, others came to stay informed on what their industry partners and the military services are doing, while others came simply to step back and observe what would come from the amalgamation of so many ideas.

The symposium objective was simple: bring together all aspects of the small arms community in order to bring the best small arms enhancements to the warfighter, whether it be “incremental enhancements to fielded legacy small arms systems to enabling technologies, such as fire control improvements, use of robotics, and digitization of small arms systems on the battlefield.” The major contention point, however, became the focus on defining the meaning and importance of the symposium objective and trying to sort out the relationship between incremental changes and leap ahead technology. This lead to some very interesting insight from every point of view imaginable as a simple guiding theme turned the 2008 NDIA event into a hotbed of debate that had some walking on eggshells from the event’s opening remarks.

The Beginning

The NDIA Small Arms Symposium historically has drawn many of the finest and most respected personalities in the defense community as speakers and this year was no different. The Honorable James R. Ambrose, former Under Secretary of the Army (October 1981-February 1988) was the keynote speaker following the initial opening announcements. Seasoned with experience and flavored with modest humor, Ambrose commented on his personal experiences as Under Secretary during the turbulent Cold War years of President Reagan’s administration. While touching on the relevancy of the past and the importance of communication between the military and industry, Under Secretary Ambrose preempted the week’s forum with a tremendous thought: the Soldiers on the ground are a wealth of operational knowledge to keep in consideration when planning, a point that would surface again and again. Under Secretary Ambrose himself specifically mentioned the professionalism and skill of the Army’s NCO Corps and made it clear that despite some of the thinking he encountered in some during his time in office, the Soldier is more than a “pack animal.” As he left the stage he was saluted with a standing ovation.

Following the Under Secretary’s words was a brief but potent address by Mr. Bryan O’Leary, Legislative Assistant for Military Affairs representing the office of Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK). Senator Coburn has become a common name in the small arms community after becoming an aggressive advocate for open competition among carbine manufacturers. Sen. Coburn’s office has often expressed concerns that United States service men and women may not be armed with the best available individual weapon. Though there are varied interpretations of test data and questions of relevancy, especially from the Army, Mr. O’Leary assured the industry and military attendees that in a competition, “We don’t care who wins.” referring to Senator Coburn and his staff. “In the end the taxpayers are going to win and the Soldiers are going to win and they are going to be carrying the best weapon you can produce.” Mr. O’ Leary further elaborated that the issue of small arms is largely neglected by Congress because of a variety of factors including constituency concerns and small unit price. O’Leary’s opening remarks brought the spotlight on an issue that would linger peripherally around the symposium hall for the duration of the event.

The Vision of the Services

At the beginning of the first session, the Joint Services Small Arms Synchronization Team (JSSAST) took the podium consisting of a chief representative from the four branches of service as well as the Coast Guard. Each member of the panel took an opportunity to address industry and military personnel on the current status of small arms programs and the future of vision of their organization. Col. Robert Radcliffe, representing the U.S. Army Infantry Center (USAIC) kicked things off with the longest portion of the session.

Col. Radcliffe quickly enforced the Army’s position on the current M4 carbine calling it, in his view, “a world class weapon” and suggested the Army may be contemplating “pure fleeting” the carbine to replace M16 variants currently in circulation. Citing post combat surveys that show soldier satisfaction with the M4, Col. Radcliffe focused most of his time explaining how the Infantry Center develops combat requirements for small arms using a five point method of assessment known as “Soldier as a System” (SAS) that addresses the soldier, training, weapon, optic, and ammunition as an entire package. As presented, the USAIC has, and continues to be, heavily focused on training, optics, and ammunition as substantial combat multipliers and Col. Radcliffe stated that of the five factors applied in SAS, their findings suggest the weapon is the least important at this time.

The USAIC presentation emphasized the combatant demand for heavy and general purpose machine guns identifying the renowned M2 .50 cal. and M240B as the two weapons topping the charts with Soldiers in post combat surveys. The demand for such weapon systems has lead to further developments including the M2 Enhanced Gun and the XM312 Lightweight .50. Both weapons were developed to address long identified issues with the M2 such as the need to set headspace and timing after barrel changes and hefty weight when dismounted. While the M2 Enhanced offers the M2 package with a quick change barrel and fixed headspace and timing, the XM312 is of particular interest, especially to light infantry and small team units. With a system weight of 53 pounds including the full ground mount system, half of the comparable configuration weight for the M2, the XM312 has the potential to add a whole new level of lethal capability to the dismounted warfighter.

Col. Radcliffe put substantial emphasis on precision fire capability and capability gaps. One focal point is a Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) rifle that is a “carbine look-a-like.” The premise is that an SDM rifle that mimics that standard carbine will not draw attention to the DM who, despite his roll as a marksman capable of precision well aimed fire, is still primarily an Infantry Rifleman. Currently the Army fields a hodge-podge of different solutions for the SDM that vary from unit to unit and are mostly based on the M14 and a few Army Marksmanship Unit built 5.56mm weapons. The M14 EBR, selected for accuracy and modified with a sage stock, is currently being fielded to fulfill the SDM capability and may bring some standardization across the service. When coupled with a good optic and proper training, the EBR is quite accurate at range but ergonomically challenging in close quarters.

The brief further addressed the M110 SASS (Semi Automatic Sniper System); a 7.62mm self-loading sniper rifle based on the Knight’s Armament SR-25, and identified it as an example of successful Army small arms fielding. The M110 is currently being fielded to augment and possibly fully replace the venerable M24 bolt action sniper systems currently filling most sniper roles in the Army. According to LTC (USMC ret) David Lutz of Knight’s Armament, the M110 recently performed well in a random lot sample test in which over 5,000 rounds were fired without a failure. A sniper capability gap was also identified demanding the requirement for a longer range anti-personnel sniper weapon out to 1,500 meters. Radcliffe also refined the requirement for a “sub compact” weapon system emphasizing an effective range of 150m-200m from a 5.56mm NATO platform.

Following the Army was the USMC’s LTC Tracy Tafolla who gave a focused no nonsense look at what Marine Corps Systems Command has in sight for the future. Among the more interesting goals, the Marines will be gathering a consensus of opinion on a possible replacement rifle caliber, a talking point that had many heads turning during the brief. The USMC has also been working towards completion of a sniper rifle document for a weapon system that has a 1,500-1,800 meter anti-personnel capability. LTC Tafolla also gave a detailed brief on the highly successful Marine Corps 60mm and 81mm mortar upgrades that have utilized state of the art materials and technology to cut system weights by nearly one third while maintaining previous capabilities at a lower cost. In the realm of heavy weapons in the light infantry, ounces make pounds, and mortar men across the Marine Corps are benefiting greatly from what would seem a trivial engineering improvement to those outside of the infantry community, but prized within.

Surprising many was the vigor seen in the US Air Force (USAF) as the current search for a new Modular Handgun System was detailed. Colonel Charles Beck explained that despite the Army being the overall executive agent, the Air Force is providing the requirement characteristics that will capitalize on emerging technologies in order to provide a weapon that will “ensure the combat needs of all USAF users.” Some of the more interesting features in the Air Force requirement are mandates that include a larger wound channel than produced using M882 (9mm NATO) from an FMJ non-expanding ball round, interchangeable modular hand grips, incorporated M1913 rails, external safety controls on the receiver, and a minimum service life of 25,000 rounds. One more unique note on the USAF weapon was that it must be a commercially available off the shelf item and not a start-from-scratch internal development program leaving the possibilities broad. One thing is for sure, the current service pistol does not make the cut lacking several key features listed in the requirement document. At 100,600 weapons, it is no small order and certainly has the eye of numerous manufacturers. The full solicitation can be found at www.fbo.gov.

Other JSSAST presenters included Capt. Pat Sullivan of the Navy, Capt Scott Genovese of the Coast Guard, and Mr. Kevin Swenson of the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD). Mostly, these briefs followed ground work previously laid in the past and did not shine light on any major new developments. Of interest however was an update on the Coast Guard Transition from the M9 Beretta 9mm to SIGARMS P229R-DAK in .40 caliber. The Coast Guard projects full transition to the SIG by 2010. The Coast Guard is making other incremental changes as well to include adoption of the Barrett M107 semiautomatic .50 cal. rifle with a shortened barrel to replace the Robar RC50 Bolt Action; transition from the aged M60 machine Gun to the M240, and introducing the M14T to the inventory in support of the airborne use of force role. Despite the significant change in the Coast Guard line up, the USCG has no plans to replace the current issue service rifle/carbine.

The JSSAST session set the tone for the rest of the symposium. It was not difficult when exploring the exhibition floor to see the results of industry’s response to the services needs. Many of the items briefed by the JSSAST were present in various forms in the vendor booths, even recently identified requirements. Many other indicators of industry’s ability to respond to the needs of the warfighter could be seen by the many fine examples of currently fielded incrementally improved equipment. The theme of the conference transitioned well into the exhibition hall and demonstration range as if it had been meticulously scripted.

A Break for Awards

Every year’s symposium has a special time when men and women of the international defense community are recognized for substantial contributions above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s awards, the Hathcock and Chinn, were presented by NDIA to well deserving recipients FBI Special Agent Buford Boone and Mr. Troy Smith of the Navy’s Crane Special Warfare Center. They joined a long list of notable recipients over the years including C. Reed Knight (Chinn 96), L. James Sullivan (Chinn 01), Larry Vickers (Hathcock 03), and USA MSG Steve Holland (Hathcock 04). The pool of professionals in the small arms community that exemplify selfless service and achievement is not a small one and the recipients are selected only after a nomination and voting process by the NDIA Small Arms Division Executive Board. The board assesses the character and contributions of all nominees before arriving at what is some times a difficult decision.

The Hathcock award is named after USMC Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, the famed sniper and respected trainer. The award that bears his name recognizes an individual who “has made significant contributions in operational employment and tactics of small arms weapons systems which have impacted the readiness and capabilities of the U.S. Military or Law Enforcement.” Special Agent Boone undoubtedly meets the criteria with countless man-hours dedicated to ballistic analysis at the FBI Ballistics Lab at Quantico, VA. Fruit of SA Boone’s work go well beyond Federal Law Enforcement and has impacted both the Armed Forces and local law enforcement communities by influencing improvements in body armor and ammunition performance.

The Chinn award, named after LTC (USMC) George Chinn, noted for his passion for machine guns, is presented to an individual that “has made significant contributions to the field of small arms and/or infantry weapons systems.” This year’s award was received by Mr. Troy Smith, SOF Weapons Program Manager for US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Mr. Smith has played a major role in fielding notable weapons to the Special Warfare community in a timely manner and often in response to unique needs. Weapons and accessories like the MK46 and MK48 machine guns, the SCAR series, and the well used SOPMOD system for the M4 carbine have all been directly associated with his efforts. It is certain that much of what the special operations and conventional operators rely upon today have been influenced by Mr. Smith whether it is the newest SF carbine or some real estate for the line grunt to hang his sure-fire on.

Also presented was the Ambrose Award, which recognized St. Marks Powder in the small arms community for their industrial excellence, and is annually given to an industrial firm that stands out in contributions to the defense community. The Ambrose Award recipient is selected in a similar manner as the individual awards and considers areas such as technology development, delivery of superior material, enhancement of production capabilities, and innovative weapons integration and concepts. St. Marks in particular has been a major contributor when meeting the demand for various propellants demanded in the Global War on Terror.

Face to Face on the Vendor Floor

The convention center ball room at the Fairmont was filled with display boards and hardware as the site of the vendor exhibition booths. After only a few minutes any new spectator would find that this is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of SHOT Show. The vendors at NDIA are faced with a well informed and experienced group from all over the international small arms community. The relatively small size when compared to larger events makes NDIA the ideal place to engage in prolonged networking and fact finding about products, and many of the vendor representatives coming from a military background themselves, communicate fluidly – professionalism at its best.

As with any show, the new products get the most attention, and certainly getting its share of it was the new prototype Masood 7.62mm rifle developed by Magpul, Industries. Similar in appearance to the company’s Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR), the Masood was built with functionality first and foremost in mind. “We were trying to make a rifle to fit the purpose,” explained Magpul’s Drake Clark, “and not be linked to interchangeable parts.” This development concept means that the interchangeability between the Masood and its 5.56mm little brother may not be as prevalent as with similar weapon families, but allows for the weapon to be designed from the ground up for optimum performance. Currently, the Masood is in preliminary development and only time will tell where Magpul will take their 7.62 rifle. The first range reports from Magpul representatives suggest the Masood is a performer, and a very early stage concept for a M1913 tri-rail has been discussed as an addition to the design. As for the ACR, current projections for commercial availability are not until first quarter of 2009. Mr. Clark enthusiastically commented on the wait: “We want it to be right the first time, even if it means delaying production a couple of months.”

Another 7.62 NATO system on the floor fit very well into the USAIC vision for a carbine look-a-like designated marksman rifle. Based on the SR-25 design and built with ninety percent interchangeability with the Army’s new M110 SASS sniper rifle was the Knight’s Armament M-110 Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) Rifle. The weapon features an M4 type collapsible stock and an 18 inch barrel making it ergonomically fit for general use, yet with its free float quad M1913 rail, 7.62mm projectile, and ability to mate with the M110 suppressor suite, the SDM rifle is fully capable of filling the gap as a precision fire weapon. David Lutz of Knight’s Armament was enthusiastic about the project, especially in light of an aforementioned requirement.

With precision fire and bigger bullets featuring so prominently on the showroom floor it was easy to find a company with their eyes set on the capability for a long range anti-personnel system. Ashbury International Group, Inc. is poised to contend with their impressive precision rifle suite. The Asymmetric Warrior, the SXL-A2 being the latest of their unique rifle and component line, incorporates state of the art materials and operator input into a rigid and usable platform. Ashbury representative Richard Hall discussed the features of Asymmetric Warrior line citing an average weight of 18.5 pounds per system and consistent 1/2 MOA accuracy with top quality match ammunition. The Ashbury weapons utilize a proprietary chamber designed for the .338 LAPUA cartridge giving the Asymmetric Warrior a potent long distance capability in a small package similar in size to most 7.62 systems. Ashbury also produces a chassis system to upgrade weapons built on the Remington 700 Long Action.

On the modern battlefield, no weapon system seems complete without optical and laser devices that enhance the user’s lethality. Looking past the realm of their famous Comp series military sights and the small compact package of their new micro, Aimpoint unveiled a new and unusual optic that focuses on the often neglected realm of 40mm launcher fired grenades and other area weapons. Known as the BR-8 Self Contained Laser Range Finder System, Aimpoint President Mr. Lennart Ljungfelt exhibited the prototype during a personal demonstration. The optic is designed to be mounted on the standard M1913 rail, and as the name describes, features an internal laser rangefinder. The BR-8 projects the common Aimpoint red dot for rifle and can range targets at the push of a button. The sight then projects a second flashing dot as the aiming aide for the secondary weapon, in this case the M203. The more unusual feature of this system in the side viewed display as opposed to the typical top view, which was necessary to achieve a field of view that exploits the system’s enhanced aiming capabilities when mounted on a standard carbine platform. Other characteristics of the BR-8 include a rechargeable battery as well as the ability to program the system with other ballistic data like that of the 84mm Carl Gustaf. As the BR-8 is still a prototype there was still much left unsaid, but when asked when to expect the system to come to complete fruition Mr. Ljungfelt wasted no time replying, “I believe in doing things fast. It’s crucial that a product make you more dangerous to the enemy.”

Also notable from Aimpoint, though not so new, is the System-of-Systems, or SoS. This modular system incorporates mounting attachments for the PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular, Aimpoint 3x magnifier, and the Concealed Engagement Unit (CEU), into one quickly interchangeable package incorporated with the standard Aimpoint reflex sight. Using a simple male and female portioned twist-to-lock bracket an operator has the ability to switch between night vision, precision fire, and shooting around corners while concealed in a matter of seconds. Taking a more primitive and lighter approach to the hi-tech bulk of Land Warrior, and requiring no extra batteries, the System-of-Systems is a not so difficult solution to quickly optimizing one’s platform for the conditions at hand; an example of incremental improvement to an existing capability.

Many other eye catchers that represented incremental change were on display, including the XM307 and M2 Enhanced .50 from General Dynamics as well as FN’s light weight M240E6 and the now well known SCAR series. The Army’s developmental LSAT machine gun from AAI, Smith & Wesson’s new mid size .45 caliber M&P pistol, and the newly released 7.62mm C-MAG designed for use with M14/M1A or AR-10 platforms also merit mention. One thing is clear to the attendee: the commercial side of the Defense Small Arms community is ready and capable of producing high quality products to meet the demand of ever changing missions.

At the Range

The NDIA Firepower demonstration gives vendors and attendees alike a chance to put lead on steel and this year the firing line was full. Nearly a two hour drive from Dallas, the Tac Pro Shooting Center proved to be an excellent facility and its proprietor Mr. Bill Davison an animated and appropriate host. Mr. Sal Fanelli of the USMC was the mastermind for the 2008 demonstration and graciously imparted his time as OIC for the duration. Also praise worthy was the donation of nearly 35,000 rounds of small arms ammunition by ATK systems, which insured more than enough for vendors to keep hungry weapons from running dry. Already aware of the products available, attendees selected vendors and the shooting began. Safety was paramount: marking tape and vigilant RSOs, as well as keen participants kept the demonstration running smooth.

Of the nearly thirty vendors some were familiar favorites like Colt with their M4 carbine, while others like Command Action Arms (CAA) with their line of AR type weapons and accessories are fairly new to the spotlight. Attention getters this year included a hefty interest in Fabrique Nationale with the MK16 (SCAR-L) and MK17 (SCAR-H), Milkor USA’s rotary 40mm grenade launcher (firing training ammunition at the demonstration), and Talley Defense Systems’ upgraded M72 training launcher that accurately portrays the concussion, noise, and back-blast of the real thing while sending a training round down range.

Drake Clark and Nick Booras of Magpul Industries took the opportunity to run an unofficial test on the P-MAG incorporated with the M249 SAW. Over 5,000 rounds were fired with zero failures to feed and only one misfire (literally a primer failed to detonate when struck). The Polymer magazine held up well and showed no signs of succumbing to hard use and heat, which is quite impressive on a belt fed weapon not renowned for its reliability feeding from magazines. Certainly this kind of unofficial test is not empirical data, but it is an interesting gauge of the product’s performance.

In the optics arena, NVS Systems with their Medium Thermal Weapons Sight (MTWS), modeled on the Army’s AN/PAS-13D MWTS, saw heavy use. The sights replicate the systems currently replacing the bulky and cumbersome PAS-13B in Army BCTs and provide a marked ergonomic advantage due to their compact size. The medium weight model was utilized mounted on a 7.62mm MK48 machine gun throughout the demonstration and never missed a beat. The simple push pad on top of the sight simplifies operations that were difficult with the previous PAS-13Bs and allows a soldier to switch from white to black hot, adjust contrast, and change aiming reticles all from a centralized location on the device. Battery size is also nearly half of the original PAS-13B system with an improved life span. With an all-weather day and night aiming ability, the MTWS is a valuable battlefield asset whether used for engagement or observation and a shining example of incremental improvement when compared to its predecessors of only a few short years ago.

After the demonstration was well underway, some observers would have noted a mysterious white van and the large metal container it delivered surrounded by franticly busy representatives from Israel Weapons Industry. As soon as a break in firing occurred, the containers imprisoned contents found its way to the firing line despite a delay at U.S. customs. The Negev and Tavor had arrived at the range. The low recoil and innovative Negev was a show stealer attracting attendees from across the range that were drawn to the first few sustained one hundred round burst fired by an ambitious Israeli operator. Easily maintained on target even from the shoulder the open bolt, select-fire Negev produces a distinctive report reminiscent of an MG42. Complimented by IWI’s TA21 Tavor and MicroTavor Bullpup assault rifles which were both handy and accurate, the Israeli contingent featured an impressive suite.

The Professional Paper Presentations

Possibly the biggest draw to the NDIA Small Arms Symposium is the variety of professional papers delivered during the forum sessions. Besides the aforementioned JSSAST update, this year’s event saw industry professionals from the military and commercial side of the house deliver a salvo of topical briefs highlighting emerging technology in arms and ammunition, critical analysis of the testing and acquisition process, and statuses of current programs. Topics ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other and had relevant information for developer and user alike. The push for both leap ahead and incremental technology gains was clearly demonstrated with presentations like “ JSSAP’s Future Technology Plan: The Fusion of Science and Science Fiction,” which touched the outer fringes of sci-fi writers in order to glean information for weapons programs contrasted others like “Time for a Change: U.S. Incremental Small Arms Fielding-Failures and Solutions.” The latter supports rapid fielding of currently available superior small arms technology while the question of where military small arms acquisition is and should head lingered as an underlying issue throughout the sessions. Comments and PowerPoint bullets drew both eerie silence and fiery criticism depending on how they addressed any relevance to the ad hoc main issue, most often put into context by the now infamous carbine controversy.

The debate stirred high emotions for some during a brief by Col. Walter Mattes, USAF, of the Comparative Testing Office, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, after commentary during his brief suggested merit in the idea of a comparative small arms testing. With references to the SCAR program, Col. Mattes’ comments proved the high water mark drawing a passionate response from MG (ret) James Battaglini of Colt Defense LLC, maker of the M4 carbine. Battaglini’s comments addressed several parties in the current debate and stated that results from a recent Aberdeen Proving Ground Extreme Sand and Dust Test had been spun by what he called, “those that have an agenda.” MG (ret) Battaglini also offered criticism towards The Army Times newspaper, which has covered the debate extensively in the past 18 months and preemptively addressed the “Time for a Change” brief by Mr. Jim Schatz and Dr. Gary Roberts scheduled for later in the day. Battaglini has been vocal in his concerns that the current issue carbine be accurately represented and previously detailed his opinions in an editorial featured in The Army Times. Despite the sharp words, Col Mattes held to his previous convictions before the crowd.

Another sticking point related to the big debate was Mr. Schatz’s previously mentioned “Time for a Change” paper. Extensive in its composition, and touted by the author as his personal educated opinion, the paper meticulously documented the historical timeline of failures to field superior small arms by the United States from the period of the American Revolution until the present. Going further, he elaborated on the current status of U.S. small arms acquisition and noted the similarities to historical failures while pointing out the underlying issues are not related to a specific vendor or weapon type. Using the example of the brewing carbine debate and citing three Sand and Dust Tests conducted by the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground as well as the 2006 CNAC study “Soldier Perspectives on Small Arms”, Mr. Schatz made his case that as a military and nation we are at a critical juncture where superior small arms exist that the United States has not adopted for conventional units despite other countries and Special Operations Forces fielding the incremental improvements available and that this is a repeating trend in our nation’s small arms history. He finished by offering solutions to the audience while encouraging listeners to actively fix the “system dysfunction” that he believes hinders supplying superior weapons to the end user.

Dr. Gary Roberts DDS, using DoD/DoT ballistic studies in which he was personally involved, presented a joint session as part of “Time for a Change” relaying data about the debate between intermediate calibers such as 6.8mm SPC and 5.56mm NATO. Dr. Roberts left little doubt that he believed 6.8mm SPC offers the warfighter significant advantages and presented a slew of graphs, data, and photos from ballistic gelatin testing. Mr. Roberts also criticized the ammunition restrictions of the Hague convention while highlighting the ability of modern ammunition types to make soldiers more effective while contributing more to the overall humane objective of the Hague convention than standard ball ammunition does.

Regardless of the outcome of future events it is certain that the carbine debate is simply a picture of a larger discussion about the way the industry functions both on the military and commercial side. Despite being an emotional topic for some, there is no doubt the presentation accomplished the end of stimulating more interest in the issue. To this day, the topic remains one that inspires many otherwise bashful people to state strong and confident opinions. Only time will tell what the next development will be. At the moment, the ball is in both courts.

Despite the over shadowing carbine controversy, other papers had a large impact, but probably none so much as LTC Michael Hartman’s presentation on the development of the Negev light machine. LTC Hartman gave a dirty boot presentation in true infantry soldier fashion. As a former NCO turned officer, Hartman’s background is steeped in experience as a member of the Israel Defense Force’s Givati Infantry Brigade. In regards to the Negev, Hartman illustrated the features of the weapon and the combat demands that inspired them noting it was only developed after extensive comparative testing of available LMG’s to include the Minimi. This development approach lead to the weapon’s prominent features including a low profile feed tray cover half the length of the M249, which allows a soldier to stay more covered and concealed while utilizing the weapon, a selector switch enabling semiautomatic fire inspired by unique Israeli small unit tactics, and a high but controllable cyclic rate empowering Negev gunners to advance through near ambush scenarios. Other features of the Negev include a left folding stock for vehicle use, a built-in diagonal mounted assault handle providing troops a second control point, rifle grenade compatibility, ability to fire less-than-lethal ammunition, a quick change barrel, an adjustable gas regulator, and an internal safety that prevents the bolt from closing from any position other than fully cocked. After the presentation LTC Hartman took the time to elaborate further in a one-on-one discussion explaining that part of the goal in the Negev’s development was to create a durable, light, and effective LMG that can also serve in the assault rifle role if need be. Emphasis was given to ease of use and maintenance for the operator while making the weapon light, short, and reliable.

Hartman followed the Negev brief with yet another unique weapon, the Israel Weapons Industry (IWI) MicroTavor, Israel’s latest assault rifle configuration. With the standard Tavor-21 assault rifle already replacing Israel’s mixed fleet of M16 and M4 type weapons, the MicroTavor is a smaller, more ergonomically friendly version of the current Tavor design. The Tavor captured the interest of the crowd particularly because of the relevance of a combat proven army replacing their current systems with a new long stroke gas piston Bullpup design. During his brief, LTC Hartman explained, “We love the M4, our country would not exist with out it.” but noted the weapon was a stop gap measure until the IDF and Israeli industry could produce a weapon specific to the nation’s needs. Hartman emphasized smaller and lighter has become the focus of the IDF infantry which often fights in confined battle spaces. “There are no more long weapons in Israel, we take the old M16s and make them into short weapons.” he added. The Tavor and MicroTavor are only three quarters the length of the M16 and M4 comparatively yet maintain nearly equal barrel lengths. Hartman also cited increasing stoppages with the older weapons in the inventory as an indicator it was time for a replacement.

A rapid departure from the conventional platform, the IDF integrates the Tavor Bullpup on the initial training level to recruits. This method has born fruit as it avoids building habits that must be changed when switching from a conventional platform to a Bullpup. LTC Hartman noted that the change over to the Tavor has proceeded smoothly and, once retrained, soldiers and commanders alike praise the weapon and its performance. The MicroTavor itself was developed for specialized use and can be converted from the standard 5.56mm configuration into a 9mm select-fire submachine gun. A true modular system, the Tavor incorporates the optics mounting platform integrated with the barrel as a one-piece unit assuring zero retention when devices are remounted. Israel Weapons Industry (IWI) sought to address the commonly known faults with Bullpup designs by producing a weapon that takes minutes to change from left and right hand configuration and incorporating a thumb actuated ambidextrous bolt catch just behind the magazine well combining magazine changes and rechambering the weapon into one smooth motion. The MicroTavor even incorporates a feature most American users would immediately appreciate: a magazine release button operable by the firing hand while holding the weapon, which when paired with the location of the MicroTavor selector, give the weapon’s ergonomics a familiar M16 feel. Over all, the Israeli small arms upgrade seems to be a fine example of soldier inspired incremental improvements while the tiny nation of Israel is fielding one of the most modern and mission relevant squad level small arms fleets in the world.

It should be noted that the staff of NDIA small arms did a fantastic job preparing and providing support to the briefing. Other presentations were delivered throughout the duration of the symposium besides those mentioned here, far too many to address, especially with any detail. A full listing of presentations and their associated visual aids can be found on-line at NDIA’s website. It is important when planning for this event to utilize the NDIA supplied program to manage your time. Between time on the exhibition floor with the vendors, the firepower demonstration, and professional papers, there is little room for anything else.

Closing

At the end of the week, as participants headed home, there was a sense that high intensity topics at this years Small Arms Symposium had turned up as many new questions as they had new answers. Spawning dialogue is exactly what this forum is about. It’s unquestionable that this event is influential in molding the nation’s small arms vision and provides the basis for coordinating military and commercial assets to achieve the most important goal as stated on the 2008 symposium program, “Enhancing Small Arms Effectiveness in Current and Future Operations.” It is interesting to see the “system” in action and the many committed people, both military and civilian, both developer and operator, all united for the common interest of giving the dirty boot warfighter what he needs to do the job of defending freedom across the globe.

Laser sighting has come a long way in the firearms industry. They have become stronger, smaller, more accurate and cheaper so they are more affordable to law enforcement and military personnel. The newer generation of laser sights are mostly attached to the trigger guard; whether by the trigger guard, or a laser aiming module attached to an accessory rail, part of the grip pane, or built into the frame of the firearm. Although many are very high quality, the one disadvantage is the fact that all of the firearms require special made holsters for the bulky laser. The external mounting has made many of these designs prone to damage or susceptible to misalignment due to the sight being knocked around, or the firearm being dropped.

There are many advantages of having a laser sight. However, first and foremost is not accuracy: it is the intimidation factor. By having a laser and placing it on the adversary, the adversary may think twice about what he is doing and comply. Everyone leaves safely without a shot ever being fired. Sometimes, the most effective firearm is the one you do not have to shoot. The next major benefit for law enforcement and military personnel is the ability to shoot around shields and to fire accurately from the hip. Under stress and when time is of the essence, quick drawing with a laser sight allows the shooter to keep his eye on the target rather than on the sights of his firearm. As soon as that dot comes on target, he can rapidly engage the target. The next major benefit is actually training. When training new shooters, the use of a laser sight can help a trainer and shooter diagnose problems rapidly. By staggering dummy rounds in the magazine at random, when the shooter comes upon a dummy, the laser will show if he is flinching, pulling or jerking the trigger. Lastly, depending on the particular laser sight, is the accuracy.

In 1989, a Rochester, New York-based laser company came up with a new concept in the application of micro-laser diodes for the firearms industry. LaserMax, Inc. was co-founded by Will Houde-Walter, a laser product developer, and Dr. Susan Houde-Walter, a Professor of Optical Engineering, for the purpose of designing laser handgun sights; but also design and develop industrial lasers as well. The first prototype laser sight became a specially made spring guide that installed inside the pistol. LaserMax, already an industry leader in small circuit board and mini-diode technology, had arrived at their destiny. The power came from batteries stored between the magazine well and the rear of the pistol and a wire went from the battery compartment to the inside of the gun. The firearm chosen for this project was a Glock semiautomatic pistol. The laser was actuated by a button cut into the frame. Will, then CEO of LaserMax, took his design to Gaston Glock to show him the concept. Mr. Glock looked at the cut up gun and asked, “What have you done to my gun?” This comment prompted Will to think there had to be a better way; perhaps to make the unit more compact and, more importantly, a drop-in unit.

The LMS-1000 Series Laser Sight

The design Will had come up with was indeed the answer to Mr.Glock’s concern. LaserMax developed a laser spring guide assembly that would house the laser and batteries into one component. On March 31, 1989, U.S. Patent Number 4,934,086 was granted to William Houde-Walter. The spring guide tube would contain a rear cap (synthetic), which is actuated by the on/off switch, batteries, circuit board, laser diode, lens and recoil spring. The switch would become the slide lock lever on the Glock pistol. By increasing the length of the slide lock and using a new spring; the switch worked in a three position fashion. Ambidextrous activation turns the laser on and the center position rests the unit in the off position. The original offering was 670nm red laser dot. Not to long after was the “hi-bright” 635nm orange laser.

Installation could be accomplished by the end user. The slide stop and spring are removed and replaced with the LaserMax replicas. The batteries are inserted into the back of the laser spring guide assembly, cap installed and the recoil spring is slid over the tube and the painted red end of the spring is lined up with the red dot painted on the cap. The laser spring guide is inserted into the frame and the gun is reassembled. Unless you are looking at the business end of the firearm, you would not know the laser was in the pistol. The laser itself was also unique in the fact that the dot pulsated and was not on continuously. This was done for two reasons. First, making the laser pulsate added speed to target and enhanced visibility. This is not a new theory founded by LaserMax. Active lights have played a significant part in the attractiveness of emergency vehicles and dangerous intersections for years. Secondly, LaserMax found the battery life was significantly enhanced.

The sight is zeroed at the factory and no adjustments are needed on the laser sight. LaserMax has sighting fixtures that accurately perform zero right out of the box to ± 2 inches at 20 yards. This will guarantee a center mass hit on a human target at such distance. The LMS-1911 laser sights are designed to be adjustable for the users. The LaserMax LMS-1000 series laser sight is closer in line with the barrel than any other laser sight on the market. The average M1911 shooter would not tolerate anything more than pin-point precision.

The batteries used in all of the LaserMax sights are various hearing aid/watch batteries. LaserMax shrink wraps the appropriate amount of batteries together for easy installation, but the batteries can be stacked into the compartment as well.

A pistol equipped with a LMS-1000 series laser sight would require no special holster. Engineering tests have been conducted with numerous types of duty and concealed carry holsters. The handguns were placed in the holsters and dropped on both sides to insure the laser switch would not be actuated causing an unwanted red dot on the ground as well as dead batteries.

The laser sight tested for this article was the LMS-1441 installed in a Beretta 92FS Brigadier pistol. The laser came in a kit containing the laser sight, battery pack, laser sight cap, disassembly latch and release button/spring. This particular laser sight used the standard factory recoil spring.

Installation was simple. The battery pack was inserted into the laser spring guide and the cap installed. The pistol was field stripped by depressing the disassembly latch release button and rotating the latch 1/4 turn. The slide was then slid off the frame. The recoil spring and guide were removed. The spring was removed from the spring guide and slid over the laser spring guide. To install the switch/disassembly latch, depress the disassembly latch release button and lift upward on the latch until it stops and then pull it out from the right side of the frame. Now the button is pulled from the left side of the frame. The LaserMax button and spring are installed in the left side of the frame. The only difference between the two is the LaserMax button has a cant to the front to allow easier access to the switch for left handed shooters. Now the button is pushed all the way in and the LaserMax disassembly latch is installed into the right side of the frame and placed with the latch in the 6 o’clock position. The spring and laser spring guide are installed the same way as the standard Beretta components.

To actuate the laser, the switch is pressed in from either the right or left side of the pistol. The center is the off position. The location of the switch also provides safety for the shooter. As the pistol is drawn from the holster, the shooter’s trigger finger will automatically be on the switch keeping the finger off the trigger until the shooter is actually ready to fire.

Live fire showed with Winchester M882 Ball ammunition, the pistol was able to shoot nearly to the exact point of aim at 15 yards with the group measuring approximately 2 inches. More than 300 rounds were fired without any change in impact of the laser. LaserMax has performed life testing on this laser sight to exceed 10,000 rounds, which is more than the military specification of the Beretta M9 service pistol, which is 6,000 rounds.

LaserMax manufactured internal laser sights for all Glock models, Beretta 92/96 Series, SIG P220 series, Smith & Wesson Sigma series, various M1911 models as well as the Springfield XD pistols. All are drop in by the user and require no zeroing with the only exception being the M1911 series.

The Uni-Max Laser Sight

For those shooters who do not have any of the mentioned firearms, there is another option LaserMax offers. If the pistol sports a Mil-Std-1913 accessory rail, LaserMax just released their Uni-Max laser sight. This is a very small laser in a black polymer case that is powered by a battery (357 Silver Oxide). This laser attaches directly to the rail and has a toggle switch on the rear of the sight and can be actuated from the left or right. The center is off. The Uni-Max can also be equipped with a pressure pad switch for mounting the Uni-Max on the rail system of a rifle or a carbine. LaserMax has done extensive testing of the Uni-Max on the M4 carbine and a sample sight was tested on one of the author’s Colt LE6920 Law Enforcement Carbines. It was mounted to an A.R.M., Inc. SIR (Selective Integrated Rail) system. The pressure pad was mounted by Velcro to a Grip Pod vertical pistol grip/bipod combination. The Uni-max is sighted in by the user with a small Allen wrench. Due to the vast number of firearms the Uni-Max could be used on, it would be impossible to zero it at the factory. The Uni-Max has an accessory Mil-Std-1913 rail on it as well so the shooter could mount a flashlight to the pistol as well.

In late 2007, LaserMax introduced the first 532nm green laser. The green laser is significantly brighter under any condition than the red or orange laser. The human eye is more sensitive to green than any other color.

The LMS-JMX

Even though the revolver is seen less popular in the market, the small frame .38 Special revolvers are still a personal defense weapon of choice. For the occasional shooter, or one who only keeps the firearm for an emergency, the revolver’s simplicity is a much better choice. Semiautomatic pistols require more range time and training to be proficient and clear possible malfunctions. LaserMax offers the same sighting technology to revolver shooters as well. The LMS-JMXH and NH fit to the Smith & Wesson round butt J-frame revolvers. The grips are replaced with a recoil absorbing Santoprene grip. The laser itself sits in line with the top of the bore on the right-hand side of the revolver. The laser is zeroed in by the shooter due to the various models of J-frame revolvers. The laser is actuated by pressing in on either of the touch buttons located on the grip. Due to the way the sight is mounted, the revolver can use a standard holster with no special accommodations needed.

Laser sighting systems have come a long way. The technology has become more compact and so much more efficient. Now, the laser sight has shrunk out of sight. The LMS-1000 series of sights is designed for law enforcement and military personnel and designed with durability and compactness in mind. The sights have been in use with military, police and SWAT teams all over the world. LaserMax has also made infrared sights for use with night vision for special use. Their applications are endless.

Installing LMS-1401

Excluding the many Browning designed weapons, the Madsen machine gun holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and longest produced machine guns in history. Though used by thirty four different countries, it was never adopted officially by any major nation. It has been chambered in every military caliber used in the world, rimmed or rimless, from 6.5mm to 25mm. Little has been written about this remarkable weapon that introduced the concept of the light machine gun. From its conception in 1902, it remained in continuous production until 1970 when Madsen went out of business.

Both John Browning and Sir Hiram Maxim did what would be considered by today’s standards, virtually impossible: they converted a lever action Winchester 1873 rifle to full automatic. Browning utilized the gas from the muzzle blast to operate a flapper that worked the lever action of the Winchester Rifle and Maxim took the Winchester and made the recoil forces at the butt plate operate the same lever action. Somewhere along the line (approx. 1898) the concept of converting a single shot repeating rifle into a full auto landed in Denmark. Julius Rasmussen used as his inspiration the Peabody-Martini (British) falling block single shot rifle. On June 15th, 1899, he applied for the first patent employing this design. However, in 1902, Lt. Theodor Schouboe was granted a patent on the same principle. No one is clear how this occurred. The gun went on to be produced by Dansk Rekylriffel Syndikat under the patents supplied by Schouboe and, for some reason, the gun was named after W.O.H. Madsen, the Danish Minister of War. It was also manufactured in England and known as the Rexer or DRRS.

During its sixty eight years of production there were many minor variations of the Madsen – over one hundred are known. However, there were basically three primary models: the first, a magazine fed LMG, the second a belt feed tank or aircraft model, and the third proved the most fantastic adaptability of the design. In 1926, The Dansk Industries announced the development of a 20mm automatic aircraft cannon utilizing the same Madsen mechanism. Though not widely used, a hydraulic buffer allowed for a 23mm version used in German Fokker aircraft.

The first US testing was done at the Springfield Armory on September 9, 1903. A total of 7,163 rounds were fired, during which enough malfunctions occurred to justify the official conclusion that the Madsen weapon had not reached a state of reliability to warrant adoption. Though Lt. Schouboe himself had conducted the firing, he had to rise to a kneeling position to clear stoppages – a condition with which one can certainly sympathize but can be fatal in combat. US special order No. 86 dated August 5, 1921 provided for a further test of the Madsen in .30-06 at Fort Riley, Kansas. Supposedly redesigned, the Model 1919 included provision for both a bayonet and elaborate, detachable flash hider. It was still deemed unsatisfactory.

The Germans experimented with a variety of newly developed weaponry and, as a stopgap, the Germans used approximately 500 Madsens in World War I (referred to as a Muskette and given the designation Leichte Automatische Muskette M15) until they developed the Maxim 08/15 that then became their light weight machine gun of choice.

In 1923, the Dansk Syndicate assigned its chief engineer, Mr. Hambroe, to redesign the Madsen mechanism for more efficiency. All he did was to add a muzzle booster that greatly increased the cyclic rate to 1,000 rounds per minuet making it ideal for aircraft use. He also added a strong spring buffer to absorb the shock of the booster. The real beauty of the aircraft gun was its ability to use disintegrating links and could be synchronized to the propeller.

During WWII, America was equipping the Dutch East Indies with Johnson automatic rifles. Johnson Automatics, better known as Cranston Arms, supplied barrels for the Madsen LMG.

In 1950 the last evolution of the design featured a quick change barrel and a tripod soft mount with a remote firing devise.

By all concepts of logic, this gun should not work as it is a mechanical nightmare – but it does indeed work. The key to its operation is a cammed “switch plate” that allows recoil to perform the actions of loading, firing, extracting, and ejecting the spent rounds. The term “switch plate” is a 19th century expression of a device that caused a sequence of functions to be completed in rapid succession for a railroad train. In this case, a switch plate multi-tasks the functions for the machine gun and is the mechanical heart of the weapon. The Madsen is known as a long recoil system, i.e., the barrel and breach mechanism reciprocate together inside of a barrel shroud and receiver box. This action works the lever that, like the Martini Rifle, accomplishes the task of ramming the round into the chamber with such force that it often deforms the cartridge case. If the round does not fire it is difficult to clear the stoppage.

Test firing was conducted with Madsen Mle. 1950, serial number 1475. The gun did not function flawlessly. It soon became evident that great care had to be taken in placing the magazine into the top or it would spill rounds into the magazine well. When a shell got down into the mechanism it did not chamber or fire and it was a chore to remove the offending round.

As mentioned above, the power of the ramming arm often distorted the case making it a ramrod job to remove from the chamber. Then, one had to carefully work the case to the ejection port that is part of the reciprocating mechanism attached to the barrel. Nevertheless, when it did work, it was a joy to fire. Amazingly, it was found that the magazine was unnecessary to fire the weapon. Four rounds could be dropped into the magazine well and the gun would fire all four. Single shots were readily obtained as the cyclic rate was approx. 550 rpm. The bipod was not sturdy enough to prevent dumping the machine gun over into the dirt. The offset sights were sufficient and accurate. The magazine is a top feed double stacked 30 rounder until it enters the gun. It then becomes a single feed with the round being retained by a large spring that also acts as a magazine catch. There are several positive points about the Madsen design. First, its top magazine feed allowed gravity to enhance its entry into the mechanism; second, a bottom feed that was positive and powerful; and finally, the Madsen fires from an open chamber reducing the chance of a cook off.

When one carefully examines this design, there is a tendency to write off the Madsen as a “mechanical monstrosity” that like the Bumblebee should not fly. But, upon more careful examination, the designer, whoever he may be, took a tried and true Martini rifle and applied 19th century railroad technology, added robust parts, and designed a machine gun that is found in museums around the world. At the old MOD Pattern Room there was an entire long table devoted to Madsen LMGs, with more national crests than the fabled Roundtable. Many armies tried the weapon and modified strategies around it to apply the weapon. This is an unsung pivotal weapon in the small arms field. In the end, it was a versatile design that deserves a better niche in history.

Insight Introduces 125 Lumen Rail Mounted LED Tactical Light

Insight, the world’s most trusted provider of tactical lasers and illuminators to the US military and leading manufacturer of thermal imaging systems, introduces their newest tactical rail-mounted LED light, the XTI Procyon. The XTI Procyon (PRO-see-on), named after one the brightest stars seen in the night sky, is a simplified multi-function tactical rail-mounted LED light providing dynamic flexibility without confusing complexity. Its 125 lumen high-output LED, along with its precision focused reflector, provides exceptional brightness with a tightly focused uniform beam. The Procyon has a truly ambidextrous toggle switch for intuitive activation in even the most crucial, stressful moments. Double tapping the toggle switch in any direction initiates a strobe effect that disorientates an unsuspecting target, giving you the advantage of potentially life-saving seconds. Some of its features include an adjustable rail interface that fits all standard rails, a precision focused reflector and patented Slide-Lock attachment design. The new light is water resistant to 15 feet and has a run time of 90 minutes on two lithium 123 batteries. It will fit existing M3 light compatible holsters and carries a limited lifetime warranty. For more information on this super bright new light please contact Insight Tech-Gear, Dept. SAR, 23 Industrial Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053. Phone: (877) 744-4802. Fax: (603) 668-1084. They can be found on the web at www.insighttechgear.com.

New Vertical Foregrips from Wilcox Industries

Wilcox Industries now has two new models of vertical foregrips made of rugged lightweight aluminum. Both new grips, the Para Grip and Steady Grip, are available with the option of either a bipod or a battery storage compartment. The Para Grip is a collapsible grip that stows beneath the weapon’s rail during transport, storage or in close confinement operations, while the Steady Grip remains fixed below the rail. Both grips mount to any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail using a thumbscrew mount. Flats located on the left and right sides of the grips allow for the use of remote pressure pads for controlling tactical lights and lasers. The spring-loaded retractable bipod is easily deployed by depressing a button located on the back of the grip and easily collapses back to a stowed position. A waffle-pattern grip prevents hands from slipping while firing the weapon even in cold, muddy or wet conditions. Made of aerospace-grade metals, Wilcox’s new Vertical Grips are lightweight; weighing between 44 and 50 ounces. For more information contact Wilcox Industries Corporation, Dept. SAR, 25 Piscataqua Drive, Newington, NH, 03801. Phone: (603) 431-1331. Fax: (603) 431-1221. Website can be visited at: www.wilcoxind.com.

New 3rd Generation Rifle Scopes from ATN

American Technologies Network, Corp. (ATN) now offers the ATN MARS series of night vision weapon sights. The MARS 4X-3P and the MARS 6X-3P both feature a new ATN proprietary feature; a two-color manual brightness of the aiming reticle. This unique feature allows the operator a choice of color (red or amber) of the projected reticle depending upon operator preference and the lighting situation. Both the MARS 4X-3P and the MARS 6X-3P utilize the industry’s leading 3rd generation ITT Pinnacle Image Intensifier tubes. The Pinnacle tubes provide superior performance in high-light or light-polluted areas, such as urban environments, while minimizing any “halo” effects. The MARS series of night vision riflescopes are CNC milled from a solid quality aluminum billet and fitted with titanium inserts. This one-piece construction makes the MARS series compact, lightweight, and extremely rugged. Utilizing top quality multi-coated all glass optics with a Mil-Dot reticle, the MARS 4X-3P and the MARS 6X-3P provide powerful 4X and 6X magnification, respectively. The sights are nitrogen-purged for internal fogging resistance and also feature an automatic brightness control. Windage and elevation can be easily adjusted with precision. The versatile MARS series sights feature a tactical rail that enables the mounting of an IR illuminator or an IR laser and includes a mount for a Picatinny, 7/8” Weaver-style rail, or an AK style weapon. Additional features include a low battery indicator, a digital remote control, and a day-time cover with an IR filter all packed securely in a Mil-Spec hard case with batteries (the MARS series accepts either one 3V CR123A lithium batter or one AA battery), user guide, mounting hardware, and an informative Night Vision instructional video. For more information please contact them at American Technologies Network, Corp., Dept. SAR, 20 South Linden Ave., Unit 1B, South San Francisco, California 94080. Phone: (800) 910-2862. Fax: (650) 875-0129. Their website is www.atncorp.com.

Blackhawk Armor Offers 3 New Soft Armor Options

Blackhawk! Products Group founded the Blackhawk! Armor LLC division in 2007 to develop a broad range of innovative ballistic armor packages to meet the demanding needs of Special Forces, Law Enforcement tactical teams, and Industrial Security professionals. Since the initial offering of ballistic vests, helmets and rifle plates, the Armor division has continued to develop new products. Three new soft ballistic panel packages have just been certified in accordance with NIJ 0101.04 and the Interim 2005 Requirements. The new Armor options include a Level III Special Threat, Level IIIA and a Level II Special Threat that provides a light weight package for the high speed, low drag special operations environment. Common elements to these ballistic panels include 20% greater area coverage, a sonically welded water resistant ballistic wrapper and a five year limited warranty. In keeping with the Blackhawk! philosophy of product compatibility, the soft armor packages are combined with a choice of CutAway or Traditional Tactical Carriers in black, coyote, olive drab and ARPAT. The CutAway carrier allows the user to easily disengage and strip gear in less than two seconds facilitating either immediate first aid, escape and evade maneuvers or elimination of gear when transitioning from land based to maritime operations. The CutAway carrier is available with 3D mesh lining providing maximum air flow for operator comfort or, without the 3D mesh for a more compact shell. A traditional non-CutAway tactical carrier is also available. To support mission specific set-up, each carrier offers 360 degrees of mounting surface for attachment of a wide array of Blackhawk! accessories. Integrated length and girth adjustments provide a custom fit and can easily accommodate layered clothing. External front and back pockets accept Blackhawk! Level IV Hard Armor in 6×8, 9.5×12.5, and 10.5×13.25 inch sizes. A full line of ballistic 3A accessories are also available including collar, throat, yoke, groin, drop leg, and bicep protection making this offering the most comprehensive package available on the market today. For more information please contact Blackhawk Armor LLC, Dept. SAR, 6160 Commander Parkway, Norfolk, VA 23502. Phone: (800) 694-5263. Fax: (888) 830-2013. Website: www.blackhawk.com.

New AK Magazine Followers Now Made in the USA

Arsenal, Inc. has just come out with a new enhanced reliability AK 7.62×39 magazine follower that is marketed through K-VAR Corporation. The new follower is made in the USA and is fully 922R compliant. The followers are made from a high quality advanced polymer and offer flawless function with any mil-spec AK magazine. They are a copy of the original design, not reverse engineered. The polymer material is solvent and salt spray resistant and will not dissolve or deform from cleaning solutions, chemicals or salt water. These new anti-tilt followers will work in magazines of 5, 20, 30 and 40-round capacities made from either polymer or metal. They will also work in Siaga magazines. The new follower is designated the model MA7-001UB and retails for only $1.99 each. For more information or to place an order please contact K-VAR Corporation, Dept. SAR, 5015 W. Sahara Ave., #125, Las Vegas, NV 89146. Phone: (702) 364-8880. Fax: (702) 307-2303. Their website is www.k-var.com.

Crimson Trace LaserGrips Now Available for Kahr K and MK Models

Crimson Trace has just released two new models of their LaserGrips, the LG-460 and the LG 461 for the Kahr models K and MK respectively. The new models are a wrap-around grip design that use the same grip screws as the stock grip for easy installation. They are activated by a pressure switch built into the front strap of the polymer grips. Simply grasping the firearm in a normal shooting grip activates the laser. All electrical components fit onto the LaserGrip, which mirrors the size and weight of the stock grips and are ergonomically designed for comfort. The front strap is rubber overmolded for added comfort. The sides of the LaserGrips are made of hard polymer material for ease of draw when carried in a pocket holster. The grips are powered by two 2032 batteries located in the palm swell and provide over 4 hours of constant-on run time. The master on/off switch is located on the underside or “butt” of the grip. Even if the switch is in the “on” position there is no power drain from the batteries until the laser is activated. As with all other LaserGrips, the new models feature both windage and elevation adjustment. For more information on these as well as all of their other extensive line of LaserGrips please contact Crimson Trace Corporation, Dept. SAR, 9780 SW Freeman Drive, Wilsonville, OR 97070. Phone: (800) 442-2406. Fax: (503) 783-5334. Website can be visited at: www.crimsontrace.com.