As soon as it took power, the new administration of President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa declared war against the drug traffickers in Mexico. The cartels responded in kind, and this gave way to almost open warfare in the streets of the main Mexican urban centers, with almost 1,000 deaths reported within the first months of 2007. Before this, in mid-2006, the Army intervened in Oaxaca, when a local uprising against the State governor left some 20 dead. In December 2006, the President attempted to transfer 7,500 soldiers, and 2,500 Marines to reinforce the Federal Police (PFP – Policía Federal Preventiva), but the move was resisted by the military, and presented several constitutional challenges. Then in March 2007, the Army was summoned to San Salvador Ateco, after a series of kidnappings and armed encounters between civilians and police.

In an effort to bring control and reinforce law enforcement agencies, the government modified Articles 1st, 2nd, and 2nd Transitory of the Military Organic Law, in May 2007, allowing for the creation of the new elite Federal Support Force Corps (CFAF – Cuerpo de Fuerzas de Apoyo Federal). The Defense Secretariat (SEDENA) provided 1,884 elements of the Army and Air Force. In fact, the initial strength was made up from reorganizing the Special Amphibious Forces Groups (GANFE – Grupos Anfibios de Fuerzas Especiales), and the force is expected to eventually grow to 3,500 elements, with the task of “restoring order and public security, combating organized crime, or performing against acts that threaten the homeland security.”

For years now, the government has attempted to hunt down the cartels using the military, and militarizing some police forces. In 1994, the Army established the Special Airmobile Forces Groups (GAFE – Grupos Aeromóviles de Fuerzas Especiales), and these were followed in 2001 by the GANFEs, also under Army Command, and both types of outfits were charged with arresting drug lords. The Navy also deployed Special Forces (FES) outfits for the same task, and the police organized several special operations units as well. According to press dispatches, for instance, the Special Operations Police Unit (UPOE) from the Oaxaca State Public Security Direction was trained by the Guatemalan Kaibiles between 1994 and 1999 at Vicente Guerrero, Villa de Zaachila, some 15km from Oaxaca City.

In early 2000 when the Army GAFEs were dispatched to Nuevo Laredo, at Tamaulipas, to chase Osiel Cárdenas Guillén of the Gulf Cartel, several commandos deserted to form the a hired-army. Their radio calls used code names starting with “Z”. The “Zetas” offered their services to the drug lords, and the war was on. The cartels are also said to have hired complete units of “kaibilillos” – former Guatemalan Kaibil Commandos. The PFP under the Ministry of Public Security and the Federal Investigations Agency (AFI – Agencia Federal de Investigaciones), subordinated to the District Attorney’s Office (PGR – Procuraduría General de la República), found themselves outgunned by the cartels.

The first step for the new outfit was a National Supreme Court Justice (SCJN) decision that allowed the Military to provide support in homeland security matters. As part of the military offensive, the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement agencies have reorganized and implemented a complete overhaul of the small arms arsenal.

Small Arms Arsenal

The FX-05 Xiuhcóatl is the new standard issued rifle for the Army and is being produced in large quantities by the DIM (Military Industry Department) after HK dropped its complaint for trade mark violations in February 2007.

The P7M13S is the general service pistol, with over 10,000 acquired. The Military Police prefers the P9S while Special Forces prefer the P226, along with Model 5906, and Model 6904. The commandos also use the Steyr M-A1 machine pistol and other small arms. The MP5A2 is the standard submachine gun for officers while the MP5K used for special service together with the MP5SD2 and the MP5SD6. The G3A3 and G3A4 remain as the standard issued rifle, with the MSG-90, PSG-1 and Morelos used by snipers at battalion level. The Model 82A1 is reserved for the GAFEs and the new CFAF. The Army also has an arsenal of some 1,521 shotguns, such as HK510, and Model 590 Mariner.

At squad level, the MINIMI-Para Mk 2 is often seen, along with the HK21A1, which is standard for the Infantry. The AA 7.62N F1 Char No. 1 comes in some of the ERC 90 F1 Lynx, and DNC-1 armored cars, but it is in the process of being replaced with the MAG-60-20, standard for the armored cavalry. The MAG is already a feature of the HWK 11 APCs, along with the MAG-60-20 found on flexible gun mounts on VBL, DN-III, DN-IV Caballo, and DNC-2 armored personnel carriers. The MAG-60-40 is found as a coaxial weapon in the DN-IV Caballo and DN-V Toro APCs. The Browning M2QCB and Browning M2HB, along with the Browning M3M are standard on armored transport vehicles.

The M203 is widely used under the G3 rifle, and it is also encountered as a pistol, and under the M16 rifle; however, the MGL MK1 is becoming the standard grenade launcher along with the German GMG type. The MK 19 MOD 3 is mounted on tripods and flexible pedestals.

Fire support for the infantry comes from Vektor M4L3, C03 Commando, M2 Cazador, M19 and ZCZ M57 60mm light mortars. There are also a great variety of 81mm models, and Brandt 120mm types; for antitank work, the RPG-7V is now standard, along with the French RL-83 Blindicide (some 1,191 acquired). The KAA (204GK) 20mm cannons were once used to equip the modernized M8 armored cars, but these have been exchanged for the South African M2 model, while the GAI-BO1 with the KAB-001 5TG cannon remains as the main AAA piece.

Other Small Arms

The Mexican Navy, and particularly its Marine Corps, deploys a considerable arsenal. Its elite units (FES) appear to prefer the Five-seveN, Mod 92FS and S&W Model 657 pistols and the M1911A1. The P90 is also widely used together with MP5 variants, and UMP submachine guns. The M16A2 rifle and Carbine, M16A2 Commando, and M4 remain as standard issued weapons for the Marines, and some FAL-Paras have also been observed. The MSG90 remains as preferred weapon for Marine snipers along with the PSG-1 model. The Marines carry the Model 590 Mariner shotgun, and the CETME AMELI SAW, and now are taking delivery of MINIMI-Para Mk 2 models. The HK21A1 and MAG-60-20 are also found in tripods and pedestal mounts, while the Browning M3M is found as door guns for the new AS 565MA Panther helicopters, along with the GAU-19/A which arm the MD902 Combat Explorer helicopters.

The Marines use the MGL MK1, and M203PI grenade launchers, as well as the CIS 40AGL model, with the MK 19 MOD 3 found on Mules wheeled vehicles and Trucks. The Marines appear to have taken delivery of some B-300s.

The country has been flooded with arms for the police and thugs alike. The Five-seveN is found in the hands of the Federal District Police, while the Mod 92FS has been observed in the hands of the elite GOE, and AFI. The Glock 17 is standard with the Judicial Antidrug Police, and the P225 is used by the Federal District Police. The AFI uses the S&W Model 5906 while other State Police prefer the Model 6904. The GOPE also uses the Browning HP Mk 3.

The submachine gun arsenal includes the Mod 12S used by the Federal District Police and the CAR-15 R635 (M16 SMG) of the AFI. The PFP carries the MP5A3, which is also a preferred weapon of the Anti-drug Police and State Police forces. The Uzi and Uzi Model B Carbine is found on the hands of several police agents, and in Mexico City several local police agents were observed equipped with the Mendoza HM-3-S. There are also a few MGP-84s made in Peru.

The local police makes wide use of the AR-15 R6000 Sporter, AR-15A1 R613 (M16A1), AR-15A2 R705 (M16A2), AR-15A2 R6530, CAR-15A1 R653 (M16A1 Carbine), CAR-15A2 R725A (M16A2 Carbine), CAR-15A2 R6520 Government Carbine, HK G36A1, G36V, HK33A2, HK33A3, HK33KA3, HK53A3 and Galil SAR. These weapons have also found their way to different crime organizations, along with the ever present AK-47, AKS-47, and AKMS. Most police snipers use the Model 700 while other units use the Model 500ATP8 shotgun.

Hardened Enemies

Article 11 of the Organic Law allows the CFAF to respond directly under the orders of SEDENA instead of the President, and to the request of local civilian authorities. In fact, the creation of the CFAF is only the initial step for an ambitious plan to bring order, and the creation of a new 40,000 strong Federal Police Corps (CFP – Cuerpo Federal de Policía) with a new gendarmerie to be organized for operations in towns with less of 20,000 inhabitants. The plan is said to have been designed by experts from the National Security and Investigation Center (CISEN – Centro de Investigación y Seguridad Nacional), the PFP and the AFI, with advice provided by the Spanish Civil Guard, FBI and DEA. The CFP boss will have links to the Treasury, State, Immigration and Custom departments, and it is expected to have strong links to the US DEA as well, along with increased US presence in the country.

The Mexicans, however, stress that the main problem remains the strong drug consumption of the US market. They point out that 1kg has a street value of USD$12,000 in Mexico, but reaches USD$25,000 at the US border and up to USD$50,000 in any street of an American City.

Once a handgun becomes successful it is inevitable that copies or clones of the piece are produced. So it is in spades with the Colt 1911 and less frequently with other handguns. One such handgun is the Czech CZ 75. This innovative handgun was hailed as the greatest service pistol available and little has changed since. The CZ 75 is highly proven in service and rigid government testing on both sides of the ocean and places in between. But the subjects of this feature are the clone guns of the CZ 75. There are quite a few and it isn’t possible to cover every one but we will take a look at the most widespread versions. Most are products of the Italian company Tangfoglio, a maker of quality parts that are sometimes finished by others. Other handguns are completely assembled in Italy. Another clone pistol is produced in Turkey.

The original CZ 75 combined the high magazine capacity of the Browning High Power with the Walther P-38 double action first shot trigger feature. This was not big news: the Smith and Wesson Model 59 and the Beretta 92 did the same. But the CZ 75 did so with a different approach. With all respect to other designs, the CZ 75 has considerably outpaced its rivals in service use and longevity. There have been few problems with the CZ 75 while other handguns have suffered nightmarish problems and a lack of confidence in service. The original CZ 75 features an internal drawback in the double action trigger, compared to the dated external drawbar used on the P-38. The trigger is usually smooth. The single action trigger is also smooth, with most variants breaking at about six pounds, clean, with the characteristic backlash of the type. A trait of the type is that the hammer is rocked slightly to the rear just as the sear breaks. The CZ features a kidney shaped camming surface in the barrel. The slide lock runs through this kidney shaped device. The most innovative feature of the CZ 75 was the slide configuration. The slide is designed to run inside the frame rails. The slide rails are reversed. By using this arrangement, the CZ 75 features a lower bore axis. For control and hand placement in controlling the trigger, the low bore axis is a great advantage. The engineers at CZ managed to produce a double action first shot pistol that has proven as easy to shoot well as the Browning High Power – perhaps even a bit more controllable.

The safety configuration is also important. The pistol is designed to be carried hammer down and ready for a rapid first shot. The safety cannot be placed in the on position with the hammer down. However, clone guns such as the EAA Witness and the ArmaLite AR 24 have modified this safety to allow on safe carry with the hammer down. This is fine as far as it goes and something some shooters seemed to ask for. The CZ has proven a capable handgun appreciated by those ‘in the know.’ But while the pistols are high quality, there was room for improvement.

EAA Witness

The European American Armory (EAA) Witness is simply a clone of the C 75 with the majority being produced in 9mm Luger caliber. However, there is a demand for big bore handguns in America and the Witness was soon chambered for other calibers after its introduction. Notably the Witness was available in large numbers in North America when the original CZ was very difficult to obtain. The Witness changed the safety configuration as we have noted. The grip tang was also extended into a longer beavertail. This beavertail resulted in not only lowering the bore axis but in spreading recoil out about the palm in a superior fashion to the original CZ 75. Another advantage of the Witness is that the Witness features superior sights. Witness handguns are available in 9mm, .40, .38 Super, 10mm and .45 ACP. European American Armory got the jump on CZ by offering good quality CZ types before CZ had a presence in America, and offering compact and big bore versions. Good results have been enjoyed with the Witness with never a serious problem that could not be resolved by minor gunsmithing. The extractor needs to be replaced every 5,000 rounds or so and the recoil spring at 3,500 rounds. This was learned in competition shooting though this is not an onerous standard. This is a particularly accurate little beast that will place five rounds of Federal 155 gr. JHP into two inches at 25 yards. The Witness is actually looser than the original CZ 75 upon examination but all seem to work well and the targets do not lie. The compact version is an impressive handgun. Then there is the big Witness in 10mm caliber. The popular press has overlooked this big bore CZ, but the fact is the piece is superior in every way to the original Bren Ten. Here is a 10mm CZ that works!

The CZ 75 B

This is an interesting CZ and no, it is not a clone. It is a real CZ and is included because the CZ 75B compact is obviously an answer to some of the clone guns. Just as Colt offered the 1991 A1 in answer to Springfield’s GI pistol, CZ offers an improved CZ in compact form. The tang is elongated and the dust cover beefed up; a combination of features from other elevated CZ types. And of course it is a big bore. The low bore axis of the CZ is evident, giving good control, and the pistol is among the best balanced of handguns. With the Fiocchi 165 grain JHP, newly introduced, this handgun is particularly accurate. A five shot group of two and one half inches at 25 yards is possible but concentration on the small sights is required.

The AR 24

This may be the most sophisticated and most accurate CZ 75 clone ever. Produced in Turkey for ArmaLite, the AR 24 is well finished. There are slight changes in the tang and grip frame, the pistol features the Witness type safety system, and the sights are first quality. Additionally the slide has been reconfigured to closely resemble the SIG P 210. The P 210 is a well made and fantastically accurate handgun. The AR 24 is also a very accurate handgun. Two inches at twenty five yards with the Black Hills 124 grain JHP is a result that can be achieved with a high likelihood the handgun is capable of even better accuracy. The AR 24 is proving popular and feedback is good. Time will tell but at present this pistol seems to be a winner.

The Baby Desert Eagle

Magnum Research, Inc. imports the massive and impressive Desert Eagle, calling their CZ 75 clone the Baby Desert Eagle. For brevity, and out of affection, most of us call the Baby Desert Eagle the ‘Baby Eagle.’ The Baby Eagle is produced in Israel by Israeli Military Industries. The pistol may feature an Italian made frame and certainly the original Jericho and Uzi pistols were basically Tangfoglio pistols. The Baby Eagle features a very important design change. The safety has been changed to a decocker/safety mounted on the slide. While this seems to be a triumph of the technical over the tactical, many police agencies demand a decocker over a frame mounted safety. The Israelis seem to practice chamber empty carry, so it doesn’t really matter. Despite a three and one half inch barrel the Baby Eagle is very accurate. I have fired groups of three inches or less for five shots at twenty five yards on a number of occasions; with Winchester 230 gr. SXT load proving the most accurate to date. The monolithic frame of the Baby Eagle actually lends it a resemblance to the Desert Eagle. Overall this is a fine handgun and a favorite among the CZ 75 clone guns.

The CZ 75 is a very well designed handgun. It is no surprise that even better handguns have sprung from the original. There is more to come and fans of the CZ 75 should be well pleased.

Off a lonely stretch of Highway 19 near Florida’s west coast, between Weeki Wachee and Homosassa Springs, lies the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management area, a pristine 33,919 acre parcel of mixed swamp, pine scrub and palmetto in Hernando County where deer, alligators and black bears roam much as they have since the end of the last ice age.

It is within this fitting “old Florida” setting that the Hernando Sportsman’s Club is situated. Encompassing some 80 acres in all, the club includes several ranges including a 200 meter range, a 100 meter range, skeet and trap ranges, and a pistol range, all of which are spread out along the property’s winding, dusty roads. A new visitor to the Hernando Sportsman’s Club would quickly find that it is a different kind of range, run by a different kind of people than what one might expect to encounter in modern day Florida. Upon entering the property it’s almost as if one has stepped back in time, before the developers and anti-gun urban immigrants seemingly took over everything in Florida. There is a decidedly old-school flavor to the place, harkening back to a time when people trusted each other and guns were a normal part of everyday life, being no more inherently dangerous than cars or chainsaws and considered just as much sporting equipment as a baseball or fishing rod was.

The Hernando Sportsman’s Club hosts a wide variety of regularly scheduled events and matches; including machine gun shoots. Held three times a year (every July 4th, the end of February, and the end of September), the machine gun shoots are great fun and an extremely enjoyable experience.

Held on the club’s 200 meter range, the machine gun shoots always include multiple, active and fun targets that incorporate at least several cars or trucks set out for the shooters, as well as scores of bowling pins, empty freon and propane tanks, expired fire extinguishers, exploding targets, and the odd TV, refrigerator, or johnboat set out at various distances. And the cars and trucks aren’t totally stripped junkers either. They have engines, oil, glass, tires, and apparently always at least some gas in the tanks. So early on, shooters can enjoy picking off things like side view mirrors, headlights and door handles, or work at dropping windshields in by strategic and continuous pecking. After a while the vehicles inevitably catch fire and brew up in a glorious blazing spectacle of destruction. Shooters are encouraged to bring their own targets as well, and a sizable number of old electronic appliances also meet their fates there.

Even more important than the excellent physical facilities is the club’s staff. From the man at the front gate to the range safety officers to the people serving hamburgers and soft drinks in the clubhouse, they are all courteous and helpful and sincerely enjoy what they are doing. Special mention is due to the range officers, headed by the shoot’s “master of ceremonies” Randie Rickert. Without exception, they are all extremely professional as well as reasonable with regard to safety issues. Unlike some machine gun shoots where downright dangerous practices are ignored by staff, or where safety procedures are taken to such ridiculous and unnecessary extremes making the shoot entirely unpleasant, the staff at Hernando take a common sense and reasonable approach that results in safe, yet fun shoots.

After the shooters’ weapons are set up and ATF registration paperwork is verified, the line goes hot at approximately 9:30 a.m. For a good hour and a half, it’s rock and roll, explosions, smiles, smoke and fire. By around 11 a.m. after all the targets have been shot up and the cars have mostly burnt out and cooled off a little, the line is called cold and shooters and spectators are allowed to go downrange and inspect the damage. New targets are set up, and the club’s front-end-loader comes rumbling out and drags away the smoking, riddled hulls and replaces them with fresh vehicles.

Many shooters take advantage of the mid-afternoon break to get a bite or a drink at the clubhouse, which is conveniently located across the dirt road right behind the firing line. Others reload mags and link up belts, jawing with each other, or buying some Hernando MG Shoot T-shirts from the ever-smiling Diane Rickert, Randie’s wife, who staffs the admission and T-shirt booth at every shoot. After the new targets have been set up, the line goes hot and it starts all over again.

The club has been hosting machine gun shoots since the mid-1990s. When asked how and why the club first decided to host the machine gun shoots, Randie explained, “Well, there was an NRA rep who told us, ‘don’t restrict yourselves in what you do here, the government puts on enough restrictions,’ and so we decided whatever kinds of guns or shooting was not prohibited by the government, we would welcome here.” This enlightened and refreshing way of thinking pervades every aspect of the Hernando Sportsman’s Club that makes it, and especially the machine gun shoots, so enjoyable: a truly patriotic, freedom-loving way to run a recreational shooting range. All lawful shooters and their guns are welcomed – trap shooters, machine gun shooters, .50 BMG shooters, benchrest, silhouette, High-Power, Action Rifle, bowling pin, SASS Cowboy, muzzleloader, and youth shoots are all held there. The club also hosts Hunter Education classes, and every year hundreds of youths from the Boy Scouts, Junior ROTC and other groups come to the club’s ranges to learn firearms safety and marksmanship at no cost.

Once one attends one of the club’s machine gun shoots you can be put on its mailing list, and from then on a few weeks before the next scheduled shoot a flyer arrives in the mail advertising it. The range fee is still only $20 for shooters with their own machine guns, and spectator admission is $2 and kids under 15 with adult supervision are free. At every shoot there also seems to be a respectable number of non-firing-line spectators who are able to observe the shooters and the targets downrange from behind the firing line, apparently drawn to the spectacle of watching people shoot machine guns.

Each of the club’s Fall machine gun shoots coincides with the weekend that a group of World War II re-enactors also come to the club’s property. This certainly makes an interesting spectacle for attendees of the Fall shoots, given the large number of “soldiers” walking around and the period vehicles rumbling around (including Willys jeeps, half-tracks, and German Type 82 “kubelwagens”), and many of these individuals own vintage machine guns and participate in the shoot as well.

There is usually a very diverse variety of machine guns that can be seen on the line. In addition to the usual array of specimens such as Brownings, Thompsons, HKs, Uzis, MP40s, M60s, M2HBs, MG34/42s, Vickers, Shpagins, Sudarevs, M16 and AK variants, one may see the more unusual FN Minimi, PKM, Lewis gun, GE Minigun, Ameli, MG42/59, Shrike belt-fed upper, powered quad-M2HB mount, and a smattering of Destructive Devices such as mortars and a French Puteaux 25mm cannon.

Attending the Hernando Sportsman’s Club machine gun shoots is a satisfying, if not therapeutic, experience. Making the road trip, seeing familiar faces, examining and shooting rare and interesting machine guns, shooting interesting and reactive targets, introducing a new people to the hobby, and having a relaxing post-shoot meal with friends is something that is hard to put a price on. And the good people at the Hernando Sportsman’s Club and its machine gun shoots make it all happen.

French Machine Gun Type Ho

The first Hotchkiss machine guns manufactured in France, the Model 1897, were acquired by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1898 and intended for evaluation. Japanese sources indicate they were chambered for the new 6.5x51SR Arisaka Type 30 cartridge. Only a handful were ordered and all feed strips must have been standard French types imported from France with the guns. These trials must have been successful as the first Hotchkiss guns imported in large quantity and used in combat were purchased beginning in 1902. According to Imperial Japanese Army acquisition records, they were a version of the Model 1900 Hotchkiss made to Imperial Japanese Army requirements. Besides the caliber (6.5x51SR Arisaka Type 30), they differed from other contemporary Hotchkiss guns in having two additional cooling rings on the barrel (seven instead of the usual five). The Imperial Japanese Army designation for these weapons was Type Ho: using a kanji for Ho. The use of the abbreviation instead of an adoption year indicates a foreign-made gun. Type Ho weapons were the only Hotchkiss guns used by Japan in the Russo-Japanese war (1904-1905). The latest document mentioning them found in a brief scan of the Japanese National Archives is dated 1907, so they appear to have passed quickly out of service on adoption of the Type 38. It is quite possible they were converted to the Type 38 standard.

These French-made weapons were fed with 30-round rigid brass strips. Each loaded rigid strip was individually packed in a cardboard sleeve, which protected the strip while being transported in the ammunition crate. It was only during the feeding of the strip into the weapon that the cardboard sleeve was removed.

The French brass strips offered for export during the very first years after 1900 are marked with a tiny letter within a shield. The exact meaning of this marking (inspection or manufacturer stamp) remains unknown. It is also possible that some strips for the Type Ho guns were made in Japan, but if so, they would probably have been made on imported French machinery and be indistinguishable from French strips except perhaps for this marking. So far, the author has been unable to unequivocally identify any Japanese-made strips for Type Ho weapons.

Japanese Machine Gun Type 38

When the Imperial Japanese Army purchased the French-made Type Ho, they also bought a license to manufacture it. The first Japanese-made gun, manufactured under Hotchkiss license, was adopted under the designation Type 38; the Japanese equivalent of Model 1905 (38th year of the Meiji era = 1905). Despite this designation, these guns only began to reach service in 1906. Also, despite a designation indicating Japanese manufacture, it is very likely that some major components, especially barrels, and possibly whole guns, were still made in France, at least at first. There probably was considerable parts interchangeability with the Type Ho.

The Type 38 was not an exact copy of the Type Ho as the Japanese never exactly copied a foreign design. In this case, they added a cartridge oiler to the feedway, and a new trigger group and pistol grip, including a grip catch that held the trigger for continuous fire. Type 38 guns were in service at least as late as 1940, according to documents in the Japanese National Archives. However, from about 1935, they were second-line guns, serving as trainers with special blank-firing barrels and as home-defense anti-aircraft guns. In the early 1930s, many were decommissioned and sold to China, only to be used against Japan later.

The Type 38 continued to use the same 30-round brass strips, but no cardboard sleeve specifically marked for it has been found for this article. It is likely that, at least at first, strips for it were made on French machinery.

The Japanese army, under the approval of their Military Provisional Committee, ordered from France samples of Model 1909 Portative light machine guns in original 8mm French caliber for research with aircraft in 1915. These weapons were referred to as the Type 42. Experiments were carried out with the Type MO aircraft at the army’s Tokorozawa Airfield facility.

Japanese Machine Gun Type 3

The first machine gun truly of Japanese design chambered for the 6.5x51SR Arisaka cartridge was the Year 3 Type, usually referred to in English as simply Type 3. The kanji character for “year” was included in the formal Japanese designation to indicate that the 3 represents the 3rd year of the reign of the Emperor Taisho, i.e., 1914 in the Gregorian calendar. This gun was the work of the famous designer Kijiro Nambu, and is mechanically very different from the Hotchkiss. It used only two Hotchkiss features: the feed wheel/feed strip and the Hotchkiss-style operating rod (although the exact form of the operating rod was different). These guns entered service in the World War I period, with both the Army and Navy, and remained in service through the Pacific War in late World War II mainly with Japanese troops in China.

The 30-round feed strips for this gun are almost identical to the early French brass export models and retain the cardboard protecting sleeve. The Japanese cardboard sleeves are usually covered with a kind of gauze. Although no official document has been found concerning this issue, various reasons have been suggested by different knowledgeable authors. It is probable that the reason for the gauze covering could be found among the following various explanations: to prevent moisture deterioration; to add strength to the container; to prevent damage from the pointed bullets during handling and to improve the grip on the sleeve in order to facilitate its manipulation.

The cardboard sleeve containing a single loaded strip bears a label describing the content of the sleeve. Usually, a second little label, glued on the side of the sleeve, states the type of ammunition as well as the manufacturing data (lot numbers and date of production). Ammunition and feed strips for Type 3 weapons have also been manufactured in the independent state of Manchukuo (Manchuria). This state, geographically situated in continental China, gained independence from China in 1932 after the invasion of the Japanese army in 1931. In 1934, Pu Yi was declared Emperor of the Manchukuo Empire, which although theoretically an independent state was in fact closely controlled by the Japanese. Production occurred in the city named Mukden (in Manchu spelling) within the Hoten Zoheisho Kabaushiki Kaisha (Hoten Arsenal Co. Ltd.) established at the old Three Provinces Arsenal site in November 1932 after Japanese occupation in 1931. This facility is also commonly referred to as simply Mukden Arsenal.

In the 1920s, Type 3 machine guns chambered for 7×57 Mauser were adopted by Chile under the designation Modelo 1920. Probably only a few hundreds of weapons manufactured at the Kokura Arsenal were imported from Japan. However, it seems that the barrels, the main specific part for the 7mm caliber, were imported from the Hotchkiss Company in France. Accordingly, the Chilean Modelo 1920 weapons observed so far bear the Japanese Kokura logo on the receiver and the French Hotchkiss logo on the barrel.

The Chilean-made strips for the Modelo 1920 are similar to the early French Hotchkiss strips and therefore differ from the contemporary Japanese strips for Type 3 by the lack of the corner notch. These 30-round brass strips are marked with a shield containing the indication of the manufacturer FAMAE (Fabricas y Maestranzas el Ejercito in Santiago) as well as “CHILE”.

Japanese Machine Gun Type 92

From 1932 onwards, an updated version of the Type 3 machine gun entered service under the designation Type 92 therewith indicating its year of adoption (2592 in the Jimmu calendar – the beginning of which corresponds to the mythical creation of the Japanese Empire, 660 BC in the Gregorian calendar). Type 92 machine guns are chambered for the more powerful 7.7x58SR ammunition and remain fed with 30-round rigid strips. Many Type 3 guns were converted to the Type 92 standard.

The geometry of the 7.7mm strips is identical to that for 6.5mm. Shooters have found that strips originally loaded with 7.7mm cartridges can be reloaded with 6.5mm and function perfectly and vice versa. From approximately 1943 onwards, the brass strips were often replaced by tinned or zinc-washed steel strips of identical geometry. The individual cardboard sleeves are simplified and do not bear the external gauze anymore. The sealing of the two parts of the sleeve remains done with a label, which indicates the contents of the sleeve. The data concerning the lot numbers and date of production are no longer printed on an extra label but are directly inked on the side of the sleeve. The Japanese strips for both for 6.5 and 7.7mm bear, almost always in the same place, a small character, the meaning of which remains unknown (manufacturer code or inspection mark).

It is worth noting that, whereas the design of the rigid strips used by the Hotchkiss company was improved several times between 1900 and 1930, the Japanese strips remained faithful to the original French design of 1897. The majority of the evolutions designed by the Hotchkiss company in France were intended to increase the longevity of the strips. Those strips were supposed to be reloaded a great number of times and therefore, a special recalibrating tool was provided with the weapon’s accessories.

The major evolutions of the Hotchkiss commercial strips concerned both the stamping pattern of the hooks to fasten the cartridges and the characteristics of the metal sheet used (brass, various heat-treated steels, different thicknesses, etc.). On the other side, the Japanese strips never incorporated any of those major evolutions. This might be explained by the fact that the Japanese strips were considered as consumable and not as a weapon accessory. Indeed, the Japanese strips, even in new unissued condition, appear particularly fragile as the brass sheet is not very rigid and the hooks retaining the cartridges can be easily bent or broken. In most cases, a single feeding through the weapon represents the maximum that a strip can withstand.

For field combat use, the strips, fitted in their cardboard sleeves, were carried in two different models of chests. For infantry units, 18 strips were packed in a chest Model A, which could be carried on a man’s back by means of straps. For cavalry units, a larger chest of Model B carried 25 strips. The shipping crate was of the same dimensions as the Model A, but much cruder and not back-packable. It held 25 strips because they were packed into it differently.

(The author acknowledges the help of Mr. Ted Bradstreet and Dr. Edwin Libby for their key contribution to enlighten the historical background of the early Imperial Japanese Army machine guns and to Mr. William M.P. Easterly for his thorough review of the manuscript.)

The Association of the United States Army held its annual meeting on October 6-8 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC. As one of the premier showcases demonstrating developments in the defense industry, more than 500 exhibitors from more than a dozen countries displayed their products and services. Displays included cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, small and medium caliber small arms, and armored vehicles. Small Arms Review was present to report on new products and advances within the defense community.

ATK

ATK showcased a new medium caliber system utilizing a redesigned 20mm, 25mm, and 30mm weapons system. Designed in two parts, the weapon mount has been designated the PAWS – the Palletized Autonomous Weapons System. As a self contained and fully autonomous weapons system, the PAWS system provides the user the capability to aim and fire virtually any small and medium caliber weapon.

As a roll on/roll off system, the PAWS can be fully palletized for air delivery. Set up time from crate to running system testing is reportedly less than 10 minutes. Designed from off-the-shelf components, the platform can be easily installed in a variety of platforms. Representatives of ATK indicate that due to the light weight, the PAWS system can be utilized within a light truck, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), light boat, or rotary aircraft.

Use of the system was extremely easy. A joy stick controls elevation, traverse, and fire controls, while a LCD display provides an aiming point and view of the target. The system is electrically powered, and capable of using batteries or a variety of external power sources.

In conjunction with the PAWS weapon mount, ATK has redesigned the 25mm Bushmaster chain gun. Designated the LW25 Bushmaster, the system is a compact and lightweight system based upon the successful Bushmaster family of chain guns. Weighing 68 pounds (unloaded) or 94 pounds with available soft mount and fire control unit, the LW25 has a reported cyclic rate of 250 rounds per minute. In addition, ATK representatives report that the system has a Mean Rounds Between Stoppages (MRBS) in excess of 35,000 rounds, providing an extremely reliable system.

The LW25 Bushmaster utilizes five newly designed 25mm cartridges: HEI (High Explosive Incendiary), HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose), PABM (Programmable Air Burst Munition), Shotshell, and TP (Training Practice). The new cartridges measure 25x59mm. ATK reports that the LW25 Bushmaster is ideal for applications that are currently limited to gas-operated guns. ATK representatives pointed out that the system is lighter than the M2HB, M240, and Mk19 machine guns, while providing increased lethality.

The Programmable Air Burst Munition is reportedly a remnant of the OICW program, complete with point detonating fuze and programmable airburst capability. As evidence that old projects never die, the OICW project is alive and well at ATK, and has now been designated the Individual Airburst Weapon System (IAWS). Designed to engage targets at 300 meters, the system has a maximum effective range of 500 meters. Similar to the OICW, the IAWS utilizes five types of ammunition: thermobaric, flechette, training, high-explosive airburst, and non-lethal.

Heckler and Koch

Heckler and Koch revealed a new blank firing adaptor intended for the M16 family of weapons. Intended to be used as a complete system comprised of a magazine and muzzle device, the blank firing adaptor is intended to prevent the use of live ammunition. The length of the magazine is reduced to prevent users from loading ball ammunition. Instead, only blank ammunition (which is typically shorter in length than live ammunition) may be loaded within the special magazine.

In the event that ball ammunition is forced into the magazine, a maximum of three live rounds will fit within the magazine. Attempts to load more than three live rounds will result in the rounds binding and jamming within the magazine. If live rounds are loaded within the magazine and fired through the weapon, the blank firing adaptor attached at the muzzle is capable of stopping a maximum of three live rounds.

The system is reportedly under test and evaluation by the U.S. Marine Corps. An HK representative indicated that the system is not currently in production, and would not be produced unless a significant order was placed by a branch of the military.

SAAB Bofors

Long known for the Carl Gustav recoilless AT rocket system, Saab Bofors displayed a variant of the venerable AT-4 anti-tank rocket system. The AT-4 system has been in the U.S. Army inventory since the mid-1980s. In an effort to revitalize and update the system, Saab Bofors improved the system in two significant ways.

The system was first outfitted with a liquid counter-mass to eliminate the back blast created when firing the weapon. As a recoilless system, the weapon’s back blast prevents use of the AT-4 system within confined spaces. With the new Saab Bofors improvements, the liquid counter mass reduces the back blast and eliminates the deadly effects of firing the system within a confined space.

The AT-4 system has always been intended as a disposable system. Unlike the Carl Gustav system, the AT-4 system cannot be reloaded once the rocket is fired. As originally designed, the plastic weapon sights are crude, simplistic, hard to use and cannot be zeroed or adjusted for range. As originally designed, the original AT-4 weapon sight cannot be zeroed, or adjusted for range. As a result, Saab Bofors worked together with Aimpoint to incorporate a red dot sight to the system. Adjustable for range, the soldier estimates the range to the target, adjusts the sight, places the aiming point directly on the target, and fires the weapon. As the AT-4 system is disposable, the new Aimpoint sights are reportedly disposable, and not intended to be reused. Finally, a Picatinny rail has been incorporated on the AT-4 tube, to allow the user to mount and use a laser designator or range finder as part of the system.

Barrett Firearms

Barrett Firearms revealed their new .338 Lapua bolt action rifle. Designated the Model 98B, the new .338 Lapua rifle sports a 27 inch barrel, and has an overall length of 49.75 inches. The barrel utilizes a ten-round polymer magazine, with an ambidextrous magazine release lever.

Built primarily of 7075 aluminum and polymer plastics, the complete system weighs in at 13.5 pounds. Considering that the Barrett 82A1 weighs nearly 31 pounds, the Barrett 98B provides significant weigh savings while providing a platform capable of heavy hitting long range shooting. The barrel is fluted for additional weight savings, while utilizing a 1-in-10 twist rate for long range accuracy.

Projected to be vailable in January 2009, the current suggested retail price will be $4,500.

Colt Defense

In response to recent U.S. Army solicitations and weapons tests, Colt Defense presented a large number of new and innovative weapon platforms. SAR spent a significant amount of time discussing weapons development with MG Battaglini, (USMC, Retired) Colt’s Chief Operating Officer and Kevin Brown, Vice President, Military Programs. Built in response to a request from the U.S. Army, MG Battaglini explained that the new models were not intended to replace the venerable M4 carbine. Rather, the new systems were designed to demonstrate the available technology, should the U.S. military decide to upgrade or change existing specifications to the M4 carbine system.

Colt Defense presented several major developments to the M4 weapon platform, including the use of a monolithic upper receiver, the use of a piston system, the creation of a hybrid short stroke gas/piston system, and an articulated gas piston.

Colt Defense also presented a newly designed 40mm low velocity grenade launcher. Designated the Eagle, the grenade launcher is a side opening, fully ambidextrous system capable of being used as either a stand-alone unit, or mounted to a battle rifle. With a built in pistol grip, the system appeared to be a direct competitor to the Heckler and Koch AG-C system, and was reportedly submitted for review by the U.S. Military when considering a replacement to the M203 weapons system.

Weighing 4.7 pounds, the Eagle weighs nearly two pounds heavier than the M203 legacy system, but provides additional capability to fire non-traditional rounds that would not otherwise fit within the M203 breach. Outfitted with Picatinny rails, the weapon is capable of accepting traditional iron sights intended for a 40mm system, or an EOTech 40mm grenade launcher sight. The Eagle is capable of firing nearly any conventional or commonly acquired 40mm lethal and less-lethal ammunition.

The AUSA annual meeting was an unqualified success and allowed many in the small arms industry to display recent developments and innovations. Although not all of the products displayed were in production, the AUSA show is a great opportunity to witness developments in the small arms industry, talk to the engineers involved in the research and development process, and discuss innovations with others within the small arms community.

During 1938, the Germans occupied Czechoslovakia and it wasn’t long after the occupation began that Czech arms factories and workers were forced into manufacturing pistols, rifles and machine guns for the German war effort. After the war ended the Czech arms industry attempted to reestablish its prewar small arms manufacturing prominence primarily through export sales. Two customers of Czechoslovakia during the post war period were Yugoslavia and Israel. The sales were terminated for political reasons after the Communist coup d’état in 1948. After the coup, arms production in Czechoslovakia drastically changed as the Communists nationalized all of the small private arms firms in the country, joining all of the larger manufacturers that had previously been nationalized during the German occupation. Major changes were implemented during the Cold War period when production was drastically increased in anticipation of a third world war.

When the Warsaw Pact was formed during 1955, virtually all of the members adopted the Soviet designed 7.62x39mm SKS rifle in one form or another, except for Czechoslovakia, who had decided that they would design their own infantry rifle. By 1952, the Czechs developed and adopted a semiautomatic rifle designated as the vz.52. Not only was the rifle completely different from the SKS, it was chambered for a unique proprietary cartridge: the Czech M52, 7.62x45mm. The Czech cartridge had a longer case that was not interchangeable with the standard Warsaw Pact 7.62x39mm M43 round. The 7.62×45 round was slightly more powerful than the standard 7.62×39 cartridge, with a 131-grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of 2,495 feet per second. The cartridge remained in service from 1952 to 1957, when Czechoslovakia finally relented and adopted the far more common 7.62×39 round. The Czech vz.52 rifle was redesigned to chamber the Warsaw Pact standard 7.62×39 cartridge and newly designated as the vz.52/57 rifle.

The Samopal vzor 1958 Rifle, 7.62x39mm

During the mid 1950s when Warsaw Pact members began to upgrade from the SKS semiautomatic rifle to the select-fire Soviet Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle, Czechoslovakia, due to national pride and a long tradition of weapons design and manufacture, once again resisted conforming with other Pact members. In January of 1955, under the leadership of Czech engineer Jiri Cermak, Czechoslovakia embarked on a program to design and develop their own unique assault rifle, based on an earlier weapon designed by Emanuel Holek in 1953, which had been inspired by the World War II German StG 44 rifle. Originally, the new weapon was designed for the Czech 7.62×45 cartridge, but for political reasons this was changed to the 7.62×39 round. The resulting weapon designated as the Samopal vzor 58 (Submachine gun Model 1958) which was developed, tested and subsequently adopted in 1958. The famous Ceska Zbojovka (CZ) plant, located in the town of Uhersky Brod, manufactured the rifle. The select-fire rifle outwardly bore some resemblance to the AK rifle, but internally it was far different. In addition to the standard fixed stock model, a folding stock variant and a model fitted with a night vision scope were produced.

There have been slight design changes noted that occurred during vz.58 production. It is estimated that most of the changes took place during the 1959-1961 era. All vz.58 receivers were marked with the year of manufacture.

Front Sight Towers

There are at least three variations of the front sights; the earliest models have sight protector ears that are open at the top, and a flat base behind the sight tower. The second variation has open ears, but the back of the sight base has lightening cuts. The third variation has the lightening cuts at the base but the protector ears are closed at the top but with a hole to facilitate front sight elevation adjustments.

Furniture

Early vz.58 rifles were briefly fitted with wooden handguards, pistol grips and buttstocks. The wood was replaced by wood impregnated plastic.

Front Sling Swivels

Early front sling swivels are a round “key ring” design; later models use a simple T shaped stamping.

Trigger Guards

The early trigger guards have a single loop. Later manufacture are wider and have a guard on the right side for the magazine release lever. The trigger guards are sheet metal stampings.

Magazine Release Levers

The magazine levers are heavy machined steel. Early variants are rounded at the bottom while later levers were tapered and square at the bottom end for compatibility with the wider trigger guards.

Rear Sights

The hole at the front of the sight leaf on early production is round. Later models have a U shaped slot. The purpose of the hole/slot is to facilitate removal of the sight from the receiver. The rear sight leaf is a tangent type calibrated out to 800 meters. The 300-meter battle sight position is marked with a letter U.

Despite being members of NATO, the 7.62x39mm, vz.58 rifle is still in service with Czech Republic and Slovakian troops; although many have been upgraded with modern plastic furniture, optics, accessory rails and muzzle brakes.

Model Variations of the vz.58 Rifle

The Samopal vz.58P

The 7.62×39 vz.58P rifle, the suffix letter P representing “Pechotni” or infantry rifle, is the standard fixed stock model. The overall length is 33.26 inches (845mm) with a barrel length of 15.35 inches (390mm). The standard rifle weighs 7.91 pounds (3.59kg) with a loaded thirty-round magazine.

The Samopal vz.58V

A right-side folding metal stock version was subsequently introduced designated as the vz.58V, the suffix V representing “Vysadkovy” or airborne, and was developed for issue to troops requiring a more compact weapon. When extended, the overall length of the vz.58P is the same as the fixed stock model measuring 33.36 inches. When the stock is folded the overall length is reduced to 25.04 inches (636mm).

The Samopal vz.58Pi,

For night operations a special version of the vz.58 rifle was fielded. The weapon, designated as the vz.58 Pi, for “Pechotni infracervenym zamerovacem” which translates to “infantry with infrared sight” was fitted with a bipod, special flash suppressor and optics rail for mounting of the NSP-2 infrared night vision scope. The design had several drawbacks. One was the heavy battery required to power the unit, and the other was the capability of the enemy to detect infrared devices in use. This weapon has a fixed stock with the same dimensions of the vz.58P model.

The Select-Fire vz.58: How it Works

The vz.58 rifle has a forged/milled steel receiver and although its outward appearance superficially resembles the AK rifle, the weapons are completely different and no parts, to include the thirty-round magazines, are interchangeable.

The vz.58 is gas operated using a short-stroke piston design. The short-stroke system reduces the weight of the reciprocating parts, thus improving full-automatic accuracy and (theoretically) reducing felt recoil. The design also keeps carbon fouling produced by fired cartridges away from the internal components of the weapon. The disadvantages are a design that is more complex, and less reliable, than the long stroke gas piston and rotating-bolt systems found on the AK rifle.

The bolt locking system of the vz.58 is completely different from the Kalashnikov rotating bolt system. In place of the rotating-bolt locking system used in the AK-47 design, the vz.58 incorporates a pivoting lock piece that locks the bolt assembly to the receiver. The pivoting lock fits under the bolt carrier. When the weapon is fired, the spring-loaded gas piston gives a short, stiff tap to the bolt carrier and after a rearward movement of approximately 22mm the bolt carrier swings the locking piece up from its recesses inside the receiver walls, unlocking the bolt, which on its rearward travel extracts and ejects the spent cartridge case. At the end of its rearward motion, the bolt carrier is thrust forward by the recoil spring. Upon its forward movement, the bolt stops after engaging the breech face, while the bolt carrier continues forward until the locking piece swings downward and locks into the recesses of the receiver. The vz.58 locking system is a combination of features found on both the Walther P-38 pistol and the Bren machine gun.

The vz.58 does not use a conventional hammer that strikes the firing pin; instead it utilizes a striker-fired design. A large striker cylinder is located in the rear machined-out portion of the bolt with its own spring that is positioned under the return spring of the bolt group. The striker has a lug that interacts with the sear, which is used to hold the striker in the cocked position. The trigger mechanism consists of two sears mounted side by side with one located 1.5mm forward of the other. The sear on the right side is connected to a sear trip operated by the carrier. Unless the bolt is fully forward and locked into battery, the trip holds up the right-hand sear and the striker is held back. The left-hand sear works in concert with a disconnector for semiautomatic operation.

The mode-of-fire selector is located on the right side of the receiver. When the selector is rotated to the full-automatic position, marked with a number 30, the disconnector is lowered and disengaged from the semiautomatic sear. When the carrier is fully forward, the right hand sear is depressed and the striker (hammer) is held on the semiautomatic sear only. As soon as the trigger is depressed, the trigger bar is moved forward and the left hand sear is depressed, releasing the striker. Each time the bolt recoils, the automatic sear rises upward and contains the striker until the bolt is locked in battery, after which the sear drops downward and the striker is released and impacts the firing pin in the bolt, firing the cartridge in the chamber. The cyclic rate of the vz.58 is considerably faster than the AK at 800 rounds per minute. The vz.58’s light weight and fast cyclic rate make it more difficult to control than an AKM in the full-automatic mode of fire.

When the selector is moved to the semiautomatic position, indicated by a number 1, the trigger bar is lowered and forced clear of the semiautomatic sear, and the disconnector rises to engage the semiautomatic sear. Pulling the trigger fires one round, the carrier recoils and the automatic sear rises. The carrier strikes the disconnector and lifts the semiautomatic sear. The striker is held rearward by the automatic sear, which is released when the carrier moves forward and since the automatic sear is located slightly behind the semiautomatic sear, the moving bolt is stopped by the semiautomatic sear. In order to fire another round the trigger must be fully released to allow the disconnector move back up to engage under the semiautomatic sear. The trigger can be pulled and the striker will be released by the semiautomatic sear. Both of the sears work off of a single multi-leaf flat style steel spring. In the semiautomatic mode of fire, the vz.58 is capable of slightly better accuracy over the average AK.

The weapon has a bolt hold-open feature that engages when the last round is fired from the magazine and the bolt remains rearward after the empty magazine is removed. There is also a bolt hold button alongside the magazine release lever. To release the bolt, the cocking handle is pulled slightly back and then released. The magazine release lever is located very close to the front of the trigger guard. The late manufacture trigger guard has a groove at the front and is bent inward on the left side to allow access to the lever. However, attempting to access the lever from the right side of the weapon is very difficult. The magazine has a thirty-round capacity, and is made from an aluminum alloy with an unloaded weight of only .42 pounds (.19kg), approximately one-half that of a standard steel AK magazine. The bolt carrier has a milled groove in it to enable the magazine to be loaded via stripper clips through the receiver. Furniture on early production models was wood; later replaced with wood impregnated plastic.

Approximately 920,000 vz.58 rifles were manufactured before production ended in 1984. Quantities of the Czech vz.58 rifles were procured by Cyprus, Angola, Ethiopia, Guinea, Libya, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Cuba and Guatemala. The weapon also appeared in the enemy’s hands during the Vietnam War. The vz.58 rifle still sees service in many Czech Republic and Slovakian military units. Today vz.58 rifles still in service with Czech and Slovak Republics have been observed with modern black plastic stocks and handguards.

The vz.58 in Hollywood

The vz.58 has appeared in several movies, although in many cases wasn’t recognized by viewers. One early appearance was in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket. Wielding the vz.58 was the Vietnamese female sniper hiding in a building that shoots several Marines. She was eventually gunned down by Private Joker’s (Mathew Modine) partner Rafterman (Kevyn Major Howard) after Joker’s M16 jammed.

Another popular movie was Behind Enemy Lines (2001) in which many of the bad guys hunting down Navy Pilot Lt. Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson), carried vz.58 rifles.

Other films in which the vz appeared were; Octopussy, Lord of War and on TV in a CSI Miami episode.

The Semiautomatic vz.58 “Sporters”

An original select-fire vz.58 rifle is extremely rare as a transferable Class III firearm in the U.S. with only a handful of known examples in the NFA registry. Post ’86 examples have been available on occasion, but these are of course restricted and not available to the average collector. The good news is that the unique and handy rifles are available in semiautomatic-only form.

The Ohio Ordnance vz.2000

Ohio Ordnance was the first entity to offer a semiautomatic-only model of the vz.58 when they introduced their vz.2000 during the year 2000 (thus the nomenclature vz.2000). Although surplus vz.58 spare part sets were available and inexpensive, Ohio Ordnance had to design a completely new receiver that would accept their specially designed semiautomatic-only components, and could not readily be converted to function full-automatic. Lastly the design had to be approved by the BATF Technology Branch prior to commencing manufacture. One last hurdle was the original barrel length of the vz.58, which is only 15.35 inches (390mm) in length, just short of the BATF minimum of 16 inches. This would require the rifle to be designated as Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) subjecting it to NFA registration and accompanying $200 transfer tax. Ohio Ordnance avoided this by permanently fitting an extension to the muzzle bringing the barrel up to the required legal length. For the purist collector, Ohio Ordnance also offers their vz.2000 with the original length barrel as a short barrel rifle, although purchase of this model requires NFA registration and the payment of a $200 transfer tax. The vz.2000 comes with four spare magazines and carrying pouch, sling, bayonet, cleaning kit and both a fixed and folding stock.

CZ-USA vz.58 Sporters

In October 2007, CZ-USA announced their two new semiautomatic-only vz.58 rifles; the Tactical Sporter and the Military Sporter, available for sale in the U.S. The new rifles are manufactured by D-Technik a.s. Jablunka, Czech Republic.

The vz.58 Tactical Sporter

This model has a black synthetic buttstock with a cheek rest and slip-on rubber buttplate. The Tactical Sporter comes with two ten-round plastic single-stack magazines and a black nylon sling. The rifle cannot accept high-capacity magazines.

The vz.58 Military Sporter

This rifle is available with an original military fixed or folding buttstock and can accept original thirty-round magazines. To be compliant for import into the U.S., the rifle’s receivers are made so that they cannot accept a high-capacity magazine, and a barrel extension is added so that the barrel meets the BATF criteria. Once the rifles arrive at the importer’s facility, the trigger, sear, disconnector, magazine follower and floorplate are replaced with U.S. made components. This alteration allows the original military fixed and folding stocks to be used and the magazine well opened up to allow the original thirty-round magazines to be used.

The idea of a vz.58 Sporter rifle was conceived in part due to large stocks of vz.58 rifles and components that came from a sale of surplus equipment from the Army of the Czech Republic. Due to the incompatibility of the vz.58 with standard AK designs, and its limited distribution, the world market for rifles and spare parts was also limited. Other considerations included restrictions placed on Czech exports of military arms and ammunition.

The primary market targeted for the new rifle was the United States. One of the many obstacles facing the proposed vz.58 Sporter were the labyrinth of U.S. regulations and laws regarding the importation of foreign firearms into the country. The import issues were addressed by partnering with experienced importing companies in the U.S. Paramount were the problems of the vz.58’s barrel length, machine gun receiver and its ability to accept a high-capacity magazine. The most serious concern was the receiver, which had to be redesigned and then manufactured to prevent the possibility of accepting parts to permit automatic fire, and its ability to accept high-capacity magazines.

After a period of contemplation as to the validity of the concept it was decided to produce two prototypes in July of 2004. One of the prototype sporter rifles with specially designed single-stack, low capacity plastic magazine was sent to the BATF Technology Branch in the U.S. in an effort to seek approval of the design prior to beginning production. Approval of the project was finally received in early 2005. Pre-production preparations were made as the most labor intensive item was the receiver followed by the molds needed to produce the plastic magazines, sporter stock and handguards, which were made from Zytel 80G25HS. The magazine body was made from Tarflon PC, while other magazine components were produced using Zytel ST801.

During initial durability testing of the early pre-production guns a problem surfaced with the rifles occasionally misfiring. The source of the problem was pinned down to the disconnector. When cocking and releasing the bolt, the striker (hammer) was not always being held by the sear, but following the bolt into battery, a potentially dangerous situation. The problem was traced to the removal of the weapon’s original two-sear design, in particular the right hand sear. After a substantial period of investigation the technician in charge of the project, Mr. Vladimir Zemanek, discovered that the basic problem was that the premature engagement of the disconnector and sear resulting in the sear not engaging the striker to hold it rearward until the trigger is pulled. The solution was to hold the disconnector down for a fraction of a second longer. This was achieved by welding a small plate along the left side of the bolt carrier. The technical solution that solved the aforementioned problems are currently patent pending and is the reason for the patent pending notation engraved on the side of the receiver. Finally, with all of the legal and technical problems addressed, production of the vz.58 Sporter in Czechoslovakia began in January of 2006. The strict Czech military quality control procedures have been applied to all raw material and production procedures.

The rifles are first phosphated and then finished with gray or black enamel paint. Once the rifles were imported in to the U.S., the required number of American manufactured components were added to make the rifles complaint with U.S. laws enabling the original stocks, pistol grips and handguards to be fitted and the receiver modified to accept original thirty-round magazines.

Their latest Czech made semiautomatic-only variants are assembled on a newly designed CNC milled receiver and semiautomatic trigger mechanism and fire control components. The barrel had a threaded extension permanently attached to the muzzle to extend the length to 16.14 inches in order to keep it legal for U.S. sales. There is no provision for mounting a bayonet. The remainder of the parts used in the CZ Sporters are original military. The rifles come with one original aluminum alloy magazine, refitted with U.S. made Zytel floorplates and follower for compliance purposes, a cleaning kit and a CD that includes a complete owner’s manual and a brief history about the rifle.

Rapid Fire LLC

The latest offering of the vz.58 rifle is a milled receiver manufactured and sold by Rapid Fire LLC of Troy Ohio. The receiver is machined from a solid block of 4140 steel and is available for those who wish to assemble their own vz.58 rifle from a surplus part set. Rapid Fire also offers a U.S. made semiautomatic fire control parts group and gas piston to keep the build compliant with federal laws. Although Rapid Fire currently only sells their receiver and trigger group parts they plan to offer complete rifles built on their receivers in the future.

Resources

VZ 2000 Rifles
Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc
PO Box 687
Chardon, Ohio 44024
Phone: (440) 285-3481
www.ohioordnanceworks.com

vz.58 Sporter Rifles
Czech Point USA
103 Stone Road
Knoxville, TN. 37920
Phone: (865) 247-0184

Tennessee Guns International
PO Box 787
Louisville, TN 37777
info@tnguns.com

Centerfire Systems Inc.
102 Fieldview Dr.
Versailles, KY 40383
Phone (800) 950-1231
info@centerfiresystems.com

vz.58 Receivers and Compliance Parts
Rapid Fire LLC
1285 Archer Drive
Troy, Ohio
Phone: (937) 332-0833
Website: http://www.ohiorapidfire.com/

Armorer for Zion

In the Middle East, the British held the Palestinian Mandate and had done so since before World War I, but during 1948 the United Nations was in the process of debating and voting on the creation of two states from the old Palestine. One was to be for the Palestinian Arabs, and one for the Jews of Europe, who had made it through the horrors of the Nazi holocaust. Brenner had an uncle who was an ardent Zionist. He called young Burton on the phone one day to ask if what he had heard through family gossip was true, that he was interested in firearms. Brenner answered yes, and the uncle said he had something he thought he would be very interested in seeing.

Brenner made plans to meet with his uncle, and together they traveled from New York by train into New Jersey. They were picked up at the train station by a mysterious unknown man and delivered to what turned out to be an enormous chicken farm. One of the barns was built into a hillside, creating a substantial space underneath the floorboards. As they entered the barn Brenner saw thousands of rifles and boxes of pistols. Brenner was told that the guns had been brought back one at a time from Europe and Asia. They were a mixture of everything: Japanese Arisakas, German Mausers, Polish Mausers, Belgian Mausers, all the contract Mausers of World War II. There were boxes filled with Lugers and P-38s in the 9mm chambering, and lots of various .380s of all types: the list went on and on. It seemed that this material had been donated through Jewish war veterans and similar groups for the Israeli cause. Brenner was asked whether he would contribute some time checking each weapon as to headspace, bore condition, and general safety, with concentration on all those that were of universal Mauser 98 design firing the 7.92x57mm cartridge. All other rifles and calibers were to be put aside for the moment.

Intrigued, Brenner volunteered, and spent the next four months working on the project, traveling from New York to spend one or two nights at a time at the farm. After checking each rifle it was dipped in cosmoline to protect the metal surfaces from rusting while in storage or en route to Israel. After the sealed crates were taken away he would start on a new batch. Although the supply of guns diminished in a steady trickle, occasionally a fellow would show up to drop off eight or ten guns from the trunk of a car and then drive away without discussion.

To complete the inspection procedure on each rifle, Brenner decided it would be a good idea to stamp each one with a sort of proof, and obtained an inspector’s stamp with a sunburst mark. He would stamp each gun alongside the rear sight. After a few months the supply of suitable guns dwindled down to nothing thus ending his work at the clandestine New Jersey “armory.”

Some months after Brenner finished his work at the chicken farm, his uncle called and asked if he was interested in the guns that remained. Brenner, then barely 17 years old, was being told that what looked like the biggest pile of guns he had ever seen in his life was being handed to him gratis. It turned out that there were around 1,200 military rifles and 350 pistols. Brenner, along with a couple of friends, rented a truck and over a period of 3 months of shuttling back and forth between New York and New Jersey, got all of the guns out of the barn and into a friend’s basement in Brooklyn. Brenner then proceeded to wholesale the arms to various stores in the New York and Philadelphia areas.

Years later in 1955, Brenner made his first trip to Israel to buy surplus material. The Israelis had just finished their 1954 war with the Egyptians and had captured considerable quantities of weapons. He bought a great deal of interesting material on that trip, and while inspecting some of the lots for sale, found some of his chicken farm rifles, recognizing them by the sunburst stamp he had applied a few years before alongside of the rear sight.

Trade Wars

With over 50 years in the surplus business, Brenner met many people, and were mentioned in his memoirs for their efforts in making available to collectors and shooters many guns of considerable interest.

He had competed with most of them, along with just about everybody in the surplus side of the gun business. Some of these encounters ended up being pleasant run-ins and associations, and even collaborations from time to time. Others were totally awful and potentially dangerous, and if one were not a trusting person, some of the things he experienced would lead one to believe that there was little honor amongst surplus gun dealers.

In first place among these would be Sam Cummings. Sam, by his own words, was the greatest gun dealer of the 20th century. If size counts, the statement has some meaning. But one would have to look at all the aspects of the man’s personality, his character, his relationships with people, and the conclusion one would come away with might be very different from that of his self-described label. Brenner spent the better part of a year with Cummings in Europe. They shared digs in London, spent some time socializing together, and looked at an awful lot of guns in each other’s company. Brenner was always left with the feeling that he absolutely had to watch his back, that there were no limits to Cumming’s business duplicity, that he had no sense of honor. If not careful, Sam could leave another person humiliated, embarrassed, and even affected adversely in finances and reputation. Brenner opined that if measured by the milk of human kindness, Sam Cummings was one very dry individual.

During the 1950s, a whole new group of young guys popped up, all dealing in various aspects of the surplus game. Some specialized in parts, some in ammunition, some in the weapons themselves, and their paths continued to cross. Fellows like Val Forgett, who went on to create Navy Arms, was particularly well known for his inventiveness in basically creating the black powder sporting and shooting business in the United States.

Charlie Steen kept doggedly grinding away with the parts business, creating an absolute empire of his own. Known as “Service Armament Corporation” and “Steen Armament Corporation” (later shortened to SARCO) and operating out of New Jersey, Charlie’s operation continues as a supplier for a great diversity of surplus arms parts.

Century Arms and the Souter family, father and sons, are deserving of considerable words. Brenner came up against them on deals time and time again. They went on to become probably the single largest importer of surplus weapons in the game, as far as raw numbers and quantity go.

Hy Hunter of Burbank, California was a real character that in many ways was a step ahead of the game, both in the surplus importation business and in the manufacturing side. A whole book could probably be written about his colorful ways. His store was famous for having the ceiling decorated with thousands of handguns – real ones – that hung suspended there like an expansive constellation.

Numrich Arms Corporation (now called Gun Parts Corporation) is another purveyor of parts for surplus and other weapons. Located in West Hurley, New York, the company really got started when it purchased Martin Retting’s spread and excess inventory, which he left behind in New York when he moved to California.

There were dozens more who have been successful and who undoubtedly have had great adventures as Brenner, handling the most complex of deals in the midst of the incredibly intricate ropes of government licensing, shipping, and all aspects of getting a product from an overseas depot into the hands of an American collector.

Invading South America

During the late 1950s, the surplus dealers understood that with Brazil being the largest country in South America and having the biggest army, there had to be surplus material there. It was just a matter of finding a way to tap into what would surely be a very large supply of guns that the Brazilians no longer needed.

Golden State Arms employed a young Spaniard named Daniel Medilla. He had come over from Spain to learn the gun business. He spoke English, and taught himself some Portuguese, making him fluent enough to ably represent the company. As usual, it took at least six months of correspondence to affect a relationship with a commercial agent who seemed to know his way around, and understand what they were trying to do.

Dan took a tour all around South America, spending a good bit of the time in Brazil, and came back to report the availability of 10,000 M1 Garand rifles. At that time, a few small lots had come in from England, but for the most part there was a clamoring market for Garands and no way to fill it. This particular lot of rifles had been handed over to a Brazilian expeditionary force that had gone to Italy in late 1943 after Brazil had declared war on the Axis. This was their contribution to the war effort.

When Brazil finally sent out troops, it dispatched a light division, which arrived in Italy, marching off their boats with Mauser bolt-action rifles that were quickly taken away and replaced with U.S. M1 Garands. At the conclusion of their involvement a year and a half later, the Brazilians cagily marched back aboard ship, taking the Garands with them. Upon their return to Brazil, however, the Garands were piled into the armory because the caliber and type of gun was not standard in the Brazilian army. Aside from the M1s, Dan Medilla found quantities of miscellaneous rifles representing pretty much what the Brazilian army had utilized over the past hundred years. There were Winchester 1873s and 1892s. There were early American bolt-action rifles such as the Remington Lees. There were early Model 1888 German Commission guns in various configurations of rifle and carbine. Golden State was offered 20,000 guns, which they imported.

The barrels on the Garands were ruined from firing corrosive ammunition, and required replacement by Golden State, but it wasn’t long before they ran out of spare barrels. Brenner soon figured out a way to replace Garand barrels by using reconfigured 1903 Springfield barrels. The Garands were sold to Sears were they sold out almost overnight. An urgent request was received from Sears for thousands more which, sadly, there were no means of obtaining.

Sam Cummings of Interarmco opened the first Argentine deal during a period when Sam and his organization were still in close relationship with Golden State Arms and were to join forces in the Argentine deal. The first transaction consisted of a vast quantity of Model 1891 Mauser rifles, essentially the old Belgian pattern, in 7.65x53mm caliber. Their most prominent feature was a projecting magazine well descending below the stock in front of the trigger guard.

The Argentines had tens of thousands of the Mausers in absolutely beautiful condition. Unlike other Latin American countries, they had kept their older guns in top shape. Argentine troops being European trained (and largely of European background) were of advanced quality as compared to their neighbors, so the standards for maintaining equipment were kept very high. Golden State purchased all of these many thousands of Model 91 Mauser rifles, complete with bayonets and scabbards.

Argentina represented an enormous potential marketplace from which to secure surplus goods to fill the American demand. They had set up a factory, which was fully licensed by Colt, and over the years turned out a very large volume of the Argentine 1927 Systema pistols, which were eventually brought into the United States in big numbers. Another deal was the .45 caliber Ballester-Molina pistol, an Argentine modification of the basic 1911 design.

Everything the Argentines had was marked with their national coat of arms, which was a liberty cap on a sword with embellishments. Unfortunately all of these national insignias had to be removed. Nothing was to leave the country with the insignia intact. There was nothing to be done except set up the grinding machines and start belt-sanding off every insignia from all of these Argentine weapons. To take essentially new condition weapons and grind them to remove an artistically rendered crest was just a crime against collecting, but that is the way it was. Golden State took the problem as far as some of the Argentine congressmen in the country’s parliament. Eventually the law was turned around and subsequent lots of guns that came out of Argentina had the insignia left in place.

Agency Business

It should not come as a surprise that no one could be in the surplus arms business on a substantial basis and fail to eventually cross paths with the Central Intelligence Agency. It seems that back in the early days of the cold war, the Agency’s policy was to accumulate and hold large quantities of various weapons in order to place them in a given country at the right time, naturally in a surreptitious manner so as to keep the good name of the United States out of Agency games. To execute this policy, the CIA in its own wisdom deemed that, rather than deal directly with a highly visible purchase of this material from foreign government surplus sources or new production, it would utilize legitimate surplus arms dealers as cooperating suppliers for its weapons business.

Within only a year or two after the Agency started up in or around 1949, it became busy purchasing considerable numbers of different kinds of weapons. One of the first fronting firms that were used to import the material into the States for shipment to various CIA warehouses was Golden State Arms. A man named Leo Lippi managed these dealings from the Agency side. Leo was a strange character, a cameraman who was the product of the Hollywood motion picture scene. He was an unlikely looking fellow but he had authority to spend big money. Apparently, shopping lists were given to him on a regular basis, which he filled, mostly, from Golden State Arms.

Brenner originally had no idea that some of the material he was buying was intended for the CIA. An example of such a transaction concerned a lot of 40,000 MAT French 9x19mm submachine guns found in Vietnam. At the time, the U.S. was pouring in huge amounts of American military material, and wanted all of the non-U.S. items out of the warehouses and supply channels. Arms left behind by the French were clogging up the program. The MAT 49 submachine guns were purchased for $1.50 each. Upon conclusion of the sale, the MAT weapons were shipped to Puerto Rico. Shortly after the guns landed in Puerto Rico, they suddenly disappeared, all 40,000 of them.

Another instance of assisting the CIA involved the purchase of heavy Madsen machine guns from the factory in Copenhagen. There again, the goods were bought, shipped to the U.S., and then simply disappeared. Golden State Arms was actively, if quietly, participating in the effort to assist the CIA’s program of obtaining surplus weapons. The business organization was big enough that the left hand did not necessarily know what the right hand was doing and as the buyer, Brenner had no official understanding of the fact that he was procuring equipment destined for the CIA, although he presumed there was some involvement with governmental agencies.

Fidel Castro was always a focus of the CIA’s attention. At the time Castro came down from the Sierra Nuestra into Havana, he was armed for the most part with Springfield Model 1903 service rifles. That was pretty much the rifle of choice for the rebel Cuban army. Many of them were lifted from the legitimate Cuban army, but a great portion of them came into the hands of Castro from the CIA. It may surprise the reader to learn that in the beginning of this phase of history (and even then the fact was not widely known), it was generally felt in U.S. government circles that Castro could turn into a democratic fellow who would run Cuba righteously and do well by the people.

Thus the attempt was made by the CIA to give the Cubans military aid in the form of Springfield rifles. The weapons themselves had come out of Italy through an earlier Golden State purchase. An unknown buyer purchased a pretty sizable fraction of this batch from Golden State domestically. The guns were in California, fresh from Italy, and suddenly there was an order for 3,000 of them. They were promptly boxed up, put on a truck, and were gone, later showing up in Cuba. In addition, the CIA was well under way in buying up and maintaining lots of French, British, German, and particularly Russian arms so that these weapons could be dropped into trouble spots without “made in USA” tags on them. The connection between Leo Lippi and Golden State Arms lasted six years and was then abruptly cut off. Brenner believed that it was CIA policy to periodically change their suppliers so as to be able to restrict the flow of information about their activities. The next guy called upon by the Agency was Sam Cummings, who lasted as a CIA supplier for some time. Since he was as heavily involved in the surplus business as Golden State, he was able to supply their needs in good order. Eventually, his relationship with the Agency soured and he got into serious tax problems with the Internal Revenue Service. In an attempt to salvage his business and personal fortune, he left the United States.

After Sam Cummings eventually retired from cloak and dagger operations, there were two or three other chaps standing by to assume his mantle with the CIA’s clandestine gun business. Russia had attacked and invaded Afghanistan, and the Afghan locals had to be armed in a manner superior to what their hillside cottage industries could make available for resistance.

With the end of the cold war, the need for maintaining a supply of covert weapons was not as important an item as it once was. As a result, enormous quantities of U.S. arms, all having been bought with taxpayers’ money, were scrapped at depots in New Jersey and other places along the eastern seaboard under the Clinton administration.

(Look for the final chapter of the story of Burton “Bob” Brenner in an upcoming issue of Small Arms Review.)

The 17th annual All Thompson Show and Shoot, in association with The American Thompson Association (TATA), held their event on August 15-16, 2008. 95 members of TATA registered for the event traveling from such diverse places as Wisconsin, Illinois, Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Kentucky to attend the event in Granville, Ohio to display, talk and shoot Thompsons.

On Friday the 15th, the show began at the Thompson Collectors Conference Center with 55 tables of Thompsons and related equipment on display. The array of Thompsons and the devotion to the subject is phenomenal with wonderful displays of manuals, web gear, magazines, drums, ephemera, etc. Anyone needing spare parts for whatever model of Thompson could find what they were looking for. A particular display of note were the two Thompsons (#2347 and #7580) used, and forensically identified by Dr. Calvin Goddard, in the St. Valentines Day Massacre. While the show is 99.9% Thompson related, there were two other exhibits that were extremely interesting. One was a display of High Standard weapons of World War II and the other was the one-millionth M1 Garand presented to John C. Garand.

At 1 p.m. Tom Davis, Jr. gave a one hour power point presentation on the history of the Thompson and Kilgore Manufacturing Co. Over 30 people attended this lecture to see and hear about this relatively unknown aspect of the Thompson legend.

Saturday the 16th was devoted to shooting Thompsons at a beautiful nearby range in Newark. There were two structured events: one in the morning and one after lunch and then free range shooting time after that. Thompsons used in the competitions must be in original factory configuration.

The morning event had 32 shooters registered and began at 8 a.m. Five shooters at a time would shoot with each shooter having a range officer supervising his or her actions.

• Stage 1. From a distance of 50 yards, shooters will load one magazine with 20 rounds and have a time limit of 25 seconds to fire 20 rounds on one target using semiautomatic fire only.
• Stage 2. From a distance of 25 yards, shooters will load one magazine with 20 rounds and have a time limit of 25 seconds to fire 20 rounds on three targets using automatic burst fire.
• Stage 3. From a distance of 25 yards, shooters will load one magazine with 20 rounds and have a time limit of 20 seconds to fire 20 rounds on three targets using automatic burst fire.
• Stage 4. From a distance of 10 yards (30 feet), shooters will load one magazine with 20 rounds and have a time limit of 15 seconds to fire 20 rounds on three targets using automatic burst fire.
• Stage 5. From a distance of 7 yards (21 feet), shooters will load one magazine with 20 rounds and have a time limit of 4 seconds to fire 20 rounds on three targets using automatic burst fire.

Total rounds fired is 100 rounds. Less time is allotted to the shooter the closer they got to the target requiring speed as well as accuracy. Each target had to be engaged separately and sweeping the three targets in one long burst was not allowed.

Targets used were the standard OPOTA combat silhouette type. Hits inside and cutting the outer silhouette line counted as hits. The shooter with the most hits was the winner. Hits in the INZ (Instant Neutralization Zone – a T shaped area covering the brain and spinal column down to the middle of the chest) were recorded for use in the event of a tie.

The morning event ended by about 11 a.m. and everyone had lunch on their own. Beginning at 1 p.m., the second competition took place consisting of metal “pepper-popper” knock-down targets. 32 shooters registered for this event. Two shooters would compete against each other in a two-out-of three engagement. A shooter had to knock down his six metal targets before the other shooter knocked down his six targets. The last, center targets, were set at a slight angle so that one would fall over the other in a closely contested event. After all the initial pairing of shooters took place, the winner of each heat then competed against the winner of another heat. This elimination process continued until there were only two shooters left to determine first and second place.

Free range shooting time was available on the main range during the metal target events located on a side range.

The shooting ended at 3 p.m. and everyone went back to their hotel to shower and freshen up for the buffet banquet dinner that was held back at the Thompson Collectors Conference Center at 5:30.

A delicious buffet dinner of tenderloin, chicken breasts and all the sides and trimmings were served. The winners of the day’s contests were announced after dinner. The morning shoot winners were: 1st place Tom James with a 99 (out of 100 shots) with 17 shots in the INZ and 2nd place went to Charlie LeCount with a 98 with 10 in the INZ. The winner of the metal target knock-down pepper-popper event was Mike Wank.

The camaraderie and gathering of like-minded people in a casual setting such as this two-day event is a testament to the diversity of interests that people are more than willing to share. The 18th annual All Thompson Show & Shoot will be held on August 14-15, 2009 and already people are marking their calendars for that event. The 1 p.m. lecture on August 14 will be on Thompson serial Number 41.

The American Thompson Association
P.O. Box 8710
Newark, OH 43508-8710

Everyone is dubious of something that promises to do several tasks well versus a specifically designed product. The underlying concern is that compromises involved with making something adaptable invariably leads to compromises in performance. The Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor refutes this assumption. Many civilians agonize over what suppressor to buy due to the cost and time invested in pursuing a BATF tax stamp. At a minimum, upwards of $750 is spent on a quality suppressor along with the $200 for the tax stamp not to mention the bureaucratic paperwork and waiting involved. Yankee Hill’s Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor offers the ability to easily function on several different weapons and calibers, thus a flexible alternative to purchasing a suppressor that is relegated to one rifle or caliber.

YHM’s Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor is a .30caliber suppressor utilizing Mark White’s Sound Technology, Inc.’s patented (US Patent #7,073,426) baffle design. In fact, the YHM website calls the Phantom 7.62 suppressor a collaborative effort between the two companies. Make no mistake; YHM is the manufacturer, quality control agent, and distributor of the Phantom suppressor. The Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor is manufactured from Chrome-Moly steel and features a matte black Parkerized finish. Its overall length is 8.5 inches with a diameter of 1.6 inches and weighs 25ounces.

Besides manufacturing and proofing the Phantom suppressor with Sound Technology’s patented baffle design, YHM created the Phantom Flash Hider (patent pending) muzzle device that enables the quick mounting/dismounting (QD) of the suppressor. Hand tightening is all that is needed with the Phantom Flash Hider to hold the suppressor firmly in place. Conversely the suppressor can easily be removed via hand pressure when no longer needed. The Phantom Flash Hider supports the suppressor in two places helping to ensure bore alignment. A patented gas seal keeps the Phantom Flash Hider threads clean so the suppressor will not bind when removed from a weapon no matter how many rounds are fired. The QD Phantom Flash Hider contributes to the adaptability of the Phantom suppressor. The Phantom Flash Hider is available in 5/8”-24RH, 9/16”-24LH, 9/16”-24RH, and M14mm-1LH thread patterns. By installing multiple Phantom Flash Hiders on different weapons one Phantom suppressor can be utilized on multiple weapons of different calibers. This is what makes the YHM Phantom Sound Suppressor so utilitarian by enabling the 7.62 Phantom Sound Suppressor to work with not only with 7.62×51 (.308 Win) but also .300WinMag (yes, the Phantom is guaranteed for use on the 300 WinMag), 7.62×39, and 5.56/.223 to name a few calibers. Basically, if the bullet diameter is .30caliber or less the 7.62 Phantom can be used. Of course verify with YHM if any “exotic” calibers or applications are being contemplated. The limiting factor is getting the Phantom Flash Hider adapted to your barrel. The Phantom suppressor is even usable on AK Krinkov style weapons, chambered in 7.62×39 or 5.45×39, once a custom machined adaptor fitting the Krink’s 24mm threads is fashioned. The 7.62 Phantom is designed to reduce muzzle noise up to -32db. The Phantom 7.62 does sacrifice -3db rating compared to YHM own suppressor specifically designed for .22 calibers. This is a result of the increased diameter of the .30 caliber hole versus a .22 caliber hole losing some sound suppression efficiency.

The Phantom 7.62 suppressor was mounted and tested on a variety of weapon platforms consisting of a Rock River AR-15 chambered in 5.56, Century Arms M72 AK chambered in 7.62×39, Armalite AR-10A4 chambered in 7.62×51(.308 Win), and finally a Weatherby Custom TRR rifle chambered in .300 WinMag. It was as simple as installing a Phantom flash hider on each weapon. Conveniently, each rifle had a barrel with a pre-existing thread pitch that accommodated the Phantom flash hider. The ARs and AK have the Phantom flash hider left on permanently. The Phantom flash hider is not only an ingenious mounting system for the suppressor body, but also an effective flash hider in it own right. The Phantom flash hider is added to the .300 WinMag rifle in lieu of the attached muzzle brake when the suppressor is to be used. The brake is missed too much in terms of recoil management to leave the Phantom flash hider on full time.

Conversations with YHM’s Steve Dwight indicated that most users of their sound suppressors do not use subsonic ammunition in conjunction with the Phantom Sound Suppressor. The loss in terms of ballistic capability combined with the cost of specialized sub-sonic rifle ammunition and difficulty of finding quality subsonic ammunition being the root reasons. Many users feel the Phantom’s ability to minimize muzzle blast is well worth using it even though the prominent sonic crack is still present when using standard supersonic ammunition.

The Yankee Hill Phantom 7.62 suppressor was tested over an extended period of time consisting of numerous range visits. The advantage of the YHM QD method became quickly apparent and appreciated as the Phantom suppressor was shifted between the different rifles. Individual weapon’s point of impact (POI) did shift when the suppressor was installed. This is to be expected whenever hanging something off the end of a rifle barrel. It changes the barrels harmonics. What was closely monitored was if the point of impact stayed consistent once logged in for when the suppressor was installed on a specific rifle. Another important consideration for a suppressor is if the accuracy of a rifle is impacted negatively. This is important if long range work is considered with standard supersonic ammunition. Standard loads used were Federal Match 168gr for the AR-10A4 7.62×51/.308 Win, Black Hills Ammunition 55gr FMJ and 69gr Match for the 5.56 Rock River AR-15, 190gr Match for the Weatherby .300 WinMag, and Wolf Military Classic 124gr FMJ for the Century Arms M72 AK. Every rifle’s point of impact behaved directionally different when the Phantom suppressor was installed, but stayed consistent between the removing and re-installing the Phantom suppressor. POI shifted no more than a couple of inches left/right and up/down. Group sizes generally stayed equal or increased only slightly when compared to groups fired without the suppressor installed.

Engel Ballistic Research (EBR) is a primary source of quality subsonic ammunition due to the variety of calibers and loadings offered. Another reliable source for .308 Win subsonic loads is Corbon. Engel Ballistic Research’s (EBR) 5.56 NATO/.223 Ultra Stealth Match Subsonic (63gr Sierra Match bullet), 7.62NATO/.308 Thumper Subsonic (180gr bullet), .300 WinMag Subsonic (220gr bullet), and 7.62×39 Jackhammer Subsonic (220gr bullet) loads were tested. None of the EBR loads use fillers and all are loaded with accuracy in mind. The 5.56/.223 Ultra Stealth is designed intentionally not to cycle the rifle’s action for the maximum efficiency in terms of sound reduction and performs well in ballistic gelatin tests tumbling within 2-3 inches of penetration. Readers will find that subsonic loads do not typically cycle in an automatic rifle. This is not a great hindrance as an AR rifle with a tactical latch is almost as quick to cycle manually as a bolt action. The 7.62NATO/.308 and .300 WinMag loads are created from match grade components for ultimate accuracy. The 7.62×39 Jackhammer load is unique in the industry in that it is designed to cycle in M16 platforms with or without a suppressor mounted in both semi-and full automatic modes. EBR reports AK weapon platforms can be made to work with the Jackhammer after slight re-working of the feed ramp. The light recoil of the subsonic Jackhammer load makes it extremely controllable in full automatic mode.

Subsonic rifle ammunition is a different creature ballistically compared to standard loads confined to not much more than 150 yards distance for accurate shooting due to external and terminal ballistic reasons. It was determined that either a detailed log had to be kept for scope adjustment or scope reticle hold-over point written down when going from supersonic ammunition to the more specialized subsonic rounds. The subsonic loads dropped approximately 16-20 inches when fired at 100 yard targets compared to 100 yard zeros with the standard velocity loads. Windage adjustments were also necessary measuring anywhere from 4 to 8 inches left or right depending on the rifle. A user will definitely have to familiarize oneself with these range behaviors with different weapons and keep detailed records if contemplating switching back and forth between standard loads and subsonic loads. Several range visits would be prudent in confirming these findings.

The range experience was rather subjective in evaluating the YHM Phantom suppressor’s raison d’être – ability to lessen or dampen noise. No high tech auditory monitoring gear was used testing the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 7.62 suppressor; just expectations based on previous experiences along with suppressors from other manufacturers on hand for direct comparison with ammunition from the same lot umber being fired out of multiple suppressors. The more one studies suppressors as a subject matter the more one realizes even with the audio equipment there are many variables in getting an accurate db reduction reading: i.e. atmospheric conditions, installation method of the suppressor, type of weapon used, first round pop phenomenon (FRP), etc. EBR’s website is an informative place to start searching into the facts of sound suppressors’ capabilities in combination with subsonic ammunition.

It is quite interesting to be sitting or lying behind a berm as rounds pass overhead. This was done to both get an idea of how effective the YHM Phantom was in reducing the sound of a round fired and masking the location of the shot. While this may strike many as unsafe or irresponsible, it was managed as closely as possible to ensure safety. It was no different than working the target pits at a rifle competition. The supersonic rounds were clearly audible, but the Phantom’s ability to mask the normal muzzle blast signature made identifying where the shot came from more problematic. This is further enhanced the farther away the shooter is from the target. The EBR subsonic rounds were very impressive in this range test format. The sound of a round striking a steel target near your position with no prior warning is eerily impressive. This was the case when the shooter is 100 yards away firing over your head at a target beyond you. This minimal firing signature resulted from combining the YHM Phantom suppressor and EBR ammunition. The Phantom suppressor was also analyzed when standing next to a weapon firing. The use of hearing protection was not needed, especially with subsonic ammunition. The Yankee Hill 7.62 Phantom held its own in direct comparison with other sound suppressors during the entire evaluation; many of which cost significantly more than the Phantom. The YHM Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor succeeds in achieving adaptability while remaining effective as a suppressor.

Yankee Hill Machine Company, Inc
20 Ladd Ave, Suite 1
Florence, MA 01062
(413) 586-1326
www.yankeehillmachine.com

Engel Ballistic Research, Inc
(512) 360-5327
www.ebr-inc.net

Sound Technology
PO Box 39
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 664-5860
www.soundtechsilencers.com

Early in the spring of this year I stood in front of a good sized crowd at Knob Creek and spoke of the NFATCA and gave updates on many of the things that we are working on and their status. We also introduced the new NFA Branch Chief, Steven Albro, and John Spencer, the Firearms Technology Branch Chief. Both presented detailed discussions on the efforts of both branches. Later on that afternoon, Ernie Litner, from the NFA Branch, spoke in detail about forms processing and why we are all experiencing such a long delay in our Form 4s. After all four of us spoke, just before we wrapped up the formal part of our presentation that day, I heard a gentleman almost directly in front of me say, “This was a total waste of my time.” To be honest, I was in shock as to how, after listening to what the NFATCA prepared, anyone could feel that way about what is happening with our efforts. Well, my wise father once told me, “Always listen to the silent ones. They generally can give you some good feedback on your results.” Given that advice I will try to explain a few things that are important to understand about how the NFATCA board works and what we do to make things happen on your behalf.

Every year the board develops a list of priorities that we want to work, on major areas where we want to concentrate our efforts. Many of the ideas come directly from working with ATF and the frustrations that they have in working the thousands of issues that face them every day. The board meets early in the year and we develop a list and prioritize the list in terms of the things that will have the greatest advantage to the largest groups in our community. Here is where the problem starts and why I think this particular gentleman felt that our meeting was a waste of his time. Most of the issues that we work have to remain confidential until we know exactly where we are going with the effort. Many have heard me say that we have nine tasks that we are working on this year, not counting major undertakings like the Firearms Technology Handbook.

This year we will “let the cat out of the bag” on each and every item when, and only when, we have a plan to resolve the issue. Most of the investigations to get to closure on most issues involve working closely with ATF to ascertain anything that may affect the outcome of our efforts. Aside from the confidentiality of much of the information, letting the cat out to soon would bring more trouble than most of us can imagine. God help us all if the “Internet cowboys” get their hands on half information and then publicly declare on one of the boards that “this,” whatever that may mean from this particular expert, is the way it has to handle this! The NFATCA adheres to the following maxim: “Too many chefs spoil the stew.” So we work diligently and silently with experts from the industry and experts from ATF to collect all of the information concerning a subject, long before we try and work any clarification or resolution with ATF. Let’s look at one specific example that the NFATCA is undertaking with ATF that we can discuss at this time in detail.

There has been a long dispute over the Maxim and which side plate on the gun is the legally acceptable registered portion of the weapon. This is one of the issues that we have worked closely with the Firearms Technology Branch to achieve clear resolution. Because there is contradicting information in the industry, ATF and the NFATCA decided that we would tackle this issue and see if we could alleviate some of the confusion. To resolve this issue, we held several meetings and invited experts to the table to discuss the side plate issue. Based on information that we all gathered, the NFATCA wrote a clear and concise letter to ATF, from the industry, asking for complete and accurate clarification on the side plate issue. If you are a member of the NFATCA, you could have read about this information as we worked with ATF to come to agreement on how to clear up all of the confusion on the Maxim issue. That single issue, although somewhat minor to many of the others we are tackling in 2009, took months to prepare for and reach a final consensus on how to handle. By the time you are reading this article, the ATF Maxim letter will have already been issued and many of you will have read the decisions made.

During the year we will work closely with ATF on the remaining issues until we reach a satisfactorily result for all concerned. For the first time in history, ATF and the Industry pick the issues together, investigate the issues together, and work to satisfactory resolution. Rest assured we use the most desirable talent available in working to resolution. If we don’t bring the right people to the table then the odds are not good that we will reach the best decision in the process. It is exactly because of this process that I am constantly reminded of our own motto “Power Through Experience.”

Please understand that our entire agenda will be before you as the year progresses and we complete steps along the way. But the confidentiality of our efforts is critical until we are ready to launch. If you want to catch an early glimpse on anything then join us on our web site and catch the early updates before anyone else. The NFATCA web site is a powerful place to keep informed and know what is happening in the NFA world. To really get an inside track, join our efforts and join the NFATCA today. The more experience we have in our ranks, the smarter the decisions are for all of us in the NFA community. Visit us today at www.NFATCA.org.