In 1933, F.N. Herstal manufactured under license the Heinneman submachine gun, which was presented to several countries in Europe. The weapon had a complex mechanism with a lateral toggle-joint system of locking; working like the Luger pistol. Belgium was not interested in it and it adopted a local copy of the Schmeisser MP 28/II submachine gun, under the name of Machine Gun Model 1934, and was manufactured under license by Pieper.

After WWII, Belgian troops were primarily equipped with English material and particularly with Sten submachine guns and to a lesser extent with the American Thompson.

With the beginning of the 1950s, Belgium, which had just adopted the semiautomatic SAFN 49 rifle, also wished to bring into service a national designed submachine gun. Several models were put to test:

• Many prototypes from F.N.,
• Submachine gun RAN, designed by Vitold Porebski in 1954 and manufactured by Repousmetal in Brussels,
• Submachine gun Racour, a copy of the Sten Mk II, realized in 1952,
• Submachine gun M.I. 53, an improved variation of the Sten Mk II manufactured by Imperia in Nessonvaux, close to Liege,
• Submachine gun Vigneron.

After several trials, the Belgian Army chose the Vigneron. It was designed by retired Belgium Army Colonel Georges Vigneron. The invention is covered by the Belgian patent No. 502.942 and 156.000 and the gun was manufactured by Précision Liegeoise S.A. in Herstal.

The initial version adopted in 1952 was designated as the M1. The weapon has a Z shaped metal wire stock, a peep rear sight, no protection for the front sight, and no selector. It was replaced two years later by an improved version designated Mitraillette Vigneron M2. All the Vignerons whose serial number is higher than 21,300 are of the M2 type and the earlier M1 models were modified and a 2 was struck overprinting the 1, which appeared in the marking designation.

Description

The receiver is made of a 34 mm steel tube, threaded at both ends. At the front is a screwed ring that retains the barrel. The barrel is tapered with cooling ribs to the back part and a compensator at the muzzle. The front sight is hooded for protection. The barrel is 9mm and has six right-hand grooves. The rear of the receiver is sealed by a screwed plug.

A sleeve consisting of the magazine housing is welded over the receiver. It contains the ejection port which has a folding cover that can be automatically opened when the bolt moves either in the closing or opening position.

A lion, the symbol of the Belgian Army, is located on the right side of the magazine housing. Markings on the left side of the magazine housing are:

• ABL (for Armée Belge or Belgian Legeer) 52 (or year of manufacture)
• VIG M2
• Serial number

The magazine was derived from that of the MP 40. As there was an abundance of MP 40 magazines left over from the war, they could be used as well. The magazine is retained by a transverse push rod.

The cocking handle is located on the left side of the gun. The pistol grip contains the trigger mechanism and has two synthetic material grips. The side faces of the grips are checkered and marked with CMH. Just above the trigger one can read on the left face of the trigger pack Systeme Vigneron. The trigger pack contains a grip safety, connected to a bolt stop by a rod, the trigger, a connection lever, sear, and a rotary selector switch on the left side with R for single shot, A for automatic and S for safety.

On each side of the trigger pack just below where it meets the receiver tube are two tubes with a transverse push rod to receive the two branches of the stock. The stock is of the trombone type, with two stems and can be adjusted to four positions. The right stem is longer than the left and is flattened at its end to be used as a cleaning-rod.

The bolt is cylindrical with integrated firing pin. The recoil spring is comprised of 16 whorls and the diameter of the first third of the spring is smaller than the remainder.

The front post sight is protected by a hood and the rear aperture sight is set for shooting at 50 meters.

The weapon is parkerized and painted black. Accessories include a sling in khaki fabric, loading tool, blank firing barrel, and a sleeve for the launching the Energa grenades.

Disassembly

Remove the magazine and clear the gun. Take off the stock. Unscrew the barrel ring to separate this element from the receiver. Unscrew the rear plug and remove the recoil spring. Extract the bolt from the receiver tube. Remove the grip. Reassembly is carried out in the reverse order.

Distribution

The Vigneron submachine gun was used by the Belgian Army, up to the 1980s. It was also used in the former Belgian colony of Congo by the police force (named Force Publique), then by the various factions which clashed in ex-Belgian Congo, Katanga and Zaire.

Further Experimental Prototypes

Colonel Vigneron continued his research and developed improved versions of the M2 submachine gun (correspondence with the author in the 1970s):

• Submachine gun “X”. This modification was covered by Belgian patent No. 675.720 and is a simplified version of the M2 model and is characterized by a reduced number of parts (18 instead of 40). Additionally, the safety lever is placed on the left in front of the trigger, the selector is on the right and the sights are mounted on the receiver.
• Recoilless submachine gun, invention covered by Belgian patent No. 738.604. This unique gun was provided with a gas exhaust system to reduce the recoil.

None of these weapons were produced in series.

Vigneron M2

Ammunition: 9mm Luger
Overall length: 0.887 m (34.92 inches)
Length with stock folded: 0.612 m (24.1 inches)
Barrel length: 0.305 m (12 inches)
Weight without magazine: 3 kg (6.61 pounds)
Magazine capacity: 32-rounds
Cyclic rate: 500 rpm

The Chilean Army has been experiencing an overall reorganization assisted by considerable investment in equipment, training and overall modernization. By October 2006, more than 100 new Humvees had arrived with some other 300 expected to be received during 2007. In June 2006, the Communications Regiment Taparaca (R. TELEC. Nº 6) from Iquique received the first YPR-765 IFVs, and the government announced the establishment of the first Armored Brigade at arid Iquique region. All this was in line with a complete material replacement and restructuring around 1 mountain, 2 motorized and 4 armored brigades while preserving its 7 divisions structure. On January 1, 2007 the Army established the Special Operations Brigade (BOE – Brigada de Operaciones Especiales) at Peldehue, which took over the Special Forces Group/Parachute & Special Forces School from La Colina. The new brigade calls Arteaga Fort home, and absorbs the Special Forces Battalion, Parachute Battalion (conventional airborne unit), and the 6th Commando Regiment (desert ops), and will probably oversee the SF School. The new Mountain Brigade most likely will take over for the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments (Ranger/Commando type units), and the Pathfinder units – mountain troops Yungay (Nº 3), Talca (Nº 16), Los Angeles (Nº 17) and Guardia Vieja (Nº 18).

In addition, Rafael Ltd. from Israel supplied the powerful AT Spike missile and established a maintenance and Operations Center at the National Workshop MMG No.1 Arica (Mantenimiento de Material de Guerra Nº 1). The AT Spike will supplement the M40A1 RCLs, which have been overhauled and modernized with thermal sights, and infrared rangefinder to provide for all weather operations and maximize range. In December 2006, the government acquired a number of Pumar RHIBs from the local ASMAR for operations with the BOE.

The Army is well equipped, and the small arms arsenal includes the Mod 92F pistol, made by Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército (FAMAE), and the CZ75 (FN750), also from FAMAE, which has become the standard sidearm. The FAMAE FT2000 is found in limited service while the standard submachine gun is the FAMAE SAF-MT9 in all variants, including Mini-SAF, standard model, and suppressed. The Uzi and Mini-Uzi are still widely used, particularly by the Fuerzas Especiales while the Ingram M10 and the M11/9 Cobray from SWD Inc. are still encountered, but in reduced numbers. Special Forces also make use of the BXP, from Milkor, South Africa.

The SG540-1 rifles in 5.56x45mm caliber are built under license from SIG by FAMAE, and have been in general service as the standard army issue rifle since 1986. Airborne troops, crews and Special Forces use the shorter SG543-1, also in 5.56x45mm and folding stock. The Galil SAR is limited to Special Forces operators, along with the Galil ARM 354. For precision work, the Army snipers use the SG550-1 Sniper, in caliber 5.56x45mm, along with the HK MSG90, the HK PSG1 (both with the Hensoldt 6x scope), the Galil SR 339, and the Mauser Modell 66SP and Modell 86SR: all these rifles in 7.62x51mm. The SSG3000, also in 7.62x51mm, is encountered along with the M21 in some special units. The range now includes the Model 82A1M in caliber 12.7x99mm.

Second line units use the FAL-50-00, in 7.62x51mm. The Army acquired 14,500 SG510-4 in 1962, followed by the SG542-1 in 1986, and all these are still encountered in limited service with examples of the G3A3 being used by Mountain troops. Security units and SF make use of the SPAS 15 from Luigi Franchi SpA in caliber 18.5x70mmR. Squad fire support comes from MINIMI-Para Mk 2 and some FALO-50-42 while platoon support is provided by MAG-60-20, MG42/59, and M60. The Browning M2HB is widely used, and it also equips the 50 or so newly received and overhauled (shortened) M113C&R armored reconnaissance vehicles, and hundreds of M113A5.

FAMAE supplies the GM 78-F7 grenade, which is an offensive model with optional fragmentation sleeve for use as defensive weapon. Industrias Cardoen S.A and Metalurgica de Norte Ltda (METALNOR) have supplied the Offensive/Defensive Type, which has a hollow-charge in bottom, the Mini (defensive grenade), and the MK 2. The Army has acquired the MGL MK1, made by Milkor, and the M203PI from RM Equipment, Miami. The model 40AGL from Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) is also in use.

FAMAE builds the MO 60 AV Commando 60mm mortars made under license from TDA, Meudon-La-Forêt, France, M19 models, also in 60mm, and 81mm models. Hyrdoar SA, from Brazil, has supplied M18A1 RCLs in caliber 57x305mmR, used along the M72A3 LAWW in 66mm, the Armbrust in 67mm (from CIS), and the B-300 in 82mm. Some Carl Gustavs have also been observed. The Spike is coming in line and supplements the 106mm M40A1 – many of them modernized with thermal and IR system for all-weather ops.

The Army has purchased 139 YPR IFVs from the Belgian SABIEX, and similar vehicles from excess equipment from The Netherlands. The Army also contracted for hundreds of surplus M113A2 and similar Italian made CCV-1. They are all being modernized with 300hp turbocharged engines (hence M113A5 designation), and 60 of them will receive the KUKA E23 turret with a 25mm MK30-1 while 125 of the YPR IFVs will receive KBA-B02 cannons. Several MK 19 Mod3 grenade launchers from General Dynamics Defense were also purchased in 2001 to be mounted on the M113 APCs. The Army placed an initial order for 118 Leopard 2A4, which will allow for the final retirement of the M41 and M24 models, along with the AMX-30 and the M50 Isherman while the Leopard 1-V will be relegated to second line units. The artillery will also modernize with the arrival of some 24 155mm M109A5 self-propelled units, and being overhauled by RUAG, and some excess chassis will be equipped with LAR160 tactical missiles from Israel. The Army has acquired over 407 MAG-60-40 Coaxial T3 MGs for use as coaxial guns on the Leopard 1V and YPR-765. The AA 7.62N F1 is used as flexible gun on AMX 30B1 and AMX 30B2 main battle tanks, along with the M693 (CN MIT 20 F2) 20 guns.

The air defenses have been somewhat deficient until recently; depending on self-defense last-ditch guns and Mistral MANPADs. There are several M168 Vulcans, some 20 TCM-20, and more than 100 HS693-B3.1/GAI-CO1 AAA mounts with KAD-B13-3 (HS820) 20mm cannons. The KAD-B16/B17 (HS820) in caliber 20x139mm is used in the locally made FAMIL-2M twin air defense mounts, and there is a limited number of Rh202 from Rheinmetall GmbH. There are 24 Oerlikon GDF-001 KDB twin mounts with 35x228mm cannons completing the ground air defenses.

With the modernization effort, one of the most potential and interesting options to the Army could be the adoption of the Israeli Defender CLO system as a close-in ground air defense. The Defender ground Based SHORAD was developed by Rafael Ltd. and Thales Nederland, which combines the Rafael’s Barak missile and Thales’ Flycatcher Mk2 (already used for the GDF-001). Most important, the Defender CLO is simply an adaptation of the naval surface to air missile Barak to a ground vertical launcher inside a light trailer. The Chilean adopted the Barak for their frigates in the 1990s, but the new frigates acquired recently in The Netherlands and the UK came with their own – and different – air defense systems. This made the Barak redundant, but by no means less capable. Nevertheless, it would be unthinkable for the Navy to use three similar systems (Sea Sparrow, Sea Wolf and Barak), so the transformation of the sea Barak to a ground based system would be possible, and economically feasible.

The Defender is a state-of-the-art, modern autonomous weapon, intended to present the user with an effective defence, featuring large hemispherical coverage. It can search, identify, track, shoot and destroy all potential air intruders. The maintenance Barak is contained within a sealed launching canister, which protects the missile not only in the operation, but also in storage and handling, contributing to readiness and reliability of the missile, confirmed by an automatically executed built-in self-test (BIT), prior to launch. With all, in early April 2007 the Army acquired some 24 Gepard 5PZF-B air defense vehicles with KDB 35mm guns and autonomous radar to protect armored formations; some sources even indicate that the total Gepards will be 60, but this is doubtful.

The Infantry will be completely re-equipped with the HK G36 as well; and given the country’s various environments and geographical features, training continues to be intensive and diversified. All these items, sophistication and preparation makes the Chilean Army one of the better equipped in South America, if not the best.

C. Reed Knight, Jr. was born on 22 August, 1945, in Woodbridge, New Jersey. His family moved to Florida before he was a month old allowing him to claim he didn’t have time to be corrupted into a Northerner. His father, C. Reed Knight, Sr. was in the US Army Air Corps at the time flying B-25 bombers stateside as he had finished his pilot training in 1945 just as WWII ended. Reed is married to his high school sweetheart Jan, whom he married in 1967, and they have four children; oldest son Trey, middle son Jacob, youngest son Will, and daughter Sarah, ranging in age from 21 to 38. Reed attended a number of colleges including Florida Southern, Bavard Engineering College in Melbourne, Florida, and Indian River Junior College in Fort Pierce, Florida. Reed served six years in the National Guard starting in 1965. Reed’s companies are some of the amazing success stories of the small arms world, having grown to the point of employing over 300 people today in the manufacture of weapon systems and accessories that Reed has invented and put into production. The list includes the SR-25 rifle he designed with his late partner Eugene Stoner, as well as the Rail Interface System on most current small arms, and many suppressor designs and other firearms. The Knight Collection is one of the most important small arms collections in the world, and Reed’s devotion to the study of small arms has helped the community in too many ways to count. Reed is a tough businessman with a clear view of what he wants to accomplish, and very little patience with anything that interferes with making a proper, top of the line product.

SAR: Where do you think your interest in mechanical things came from?

Knight: I guess from the very beginning my earliest memories were of taking things apart. I like to see how things work. Maybe the side of my brain that’s mechanical overrides the side of my brain that does the reading and the spelling and the other side. I’ve always been able to see things in multiple dimensions and understand them in a very complicated way mechanically. My dad is like that, also. It’s a form of dyslexia, and he basically could not read or write. I have a very tough time reading and writing, too. When I was young, my dad told me, “Son, you can make a living at 40 hours a week, and you can do a little bit better at 50 hours a week, and you probably can do okay at 60 hours a week, but you’re so damn stupid, you’re gonna have to work about 80 hours a week. I suggest you go find yourself a job that you like doing because you’re gonna be spending a lot of time at it.” {Laughter} He was pretty close to on-target with me. I told my dad at the time that I liked guns, and he said, “Well, I guess you better find a way to make a living playing with guns.” I’m one of the very fortunate few people that have managed to make a living out of my hobby.

SAR: Weren’t you racing cars before the firearms?

Knight: Actually, the interests were concurrent. I built cars in high school. When everybody else would go out dating and going to parties, my future wife and I would go over to my garage at my grandfather’s house where I had Model A’s and different types of cars that I was working on. We used to make dune buggies and head down to the beach and go hunt turtles on the east coast of Florida. Model As were cheap, very lightweight, and we’d put big tires on them, strip them down to where they’d weigh almost nothing, and then drive right on the beach. We would run up and down the beach and that was our weekend fun: running from inlet to inlet on the east coast of Florida. We weren’t interested in making the cars original; we were making them into what we wanted out of them. I had a brand new ’63 Chevrolet Super Sport, less than three months old, and my mom and dad went out of town for the weekend. When they came back, I’d pulled the engine and transmission out of that to put it in my ’55 Chevy, and I had lightened it up and put a blower on it, put the big slicks on the back, and I never will forget the look on my mom’s face when she saw that I had taken this brand new car and tore it all up into my hot rod. I had to put the motor back in my street car, under duress. My dad and I put a motor together in my second floor bedroom for the hot rod. We were carrying it down the steps, and he was in front and I was in the back, and he tripped, and the motor cart-wheeled down the staircase and landed upside-down in the middle of my mother’s living room and the oil ran out and ruined her carpet. She was pretty upset when she saw it and asked, “Why in the world did you put this motor together in your bedroom?” I said, “Well, that was just the cleanest place that I could think of to put this motor together.” She got a brand new carpet out of that deal. She caught me at college where I had converted my kitchen sink into a parts washer and the rest of the kitchen into an assembly area. It’s “guy logic,” all those things were a natural for working on engines.

SAR: Did you have access to a machine shop?

Knight: My family has been in the citrus business forever, so we had our place where we worked on all of our tractors and I had a welding shop and a machine shop; everything that you would need to work on tractors. It was basically a mechanical heaven. I would work at my dad’s shop during the summers taking tractors apart, fixing them, putting them back together and working on the heavy machinery. I loved it. My dad kept having clutches slip on some of his tractors that were using a “tree hoe.” I knew about a special clutch used on dragsters, so I sent one of the clutches in and had them build the dragster clutch plate package to fit on my dad’s Massey Ferguson tractor. It was so successful that Massey Ferguson came over and used the idea, and every tractor since then has that same clutch pack that I had altered. I guess that was my first invention that got adopted. I was about 16 years old when the Massey Ferguson deal happened. I got a Farmall Cub tractor for my 9th birthday, which was electric start but I had to hand crank it like a Model A, and I learned to work on that real fast. I mowed yards with it. My dad had a team of mechanics that used to teach me about engines and I would repair the tractors and the semi trucks that we hauled the fruit with. It was a lot of fun. I rebuilt a lot of transmissions and engines. Between 1965 and 1968, we road-raced Camaros at the “Baby” Grand Am – the pre-runner to the Bush races. Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs and the little Ford Cougars, they would all race the day before the Grand Am, before Richard Petty, A.J. Foyt, and all those guys. I think it was year ’67 we ended up in the NASCAR points. We were seventh in the nation with just a three-man team. We had a driver called Billy Yuma, and I was the mechanic and about everything else. I never will forget sitting on the pit box and we had built this device that shook the rubber off the radiator because the radiator kept getting clogged up on the car, and Richard Petty walked by and saw it. He said, “Well, son, I really like that idea. I’m gonna do that.” He was the king back then, and that was thrilling. I did enough driving to scare myself half to death. What I really liked was drag racing, and I set four national records way back in the old days. I had an A Comp dragster with a 396 Chevy in it, and I had a B dragster back when you could do it economically. My Mom didn’t catch me this time, but the motor came out of my ’65 Corvette. [laughter] I guess I didn’t learn my lesson in ’63. Of course, my mom tells the story now as if it was funny but she didn’t act that way back then.

SAR: Reed, you talk about driving around off-road, plinking and shooting. What was your first firearm that you remember?

Knight: I started with bow and arrow in the 1950s. I was very competitive, and that went from archery to firearms to cars. I used to shoot .22s all the time. Being in the citrus grove business, we’d hunt rabbits, squirrels and varmints. I had a Winchester gallery pump gun. It was just part of every day life, plinking and hunting. My dad had an interest in arms and armor, and he took me to Europe where we bought a lot of antique guns and armor. The Customs guys thought we were in the antique business because of the flint locks and cap and ball guns. My dad enjoyed the history of firearms: he was a collector extraordinaire. He collected tools, coins; he collected all kinds of things. I grew up in an environment where people had respect for the past, and the details and the discipline of collecting. My dad would bring home bags of quarters, and I’d sit down watching TV with a bag of quarters and going through separating them. First, pulling all the silver quarters out, and second filling in all the quarters in the books. Of course all the books having all the different rare quarters and filling them all through was exciting. In the ’40s and ’50s, that was real common. On firearms, I did some hunting, but not a lot other than around the groves. In my first year of college I was on the ROTC rifle team where we used .22 caliber Remington 52s. I was on the rifle team freshman year, and then I started shooting what’s called PPC, and that’s police combat shooting with revolvers. I was a reserve police officer with the City of Vero Beach in 1969-70 or so.

SAR: Had you seen machine guns at that point?

Knight: I had seen some, played with them, and when ’68 came along with the Gun Control Act and the Amnesty, you know, everybody was so skeptical about the registration process, that I didn’t get involved. There were plenty of guys with machine guns, and they’d go out and shoot them at ranges, and before 1968 if you made the gun where it would not shoot automatic, then it was considered not to need registration. When the law changed in ’68, it became “Once a machine gun, always a machine gun.” That changed the whole thing for everyone I knew. I didn’t have anything to register, so in 1968 I didn’t make any. Sort of the opposite. Everyone was pretty cynical that the government was going to come take the guns away once they got them all registered. Most of the people that I ran with back then, because I was shooting pistols and stuff, were either police officers or friends of police officers. When the law changed, they took their guns and either gave them up or gave them to somebody else, or actually turned them in to the department, and let the department do the paperwork. People generally thought there would be a confiscation. They sure didn’t know they were going to be worth $10,000 or $20,000 apiece. Remember we’re talking about machine guns that people had bought very cheaply. They were buying Thompsons from InterArms for $125. The machine guns weren’t worth much even after the Amnesty for a very long time.

SAR: Were you doing any gunsmithing?

Knight: Yes. I was shooting about 50,000 rounds a year of .38 special ammunition and I had to reload that because it was so expensive. I was reloading at night, and shooting during the weekends. I had my own range and my own targets as well as turning targets. I had one of the best ranges set up. During the winter, all the shooting teams from the United States Secret Service would come down and practice at my home in Florida. It was cold up north and if they could get another couple months of practicing, they could get a head start on the year. Some of the early matches were held in Florida. The very first regional match was held in Pompano, Florida. I would travel with them to and from matches, pretty much all over the country, shooting. I enjoyed that, and I worked on the guns. I built combat guns and built the sights on them, and built the big, heavy bull barrels, and worked on the actions, put ball bearings in. I had a milling machine and a lathe, and a couple of real sharp files. I learned how to thread barrels, how to set head space and polish parts. One of the things I did was I built an adjustable trigger stop that in the combat you would use a two-stage trigger pull, rather than cocking the hammer. The amount of movement on the trigger would rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer and get everything locked up, and then you’d break the hammer, and it was very accurate. Back in those days I was building guns and shooting with wadcutter ammo, and we were shooting one-inch groups at 50 yards. I liked Smith & Wesson’s.

SAR: Were you collecting Smiths?

Knight: When ’68 came along with the Gun Control Act, I started very intently collecting Smith & Wesson’s. I didn’t have an FFL yet. I was collecting to try and get one of each and condition wasn’t too important at that time. They didn’t have to be new in the box. The hard guns to get were the snub noses. You wouldn’t think it today, but back then the little J frames were very hard to get because they were concealable and everyone thought the government was after them. Smith and Wesson wasn’t building enough of them for the customer base. The basic law change in 1968 was in fact going after concealable handguns and stopping interstate commerce in so-called “Saturday Night Specials.” Getting all the different models with all the alloy frames, the different concealed hammers and features sure was interesting to me. We were all into revolvers. Remember, not only myself, but there were no police officers that even thought about carrying automatics. They were not considered to be a weapon of choice for a police officer.

SAR: When was the first time you saw a sound suppressor, a silencer for a firearm?

Knight: I’m sure I saw some in the 60’s, but they didn’t really interest me then. I got into machine guns first. I had a very early semiautomatic AR-15; a three-digit serial number Colt Model SP-1. I was at a gun show and a friend of mine came over and gave me a barrel bag. I unzipped it and there was this barrel in it, it was obviously a heavy barrel, it was a quick change barrel, and I had no idea what that barrel fit. It had a barrel extension that looked like the AR-15. I started doing research. I found out that this guy Gene Stoner had invented a gun that was called a Stoner 63. I then found out that he was the same guy that invented the AR-15 which became our US M16. I read some of the books about the subject and I started thinking about if I could ever find one of these Stoner 63s. Roger Cox from Law Enforcement Ordnance Corporation advertised a Stoner 63 and in 1974, for $1,700, I bought my first Stoner 63. It was in the rifle configuration. Now I had the machine gun barrel and a rifle, and I was off on a quest.

SAR: A Stoner 63 couldn’t be your first machine gun… that’s just not right. {Laughter}

Knight: You’re correct. The very first machine gun I bought was a Military Armament Corporation MAC 10, and I bought it before I got a machine gun license. It came with a suppressor, and I paid $200 for the gun and suppressor, $200 for the stamp tax for the gun, and $200 for the stamp tax on the suppressor. I paid $600 for the package. There was a guy from Tampa who was a machine gun dealer. He didn’t have a shop, he was a collector who had quite a few machine guns and ran a Class 3 business on the side. I didn’t shoot it – we were at a gun show where he had it. He gave me the Form 4 paperwork, and I went and got the paperwork signed off immediately. Nothing really caught me about it except that it was affordable and it just looked like something fun to shoot. After that, I got an FFL and paid the Class 3 Stamp. The first gun that I bought under that license was an MG-42 from InterArms, and I really got ripped off on that because this guy had bought it from InterArms and he had resold it to me for a whopping $300! It was mismatched too.

SAR: Disgusting. You must have felt terrible. [laughter]

Knight: Yeah, but not anymore. Wish I could find MG-42s for that price now. It was one of the InterArms mismatched guns with wire wrapped around the buttstock to hold the buttstock together. It had been arsenal refinished. I had trouble finding ammo, but it ran fine, and it was fun. That was how I got started in Class 3, and that was probably in ’73. The Vietnam War was still going on, but it was winding down. I was chasing Stoner parts. I knew what I was looking for, and I just found people here and there with parts. I had found some belt feed parts, and I built other belt feed parts to complement the ones I had. The Houston Gun Show was where you’d really find all the parts. Back then that was the Knob Creek of the machine gun community. We’d find parts and pieces, and then we would finish them up or try to make them work. We didn’t have any drawings to work from. I guess I started going to gun shows in the ’60s. That Houston show was the classic of all classics, our favorite at the time. We also went to Ohio for Ohio Gun Collectors Shows. I went to Atlanta sometimes, and the big show in Florida was the Lakeland Gun Show. I had some traveling buddies, Pedro Bello, John Ciener, the local cronies that were gun nuts. We all kind of hung around together and traveled to shows.

SAR: This would be right around the time of the MAC auction in 1975. Did you know Mitch Werbell?

Knight: Pedro Bello knew Mitch, and I never will forget riding up with Pedro up to Georgia in his pickup truck. Some things in life stick in your mind vividly, and I remember this very well. I had three machine guns to my name, and I sat there next to Pedro, I had a Class 3 machine gun dealer’s license, and there I was sitting at the MAC auction. I had also just gotten paid for a big citrus contract, and I had $50,000 with me – cashier’s checks in $5,000 increments. They were selling the MAC 10s. They started off, and they sold a few, but when it really got in the heat of things, when they were really trying to move them, they would put a pallet of 100 on the floor, and say, “We are not going to take one dime less than $600.” I don’t mean $600 apiece; I mean $600 for the 100 MACs. I said, “Pedro, how can I go wrong at six bucks apiece?” He said, “Those guns will be bookends, don’t buy them, you can’t get magazines, they’re no good, you don’t want them.” In two days at the auction, I ended up buying 750 machine guns and silencers, and I spent $11,000.

SAR: Did you keep any for bookends? {Laughter}

Knight: I still have some, so I guess if I wanted to… Anyway I bought everything I could. I bought every prototype silencer they had, I bought Reisings, a bolt Remington 700, and I never will forget, we went from there over to Mitch Werbell’s house, and Pedro introduced me to him. Of course Mitch was walking around and just having a ball because the auction had all gone off so well and he was at odds with Military Armament Corp. Mitch had his M134 Minigun for sale at his house for $600, just the receiver, and I passed on that because I figured I could never get the parts. Fred Rexer was there, and Fred came over to me and he looked me in the eye and said, “Who in the hell are you, and why in the world would you buy those machine guns?” And I said, “I just did it because I could.” He was mad because he had put in a full bid for everything and individually everybody’s bid ended up being more than his total bid. Of course he would not bid against himself to get individual pieces; it would be bidding against himself. He actually gambled on winning the whole thing, and he got nothing. Fred was just absolutely livid. Looking at how machine gun values went, I still like to tell everybody that I see that knows Pedro that Pedro cost me my first $1 million, because I could’ve bought $50,000 worth where I only ended up buying $11,000 worth. Jonathan Ciener was there at the auction. Ron Martin bought all the MAC11 .380s which went for $50 each and InterArms bought almost all of the 9mm MACs. Most of those 9mm MACs went overseas. If memory serves me right, there were about 10,000 MACs total, .380s, 9mms and .45s. The majority of everything was .45s, and there were probably less than 100 .380s MAC 11s.

SAR: Were some of those MAC 10s export models without a threaded barrel?

Knight: Actually, I don’t think so. I think people converted them afterwards. In order to export the MACs, the government made them take the threads off the barrel. I think it was a company called Swift Shops that did that later as they were going to export MACs and no threads for silencers were allowed. Our government didn’t want silencers exported or guns with the ability to accept a silencer. They took the threads off the end of the barrel and cold-blued them on the front.

SAR: How long did it take to get the paperwork done from the auction?

Knight: The paperwork was only about seven days. The interesting part is the ATF just came along and confiscated what they wanted for downtown, and I had gotten some of the really nice, consecutive serial numbered, high polished blue MAC 10s and MAC 11s. ATF confiscated some of my guns and simply did not approve the paper. Back then I didn’t know enough to complain. They just cherry picked the things that they wanted out of the auction. There was a ton of interesting parts and raw material they sold at auction as well. There were bolts, and stocks and all the internals. The ATF would not let them sell any of the parts for the silencers and they made them destroy those. The material they built the wipes out of, there were big sheets of that, and they made them destroy that. That indicates even in 1975 they had an idea that silencer parts were to be considered contraband, or at least had that attitude.

SAR: It wasn’t until 1981 that the suppressor parts were blocked from sale. I know Mitch used to sell silencer parts to whoever was doing whatever. It was a straight over the counter sale and any number of Class 2s in the early to mid 1970s bought their parts at Military Armament Corporation.

Knight: There wasn’t a law to prevent it, but ATF would not let the bankruptcy auction sell any silencer parts. In the MAC auction, the ATF had wanted all these machine guns and everything destroyed, and the bankruptcy judge said, “No, these are legal to own and they’re guns that are manufactured, and they can sell these.” The Bankruptcy judge had full control and if it was legal to sell, he was going to sell it. On another note, one of the RPB (Robie, Pitts & Brugeman, the next manufacturers of the MAC series) guys had been the shop foreman for Military Armament Corporation. I’m sure he was there and bought all the MAC tooling, and bought the machine guns in the flat, and RPB finished those. He knew how to continue the manufacturing process. I bought the very first guns from RPB; I have guns one through five in every caliber for the RPB production. I was good friends with them when they first started off building guns. They’re first production was taking the MAC flats and re-stamping them “RPB” on the other side of the receiver. These are called the “RPB Overstamp MACs.” I have very good examples of the entire MAC series machine guns, and some of the stock of MAC-10s left as well.

SAR: In this same timeframe, you had been making some Stoner parts and gathering up whatever you could find, but you hadn’t found any large caches yet.

Knight: The caches came later. Around 1974-5, I was doing my police combat shooting, and I was involved with the Secret Service teams. One of the guys from Secret Service had gone to SEAL Team Two, and they showed him these Stoner belt-fed machine guns that were inoperable, and he said, “Well, I know a guy down in Florida that works on those and has some parts and pieces, and you need to call him.” SEAL Team Two called me and wanted me to go up to see what they had. They had a conglomeration of 63s and 63As that were all hodge-podged, and they had mixed parts from 63s into the 63As and 63As into the 63s. Most of the guns just did not work. I took all their guns apart and repaired and rebuilt all their guns, as much as could be done. They had used those extensively in Vietnam, and they’d brought back all the stuff, but the guns weren’t supportable because the factory wasn’t building any of the new parts. I had the parts in stock, and I put all their guns back together. That’s way before I even knew that if you do the work, you were supposed to charge the government. I figured that out later. {Laughter} That’s also when I really saw my first pistol suppressor. The SEALs had what was called a “Hushpuppy,” a Smith & Wesson Model 39 that was converted by Smith & Wesson and had a little aluminum silencer on it with a rubber package that let the bullet go through it and trapped the gases inside the silencer. When they added a slide lock on it, and when the operator unlocked the slide and tried to jack the round out and put a new round in, the extractor would climb out over the cartridge case, and the cartridge case would stick in the chamber. They thought that that was some kind of a “vapor lock” (That was the term the SEALs used), and I later determined that the ammo they were using was manufactured by Supervel, and was way up on the high end of SAMMI specs for what was functional. They were using a heavier bullet, making that 9mm go sub-sonic, and of course at that time, in the early ’70s, no one had really perfected sub-sonic 9mm ammunition. It’s not as simple as just putting in a heavier bullet. I did a whole lot of experimenting and found out that as the slide went back, the barrel on the 39 unlocked by moving down, and as the barrel moved down, the extractor came over the cartridge rim and the extractor would leave the cartridge stuck in the chamber. I went and got a whole bunch of Beretta 92 series that used an extractor that was a larger size and a straight motion, they pulled the cartridge straight back as it unlocked. I threaded in the barrels and put their silencers on Beretta 92s and solved that problem. I also loaded 50,000 rounds of 9mm with a 170-grain bullet that they could also use in this suppressed pistol package. I built the Beretta 92s in 1978-79, and the special subsonic ammunition was in 1981-82. I only built about a dozen and all went to the government except my “keepers.” My first contract with the government was around 1974 when the government had wanted to fix the Stoner 63s, putting a block in the front of the trigger, and I took and built a little dust-cover for the Stoner 63 for all the guns. Crane bought a bunch of parts so they could rebuild their guns. I also built wooden handguards for the Stoner 63, so they could convert rifles to machine guns. To this day you still see some of my wooden hand guards that people think are original and I’m the only guy who knows that they’re not. I did a real good job of copying Cadillac Gage’s work.

(Reed’s son Trey has been quietly prodding his father on some issues in the Interview, and at this point Trey suddenly remembers this event and gets indignant.)

Trey: Hey! That’s right! You know, he gave me ten cents apiece to sand them. I didn’t know I was getting ripped off. I was just a kid!

Knight: Yeah. [laughter] I gave you ten cents apiece and you were darned happy.

SAR: How can you tell the difference between those forends? We’re going to start a new edition of Stoner collector frenzy here.

Knight: These were the Stoner 63 LMG handguards, and we built them out of the same wood that the originals were made from. We used the same steel bushings, everything was the same. The difference is that the original Cadillac Gage wooden forends had a sling swivel at one end, and ours did not, because the Navy SEALs didn’t want a sling that hooked to the hand guard. After that, I was rebuilding their Stoners, trying to keep them running, and I’d run out of parts. I went everywhere looking. One day, I said to myself, “There’s got to be a bigger stash of parts somewhere.” These didn’t just to dry up. I had heard that this guy by the name of Eugene Stoner had a house in Florida. I looked in the phonebook, and I found him in a little town just south of mine, just north of West Palm and south of Fort Pierce. I called him and I said, “Is this the Gene Stoner that worked for Cadillac Gage?” And he said, “No, this is the Gene Stoner that worked as a consultant for Cadillac Gauge,” and I said, “Well, I’m repairing some of the Navy SEALs’ guns, and I’m looking for parts and pieces, and is there any way that I can get any parts?” He said, “I have all that stuff, but I’m down here in Florida. If you want to come up to my place up in Port Clinton, Ohio, I’ll entertain showing you the parts and pieces and what have you.” It was late 1978, maybe into 1979. Trey says I “tricked” the family that we were going on a family vacation and that is what I told them. We all piled in the Dodge van and drove up to Port Clinton, Ohio, and we met Mr. Stoner. He took me into this warehouse that had big holes in the roof, and there were seven or eight semi-loads of parts, and all the tooling for the Stoner 63. I got a handful of parts I wanted and invited him to visit me in Florida. He came up a couple times and had lunch with me, and we talked, and I’d go down to his place, and we would have a lot of fun, just going out to lunch and talking. He was not really doing anything as he was between programs. At that time he had just gone to Iran and sat down with the Shah, who said, “We want an anti-aircraft gun to shoot down those Iraqi aircraft.” Stoner said, “I can build you a gun, and I can build it for anti-aircraft work,” and the Shah asked how long it would take. Stoner said “I’ll send you a proposal,” and they had a very nice, cordial meeting. As Stoner’s getting ready to leave, one of the assistants to the Shah came up and handed Stoner a check for $1 million. In those days that was pretty tall money, and the Shah had Stoner’s attention. The Shah said, “I want you to get started on this program, and I want you to send me monthly reports, and I want you to tell me how far you are and keep me posted. As you tell me what you spend, I’ll refurbish that money, but here’s your first draw, and just keep going on this thing, and let’s get this program underway.” Stoner was actually being directed by the State Department to do this project. One of the things that I later found out is they didn’t really want to sell the Iranians our best US anti-aircraft technology, but they wanted to sell the Shah good technology. Stoner basically had the very, very first of the laser-tracking systems that he built on his “Eagle” system, and was quite successful at building this twin 35-millimeter, high-velocity anti-aircraft system. We spoke quite a bit in that period. We’d talk about other things that he was working on, what he was doing in Ohio at Ares. His main projects were cannons and the 75mm and 90mm smooth bore, long rod penetrating, case telescoped ammunitions.

SAR: Were you still racing?

Knight: No. At that time, I was really focusing on my main work; I was in what’s called the hedging and topping business, in the citrus business. I also had a garbage company at that time, yes, before you jump on that Dan, I was actually a garbage man. {Laughter} I just hadn’t made up my mind what I really wanted to be when I grew up. I wasn’t racing, but I was always an avid shooter. For ten years I won the Florida State Championship for the number one on the Governor’s 20, which was the top 20 revolver/pistol shooters in the State of Florida, consecutive, up until 1981. I wasn’t doing archery anymore, but guns were always around. I had a big pile of machine guns. I was an FFL dealer, doing business, but I was also working towards the collection that was my passion. Regarding the firearms business, other than dealing, I had been working on silencers for the Berettas and Hushpuppies. Right about 1980, I basically started working very close with the government to develop better silencers for them. I also went all over the country looking for parts and pieces for the government. They wanted certain types of guns and certain types of ammunition, and I was kind of a go-to guy to get things for them.

SAR: This is the same timeframe you started working with Dick Marcinko? (Richard Marcinko, the “Rogue Warrior” of SEAL Team Six and Red Cell fame.)

Knight: That’s affirmative. I didn’t know all the details at the time, but I was read into a then-to-be secret program that this individual was going to go out and build a bunch of equipment and put together a team for counterterrorism. This later became Dev Group. I went all over the country finding parts and pieces, and getting guns and things that they could use to do their job. I sold to the Navy, and I sold Marcinko the first Beretta 92s that the government ever bought. Later I traded the 92s back and gave them 92Ss. These were all Italian pistols. Some of these I altered for slidelocks and suppressors. The early years of this were all pretty wild. Carrying guns and ammo to Little Creek in the back of that same old Dodge van I had, pulling a U-haul trailer behind it filled to the top with guns, and getting there and dropping them off in this warehouse in Little Creek, Virginia, walking over to this other warehouse and a guy handed me a check, then I’d leave and go back home to Florida. I was a contractor, and doing business with them.

SAR: Did it make you money in those first deals?

Knight: Gas was a lot cheaper then, and I did make money, but this was all exciting. I traveled a lot for shooting, but very little overseas. I worked a lot through InterArms and some of the other companies that had product that I could buy and import. I was not like Sam Cummings and the people who were really international-type people. I was such a low denominator and so low on the food chain in these deals. I know I made some money and had a good time. I learned a lot. I was “drinking water through a firehose” back then. It was certainly exciting because I was working for all the high-end people. I remember one day I was up at Beltsville, the Secret Service facility, and these guys came over and said, “Listen, we need you to go talk to somebody,” and I said, “Okay.” So we went into this room and we sat down and this guy was there chomping on a cigar, and he’s sitting there looking at me, and he said, “Listen,” he said, “I understand you’re doing some work for my buddy, Marcinko,” and I said, “Well, yeah, I have.” He said, “Well, I really want you to come to work for me.” And I said, “Okay, I guess I could. Who are you?” He said, “I’m Charlie Beckwith, and I have a need for what you do,” and I said, “Well, I’m your guy.” Charlie had heard about all the work that I’d done for Marcinko, and of course, Beckwith and Marcinko were rivals, they both wanted to be on top of the hill. I’m sure that everybody that Marcinko had, Charlie tried to steal, and everybody Charlie had, Dick tried to steal. I started working for Charlie Beckwith in the early ’80s, at SOTF, the Special Operations Training Facility.

The two Navy SEALs that I repaired the Stoner 63s for, one was Fly Fallon, the other was Ken McDonald. They were the armorers at SEAL Team Two. They had served in Vietnam with Marcinko. When Marcinko stood up at Dev Group, he basically picked five guys, including himself made six. Ken McDonald basically knew me from work me in the arms room, and that’s how my connection had got there. Fly had started working for Special Operations Group Two, which was basically the early WarCom. At that time there was SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four. Fly did all the weapons testing. Fly was actually the Navy SEAL that did all the testing on the M-60E3, which was a lightweight M-60. He also did all the early testing of the very early Minimi, and the HK262. That’s where I got into all the early weapons in the ’70s, when all those systems were being tested. Fly served up until almost until his death. He had gotten “Agent Orange’d,” and about seven years ago he died from cancer.

SAR: Reed, here we are in the early 1980s, and you’re running a bunch of different, diverse businesses that don’t have much connection to each other…

Trey: Selling guns to the Navy SEALs was probably a lot more fun than hauling trash and trimming trees.

Knight: I was still in the citrus hedging and topping business, and yes, selling guns to the SEALS was pretty exciting. In 1981 I started a supply company for the police departments in the State of Florida, and the name of that company is Lawmen’s Shooter Supply. We were a distributor for Smith & Wesson, Remington, and Winchester. I sold handguns, body armor, light bars, car equipment, holsters and whatever they needed. I started off kind of small with three or four employees. I had a retail store at 3801 Okeechobee Road in Fort Pierce, Florida. Trey started working there when he was 11 or 12 or so. It was kind of a family business.

Trey: That was my first exposure to the firearms business, getting behind the counter and selling guns.

Knight: I actually worked there too, that was my day job. I was driving around to different police departments doing trade-ins and straight sales. We would trade guns, we would bid on guns, we would do light bar demonstrations, we would go all over the state and sell guns. I got some good trade-ins, did a lot of good business with a lot of good departments. Basically, grew that from a startup company, it’s still in business, and now my oldest son, Trey, still runs and manages that company, with 25 employees. We basically just stay in the state of Florida. We had other people that we competed against that, they stayed in their territory and we stayed in ours, it just made sense. This is also about when I went to the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot for the first time.

SAR: Did you go there when it was tents outside, or when it was the pole barn?

Knight: The first year or so the show was in tents. I guess that would be in 1986 or so. Right after the 1986 law change banning manufacture of machine guns for private ownership. After they put the pole barns up, I would get some tables with friends and go there to shop for firearms and parts we needed, and sell some Stoner 63s. It was always a good time. I still like to go there when I can, to shop, see what’s there, see old friends.

SAR: Regarding finding Stoner 63s and parts, you went back to Port Clinton with Gene Stoner and made a deal….

Trey: I remember when. It was13 tons of parts and tooling, seven tractor trailer loads that all had to be loaded, sorted, stored.

Knight: Yeah, they included the tooling and everything else in the deal we did. That was much earlier than 1986. I guess it sets the stage for where we were. I was collecting that stuff just to keep it, to supply parts for the Navy SEALs, to have inventory. I thought that I might build a gun one day and actually made 100 pre-1986 transferable Stoner 63As. I saw the end of the machine gun world coming and like everyone else I built whatever I could. 100 Stoner 63As, some Steyr AUGs, some HK trigger packs, a few M134 Miniguns, and even some Remington 1100 machine guns in 12 gauge. There was a window of opportunity of about 45 days from when we knew the law was coming at us, to when it took effect. It was quite a frenzy in the industry, and some people that were based in the civilian market turned out a tremendous amounts of items. On the Stoners, I was interested in preserving and keeping up with the tooling. There were only maybe two dozen Stoners that the SEALs would try and keep going by this point. It wasn’t like it was a big, monumental effort on my part or their part. In 1982, there was an RFP out on the street for suppressors for the M16s that the Navy was going to build, seems like it was 3,000 suppressors for the M16A1s. The silencer had to meet certain thresholds – of so many rounds a minute for such a period of time, had to be submergible, had to meet all the military Navy specs. In 1982, we won that contract, and delivered those suppressors to Crane Naval Weapon Support. It was our first major suppressor contract. We had sold a couple dozen here or there in the past. As has been noted before, there’s a difference in a “sale” and a “Contract.” This was a full size “Contract.” This was the Navy Model, from Knight’s Armament Company. I built a few extra; I probably sold 100 other than that on the civilian market, and they were all stainless steel. The flash hider was removed and the Navy Model was screwed on, and had a tapered split collet that clamped onto the barrel that kept the silencer straight, and it also kept it from unscrewing off into the barrel. It extended back over the barrel. It was an inch and three-quarters in diameter, and about seven or eight inches long. Our delivery time frame was six months, and we met the deadline.

SAR: What were you doing for sound testing in that time period? There really wasn’t a solid protocol.

Knight: I had bought a B&K 2209 sound meter from Don Walsh (Larand). Mickey Finn (Qual-A-Tec) was testing suppressors, and Don and I were testing them. We got together and said, “Okay, this is how we’re going to standardize things. We’re going to test this at one meter from the muzzle, at 90 degrees to the muzzle, and we’re going to use a 4136 microphone, and the B&K 2209 meter, Peak-Hold, but A-weighting.” Basically, Crane followed us and their standards, and we set up what became the Mil-Standard for A-testing used today. Our combined experience with sound level testing led us to choose the 2209 meter with that particular microphone because of the very fast rise time, and for the high sound pressure levels with firearms.

SAR: When did you meet Don Walsh?

Knight: I met Don in the mid-’70s, probably around maybe ’76, ’77. All that period of time I was doing work with the suppressors and the Navy SEALs. Everyone knew all the cast of characters in the business at that time. It was a small, closed community with a closed customer base. Kind of a parallel sales situation. Some of the people concentrated on selling to the civilian market or a little bit to law enforcement, but the community that was actually selling to the government was very small. It still is, no matter what the marketing hype might be. When I said “Cast of Characters,” I meant that it was an interesting group. Mickey Finn was the first one to coin the term “investors” in this industry, in that he went out and got a bunch of people to put money into his business, and they did a lot of R&D and took a new style of write-off. I was funding all of my work out of my back pocket. They really got a leg up on us and they really built some great products. That was in the ’79-’80 timeframe, when we were very heavily involved in the suppressor development work for the government, doing different things: .22s and 9mms, and MP-5s and integral suppressors. Most of that was nickel and dime stuff and nobody had any real large major contracts at that time. That first Navy contract was pretty much the largest contract that had come along out of the military for a number of years since the Vietnam era. Testing at that time was still based on the Frankfurt Arsenal-style testing. Our new protocol moved things up to a higher level. It was still an analog system, it hadn’t moved to the digital system, but it was so much further ahead then because it was a defined parameter. How you measure the sound of a gunshot, because it is so transient, is very important on what type of rise time you use, and also what kind of microphone you use, and what kind of distance you use away from the sound source, as well as angles. All of those things, when you define them, and we all started using the same “ruler” to measure something it became so subjective so we could accurately understand the effects of our suppression techniques. Especially on products like the Hushpuppy-type suppressor, because the sound is over such short period of time, but the peak of that sound is higher. A Hushpuppy-type suppressor with a rubber-type baffle or wipe system actually shows on the meter at a much higher level of sound than other suppressors, but because the sound source is for such a short period of time, you actually hear the bullet hitting the wipes as the source of the sound, not the muzzle blast. On many wiped designs, it’s the bullet strike that’s getting the noise level that you actually hear. That being said, the Hushpuppy was quiet to the ear, but it showed a 127 dB on the sound meter. If you would compare it to a non-wipe system, it would be probably about 122 dBs, and you’d look at that and you’d see that five or six-dB difference, and that was 100% noise difference, but the Hushpuppy sounded quieter to the ear. We really perfected the rubber wipe suppressor in what we called the “Snap-On.” We actually built a little aluminum can with the rubber baffle stack for pistols. Because the suppressor was so light and it built pressure in this chamber, it negated the need for a Nielsen-type device, and the gun/suppressor system became very reliable. The Beretta happens to be the gun of choice in this type system, because the barrel does not tilt, the action just goes straight back.

SAR: You do have a tremendous passion for the history and technology of military small arms. Would it be fair to characterize your experiences though as living a little bit in the civilian world of ownership, but living mostly in the military and law enforcement community in your designs and manufacturing?

Knight: I guess we’re always trying to identify what we want to be when we grow up. I have crossed over in the communities, looking for balance and diversity to get companies through the hard times. We all want to be something, or aspire to be something. My inspiration has always been for making better equipment for our servicemen, and building good equipment, and improving the tools that they have to do their job. It’s not all good times though. I remember in 1990, waking up one Monday morning and having a big mortgage on a brand new factory that I’d built, and not having one government contract in-house at all. They were completed. That was quite frightening because I looked at the mortgage and I had made a major commitment to it when I had had some very large government contracts, and it looked like they were going to last forever. I had committed when we had three major contracts hit all at one time. I was building silencers for the Beretta M9 for the Air Force, about 5,000 of them. I was building helicopter gun mounts for the H-53 helicopter, and both of those contracts were running concurrent with each other. I also had another very large classified contract of delivering product that was right after that. With three of those contracts, it looked like we had “arrived.” We were now, in my opinion at the time, a major military contractor, because we were certainly able to do the work. I had another business that I mentioned earlier that was a company called Lawmen’s and Shooters’ Supply Inc. That company was very, very stable. We were doing good sales, we were making a decent profit, but the Lawmen’s and Shooters’ Supply Inc. ended up, from time to time, covering the payroll for the research and development that we were doing over there in the other side of the house. When we got these good contracts for these large deliveries, I did not have any way to manufacture what was needed. I started going to the tool shows and looking at manufacturing methods to be able to manufacture this equipment that I had sold to the government. I ended up buying new CNC machines and developing processes. From 1986 to 1988, we became a pretty serious manufacturer. I owned two or three CNC lathes and two or three CNC milling machines, and we were learning on how to “manufacture” as opposed to “filling small contracts.” Big difference. Then, like I said, there is the day when everything is done and you’re looking at that big mortgage, no open contracts, and you wonder, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”

SAR: Knight’s was making suppressors, some larger mount pieces, and some other accessories. There had to be a point where you had an inspiration for a rail system.

Knight: One of my very good Navy SEAL friends had gotten tangled up into his parachute going into Panama and drowned wrapped up into his parachute cord. I thought, “I need to help make their load lighter.” I noticed that in the pictures and on TV that they had taken their flashlight and taped it to their hand-guards with duct tape. I thought, “That’s not going to stay lined up and it’s going to hit on doors, and it makes the rifle bulky.” I thought, “What if we had a way to put that flashlight on and off the gun easily and compactly?” I played around a little bit with what we called the “Lego,” nicknamed after the toy company product that allowed you to clip things together. I had no idea that this thing was ever going to be used for holding anything other than a flashlight. I built flashlights that went underneath the rifle, and vertical pistol grips. I built flashlights that went on the side of the rifle. I built all kinds of flashlight mounts, and converted a lot of already existing MAG lights to brackets and mounts that attached to guns. Our first goal was to take an already existing firearm and modify it to make this “rail system” that parts could plug onto. We took the thing to Colt, and other manufacturers, and I said, “Hey, I got this idea. I’d like to show you this, and I’d like for you to build it,” and I remember meeting there at Colt, and Rob Roy said, “Is there a requirement for this?” I said, “What do you mean by requirement?” He said, “Does the government have a need for this?” I said, “Yeah, they have a need for it.” He said, “Well, is there a written requirement?” I said, “They don’t even know they don’t have this yet, but there is a need for it.” So he said, “Well, you go get a requirement for this and we’ll build it for you.” I said, “If I go get a requirement for this, I’m not gonna need you. I need you now, I need you to go help me sell this.” They all said, “Well, we just don’t think that there’s a need for it, and we don’t think there’s a requirement for it.” I had been doing a lot of work with Colt because I built the muzzle brake on the Advanced Combat Rifle, the ACR program. So I knew everybody at Colt, and they knew me, and they’d been down to my factory and I had a relationship with them that was a very good and strong.

SAR: They just didn’t get the vision.

Knight: In retrospect, it took forever to get the government interested in it. They really didn’t know that they really needed it. Remember, I was selling it as a mount to hold a flashlight. I remember talking to Gene Stoner about it one time. I said, “Why in the world didn’t you give me a place on this M16 that was square to the bore, so that I can mount something on that would always be parallel to the bore?” He said, “Well, what is it that you wanted me to mount? What is it that you have in mind that you’re going to mount to this?” I said, “Well, like maybe a laser,” and he looked at me and he said, “Yeah, in 1958 I was thinking about a laser.” {Laughter} I said, “I guess you’re right, you didn’t have any need for that at that time.” I remember in the early ’90s sitting in a meeting with a colonel who was briefing people and he said, “I believe if they put one of these rails on a butt stock, somebody would buy it.” I was in the back of this room filled with the industry people, and I raised my hand and I said, “Sir, did I understand that to be a requirement?” {Laughter} It was a joke at the time, but today it might not be a joke. I’m sure somebody’s thinking about it.

The hardest thing to do was not modifying the existing rifle, but to have those rails to stay in alignment for the total life of the shooting of the rifle for its total life. The rail system had to withstand the wear factor, it had to withstand the recoil factor, the heat factor, and all the other adverse conditions as well as be soldier-proof. We had to build it so it didn’t make the gun any heavier, it didn’t change the point of impact, that it didn’t take any tools to put on, and that it could be put on at the user level rather than having to come back to the armory to install. I remember sitting in the first meeting, we were negotiating, and I said, “You guys aren’t even asking for the most important part of this rail system, which is the vertical pistol grip.” They said, “We don’t need that. We don’t have a requirement for it.” I suggested they do some testing. They had just finished up with a simulator that they had just built for the ACR program, and they had just spent umpteen millions of dollars of testing that equipment against the baseline of duplex rounds and different things. The simulator rifle actually recoiled, and you had to acquire the next target. About two months later they came back to the colonel and he said, “You know something? We have found that that $39 vertical pistol grip that we put on your gun increased the hit probability for every soldier type, experienced soldiers, non-experienced soldiers, all types of shooters, significantly more than the whole $32 million that we spent on the ACR program.” The $39 piece that they added to the M4 and the M16 increased the hit probability more than all the training and testing they did with spending and development on the Advanced Combat Rifle.

SAR: So just getting your rail system on there and putting your front grip on it—

Knight: – Gave a better than 20% improvement to hit probability, which was the goal of the ACR program. What they really said that was significant is that the people that had the most improvements were novice shooters who had a much better hit probability increase than experienced shooters. Experienced shooters knew how to hold the gun, knew how to shoot and what have you. I remember being at Fort Benning one year, and I was there with a group of people, and this sergeant came up to me, he said, “You’re Reed Knight, aren’t you?” I said, “Yeah, I am.” He said, “I just want to shake your hand,” he said, “I train thousands of people here in basic training in the shooting skills, and every time I get a shooter that does not qualify, I can give them one of your vertical pistol grips, and they always qualify afterwards. That one piece of gear has made more difference in people qualifying in military shooting than any other piece of gear that I’ve ever seen come through here.”

SAR: That’s pretty satisfying.

Knight: It was great. It was also satisfying that this was something that the government didn’t even want and I had called it right and gotten it approved. Actually, in my infinite stupidity, when we were negotiating on the rail system, I said, “You don’t want the vertical pistol grip? I’ll throw it in for free.” Obviously it was included in the price with all the other stuff, but at the same time, when I added it to the kit, I didn’t increase the price for the vertical pistol grip. That was the RIS (Rail Interface System), our first product in 1992. It was a USSOCOM purchase. The RAS (Rail Adapter System) was an almost concurrent requirement. The Army tested the RIS first, then tested the RAS, and wanted some changes made. At 5-6,000 rounds with their testing style using a bore rod, the point of impact had shifted out of the specification on the RIS. We developed the RAS, and spent another $250-300,000 developing that product. Six months of development, really a very strong program, and we submitted it. They tested it and said, “It didn’t do any better than the RIS.” That was a shock. I asked how they tested it. It turns out they were testing with a bore rod down the bore like they had on the RIS, and the bore rod had gotten worn out, that it became out of synch, and they didn’t have a baseline. We showed them how we tested it, and they adopted our test procedure and re-tested it, and they said, “You know something? Your first one would’ve passed also.” We had ended up spending a lot of our own money to give them a different product, and that’s why we always look carefully not only at our own products, but what the customer’s test protocols will be.

SAR: You were putting a great team together in the ’80s, and today you’ve got a good team to design and build the products that you decide to take on.

Knight: One of the things that I’ve been very fortunate on is that even though I’m not an educated engineer, I’m not an educated business manager, and I’m really not an educated pretty much anything, I have been able to associate myself with some very, very talented people. I have been able to find people that have the same passion that I do, or they have come to me. We have been able to take the ideas and the needs of a customer, and take those needs and to build solutions to those needs. My talent has probably been to think outside of the box. Gene Stoner told me something interesting one day; he said, “I believe when you become an engineer, and they teach you the disciplines, you learn that one and one make two, and that you have to do it this way because this is what the book says to do. I think it prevents you from becoming a true designer. If I sometimes knew what the engineering math was on some of my designs before going all the way through with them, I probably would’ve quit earlier.”

The Knight Interview continues in the next issue of Small Arms Review, where Reed discusses the MK23 suppressor program, SR-25, The SASS, and more.

Eurosatory 2008 was held at the Parc des Expositions, located outside of Paris, France on June 16 – 20, 2008. As one of the largest tradeshows in the world dedicated to the international arms trade, nearly 1.3 million square feet of exhibition space was filled by 1,180 exhibitors from 51 countries, including 127 exhibitors from the United States. Approximately 50,000 individuals from over 145 countries attended the show. Of note were several new product releases and market trends from well known and lesser known manufacturers.

Forjas Taurus S/A

Taurus S/A of Brazil (not to be confused with Taurus International, the U.S. based firearm company) introduced a new submachine gun manufactured under joint venture with FAMAE of Chile. Based upon technology from Swiss Arms AG (formerly SIG Arms AG) of Switzerland, the external profile borrows heavily from the SIG 550 series of firearms.

The model MT9 (chambered in 9mm) and the model MT40 (chambered in .40 S&W) utilizes a blowback design, and is capable of semiautomatic, burst, and fully automatic fire. The Taurus representatives indicated that the 9mm version has a cyclic rate of 1,300 rounds per minute, while the .40 S&W version fires at a claimed 1,200 rounds per minute. Both models utilize a 200 mm barrel (7.8 inches), and a 30-round magazine.

The receiver and internal components are reportedly manufactured by FAMAE of Chile, and imported into Brazil for the manufacture of barrels, magazines, and buttstocks prior to final assembly. Currently marketed to Brazilian law enforcement, the firearm appeared to be well designed and comfortable. Sales are currently limited to the South American market, and there are currently no plans to import either model into the United States. Additional information can be found at the Forjas Taurus S/A website, www.taurus.com.br.

ST Kinetics

ST Kinetics of Singapore introduced a new 9mm submachine gun called the Compact Personal Weapon. With a 7-inch barrel, the firearm utilizes delayed blowback operation, allowing a claimed cyclic rate of 900 rounds per minute. With a loaded 30-round magazine, the firearm weighs 2 kg (4.4 pounds). While not an overt copy of a Heckler and Koch MP-7, the CPW does appear to borrow heavily from the Heckler and Koch predecessor. Both utilize an outwardly similar design, with similar locations and layout of fire control mechanisms, and a similarly designed retracting stock.

Unlike the Heckler and Koch MP-7, the CPW claims caliber modularity, allowing users to change the caliber of the weapon by utilizing a different barrel and magazine. No caliber conversions were available for examination nor were specific caliber conversions specified.

ST Kinetics also introduced a single barreled, three-round 40mm grenade launcher allowing semi-automatic fire capability. The system is based upon the Metal Storm theory of operation, allowing all three rounds to be loaded within the barrel, yet allow each round to be fired individually. Adaptable to multiple applications, the launcher can be mounted under a combat rifle via M-1913 Picatinny rails, as a stand alone launcher, or grouped with multiple launchers and mounted on a heavy platform.

Reloading the 40mm grenade launcher is accomplished in two ways. According to ST Kinetics, individual rounds are loaded in a similar manner as conventional 40mm grenade launchers. Alternatively, a spent barrel can be removed and replaced with a pre-loaded barrel (loaded with three rounds per barrel) during the reloading process. ST Kinetics claims the new grenade launcher will act as a force multiplier, allowing an increased number of rounds down range in a shorter period of time, without increasing the number of weapons an individual soldier must carry. More information can be found at the Metal Storm website, at http://www.metalstorm.com.

FN Herstal

FN Herstal of Belgium announced that the SCAR family of rifles will be available for sale on the international market. Originally designed and developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command, the two highly adaptable modular rifles, the SCAR-L (chambered in 5.56x45mm), the SCAR-H (chambered in 7.62x51mm), and the FN40GL 40mm low velocity grenade launcher will presumably be available for international sale. No information was available from FNH, USA regarding a semiautomatic-only version for domestic U.S. sales. Additional information may be found on the FN Herstal website, located at http://www.fnherstal.com.

Martin Electronics, Inc.

Martin Electronics, Inc. (MEI) announced the introduction of the Mercury, a family of medium velocity 40mm grenades. Current low-velocity 40mm grenades have a maximum range of approximately 300 meters, while longer range high velocity 40mm grenades require a heavy firing platform, and are usually limited to vehicle or tripod mounted applications. The Mercury family of 40mm grenades can be launched from current low-velocity 40mm grenade launchers with only minimal increase in recoil, while extending maximum range to 800 meters.

Milkor South Africa

Milkor, most famously known for their 40mm Mk 1 multiple grenade launchers introduced a 40mm break action, single shot pistol for use with crowd control and less-lethal 40mm rounds. Developed from an existing Milkor-designed 37mm pistol, and equipped with a 130mm (5.1 inch) smooth bore barrel, the pistol is double-action only. Given the short barrel length, the effective range of the pistol is only 100 meters, but given the intended use as a riot control weapon, an extended range is not required. In terms of safety, high explosive 40mm rounds may be fired from the pistol, however the lack of barrel rifling will result in an HE round failing to arm. Why build a 40mm pistol? Representatives from Milkor indicated that in a riot control situation, the user would have the ability to fire less-lethal ammunition and holster the pistol. In this manner, the 40mm pistol would be less cumbersome that a larger rifle sized weapon of equal caliber. It is unknown as of press time whether Milkor-USA will offer the 40mm pistol to U.S. customers. Additional information may be found at the Milkor website, www.milkor.net.

Developments in 20mm rifles

Multiple man-portable 20mm anti-material rifles were present, with two worthy of note. First, Truvelo Manufacturing of South Africa introduced a 20mm x 110 (20mm Hispano-Suiza) caliber bolt action rifle. Known most notably as the manufacturer of the Neostad shotgun, Truvelo claims its rifle is accurate to within 2.5 minutes-of-angle, allowing users to hit a 15-inch radius target at 600 yards. Reportedly weighing in at 55 pounds, the rifle has a retail price of $36,000.

Similarly, the Republic of Croatia also introduced a partially recoilless 20mm x 110 caliber bolt action rifle. Weighing 17 kg (37.5 pounds) the rifle utilizes a gas port to vent and direct propellant gases to the rear of the shooter. Overall length totals 133 cm, (52 inches) and has a claimed maximum range of 2 km (1.24 miles). Additional information on this rifle was not available as of press time.

Tsniitochmash Central Institute of Precision Machinery

Tsniitochmash of Russia displayed a modified Russian PKM machine gun, re-named the Pecheneg Light Machine Gun. Like its PKM predecessor, the Pecheneg is chambered in 7.62x54R, but boasts a re-designed barrel equipped with cooling fins. According to Tsniitochmash representatives, the newly designed cooling fins are highly efficient, greatly increasing the number of rounds that can be fired, and eliminating the need for a spare barrel. The Pecheneg weighs 17 pounds empty, and is capable of firing 600 rounds per minute, and has an effective range of 1,500 meters.

Tsniitochmash also displayed the famed Russian SPP-1M underwater pistol and APS underwater assault rifle. Representatives explained that both models were again in production, and available for worldwide sale. See Small Arms Review Vol. 12, No. 2, November 2008 for an in-depth review on the Tsniitochmash underwater guns. Additional information can be found at www.Tsniitochmash.ru

Vinghog Simrad Optronics Group

Known for their light-weight weapon mounts, Vinghog AS of Norway demonstrated the IS2000, an integrated programmable range finder, ballistic computer, and weapon sight in a single package. Intended for 40mm AGL and .50 caliber weapon platforms, the weapon sight allows users to effectively compute distance to target, while automatically adjusting the aiming point for range, elevation, and lead angle correction. The system is night-vision compatible, with either 1-power or 3.5-power magnification. At 3.5 power magnification, the system provides an eleven-degree field of view. Datum for multiple types of ammunition is provided within the system, providing accurate aiming points for nearly any type of ammunition that may be encountered.

Demonstration of the unit confirmed the robust and accurate nature of the system. Mounted on an Mk-19 40mm automatic grenade launcher, the system effectively provided the range to a steel silhouette target placed approximately 350 meters from the firing line. With point of aim automatically adjusted within the sight, the aiming point was placed center of target, resulting in a first round hit on the silhouette. Recognizing that the Mk-19 is usually intended as an area target weapon, the Vinghog sight allowed for effective use of the Mk-19 in a point target application. Additional information may be found online at www.vinghog.com.

Pakistan Ordnance Factory

Pakistan Ordnance Factory (more commonly known in the U.S. as “POF”) introduced two new rifles for international sale. Each rifle appears to utilize a Heckler and Koch Model 91 type receiver, with magazines modified for each the appropriate caliber in each application. Both rifles claim parts commonality with the Heckler and Koch MP-5 and G-3 rifles.

The PK-7, chambered in 7.62 x 39 is a near copy of an early Heckler and Koch model 52. Equipped with a 10.5-inch barrel, the weapon utilizes a thirty-round curved magazine, with outward appearances to a Kalashnikov-based magazine. Both rifle and magazine appeared to be robust, with a claimed loaded weight of 8 pounds. The PK-7 utilizes a 30-round magazine, and has a 700 – 800 round per minute claimed rate of fire.

The PK-8 rifle is chambered in 5.56×45 NATO (.223 Remington), with a 700 round per minute claimed rate of fire. Unlike the Heckler and Koch Model 93 rifle, the PK-8 presents a novel approach to converting an existing G-3 type receiver to fire the smaller 5.56 round. From outward appearances, the PK-8 is very similar to the Heckler and Koch Model 93, complete with two push pins for disassembly. Upon closer examination, the PK-8 magazine is a unique magazine to the weapon system, utilizing a hybrid design of the G-3 upper magazine contour and the HK-93 lower magazine contour. Typical HK-93 magazines will not lock into place on the PK-8, while typical G-3 magazines will not reliably feed 5.56 rounds. While novel in approach, the new design is not a quick change caliber conversion. Rather, the PK-8 appears to allow the manufacture of a 5.56 rifle while utilizing existing tooling intended for the manufacture of the G-3 rifle.

Representatives from POF expressed an interest in exporting a semiautomatic version of both rifles to the United States, however at the time of the interview no U.S. imports were scheduled or planned.

Eurosatory 2008 was a great success, and offered a glimpse into the international arms market. Hosted on a biennial basis, the next show is scheduled for June 14 – 18, 2010, in Paris, France. Additional information regarding the show can be found at www.eurosatory.com.

When the terms “Belt-Fed” and “Minute of Angle” actually meet in the same sentence, it is unlikely the firearm being discussed is anything other than the OOW M240-SLR.

There are very few firearms that have the “Wow Factor” of a belt-fed weapon. Whether old or new, mounted on an amazingly complex tripod mechanism or a simple bipod, be it .22 LR or .50 BMG, a belt-fed firearm just grabs the attention and imagination of almost everyone new to the military firearm scene.

While there are several civilian legal machine guns and many available semiautomatic variants owned all over the United States, belt-fed guns are a numerical minority. While those who attend the large, organized shoots can see them firing regularly, most people who spend the majority of their trigger time at local public and private ranges don’t have much contact with belt-fed firearms.

There may be several factors involved, such as the high price of transferable machine guns and even the unusually high price of ammo of late, but semiautomatic versions of belt-fed machine guns are becoming more common. Some companies like Ohio Ordnance Works (OOW) have been making several semiautomatic versions of the Browning designs (1918 BAR, 1919A4, 1919A6, 1917, etc) for many years. Others have marketed semiautomatic M2HB versions and even the popular M60. The HK family of belt guns has been around in various semiautomatic configurations for quite some time as well. Add to that, several different belt-fed conversions and custom belt-fed adaptations to completely different platforms, and the trend is becoming quite obvious. What has been left out of the loop are “the latest and greatest” of the belt-fed guns of the current military hardware. As the civilian legal replacement for the old M60, the Fabrique Nationale M240 General Purpose Machine Gun has been unavailable, that is, until now.

Welcome to the Future

Enter Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. There are only a few companies in the current civilian Class III industry who have been around in such a continuous capacity as Bob Landies, and Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. A long-time participant, and an amazingly knowledgeable member of the gun culture, there are not many people who are held in as high regard as Bob. He is an RKI (Reasonably Knowledgeable Individual) in the first degree and a fountain of knowledge with an honest answer to anyone with a question. A leader in many “out of the box” projects even before the term existed; his latest adaptation is a civilian legal, semiautomatic version of the new M240 military General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).

When asked to test the OOW M240-SLR (Self Loading Rifle), not only did SAR immediately accept, but it turned into a major priority. There is quite a story to tell about this system and we are pleased to bring it to our readers. Even as testing was wrapping up, exciting new propositions were being floated by government agencies for the M240-SLR and we have exclusive, up-to-the-minute information we have been cleared to share with the readers of SAR.

From The Beginning

Some new guns are designed in parallel for fully automatic military applications and semiautomatic civilian marketing. The M240 was NOT one of these guns and to the best of our knowledge it was never intended in this application. Because the only examples were true machine guns with no capability for semiautomatic only fire there needed to be a new receiver manufactured and a new mechanism designed that would meet the BATFE Technology Branch’s definition of not “readily restorable” to full auto fire. It had to have a new, closed-bolt firing mechanism that in no way resembled the original mechanism, nor could it utilize any of the original fully automatic parts. All these goals were met.

First Impressions

The superb quality of OOW manufactured guns is well known and our expectations were quite high before even seeing their latest offering. Even so, upon arrival it exceeded our expectations. To the casual gun enthusiast it would appear to be a real GPMG with nothing to lead you to believe otherwise. The only indication something may be different than an M240 GPMG was the distinct OOW “Ordnance” logo on the receiver and the letters “SLR” following the model designation.

During the initial examination it was obvious that a great amount of research, development, and workmanship went into this weapon. The fit and finish is excellent and aside from the receiver nomenclature mentioned above, it completely resembles the factory M240 GPMG.

Ready to Roll!

When the test gun was received we were quite surprised at the number of tools and accessories that accompanied it. We were even more impressed to find out that EVERY gun shipped is in the same configuration. All you need is ammo and you are ready to roll. It is even shipped with 2,500 M-13 links.

When you open your new M240-SLR you will find it tucked away safely in its custom fit Pelican case. Also in it will be a sling, cleaning kit, manual, and a massive array of tools including a complete cleaning kit, ruptured case extractor, gas regulator cleaning tool and all the necessary disassembly tools. The number and variety of included tools and accessories was quite remarkable.

Tech Time

The OOW M240-SLR is a 7.62x51mm belt-fed, gas operated, semiautomatic only rifle. It is air-cooled, fires from a proprietary closed bolt mechanism and is fed from standard M-13 links. The M240-SLR utilizes a standard two-step shuttle feed mechanism similar to the M249, the MG42 and the MAG58. The links are a “push-through” design.

The loading sequence of the M240-SLR is as follows: After opening the top cover and clearing the chamber, the feed tray is lowered. Belted ammo is placed on the feed tray against the cartridge stop, open link side down. The top cover is then carefully closed making sure the first round stays in contact with the cartridge stop. The charging handle is pulled all the way to the rear and released, loading a round into the chamber. With a quick disengagement of the safety, located right behind the trigger, The M240-SLR is now ready to fire.

Maintaining the M240-SLR

If this is your first transition to a belt-fed firearm and you are a little apprehensive about the eventual detail cleaning, please let this serve as a testimonial that you have nothing to worry about. Between the enormous number of tools shipped with each rifle and the 31-page instruction manual, you will have no questions when it comes to care, operation or maintainance. Each category is painstakingly illustrated in step-by-step color photographs making every operation a snap. The inclusion of a manual, let alone in such detail, is not that common in a number of available military variants and OOW gets a big “thumbs-up” for this effort. It will be greatly appreciated by the owners.

For Your Eyes Only (Well, Kinda)

Because the operation of some belt-fed systems can be confusing when only explained in words, to help explain how this highly evolved mechanism works, Ohio Ordnance Works was kind enough to provide SAR with a cutaway version to photograph showing every phase of the cycle. The explanation with the accompanying photos can thus be followed and appreciated as the poetry in motion it is. The cutaway makes the once mysterious system as clear as can be.

Range Time

Usually perceived as the most interesting phase of the T&E process, actual shooting time is often the smallest part spent with the system during a testing period aside from endurance or “torture” testing. With a system like the M240-SLR, several hours of reading, studying, watching the parts work together, disassembling, understanding and reassembling are the most exciting phase for a technical article. Tons of work and data collection must come before we get to the range.

On the live fire portions of the M240-SLR testing this writer was accompanied to the range by Michael Harrington, an experienced shooter who has a professional and personal interest in weaponry. It was our own Technical Editor, Dan Shea, who suggested almost 20 years ago the importance of inviting guest shooters for extra “hands-on” with a new system and to approach it from different angles than any one writer will see. Extra eyes and different perceived objectives can certainly make for better testing, and almost always do.

After a sufficient briefing, the targets were set and it was time for some basic function testing. Initial firing proved the system to be extremely comfortable with very little recoil. Since it is a bipod-mounted rifle with a weight of almost 30 pounds it wasn’t unexpected, but the author has had some trigger time on original M240 GPMGs and this system was noticeably less.

Once it became obvious that the system was working correctly, the sights were adjusted for the range we were on and several rounds were fired at the targets we deployed. Since we were only firing standard LC ball ammo and utilizing the factory graduated ladder sights we didn’t go to the extreme of shooting groups to measure. Once it was quickly sighted in however, every round was delivered to the target with ease. Point of aim and point of impact never wavered.

Since we had all kinds of ammo and all the preliminary testing had been done, it was time to simply shoot for endurance to see if we could discover any areas where the M240-SLR needed improvement. We quickly changed the impact area to a spot holding water at the base of a huge sand wall and started emptying belts. With each massive waterspout reaching towards the top of the berm, the M240-SLR continued to chug along in an effortless fashion. Not at all surprising, from the first round fired to the last round loaded, the M240-SLR functioned without failure. No glitches, whatsoever.

First Blood

Since SAR is a stickler for the truth and full disclosure when testing anything new, there were two incidents with the M240-SLR that must be reported. Although these are both due to “operator error” we thought they were important enough to bring up to save some other end users some potential embarrassment.

The extraction cycle of the M240-SLR is rather brisk, to put it lightly. In plain English, it hammers empty casings out like nobody’s business. That is a positive effect for function purposes but not so good for shooters who forget to pay attention to the bottom ejection path and shoot it from a shooting bench.

The first incident happened when the author forgot to brief the assistant shooter about the ejection path and the rifle was setup on a bench. After a few rounds were fired, a slight arm shake from the shooter gave the author an indication that something may be wrong. A mild shooting position adjustment was made and the remainder of the belt was fired without hesitation. When the gun was cleared a small trickle of blood was noticed on the arm of the shooter and it was quickly brushed off as “a scratch” that was caused by contact with an ejecting case. We knew it could have been avoided by a better briefing before shooting and the author decided to take the blame.

It was the author’s turn to fire, this time to check the point of aim at our current location. Completely disregarding the conversation only moments before, this writer sat behind the M240-SLR and slowly fired a few rounds at the fresh target. After a few rounds were confirmed on target, the author decided that rapid fire testing was be in order to see how much impact shift occurred under those conditions. That’s when IT happened. After firing about 10 rounds a spent case impacted a delicate area of the author’s anatomy. Thinking it was only appropriate to push through the pain and shoot on; the author didn’t skip a beat. That’s when IT happened again. A second round impacted the exact same delicate area and an executive decision was made to immediately cease-fire. It was at that time remembered that there was no need to continue to push through any kind of pain, as no one was shooting back on this sunny day at a local range, and the author was free to double over and wail like a wounded cat. Unfortunately for this writer, Mike the shooting assistant thought it wise to continue shooting photos at a high rate of speed documenting the entire event.

The short summary is simply a warning to NOT place any body parts under the receiver, as this is the path of ejection. Of course, most people shooting these already know that, just like we did. We hope this little laugh at the expense of no more than a little pride will serve as a reminder and save the end user a little humility.

New Horizons and a SAR Exclusive!

When talking to Bob Landies about the impressive and unexpected grouping under the conditions we were firing, he decided to share some exciting new news with the readers of SAR. An unidentified government agency had just contacted him about a potential future purchase. It seems that some parallel testing has been taking place with match ammo, and the M240-SLR has the ability to shoot 1 minute of angle. When combined with the capability for remote firing and an enormous ammo capacity due to the belt-feed mechanism, it has received the attention of at least one government institution with a necessity for just such a system. Since .Gov sales were the last thing from Landies’ marketing plan, this was received with open arms. We were assured that as things develop and we are cleared to share more information with our readers, we would get the nod.

Conclusion

It is a rare opportunity to have the ability to own such a close copy of a current General Purpose Machine Gun. Though the suggested retail price of $13,500 is not on par with a hunting rifle at the local Big Box Store, it certainly is several times less than the $150,000+ a rare, transferable M240 machine gun will cost you if you can locate one and will be considerably gentler on the wallet. If you are a collector or military arms enthusiast looking to fill a void in your collection, this may be the chance to fill a vacancy you may have thought would remain empty. If you have a professional necessity to own an extremely accurate rifle with an infinite magazine capacity you may have just found your solution. If you live in a State where Class III firearms are restricted but semiautomatic firearms are permissible (like Hawaii), this may be an alternative to own something as exotic and current as what you see on the evening news. Maybe you are a soldier who has returned from duty and would just like to have an example of the weapon you proudly carried in service without wanting a second mortgage. Whatever your reason or interest, this writer believes you will be quite satisfied with your purchase. Best of all, the OOW M240-SLR is available for immediate purchase and delivery. If you send a check or make a call, you can bring home a piece of history today. Neither Ohio Ordnance Works nor the M240-SLR will disappoint.

Trickle-Down Weaponomics

There are a few historical dates that need no explanation when mentioned. Two that immediately come to mind are September 11th and December 7th. Even citizens who are not students of history understand the significance of those tragic days. In our specific community, those with an interest in Class III Firearms, there is one other day of infamy familiar to all. That date is May 19th. This tragic date in 1986 represents “The Day the Music Died” for many of those who design, invent, collect, deal in, and utilize machine guns in any fashion.

Except for a very few instances, May 19th is the day new technology ceased to evolve in the Class III Community for the individual collector. In most cases time has been standing still for civilian end users. In the 22 years following this ridiculous ban on the manufacture of machine guns for individual ownership, we have seen the prices of those guns manufactured and registered prior to this date rise several-fold.

As those inside the industry licensed as NFA Firearm Manufacturers, and foreign entities continue to design new weapon systems and improve upon existing systems, civilian end-users in the United States are usually left out. Since most new designs are geared toward restricted military sale and end-use, there is little that enthusiasts can do other than watch from the outside. Unless an act of congress changes the 1986 law, new machine guns will remain prohibited for most citizens to own.

Fortunately for all of us, the technology developed and refined by new military firearm designs can often find its way to the civilian community through other, less traveled avenues. Just like the space program has increased the quality of life for many of us through new technology, and computers have gone from mostly useless, large and cumbersome to compact, affordable and life changing, civilian firearms are also following suit.

There are several new firearms the civilian gun owner will never own under the current laws but thanks to the insight of many people in the military firearms industry, civilian legal, semiautomatic variants are no longer uncommon. Almost every upgrade for the M16/M4 system is available in a semiautomatic counterpart for individual ownership. The “space age” FN P90 SMG has spawned the wildly popular PS90 carbine, and even the remarkable new KRISS SUPER V has a semiautomatic carbine version. The specific subject of this article is an even more brilliant adaptation as the original manufacturer of the M240 GPMG is not the party responsible for bringing it to the non-military market, but from that original workhorse, came this new design, now available for civilian ownership.

Maybe in the future we can get a Congress and an Executive Administration that understands the absurdity of the current laws as followed since 1986. At that point the citizens of this fine country can be back on par with the other end users of the most current designs. Until then, thanks to the foresight of the military gun designers making parallel civilian versions, and those like Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. designing completely new mechanisms for current firearms, we can at least continue to enjoy the phenomenon I like to refer to as “Trickle-Down Weaponomics” and keep up as much as current law will allow.

M240-SLR Technical Specifications

Caliber: .308 (7.62×51 NATO)
Weight: 27.5 pounds (12.47 kg)
Overall Length: 48.25 inches (122.56 cm)
Barrel Weight: 7 pounds (3.18 kg)
Barrel Length: 23.75 inches (60.33cm)
Trigger Pull: 5-9 pounds (22.27 to 4.08 kg
) Maximum Range: 3,725 meters
Max. Effective Range: 800 meters

Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc.

310 Park Drive
P.O. Box 687
Chardon, OH 44024
Ph: (440) 285-3481
Fax: (440) 286-8571
www.ohioordnanceworks.com

LWRC (Land Warfare Resources Company) began as Leitner-Wise Rifle Company. The company was a research and development firm dedicated to making large bore direct impingement M16-type rifles. The rifle was chambered for the large .499 LWRC cartridge, which gained the interest and a developmental contract by the U.S. Coast Guard. In an attempt at making the .499 more reliable, a short stroke gas piston system was developed; its basic architecture similar to the WWII G43. That was not enough to produce a reliable large bore rifle as the large bore straight walled .499 cartridge was not optimal for feeding or extracting reliably in the M16 receiver. Mid development, the company was faced with a dilemma. There was no future military use for large bore cartridge M16 but saw huge potential in applying the operating system to the NATO standard M4 5.56mm carbine. The company had to figure out a way to introduce something different than the standard rifle. Around this time (early 2000), Heckler & Koch began showing their HKM4, now their 416 weapon system – a piston operated version of the M4 carbine. This is basically an AR18 type piston system. Heckler & Koch concentrated on military and law enforcement sales and decided not to serve the commercial market with their piston-operated rifle. LWRC would not dismiss any potential market or customers. Several prototypes later, they had working rifles. The goal was not to re-invent the wheel and change the entire M4 Carbine, but to make the M4 work cleaner and more efficiently and make it more reliable in adverse conditions. The company was about to go through a major change from an R&D company, to a firearms manufacturer. The company was bought in a management buyout in early 2006 and the company changed the way they conducted business. The company name would remain LWRC, but to reflect the change in management the company would be known as Land Warfare Resources Corporation. In the spring of 2008, LWRC was having difficulty meeting the explosive demand for their rifles. LWRC sought a partner familiar with mass manufacturing for large and small government orders. Majority share of the company was sold to RifTech in an asset buyout. RifTech is a company whose same shareholders own MaTech and several other significant defense product manufacturing companies on the eastern shore of Maryland. LWRC also added International to their name to reflect their efforts to manufacture for allied countries. The new CEO, Mr. Richard Bernstein, former CEO of L3 Communication’s Aerospace division, brings the experience and leadership required to take the company to the next level. Moving forward, the new team at LWRC International feels this partnership between the design and development crew at the old LWRC and the manufacturing experience of the new crew will give the company a competitive edge with potential U.S. and foreign government contracts.

LWRC has been actively competing for weapons contracts. As of this writing, LWRC is entering a submission into the Marine Corps Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) program. This is a highly modified version of their proven piston system with the addition of a closed bolt semiautomatic operation and an open bolt fully automatic operation. They will undoubtedly be challenged by Colt Defense, Knights Armament Company, FNMI and H&K. Their rifles are seeing use in all three markets (commercial, law enforcement and military). Their piston system is not unlike any other piston operated firearm. A short-stroke tappet system uses an operating rod that impacts the face of a highly modified carrier key to drive it rearward. Then the operating rod would reciprocate back into the receiver. What is truly unique about the LWRC system is how it releases excess gas from the moving piston. The HK416 bleeds excess gas out the front of the gas block with a valve. The Colt LE1020 bleeds gas from the sides. The LWRC vents it under the handguard. The piston itself directs the excess gases forward preventing any gas from getting near the receiver and bolt group while the operating rod pushes rearward and strikes the carrier key retracting the bolt.

The LWRC system can retrofit an existing impingement gun as well as they make many different rifles of their own. With their own rifles, they use some of the most high-speed accessories to enhance their weapon. They provide the Magpul CTR stock and MIAD adjustable pistol grip. They are provided with Magpul PMags, which are a synthetic magazine that might just be the most durable and reliable M16-type magazine on the market. The rifle looks very much and feels like an issue M4. In fact, the lower receiver is the same.

The three sample LWRC rifles have excellent fit and finish. They were equipped with Magpul CTR stocks (6-poition), enhanced trigger guard and MIAD grip. The safe and fire position was ambidextrous and used hieroglyphic marks similar to H&K. The LWRC piston guns all use the H2 buffer (2 tungsten and 1 steel weight) that are the same weight as a standard rifle buffer. Two rifles each came with a 2-stage match trigger and the third used the standard trigger group. Controls are identical to any other GI M16/M4 family of weapons. The M6A2 rifle was provided with the proprietary LWRC olive green anodized receivers, MIAD pistol grip and CTR stock.

Three of the sample rifles had the LWRC monolithic Rail Adapter System upper receiver with quad Mil-Std 1913 rails. The top rail is removable by two set screws on the face of the rail to enable access to the operating system for maintenance. Like the standard rifles, the M6 series of carbines have a forward assist, fired cartridge case deflector and ejection port dust cover. The M6 and M6A1 use standard front sight bases. The M6A2 is basically the same as the M6A1 with the major change being to the barrel and handguard. The standard front sight assembly is removed in favor of a low profile gas block and the handguard/rail extend past the gas block giving additional length of available rail for mounting accessories. The M6A2 model utilizes a folding front sight. The M6 rifle has standard M4-type removable two piece handguards. The M6 rifle looks nearly identical to that of the standard M4 carbine. As of the 2008 SHOT Show, several manufactures are introducing rail systems that can be used with either the standard gas tube or the various piston operated weapons. This would be the LWRC equivalent to the standard issue M4 carbine. One M6A1 rifle was equipped with a Canadian hammer forged 15.9 inch SFW barrel, Trijicon ACOG sight with a mounted red dot sight. The back-up sight was the Government Issue Matech BUIS. The M6A1 rifle used for test and evaluation was equipped with a 16-inch heavy barrel in the free floating LWRC M6A1 upper receiver. The accessories used on the rifle were an Insight Technology M3X flashlight with a pressure pad activation mounted to a Knights Armament vertical pistol grip, Insight Technology ISM-V red dot/laser sight module and a LaserMax UniMax green laser sight. The fully automatic testing was conducted with this rifle’s upper receiver placed on a Colt M4 lower receiver equipped with a Magpul UBR stock and a H2 buffer.

The bolt carrier has a similar look to the standard M16 but with some changes. First to notice is the carrier key is totally different. The key on the LWRC bolt carrier is hardened super alloy and locked in place by a dovetail fit. The rear of the carrier is flared outward leaving a larger diameter at the rear than the rest of the carrier. The purpose of this is to keep the carrier in alignment with the buffer extension. Due to the use of a piston, when the carrier is struck and it begins to move rearward, it is also moving on a slight downward angle. The flare aligns the carrier with the buffer extension and prevents any damage to the buffer extension from the bottom edge of the carrier. The interface between the piston rod and carrier key is mated with a beveled face of the carrier key and a rounded profile of the piston rod. This keeps the piston rod centered at the moment of impact with the carrier key. Also noted is the removal of the gas exhaust ports. Due to this being a piston system, there is no gas to be bled off. This also will prevent any dirt from entering the inside of the carrier. Originally, the carriers were black and coated with a DuPont Teflon finish. As of April 9, 2007, LWRC changed to a Teflon Nickel coating that is matte gold in color. This finish has excellent lubricating properties and is more durable than the previous DuPont Teflon coating. For $29.95 and a return of your black carrier, LWRC will send you out a new carrier with the updated finish.

LWRC has also introduced a new bolt for their family of weapons. The LWRC Advanced Combat Bolt looks similar to the Lewis Machine and Tool Enhanced Bolt but with a few changes. Like the LMT bolt, the LWRC Raptor extractor has a “lobster tail” appearance with dual buffered extractor springs. There are no undercuts on the lugs adjacent to the extractor. The bolt is manufactured from “Unobtanium” (i.e., proprietary metal LWRC does not want you to know about). The bolts can be used in standard direct gas/impingement guns as well. The bolts from LWRC all use gas rings. The purpose is ease of assembly and it keeps the bolt in good alignment with the barrel extension.

LWRC offers a wide variety of barrel lengths including 8, 10.5, 14.5 and 16.1 inches. All rifles feature the M4-type extended feed ramps on the barrel extension as well as the upper receiver. Both civilian/law enforcement semi-auto only as well as selective fire rifles are available. LWRC sells the rifles in both black and flat dark earth colors. The M6A2 DMR (Designated Marksmanship Rifle) is a match grade rifle equipped with either a Magpul PRS (Precision Rifle Stock) or a UBR (Utility Battle Rifle) stock. The barrel is match grade and comes in 16 and 18 inches in length and to add to the solid feel of the rifle, the Magpul MIAD pistol grip and Enhanced Trigger Guard. The trigger is upgraded to a Rock River two-stage match trigger. This model is offered in 5.56x45mm as well as 6.8 SPC.

The M6, M6A1 and M6A2 are offered with an array of barrel lengths suited for nearly any combat scenario. With the market place being what it is, the LWRC rifles can literally have most any design update, BUIS, optic, flashlight, pistol grip and stock enhances and trigger upgrades as that of the standard M16 and M4 carbines.

All the test rifles functioned flawlessly without lubrication. The M6A1 rifle was fired more than 1,500 rounds. More than half was fully automatic fire. The accuracy was up to par with any M4-type carbine and the overall system was flawless. Three Beta C-Mags were fired to test reliability. All three magazines were fired in a single 100-round burst. Again, the rifle functioned flawlessly. During testing it was a conscious decision not to use lubrication as this author believes the Teflon Nickel coating of the bolt and carrier significantly enhanced the performance without lubrication. The finish on the bolt carrier made only a rag necessary to clean it. It has been my experience that piston operated versions of the M16/M4 weapon system experience slightly sharper recoil than the direct gas guns and the LWRC guns were no exception. This sharper recoil is the result of the piston striking the top of the carrier key and that pushes downward on the bottom rear of the bolt carrier. This changes the felt recoil of the normal in-line construction of the direct gas guns. With the direct gas guns, the recoil energy is distributed evenly in the rear of the inside of the bolt carrier driving in rearward in line with the buffer and the shooters shoulder.

Noted arms expert, trainer and former Delta Operator Larry Vickers endorses the LWRC family of weapons stating he feels this is the best piston operated M16 variant commercially available. This is a very bold statement of the quality of the LWRC family of weapons. LWRCI is certainly a company to be taken seriously for potential military contract competition. The management of LWRCI has clearly demonstrated they are committed to quality, durability and reliability. Is the piston operated rifle the future? That is unknown. Many companies have come out with piston operated rifles due to it being customer driven. Thus far the U.S. Army has made its position very clear on the issue believing that the existing M4 and its proven direct gas system are working well and are the weapon of choice by our American warfighter. Nevertheless, there my be an open competition for the U.S. armed forces next battle rifle over the next few years. There is no question the battle proven M16A4 and M4 carbine will be the baseline and the weapons the competitors will try to beat and those weapons to challenge the mainstay will undoubtedly be piston operated rifles. You can rest assure piston operated entries will be entered by Heckler & Koch, Colt and FNMI. But do not be surprised to see a LWRC International entry to compete for the gold.

By Anthony G. Williams

Today there are only six cartridges used in rifle-calibre machine guns in the world’s major armies: the 7.62x54R Russian, 7.62×51 NATO, 7.62×39 Russian, 5.45×39 Russian, 5.56×45 NATO and 5.8×42 Chinese. Of these, only the first two are traditional “full power” rounds, a type which until World War II was used in almost all rifles and machine guns. Yet during the 20th century many different full-power rifle-calibre cartridges were developed and used in machine guns, and this article describes the ones which saw significant military service.

The definition of “machine gun” can be stretched to include the Gatling and other manually operated repeaters that were developed during and after the period of the American Civil War. However, this article will be focusing on the small-calibre high-velocity rounds that entered service in recoil or gas-operated machine guns from the last decade or so of the 19th century. The first of these guns was the famous Maxim which was first adopted by Italy and Austria in 1887, used by many nations, and redesigned and improved in the UK (Vickers), Germany (MG 14 Parabellum), Russia and Switzerland. The Maxim was offered in a wide range of calibres to suit the national preferences of its purchasers, as were other widely popular machine guns such as the Madsen (from 1902), Schwarzlose (1905) and the interwar FN-built Brownings. Other much-exported guns, particularly the Hotchkiss models (the first of which was adopted in 1897), were more often sold in their original calibres.

It is worth noting that a few of the older manually-operated guns were adapted to use the modern smaller-calibre ammunition. Conversely, some of the older black-powder rounds were updated with smokeless powder, chambered in modern MGs and remained in use until after World War I. These included the French 11x59R Gras rifle cartridge, which was loaded with incendiary bullets and chambered in Hotchkiss and Vickers MGs for shooting at hydrogen-filled observation balloons and airships during the Great War. The British Royal Navy also retained Maxim machine guns in a cordite-loaded version of the .45 inch Gardner-Gatling calibre until after that war.

These were rare exceptions. By the beginning of the Great War, most major armies had switched to using the new small-calibre rifle rounds in automatic machine guns. These mainly fell into two groups: 7-8mm and 6-6.5mm calibre. Those developed in the 19th century and the very beginning of the 20th were initially loaded with heavy round-nosed bullets, after which lighter spitzer (pointed) bullets, fired at higher muzzle velocities, were introduced. Most of the earlier cartridges were then modified to use spitzer bullets (in some cases the opportunity was taken to alter the cartridge dimensions as well), but a few retained only round-nosed bullets until the end of their service lives, the best-known of these being the Italian 6.5mm Carcano.

Of the 6-6.5mm group, the US Navy’s 6mm Lee had the smallest calibre to see service until the 1960s, although the cartridge case was relatively large. It dates back to 1895 and was really ahead of its time, as propellants available then could not extract the potential of the cartridge, which developed a muzzle energy of less than 1,650 ft/lbs. The only MG chambered for it was Browning’s first service design, the Colt Mk 1 (also known as the M1895 and, more popularly, the “potato digger”), and the cartridge was replaced twelve years later by the US Army’s .30-06 round. The other rounds in this group were all of 6.5mm calibre and broadly comparable in size and power; the Japanese 6.5x50SR Arisaka (round-nosed Type 30 adopted in 1897, Type 38 spitzer loading in 1905), Italian 6.5×52 Carcano (1891), Dutch/Romanian 6.5x54R Mannlicher (1892), Greek 6.5×54 Mannlicher-Schönauer (1903) and Swedish 6.5×55 Mauser (1894 – also used by Norway, Denmark and Luxembourg). All of these developed around 1,800-2,100 ft/lbs muzzle energy. Of these, the 6.5×55 was the biggest, most powerful and most long-lived, and remains a popular round for commercial hunting rifles.

The larger calibre group showed a little more variety in performance, typically developing muzzle energies in the 2,200-3,000 ft/lbs range in the later spitzer loadings. The dominant rounds throughout this period were the German 7.92×57 first developed in 1888 as the Patrone 88/8, although modified to take a spitzer bullet (S-Patrone) of slightly larger diameter in 1905, the British .303 inch (7.7x56R) of 1889 (the round-nosed bullet replaced by the Mk VII spitzer ball in 1910), the Russian 7.62x54R of 1891 (spitzer loading in 1908), and the American .30-06 (7.62×63) of 1906. The spitzer-bullet .30-06 replaced the slightly longer .30-03 (7.62×65 with a round-nosed bullet) of 1903 which had in turn replaced the .30-40 Krag (7.62x59R) of 1892. Of these, the 7.92mm Mauser and the .303 were used by many nations prior to and during World War 2, the .303 even by Italy and Japan as a consequence of interwar exports of Vickers and Lewis aircraft MGs. The 7.62x54R of course remains in front-line military service in Russia, China and many other countries to this day, while the 7.92×57 and.30-06 cartridges are very popular in hunting rifles. These were supplemented by many other cartridges, however: it appeared to be fashionable for each nation which could afford it to have its own unique rifle/MG round. In addition, some “rifle calibre” rounds were specifically developed for machine guns.

The French 8x50R Lebel was actually the first modern smokeless-powder round to be adopted, with the flat-nosed Balle M bullet in 1886, and in 1898 also introduced the first military spitzer loading, the famous solid brass Balle D, which was also the first to have a boat tail. It was replaced in service by the short-lived 7.5×58 in 1924 before that was in turn replaced by the slightly modified 7.5×54 Model 1929 five years later, to reduce any confusion between the 7.5×58 and the 7.92×57. The new cartridge was, however, very similar to the Swiss 7.5×55 adopted in 1911 with a boat-tailed spitzer bullet to replace the earlier round-nosed 7.5×53 of 1889. The 7.5×54 remained in French service until replaced by the 7.62×51 in the 1970s, while the 7.5×55 is still in Swiss service and is available in military and hunting loadings.

The German-developed 7×57 Mauser, a slightly necked-down version of the older 7.92×57, saw service with Spain from 1892, several South American nations and Serbia, in various different machine guns. The 7mm remains a deservedly popular commercial hunting cartridge, being regarded as one of the most useful rounds for anything short of heavy and dangerous game. Another popular military cartridge was the 7.65×53 Mauser of 1889, also known by the names of the principal user countries as the Belgian, Argentine and Turkish Mausers: in addition it was used by some other South American countries. A spitzer bullet loading was not adopted until the 1920s. Despite this widespread military use it has never achieved much popularity as a commercial hunting round.

Other rifle rounds to see service in machine guns include the 8x50R Mannlicher first adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1886 (and subsequently used by Bulgaria), the 8x52R Siamese Mauser of 1923, and the 8x58R Krag-Jorgensen of 1889 (spitzer bullet loading 1908) used by Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

Several nations decided to upgrade the performance of their machine guns by adopting new rounds specifically for them. Most such changes were made in the interwar period, although the Dutch had used their unique 7.92x57R as a special-purpose machine gun round since 1908. The Japanese first adopted the 7.7x58SR in its Type 89 version (in 1929), later replaced by a modified loading, the Type 92: later still came the rimless 7.7×58 Type 99, used in rifles as well as MGs. Norway adopted the 7.92×61 in 1929, Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria the 8x56R Solothurn from 1930 (unusual at that late date for using a rimmed case), Sweden the 8×63 in 1932, and Italy the 8×59 Breda in 1935. In some cases rifles chambered for these rounds were also made, but with the main exception of the 7.7mm Type 99 these were primarily to provide MG troops with commonality of ammunition. In addition, in 1938 the Italians adopted the Breda M38 in their new 7.35×51 rifle cartridge (the 6.5×52 Carcano necked-up to accept a larger, spitzer, bullet), but before the change to the new calibre had made much progress, the Second World War broke out and caused the changeover to be stopped.

The end of the Second World War saw most of these old calibres gradually phased out, although some lingered for a few decades. New “intermediate” cartridges primarily intended for selective-fire assault rifles were developed, and these were soon used in light machine guns. The two remaining full-power rounds, the old 7.62x54R Russian and the 1950s 7.62×51 NATO, are still extensively used in GPMGs and specialist rifles and look as if they will continue in those roles for a long time to come. Nearly all of the rest have either vanished into history or, in a few cases, are surviving by virtue of their popularity in hunting rifles.

(This article is based on excerpts from the book “Machine Gun: the Development of the Machine Gun from the 19th Century to the Present Day”, by Maxim Popenker and Anthony G Williams, published by The Crowood Press (UK) in July 2008. Anthony G Williams is Co-editor of Jane’s Ammunition Handbook and his website is at www.quarry.nildram.co.uk.)

“The most significant advance in weapons operating systems in more than 120 years.” Charles J. Kushell IV, CEO and Director, Transformational Defense Industries, Inc.

A rather ambitious statement, naturally leading to the question: How does one significantly advance beyond the work of John Browning, Hiram Maxim, John Garand, Eugene Stoner, and many others over the last twelve decades? Does the name Renaud Kerbrat deserve to be listed along with the uncontested geniuses of small arms innovation? Kerbrat, a Frenchman by birth who now lives in Switzerland, is the engineer whose breakthrough design for locking systems has led to patenting and development of a family of small arms based on “Super V” technology.

SAR’s readers know they’ll get hard facts and straight reporting on developments in weaponry – unlike many gun magazines where expensive advertising space regularly buys absurdly fawning portrayals of any new product to hit the market. We don’t need to get the story first, but we damn sure need to get it right. So our skepticism shields were fully powered up back in 2004 when we first heard about experimental development of a super fast-firing machine pistol.

Always curious about what’s in the works, and determined to help get the word out about worthy innovations, we made it a point to contact a year-old startup enterprise known as Transformational Defense Industries, Inc., (TDI) an American company created by Jebsen’s Gamma Recherches et Technologies Holding SA of Nyon, Switzerland.

Back then, TDI did not appear to be much more than a couple of guys with a rented office inside the Washington beltway and a bunch of technical drawings relating to something that might be yet another super machine pistol. Yes, TDI VP Andrew Finn told us, there is a test fixture that is actually firing pistol caliber cartridges at amazing rates, but “we’re not ready to show it yet.”

OK, we said, just let us know when there’s a gun we can look at.

Sneak Peek

Several months later we saw that Armed Forces Journal (AFJ) had scooped us in the December 2004 issue. Darn good feature too, complete with dramatic live fire photos of TDI’s “proof of concept” prototype that looked like a 1950’s Hollywood ray gun spitting flame from a cartoonishly large and multi-finned muzzle device.

But any inclination to laugh at this awkward contrivance was slapped aside by the tightly bunched flight of plump brass casings seen in the same photo. Unlike some, AFJ doesn’t fake it with handfuls of thrown brass or digitally altered images. Four tumbling empties within inches of the ejection port provided indisputable evidence of powerful and energetic .45 ACP rounds cycling at an extremely high rate of fire, reportedly 1,500 rpm. And the shooter – a petite young woman – didn’t seem to be having any trouble controlling the ripping ray gun in full roar.

The accompanying report in AFJ revealed that the prototype machine pistol in the pictures was being shipped off to the US Army’s Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) for comprehensive technical evaluation at famed Picatinny Arsenal. Identified as the MK5, it also carried the distinctive name KRISS – reminiscent of the fearsomely wavy-bladed Kris daggers and swords that originated in 13th Century Indonesia. We made a mental note to follow up later and moved on to other projects of more immediate importance.

Our next encounter with the KRISS came a few months later at NDIA’s Small Arms Conference in May 2005, where Finn and fellow TDI VP Tim Lindsay presented a technical briefing to a large room full of curious but cautious engineers and other professionals in the military firearms development community. The weapon’s mechanical secret, now secured by US and international patents jointly filed by international entrepreneur-financier Jan Henrik Jebsen and inventor Renaud Kerbrat, was introduced with the trademarked name “KRISS Super-V System.”

Numerous PowerPoint slides with charts and tables – mostly based on the heavily instrumented testing done at Picatinny – substantiated claims of the prototype’s seemingly physics-defying ability to efficiently fire powerful .45 ACP cartridges with minimal recoil and muzzle rise. Most compelling to us was the bar graph comparing puny 9mm (.38 caliber) rounds from an MP5 to man-stopping .45 caliber (11mm) from the KRISS. According to ARDEC’s engineering tests, the KRISS gun’s muzzle rise was a mere 1.8 degrees from horizontal, while that of the MP5 was four times greater.

But there was no prototype to heft and handle and hard copies of that technical documentation were kept on close hold. These precautions, it was explained, were necessary at this sensitive stage of weapon development.

Disappointing but understandable as long as nothing was amiss. “Trust but verify,” President Ronald Reagan was fond of saying.

SAR’s report on the NDIA conference (Jan ’06 issue) included the notation, “Mysteriously absent from the posted proceedings is a presentation by TDI… on an exciting new recoil-mitigating technology demonstrated in the prototype KRISS submachine gun firing full power .45 ACP ball at 1,300 rpm. TDI expects to apply ‘Super V’ to long arms as well and has promised SAR a live fire evaluation as this program matures.”

The program did a lot of maturing over the following two years, fueled in large part by the government’s ongoing search for innovative technologies for new generation small arms. A lot of credibility accrues to the projects and products that get their approval and funding from US Army Armaments Research and Development Command (ARDEC).

Building on cooperative engineering studies with ARDEC, consultations with Magpul Industries and plenty of input from various experts in tactical shooting including former and current special operations types, TDI fabricated its first true submachine gun early in 2006. The KRISS Super V TRL6 (Technology Readiness Level 6) XSMG, while distinctively configured, is recognizable as a subgun with folding stock and foregrip. By slightly varying the angle of the Super V slider’s camming channel, the XSMG’s rate of fire has been slowed to a slightly more sedate 1,100 rpm and another as low as 800 rpm with optional Enidine buffer assembly.

More refinements and improvements followed, culminating in an improved XSMG. Nine of these were sent to the Army’s Aberdeen Test Center for the usual range of torture and performance testing. The guns did well and emerged with documentation indicating development had reached Technology Readiness Level 7.

A couple of these hard-used veterans of ATC abuse were up on the firing line for TDI’s October 2007 media day at Blackwater. Interestingly, they were joined by a semiautomatic version resulting from parallel development; a BATFE-approved 16 inch barrel carbine having 95% parts commonality with the latest subguns.

11 October 2007, Moyoc, North Carolina

At Blackwater USA’s impressive headquarters and sprawling range complex, a couple dozen members of the news media and gun press have gathered in response to an invitation from Transformational Defense Industries, Inc. We’re eager for trigger time with an exciting new submachine gun and semiautomatic carbine, both built around “Super V,” a radically different operating mechanism.

TDI arranged a well-rounded program, conceived and executed in close association with Brotman, Winter, Fried Communications (BWFC). It began with the obligatory classroom session to introduce key personnel. Standing in front of a trade show display featuring a dramatically enlarged graphic depicting the inner workings of “Super V” in the KRISS Vector Submachine Gun, TDI’s CEO Chuck Kushell, along with VPs Tim Lindsay and Andrew Finn, set the stage, providing an overview of the development of these unusual weapons.

“Super V is a quantum leap forward in weapons technologies,” Kushell declared. After pausing a moment to let the statement hang in the air, he added the familiar headline from TDI’s promotional materials, “It’s the most significant advance in small arms operating system design in more than 120 years.”

Those who had done their homework in preparation for the event understood that Kushell’s sweeping assertions were backed by recently granted US and international patents, as well as hard facts arising from US military testing. An informative presentation followed, highlighting developmental history, mechanical function, test results, and recent developments.

Meet the Family

At appropriate points in their briefings, Kushell and his colleagues indicated specifics as embodied in an array of weapons lined up on a black draped table. On the left were a couple of relatively crude prototype machine pistols, built in Switzerland by Kerbrat himself in advance of engineering studies at ARDEC’s famed Picatinny Arsenal.

Both had the decidedly alien appearance of the 1,500 rpm slug ripper seen in Armed Forces Journal that got speculation flying in the earliest stages, providing compelling evidence of a start point in how far the system had evolved. Lindsay explained that the principle differences between the two were internal. Pointing an index finger to the camming track of the “Super V” slider, he explained that Kerbrat used subtle variations in the two distinct angles of the track to regulate dwell time and rate of fire.

Lessons learned in ARDEC’s testing, computer analysis and input from a variety of sources resulted, Lindsay explained, in development of a somewhat more conventionally configured submachine gun – but still decidedly novel in profile. This one, holding a place of honor front and center on the exhibit table, was finished overall in desert tan with a stubby, stainless steel barrel tipped by a quick-release suppressor coupler. Quite different from any other subgun of our acquaintance, its distinctive parallelogram midsection was obviously dictated by the geometry of the unique bolt and siding mass arrangement of the Super V system.

It was fitted with a skeletonized folding stock and topped with a full run of Mil-Std 1913 “Picatinny Rail” on the upper receiver and a shorter one under the barrel. Noting the selector movement in a semicircular arc with markings 1, 2 and 25 to indicate semiautomatic, two round burst and full auto, Lindsay identified this as one of the first two TRL6 (Technology Readiness Level 6) XSMGs and the gun that debuted with a lot of buzz at the 2007 SHOT Show.

Next came a similar subgun with matte black upper receiver and desert tan lower showing obvious evidence of hard use and abuse. This, we learned, was SN 3 or 4 from that same first series of four TRL6 XSMGs, emerging battered but unbowed following plenty of “tough love” at the hands of the developmental team at TDI’s Viking Works. Its deeply worn, scratched and dinged upper receiver featured a selector lever modified to move in a quarter circle arc for faster and easier operator interface.

Then, retrieved with a flourish from their custom-fitted hardside cases, we met the event’s stars; two new weapons clearly showing direct lineage to the XSMG but carrying notable improvements. The stubby barreled one was the brand new SUPER V VECTOR SMG .45 ACP selective-fire submachine gun, alongside its fraternal twin, the 16-inch barreled SUPER V VECTOR CRB/SO .45 ACP semiautomatic carbine.

Both were derived from a batch of TRL7 guns then undergoing hard knocks at the Army’s Aberdeen Test Center. These were being unveiled for the first time in the form that would begin quantity production, rolling off the assembly line at Viking Works in the months to come. They’ll fill a growing backlog of orders, Finn explained, that is expected to sharply increase following their planned public introduction in February at the 2008 SHOT Show.

Partially hidden in the background until its turn in capping the presentation, was a full scale mockup of a wicked-looking assault carbine. The same SUPER V mechanism used in the semiauto CRB/SO, we learned, was to be housed in an angular polymer receiver, stylishly vented and finished in matte black.

Tentatively designated Model A2-b, the modular design may be customized to owner preference with Picatinny Rails, folding or fixed stock, flash suppressor, etc. This also allows it to be configured to comply with local restrictions, making it “50 state legal.” TDI is planning to introduce the A2-b toward the end of 2008 as a logical follow-on to the CRB/SO.

Full Auto Anti-Ambush

The program moved out to the range for a fast moving tactical scenario intended to show the KRISS subgun’s combat utility. Promotional materials stress the Super V System’s minimal recoil and negligible muzzle rise, aiding the shooter in precisely delivering tightly grouped shots. It was time to see how this advantage could mean the difference between life or death.

The action began with two men in an automobile that had been “disabled by gunfire from ambushers,” simulated by four irregularly positioned reactive steel silhouette targets at the vehicle’s right front.

The driver and passenger wasted no time in returning fire with their compact VECTOR SMGs, handily carried and employed from the confines of a car. Demonstrator Chris Costa, shooting through the window on the passenger side, suppressed the attackers with a torrent of .45 ACP, rapidly ringing the steel target plates one after another.

Tom Maffin, TDI’s Manager of Training and Demonstrations, jumped from behind the steering wheel and took cover beside the engine compartment. Firing his VECTOR sub over the hood, he added another 18 rounds per second to Costa’s 230 grain full metal jacket firestorm.

Each man in turn fired from a crouch as the other reloaded on the move, methodically pulling away from the ambush kill zone. It was all over in less than a minute, with the quartet of heavy steel targets not only hit repeatedly, but with one dramatically slammed to the ground under the relentless assault of burst after burst of powerful slugs.

Skeptics tempted to decry the stationary targets and lack of incoming fire miss the point. The object of the demonstration was to show the real world payoff of the KRISS system’s unique controllability and recoil reduction in an efficiently compact and undeniably deadly new weapon.

As we just observed – and most in attendance would soon experience for ourselves – the VECTOR SMG tames the energetic recoil of powerful and demonstrably lethal .45 ACP cartridges. Simply stated in TDI’s promotional materials, Kerbrat’s Super V system aids the gunner in putting “More rounds on target, more of the time.”

Trigger Time

Clearing their subguns, Maffin and Costa smoothly transitioned to their familiar role as weapons instructors, stepping up to a long table laden with weapons, magazines and plenty of American Eagle .45 ACP ball ammunition. With practiced ease, Maffin quickly separated the receiver halves and withdrew the Super V operating assembly, showing how easy it is for an operator to clean and lubricate this simple and rugged weapon.

Reassembling the weapon in short order, Maffin carefully explained and showed the approved sequence and movements necessary for safe loading and operation. Those who were paying attention would be well prepared for their turn on the trigger.

The hands-on live fire to follow, Maffin urged, would be most productive if it began with a “baseline” experience with a conventional carbine. That way, he said, the recoil and muzzle rise generated by standard 230 grain .45 ACP ball ammunition in traditional weapons would be fresh in our minds.

In this case the “conventional” weapon was HK’s well-respected USC .45 carbine in semiautomatic configuration, notable for purposes of the day to exemplify the old ways of having recoiling parts that travel in a straight line. With most of the recoil energy reaching the butt plate as a pivot point on the shoulder, each shot kicks the muzzle upward, a problem substantially magnified in the full auto UMP version.

TDI’s new VECTOR CRB/SO should come next, Maffin continued, semiautomatic as well and similar to the USC in overall length (34.8 in.) and weight (5.5 lbs.) but having the advantage of Kerbrat’s operating system, which redirects recoil energy at a downward angle. Firing the HK then the KRISS carbine would, he assured, provide convincing evidence of Super V’s effect in minimizing muzzle rise and recoil.

Those attendees successfully completing the semiauto sensory calibration class should then transition to the VECTOR SMG, touching off a couple mags in burst and full auto. While anticipating that the advertised light recoil and controllability of Super V would be readily apparent even to novice shooters, it wasn’t a sure deal.

Patiently awaiting our turn gave plenty of time to closely observe and occasionally photograph most of the attendees as they sent their first bursts downrange. Nine out of ten did quite well, showing good form by leaning forward in a slight “subgun crouch” as seen in the tactical demonstration. This, of course, adds good body geometry to the Super V equation.

Plenty of these, Maffin told us later, were likely to have joined an ever growing list of KRISS converts, almost always notable for a grin and an affirming nod of the head after emptying a standard 13 round Glock 21 magazine in seven tenths of a second. By the way, that same box, fitted with Magpul’s clever KRISS G30 MAGEX 17-round extender, takes a hair over one second more.

As for the other two or three guests who apparently expected a full repeal of the laws of physics, we strongly suggest it would not be fair to fault the design. While the VECTOR guns dramatically reduce recoil and climb as advertised, there is still plenty of energy in play. Also, if you’re going to participate in and report on shooting events, it is prudent to invest a bit of time in learning to shoot.

And our live fire evaluation? The 1,100 rpm .45 ACP KRISS SUPER V VECTOR SMG performs as advertised. Light weight, well balanced, superior holding characteristics, logical and easily manipulated ambidextrous safety and selector, rapid load and mag release, fast and smooth bursts, very mild recoil with minimal muzzle rise, hits where its pointed.

The CRB/SO is also a great little weapon for fun shooting, CQB competition and home defense. Same comments as with the subgun. While we didn’t get to shoot paper, serious evaluators report tight groups of multiple shots with no time lost in keeping the sights on target. Got $1,695 (MSRP) to spare? Get one.

Latest Developments

Additional mechanical and operational refinements have been carried out at Viking Works following the demonstration at Blackwater, incorporating more than 50 design changes that enhance firing performance and manufacturing efficiency. Continuing its collaboration with Magpul Industries on customized flip-up sights, there is now a sturdy and reliable magazine extension that boosts capacity to 30 rounds.

TDI has received BATFE approval for the KRISS SUPER-V VECTOR CRB/SO .45 ACP semiautomatic carbine. Closely resembling the subgun except for a 16 inch barrel and modified fire control system that precludes full auto conversion, the distinctive “Carbine/Special Ops” has particular appeal to tactical weapons enthusiasts for combat shooting competition and home defense. A short barrel rifle (SBR) with or without threaded 5.5” barrel to accommodate a suppressor, is also being offered for sale where legal.

The newly-standardized production model submachine gun and carbine received their public debut at the 2008 SHOT show in Las Vegas, fueling interest that soon generated a million dollars in advance orders of weapons and accessories. TDI has an exclusive agreement with industry giant AcuSport as sole distributor for the KRISS Super-V family of semiautomatic firearms and accessories to the US civilian market. Marketing and sales of the submachine gun version and SBR, heavily regulated by federal, state and local laws, remain under direct control of TDI.

After exploring various alternatives for production of the new subguns and carbines, TDI has taken the very practical route of contracting out parts production, followed by assembly, inspection, and testing at Viking Works, which shipped the first batch of KRISS Super V Vector CRB/SO carbines in April. The initial production rate of 200 guns per month is expected to triple well before the end of the year.

Find Out More

Transformational Defense Industries, Inc. has a particularly information-rich website with hot links to technical information, press coverage, test videos, and more at www.kriss-tdi.com.
AcuSport Corp.: www.acusport.com

YouTube videos of KRISS XSMG (the Discovery Channel’s “Future Weapons” segment is also linked on TDI website) at www.youtube.com search “KRISS”

The KRISS Super V Advantage (Courtesy of TDI)

* Higher operator efficiency: “More rounds on-target more of the time.” Greater lethal speed and less burst dispersion mean a more effective operator. Unprecedented controllability is achieved through a combination of significant reductions in felt-recoil and muzzle climb, reduced weight, compactness of frame and reduction in the number of moving parts.

* Not only is the operator able to gain greater effect from his shooting, but his ability to keep the weapon in-service has been addressed by a simple mechanism that is not only easy to learn, but markedly easier to field strip and clean than any other mechanism. This also means shorter training cycles, longer retention of the operator’s efficiency along with higher operational availability of weapon and operator and lower operating costs.

* Portability of design: The KRISS technology can be easily adapted to any size caliber and any type of platform. Thus, KRISS becomes a highly efficient system that provides significant operating benefits in a multitude of applications. This will significantly reduce training and maintenance cycles.

* Cost-effectiveness: With extensive production analysis work done and with simplicity a design requirement, TDI believes that weapons using the KRISS technology will be highly cost efficient in production quantities due to the elegant simplicity of the mechanism and its fewer moving parts.

The Secret of Super V

“The invention comprises an improved recoil control device… the bolt head and inertia lock block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.” Abstract, US Patent 7,201,094, Inventors: Renaud Kerbrat and Jan Jebsen

Understanding and appreciation for Renaud Kerbrat’s breakthrough KRISS Super V System necessarily begins with Sir Issac Newton’s fundamentals of physics, popularly known as Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, first detailed in 1687 in his book Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica:

1. A physical body will remain at rest, or continue to move at a constant velocity, unless an outside net force acts upon it.
2. Rate of change of momentum is proportional to the resultant force producing it and takes place in the direction of that force.
3. To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the case of traditional designs for manportable firearms, Rule 1’s “outside net force” is actually inside the weapon – energy resulting from explosion of propellant that sends a projectile down the barrel. Rule 2’s “direction of that force” is straight back at the shooter, and Rule 3’s “equal and opposite reaction” is recoil – what we shooters tend to call “kick.”

Over centuries of firearm development from primitive hand cannon to sophisticated assault weapons, Newton’s unbreakable laws have been validated in readily observable effects of recoil and attendant muzzle rise. While designers have used any number of tricks to minimize these problems – muzzle brakes, buffers, lightweight finned needle projectiles, and more – the fundamental problem has been straight line recoil.

Kerbrat’s ingenious KRISS Super V System overcomes the shock-creating effects of recoil by re-directing the energy down and away from the traditional straight line path.

Super V (vector) is described in patent documentation as “re-vectoring” (changing the path of movement) of the recoil forces, with the additional advantage of reducing muzzle climb by activating a counter-balancing mass. This further absorbs shock and re-directs forces that would otherwise create muzzle climb.

The result of this combination greatly enhances the operator’s ability to accurately and consistently put more rounds on-target; whether through single-fire, multi-round burst or full automatic firing.

Because of its unique design, the KRISS technology significantly reduces both the number and weight of the moving parts of the mechanism. By reducing the mass of the slider and bolt and re-directing their movement, KRISS weapons offer significant advantages in reduction of overall weight.

The Super V mechanism is readily adjustable for a wide range of firing rates and popular cartridges by simply varying the angle of the slider’s channel.

Lethality in the uncannily controllable KRISS Vector SMG is maximized by launching heavy, powerful and hard-hitting .45 ACP cartridges at more than 18 rounds per second (1,100 rpm). Even the shortest bursts can put multiple hits in a tight group for positive knockdown and drag out. Conventional subguns are pushing the envelope at half this rate.

Small Arms Review is proud to announce several new product releases planned for the 2009 SHOT show, scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida from January 15-18, 2009. As the largest domestic firearm industry trade show, admission to the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade show is limited to those that work within the firearms industry.

Interordnance

Interordnance announced several new rifles for the U.S. civilian market. The STG-22 is a full sized .22 LR caliber AK-style rifle. Manufactured entirely in the U.S., (including the receiver and barrel) the fire control parts are identical to full sized AK rifles. With the increasing cost of 7.62×39 ammunition, the ability to fire cheap and available .22 LR from an AK platform should be welcome to many hard core shooters. The STG-22 uses a proprietary magazine that appears to be related to the East German .22 caliber magazines that are commonly available within the U.S. civilian market. A retail price has not been announced as of press time.

Small Arms Review previously reported the manufacture of semiautomatic MP40 carbines by Sport System Dittrich of Germany. Manufactured to the same original manufacturing dimensions and specifications as the originals, parts and magazines reportedly fit the Sport System Dittrich replicas. Interordnance announced that they have agreed to act as the exclusive U.S. importer for the semiautomatic MP40 carbine. Retail price is expected to be about $6,000.

Century Arms

Century Arms has several newly modified firearms available for the civilian market. The Goryunov SGM (SG43) belt-fed machine gun has been converted to semiautomatic function only using newly manufactured U.S. made receivers, barrels and Polish parts. A Russian designed machine gun chambered in 7.62x54R, the firearm is sold complete with caisson mount, and unique non-disintegrating belt. Century also has three semiautomatic light machine guns – the DP28, DPM, and DTM. Fed from a pan magazine similar to a Lewis gun, these three firearms are also manufactured with new U.S. made receivers, barrels and Polish parts and are chambered in 7.62×39.

The Sterling submachine gun was used with great success by the British Army. Until recently, there were no semiautomatic versions available for sale in the U.S. Century Arms designed and produced a semiautomatic Sterling that qualifies as a non-NFA firearm. Complete with a U.S. made 16-inch barrel and folding stock, the firearm is not an exact replica, but is very close in appearance. The Century Arms Sterling is compatible with existing Sterling magazines, and other accessories.

Adams Arms

Adams Arms revealed an AR-15/M16 piston system at the 2008 SHOT show. For 2009, Adams Arms has a new 7.5-inch AR-15/M16 upper receiver utilizing the gas piston system. Fans of short barreled M16 rifles know that 7.5-inch upper receivers are finicky, and difficult to make run properly. The Adams Arms team reports that their 7.5-inch upper receiver works flawlessly. Retail price for the complete upper was not available as of press time.

Fabrique Nationale

FN has two new rifles that will excite SAR readers. The first new rifle is the FN-AR. Based upon the Browning BAR system, the FN-AR is a .308 caliber, semiautomatic rifle available in a light or heavy barreled configuration. Representatives from FN indicate that law enforcement officers requested a semiautomatic .308 rifle that would fit within a patrol vehicle. With a 20-inch barrel, the FN-AR delivers as requested. FN makes two guarantees of the FN-AR: a 10,000 round barrel life (compared to the 3,500 round barrel life of the Browning BAR) and guaranteed MOA accuracy. The FN-AR utilizes a proprietary 20-round magazine. According to FN representatives, original BAR magazines will not function with the new FN-AR rifle. The FN-AR rifle also uses the ambidextrous magazine release designed for the SCAR rifle system. Retail price for the FN-AR rifle is expected to be $1,399.

Scheduled for public release in mid-December 2008, look for the civilian legal SCAR light rifles from FN. Frequent readers of SAR know that the SCAR rifle system has been under development by FN for several years for the U.S. military. According to FN representatives, the civilian version of the SCAR rifle will be virtually identical to the military version. Two obvious changes to the civilian SCAR rifle include semiautomatic only function and an 18-inch barrel with standard A2-type birdcage flash hider. Suggested retail price as of press time is $2,499.

Serbu Firearms Semiautomatic .50 BMG Rifle

The long anticipated Serbu semiautomatic rifle is reportedly in production. Featuring steel and aluminum construction, the rifle reportedly weighs 25 pounds making the Serbu rifle considerably lighter than many competing semiautomatic .50 caliber rifles. Overall length is reportedly 52.5 inches, with a 26-inch barrel. Utilizing a gas operated, three lug bolt with dual ejectors, the rifle uses standard M82 10-round magazines. Suggested retail is currently $6,700.

American Tactical Imports

Known for importing the GSG-5 carbine, look for the GSG-5 pistol to be on display at SHOT. Manufactured by German Sport Guns of Germany, the GSG-5 variants are near perfect replicas of the full scale 9mm Heckler and Koch versions. Look for a full review of the GSG-5 pistol in a future issue of Small Arms Review.

ATI is offering a dedicated .22 caliber M4 type AR-15/M16 upper receiver with a 16-inch barrel that utilizes Mad Dog .22 caliber magazines. Utilizing a modified bolt and recoil system based upon the Atchisson .22 LR system, the ATI upper receiver will reportedly retail for $300. Unlike other .22 caliber conversions, the ATI conversion utilizes a .22 caliber barrel and eliminates the .223 chamber spacer employed by caliber conversion kits. The kit is reportedly made and manufactured in Italy, and imported exclusively by ATI.

The firearms industry has recently seen many new modifications and caliber offerings in the AR-15 system. ATI has a new .410 caliber shotgun based upon the AR-15 design. Unlike the USAS-12 12-gauge shotgun, the T-14 shotgun is the same size as an AR-15, and makes use of the same fire control parts found on the AR-15. Equipped with a 10-round magazine, the T-14 has an MSRP of $799.

For Glock owners, ATI has secured newly manufactured after-market 15-round and 17-round 9mm Glock magazines. Identical in fit and finish to the original Glock 9mm magazines, a pair of magazines is sold with a magazine pouch for $39.99.

PTR-91, Inc.

PTR, long known for its Heckler and Koch type .308 rifles, has a new rifle available for the U.S. civilian market. The new G3 based rifle is chambered in 7.62×39. Designated the PTR-32, the rifle is available with a 16-inch barrel, Navy-type polymer trigger group, HK-type birdcage flash suppressor, and either a standard or collapsible stock. Most importantly, the rifle reportedly accepts AK-type 7.62mm magazines which are easy and inexpensive to obtain. Suggested retail is $1,240 for the standard stock model, and $1,355 for the collapsible stock model.

The SHOT show is the largest domestic firearm trade show of the year, and visitors can expect to find many new product releases during the show. Please bear in mind that while the information within this article was accurate as of press time, changes within the industry and political climate may result in changes to the final retail price, product offerings, and configurations.

One of the things that has grown to be readily apparent is that the NFATCA is becoming what so many of us had hoped would happen since its inception. We, as an organization, continue to grow and progress to be the only NFA support group that has truly enjoyed success in working to support the entire industry on so many NFA issues. As we launched this effort five years ago many of you will remember we hosted our first meeting at Long Mountain Outfitters with guest speakers such as Lew Raden, then Assistant Director with ATF, and our Firearms Attorney. The announcement that we were forming a lobbyist group to support the entire NFA community was met by both enthusiasm and certainly a degree of skepticism by the community. Others had tried similar efforts and unfortunately had fallen by the wayside in attempts to support our community. The NFATCA has become successful!

Having already formed a board of directors and having the board fund our initial efforts, we were off and running on a ride that many of us look back on and wonder how we ever made such a successful effort reach the heights we enjoy in 2009. The truth of the matter is that a lot of hard work, determination, and energy to create industry and ATF relationships is unprecedented. Every single board member has given every ounce of their strengths, backed by nearly 150 years of experience, to create the path to success that everyone in our community is now enjoying. We truly have a full agenda ahead of us that seems to grow in stature rather than diminish. We spend countless hours in meetings and negotiations working for the good of all. For nearly five years now the board meets on a conference bridge every Tuesday to discuss issues and plan events. The efforts of the board are stronger now than ever before with a full agenda to support our community.

There are those in the industry that still today accuse the NFATCA of “Sleeping with the enemy” in our efforts to make life a little easier for all NFA owners in the country. These few won’t join our initiative for a variety of reasons and unfortunately we will miss them among the rank and file of our successes. Interestingly enough as the elections came closer last year membership rose sharply surpassing the 200 total members level. With all of that energy we published the first update to the NFA Handbook, and made substantial progress in completing major portions of the Firearms Technology Branch Procedures manual. We successfully negotiated the resolution to the FNC rifle/sear issues and held over 30 meetings during the year with ATF representatives on many issues: each one important to the entire trade. For the membership, the quarterly newsletters, the daily updated website and the plethora of information that is available to the members is staggering. Members call my office weekly and we enjoy lengthy calls on a variety of subjects and I can’t tell you the number of ideas that the board brings forward from just the members. Issues like the FNC rifle issue and the need for an NFA handbook all came from within the organization’s members. Together, the NFATCA board and our membership have become a strategic asset to the entire community.

This past year has also seen the introduction of Benefactor Members or large industry partners who have joined our efforts in supporting our objectives with funding and strategic involvement at the manufacturing level. First on board was American Heritage Arms with Remington that now is a major contributor and sponsor to our efforts. Along with AHA we have been supported by other major benefactors that have joined the NFATCA in sponsoring us in major events and bringing their expertise to the table to support our efforts. In parallel with the joining of these benefactor members we have enjoyed the support within ATF’s highest levels. Our special thanks to Director Sullivan, who has taken it upon himself to stay involved with our efforts and offer support at every step in our joint efforts. Take into consideration the total efforts of these combined energies and it is hard to beat the initiatives of this one single organization: the NFATCA.

Our efforts continue to thrive in the face of an uncertain destiny within our entire trade. What makes our effort so strong and so successful is the true understanding that any effort in our community must be supported by many and focus on the global needs of all. That understanding and that support is exactly what has made our efforts so successful, especially in the face of a politically adverse environment. Our motto is simple and the mission is strong: but only with the support of a diverse industry representation and a strong alliance with ATF. That momentum is stronger today than ever before and it is critical to keep the momentum moving forward. Strength through numbers is our success and the more of the industry, the membership, and ATF members that join the effort to create a better understanding of how we all work together will insure success.

So what are you waiting for? If after all of this you still aren’t sure on whether to join us in this success, call one of the board members and talk over your issues and concerns and finally become a part of the only successful effort that is looking after your NFA interests. We need your experience, your support and most of all your interest in our cause. Join us today at www.nfatca.org and support the success and your future of NFA ownership.