(Editor’s note: Vaclav “Jack” Krcma, the distinguished firearms and forensics legend, passed away in May of 2009. We asked his longtime friend, J David Truby, to write this SAR eulogy for Jack)

For the past two decades, until he became seriously ill, I used to nag Jack at least twice a year to allow me to write a feature story about him for SAR. He always refused me, sometimes politely, usually not. My last requests were at Dan Shea’s personal bidding because our readership is Jack’s choir. Jack’s last refusal to me in 2007 was, “David, find someone alive and interesting. I am only a minor footnote.”

Though he was hardly modest, Jack’s self judgment was way off the mark, which for him was almost unheard of. Jack is no footnote, his life is a tome filled with volumes of personal and professional achievement and accomplishment. He was the most misanthropic person I have ever known, which only strengthened our relationship.

That’s why I’m sure that Jack will reach out from somewhere and smite me for what I am about to write. But, here is the real life story of Vaclav Krcma, Jr., or Jack, as all knew him, through the memories and judgments of his long time friends, both present and absent.

First, how about solving the mystery of how Vaclav Wenzel Krcma, Jr. became known to one and all as “Jack?” Simple enough, I supposed, so I asked each and every friend and family member that question. There were many suggestions and guesses, but, the definitive answer came from his daughter, Anne, who told me, “I have absolutely no idea.” Thus, the story behind the name “Jack” went skyward with him. And, I know that just amuses the hell out of Jack, if you’ll excuse that pun.

No question that Jack was the real life personification of Winston’s Churchill’s “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”

Jack was born in Czechoslovakia in 1922, where his family lived in the German dominated section. After primary school, young Vaclav attended the Czech Military Academy as an officer candidate until the Nazis took it over. He told me that the cadets, armed with World War I rifles, had planned to make a last ditch defense of the Academy, until they saw the Nazi tanks. He gruffly called it “a required strategic retreat.”

Jack graduated from the Academy in 1944, having spent two years under German occupation. He told me that as an officer in the Czech army, he was active with the anti-Nazi Resistance, after meeting with British SOE people. Fearing reprisals from Czech communists after the war, he worked his way out of his homeland in 1945 and went to the West to begin work for British Intelligence. He told me, “We were in the field, all over Europe, until ‘we were all used up (compromised),’” as he worded it. He would never discuss operational details other than to say he was an action officer for the British.

“I spoke German, Russian, Czech, English and some French, and had been in the nasty end of WWII, so you figure it out, professor!” he said to me with his usual heatedly sarcastic humor.

At the end of the ’40s, because of his service contributions, Jack was granted Displaced Person status by the British and chose to be resettled in Canada. One of his early jobs, before getting into forensics, was working as a self-educated technician in a children’s hospital in Toronto. His record there demonstrated the care and dedication to detail and getting the job done properly that would hallmark his entire career.

Jack also served very briefly in the Canadian Army during the Korean War. In 1950, he volunteered for military service. When his British service records showed the extent and nature of his World War II assignments, Canadian army officials were not sure how to use Jack. So, he sat in bureaucratic limbo at a training facility. He grew impatient, and his overly aggressive demands to be sent to Korea to “kill as many (expletives deleted) communists as possible” did not sit well with spit ‘n polish staff officers and sergeants. He finally gave them the ultimatum of “Korea Now! Or I quit your (expletive deleted) army.” His formal Canadian military service was brief; he got an honorable discharge the day after his ultimatum.

“Those spit and polish pussies were afraid of Krcma. All I wanted to do was kill Communists for them!” he roared at the memory.

Jack’s true calling in pioneering improvements in forensics did not begin until the middle 1950s. According to Stanton O. Berg, who, along with Jack, became one of the founders of The Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE), “Canada has produced a number of colorful characters and Jack was certainly one of them. I first became acquainted with him in 1961, when he was a firearms examiner in the Firearms Section of the Attorney General’s Laboratory, Toronto, Ontario. Around 1969, he became the head of the Ballistics Section of the Laboratory of Legal Medicine and Police Science in Montreal.”

Jack had a warm, personal and familial side, too. In 1958, he married Mary Steinke, a warm, lovely and charming lady, whose daughter, Anne, cared for Jack after Mary passed away in 2003. Jack had two grandchildren, Anne’s son, Andy, and daughter, Rita. Wisely, Jack was able to keep his personal and family life far, far away from his professional life.

Jack was one of the original 36 founding members who attended the very first AFTE inauguration meeting in Chicago in the Spring of 1969. AFTE president Walter J. Howe’s memo to group secretary John Stauffer and Treasurer Charlie Wilson noted, “I talked to Krcma and he will handle German publications.”

Jack was a prolific writer with many publications to his credit, including many early contributions to the AFTE Newsletter. By all accounts, Jack was an active and enthusiastic member, with much of his forensic research published by the AFTE. But, not surprisingly, he also got into very personal, technical and legal arguments with what he called the “dimwit dinosaurs,” among the group and eventually backed away from his active role.

Another contemporary firearms icon, Tom Nelson, had met Jack in 1962, when he was head of the Toronto Forensic Lab, which he had also founded earlier. Jack also played a major part in the creation of the Montreal forensic crime lab. Tom, who’s been an author, publisher, businessman and most notably, a major player with Interarms, until 1970, when he founded Collector’s Armoury, the world’s premier replica firearms company, recalled that Jack “knew everybody in the real gun world. His scientific reputation, his personal notoriety and his professional influence were amazing.”

Tom added, “Jack developed new techniques for forensic science. The old standard was lands and grooves. Jack developed more detailed and scientific criteria such as bolt face, extractor, casings, chamber and fluted chamber indications. Not only was he a field and lab genius, he also wrote deep, scholarly papers on these subjects, which were published in tech journals then cited in all major forensic reference books.”

“Jack photographed everything in minute detail, including micro and macro photos, another innovation. He was thorough in all that he did. He moved both major labs (Montreal and Toronto) into Major League status for forensic science.”

Yet, both internal politics and stifling bureaucracy were eating at Jack, according to Tom and others. So, Jack resigned from the lab he founded, and went to work for Sam Cummings, at Interarms late in 1970. Tom Nelson said of Krcma, “The man was tough as nails, smart, fearless and not only talked the talk and walked the walk, he always backed it up.”

Working with and for the late Sam Cummings, the legendary CIA mystery man who founded Interarms, you had to be all of those things to succeed. And Jack sure did.

Ed Ezell shared a hotel room in Kathmandu for a long period with Jack when both were working for Interarms. Ed was in charge of the Singapore office and was buying a huge lot of antique gun collection from the Nepalese government, with Jack along as technical inspector. Their transactions went well.

At one point, Ed invited Jack to be a guest in his home in Singapore. Jack, Ed and Mrs. Ezell were enjoying a home-cooked spaghetti dinner when the family cat took a flying leap from the floor, landing on Jack’s plate and immediately began slurping up the food. Jack was outraged, Ed was amused, and except for business, the two hardly spoke for some time afterwards. There was no word as to the cat’s survival.

Jack also worked for Interarms in the Far East, including the Peoples Republic of China. Jack continued to work for Sam Cummings at various times in the 1970s, ’80s and into the ’90s but, not exclusively, as Jack liked to freelance.

For instance, Jack was hired by his old pal Tom Nelson in 1981 for several specific deals. Tom said, “I had several surplus deals that I knew that he would do well for us, for example, Mexico and Indonesia. And, all of our business deals worked out just fine. Jack was as honest as they came and if you needed it he’d give you his last nickel. But, he was also unique and he was bigger than real life, too.”

In a twist on the old phrase, Tom added that when he was born, Jack surely broke the Almighty’s mold for characters.

Another long time friend, Blake Stevens, publisher of the very prestigious Collector Grade Publications, recalled, between chuckles, that Jack was just a naturally disruptive person, even for bastions of order and legal standing. He related stories of Jack marching in unannounced to the National Rifle Association’s HQ and heading to the top offices. “He had direct and closed door access to the top people back then, and they listened to him. Same thing at ATF. Can you imagine that today?”

Of course, Jack and the NRA president at that time, Walter J Howe, were very close personal friends, and Jack would often just drop in unannounced and join high level policy meetings. He was always welcome, too. Obviously, today’s Beltway Insider NRA is far different than in the Howe/Krcma days.

Stanton Berg wrote, “I remember Walter Howe commenting that he ran a disciplined operation at NRA headquarters but most of that disciplined atmosphere went out the window when Jack was visiting.”

Agreeing, a retired BATF officer, a mutual friend of Jack and myself, added, “Jack would storm into the ATF offices in DC and the circus would open. Our normally no-nonsense and authoritative regulators would soon be following Jack like the proverbial piped piper.”

Don Walsh says, “Jack was irascible, and irritated even his closest friends, as we both know. Some of them would probably offer a eulogy similar to Peter Falk’s graveside oration in the film, Robin and the Seven Hoods.”

Don and Jack once shared a hotel room during a gun buying scheme in some exotically remote locale. Don recalled, “We concluded our business and departed, and for years, Jack would tell people, as a nasty bit of typical Jack humor, that I had stolen a jar of his hair pomade. Given my lack of hair up there, I always wondered what my motive would have been. Truth is, Jack just forgot to pack it when we checked out of the place.” At that point, Walsh, an unfettered punster, too, added, “or did Jack Czech out?”

Some of his critics claimed Jack’s curmudgeonly ways were part of his instinctive security concerns, no doubt bolstered by his World War II and post war service with the British, plus the nature of his work with Interarms. But, his occupational paranoia was grounded in common sense. For example, he would never allow us to be photographed together. One day I asked him if wasn’t carrying the Invisible Man role too far. His reply was classic. He snorted and barked, “For a smart guy at many things, you can be pretty (expletives deleted) dumb at simple ones. If the wrong people see our picture they will know who your best source has been all these years for all those secrets.”

Jack sometimes got as he gave. I used to joke with him that if he was such an international figure, why was his telephone number prefix “223” instead of “5.56mm?” But, he could top anything, as in when he told me to “Carry on, you’re on the right track” for a book project I had in mind. Then, he added, “In your case, you must spell that as ‘carrion.’”

Laughing at my story, Joe Ramos added that Jack’s paranoia also increased his profile, saying, “I would go to his house and we would meet in that basement office room of his. First, he would shut the windows because ‘those bastards are always listening!,’ then he would stoke up one of his awful cigars. That room got unbearable. My wife always knew were I had been when I got home from all that horrible smoke.”

Ahhh, his ugly cigars. In conversation this past year, Blake Stevens and I discovered both of us had risked smuggling expensive Cuban cigars into the US for Jack back when it was not wise to attempt this. We both got the same response from Jack too, something along the lines of, “Awwwk, these gawdamn things smell like cheap Commie (effluvia). Next time, spend some of your (expletive deleted) moldy money for good, proper Cuban cigars.”

While there is no question that Jack was a gifted and giving mentor to many, his two top accolades were Joe Ramos and the late John Minnery. Most of us agree, too, that both were also his surrogate sons as well. Joe is an A-list firearm designer, developer and mechanic, as well as a prolific writer. John was an espionage professional, a firearms and improvised weapons expert with wetwork experience, and a very good researcher/writer. His death still remains a mystery to me, a close personal friend with whom I co-authored three books.

Jack had to deal personally with the question that troubles all of us who knew John Minnery. I learned of John’s shocking death from Jack, who called me as he recovered from the horror of the police visit about John that awful day in 1991. Despite their close relationship, Jack would often get angry with John and refer to him as “Manurey,” rather than Minnery. Jack was devastated by John’s death, which was officially ruled a suicide.

Joe Ramos delivered a moving eulogy at Jack’s service in May 2009, in which he described his own immigration from the Philippines to Canada in 1974, and how Jack became his friend and mentor, while Joe became the son Jack never had. A few touching quotes tell us much about the true nature of Jack Krcma.

Their first meeting in 1979, was arranged by John Minnery. Joe recalls it was not a totally pleasant meeting. “Jack was in his basement office, all the windows closed and he is huffing/puffing on this horrible cigar, enjoying my choking and gasping. Yet, I knew this would be one of the most memorable moments of my young life.

“Later, Jack asked me to do some technical drawings for one of his studies. I thought that I knew everything. He looked at my drawings, cocked this devilish grin and snarled, ‘So, you are Mr. Expert? You have a long way to go, Sonny, before you are.’ He then pointed out error after crooked line to me. I was near tears. He tucked up my chin and said, ‘Don’t feel bad, son. I am doing this for you. I will try to teach you.’”

Joe said, “I realized that good was not good enough for Jack. His work had to be perfect. I knew then why the world’s major authorities in this field called Jack ‘Mr. Perfect’ and The Dean of Forensic Science.”

As time went on, Joe’s work got far less criticism and far more praise from the master. Today, of course, Joe is a well known expert technical illustrator in the business and also an author of note.

In his eulogy, Joe noted that Jack had “dedicated his life as an instrument of true justice. He fought for what is right every time with his unique flair and style. Personally, he taught me all he could, unselfishly without expecting anything in return.”

In retrospect, he did that for a lot of us.

Joe said the happiest moment of his life was when his biological father, Genaro, came from the Philippines, where he had been in law enforcement, and finally met Jack Krcma. The two men got on famously before the elder Ramos’ passing. During his eulogy, with tears in his eyes, yet, happily, Joe envisioned Mary Krcma, Genaro Ramos and John Minnery welcoming Jack to join them in Heaven.

Now, Jack has gone to the Great Gun Room in Heaven, also joining colleagues Herb Woodend, Ed Ezell, John Minnery, Bob Reynolds and Sam Cummings. Personally, I wish we could have him back.

Vaclav Wenzel Krcma (5 January 1922 – 17 May 2009)

(This could not have been completed without the unselfish, generous and unreserved help, commentary, memory, thoughts, suggestions, pictures and friendship of the following people: Dolf Goldsmith, the late John Minnery, Tom Nelson, Joe Ramos, Anne Samide, Blake Stevens, Don Walsh, and a few others who preferred to contribute from the shadows of Jack’s world. Thanks so very much to all. And, even though he’ll hurl a humungous clap of thunder to shake your soul, and a lightning bolt to sear your posterior as you read this, I know Jack thanks you all, too.)

One day in October, 2004, the Director of the Nahant Public Library, Daniel de Stefano, was cleaning out an old corner of the Attic. The lack of funds to maintain the building weighed heavily on his mind. He suddenly tripped over an old pipe. When he lifted the end of the “pipe” he discovered it was no pipe at all, but the muzzle of a machine gun. Daniel and John Welsh, a library trustee, began to study the artifact in great detail. Thus began a long odyssey through the bureaucratic system. It was a treasure hunt, at times exciting, at other times terrifying.

It was indeed a machine gun, a powerful Army weapon, but what if it was worth some money? Research revealed that it had been donated to the library by Lt. Mayland P. Lewis, a clerk attached to the Adjutant General’s Office (1918) in France. Lt. Lewis had picked up the machine gun from a pile captured by Cpl. Alvin C. York, on Oct.8, 1918. Without any “red tape” or any authority he just brought it home. Further exploration revealed that with the proper provenance connecting the Maxim to Alvin York it could fetch as much as $100,000. Unregistered it would be contraband, subject to seizure and destruction. At this point it was decided to turn the Maxim over to Chief Bill Waters and Sgt. Robert Dwyer of the Nahant, MA Police Dept. for safe keeping.

Nahant’s Welcome Home Parade for “The Boys From Over There” in 1919

It was Friday, July 4, 1919, eight months after the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month of 1918 when the Armistice that ended the “War to End All Wars” had been signed. On the small island of Nahant the residents gathered. The marchers in the parade from the military were all in uniform to celebrate the return of the boys from “over there.” The women are in their white shirtfronts and the men are in their light suits topped with the traditional straw hats. The military personal are miserable in their tunics of wool. Only the occasional Atlantic breeze gives them some relief. The town is decorated in patriotic bunting. All the veterans of the Civil War and Spanish War are present. The Boy Scouts have been given a special honor to pull a small red wagon with an actual “Hun” machine gun and other captured weapons. The machine gun is a Maxim 08/15, one of the 35 machine guns captured by Sgt. Alvin York, the Hero of the Argonne, recipient of the Medal of Honor, DSC, and Croix de Guerre as well as the Legion of Honor given by Marshal Foch, Supreme Allied Commander.

Description of the Historic Maxim Gun

The gun is a typical M1908/15 Maxim Light Machine Gun, one the most common machine guns of the Great War. It is number 3364 b, manufactured by Erfurt in 1918. This government arsenal produced 33,000 Maxim M1908/15s, and was not the most prolific of the makers. That honor goes to Spandau, which produced a half a million, which is why many still refer to German machine guns as “Spandaus.”

The gun is just as it was in 1919, a dirty weapon not cleaned in 90 years, but also it had not been deactivated or altered. Tattered remnants of the original cloth sling still clung to the buttstock loop. Lt. Lewis verified that he chose this weapon from the pile captured by Sgt. York, thus giving this gun the desired provenance.

It is complete with lock (not matching), muzzle booster, filler cap and bipod. The bluing is fading but not rusted. The bore is typical of a weapon fired with corrosive ammo and not cleaned. The action was smooth and the lock easily removed. It is just as if it had been taken from the field on 8, October, 1918. One had the feeling that if water were added to the jacket, a belt inserted, and the action cocked back twice, the “old relic” would come back to life. The gun still had the attachment for the 100-round drum or could be fed from a 250-round belt box. Upon closer examination, the remains of green paint could be seen as some guns have been found in camouflaged design. Its caliber is 7.92x57mm, commonly called 8mm German. The rate of fire was 550 to 600 rounds per minute and though the “light machine gun” weighed 43 pounds with the bipod and with 5 pints of water in the water jacket, it was still an efficient fighting machine.

Sgt. Alvin C. York

Most of our readers are familiar with the Sgt. York story having grown up with the 1941 MGM movie Sergeant York starring Gary Cooper. Movies are far from accurate and often take liberties with the truth. A remarkable 29-page document has emerged which will be the sole basis of York’s history. An inspirational story, full of scripture and truth, it is The Diary of Alvin York by Alvin C. York. Many myths are destroyed and truths revealed in the words of a brave and devout Christian.

Alvin Cullum York was born on December 19, 1897, at Pall Mall Valley, Tennessee; the third of eleven children. Lean and tall, Alvin grew up in the Mountains of Appalachia. He worked hard and honed his wilderness skills with rifle and axe. He became an expert shot but was a little rough, and a bit of a trouble maker. That was until he found his faith in a stern Fundamentalist sect that guided the rest of his days. When the draft came in 1917 he willingly reported for duty. The movie embellished his agony, but correctly showed the strong influence of his company commander, George Edward Burton. They became strong friends and Alvin named his first born after him. The son is still alive today.

Alvin York did not like to kill but readily “teched off” the enemy when it was necessary. York not only served, but due to his native insight and backwoods skill with a rifle he distinguished himself in an outstanding way in the woods of the Argonne. He and sixteen other men, under the command of Sgt. Bernard Earley were sent out to reconnoiter the surrounding hills. They came under fire of many Maxim machine guns. York was acting Corporal at that time. Nine men were killed and Early was severely wounded, leaving York in charge. He took out several machine gun nests with precise fire from his (in all likelihood) 1917 Enfield (not the ’03 Springfield as is commonly believed). Along with a captured German Major they enticed 132 men into surrendering. A German officer and five men with fixed bayonets began to charge him at a distance of 25 yards. Having only half a clip left in his rifle, he drew his 1911 Colt pistol and dispatched the six quickly advancing Germans starting with the sixth man at the rear and worked his way up until none were left.

In all, this combat feat was remarkable with 132 enemy captured along with 35 machine guns. For his action Sgt. Alvin C. York received The Congressional Medal of Honor. Gen. “Black Jack” Pershing personally gave him the D.S.C., Marshal Foch, the Legion of Honor, and later, April 24, 1919, Foch also gave him the Palm Croix De Guerre. Ever humble, York refused to acknowledge the action as his alone. He was a real Hero.

The Captured Maxim

“What happened to the captured Maxim,” one might ask? This brings us to Sunday, March 22, 2009. Through the united effort of the town officials, Director de Stefano was able to find a museum with federal funding that was thrilled to receive an authentic Sgt. York artifact. It will find a home in a special exhibit at the Museum of the Appalachia in Norris, Tennessee. To celebrate this Victory, Director de Stefano invited the public to view the “Maxim from the Attic” and be photographed with this historic artifact before it left for its new home.

The above story underscores the need for HR Bill 442, the Veteran’s Heritage Act. If it were not for the stalwart effort of a few dedicated people this precious heritage would have been lost forever.

The 29-page diary of Sergeant York can be seen at: www.acacia.pair.com/Acacia.Vignettes/The.Diary.of.Alvin.York. html#The%20Diary

(The author would like to thank the following for their assistance: Daniel de Stefano, Director of the Nahant Public Library; Bonnie D’Orlando, The Nahant Historical Society; Sgt. Robert Dwyer, Nahant Police Dept.; John Rice Irwin, Curator, The Museum of Appalachia; Chief Bill Waters, Nahant Police Dept.; and Stephen R. Hamel, VP OO, Inc.)

At the SAR East show, Long Mountain Outfitters debuted the first-ever Title-1 semi-automatic, belt-fed MK46. Having received ATF approval just hours before the show, this MK46-like semi-auto firearm is built to extremely high standards and is one of the finest quality “Black weapons” I have seen, which is in line with Machinegun Armory’s ethic to produce only the finest quality of parts, tools and/or weapons. Disclosure – if you don’t know it, this author is the General Manager of LMOLLC, and doesn’t usually write about products that LMO carries. In this case I made an exception; this is a very interesting and timely offering from MGA and you can buy directly from them as well as distributors like LMO .- Dan

History

The US Machine Gun Armory, LLC (MGA) is a Utah-based firm composed of engineers and machinists who provide reverse-engineering services to design and manufacture parts that the Military requires but can no longer find. Examples of this need, for instance, would be parts for aircraft currently in service today (e.g. The Fairchild A-10 Warthog) but whose parent company and/or parts suppliers are no longer present (Fairchild was bought in 2003).

The US Machine Gun Armory, of course, also produces parts, accessories and weaponry – some for civilians, some for LE/Military. And they also specialize in repairing and rebuilding (they offer a “reinforced” MK46, for instance, where the receiver is rebuilt to what MGA considers a strengthened model) Military M249s, MK46s, M240s. A few years ago they even made tools for these firearms.

Their newest creation is a civilian-legal, Title-1, ATF-approved (May 2009) belt-fed, semi-auto firearm similar in appearance to the FN designed and made MK46. The current model name for the MGA offering is the MGA MK46SA MOD 1, and it combines some of the features of the FN M249 family of guns as well as the H&K closed bolt, hammer operated method of operation, making the gun rather unique and the only semi-auto MK46-like gun the author has ever seen. There have been some very nicely made M249 type semi-autos on the market, but never a MK46 semi-auto.

The author was present when in 2006, having just completed the LMO military level M249 and M240 Armorer’s Courses, two of the MGA engineers/gunsmiths, always fond of the Minimi, M249 and M240 style of guns, decided then and there to build a semi-auto MK46. Much discussion followed on how to design a proper semi-automatic system that would be reliable and robust, as well as user-friendly.

Subsequent to examining numerous firearms in the LMO Working Reference Collection, and discussing some ideas for the basic operation, the MGA team virtually disappeared for almost two years only to resurface in late 2008 when they sent LMO a prototype for review. At that point the proof of concept was finished, and the MGA MK46SA was impressive and unique but as a prototype there were still a few rough edges.

After making very few changes, they sent the prototype weapon, model MGA MK46 MOD 0, along with a full-auto military type MK46 (a Post-86 dealer sample) to the ATF Tech Branch in April 2009 for evaluation and approval. Being well thought out and designed with adherence to both high-quality design and manufacturing standards, as well as keeping in mind all the legal issues, they quickly received approval on their first submission without being asked for any changes or modifications. They had done their homework on what the characteristics would need to be in order to make the MK46SA not only reliable, but legally correct so that it was not readily convertible to fully automatic. Getting the approval immediately was a feather in their cap denoting diligence and attention to detail.

During the summer of 2009, though no flaws were found, MGA upgraded the prototype in small ways (such as including a bolt hold-open) and upgraded the current model name to the MOD 1 moniker in order to differentiate the newest gun from the early models.

In the fall of 2009, the US Machine Gun Armory, in response to sheriffs and police department inquiries, produced a burst-pack version of the gun for law enforcement and military agencies. Eric Cline, MGA’s CEO states, “We are not in any way trying to compete with FN’s product. Our products fit a niche that is unique and can’t be achieved with the military MK46. Many law enforcement agencies have told us that having a semiautomatic or burst-pack version of a MK46 would be more useful, desirable and palatable to their legal sections than a full-auto military weapon. These departments were not buying the military models for that reason, and here was a niche that MGA could fill.” Eric went on to say that some agencies do want a full-auto gun so they can provide that option, but the closed bolt, hammer-operated, HK-sear design for the LE/Military model is meant for domestic security and not military operations.

Though completely different in all key ways, the gun itself looks almost identical to the US MK46. Only by looking closely does one notice that the area just above the trigger on the MGA gun is about one-half inch taller and half an inch longer than that of its military cousin.

Design Details

In 2006, when MGA set out to build a high-quality, custom made, semi-auto MK46-type of SAW for the civilian market, the first thing the Machine Gun Armory engineering staff did was acquire an old Minimi, and study that gun in great detail.

They then used state-of-the-art scanning tools to reverse engineer that 1970s era firearm which resulted in a series of highly detailed CAD models for virtually every part.

They then used those designs to replicate from scratch (and register it with the ATF) an exact copy of that Minimi-style full-auto Post Sample gun. They then updated their Minimi-style CAD models to that of the more modern military MK46 and manufactured an exact copy of the MK46 from scratch (and again registering it as a Post Sample with the ATF). This was done, Cline said, in order to understand how to make the exterior accessories look similar to the Military weapon and to help them refine their military weapon repairing and rebuilding services. Not only do they repair MK46s and M249s, but they offer a “Reinforced MK46” which takes down a military MK46 and then rebuilds it back up with new parts, strengthened welds, and what MGA claims are stronger receiver components (for instance, they use a Wire EDM to create the buttstock mounts instead of a bended sheet metal process).

MGA also offers a service to convert PreMay Dealer Sample Minimis and M-249s to MK46 configuration.

After replicating an exact copy of the MK46 they then worked on their design to convert the open-bolt firing, full-auto design of the Minimi/M249/MK46 to a uniquely different receiver with a closed-bolt, floating firing pin, hammer-fired design utilizing a Heckler & Koch trigger group including a semi-auto disconnect.

They then modified the receiver as well and the trigger housing for the semi-auto MGA MK46SA is not interchangeable in any way with the FN military gun. In fact, MGA points out that most MK46 accessories will fit their semi-auto gun – but the operating groups are totally different and FN MK46 bolts, bolt carriers, etc., will not fit the MGA gun. This is not a true MK46, it is a newly designed operating group that uses the reliable HK fire control group with modified hammer.

Of course, utilizing a standard HK semi-auto trigger pack and custom made hammer also required the extensive re-design of the operating group including the bolt, bolt carrier, firing pin, and the use of a forward positioned “trapped recoil spring” instead of the rear-positioned recoil spring and buffer system found on the military weapon. Manufacturing

The MGA guns are custom made and hand crafted, built to tolerances much tighter than Mil-Spec. MGA machinists and gunsmiths check and adjust tolerances of every moving part to insure that all work correctly. These firearms are all custom made on a quality production line. Every receiver that has been built goes through a reheating and straightening step, often more than once, to make them function reliably. Though the gun carries a hefty price tag, the quality reflects the attention to detail and expert hand-craftsmanship.

Title One Semi-Automatic MGA MK46SA Mod 1

The semi-automatic MGA MK46SA Mod 1 was approved by the ATF in May of 2009. The gun comes with a 1 year warranty, user manual, and can be purchased with numerous optional accessories. MGA is running one production run of only 30 semiautomatic guns, making this a rare collector’s item right from the start.

Full-Auto MGA MK46LE Mod 1 (LE/Mil ONLY)

MGA also makes this firearm in a full-auto version for law enforcement and military clients interested in an alternative to the military type full auto only. Since they utilize an H&K select fire control system they offer the gun with a burst pack option. Hence, the MGA MK46LE is the only burst pack capable MK46 available today.

Live Firing the MGA MK46 Semi-Auto and Full-Auto Guns

The MK46SA is aesthetically pleasing, built extremely well and appears to be of the highest quality. But would it fire? Would it hold up under extreme use?

Over the past few months, multiple shoots were done with the MGA MK46SA MOD 1 semi-auto, the MGA MK46LE MOD 1 SEF and 3-round burst pack model.

Because the H&K semiautomatic trigger group MGA uses in their guns requires more vertical space around the trigger, the MK46-style handgrip is half of an inch lower than that of the military SAWs (Minimi, M249, MK46). The lower grip actually makes for a nice ergonomic feel, allowing a very different control feel from the military MK46.

The rate of fire in the LE model appeared to be the same as the military MK46 and one of the MGA guns did a 4,000 round semi-continuous fire, in order to see if anything would break. The only problem noted was that the non-hardened hammer they used showed dimples from striking the back of the hardened firing pin. MGA knew about this and all new MK46SA come with the new hardened hammer.

Videos showing the operation of the semi-auto and the law enforcement burst-pack and SEF versions of the MGA guns can be found on their website: www.MachineGunArmory.com

The Future

Machinegun Armory is planning to build its 6.8mm SPC burst-pack capable belt-fed machine gun next.

The company hopes to get police departments and Homeland Security agencies in need of greater fire power, but not necessarily wanting a fully automatic belt fed, to adopt its burst-pack belt-fed machine guns. MGA is also seriously considering building a semi-auto MK48 type weapon and other calibers, using their unique operating system.

Research for my photo books of US small arms has given me the opportunity to view tens of thousands of images of American weapons in action and in training. In the process I’ve been quite fortunate to find a number of rare photos that show previously unknown variants or strange modifications. However, I’ve never come across photos of any weapon system quite as rare or remarkably innovative as the Model 45A. If you are scratching your head and wondering what I’m talking about, don’t be too concerned. If you happen to know of the Model 45A, you are one of a handful of people in the world. To date, any experts on this curious assault rifle design have been particularly silent.

The photos I found of the gun are contained in the collections of the United States National Archives, and unfortunately, they are not all kept together in the same record group. Regrettably, they are scattered in ones and twos across hundreds of thousands of photos contained in the US Army Signal Corps files. I found these photos quite by accident, and it wasn’t until I had come across about a half dozen of these images before I really started to pay attention to them. Looking closely at the Model 45A, I could hardly believe that it was a gun designed in 1945. The designers were clearly thinking far ahead of their time.

Born in the Philippines, But Where is it Now?

The rather cryptic captions on the Signal Corps photos provided little real information, alternately describing the gun as an “experimental .30 caliber LMG” or a “field expedient .30 cal.” At least, on several photos, the gun was given a name: Model 45A. However, no names were provided for either of the two sergeants photographed with the gun in war-torn Manila, nor were any names provided for the officer or any of the men (including one Filipino man) posing with the gun in an Ordnance Technical office (also in Manila) with the acronym AFWES-PAG. The date given for the photos was October, 1945, a full two months after the war in the Pacific, and WWII itself was over. Based on the evidence we have, it seems likely that the Model 45A was born in the Philippines. But where is it today? Before he retired, I asked Dr. Jack Atwater (then the curator of the US Army Ordnance Museum) if he had heard of the Model 45A or seen it in the Ordnance Museum collection – he had not.

An Incredible Array of Modern Design Features

The Model 45A is a very modern-looking Bullpup design, featuring a particularly long barrel. A Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) magazine protrudes from the receiver, so we can assume the Model 45A was chambered for .30 caliber ammunition. The pistol grip is particularly futuristic looking and subsequently the “shooters” pose with a more contemporary looking hand placement in their forward grip. The receiver cover looks rather crude and flimsy, and is one of the primary reasons why the Model 45A is suspect as a live gun, but rather a full-sized mock-up. I can’t identify the scope used inside the integral carry handle (very much reminiscent of a modern Steyr-AUG design). The Model 45A is even equipped to launch the M9A1 anti-tank rifle grenade. The buttstock doesn’t look like any US rifle or automatic rifle stock that I recognize, and may have been locally manufactured. As SAR Senior Editor Robert Segel mentioned to me, the Philippines is also famous for their local gun making, and this lends credence to the fact that the buttstock is unrecognizable as a specific US design.

As I was completely stumped by these photos, and could find no reference in my extensive library about this firearm, I turned to my friend Bruce Canfield for help in identifying the design. He e-mailed me shortly after receiving the photos:

“I received the photos today and have looked them over several times. That is a very strange weapon (something of an understatement!). I really don’t understand how the mechanism is functional. I noticed there are no images of the gun actually being fired, only poses. I would suggest that the gun was not functional and was something of a mock-up rather than an operational weapon. The view where the barrel is partially removed from the stock does not depict any sort of bolt or bolt carrier, thus I do not see how the gun could be functional. I could certainly be wrong and this is strictly speculation on my part. On the other hand, based on the limited views of the actual action that are shown, it seems problematic if such a gun could work in its present form. Anyway, it is a fascinating weapon and I wish more information could be obtained.

Thanks again for sending the photos of that most interesting weapon and if I ever find out anything else (fat chance!), I’ll be sure to let you know immediately.”

In a later e-mail, Bruce followed up on my thoughts about the rather large number of photos taken of a “one-off” design, concept gun, or odd in-theatre mock-up:

“I agree that somebody wanted to be sure the “M45-A” was shown in a number of action poses, but I still have doubts it was functional. It may have been some sort of mock-up design concept. In any event, we’ll just have to add it to the ever-growing lists of little-known military weapons.”

Who Designed the Model 45A, and Why?

All of this raises more questions than it answers. Who designed the Model 45A? What motivated them to do so? And what were their influences to create such a futuristic design in the waning days of the Second World War? One thing is for certain, that the Model 45A is a highly unique design, and if it was shown to the right people, it may have been rather influential in modern American rifle design.

After looking over these photos, we hope that the readers of Small Arms Review will notice other interesting details of the Model 45A, and if anyone has information regarding the identity of its designer, the unit that made it, and where the gun is today, we’d love to hear from you.

Indo Defence is the Indonesian military’s third in a series of bi-annual tri-service expositions. It is a good, solid, Southeast Asian military show with strong regional military attendance. While not as inclusive of small arms as Defense & Security Thailand or Defense Services Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Indo Defence in Jakarta is certainly in the top shows in the region. SAR was able to view some regional manufacturer’s presentations as well as indigenous Indonesian developments. In a country of 80 million, that was over-run by outside conquerors in recent memory and freedom is less than a century old, one expects to find an active arms design and production infrastructure.

Indo Defence is a military only show with weapons, vehicles, electronics and kit, and there are many exhibitors from around the world. There are a lot of indigenous manufacturers and designers, as well as military academies that exhibit. This provides a window into the local manufacturing partnerships and purchasing opportunities.

The Indonesian military production groups and technical institutes have been busy; examples of armed robots and drone aircraft designed and made in Indonesia were in several places around the show, mingled with the expected major international manufacturer’s offerings. The Indonesian offerings seemed to hold their own on the playing field in the eyes of many military procurement personnel. Reports from the Internationals were fairly good, there are large vehicle and weapon procurements coming up and offerings from Sweden, Poland, Romania, Britain and the US were mentioned competitively.

The weather was oppressively hot and humid to any US or Euro-centric attendees, but the indoor exhibits were comfortable enough.

One Honorable Mention should go to the stalwart gents from Foster & Freeman, who travel much of the world with their forensic technology products. The products are state-of-the-art and their repertoire extends beyond the average offering – from fingerprint gathering to forensic data and passport forgery detection devices, and their LED based Crime-lite handhelds that are in 5 different levels for crime scene inspection. A bit off topic for SAR but many of our readers are involved in LE and forensics, so have a look. Website: www.fosterfreeman.com

The Anti-Helicopter Mine AHM-200-2 is a single unit mine that shares most of the characteristics with the below described 4-unit set, but is individual-set capable. It will detect a target at up to 500 meters, track it, determine if the helicopter is within height range, and only initiate if the helicopter is a viable target. The “kill” zone is up to 100 meters above this model of mine, although the danger area is higher.

The Anti-Helicopter Mine 4AHM-100 is also designed to destroy low flying helicopters, but is a squad operation to set up and far more effective. The mine unit consists of four individual mine warheads arranged in a square pattern with a combined control sensor positioned in the center. The warheads are each provided with built-in fuzes, which are activated simultaneously by the sensor through coded signals, launching the mines skyward.

The warheads are placed horizontally on the ground and the combined sensor controller is positioned on a horizontal platform at the terrain level. All components may be camouflaged through standard methods.

The fuzes are resistant to disturbances and have two levels of protection against accidental activation before being set into an armed state. The fuzes can be activated or neutralized by signals from the sensor after expiration of the programmed safety time, to comply with current international mine criteria.

The combined sensor consists of an acoustic type and a radar type and it is able to identify low flying helicopters either by DSP analysis of their acoustic signatures or by their Doppler signals. On a client’s request, the acoustic sensor can also “learn” to identify and select various types of helicopters. A control system processes the signals detected and sends commands for initiation on detection of a target or for neutralization/self-destruction on expiration of the pre-programmed time. On a client’s request, the commands for neutralization or detonation, as well as for the complementary functions, i.e. temporary neutralization and testing the armed state, may be performed by a remote control station through coded signals.

The mine can not be activated by occasional noises, moving people, animals or ground military machines, or by sideways or high flying helicopters. It is protected against activation by a direct hit from bullets or fragments, storm, heavy rain and snow, sand storm, etc., and is efficient in any climate conditions.

The mine’s electrical power is supplied from replaceable batteries assembled to the mine immediately before arming.

From South Korea was the relatively new Chiron portable Surface-to-Air missile (KP-SAM)

The Chiron is a man-portable, fire-and-forget system that is day-night operational with full night vision capability. It has excellent IRCCM and a two color seeker, and can be linked with alert systems via radio. The missile has a high terminal velocity using dual thrust propulsion, and is designed to give ground forces a portable method to counter fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, UAV, and cruise missiles. (SAR tried to gain more information on the anti-cruise missile claim, more on that in a future issue if we can substantiate it.) LIG Nex 1 Prudential Tower 11F~12F 838, Yoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-983, Korea; Tel: +82-1644-2005; www.lignex1.com/eng/product/product_main.html

The best military museum we found was the Satriamandala Military Museum:

The Museum had an upper floor of carefully made dioramas showing important events in Indonesian military history, and the downstairs held a lot of surprises in that hundreds of small arms were on display. Heading back outside, there is a large cannon display with many historic pieces, and an aviation display as well. If you are in Jakarta, it’s definitely worth a side trip to spend time in this museum.

Jalan Gatot Subroto
14-16 Jakarta
Java 12710
Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 522 7946

The Black Rifle community is as diverse as the number of optional available weapon configurations: and that number is quickly heading towards infinite. Opinions run deep on topics such as effective barrel lengths, gas systems, accessories and even calibers. While most just boil down to personal preference with few real “wrong answers,” those who harbor these opinions are passionate and serious. One thing that most people who are hard-core, life-long fans of the AR-15/M16/M4 weapons system DO have in common is a zeal for early designs and obscure configurations. The early belt-fed black rifle designs may indeed be the Holy Grail of this system and Small Arms Review is pleased to have obtained an original Colt/Ciener AR-15 H-Bar to examine.

In the Beginning

In the late 1950s, Eugene Stoner and his engineers at ArmaLite had the idea to try a belt-feed unit chambered in .308 on one of his AR-10 designs. While the system indeed worked, and the U.S was actively searching for a new system of this sort, the idea was never actually brought to production. The Dutch AR-10 programs experimented further with the belt-fed AR-10. A little later, the Colt Firearms experimental group toyed with the idea of scaling the system down for 5.56x45mm to be hosted on one of the early AR-15 platforms. Under the supervision of Rob Roy, they produced less than a dozen prototype guns, all slightly different, but the project was eventually abandoned for over 20 years while designs went in the direction of the standard magazine-fed guns we are all familiar with today, which has ended up as the primary weapon system for the United States military for several decades. There is a lot of speculation, and many theories, why the belt-fed AR-15 never took off in those early days and most revolve around the deep interest in “upgrading” to the more potent and powerful 7.62×51 NATO cartridge.

Fast Forward to the Mid 1980s

Jonathan Arthur Ciener had been manufacturing machine guns and sound suppressors since the mid-1970s, and his products have become a staple in the Class III industry. Best known at the time for his silencers, he was producing quality (and very effective) suppressors with an interest in the civilian market; an area that received little attention at the time. While many other legendary manufacturers in our community were engaged in the military weapons market at the same time, most were working in the direction of the sacred U.S. Government contract and the recreational and civilian shooters remained a very small percentage of the overall manufacturing and marketing plans of the era.

While not all alone, Jonathan Ciener was standing tall in his efforts of actively designing, manufacturing and marketing silencers and machine guns for the civilian market. Few of us who were an active part of the “Gun Culture” during the early 1980s will forget the red and white, multi-page catalogs published by Ciener, as they were an important piece of reference literature and used to introduce thousands of civilian shooters to the availability of these firearms. While the pages were filled with many of Ciener’s offerings in the suppressor arena, there were also pages of his machine guns, grenade launchers and related accessories. They explained the legalities of owning these firearms and devices and included retail pricing for those interested in purchasing them. Many were indeed considered “wish-books” and collected like fine literature. In the late 1980s (or perhaps early 1990s) there was a 2-page spread added to the latest catalog, which included and detailed the newly available Belt-Fed AR-15. Ciener’s first product offerings were “kits” to make your own Belt-Fed AR-15, but eventually he offered the complete service.

For the first time in the civilian market a currently produced belt-fed semiautomatic firearm was offered for sale, and the platform was the tried and true AR-15. This was also the first time a belt-fed firearm was offered to the public in the United States, chambered in .223 (5.56x45mm).

Same Thing, Just Different

With several differences from other available belt-fed firearms, the most unique feature may have actually been the lack of a top cover and additional top mounted feed mechanism such as that used by almost every other system of the time. Immediately recognizable from previous belt-fed designs including Maxim and Browning machine guns, the German MG34 and MG42 guns, the M60 and even the M249 SAW and M240 GPMG, there is no top cover, and like on a few of them, no roller assisted track feed mechanism above the action of the Ciener Belt-Fed AR-15.

The actual feeding and firing function of the Ciener gun very closely mimics the original black rifle, stripping the rounds from the belt in the same manor as stripping the rounds from a standard bottom loaded box magazine and fired from the same closed bolt. The mechanism works so close to the original design that without the use of any tools the belt-feed mechanism can be removed and the gun would still function perfectly when fed from a normal box magazine, regardless of the capacity. With the Ciener conversion, the gun is completely backwards compatible to allow the use of both standard box magazines and the new belt-feed system.

How DOES it Work?

Since there is no top cover and no standard shuttle feed mechanism, the gun needs to harness the energy from somewhere else. Like many others, the rearward motion of the bolt carrier is still harnessed to provide the energy to pull the belt into the action but it is captured on the side of the bolt instead of the top. There is an angled slot milled into the left side of the bolt carrier which captures a steel pin that travels through the outside of the upper receiver to the exterior drive unit. When the belt-feed mechanism is installed, (simply inserted into the magazine-well of an open lower receiver) it connects to this sliding drive unit with a spring-loaded pawl lock for easy installation and removal.

Looking inside the feed mechanism when it is installed will reveal four spring loaded feed pawls. There are two on the top and two on the bottom. These pawls cam up and down as the mechanism rocks (in a see-saw motion) caused from the exterior drive lifting and lowering the linkage as the bolt carrier moved from front to rear and back again. These pawls pull, than hold the belted ammo in the mechanism in sequence as it rocks back and forth. Just like the unmodified rifle, it fires from a closed bolt so a round may be loaded and ready to fire in situations where such a condition is desired and determined safe.

Upon further examination of the feed mechanism, a small piece of spring steel can be seen to the front of the feed pawls. This creates a light but steady amount of lift necessary for proper round presentation for reliable feeding. As mentioned previously, the round is presented to the bolt carrier and bolt just as if it is being fed from an inserted magazine.

As the round is stripped from the link and chambered, the belt advances from the motion caused by the cam slot on the forward moving bolt carrier and the empty link advances out and into the link chute or onto the ground. Since the links are modified XM27 (M249/Minimi) links and VERY expensive to purchase as modified, it is suggested to use the link chute.

The link modification is a precise slot that exposes almost 1/2 the diameter of the round. Looking inside the mechanism for a short time, this “head scratcher” of a modification turns into an incredibly logical and necessary step. Since the belt is fed from the side and presented for feeding from the bottom (like a standard magazine) it is missing the stability and support of the feed lips of an actual magazine that holds the round perfectly in line with the chamber as it is stripped by the bolt. Since it is only supported on the side by the link and held up on the front it has a tendency to twist to the left as it is being pushed from the link. This would cause an immediate feeding problem due to the unsupported alignment. Colt solved this issue by adding a small tooth to the link chute, which acts as a “feeding boss” holding the link from the right when the slot from the previous link slides over the tooth. This gives the round a strait and stable platform to sit in while being chambered. This “boss” tooth is part of the drop-in feed mechanism and not the collection chute so for those less concerned with collecting these links it is possible to use it without the box.

Ciener’s AR-15 Modifications

When the Ciener belt-fed AR-15 and M16 was introduced, purchasers had the option of purchasing one off the shelf or sending their original Colt rifle in for the necessary modifications. The work is extensive to the original gun and it is far from a drop-in conversion. As previously mentioned though, once the conversion is completed the belt-feed mechanism can easily be removed to use the rifle with standard magazines.

The upper receiver is modified by removing material to allow the feed mechanism to fit in the gun and the exterior drive unit is installed. The bolt carrier is slotted to intercept the steel cam pin, which connects to the linkage in the belt-feed unit once installed in the lower receiver. The lower receiver is also modified by removing material to accept the belt-feed mechanism. The rifle will function normally with a standard magazine but these receiver modifications will act as “windows” allowing the user to see a portion of the magazine when using it in this manor. Even after it is modified a standard upper receiver may be used with the lower receiver functioning like a factory gun was intended. If the Ciener upper is to be used with a standard box magazine, the modified bolt carrier must still be used due to the addition of the steel cam pin.

Inserting and removing the belt-feed mechanism is as simple as opening the rifle in the normal fashion. The rear takedown pin is pushed through and the upper is opened by rotating on the front takedown pin. The belt-feed mechanism is dropped into the mag-well and automatically lined up for closing. As the upper is closed onto the lower, the spring-loaded pawl lock is depressed and allowed to spring back into the exterior drive unit on the upper receiver. To remove the mechanism, it is done in reverse order starting with depressing the spring-loaded pawl lock.

The bottom of the belt-feed mechanism extends past the bottom of the mag-well to act as the attachment point for the belt feed box and link chute. The box has a separate compartment to hold the fired links so they do not mix with the belted ammunition. The box can be removed by one of two methods. It is secured to the bottom of the feed mechanism with a single pushpin. It can either be removed completely by pulling and removing the pin or a toggle switch can be rotated on the right side of the box allowing just the bottom to slide off to the left for emptying and refilling leaving the link chute attached to the gun. The latter is much easier when a simple reload is in order.

Live Fire

The first order is to link the ammo and fill the feed box. Ammo is pressed into the links until it snaps into place. At the end of the belt should be an end tab which consists of two dummy rounds and a 2.25-inch tab. The end tab allows the bolt to be held open upon firing the last round, which would not happen since there is no “follower” as in a conventional box magazine.

Unlike many other belt-fed firearms, the ammo is loaded with the links down instead of the normal “brass to grass” protocol. This is so the links are on the bottom and the rounds are pushed over them just like being pushed up and out of a box magazine.

To insert the belt, the bolt carrier needs to be locked back. This is a BIG issue of concern because if the entire system has any flaws at all, this is it. Reading close here can save the user a lot of embarrassment and a fair amount of pain. The bolt release is concealed behind the belt-feed mechanism when it is installed and caution must be used anytime this is engaged. NEVER, at anytime, should the user hit the bolt release with anything considered essential equipment (like fingers or a thumb) when the bolt is back! (Yes, this writer knows this from first-hand stupidity, er… ah… I mean experience).

With the bolt back we inserted the belt (links down) until it clicked twice. A view inside the dust cover revealed the round properly seated for feeding with the groove in the link engaged in the tooth portion of the link chute. With a small tug on the charging handle the bolt was slammed home and in battery.

The day was started with a quantity of Federal XM193 ammo, all of which ran without so much as a glitch. After a small rear sight adjustment we shot 10-round groups for hours switching between 3 shooters. Factory A2 sights were all we used and the distance was approximately 60 yards. Since the purpose of the testing was for function, we were satisfied with the distance and sight combination as multiple 2-inch and 3-inch groups were repeated throughout the afternoon. After we exhausted the Federal ammo we linked a fair quantity of Wolf Polyformance ammunition and repeated the process. The groups were the same and the only malfunction we encountered was a failure to feed with what turned out to be a bent link.

It will be interesting in the future to mount some optics and shoot for accuracy at a proper distance but it wasn’t on the agenda for this test. What was noticed was the consistency of the ejected casings. We were running 50-round belts all from the box, and one shooter commented that we could have placed a coffee can 3 feet from the bench in a 4 o’clock position and have caught about 98% of the empty casings. Amazingly enough they all looked as though they were being “policed” throughout the day just because of the pile they were in getting higher and higher.

After each belt would empty, the bolt carrier would CAREFULLY be locked back, and the ears releasing the pawls were depressed to remove the end tab and dummy rounds. This would leave it ready for the next reload.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, this is a gun that should still be in production. We have no idea if it would be price prohibitive to manufacture or what the market would be, but we know that everyone who has handled this has been extremely impressed and envious. The quality of this gun is nothing short of amazing and it is obvious the first time the charging handle is pulled back and the glass-smooth action is felt. The parts are true poetry in motion for something so radically different from the original design.

Having an excellent running example that was spawned from such an important era in the wonder years of “modern” firearms designs is almost priceless. When handling this gun it is impossible not to think of “what could have been” during these sensitive trials and test periods that gave us the designs we have today.

This is the place we would usually list the manufacturer’s information and suggested retail pricing, but since these guns have long been unavailable, we won’t irritate Mr. Ciener by adding his current contact information here. He has been out of the belt-fed AR business for a long time and specializes today in .22 LR subcaliber units for several modern firearms. We have heard though that he may have just a few of these left in inventory from years ago, and if you do happen to run into him it may be worth asking if they are for sale.

By John Brown

Nearly six years ago we started the process of developing an agenda and beginning the process of working closely with ATF on a number of programs that would be beneficial for both the industry and the bureau. Over the last six years we have made many accomplishments and have salvaged many issues that faced the entire community. Most of you will remember the debacle surrounding the controversy over the FNC sears and the resolution was a major collaborative effort between ATF and the NFATCA. Many other issues have been joint efforts that have given both organizations the drive to continue to work together. Major issues included publishing the NFA Handbook and the initiation of the Firearms Technology Branch Handbook stand out as major representations of our efforts working together.

Unfortunately, 2009 was the year of the slow roll. At the close of the year nearly a dozen issues that the NFATCA has worked on with ATF have made little if no headway. We first lost the former Director of ATF, Michael Sullivan and the position was left vacant for nearly six months. Many of us in both ATF and the industry were anxious about his replacement. At mid year we saw a new acting Director, Kenneth Melson. The next loss was the retirement of the Assistant Director, Carson Carroll. As many of you will remember Carson was the first person that made the announcement that ATF would explore the possibility of another amnesty for the industry. That investigation and the effort to explore the potential for an amnesty is now in the hands of the acting Director and his staff. Shortly after Carson Carroll retired we got the news that Billy Hoover was promoted to the position of Assistant Director, especially good news for everyone. Almost simultaneously we received the news that the Director of Field Operations, Jim Zamillo, would be retiring in early 2010. To make a long story short, the industry lost a lot of good relationships in 2009. We maintained some good relationships already in place and saw new faces, like Billy Hoover, move into positions where they could truly make a difference. In short we did gain some personnel that are still working their way through many of the issues that the NFAFCA has presented.

The only problem with the slow roll is that most of the recommendations that the NFATCA made in 2009 almost came to a complete stall. What hasn’t landed on ATF counsel’s desk has landed on a desk where there is a vacancy. So we wait and continue to work additional issues in parallel with what seems an eternity. Everything from the definition of manufacturing to not to mark variance regulations, to better definition of small arms ammunition and the Safe Explosive Act seems to be sitting somewhere with little or no action.

In 2009 the NFATCA met with many of the other industry representatives to secure help in working these issues to make certain that we had the industry’s best interests at heart. As many of you know, we worked closely with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the F.A.I.R. Trade group and the National Rifle Association in addressing many of the issues that faced the entire industry. During 2009, as a result of all the collaborative efforts, the NFATCA brought forward nearly a dozen issues mentioned earlier. Thus, we have pronounced 2009 as the year of the slow roll. Many issues have been organized and placed formally in the hands of our working counterparts within the Bureau. Like many private organizations experiencing a loss of talent at the top of the management team, it can slow things down to a crawl. We have met with acting Director Melson and he knows the agenda all too well. Even in his position, there is a lack of support with the retirement of Carson Carroll, Jim Zamillo and who knows what other talent we may lose in 2010.

So at this point the NFATCA would like to make it clear to everyone that we are making progress; albeit slow in 2009. The often heard expression “nothing good comes easy” is certainly true in matters that pertain to the NFATCA working with the Bureau in 2009. As we move forward in 2010, we will keep everyone posted on the progress and most importantly the objectives that the NFATCA and ATF set for the coming year. We do this together as a team in an effort to promote industry/government cooperation in a world that works better when we all have the same objectives. In light of the current administration, this is the kind of cooperation we need more than ever.

The coming year will be busy for every one of us and we look forward to continued support from the entire community. Come join us and make a difference with your knowledge, expertise and much needed experience. Contact us at www.nfatca.org for more information.

Sturm, Ruger Announces New SR-22 Rifle

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. announces the introduction of the Ruger SR-22TM Rifle, an autoloading, rimfire rifle that combines the legendary reliability of the Ruger 10/22 with the ergonomics and configurability of the new AR-style Ruger SR-556. The new SR-22 rifle allows shooters to use economical .22 LR ammunition, while still enjoying the look and feel of an “AR” and experiencing the reliability they have come to appreciate from Ruger. Because it utilizes the unique rotary magazine supplied with the Ruger 10/22, the SR-22 Rifle offers the same gold standard for reliability in autoloading rimfire rifles. Like the 10/22, the AR-style SR-22 rifle also has an extensive array of accessories available, allowing shooters to select a custom configuration that best suits their tastes and needs. The SR-22 rifle uses a standard 10/22 action inside a top-quality, all-aluminum chassis that faithfully replicates the AR-platform dimensions between the sighting plane, buttstock height, and grip. The SR-22 rifle provides a Picatinny rail optic mount, and includes a six-position, telescoping M4-style buttstock (on a Mil-Spec diameter tube), plus a Hogue Monogrip pistol grip. Buttstocks and grips may be swapped out for any AR-style compatible option. The SR-22 also features a round, mid-length handguard mounted on a standard-thread AR-style barrel nut. Picatinny rails, specifically designed for this handguard, are available from Ruger, allowing the handguard to be configured to accept any number of rail-mounted sights or accessories. A barrel support block is installed in the handguard, ensuring accuracy and allowing the standard 10/22 V-block barrel attachment system to be used. The SR-22 is equipped with a precision-rifled, cold hammer forged alloy steel barrel. The 16-1/8 inch barrel is capped with an SR-556/Mini-14 flash suppressor mounted with a 1/2-28 thread. For more information on the SR-22 rifle, and other great Ruger products, please contact them at Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc., Dept. SAR, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, AZ 86301. Phone: (928) 778-6555. Fax: (928) 778-6633. Their website is www.ruger.com.

Trijicon Advanced Thermal Weapons Sight

Trijicon, Inc., the world leader in Brilliant Aiming Solutions and combat optics, is proud to announce its development of the latest-generation, cutting-edge Advanced Trijicon Thermal Weapons Sight (ATWS) for small arms use. The Trijicon ATWS is the first high-definition (640×480 pixel) small arms mounted uncooled thermal sight in the world. It is also smaller and lighter than most current lower-definition weapons-mounted thermal sights available on the market. The Trijicon ATWS is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) allowing extremely rapid and sure target acquisition and engagement, regardless of poor lighting conditions or battlefield obscurants like dust, smoke or fog. With nearly 500,000 Trijicon ACOGs currently in service, the new Trijicon ATWS can further enhance the gunner’s ability to engage nighttime targets and provides convenience and combat readiness as it can be mounted and dismounted without removing the Trijicon ACOG optic. The Trijicon ATWS mounts forward of the Trijicon ACOG, allowing full use of the illumination capabilities and Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticles incorporated into most Trijicon ACOG models. For additional versatility and utility, the Trijicon ATWS can also be used as a stand alone, hand-held thermal sight if desired. Partnering with FLIR Systems, Inc., a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of thermal imaging and stabilized camera systems, the product specifications for the new Trijicon ATWS make it the ultimate, next generation sight made for those whose lives could depend on the performance of their equipment. Using a 640×480 pixel uncooled microbolometer camera, the Trijicon ATWS matches the 7° FOV of the Trijicon ACOG, so the gunner sees the same scene with or without the Advanced Thermal Weapon Sight. The sight is powered by four CR123 lithium batteries yielding up to five-hour power duration, and weighs a mere 1.5 pounds with batteries. The Trijicon ATWS is also incredibly compact, measuring just 5.9 inches long x 3 inches high x 3.4 inches wide. Finally, the Trijicon ATWS is amazingly durable, having been tested to withstand the shock of 5,000 rounds of gunfire. For more information on this as well as their entire line of high quality optics please contact Trijicon, Inc., Dept. SAR, 49385 Shafer Avenue, P.O. Box 930059, Wixom, MI 48393. Phone: (248) 960-7700. Fax: (248) 960-7725. Their website is www.trijicon.com.

MKS Supply Introduces Their 1911 .22 Pistol

For a price under most 1911/.22 conversion units, MKS Supply, Inc., is making available a fantastic buy for gun owners across the country: a full size replica of the standard 1911 .45 ACP. The weight is less than the original 1911 because both the slide and the frame are constructed of aluminum alloy. The lighter slide in particular also allows for reliable functioning as it has much less mass for the recoil action of the diminutive .22 LR round to function. The internal components of the 1911-22 are all steel of course. The barrel is fixed to the frame to provide better accuracy. The fixed barrel also eliminates some not necessary parts found in the original .45 which was designed for full disassembly due to battlefield conditions. Finish on the slide and frame is a tough flat black oxide finish. MKS Supply is also going to make available models with olive drab and desert tan powder coated slides. The pistol’s 10-round magazine is made of industrial-grade polymer and has been proven in extensive testing to be incredibly reliable as the polymer forming process ensures they are identical thus eliminating steel assembly and fit variances. Also, MKS Supply will offer extra magazines at a no-gouge price around $20 MSRP. The new pistol will also feature walnut grips with laser cut checkering and dovetail drift-adjustable rear sight. It will have a full one year parts and labor warranty. MSRP is $299. For more information please contact MKS Supply, Inc., Dept. SAR, 8611-A North Dixie Drive, Dayton, OH 45414. Phone: (937) 454-0363. Website: www.1911-22.com.

Arsenal Releases New 5.45×39 AK-74 Rifle

Arsenal, Inc. introduces its own AK-74 rifle chambered in 5.45×39. Combining 21st century technology with original Mil-Spec design features, Arsenal has succeeded in producing America’s first ever AK-74 built on an original Russian Kalashnikov platform. Bringing the flat shooting, superior ballistic characteristics of the 5.45×39 round together with the world’s most reliable battle rifle ever made, Arsenal is sure to re-invent history with the addition of this rifle to its product line. Each SGL31 will come standard with Arsenal’s own, new production, US made, AK-74 muzzle brake that uses modern-day CNC technology to improve upon an already highly effective brake. As with all Arsenal products, this brake is made with original Mil-Spec designs, insuring the effectiveness of the brake is never compromised and only improved upon. Also, every SGL31 will have Arsenal’s upper and lower handguards that are said to be the world’s most effective heat dissipating AK handguards on the market due to its stainless steel heat shield. The SGL31 features a hammer forged chrome lined barrel that is built to stand not only the test of time but against any environment or situation encountered. In keeping with Arsenal’s tradition of insuring authenticity and reliability, every SGL31 comes with a bullet guide and the ability to accept and feed reliably Arsenal’s Mil-Spec, steel re-enforced, legendary, double circle 10 high capacity magazines. And, with Arsenal’s exclusive two stage trigger design, the SGL31 provides a clean and crisp pull when shooting. Available with optional accessories, like the KV-04S scope mount and the four-sided aluminum Picatinny rail, the battle tested and battle proven design of the AK-74 becomes the battle rifle of the future in the form of the Arsenal SGL31. Combining these features and many more, like the different stock lengths and colors, the SGL31 sets the standard as the most reliable and accurate battle rifle ever. Starting with a MSRP of $799, the SGL31 sets the standard in yet one more category: affordability. Arsenal serves as full line manufacturer, importer, and developer of the best combat rifles available and the accessories for them. For more information on this product or any other product in the Arsenal, Inc. line, please contact them at Arsenal, Inc., Dept. SAR, 3300 South Decatur Boulevard, Suite 10632, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Phone: (702) 643-2220. Fax: (702) 643-8860. Website: www.arsenalinc.com.

SureFire Now has 200 Lumen Output with new LX2 Light

SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of high-end illumination tools and tactical products, has announced the release of its new LX2 LumaMax flashlight. The LX2 is the natural evolution of the popular L2 LumaMax flashlight introduced by SureFire in 2004. It features a cutting-edge design with higher output and longer runtime than its predecessor. When it was first introduced five years ago, the L2 featured state-of-the-art flashlight technology, with a two-stage light emitting diode (LED) that produced 15 lumens of useful light at its low setting and 100 lumens of tactical-level light at its high setting. The new LX2 follows in the L2’s footsteps but makes strides of its own. It features the same lower output level but with double the maximum output, making it the first commercially available SureFire LED flashlight to produce an incredible 200 lumens of light, 10 times that of a typical two-D-cell flashlight. What’s more, the LX2 has double the total runtime of the L2. SureFire engineers redesigned the L2 from the ground up to create the new LX2. They first shaved three quarters of an inch from the L2’s overall length to give the LX2 a more compact 5.4-inch body. Next, the L2’s rough-knurled body was replaced by a smooth body with flutes CNC machined into it for a smooth yet functional grip that won’t wear down clothing. Like the L2, the body is coated in Mil-Spec Type III hard anodizing, and an optically coated Borofloat window maximizes light transmission while protecting the LED. Finally, SureFire’s proprietary reversible pocket clip was added for convenient carry-bezel up or down or even clipped to the bill of a cap. SureFire illumination tools are used by more SWAT teams and elite special operations groups than any other brand. For more information please contact them at SureFire LLC, Dept. SAR, 18300 Mt. Baldy Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708-6122. Phone: (714) 545-9444. Fax: (714) 545-9537. Their website is www.surefire.com.

By Robert M. Hausman

At issue is a 27-year-old Chicago, IL law banning handguns, requiring the annual taxation of firearms, and otherwise interfering with the right of law-abiding individuals to keep firearms at home for self-defense.

The case was brought on behalf of four Chicago residents, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Last year, in the landmark case of District of Columbia v Heller, the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms. However, as that case concerned the actions of the District of Columbia government, a federal entity, the high court was not called upon to decide whether the right bound states and local governments. Over the years, almost the entire Bill of Rights has been held to apply to state and local governments by operation of the Fourteenth Amendment (the relevant portion of which states, “No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law, nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are secured to us against violation by all levels of government,” noted Alan Gura, of Gura & Possessky, PLLC, lead counsel for the McDonald plaintiffs. “State and local politicians should be on notice: the Second Amendment is a normal part of the Bill of Rights, and it is coming to your town.”

Otis McDonald, a Chicago resident since 1952, the namesake of the case, led a fight to integrate his local union in the 1960s and is a plaintiff in the case. “I am grateful the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case,” he said. “I now pray that the court secures me and all other law-abiding citizens the right to defend ourselves and our families.”

SAF founder Alan Gottlieb noted the importance of the case to ensure that Americans’ constitutional rights are respected not only by Congress, but by state and local governments. “A gun ban is no less onerous to civil rights in Chicago than it was in the District of Columbia,” Gottlieb observed. “Such a law cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged.”

At stake in the Chicago gun ban challenge is not only the question of whether the Second Amendment protects the Right to Keep and Bear Arms from any state and local government law or regulation, and also the extent to which the Supreme Court preserves individual liberty against encroachment by state and local governments.

Oral argument will possibly be scheduled early this coming winter, with a decision expected by June 2010. Gura will argue the case on behalf of the McDonald plaintiffs.

In the June ruling that the Supreme Court will now review, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held that the Second Amendment does not apply to state and local governments. That opinion left in place the current ban on the possession of handguns in Chicago.

However, the National Rifle Association (which is apparently not involved in the current suit) points out that Seventh Circuit incorrectly claimed it was bound by precedent from 19th century Supreme Court decisions in failing to incorporate the Second Amendment. Many legal scholars believe that the Seventh Circuit should have followed the lead of the earlier Ninth Circuit panel decision in Nordyke v Alameda County, which found that those cases don’t prevent the Second Amendment from applying to the states through the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. To the contrary, a proper incorporation analysis supports application of the Second Amendment to the states.

ATF Importer’s Meeting (Part II)

In this second installment of SAR’s coverage of ATF’s Annual Importers Conference held August 10-11th in Washington, D.C., we pick up with the presentation by the U.S. Department of State.

Chuck Schwingler of the State Dept.’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of Defense Trade Controls Licensing presented an overview of his agency’s mission.

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) within the State Dept. licenses direct commercial sales in defense articles and the development and enforcement of defense trade export control laws, regulations and policies. This includes both permanent and temporary exports of defense articles and defense services as well as temporary imports of the same. Its authority is derived from 22 U.S.C. 2778-2780 of the Arms Export Control Act and 22 CFR Parts 120-130 in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

In accordance with Executive Order 11958, the State Dept., in concurrence with the Dept. of Defense, determines what commodities are covered by the U.S. Munitions List (USML). Items covered by the USML can be found in Part 121 of the ITAR. All commodities listed in the USML require the exporter to be registered with the DDTC. Exporters of such articles also must have an export license.

Dept. of State approval of a license application is required prior to the export of defense articles or defense services. During the application process, a computerized review of all parties to the proposed transaction is made against a “watch list” of known or suspected export violators. A “match” results in a full compliance review by the State Dept. before final action is taken on the application. End-use checks are conducted through the “Blue Lantern” program to monitor verifications of defense exports.

As per Section 123.15(a) (3) of the ITAR, a license application for the export of firearms with a total value of $1 million dollars or higher requires Congressional notification. Form DSP-5 is used for the permanent export of firearms and ammunition. Form DSP-83 is also used for the export of full-auto firearms, rifles in caliber .50 or higher, fifty or more firearms or 100,000 or more rounds of ammunition. Form DSP-73 is used for the temporary export of firearms & ammunition.

Form DSP-61 is issued for the temporary import of firearms & ammunition. An invitation and/or registration document for the event, the length of time the imports will be in the U.S. along with details on how the imports will be secured while in the U.S. must be furnished with the form when firearms/ammunition are being temporarily imported for use at trade shows and exhibits. Similar documentation must be provided with applications for temporary import for the purposes of demonstrations and testing.

Licensing Exemptions

Non-automatic obsolete firearms made in or before 1898 as well as replicas of such firearms are exempt from licensing.

U.S. persons may temporarily export up to three non-automatic firearms and no more than 1,000-rounds of ammunition for their personal use without a license provided the guns/ammo are not re-exported or otherwise undergo a transfer of ownership.

Components and parts for Category 1 firearms are exempt from licensing requirements when the total value does not exceed $100 wholesale in any single transaction. Barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames), or complete breech mechanisms are major components and require a license. Parts dealers have been trying for years to get this $100 exemption raised without success.

A shipment originating in Canada or Mexico that incidentally transits the U.S. en route to a delivery point in that same country is exempt from the requirement for an in-transit license.

The mention of this exemption prompted a response from a major ammunition importer who related how his goods (small arms ammunition) en route from the factory in Eastern Europe to a South American country was seized upon discovery by U.S. Customs when the ship it was carried on temporarily stopped in a U.S. port to unload other cargo.

ATF representatives responded that an in-transit license is required for the goods as it entered U.S. waters and was thus in U.S. territory, even though there was no intention to unload the ammunition onto U.S. soil.

It was also mentioned that U.S. persons not in the business of manufacturing or exporting defense articles, related technical data, or furnishing defense services, may request a one-time exemption from the registration requirements for permanently exporting or temporarily importing firearms and ammunition. A letter requesting the one-time exemption along with a completed paper DSP-5 license application is required.

More information is available at the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls web site: www.pmddtc.state.gov.

Dept. of Commerce Presentation

The U.S. Dept. of Commerce Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) made the last presentation of the gathering.

Ronald Rolfe, a Licensing Officer in the Export Administration and Scot Gonzales, Special Agent in export enforcement, noted that the BIS maintains a licensing system for the export of shotguns and all related items to all Organization of American States member countries. Items subject to these controls can be found on the Commerce Control List.

The countries these controls apply to are: Antigua, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, The Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Additionally, a license is required to export and re-export crime control and detection equipment, related technology and soft-ware. Items subject to these controls are also identified in the Commerce Control List.

Items requiring a license under these sections of the regulations include: shotguns with a barrel length of 18-inches or over and related parts, to include buckshot shotgun shells; shotgun shells and related components; and, optical sighting devices. Additional information is available from Exporter Services by calling (202) 482-4811. Also visit: www.bis.gov.

Other points noted during the gathering are: out of 40 employees at the Firearms & Explosives Services Division, only 2 have elected to move with their office to Martinsburg, West Virginia. This has resulted in a curtailment of services to licensees as new employees have to be trained.

There are continuing complaints of actions taken by Customs & Border Protection employees by the industry present at the gathering. It was mentioned that some 42% of CBP inspectors have been on the job for less than 3 years, resulting in the large numbers of mistaken actions that the industry has complained of.

Always well-attended, the annual Importer’s Meeting also provides an opportunity for networking and doing business among the attendees. It’s open to licensed importers/exporters only.

Blasts at PPU Factory Kill Seven, Production delayed

A series of four late night underground explosions at the PRVI Partizan (PPU) ammunition and explosives producing factory in Užice, Serbia killed seven workers and injured another fourteen. The cause of the September 3rd blasts is under investigation said plant Director Dobrosav Andric.

Production at the factory, which has been in operation in most years since 1928, has been delayed for an estimated 30 days as a result. The factory is situated about 200 km southwest of the capital, Belgrade.

The series of explosions that rocked the facility occurred at about 10 p.m. local time and spurred fires inside the factory. Responding firefighters put out the blaze.

PRVI Partizan is Serbia’s largest ammunition factory with about 600 employees. While none of the machinery in the plant was damaged by the explosions, a flood caused by the activation of the plant’s sprinkler system was said to cause some damage.

The factory is reported as having stepped up production during the past two years with its main export customers being Iraq, Libya, the United States and Burma. The total value of Serbia’s 2008 arms exports is believed to be over $600 million. Serbian Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac announced a $100 million export deal for weapons and military equipment to Iraq in recent weeks.

In a late breaking development, the Serbian government announced five workers at the factory had been arrested on unspecified negligence charges related to the cause of the explosion. It has further been determined that the cause of death of those killed was due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The arrested workers were said to have not followed factory procedures on the handling of gunpowder.

The PPU factory’s production in small arms ammunition is imported into the U.S. by TR&Z USA Trading of Stratford, Connecticut under the PRVI Partizan label. TR&Z also imports ammunition components for such firms as Graf & Sons. The Wolf Gold ammunition line (produced by PPU) is also imported by TR&Z as are much of the PPU blank ammunition used by the motion picture industry.

Century International Arms imports PPU ammunition as well under their proprietary “HotShot” label. The PPU brand was also formerly imported by the Hansen Cartridge Co. of Southport, Conn.

New D.C. Suit Seeks Next Step – Licensed Carry

A new lawsuit against the Washington, D.C. government argues that city laws banning the carrying of handguns in public violates the Second Amendment. It asks that the District be required to issue carry licenses to city residents and to those with valid licenses issued in other places.

The suit is brought by the Second Amendment Foundation, three D.C. residents, and a non-resident, Edward Raymond.

In April 2007, Raymond was stopped for speeding in the District while transporting a gun he had permits for in Maryland and Florida. He was charged with carrying a pistol without a license and plead guilty to misdemeanor unregistered gun and unregistered ammunition charges. The District refused to grant Raymond a license to transport his gun through the city.

Alan Gura, who successfully argued the Heller case against the District, is the plaintiff’s attorney. Gura said that since his client, who lives outside the District, cannot obtain a firearm transport license when he travels through city limits, the law stifles his Second Amendment rights.

Meanwhile the District has filed a motion to dismiss the suit. D.C. Attorney General; Peter J. Nickles argues that current city gun laws, which allow for keeping a firearm in the home for personal protection, meet the standard of the Second Amendment.

“The District’s regulation of handguns at issue here is squarely in the mainstream and eminently reasonable, minimally intruding on the right announced in Heller to bear arms for the protection of ‘hearth and home’, while at the same time safeguarding public safety under traditional police powers,” Nickles argues.

22 Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Members Vote to Confirm Anti-Hunter Sunstein

No less than 22 members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, which is supposedly dedicated to sportsmens’ issues, recently voted to confirm Barack Obama’s nominee, anti-hunter Cass Sunstein, to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Sunstein is widely viewed as a proponent of animal rights, as being against hunting and (although he denies it) being against the Second Amendment.

Of the 63 senators who voted in favor of Sunstein, 22 were members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, reports the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

“We were disappointed that so many members of the Senate claiming to be pro-sportsmen voted in favor of a nominee who has expressed that recreational hunting should be banned,” USSA president Bud Pidgeon said. “Sportsmen all across America will clearly be able to see which senators were willing to stand up for them.”

Sunstein’s position can pose a threat to shooters and hunters given the influence he will have in implementing federal rules that could affect gun owners.

U.S. Sues First Choice Armor

The U.S. federal government has filed a lawsuit against First Choice Armor & Equipment, Inc., and its founder, Edward Dovner, for allegedly submitting false claims for bullet resistant vests purchased by law enforcement agencies.

First Choice sold such vests containing Zylon fiber from 2000-2005 as a lightweight alternative to traditional vests. The suit alleges the company knew of “significant” manufacturing and degradation problems in the Zylon fiber that rendered the material unsafe for ballistic use. In fact, when the Justice Dept.’s National Institute of Justice tested eight of First Choice’s vests in 2005, all were reported as having failed.

The government is also suing Dovner and his wife for fraudulent conveyance – a transfer of property made to hinder a creditor – a violation of the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act. The government alleges that after learning of the investigation into Zylon vests, Dovner and his wife withdrew more than $5 million from First Choice. Dovner then purchased a Ferrari, a Maserati and a private jet through various shell companies.

The U.S. is also pursuing lawsuits against Toyobo Co., the manufacturer of the Zylon fiber, as well as Second Chance Body Armor, Honeywell International, Inc. and at least two other vest makers. Five other firms involved in the manufacture or sale of such vests have settled similar cases for over $47 million.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. Visit www.FirearmsGroup.com. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

During World War I the widespread use of machine guns was creating a stalemate in the largely trench war conflict thus becoming suicidal to attempt any infantry attack on the enemy’s position. Seeking a solution to the situation, the British came up with the idea of building a new type of vehicle that would be impervious to machine gun fire, and therefore able to attack and overrun the barbed wire and enemy trenches while taking only limited casualties. The vehicle would need armor to repel small arms fire and tracks to enable it to cross the muddy battlefields and trenches without getting stuck: it was named the Land-Ship.

The task of actually designing the machine was given to the British firm of William Foster & Company Ltd. The project was carried out with the utmost secrecy and the vehicle was given the code-name “tank” to conceal its true purpose from enemy spies. The first prototype land-ship was demonstrated to the Land-Ship Committee on 11 September 1915. As with most new designs, the land-ship took a few years to develop into an effective fighting machine. Once fielded during September 1916, the new British vehicles with their 12mm thick armor hulls were impervious to machine gun and small arms fire though the slow moving machines were vulnerable to artillery fire. One of the first documented successful fielding of the “tanks” was at the battle of Cambrai, France in November of 1917. The British plan was to use a combined arms force of air, infantry and tanks to assault the German lines. The Germans were able to stop some of the tanks by separating them from their supporting infantry and firing machine guns into the slits used by the crew to see out of the vehicle. Many other tanks broke down due to mechanical problems and were abandoned by their crews but the concept of the tank assault was considered a success.

Following the British lead, the French introduced their new Renault FT 17 light tanks into the battle during 1917. The Germans quickly realized that they needed something to deal with the growing number of allied tanks and set out to provide their infantrymen with a portable anti-tank weapon. The concept of using a large caliber, high velocity machine gun, designated the TuF or Tank und Flieger, which translates to “tank and airplane”, as a means of defeating aircraft and armored vehicles was already under development in Germany. On October 25, 1917, the Infantry Department of the German Kriegsministerium (war ministry) had decided on a high velocity cartridge with a 13mm armor-piercing bullet. The resulting 13x92Rmm (rand or rimmed .525 caliber) T-Munitions armor-piercing round was developed by the German firm Polte-Magdeburg. The overall length of the round was 5.25-inches. The 802-grain (average weight) boattail bullet had a steel core, a GMCS jacket (Gilding Metal-Clad Steel) and a 200-grain powder charge resulting in a muzzle velocity of 785 meters per second (2,575 fps). The cartridge case was designed with a tapered case to ease extraction after firing. The cartridge was capable of penetrating armor up to 20mm thick at a range of 100 yards and 15mm thick armor at 300 yards, making it very effective against the rather thinly armored British tanks of the day. While the large-caliber Maxim type machine gun was undergoing development an expedient weapon was needed. The Mauser company proposed a large caliber bolt action rifle that would fire the new 13mm round. The weapon designed and built by Mauser was designated as the Tank Abwehr Gewehr or Tank Defense Rifle. Although effective, there were a quite a few disadvantages associated with the new weapon.

The first Tank Abwehr Gewehr weapon to be developed by Mauser had an 86cm (33.85 inches) long barrel that had a wall thickness of 8.5mm at the muzzle. The weapon weighed 17.96kg (39.6 pounds) with an overall length of 158cm (62.2 inches). Further testing and development revealed that the wall thickness of the barrel could be reduced and the barrel length increased for additional muzzle velocity. The early weapon was designated as the kurz (short) model. Production was limited consisting of approximately 300 units.

A later version of the Tank Abwehr Gewehr, now with the name shortened to the T-Gewehr, was fitted with a thinner (4.5mm wall thickness at the muzzle) and longer barrel than the earlier T-Gewehr kurz. The production T-Gewehr was a large, single-shot weapon that looked much like an oversized K98 German infantry rifle. The T-Gewehr had an overall length of 170cm (67 inches) and weighed 16.9kg (37.25 pounds); the barrel itself measured 98.43cm (38.75 inches) in length. The weapon had a removable 30.5cm (12 inches) high bipod that added another 1.81kg (4 pounds) to the overall gross weight. There was also a bracket located on the front barrel band to permit the weapon to be mounted on the T-Gewehr or MG 08/15 machine gun bipod. The receiver is approximately 13.5 inches long and 3-inches in diameter. The bolt is approximately 14 inches in length with a diameter of 1.25 inches and weighs 5 pounds. There was a version of the T-Gewehr produced that had a five-round box magazine, but production was very limited. After the war the allied intelligence reports stated that approximately 16,500 T-Gewehr rifles were produced.

The size and weight of the weapon made it difficult to carry. The stock was made of wood with a pistol grip to aid in controlling the weapon and there was no buttplate or recoil pad. The buttstock is made from two pieces of wood that are dovetailed and glued together. The receiver was marked with the Mauser banner and the year 1918. There are German proof marks located on the barrel and receiver, indicating that the weapon satisfactorily passed the hardness analysis, assembly testing and final fit. The proofs are a crown icon with a letter beneath it identifying the inspector who examined the weapon. The rear sight is a tangent leaf style calibrated from 100 to 500 meters.

The T-Gewehr is a large bolt-action rifle; the bolt head was designed with four large locking lugs that travel in slots machined into the inside walls of the receiver. When the bolt handle turned into the battery position the bolt is securely locked by the lugs to the receiver. The 35.56cm (14 inches) long bolt body has three 4.8mm gas vent holes on the right side and one 7mm vent hole on the left side. There is also one 6.4mm hole through each of the forward locking lugs. When the bolt is fully retracted it is held in the receiver by a catch located on the left side. A safety lever is located at the rear of the bolt and rotating the lever to the right side places the weapon on safe by moving the cocking piece off of the sear and blocking the firing pin.

After the weapon is fired the cartridge case is extracted as the bolt handle is rotated 90-degrees and pulled rearward. The extractor is spring steel and rests in a slot machined in the bolt. A long spring-loaded ejector lever pinned to the receiver initiates the ejection of the spent case. The lever rises upward after the bolt passes over it and ejects the spent cartridge out of the weapon. The trigger mechanism is an uncomplicated design and works in concert with the nose of a sear. The sear is held upward in an engaged position by a spring.

Generally, there were two to three anti-tank rifles issued per regiment. The T-Gewehr was fielded by a two-man crew: one man carried the weapon and several rounds of ammunition while the second man carried the bulk of the ammunition and bipod. For personal defense each crew member was issued a sidearm. The report and recoil of the German anti-tank rifle, having no type of recoil pad, buffer or muzzle brake like modern large caliber weapons of its type, proved to be physically demanding on its crew. After firing its first few rounds the T-Gewehr crew would immediately draw fire from the allied tanks and infantry. A number of T-Gewehr weapons were captured by the allies during the war but they were of little use because the Germans didn’t field any large numbers of armored vehicles. After World War I ended, the Treaty of Versailles banned the use of the T-Gewehr and similar large caliber weapons by the Germans. Many military historians believe that the Germans hid large numbers of T-Gewehr weapons, and continued to manufacture 13mm ammunition after the war ended. This theory is based on the large quantities of 13mm ammunition with a November 1918 headstamp, despite the fact that the war ended on 11 November 1918. It is believed that the Germans continued to stamp old dates on the cartridges to conceal production from the Allied Control Commission.

After the initial fielding of the T-Gewehr by the Germans, the general staff of the American Expeditionary Force expressed an urgent requirement to the U.S. War Department for the development of a high-power, large caliber weapon with armor-piercing capabilities. The proposed weapon was primarily to serve as an anti-tank as well as an anti-aircraft gun for ground forces. In the early spring of 1918, the British began development work on a large caliber cartridge based on the 13×92 millimeter German round. By April of 1918, U.S. General “Black Jack” Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Force, cabled the War Department to report that British efforts on the project were progressing too slowly, and suggested that independent work be undertaken in the United States to develop a large caliber round. The American Expeditionary General Staff recommended the use of a projectile weighing approximately 670 grains with a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second. Eventually the British developed the .50 caliber Vickers round that had a projectile weight of 565 grains and a relatively low muzzle velocity of 2,520 feet per second. The United States Ordnance Department, along with the combined efforts of Winchester and John Browning, eventually conceived their own .50 caliber (12.7x99mm) cartridge and the famous M2 Caliber .50 Browning machine gun, which is still in U.S. service today and has had the longest continuous service life of any U.S. weapon. The .50 caliber Browning is in the military inventories of 86 countries today.

While the concept of the anti-tank rifle was short-lived primarily due to rapid advances in armor design, the German T-Gewehr provided inspiration for developing many similar large caliber weapons.

Disassembly of the T-Gewehr is accomplished by first insuring the weapon is not loaded. Rotate and slide the bolt handle rearward; then press the bolt catch on the left rear side of the receiver to release the bolt from the receiver. The stock is removed by first removing the wooden pistol grip, and then removing the three screws that secure the trigger guard. The front band is removed by driving out its steel retaining pin, and sliding the band forward.

(Special thanks to the following for their valued assistance: Michael Free for the use of his T-Gewehr for photographs and study; Michael Heidler, Germany and Bill Woodin, Woodin Laboratories.)