The FAMAS is now a thirty year old rifle, despite the fact that the FELIN program (Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés, Integrated Equipment and Communications Infantryman) has updated portions of the weapon. This made that French troops engaged in Afghanistan received recent materials but were disparate and bought abroad.

We know that the HK416, FN SCAR and M4 are already present in Afghanistan, but an evaluation of greater scope seems well to be considered, if not already undertaken. In addition to the already mentioned weapons, other models that could interest the Army are the Beretta ARX 160, SIG SG556 and the Israeli Tavor.

Additionally, there are plans to replace in the short run sniper rifles FR.F 2 with a 7.62mm NATO semiautomatic or automatic weapon. And if they decided to complement the individual weapon in 5.56mm and that in 7.62mm, the manufacturers best placed would be those which are able to propose these two models:

• FN-Herstal with its two versions of the SCAR,
• Heckler & Koch with the HK 416 and HK 417,
• SIG with SG516 and 716,
• Colt or another American manufacturer with the M4 rifle and the SR 25 (new AR-10).
• IWI with its Galil ACE.
• And possibly Beretta, if it would prepare an expanded version of the ARX 160.

2010 will be a crucial year in the choice of the future individual armament of the French Army, with also the systematic allocation of a pistol for all the disembarked troops and the experimentation of the PDW HK MP 7 A1 for ALAT helicopter crews. In addition are tested on the ground of other materials of support:

• Machine-gun MAG 58 (1st Paratroop Marine Infantry Regiment),
• Minimi machine-gun 7.62mm NATO (13th Dragoon paratroop Regiment and COS Special Forces),
• Minigun M134 (1st Paratroop Marine Infantry Regiment, Army helicopters, Navy Commandos),
• Automatic grenade thrower HK GMG (1st Paratroop Marine Infantry Regiment).

As these tests and considerations continue for the future of small arms in the French army, we will follow them with attention and present the results as they become available.

Never before have so many shooters and collectors become so interested to learn how to create their own dream guns with the aid of modern accessories. This is rightly so because it has never been so easy to install these magnificent accessories and the selection available is mind boggling. To complement the M412 article published previously in SAR that covered the compact CQB version of the Remington M870 shotgun, this article is focused on power and precision while keeping the well established tactical format so revered by today’s modern battlefield warriors. While the weapon configuration presented in this project is geared primarily for law enforcement and military applications, it is also ideally suited for civilian defense and tactical sport shooting competitions. The writer designated the project gun as “Tactical Road Blocker” simply because that is exactly what it is being designed to accomplish. Road blocks are normally set up by police to corner a fleeing felon who in most cases drives a motorized vehicle. Often the driver of the target vehicle will try to ram through the blockade and create damage to police vehicles or in some cases cause serious injuries to the officers manning the block. Patrol officers are normally issued with service handguns and a 12 gauge riot shotgun. Riot type police shotguns are not equipped with precision sights since they are normally used as short range buck shot spreaders.

Law enforcement strategists are constantly looking for more effective ways to improve their policing techniques in order to save lives and property. Tools of their trade are unquestionably a vital importance in being able to accomplish their dangerous tasks effectively and efficiently. The shotgun has for over a century been the most favored tool by American lawmen and security couriers of the old west. That well established tradition continues to this very day; clear proof that scatterguns are truly unbeatable as a close quarter combat arm wherein multiple numbers of projectiles are discharged with a single fire. The development of more lethal ammo and rifled barrels for this new generation of arms has made the 12 gauge even more attractive as a duty or a hunting arm. Although primarily employed as a scattergun, shotguns can now perform as a precision big-bore rifle when equipped with a rifled barrel. A 3-inch Magnum with a one ounce slug is now capable of 2,000 fps muzzle velocity. This is quite powerful when used as a precision road blocker. A good reloader can further enhance the Magnum power of the big round well beyond the factory loads for more destructive capability: enough to blow away an engine block using special exploding projectiles or steel penetrators that can instantly disable an engine upon impact. An officer equipped with this arm will have a much better chance of taking down a suspect vehicle before it can create havoc to police cars or hurt anyone before it impacts the road block. To accomplish this task, a special type of arm must be devised. The M412 Tactical Road Blocker is an attempt to create such a weapon system using available tactical accessories that can be easily put together by police or military armorers to become standard equipment for road blockers utilizing the proven Remington M870 action as a starting point.

What’s Required

As clearly stated, this is a specialized gun for extreme situations. Although nothing would probably beat the .50 caliber rifles now available as the ultimate car stopper, this is simply not the ideal hardware for the urban environment. Therefore, the next big thing is a 12 gauge shotgun in 3-inch Magnum or larger. Since the primary target is the vehicle, the choice of ammunition is extremely important for the round to do the most damage to the engine or tire. Tests at different distances must be undertaken to determine the effective ranges in order to give the operator the idea when to fire to the incoming target vehicle and what damage to expect when the moving target is hit at a certain point. The 12 gauge Tactical Road Blocker weapon system being equipped with optical sight, rifled barrel and bipod can be fired like a precision rifle at the intended target and those big slugs can do a better job more safely than an AR or AK within 50-100 meters – especially when bystanders are nearby.

The M412 Tactical Road Blocker is basically the same Remington M870 used in the CQB versions but with a longer factory 20-inch rifled slug barrel complemented by an 8-shot capacity using a magazine extension. A shorter 18-inch cylinder barrel version can also be employed allowing both buck shot and slugs to be fired. This will have a capacity of 7-shots using the factory magazine extension as employed in their tactical gun series. These replacement parts are readily available from sporting goods or gun stores or mail order outlets like Brownells. For furniture, The CAA RS870 M4 buttstock/pistol grip assembly remains the author’s top choice. This accessory is the most authentic among this type of accessory that are currently available for this gun in the market. The AR’s straight stock format affords comfortable shooting stance and milder recoil absorption. For a more compact requirement utilizing the 18 or 20-inch barrels, folding stocks are available. One of the classic folders originally offered back in the 80s is still produced today by Choate but shorter in length. However, the Choate design still retains the original sloping pattern as opposed to the most desired modern straight stock format for high sights and optics thus exhibiting more pronounced muzzle flip and heavier felt recoil. An ideal folder that can work in conjunction with the CAA RS870 pistol grip and stock base is the Ace AR15 FX folding stock. The FX folder is patterned after the famed FAL Para design but much improved in a sense that it can be set up to be folded either to the left or to the right side of the gun. When the stock is in the extended position, it provided a straight stock format perfectly working in harmony with the AR high sights or optics. It also offers less felt recoil and enhanced ergonomics. The overall quality of the metal stock is excellent and quite robust in overall construction. Ace made good use of their Para side folders by creating numerous adaptors to fit varieties of popular arms to include the AR, AK, SIG 550, FAL, Saiga, Daewoo and even the Ingram M11 machine pistols; just to name a few. The machined aviation grade aluminum of the RS870 stock base is assembled to the M870 receiver by the usual stock screw. The rear of the CAA part has been bored and threaded to accept the matching AR buttstock tube that came with the kit. This threaded opening will also connect to the front end extension of the Ace FX folding stock base where the stock itself is fastened using two large socket head screws. If the operator wishes to install a side saddle shell holder to the gun, the best section to put it is on the right side of the skeleton stock. The shell holder made by Tac Star is ideal for this set up. It has a loop for six rounds and features an aluminum back plate which can be drilled through over the plastic part to connect to the matching (threaded) assembly hole of the aluminum tubing of the stock. Four 6-32 socket head screws assembled on both ends of the shell holder is more than enough to secure the part in place.

Standard AR or BUIS sights can be incorporated to the Road Blocker using the appropriate mounts. For the rear sights, the B-Square receiver saddle scope mount is ideal. It’s the longest available that can accommodate the length of the AR carry handle type sight and features the popular Weaver type rail. For the front sight installation, the CAA Shotgun Rail Adaptor (SGRI) is a perfect mount. The Israeli made accessory features a fully machined high quality aluminum construction utilizing a unique dual clamp design with the two halves connected to a short Picatinny/Weaver type rail on each end. The lower two halves of the clamp tightens the assembly to the front end of the barrel using four screws. A BUIS type sight is then mounted to the rail as usual. The SGRI is a very solid and attractive sight mount originally designed by CAA for mounting lights, laser or bipod but it is also perfect for iron sights installation as used in this project. There are now many tactical type forearms for the M870 available with built-in rails for mounting forward grips, lights, laser, etc. These are mostly polymer in construction and quite affordable. If you want a first rate Tri-rail aluminum Picatinny rail forend, the Wilson tactical version is true to its reputation: a workhorse accessory that commands a high price tag. One of the drawbacks noted on this tri-rail accessory is its bulk. A forward grip is definitely a must for those with small or even average size hands to grasp around it. For forward grip requirement, the CAA VG1 Combat grip remains the author’s favorite. It’s a perfect combination for the UPG47 finger groove pistol grip used in the RS870 stock. The Carry Handle sight (CH) selected is again a CAA product and is a quality part that is surprisingly affordable. Matching the Carry Handle sight is the DPMS steel detachable front sight in the classic AR front sight configuration. For those who may prefer a low profile BUIS back up sight, the popular YHM Rear Flip and forearm flip sight (not gas block front flip sight) is an ideal combination for correct sight level format. The YHM sights are well designed and economically priced and an excellent value in this category. The Carry Handle sight features elevation and windage adjustments as well as further elevation adjustment for the front sight post if needed. With this type of sighting system, the rifled shotgun with a 20-inch barrel can be fine tuned to an outstanding accuracy never before experienced with this type of hardware specially when mounted in a bipod such as CAA’s three-position heavy duty bipod system. Perfect for this set-up is the Bipod Short Length (BPOS). The pods can be folded neatly on the lower side of the forearm or forward when not in use. The design of this accessory is truly outstanding. It’s compact, sleek and revolutionary with all mechanical components being self contained within the pods. It’s one of the best bipods ever produced for tactical long arms. There are two ways to mount the bipod to the gun. One is to the forearm assuming it has a bottom rail. This will require a different way of cycling the action of the gun during the firing sequence. With the bipod planted to the ground or on top of the hood of a vehicle, the operator will hold firmly on to the forward grip and maintain a steady hold via a downward pressure against the bipod. While firing, both the forearm and bipod remains steady, but the entire gun will move along with the shooter’s body as the gun is rocked back and forth during the reloading sequence by the action of the rear pistol grip being push forward to eject the fired shell and then pulled backward to reload. This sequence of operation is undertaken while the shooter’s shoulder rests steadily in the buttstock while maintaining sight alignment at all times. It’s actually a unique and surprisingly fast and accurate shooting technique for a pump action shotgun with a forward grip and a bipod mounted on the forearm.

For the more traditional set-up, there are two gadgets that can be acquired and installed to the magazine extension where a rail mounted bipod such as the CAA BPOS can be installed directly. Bipods that are designed to be installed to a sling swivel stud, such as the Harris brand, can also be installed on this accessory using the CAA Universal Accessory Mount. The 3-rail Picatinny shotgun mount made by Lite Mount Technologies is designed primarily to be assembled to the magazine extension. The bottom rail will take a bipod and the two side rails are for lights or laser or any other small tactical accessory. Another accessory that can function as a bipod mount for those who would prefer less bulk is the single rail accessory mount made by Tactical Night Vision. This accessory is primarily designed as a one inch scope or laser mount but the author found it to be perfect as a bipod mount as well when mounted to the magazine extension tube.

Finally, when its time to choose optics, lasers and lights, the ultimate choice is for the end user to decide: with many amazing sighting devices to choose from depending upon the need. If this M412 Tactical Road Blocker is to be put to a specialized role to save lives and property, it is fitting to get the best sighting system and trigger work to maximize its true tactical capability now that its ergonomics and handling characteristics has been optimized.

Sources

Command Arms Accessories (CAA)
76 Vincent Circle
Ivyland, PA 18974
www.Commandarms.com

Brownell’s, Inc.
200 South Front Street,
Montezuma, Iowa 50171
www. Brownells.com

Today we often see CNC enabled designs that are nothing short of outstanding. A good example of an excellent new design comparable to any other service pistol in the world is the CZ P 01. The P 01 is a variant of the CZ 75 pistol but is a very advanced handgun. Most are familiar with the famous Czech produced 9mm CZ 75 service pistol with a reputation for reliability and accuracy. The P 01 variant is an answer to requirements from the Czech National Police. The stringent requirements were a daunting proposition to any maker, so much so many makers who were contacted simply did not reply to the circular. In essence, the police wanted a handgun with the same accuracy and reliability as the CZ 75 but they did not wish to use a full size handgun. European police have a tradition of compact sidearms, but the Czech police would not settle for a light .32 or .380 caliber. The compact design would involve more than simply shortening the CZ 75, but rather redesigning certain aspects of the handgun. While downsizing is not particularly difficult, the process has not always gone perfectly. The Czech police put an earnest spin on the competition, with a set of requirements so rigid that there was little competition for the prize in terms of numbers, but the required performance was of a severe standard. The CZ pistol went through 36 months of test and evaluation and development. The published requirements included some of the following:

• 1,350 disassemblies and reassembly,
• 150 detail disassemblies (to the pins and small parts),
• 4,000 dry fire actions,
• 3,000 decocker activations,
• 54 1.5 meter drops for safety testing.
• The pistol must be frozen to subzero temperatures, fired dry, and subjected to firing without any type of lubrication. The service life of the pistol was set at a minimum of 15,000 rounds.

During the test period the new handgun proved to be among the most reliable of handguns with only a total of seven stoppages in firing 15,000 rounds of full power 9mm Luger ammunition. Remember that these rounds were fired during the most difficult of trails.

The major difference between the CZ 75 and the P 01 is the shortened frame and slide of the P 01, accompanied by a shortened grip frame. Mechanically, the pistol uses the proven double action first shot trigger mechanism of the CZ 75. The trigger action on our test pistol broke at about 11 pounds while the single action press is a crisp five pounds, with the modest backlash typical of the type.

The main difference in this pistol and the CZ 75 is the decocker action. The original CZ 75 uses a safety that allows cocked and locked carry but makes no provision for decocking the action. Police agencies as a rule demand a decocker of some type for use with double action pistols. The P 01 uses a frame mounted decocker of excellent design. Unlike the usual slide mounted decocker, this device falls under the thumb readily. When the hammer is at full cock, a press of the thumb activates the decocker. The hammer falls but not completely – stopping in a kind of semi half-cock position. This is a superior system to the pistols that allow the hammer to strike the firing pin on decocking. The pistol also incorporates a positive firing pin block or drop safety.

The slide features forward cocking serrations. The utility of these serrations are more aspirational than operational but they harm nothing. The grip frame fits most hands well and is serrated on the front strap for control. The frame appears monolithic compared to the original CZ 75, retaining good balance despite light weight. The rubber grips are not impressive but certainly get the job done and are well fitted to the frame. The double column magazine holds fourteen rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, giving the pistol a full fifteen rounds for duty use. The trigger guard is squared at the front, a dated feature in some ways but perfectly suited to hard use. The design may be superior if the pistol is used as a blunt impact weapon. If you need to.

The slide rides low in the frame, giving the CZ P 01 a low bore axis. This is among the few double action pistols with a true low bore axis and is a considerable advantage. There is little leverage for the muzzle to rise in recoil. The slide is reversed from most, running inside the slide resulting in a theoretical advantage in accuracy as the long bearing surfaces retain more contact during firing. The frame features a light rail and any modern tactical worth its salt must be delivered with a rail for mounting a combat light or ancillary laser. The test pistol is finished in a tactical green enamel and the finish seems durable enough after several hundred presentations from a leather holster and firing several thousand rounds of ammunition over a period of several months.

The P 01 is well balanced, with a smooth trigger action and good combat sights. The sights are not the embryonic type once found on service handguns and while not target grade they are quite serviceable. With a short slide and resulting short sight radius, minimal movement is less noticeable than with a full length service pistol. As such, care must be taken in properly aligning the sights.

Overall, the firing tests were impressive. We fired over 3,000 thousand rounds of ammunition, including ball, lead bullet handloads, service loads, and even +P and +P+ law enforcement loads with good results. We believe the P 01 is a great service pistol, an admirable spear carrier for a reputable company.

Accuracy results
25 yards from a benchrest. Group in inches from center to center of furthest spaced bullet hole.

Winchester 115 gr. USA ball   3.8 inches
Winchester 124 gr. NATO   2.0 inches
Winchester 147 gr. SXT   2.8 inches
Fiocchi 115 gr. XTP   2.5 inches
Fiocchi 123 grain Combat FMJ   2.0 inches
115 gr. Sierra JHP/WW 231/1200 fps   3.0 inches
Oregon Trail 125 gr. RNL/WW 231/1050 fps   4.5 inches
IMI/Uzi 9mm 115 gr. JHP (*)   3.4 inches
PMC 124 gr. Starfire*   5.0 inches
Egyptian 124 gr. Ball**   5.8 inches

*Two failures to feed due to bullet being moved into case.
**Several failures of primers to fire despite deep indent in primer

CZ P 01 Specifications

Manufacturer:   Ceska Zbrojovkas (commonly referred to as CZ)
NATO stock number:   NSN-1005-16-000-8619
Overall length:   184mm (7.2 in.)
Height:   137mm (5.4 in.)
Width:   37mm (1.46 in.)
Weight empty:   800 grams (27 oz.)
Frame:   Light alloy
Barrel length:   92.5mm (3.6 in.)
Sight radius:   135mm (5.3 in.)

Machine guns have gotten absurdly expensive. It is almost crazy to spend as much on a gun as you might dump on a five-year note for a decent new car. At least that is what my wife, who is indeed a sensible lass, tells me. With that being so, what is a self-respecting high-speed gun addict to do?

When compared to machine guns, short-barreled shotguns are the next best things. They carry that same special cool ambience without breaking the bank or requiring an armed escort whenever they are displayed in public. There is a wide variety available to the shooting public ranging from the fairly pedestrian chopped Remington 870 to the way-cool Tromix micro Saiga 12 gauge. Chunking birdshot downrange, however, loses its allure in fairly short order. As an avid shooter, I knew there must be something better.

We have all seen those displays at gun shows wherein some guy is hawking “Special Purpose” shotgun rounds. They come in an astounding variety of flavors and generally run about ten bucks for three rounds mounted on a flashy card. This set the gears in motion and I have subsequently found that, for a fairly minimal cash outlay, one can whip up some of the most remarkable shotgun fodder at home.

Now be forewarned, handloading exotic ammunition is a dark and murky thing fraught with danger for those who fail to respect it. Loads should always be worked up conservatively and with the utmost caution. Start at the lowest end of powder loads and payload and never push the design envelope of the weapons involved. In the case of short-barreled shotguns, recoil management is a major consideration so short-loaded, low-recoil, low-pressure rounds are the fare of the day.

The basic Lee shotgun reloading press is a marvel of low-cost engineering simplicity. Still made in America, this basic Lee press can be had for about $40 and comes complete with essentially everything the low volume hobby shotgun reloader needs to kill countless blissful hours loading weird and exotic shotgun ammo. (Of course, one can still spend more money to purchase a higher volume or better quality press, but this unit does quite well for low-volume, custome shells.) The press is made of steel, plastic, and aluminum and, while not exactly built like a battleship, is more than adequate to render years of trouble-free service to the handloader who does not abuse his equipment. Powder and shot charges are determined via handy little plastic bushings that are readily interchangeable. A wide variety of bushing sizes is included with the press. While a powder scale is useful to verify charge weights, it is not really necessary so long as basic attention to safety is observed.

The only real downside with the Lee press is that it is messy to change shot and powder bushings. The front plate on the press must be removed via a pair of machine screws to swap out bushings and with the press rigidly mounted to the reloading bench a little powder and shot spill out every time despite efforts to the contrary. This is nothing a small hand broom cannot handle but it is a bit frustrating. For obvious reasons never use an electric vacuum cleaner to clean up gunpowder spills.

Loading shotgun rounds is undertaken via a five-step process. The first stage deprimes the spent shell and resizes the brass component via a clever steel sleeve that is forced down over the base of the shell during the press’ downward stroke. The second stage of the process effortlessly removes the sizing sleeve and primes the shell with a new primer. The third stage involves two strokes of the press and charges the shell with both powder and shot with a pause between the two to seat a wad. The fourth stage initiates the crimp with the fifth and final stage setting the crimp in place. The resulting product is crisp and sharp, easily passing for a factory load if attention to detail is retained throughout the process. If my kids help out with component management, I can easily load two boxes in twenty minutes even if I am loading a payload that must be manually emplaced outside the press. Loading simple shotshells using the press’ shot hopper makes the process go even faster. Considering your basic short-barreled shotgun lacks the prodigious ammunition appetite of a fully automatic submachine gun, an hour at the reloader will actually occupy a shooter for most of an afternoon turning gunpowder into noise on the range.

Flechettes have always had a mystique for fans of things that go “Boom.” Originally loaded into anti-personnel artillery rounds as well as 2.75 inch FFAR (Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets) fired from military helicopter gunships, these little darts were designed to be fired thousands at a time to saturate a target area. From an engineering perspective they are little more than finishing nails with pressed in fins where the nail head should be. They are commonly available in one-inch as well as inch-and-a-half versions from a variety of surplus sources. The one-inch versions fit nicely into a 12 gauge shell. A five-pound sack picked up from a Knob Creek vendor should provide for several years of recreational loading.

I load my flechettes fifty-fifty with half of the darts facing forward and half facing aft. When fired, the aft-facing darts rotate in the slipstream until they face forward, thereby dispersing the payload into a veritable swarm of sleek steel projectiles. At ranges beyond about fifteen meters most all of the darts will penetrate point first. A typical 12 gauge shotgun load carries about thirty of the one-inch versions. Each one-inch dart weighs about 7.6 grains. At fifteen meters the darts will sink past their fins in a live hickory tree. Even with underpowered, low-recoil loads, the darts will consistently penetrate eight inches or deeper into 10% ballistic ordnance gelatin. The minimal cross-section of the flechettes combined with their relatively dense construction combine to maintain their velocity past ranges that might render spherical shot ineffective. Flechette rounds can be loaded for less than a quarter apiece.

We have all heard stories of local farmers shooting trespassing young miscreants in the buttocks with home-rolled shotgun rounds loaded with rock salt. Where I currently reside there are significant numbers of semi-feral dogs that regularly wander through our farm in search of scraps or intimate encounters with the fairer members of my own dog collection. While not viewed as capital offenses worthy of lethal force, there does exist a sub-lethal means of persuading these wandering canine Casanovas into seeking female companionship elsewhere. A bit wary about firing salt through shotgun barrels, the solution was found in the intrepid Lee reloader and 6mm plastic Airsoft pellets.

This low-density plastic shot is available most any where today and do not carry enough energy to do any real damage beyond point blank range. Even the most amorous hound seeks affection elsewhere after a quick dusting of plastic BBs out of a 12 gauge. The recoil and report of these rounds being fired are trivial and the BBs penetrate no more than 3/4 inch in ballistic gelatin. For comparison purposes, a non-lethal law enforcement beanbag round fired through a 12 gauge will penetrate nearly three inches into the same medium. 

Egg-shaped fishing sinkers connected with piano wire carry a certain cool factor as well. The guy selling them at the gun show calls them bolo rounds. This amalgam must be loaded carefully to facilitate dispersion upon firing but the results downrange can be quite impressive against targets such as tree trunks, water jugs, and pumpkins. When appropriately deployed the piano wire slices through a target like a razor blade. Their potential effects on more socially malevolent targets make one’s skin crawl.

Regular old copper-jacketed BB gun BBs are also readily available and carry quite a punch. Homebuilt rounds charged with BBs used against snakes during the summer months are used to great effect. The ready availability and low cost of generic BBs make these loads excellent medium-range general-purpose rounds.

The Lee shotshell reloader was originally purchased so as to provide a low-cost source of low-recoil shotshells to feed my short-barreled shotguns. It does not take more than a round or three of high velocity buckshot or slugs through a sawed-off 12 bore to peg the fun meter for an afternoon’s shooting excursion. Low-recoil rounds are available on the commercial market but they are relatively expensive and not readily available from local sources. Exotic loadings evolved as a natural progression of having the tools and time at hand.

Actual practical applications of some of these creations take a little imagination. While I can see some reasonable utilization of flechette rounds against mildly armored targets and the piano wire bolo rounds would be utterly devastating if properly deployed in a CQB environment, for the most part quality factory loads would be comparably effective and more consistently reliable in their efficacy. Like most things in this sport you cannot waste too much time asking why we do what we do. More often than not it is simply because it is fun and this pursuit is no exception.

There are some simple rules of thumb to govern home-rolled shotgun loads. Never load anything that might hang in the shotgun shell or harm the shotgun barrels. Never load a payload that is as heavy as a basic low-end charge of birdshot and always keep on the shallow end of the powder charge tables. With these rules in mind as they relate to basic physics, you should never overstress your equipment or push chamber pressures toward anything approaching dangerous levels. This practice also keeps recoil manageable for 12 gauge weapons that are small enough to be holstered. Be forewarned, however, as a physician I have seen some profound injuries that result from the basic and innate urge of the American male to be stupid and exhibit poor judgment. Undertake this pursuit at your own peril and with a full appreciation of the risks involved. While it really is great fun and gets the creative juices flowing to cook up unusual shotgun rounds, shooting is an innately dangerous pursuit and is profoundly intolerant of inattention or foolishness.

Handloading exotic shotgun ammunition is a rewarding and stimulating pursuit for the advanced, seasoned, and conservative shooter. Those who aspire to immortality within the annals of the Darwin Awards or with a penchant for death defiance should stick with the carded fare from their local gun shows. For those experienced scattergunners who want to take their sport to the next level, however, homerolling bizarre rounds can add a whole new dimension to their shooting experience.

Since the introduction of the AR-15/M16 series weapons in the early 1960s, the weapon was envisioned by Colt to be a versatile family of weapons that could serve any purpose required for the mission. Initial designs were for a standard infantry rifle followed by the shorter and more compact carbines. However, there appeared to be a gap in the light machine gun area. Colt’s early experimental models began in the late 1960s with the M16 Rifle HBAR M1 and as of 2009 Colt Defense introduced the Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR6940).

Early attempts at a longer sustained rate of fire began with the M16 Rifle HBAR M1 (R0606) and the M16A1 Rifle HBAR M1 (R0606A). Both were equipped with a heavy barrel and the only difference between these weapons is the R0606A has a forward bolt assist. Both were selective fire with semi and full automatic settings. Additionally, Colt built the R0606B which utilized the Foster Sturtevant designed (US Patent No. 3,292,492) four-way selector offering semi, fully automatic and a 3-round burst modes of fire. All these weapons fired from the closed bolt position and utilized standard triangular handguards. These models were developed mainly for the SAW trials. Later models of early generation heavy barreled light machine guns included the R0613M16A1 HBAR with an untapered barrel but still utilized the triangular handguards.

During the same time period, there were several experimental belt fed variations of the rifle. These would include the Colt belt-fed M2 HBAR and the CAR-15 Heavy Assault Rifle M2. Small numbers were made, primarily to be evaluated as helicopter door armament (November 1964).

The first dedicated LMG began in the mid 1970s as part of the SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) program. This was called the XM106 and had two main departures from what Colt had previously worked on. First, this utilized a removable barrel using a lever that was bushed downward and the barrel assembly would slide out the front of the upper receiver. The gas tube was attached to the barrel assembly along with a small triangular handguard assembly to prevent the shooter’s hand from being burned when the barrel was replaced. The upper receiver of the weapon had a vertical pistol grip and a folding bipod. The second, and most significant modification of the weapon, was this one fired from the open bolt position. The hammer was the sear to hold the bolt open until the trigger was pulled.

The First Production Colt Open Bolt Machine Gun

Rob Roy, then in charge of military sales, initiated the development of an additional member of the growing M16 family of weapons to include a light machine gun that would maximize as many parts of the current weapon system as possible. The early stages of development of this new weapon were prior to the design and release of the new M16A2 rifle, but some of the developments of the LMG would surely impact the design of the M16A2.

The LMG would fire from the open bolt and fire only fully automatic. There are benefits to the open bolt mechanism; with the biggest advantage being to prevent cook-offs as there is no round sitting in the chamber. This also aids in cooling of the weapon by allowing air to circulate in and out of the bore. The task of developing the open bolt mechanism was given to one of Colt’s finest designers, Henry (Hank) Tatro. On February 28, 1984, Tatro was granted US Patent No. 4,433,610 for his “Open Bolt Mechanism for Automatic Firearm.” This was a truly unique mechanism. The standard M16 lower receiver is used and the only difference is the marking on the fire control: only Safe and Fire positions, no semi option. However, the fire control components could be dropped in any selective fire lower receiver. One of the most fascinating features of his design is the hammer serves two purposes. First, it is the sear which engages the bottom of the bolt carrier to hold the bolt in the open position and the second function is the hammer also strikes the firing pin to fire the cartridge. The Tatro-designed fire control group consists of a hammer, trigger, connector, selector, automatic sear and bolt carrier. The selector only has two positions. The automatic sear serves two functions: pulls downward on the hammer to release the bolt carrier group and also releases the hammer when struck by the bolt carrier to fire the weapon. The connector is the link from the trigger to the automatic sear used to pull the hammer downward to release the bolt carrier.

The Colt LMG Open-Bolt Cycle of Operation

The charging handle is retracted, pulling the bolt carrier group all the way to the rear where the hammer sear will engage the notch on the bottom of the bolt carrier holding the bolt carrier group in the open position. A loaded magazine is inserted into the weapon. With the safety in the Fire position the trigger is pulled. When the trigger is pulled, the pin on the trigger lifts the connector, which in turn rotates the automatic sear, which lowers the hammer out of engagement with the bolt carrier releasing the bolt carrier group forward. With the forward movement of the bolt carrier group the bolt lugs strip a cartridge from the magazine and feed it into the chamber. As the bolt moves into the locked position the sear trip on the bottom rear of the bolt carrier tips the automatic sear releasing the hammer to strike the firing pin.

The firing pin strikes the primer firing the cartridge. As pressure increases the projectile moves down the bore. Once the projectile reaches the gas port located under the front sight assembly, a portion of the gas flows up the port and into the gas tube. The gas then enters the bolt carrier key and then into the expansion chamber located in-between the back of the bolt and bolt carrier. This evenly distributes the gas pressure creating a hammer like blow pushing the bolt carrier group rearward and simultaneously unlocks the bolt. As the bolt carrier group moves rearward, the fired cartridge case is extracted from the chamber and ejected out the ejection port. As the bolt carrier group continues to move rearward, the hammer is pushed down and engages the automatic sear where it is held. When the bolt carrier group reaches full rearward travel, the recoil spring thrusts the bolt carrier group forward stripping another cartridge from the magazine and the cycle repeats. If the trigger is released, the connecter rotates again allowing the hammer to rise and catches the bolt carrier and holds it to the rear. If the magazine runs out of ammunition, the bolt catch will lock the bolt carrier to the rear. When the magazine release button is pressed, the magazine catch pushes outward on the extended arm of the bolt catch releasing the bolt carrier group to the hammer. The weapon is now ready to fire once the magazine has been changed.

Other Modifications Creating the Colt LMG

Colt’s Stanley Silsby and Henry Tatro developed a hydraulic buffer which slowed down the cyclic rate of the M16-family of weapons back in the mid 1970s. The project lay dormant until the development of the LMG. This hydraulic buffer decreased the rate of fire from 700-950 rounds per minute to 600-750 rounds per minute. Not only does the lower cyclic rate increase accuracy but it also conserves ammunition and helps to extend the barrel life.

The description of the function of the hydraulic buffer is best described as written in the patent:

A recoil assembly of the invention includes a buffer having a tubular housing sealed at the rear end by a bumper adapter to engage the end of the receiver extension and by a piston at the front end adapted to engage the a reciprocating bolt and carrier assembly. A spring, seated upon the bumper, urges a sliding seal in a forward direction. The volume between the seal and the piston is filled with hydraulic fluid and contains an orifice, fixedly mounted in the housing for furnishing hydraulic resistance to movement of the piston.

…the buffer travels with the end of the operating spring which is seated against the flange thereof. At the end of the recoil stroke, the momentum of the bolt and carrier assembly causes depression of the piston from its original extended, thereby increasing the time interval of the recoil stroke. During the return stroke, the spring loaded seal within the buffer pushes fluid through the orifice in the opposite direction, thereby to return the piston to its original position. Since the buffer of the invention has its interior volume between the seal and the pistol filled with fluid, hydraulic resistance commences as soon as the piston is displaced.

Part of the job of a light machine gun is to put down heavy and accurate sustained fire. That fire may be at personnel or at area targets. Henry Tatro felt the standard field sights were insufficient for the task so he redesigned the rear sight. The rear sight’s main difference was that it would be fully adjustable for both windage and elevation. Tatro developed a separate rear sight base whereas elevation is adjusted by a dial under the base. He also felt there should be an easier way to adjust the rear sight rather than using a bullet tip. He designed a windage adjustment knob eliminating the need for a projectile or tool to be used to change the windage of the weapon. This design eventually was chosen and utilized on the M16A2 and continues on the detachable carrying handles for M16A4 rifles and M4 carbines today.

As previously stated, Colt developed heavy barrel versions of the M16-family of weapons in the early 1960s; however, not like this. The barrel of the LMG was significantly thicker with an overall diameter on nearly one inch. New handguards were developed that were square in shape and also interchangeable with no separate left and right handguard. Due to increased weight, a FN-FAL style carrying handle was added to the top of the middle of the barrel. An M60 bipod was also added. There was no forward assist due to its open bolt operation.

Left in the Depths of the Colt Model Shop

At the time the LMG was developed, the Colt workforce was entrenched in a lengthy and continuous strike. The LMG remained in a prototype stage and due to other priorities Tatro went to work on the M16A2 development. There were no time, money or product development teams available to complete the project and get it into production.

The LMG’s Second Breath from Canada

During this turbulent time Colt had entered into a licensing agreement with the Canadian government to manufacture M16A2-varients for the Canadian Forces. The manufacturer chosen by the Canadian Forces was Diemaco, a division of Herouex Devtek of Kitchener, Ontario. Diemaco was much smaller than Colt and had a first-class design team. They had ideal conditions at the time to take a product under development and get it ready for production. Phil O’Dell and Ian Anderson went to the Hartford plant to look at the LMG and agreed the Diemaco Product Engineering Department would take on the task. Under license of Colt, Diemaco would devote the engineering resources, fixturing costs and testing costs necessary to move the LMG into production.

Like the Canadian C7 and C8 weapons, Diemaco would use their proprietary hammer forged barrels for the LMG. The diameter of the barrel was changed to accept the newly developed yoke, which the carrying handle and vertical pistol grip would be attached. Diemaco also redesigned the bipod to have adjustable legs. Several design enhancements were added to the LMG from the fruits of M16A2 development including the new finger groove pistol grip, re-enforced lower receiver, the integral fired cartridge case deflector (Brunton Bump) as well as the use of the new canted delta ring to make it easier to remove the handguards. Another very interesting change made by Diemaco was the redesign of the gas tube. Due to the increase in sustained rate of fire, the gas tube had to be modified by increasing both the inside and outside diameter of the gas tube. This helped deal with heat as the larger internal diameter increased the internal volume of gas, which lowered the temperature and operating pressure within the carrier.

The final design was completed and put into production in the winter of 1987 and early 1988. This first model was the M16A2 LMG (R0750). This weapon was made completely in Canada for Diemaco sales and the upper receiver and fire control parts were provided to Colt and Colt utilized Colt marked lower receivers for weapons to be sold by Colt.

An updated version was introduced as the CAR or Colt Automatic Rifle (R0750MC) in 2001. This model eliminated the carrying handle in favor of a flat top upper receiver and a mounting lug for a bayonet was added to the barrel. The TRI-AD I twin rail attachment was added to the front sight assembly that enabled accessories to be mounted as well as two sling attachment points one either side of the rifle. Another yoke was added to the barrel for a mounting lug for the removable bipod.

A vast majority of these weapons were sold by Diemaco (or now Colt Canada). Diemaco called these weapons the LSW (Light Support Weapon) instead of the LMG. The LSW was sold to Denmark and the Royal Dutch Marines. The main difference between the LSW was that it fired from the closed bolt and had forward assist assemblies. The countries who procured these weapons wanted semi as well as automatic fire.

The LMG/LSW is a very versatile weapon. The higher weight plus the hydraulic buffer make this an extremely accurate and reliable weapon though the weapon was never sold in large quantities. Up to now, preference has been the belt fed SAW. However, with the IAR program brought out by the Marine Corps for magazine fed sustained fire weapons, the concept may return by demand. Although the LMG was discontinued from Colt Defense LLC in late 2008, the ball was picked up by Colt’s newly introduced Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR6940) – but that is another story.

Sometimes it pays to take a second look through one’s source material. Doing this resulted in the following discoveries. An invoice dated January 17, 1938 revealed the following information. The Wisconsin National Guard recorded the shipment of 18 M1922 Cavalry Model Browning Automatic Rifles to the Rock Island Arsenal for Modification to the new 1918 A2 improved model. The serial numbers prove that the M1922 were not separately serial numbered, but rather randomly selected from all three World War I manufacturers as there are Colt, ,Winchester, and Marlin serial numbers. What makes this a treasure, you might ask? Suppose you happen to have one of these guns in 1918 A2 configuration? What a treasure!

It is the opinion of this author that there is no such thing as a “mint gun.” Only coins can be mint. A piece comes off the production line, it becomes like a living entity, it begins to age and have a life of its own. It gets test fired and begins to get scratched. It might get placed in a museum but the elements take their toll. Or, it may go into combat and it has scars of war. The M1918 rifle may be upgraded to a M1922 Cavalry Model, then again modified to M1918 A1 and, eventually to M1918 A2 and parkerized. This is the metamorphosis of the Weapon and who are we to change its appearance cosmetically or to improve or retrofit its original appearance? After all, we are only custodians of the weapon to preserve it for the next generation. In some ways it owns us. It will always be a refinished gun.

Suppose you find one of the BARs on this list that was originally a M1922 Cavalry Model, it would be great to have it in this rare incarnation. In this article you will find photographs and drawings that might help you in your quest.

What else was found in this cache of documents? On page 60 of Rock in a Hard Place there is found a photograph of First Lieutenant Kenneth F. King acting as an A-gunner to Lt. Val Browning somewhere in France, October, 1918. A document titled Transfer of Ordnance Property, dated March 9, 1918 from Major D.W. Moore, Inspector of Ordnance, Winchester Repeating Arms Co. was executed to send four Browning Machine Rifles to Kenneth T. King, 1st Lt. OD N.A .at Washington, D.C. Can we prove that this might be the serial number of the gun in the photo? No, but we now know that each gun was shipped with 20 magazines and also a list of spares: magazine filler, 1 for every 2 rifles; connectors, 1 for every rifle; extractor springs, 1 for every rifle; firing pins, 2 for every rifle; magazine catch spring, 1 for every rifle; recoil spring, 1 for every rifle; sear springs, 1 for every rifle; and finally, slings, 1 for every rifle. Winchester BAR numbers 64978, 64845, 64897 and 64722 were delivered to Lt. K.T. King on March 9, 1918. One of these BARs may be seen being fired by Lt. Val Browning.

From the very beginning of the BAR’s use in the field, attempts were made to increase the magazine capacity of the BAR. Colt immediately designed a 40-round magazine. It was offered early on as an accessory. One of the first BARs tested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was supplied with a 40-round magazine in addition to the 20-round regular and referenced as early as August, 1917. In the Photographic Collection of the Imperial War museum there is a photograph dated 1917; so early on, they had the 40-roundd magazine in stock, and in France. They proved to be impractical, heavy and cumbersome in the prone position. What happened to them?

On February 27, 1920, The Infantry and Cavalry Board called for a Modified BAR that could take the place of the M1919 for Cavalry use. This led to the short lived M1922 Cavalry model with a heavy barrel and a bipod they suggested would fill the need for a light Browning. Later a monopod was added. They also tested special carriers and mounts for both horse and mule carry. Most interesting and little known, they asked that 40 thirty-round magazines be produced. They also requested that special canvas carriers be supplied: 20 to go to Camp Benning, and 20 to Ft. Riley, Kansas. This is the last mention of them. Where are these treasures now?

With the price of NFA firearms increasing every day, you may possibly find it more exciting and rewarding to collect the rare accessories and accoutrements. Who knows what treasures reside in attics, warehouses, and closets? Do your research, study the materials and get out there and look. They are out there somewhere, just hiding and unrecognized until you find them. Good Luck.

When first introduced to the Osprey silencer line manufactured by Silencerco, LLC, it was immediately obvious that it was not a typical suppressor. It wasn’t until shooting them that we experienced how “outside the box” they really were.

There are a number of very experienced and capable silencer manufacturers who have been in the sound suppression business for a long time. Their products vary in size, weight, mechanics and sound reduction and fit almost every firearm and purpose where a suppressor is desirable. While many of them vary greatly in design and utilize cutting edge technology in every new offering, most of these changes are hidden from the average shooter with one thing in common: they typically utilize a traditional round tube for a body. When we saw the Osprey for the first time the obvious trait that made it unique was the rectangular shape. While that is what we were first attracted to, we quickly found that the shape was just one of several things we would find different about the Osprey and there was much more to the Osprey than just the shape.

Osprey Design Basics

While testing the Osprey we found there were many advantages to the rectangular design above and beyond the aesthetics. One of the important features of the shape is the ability to allow a large interior volume while still keeping a slim profile. With traditional round tubes, the volume is spaced equally through the entire interior profile. In general terms, the larger the volume, the larger the suppresser tube must be with the greater size spread equally around the entire radial circumference. While the larger volume can be beneficial in sound reduction, the size must be taken into consideration when balancing it against the optimum exterior size of the tube.

Because the Osprey is rectangular with the barrel mounted at the top, it can retain a slim profile, which aids in several areas.

• Since the suppressor is similar in size and shape of the slide of the pistol it is mounted to, it can often be used with standard holsters.
• As the barrel is mounted towards the top of the Osprey, the sights are visible on most host handguns without the necessity of tall, aftermarket sights.
• Due to the shape, the alignment of the mounted suppressor on every firearm is known during the manufacturing process, taking point of impact shift issues out of the equation.

For use with many popular pistols that utilize the time-tested Browning design where the barrel tilts upon unlocking, the Osprey has a built-in Neilson Device to overcome the additional forces created with extra weight at the end of the barrel. Their device has the ability to be used with interchangeable pistons allowing mounting on multiple pistols.

The Osprey is 1.75 inches tall, 1.3 inches wide and just over 7 inches long. The “tube” is manufactured from 6061 T6 aluminum with the core and end caps manufactured from 7075 T6 aluminum. The overall weight is 11.1 ounces and the finish is Type III Hard Coat Anodizing. The mounting system, including the Neilson device, is manufactured from 17-4 Stainless Steel and finished with a heat treated black oxide.

Range Time

With several suppressors to choose from, we utilized the 9x19mm Osprey for purposes of testing for Small Arms Review at this time. The host pistol was a Glock 17 fitted with a drop-in stainless steel threaded barrel from Lone Wolf Distributors.

Anyone who has installed a threaded muzzle device of any kind will understand the properly tightened position of the can is unknown and is based on the threading of each individual barrel. This is one of the contributors to the point of impact shift encountered with some traditional round silencer designs. Since the Osprey has a predetermined position it must be mounted in, Silencerco, LLC has incorporated an innovative Cam Lock mounting system, which allows proper alignment on any handgun. To mount the Osprey, the suppressor is simply threaded on in a normal fashion with the cam lever in the locked position, tightened against the shoulder of the threads. With the suppressor completely secured on the threads, the cam lever is moved to its “open” position and the Osprey will freely rotate to the proper orientation on the host pistol. At this position the cam lever is placed back in the “lock” position. No further adjustment or use of the cam lever is necessary in the future on the same pistol, unless it has been used and aligned on a different pistol since the last use. The proper alignment is fast and very obvious when viewed against the slide of the host firearm, as it just looks like an extended slide in the correct orientation.

Since “out of the box” zero point of impact shift is a claim we have heard before but have not yet witnessed, we were anxious to test-fire the Osprey. The host pistol is extremely accurate with the Lone Wolf barrel and the sight alignment was tested by firing several groups before mounting the Osprey. The ammo used in all testing was Federal American Eagle 147gr FMJ-FP.

One of the few pistols where the factory sights are not visible when using the Osprey are Glock line. We have not yet tested it on other host pistols as we were still awaiting the delivery of more threaded barrels at the time this issue went to press, but Silencerco, LLC assures us the factory sights are clearly visible on numerous other pistols including H&K, SIG, and Colts. Since a Glock was our test platform, we used several shooters during live fire testing varying from very experienced silencer users to those never having fired a silenced pistol. All shooters found aiming the Osprey very easy, even without the sights protruding over the top, due to the smooth flat surface of the suppressor properly aligned with the host slide.

After all shooters fired numerous groups with the pistol without the suppressor, the Osprey was mounted, aligned and several groups of equal rounds were fired on an opposing point of aim on the same targets. Much to our surprise the claims were spot-on and we experienced absolutely no point-of-impact shift with the attachment of the Osprey even when shooting with the sights slightly obstructed.

As impressive as the accuracy was, it wasn’t the most surprising aspect of the live fire experience. To put it bluntly, this can is quiet. At press time we did not have the opportunity to do any scientific metering on it but all in attendance agreed it was much quieter than expected. The first round pop when fired dry (we fired it dry during all testing) seemed to have a similar sound signature to other suppressors fired at the same time, but all subsequent rounds were noticeably quieter than all others tested. To simplify, the Osprey’s first, and loudest round seemed on par with all other suppressors fired in their subsequent rounds. One oddity though was that when switching the ammo to 115gr FMJ Winchester (white box), which is much faster than the 147gr FMJ-FP, it was unanimous that the Osprey was noticeably louder than other suppressors with the same ammunition.

Conclusions

From the first impression to the firing line, the Osprey is unique in every way. In our experience thus far, the peculiar, rectangular shape quickly morphed from an oddity to almost a necessity. The workmanship of the Osprey design is very high quality in all aspects. The cam lock system ensures a tight, correct alignment and the ease of sighting couldn’t be simpler. An extremely impressive sound reduction level with the subsonic ammo we tested it with indicates that the design quality inside the Osprey is as well thought out as the outside. As to the question of if the Osprey was really a performer, or if the $849.95 MSRP was really a tall price to pay for a “high cool factor,” this author firmly believes that the aesthetics of the rectangular design may be the most noticeably apparent feature at first glance, but it is only the beginning of an entirely new suppressor experience.

Silencerco, LLC has a very nice website that includes their full product line and some interesting videos ranging from very slow-motion, thermal imaging firing sequences to CNC manufacturing procedures (www.silencerco.com). Watch the pages of Small Arms Review as we will be testing many more Silencerco, LLC suppressors in the future, including other Osprey models and their innovative new .22LR Sparrow.

Sources

Osprey Silencers
Silencerco, LLC 5511 South 6055 North West Valley City, UT 84119 Ph: (801) 417-5384 Fax: (801) 417-5002 Email: Joshua@sliencerco.com Website: www.silencerco.com

Threaded Glock Barrels
Lone Wolf Distributors 57 Shepard, Road Oldtown, ID 83822 Ph: (208) 437-0612 Website: www.lonewolfdist.com

The operation of the open bolt submachine gun is about as simple as it gets for a firearm design. It fits well into the theory of fewer parts mean fewer problems.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of the world’s successful submachine guns have used the basic open bolt, fixed firing pin system there are engineers and designers that have persisted on “improving” the design. Some of the changes have been as minor as the implementation of a separate firing pin actuated by a pivoting hammer, like the Thompson and the Russian PPD submachine guns. The original 1921-1928 Thompson also used the controversial Blish lock principle to retard the action; however the Blish lock was eliminated from the later M1 and the separate firing pin from the M1A1 Thompson designs. Such concepts usually only added more labor, machining cost and weight to a weapon and usually did little to enhance performance.

Perhaps one of the most complicated submachine guns ever designed was the Hungarian M39 machine carbine and its folding stock counterpart the M43. The M39 weapon was designed in 1937 by engineer Pal D. Király and manufactured by the Danuvia Gepgyar factory in Budapest. The M39, also known as the Roham Puska, was adopted by the Honvedseg, the Hungarian Army in 1939, hence the weapon’s Model 39 designation. The weapon was also issued in limited numbers to the Rendorseg, the Hungarian police during 1940. Having an overall length of 41.25 inches (1,048 mm) and a loaded weight of 10 pounds (4.6 Kg), the M39 fits the description of a military battle rifle more than a submachine gun.

The M39 is a select fire weapon. The mode of fire is selected by rotating a ring located forward of the endcap at the back of a thick, tubular receiver. There are three positions: position E or Egyenkent (one by one) for semiautomatic fire; position S or Sorozat (in a row) for full-automatic fire and position Z or Zarva (closed) for safe. The rear sight is a tangent style open V notch, graduated in increments from 50 to 600 meters. The front sight is a post type mounted on the end of the barrel. The barrel is 19.68 inches (500 mm) in length. The standard M39 model has a fixed wooden stock. A variant designated as the M39/AM model, had a similar wooden stock that was hinged aft of the wrist area so it could be folded to the left side, making a more compact weapon. The folding stock idea apparently proved unsatisfactory as only a small number were produced.

Despite being somewhat complex, the breech bolt of the weapon is a very interesting retarded blowback design. The bolt consists of two separate pieces: a front half and slightly heavier rear half. A lever between the halves of the bolt assembly pivots on a steel pin acting against the rear portion of the bolt, and the opposite end of the lever extends downward from the bolt and is actuated by a channel machined in the receiver. The rear of the firing pin is rectangular with a machined curve to fit on a roller in the rear part of the bolt. The cocking handle, located on the right side of the receiver, fits into a slot machined in the bolt.

The weapon is operated by retracting the bolt handle rearward where the bolt assembly is held in this position by the sear. When the trigger is pulled the sear is lowered and the bolt is released. When thrust forward by the driving spring, the front part of the bolt strips a round from the magazine and chambers it while at the same instant inertia collapses the rear part of the bolt against the front of the bolt, extending the firing pin, firing the chambered round. Pressure from the fired cartridge acts on the bolt face and pushes it rearward. After moving approximately 3/4 of an inch to the rear, the trip lever in the bolt is pivoted flush with the bottom of the bolt, retracting the firing pin and transmitting a rearward force onto the back section of the bolt at a mechanical disadvantage, slowing its rearward travel. After the bolt is returned to its rearmost position, the cycle is repeated. If the weapon is in a semiautomatic mode of fire the sear will hold the bolt to the rear until the trigger is released and pulled again. If the weapon is in a full-automatic mode the bolt will continue to cycle until the trigger is released or the magazine is emptied. The full-automatic cyclic rate of the M39 is 730 to 750 rounds per minute. In spite of its complex and labor intensive construction, the bolt is lighter in weight than most open bolt submachine guns and the design allegedly reduces muzzle climb and vibration in the full-automatic mode of fire.

Another interesting feature of the M39 is its magazine, which was designed to be folded upward and locked into a cavity under the foregrip. After pivoting up into the foregrip, a spring-loaded dust cover is provided to protect the magazine from the elements. A catch lever is used to unlock the magazine from its stowed position in the foregrip and after being released the magazine can be pulled downward and locked into its firing position. To load the magazine it must be removed from the weapon. The steel magazine is a double stack, double feed design with a 40-round capacity. The magazine has a floorplate designed to facilitate easy disassembly. The back of the floor plate has a tab that slides into a slot in the magazine’s body. To remove the floor plate, pressure is exerted on the front of the plate causing the tab on the rear of the floorplate to disengage from its retaining slot allowing the floor plate to be released and the spring and follower to be removed. A loaded magazine has a weight of 1.8 pounds (.800 Kg). The M39 machine carbine has provisions for the mounting of a double-edged, sword-type bayonet that increases the overall length of the weapon to 54.25 inches (1,378 mm),

The M39 was chambered for the relatively powerful 9mm Mauser cartridge. The 9x25mm Mauser cartridge has a full metal jacketed projectile weighing 125 grains with an average muzzle velocity of 1,493 feet per second (455 meters per second). The 9mm Mauser round produces 618 foot pounds of energy as compared to the 9x19mm Parabellum’s 367 foot pounds. Despite the 9mm Mauser round’s ballistics, the M39 was overly large and heavy for a pistol caliber submachine gun. Reportedly less than 8,000 M39 models were produced.

The Hungarian M43 Machine Carbine

The M39 was too long for convenient carry by paratroopers and in armored vehicles. A more compact version of the M39 machine carbine was needed. The same designer, Pal D. Király, developed the Hungarian M43 machine carbine, four years after the adoption of his M39 model. The primary feature that distinguished the M43 was its metal underfolding buttstock, with pivoting buttplate and wooden pistol grip. Oddly, the steel struts of the metal stock have (decorative?) wood inserts. The length of the barrel was reduced to a length of 16.7 inches (424 mm) – still long for a pistol caliber submachine gun. The overall length of the weapon with the stock extended is 37.5 inches (953 mm) and when folded the length is reduced to 29.5 inches (749 mm); a serrated metal catch secures the stock when folded. The weight of the M43 was also slightly lighter than the M39 with a loaded weight of 9.8 pounds (4.45 Kg). Other features like the complex retarded blowback bolt and folding magazine are the same as in the M39 model, except the ejector was relocated from the bolt and attached to the receiver. One distinct difference between the two weapons is the magazine’s configuration. The basic design is the same except the feed lips of the M43 magazine are angled slightly and as a result, when the magazine is inserted into the weapon, it is angled slightly forward. Other than the orientation of the feed lips the M39 and M43 magazines look very much alike. A fatal flaw in this design is that the M43 magazine will fit in and lock in an M39 and vice versa, but the magazine will not feed due to the different angle of their feed lips. During 1944, the bolt of the M43 was redesigned into a one-piece affair for ease of manufacture. M43 weapons with the new bolt configuration were called Sulyzaras or (weight lock). The M43 was produced at the Danuvia plant in Budapest. Reportedly there were 60,000 M43 models manufactured from mid 1943 until 1945.

The quality of the machining and detail of the Hungarian M39 machine carbine is impressive, nearly equal to the finest commercial sporting arms. The M43 while still quite good it was not up to the standards of the earlier M39. However, as a military weapon, both models were overly complicated and expensive to manufacture, particularly during a wartime situation.

The Hungarian M44

The M44 submachine gun was Pal Király’s last Hungarian design and was intended to be an improved version of the M43 machine carbine. The M44 was chambered for the more prolific 9mm Parabellum cartridge. With a 10 inch (250 mm) barrel and overall length of 20 inches (500 mm), the M44 was far more compact than the earlier M39 or M43 machine carbines. The M44 used a similar double stack, double feed 40-round magazine. The weapon used the basic open bolt system and the cyclic rate was 650 to 750 rounds per minute. The weapon was not adopted due to the Soviet invasion of Hungary and during the Russian occupation the PPSh-41 became the dominant submachine gun. The PPSh was manufactured by FEG in Hungary as the 7.62mm Géppisztoly 48.Minta.

Pal Dedai Király (1880-1965)

Pal D. Király was born in Hungary where he earned an engineering degree at the Technical University of Budapest in 1902. He served in the Hungarian military from 1914 to 1918 ascending to the rank of Captain. After World War I, Hungary was prohibited from all weapons development. Seeking work in the weapon’s industry, Király relocated to Switzerland where he was employed by SIG Neuhausen. One of his better known designs was the SIG MKMO machine carbine and was sold to a number of countries in various calibers. After 1928, when weapon development was allowed to resume in Hungary, Király moved back to his native land and went to work for the Danuvia Gepgyar factory until the Soviet occupation after World War II. During 1947 he moved to the Dominican Republic, where he was employed by the Armeria of San Cristobal, run by Hungarian Sandor Kovacs. Király developed several weapons there; the best known was his Cristobal Carbine, which was popular in Latin America.

(The M39 and M43 submachine guns photographed for this article provided through the courtesy of the United States Marine Corps National Museum, Quantico, Virginia.)

The semiautomatic rifle SA43 Goriunov from Century International Arms is interesting on many levels for firearms enthusiasts by providing a rare historic Soviet machine gun in semiautomatic form for collectors and shooters. Century utilized the services of Wise Lite Arms for producing the Goriunov who modified it for semiautomatic only that fires from a closed bolt versus the open bolt automatic fire associated with the original Soviet machine gun. The Degtyarev carriage that comes with the SA43 Goriunov is almost as intriguing as the Goriunov rifle itself. This stems from with the way the SA43 is mounted on the carriage in conjunction with an armor shield combined with the traverse and elevation adjustments. With the Goriunov SA43, Century is giving users a chance to experience the capability of a historically significant Soviet belt fed machine gun firing the 7.62x54R cartridge, albeit semiautomatic, and is something most would never get the chance to do.

Labeled the SG43 Goriunov in its original configuration with the Soviet Army, the Goriunov fits into the historical spectrum of Soviet weaponry after the M1910 Maxim and before the PK/PKM general purpose machine gun, which is still in service today. The Goriunov utilizes a long stroke piston action located beneath the barrel. The SG43 Goriunov was brought into service in 1943 at the height of WWII as a replacement to the aged M1910 Maxim. The Goriunov was developed and brought into production in less than a year. This haste was the result of factors at the front and the poor performance of the DS-39; the intended replacement of the Russian Maxim machine guns. The Red Army specified the Goriunov function from not only ground based carriages and tripods but also anti-aircraft and vehicle mounts. The multipurpose role a reflection of the changed nature of warfare since the 1910 Maxim was adopted prior to World War I.

The SG43 was modified and improved numerous times during its 25+ year service life with six distinct versions. The original SG43 had the cocking/charging handle under the spade grip, the sear was attached to the return-spring guide, the barrel lock was a simple wedge, and no covers over the feed and ejection ports. The SG43 featured a smooth heavy profile barrel with cone shaped flash hider attached to the muzzle. Later models changed the location of the charging handle to the right side of the weapon, micrometer barrel lock and dust covers were added, along with longitudinal barrels fins in an effort to reduce weight and barrel heat, and the sear was given a separate housing. The SG43 was mounted on wheeled carriages, tripods, and vehicles, including tanks. As with many Soviet weapons, the SG43 was widely exported and manufactured in China and other Warsaw Pact countries. Over 20 countries employed the SG43 in their armed services. Besides the Soviet Army in WWII, the SG43 saw service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars against U.S. troops and its Allies.

The Century SA43 tested featured the early SG43 location of the charging handle under the spade grip, simple barrel wedge arrangement and no dust covers combined with the longitudinal barrel fins of the SGM43. Conversations with Wise Lite Arms confirmed that converting the SG43 to fire semiautomatic from a closed bolt presented certain challenges in working on finding the best, most reliable way to regulate gas pressure. The SG43 was designed to fire at 600-700 rounds per minute. The Goriunov weighs almost 30.5 pounds and when mounted to the Degtyarev carriage the package rises to over 90 pounds.

The SG43 Goriunov was a complicated and expensive weapon to manufacture that had to be milled, machined, and hand fitted with interchangeability of parts between individual weapons poor. The stamped PK machine gun that replaced it in the 1960s was much simpler and economical to produce.

The SA43 is fed via a metal non-disintegrating closed pocket belt. Standard belt length is 250 rounds with Century providing three belts and ammunition cans with the SA43 Goriunov. The belt design is the same belt used by the PK machine gun that replaced the original SG43 and is still in service around the world. The functioning and mechanics of the feeding mechanism is interesting to witness in action. Literature describes the 7.62x54R feeding via the closed pocket belt as a two stage process with the Goriunov. A fresh cartridge is extracted from the belt and lowered ahead of the bolt, and then fed into the chamber with the belt advanced in preparation for the next round to feed. The Goriunov’s belt is fed from the right side of the weapon.

Century provides an operator’s manual with the SA43 that is a useful reference. However, the SA43 was instinctual in figuring out how to function the weapon. The top cover is raised exposing the feed mechanism with its “claw” ready to accept the rimmed 7.62x54R cartridge. Initial firing was done by feeding a single round at a time to ensure functionality and reduce risk of any “runaway” firing or other issues before placing a fully loaded belt on the feed tray. After placing a round in feed tray, the cocking handle located under the spade grip was pulled rearward and released. The SA43 has a constant safety lever that must be pushed upward before pushing the paddle trigger down to fire the weapon. The sights on the SA43 consisted of a front post protected by metal wings located behind the barrel’s somewhat crude flash hider. The rear sight is adjustable and is folding tangent leaf with U-notch. Sighted fire was used to initially align the SA43 and then spotting rounds impacting was resorted to once firing commenced. Interestingly, the SA43 was more than capable of smacking steel man sized targets out to 300 yards. Engaging the carriage’s locking mechanisms once a target was found provided for monotonous hits no matter the range. The SA43 cannot be safely fired when hand held requiring it to be mounted on the carriage.

Ammunition used for testing the SA43 was surplus steel cased 147gr-149gr “light” ball 7.62x54R full metal jacket associated with the green sealed “sardine” cans. This ammunition is typically corrosive with the resulting requirement to properly clean the weapon it is used in. This is simple enough and involves hot water to rid the weapon of the offending corrosive elements before cleaning and re-lubricating the SA43. The original design of a quick change barrel makes cleaning the SA43 simple. The process begins with lifting the top cover and feed tray up to expose the rectangular shaped barrel lock with a half oval depression. The barrel lock is pushed to the left which allows for the barrel to be slid away from the receiver towards the deflector shield. The wooden carry handle found on the barrel aids in this process. This will expose the operating rod piston that lies beneath the barrel. A more thorough disassembly consists of removing the spade grips accessing the fire control group and exposing the mainspring, striker spring and combined guide rod. Removing these parts will allow for the extraction of the striker, bolt and bolt carrier enabling a more detailed cleaning. The operator manual has concise directions with photos detailing the disassembly process.

Range testing with the SA43 resembled more of a function test than anything else. Fire and maneuver tactical exercises using the SA43 as the base of fire were not practical. Interestingly, a smooth profile barrel sent originally with the SA43 exhibited headspace issues typified by cases rupturing in the chamber. Credit has to be given to the overbuild characteristics of the Goriunov as the ruptured case event went unnoticed until difficulty was encountered getting the next round to chamber. A phone call to Century and Wise Lite had the SA43, minus carriage, shipped back to Wise Lite for inspection and repair. Within two weeks the SA43 was returned to continue the evaluation with a new barrel fitted on the same receiver. This barrel featured longitudinal fluting that was a distinction of the SGM model type. Discussions with Wise Lite indicated the SA43 received was an early prototype that had not been updated with improvements with gas regulation and other tweaks to smooth out function process.

The SA43 proved a success after the return from Wise Lite with multiple belts of ammunition sent down range. The sights were confirmed and tested to see if adjustments tracked as indicated on the tangent markings out to approximately 400 yards. The weight of the SA43 definitely makes it a static position weapon; though the carriage can be pulled behind a vehicle, tractor, or four-wheeler easy enough. On flat ground, a “crew” can swivel and move the SA43 smoothly with the Degtyarev carriage’s long trail arm, which can be folded for storage purposes. Initial firing showed the value of being flexible enough to get in the prone position behind the SA43. Subsequent testing from a “dug-in” position proved both more comfortable and more realistic to actual field use. Even in semiautomatic mode the safety and trigger could easily be manipulated fast enough to allow for fire to be observed and corrected via visual feedback. Ultimately, it proved not a far leap of imagination to visualize how a SG43 could anchor a position with its firepower. The heavy profile barrel was slow to heat up, especially considering how much slower semiautomatic is compared to automatic, and the simplicity of switching barrels would allow a trained gunner and assistant in keeping the Goriunov in action for long durations. The Century SA43 is certainly a conversation piece when observed on the range. Better yet, it is a fun and functioning part of firearms history.

Sites of Interest

Century International Arms
430 South Congress Ave. Suite 1
Delray Beach, FL 33445
(800) 527-1252
www.centuryarms.com

Wise Lite Arms
PO Box 258
Boyd, Texas 76023
(940) 433-8095
www.wiselitearms.net

So what do you call a rifle that’s part sporting and part tactical? How about a Sportical? That’s exactly the rifle that DPMS has come up with in their new Sportical line of rifles. They offer the Sportical rifle in either .223 (5.56×45) or .308 (7.62×51). The .308 rifle is the subject of this article and the test gun from DPMS arrived in its own fitted hard case complete with two magazines and a cleaning kit. Also included was an owner’s manual and all accompanying warranty papers. The hard case, second magazine and cleaning kit are noteworthy excellent included items in their “basic” rifle package.

The new Panther Sportical .308 rifle is a gas-operated carbine type AR rifle with collapsible stock and a 16-inch barrel. It features a thick-walled upper receiver that is made from 6066-T6 aluminum and is hard coat anodized per Mil-Spec to a very dark black color. The upper utilizes a snag-free design with a totally smooth side look. It has no dust cover and no shell deflector. It has standard right side ejection with the traditional charging handle located in the expected place at the upper rear. Also absent from the rifle is a forward assist mechanism. The upper features a flat-top design with a built-in Picatinny rail but is slightly different than other A4 uppers. The rail is elevated approximately 1/2 inch higher than other rails. This eliminates the need for a riser mount when using optics of either the magnified or red dot type. The rifle comes with no sights – that is left up to the shooter’s preference.

The lower receiver of the new rifle is milled from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum. It is also hard coat Mil-Spec anodized and matches the color of the upper perfectly. The fit between the upper and lower is perfect with absolutely no wobble or play. Whereas the lower is totally machined, the trigger guard is an integral part of the receiver. The rest of the lower is pretty straightforward using a standard AR-15 trigger group, A2 grip and comes standard with the DPMS 6-position Pardus stock. The DPMS Pardus stock is worthy of mention as it includes several very worthwhile features itself. First of all, it is made from almost unbreakable lightweight, fiber-reinforced black Zytel. This space age material has been around for years and provides for a super tough lightweight material that can stand up to abuse for years. The stock has four integral slots for sling attachment that allows the user to carry the rifle in any number of customized ways. The buttplate is curved and has saw-tooth serrations for excellent grip against either a hunting jacket or tactical vest. There is also an ergonomic finger groove release latch. The stock rides on a standard commercial stock tube so any stock that fits a commercial tube (1.170 inch diameter) can be used. Lastly the magazine well of the lower features a very slight bevel that helps guide magazines into place.

As noted, the gun is shipped with two magazines. These are DPMS magazines which will also fit the POF P-308, Knight’s SR-25 and the LaRue Tactical Stealth rifle. The magazines have steel bodies and base plates which are parkerized a dark black to match the rest of the gun. While these magazines can be loaded with 20 rounds, only 19 should be inserted. With 20 rounds in the magazine it cannot be locked into the rifle with the bolt in the closed position.

The gun’s barrel is 16 inches in length and does not have the M4 grenade launcher “notch” between the gas block and flash hider. It’s made from 4140 Chrome Moly steel, features 6 grooves with a right-hand 1 in 10 twist and is button rifled. It is threaded 5/8 x 24 and has an A2 style 5-slot .308 flash hider. It has a Koebl single rail gas block that is held in place with 2 set screws. The short rail on the gas block is not on the same plane as the rail on the upper receiver. The barrel is chambered 7.62 NATO and neither the barrel, chamber or bolt are chromed. The barrel has a diameter of .740 inches from the gas block forward and a beefy .980 inches under the handguards. Surrounding the barrel is a set of DPMS M4 style GlacierGuards. These handguards are made from a fiber reinforced polymer, which has superior strength and rigidity yet weigh just slightly more than standard metal-lined handguards. They feature 15 internal fins instead of the standard aluminum double shield for heat dispersion. The 15 ribs are mirrored on the outside to provide the shooter with an enhanced grip. The temperature resistant polymer is said to withstand temperatures over 500 degrees. This should allow the handguards to resist overheating and meltdown even under rapid fire conditions, up to 200 rounds.

The gun was initially tested for reliability with several kinds of .308 ammunition. The gun ate every type of ammo that we stuffed into it. This included military surplus as well as several brands of commercial hunting ammunition. Bullet types included full metal jacket, hollow point, polymer tipped and soft point. There was not a single hiccup or malfunction of any kind with this rifle.

A red dot type sight was first used for rapid CQB drills but a more precise aiming point was needed for the accuracy part of the testing. Burris Optics provided a couple of their newest aiming devices: their Full Field TAC 30mm tactical riflescope as well as one of their new FastFire II red dot reflex sights. The tiny FastFire II was mounted on the Tac 30’s 30 mm tube body with an SAR-3 30mm Picatinny ring mount from Tactical Night Vision Company. This relatively new company offers a vast line of night vision optics as well as several high quality mounting devices. This scope accessory ring features a short Picatinny rail that allows a mini red dot scope to be mounted on the 30mm scope tube. This enables the shooter to have both a regular magnified crosshair type scope and with a mere cant of the head a red dot sight as well. By sighting in the scope at an extended range and the FastFire at CQB ranges the shooter has two points of aim available instantly with no twisting knobs or range estimating guesswork. The Burris Full Field is a top quality scope with exceptional clarity and rugged durability. The main tube body is constructed of 6061 T6 aluminum and can stand up to severe duty requirements. Double-spring tension and an oversized ball-joint secures the hand-fitted internal zoom assembly. The adjustment systems are positive and repeatable with audible clicks that you can feel as well as hear. Each scope is moisture-purged before being injected with laboratory-grade nitrogen. The scope features the Burris Tac-2 low profile tactical adjustment knobs. These knobs have radial dials that indicate at which revolution the knob has been rotated. By having four scales of reference, the shooter can always see one of them, whatever his shooting position may be. Once the rifle has been sighted in, TAC-2 knobs can be set to zero by loosening three set screws, rotating the knobs where you want them, and then tightening the set screws. The Tac 30MM scopes are available in powers of 3x-9x all the way up to 6.5x-20x. The 3x-9x scope was chosen for the test because the overall size of the scope didn’t overpower the carbine sized gun and for type of shooting planned.

The rifle was sighted in at 100 yards using a variety of ammunition types and brands. From a solid bench with sandbags, the rifle produced 5-shot groups that measured in the 3 inch range. This is plenty good for hunting and most tactical situations. I surmised that gun was capable of better accuracy than that and figured that I was the cause of the larger groups. To test this, the gun was mounted in a Hyskore Dangerous Game Machine Rest. The Dangerous Game Machine Rest will handle any rifle from .22 long rifle up to and including .50 BMG. It uses Nitrogen filled compression dampeners to absorb recoil. It can handle the wide range of calibers by using any one of the three included dampeners. A printed list shows which dampener to use for which caliber rifle you are testing. The rest also uses a hydraulic remote trigger release so that any human induced motion is eliminated. With it bolted to your shooting bench, the rest will return to battery after every shot. The rest has numerous windage and elevation adjustments to zero the rifle on target. Then you simply push the plunger on the remote trigger release to fire the rifle. After each shot you visually check your target through the scope and continue firing your group. With the Sportical mounted in the rest, several 5-shot groups measured slightly under 3/4 inch.

The DPMS Panther Sportical .308 is indeed a quality rifle that is reliable as well as very accurate. No matter if you are hunting game, predators or bad guys this rifle can handle it all. Retailing for just under $1,000, this is a rifle that deserves serious consideration.

DPMS Firearms LLC
3312 12th Street SE
St. Cloud, MN 56304
Phone: (320) 345-9223
Fax: (320) 345-9249
Website: www.dpmsinc.com

Tactical Night Vision Company
25612 Barton Road #328
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Phone: (909) 659-2842
Website: www.tacticalnightvision.com

Burris Optics Company
331 East 8th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: (970) 356-1670
Fax: (970) 356-8702
Website: www.burrisoptics.com

Hyskore
193 West Hills Road
Huntington Station, NY 11746
Phone: (631) 673-5975
Fax: (631) 673-5976
Website: www.hyskore.com