John Browning was undoubtedly the most prolific firearms inventor of the 19th and 20th centuries. He developed a number of pistols patented from 1895 that use various mechanisms such as blow back, gas piston, barrel locked with links and rotary movement.

His inventions were realized by the production of several models on both sides of the Atlantic that included the Browning 1900, 1903, 1906 and 1910 in Belgium made by Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre de Herstal and, of course, the Colt 1900, 1903 and 1911 in the United States.

In 1911, Fabrique Nationale planed to build the Colt gun, but World War I and the resulting occupation of the Herstal factory when the Germans overran Belgium caused the project to be shelved. After the war, the Belgians returned to the project and developed the Grand Browning pistol in 9.65mm that was derived from the 9.8mm Colt developed in 1910.

The French Program

In 1921, the French Army launched a large program of replacement of its small arms with the schedule concerning hand guns drawn up on May 9, 1921. It provided that the future weapon will have to have a caliber close to 9mm firing a 125gr bullet with a muzzle velocity higher than 1,184 fps. The resulting kinetic energy will be about 272 foot/pounds. The rear sight was to be graduated up to 600 meters (660 yards) with a barrel length of 20 cm (7.97 inches). The magazine was to contain at least 15 cartridges and a removable shoulder stock was desired. The weight of the weapon was to be under one kilogram (2.2 lbs) and would have to be simple and easy to maintain. A loading indicator and a cartridge counter were also required.

Informed of this program, the F.N. factory was interested and asked engineer Dieudonné Saive to develop a new gun. He produced a Browning 1903 with a high capacity magazine receiving the cartridges on two columns. The feeding system was solved, but the weapon fired a cartridge whose characteristics were under the requirement of the French. The use of the 9mm Luger cartridge was necessary, but as the 9mm Browning Long Pistol worked perfectly with a blow back device, the 9mm Luger did not.

The 15-shot pistol was sent to John Browning with the requirement of the French. He worked on the question with his brother Ed and a few weeks later two prototypes were made. The first had a straight movement barrel and the other had a pivoting barrel with an oblique slope ensuring displacement during locking and unlocking. The two guns were presented to Colt who had the manufacturing rights for Browning’s inventions in America. Colt did pay the expenses of the patent, but declined the marketing of these models. The Browning brothers again turned to the F.N. who chose to develop the model provided with a locking slope.

The American patent of the Grand Rendement pistol was filed on June 28, 1923 and was granted on February 22, 1927 under No. 1,618,510. In Belgium, it is covered by the patent Nos. 304,814 of July 29, 1922; 316,874 of March 24, 1924 and 316,876 of March 27, 1924.

Browning 1922

Two prototypes were made and presented in France in 1922 per Val Browning, son of John, and by Captain Chevalier, an officer retired from the Belgian Army. The two guns vary by the length of their barrel: 121 mm (4.76 inches) and 200 mm (7.87 inches). Both had a rear sight adjustable up to 500 meters and the model with long barrel accommodated a shoulder stock. The safety lever is located at the back of the slide. There is no grip safety or device prohibiting firing when the magazine is removed. The slide remains open after firing the last cartridge.

Tests of the Grand Rendement Browning guns were carried out jointly with that of the Grand Browning, which F.N decided to continue production. An internal note of January 22, 1921 established the manufacture of twelve guns and 100,000 9.65mm cartridges.

The French technical testing group chaired by General Emery was more interested in the Browning 1922 pistols than the 9.65mm Browning. The group examined both weapons compared to the characteristics of the May 9, 1921 program and modified on July 25, 1922. It notes with satisfaction that the 9mm cartridge manufactured by F.N gave better results than the 9mm German ammunition fired in the Luger pistol. Initial velocities were respectively 355 m/s (1,167 fps) and 370 m/s 1,217 fps). The weapons had good hand holding characteristics and were suitably balanced and accurate. The weight was slightly heaver than the requirement, but a lightening of at least 80 grams (2.82 oz.) seems to have occurred. French officers desired that the safety be placed on the frame instead of being located at the back of the slide. One officer also noted the absence of an indicator if the striker is in the armed position and no cartridge counter. The summary of the tests showed that generally the operation of these guns and their magazines was satisfactory.

Initial disassembly, although very simple, required the complete removal of a great number of parts that then resulted in a complex disassembly that requires the intervention of a “skillful and vigorous man” for the reinstallation of the recoil spring.

The testing group wished to see several improvements to be brought to the 9mm Browning guns and this decision stops the development of the 9.65mm Browning.

In 1922-23, the French did test various other pistols: 7.65mm Browning 1910; 7.65mm and 9mm Browning 1910/22; Browning 1903: Colt M1911: P 08 and Long P 08 Luger; Steyr 1912; Mauser 1912; Webley & Scott; Lewis; Beretta 1915; Ruby; Lambrecht and Rochet.

Browning 1923

Following the recommendation of the testing group of the French Army, F.N. improved the Browning 1922, which Mr. Chevalier presented the prototype on March 23, 1925.

Its general organization is the same as that of the Model 1922 but had several essential differences. The internal striker is replaced by an external hammer and the weapon has an absolute safety by a nut on the hammer and an automatic safety when the magazine is removed. The magazine capacity is brought back from fifteen to thirteen rounds.

Disassembly is facilitated by the fact that the slide is maintained in the rear position by the safety. The reassembly of the recoil spring rod is simplified by the presence on one end of a half-moon encasing itself in a corresponding housing of the slide. For this model, F.N. had also carried out an adaptable metal stock, being able to be dismounted.

The Browning 1923 pistol complied with the July 25, 1922 program, except with for the weight, the indication of a cartridge in the barrel and the cartridge counter.

The Versailles Commission of Experiment estimated that this gun was powerful, well in hand, very accurate, with a correct operation, was easy to disassemble without tools and provided absolute safety when disarmed. This enthusiastic appreciation would have involved the immediate adoption of this model, but nothing came of it.

The Browning 1925, 1927, 1928, 1930 and 1931

Parallel to the tests of the Browning 1923, other studies were undertaken with various foreign pistols existing on the market and also several 9mm pistols developed by French factories.

Army Headquarters modified the specifications of the future weapon on June 2, 1927 and specified that the future gun will use the 7.65mm long cartridge, which is none other than the .30 Long Pedersen.

F.N. continued the development of the Browning gun. The Model 1925 is organized like the prototype of 1923, but the adjustable rear sight disappears and replaced with a fixed U notch. The hammer spur is also less prominent.

After the sudden death of John Browning on November 26, 1926, Dieudonné Saive continued the development of the high capacity Browning gun. On the 1926 prototype, the old large spur hammer came back, the frame was larger and the barrel is shorter.

With the 1927 prototype model, the frame is thinner and the hammer is smaller.

The silhouette of the weapon then changes – the handle is redrawn; the hammer with spur is replaced by a hammer with a drilled peak. The optional safety now is located at the rear of the frame on the left side and the bolt stop is now an external lever placed in front of safety. This prototype was presented in 1928.

The following year in 1929, a new model with curved back grip is made. It is now close to its final version.

New improvements were introduced on the models carried out in 1930 and 1931. Particularly with more enveloping plates to the back that improves the hand hold and makes shooting more comfortable. The weapon is also proposed with a thin wooden stock with an attached leather holster. In this model the fixed U notch is replaced by an adjustable rear sight.

Pistol Competition

To evaluate on a large scale qualities of the weapons existing on the market, the Ministry of War organized a competition in 1933. The guns were separated in two groups: those chambered in 7.65mm long cartridge (14 guns) and other models (5 guns). But this competition is only a lure intended to test the best existing technical weapons, which will allow French manufactures and companies to develop a national weapon.

Browning No. 1 Pistol

The Browning No. 1 Pistol is a 7.65mm long blow back pistol. It is provided with a removable lockwork package and a single column magazine. The frame receives the barrel, the slide; the lockwork mechanism and the magazine.

The barrel does not move during shooting. The recoil spring is placed under the barrel and the slide entirely wraps the barrel. The sights are made of a fixed U notch and a half moon front sight. The grip can receive a removable stock. The pistol weighed 855 g (1.88 pounds) without the magazine; the length was 192 mm (7.55 inches) and had a 112 mm (4.40 inch) barrel. This model was appreciated for its simplicity and its removable lock works and ease of disassembly and reassembly. The weapon underwent successful tests for operation and it appears among the models having collected the best results.

Browning 1930 Pistol

The Browning pistol of 1930 is a 9mm pistol and carries the designation of No. 205. Although far away from the French military program, this gun was appreciated for its simple organization and its reliability. Summary disassembling is very easy, which is not the case of the reassembly that is considered to be long and delicate.

The Browning 1930 precedes the gun that will become the H.P. Browning pistol.

New French Tests

After a new series of tests in 1935, only four pistols were retained: the MAS, the SACM (Petter system), the Belgian F.N. Browning and the Spanish Star. The tests continue until 1937 and France finally adopts an automatic pistol, and to fill its delay, it adopts two of them: The MAS and the SACM models. The pistols presented by F.N. Herstal and Star were discarded.

Browning 1936 Pistol

The Browning Pistol Model 1936 (firing the 7.65mm long cartridge), is an evolution of the same calibre weapon presented in 1933. The removable lockwork was kept, but the gun works with a locked breach and a short recoil barrel with the same device of the H.P. Browning pistol. The grip of the Browning M1936 is particular. Its trapezoidal shape looks like the Vis 35, which is not that odd since Belgian technicians at F.N. had collaborated in the development of the Polish gun.

The Browning Model 1936 was the subject of a patent proposed in France on March 4, 1935, and granted on June 17 of the same year under No. 786,652. A similar request had been proposed in Belgium on March 1, 1935.

The left side of the slide of the Browning in 7.65mm long has the same inscriptions as on its counterpart in 9mm: Fabrique Nationale D’Armes de Guerre Herstal Belgique Browning Patent’s Depose. On the right face of the gun intended for the tests of the French Army: Manufacture D’ Armes De Paris.

This establishment (MAP), founded in 1915 in Saint-Denis in the northern suburbs of Paris by two Directors of F.N. and French industrialists, manufactured armament during World War I. Thereafter, MAP made precision machine parts. In 1921, F.N. takes a majority share in the capital of MAP and the company is then occupied by manufacturing typewriters. This activity does not give good performance and it decided to devote production to tools that F.N. needs to satisfy important military orders (China, Poland and Belgium). MAP also seems to have played the part of distributor for certain F.N. products in France, which would explain the affixing of its company name on the Browning Model 1936. The control of MAP by F.N. ceased in 1937. The company was then repurchased by the Hotchkiss company.

The general organization of the weapon reveals a frame that supports the barrel and the slide; it contains the removable trigger mechanism and the magazine. The recoil spring is placed under the barrel and the sights are a rear open U notch and a front half moon;

This pistol could be provided with a tangential rear sight allowing shooting up to 500 meters. In this case, the option was available on the back of the grip for the attachment of a wooden stock.

The safety is placed at the left rear of the frame. The bolt open lever is on the same side, just above the trigger. The single column magazine is placed in the grip. The left face of the magazine has holes in it to be able to check its contents. The magazine is locked in the pistol by a transversal push button located just behind the trigger guard on the grip frame. The weapon is provided with a magazine safety that allows the slide to remain open on the last shot fired.

The design of the Browning 1936 pistol is different from that of the H.P. 35, particularly with regard to the trigger mechanism. The Browning 1936 works with a short recoil barrel. The H.P. 35 has a fixed barrel assembled like the m1903, 1910 and 1910/11 pistols. Except for this mounting, the other characteristics of the weapon remain unchanged. For disassembly, the barrel has to be removed as on the M1910 or similar guns.

Except for the location of the safety, the Browning Model 1936 fully answered the French program fixed at the conclusion of the competition of 1933, but the weapon was not retained. The elimination of the Browning gun results are probably more political and economic considerations.

The technicians at F.N. were quite bitter because of this and the files of the company still have the provisional technical notes on which the following handwritten note mentions: “GP studied for the French who did not adopt it but did made a copy.” This is not completely exact, because only few points are common with the F.N. pistol and MAS or SACM pistols.

The program of the French Army was responsible for the research conducted by F.N. in the hopes of it being adopted by the French. The anxiety expressed by the Belgians at the time by being shut out is understandable, but as it turned out it they created one of the best guns existing in the world.

The Browning Model 1935 G.P. was a huge success for F.N. and they produced more than 1.5 million guns and were brought into service by more than one hundred countries.

In a bit of irony of history, the French, whose manufacturers were not able to build a sufficient number of guns before the declaration of war, asked F.N. to provide them with the Model 1935 pistols. Two examples, numbered 10,933 and 10,972 were delivered in March and April 1940, where they gave excellent results. But it was too late. In May 1940, Belgium and France were invaded and the project could not be concluded.

The author experienced firing the LRAC 89 many years ago and was impressed with the performance and power of the rocket as well as its penetration. Some years later, LMO imported some for experimentation in avalanche removal (unsuccessfully, range was too short for the job and 105mm Howitzers were deemed to have a better stand-off distance). By the early 1990s, Robert I. Landies had imported a small quantity of deactivated tubes out of Morocco to sell to collectors in the United States and these demilled tubes are the prize of numerous collections.

The 1970s era LRAC F1 89mm (Lance-Roquette Anti-Char de 89mm) was manufactured by Luchaire Defense and was adopted not only by the French Army but numerous others including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, and Zaire. The LRAC is a battle proven design with a relatively easy but expensive training curve for operators, and as noted above, many countries that had French contacts were purchasers. U.S. and Coalition forces that are currently in theatre today have run into the LRAC in sporadic, undocumented reports, particularly in Africa. The French Paras have carried the LRAC into many battles, from Zaire in the mid-1970s onward. The system has been replaced in most modernized armies, including the French, who use various indigenous shoulder fired launchers including the Swedish designed and manufactured AT-4 system. However, the LRAC F1 89mm is still run into in various inventories, long past the fuze and propellant lives.

Essentially, the LRAC 89 is a fiberglass tube that is very strong and provides an aiming platform for a rocket that has its rocket module inserted to the rear of the tube. This is a reusable system allowing for a lot of space saving for paratroops.

The operator prepares to fire by removing the optic in its plug from the rear of the tube, planning his backblast area and cover, then assembling the sight to the tube and locating his foregrip and shoulder piece. He then assumes his firing position.

The rocket module (this is a rocket, not a recoilless rifle system) is decapped and inserted by the assistant gunner just prior to firing. The A-gunner should keep his hands away from the front and rear of the module as he inserts it, and push the module in until it seats and rotate it clockwise engaging the large lugs. At this point, the electrical contacts in the tube will make contact with the contacts on the module, completing the circuit except for the final safety of the back cap. Once the operator has indicated they will fire, the A-gunner removes the back cap (which is moisture proof) and that action completes the firing circuit. The A-gunner now performs the standard drill, watching backblast area and signaling “Safe” to the operator.

The operator is now ready to fire. He calculates his aim, squeezes the grip and holds it closed, and then pulls the trigger, thereby energizing the circuit and firing the rocket. The rocket motor on this system has completed its burn before it leaves the tube, so all energy is expended and the rocket is on its trajectory.

The basic LRAC rocket is High Explosive Anti-Tank using a shaped charge that will penetrate more than 400mm (15.75 inches) of Rolled Homogenous Armor at a 90 degree angle – that’s straight on. It will also penetrate a concrete wall of 1,300mm (51 inches) and is thus very good as a bunker buster. The fuze is simple: it is activated by the burning propellant gases at launch, and from 9-11 meters it arms. Nose tip piezo-electric (impact) generator activates the shaped charge.

Luchaire Defense provided several types of rounds to make this system as versatile as the competitive system: the Carl Gustav M2 84mm Recoilless Rifle. Cartridges provided included smoke, illumination, and anti-personnel.

For the life of the system, the LRAC had an excellent reputation with trained operators, but great care should be taken if these are encountered and considered for use today.

There has long been a requirement for a personal defence weapon, or PDW, for soldiers whose primary duty does not involve carrying a rifle. They need something much smaller, lighter and handier which does not burden them or distract them from their main task. Originally, the main priority was for officers, who were almost invariably given revolvers or pistols; but handguns also found a place with cavalry and, later on, with soldiers such as gunners who might come under infantry attack or with tank crews whose space was at a minimum.

The Second World War saw extensive use of submachine guns chambered for pistol ammunition in both offensive and defensive roles, although they were not primarily intended as PDWs. While shorter than a rifle, they were often almost as heavy and troublesome to carry. A commendable effort to find a better solution was made by the US Army, resulting in the adoption of the light and handy .30 M1 Carbine chambered for a much smaller and less powerful cartridge than the M1 Garand rifle. This was so successful that it was often used in more offensive roles than originally intended, especially in its selective-fire M2 version, leading to some criticisms of the effectiveness of its ammunition. However, neither SMGs nor the Carbine replaced pistols, which remained in service alongside them.

A major change came with the adoption of small arms chambered for small-caliber high-velocity ammunition, the first and by far the most common cartridge being the 5.56×45. Its adoption by the USA in the 1960s, and by the rest of NATO in the 1980s, largely killed off the military use of both the .30 Carbine and most SMGs. Rifles and especially carbines in 5.56mm were lighter and handier than traditional SMGs while being a lot more effective. They even replaced pistols to a great extent in many armies, although the US Army has remained an exception.

While the standard NATO pistol/SMG cartridge has always been the 9×19, also known as the Parabellum or Luger, early experiments were also made with small-caliber compact cartridges. Among the many tried from the 1950s to the 1970s, three are particularly notable: the .22 APG, Colt .22 Scamp, and Colt .221 IMP.

The .22 APG (Aberdeen Proving Ground) was an M2 Carbine rechambered for a new 5.56×33 cartridge. This round was not a necked-down .30 Carbine but was based on a wider case, and it fired a 41-grain bullet at around 3,100 fps. This was only for comparative test purposes as a part of Project SALVO in the 1950s, but the other two were serious attempts at producing different kinds of personal defence weapons at the end of the 1960s.

The Colt .22 Scamp (Small Caliber Machine Pistol) was chambered for a 5.56×29 cartridge which fired a 40-grain bullet at 2,100 fps. The gun was basically a big pistol, gas-piston operated and with a plastic receiver to minimize weight, and was marketed, without success, as a .45 M1911 replacement. It could fire semi-auto or three-shot bursts at a cyclic rate of 1,500 rpm.

The Colt .221 IMP (Individual Multi-Purpose weapon) was initially chambered for an existing commercial cartridge, the .221 Remington Fireball designed for the big, bolt-action XP-100 pistol, and fired a 52-grain bullet at 2,500 fps. The ultimate version was intended to use a .17 cartridge firing a 25-grain bullet at 3,000 fps. It was developed at the request of the USAF who wanted a survival weapon, and was subsequently designated GUU-4/P. The gun had a most unusual layout; it was a bullpup without provision for a forward handgrip, the pistol grip being located close to the muzzle. The shooter was expected to steady the weapon by holding the receiver against his forearm with his non-firing hand, which led to the nickname “arm gun”. Like the Scamp, this made no progress although the layout was adopted for the 5.56mm Bushmaster Armpistol.

During the early 1990s, NATO became concerned that potential enemies were starting to issue body armor to their troops, which the 9mm ball rounds were unable to penetrate. As a result, a competition was arranged for a replacement for the 9mm which would have to penetrate a specified level of body armor (named the CRISAT target for the Collaborative Research Into Small Arms Technology project), defined as a 1.6mm titanium plate and 20 layers of Kevlar, while retaining sufficient energy to incapacitate the man wearing the armor, out to a range of 150 metres. Two different weapons were envisaged for this ammunition; a short-range (50 m) PDW weighing less than 1 kg (effectively a pistol) and a medium-range (150 m) close defence weapon weighing less than 3 kg (a compact SMG).

The penetration requirement forced the adoption of a small-caliber cartridge firing a high-velocity steel-cored bullet. The first contender was FN’s 5.7×28 round, as chambered in the P90 SMG and subsequently the Five-seveN pistol. The standard SS190 ball uses a 31-grain bullet fired at 2,350 fps (from the P90). The ammunition is lighter and smaller than the 9×19, allowing the pistol magazine to hold 20 rounds, and the P90 to carry 50. Recoil is also lighter than either the 9mm or the 5.56mm, making the weapons easier to shoot accurately.

The 5.7mm FN was subsequently challenged by Heckler & Koch who introduced their 4.6×30 cartridge at the end of the 1990s, initially available in the MP7 machine pistol (with the P46 pistol intended to follow). The current standard ball loading is the Ultimate Combat, which fires a 31-grain bullet at 2,360 fps (heavier than the original 26-grain Combat Steel). Various trials of the two cartridges were held between 2000 and 2003 and, while both met the requirements, the FN round generally came out ahead. However, the necessary consensus between NATO countries proved impossible to achieve so no standardisation has taken place: it is left to each country to make its own choice.

The Chinese apparently followed the same line of thinking as they introduced a new 5.8mm round for pistols and SMGs. This has the same calibre as their new rifle/MG cartridge, but the case is only 21mm long instead of 42mm, and is more slender. Performance is modest, but the relatively heavy bullet provides good penetration.

Other similar cartridges have emerged in recent years, so far without commercial success, such as the British .224 BOZ (10mm Auto necked-down, offered in a Glock 20 pistol), the Czech .17 Libra (based on a rimless version of the .22 Hornet case and chambered in a conventional SMG-type PDW), the Swiss Tuma MTE .224 VA (based on the 7.62×25 Tokarev case and offered in a machine pistol), the .225 JAWS (developed by Wildey for the Viper pistol on behalf of Jordanian Armaments and Weapon Supplies, with the same case diameter as the .45 ACP; .250, .300, .350 and .400 versions were also made) and, last but not least, the Swedish 6.5×25 CBJ, of which more later.

To date, the 5.7mm P90 and 4.6mm MP7 have achieved only modest military sales, mainly to specialised units rather than for use as general-issue PDWs. This means that the most common combination of self-defence weapons in Western service remains a short-barrelled carbine in 5.56mm (or equivalent) caliber with a self-loading pistol. However, there are problems with both of these weapons when used as PDWs which have been highlighted by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These theatres lack front lines behind which soldiers can feel safe; attacks can come anywhere at any time. This means that all soldiers, including transport drivers and others who would not normally expect to be in a combat zone, need to be able to defend themselves.

The main problem with the pistol as a military PDW can be summed up in two words: hit probability. Even on the practice range, the maximum distance at which hits are likely to be scored is a small fraction of that of a carbine. In the stress of combat, accuracy deteriorates much more rapidly than with other weapons, and it is often stated that few soldiers are hit by aimed pistol shots at ranges of more than a few feet. While well-trained Special Forces can do a lot better than this, most PDW users will have little training or practice time with these weapons.

A carbine is much easier to shoot accurately, with the far more rigid three-point support of a shoulder stock and a forward handgrip as well as the pistol grip. Sights are also easier to use. The problem with carbines as PDWs is simply their size; they are not likely to be carried on the person unless danger is known to be imminent, and are more likely to be put somewhere out of the way while the soldier performs his primary task. As attacks can come without warning, this can lead to the guns not being immediately to hand when needed. There is also the risk of an “out of sight, out of mind” attitude, leading to the gun receiving little maintenance and performing (or not) accordingly.

Bullpup designs provide a much shorter overall length than traditional carbines, but even so they are no lighter and are generally too bulky to be carried conveniently when the soldier is engaged on other tasks. Even the FN P90 bullpup, while a clever design, is no lighter than a basic M4 Carbine (5.6 lbs empty) and is much bulkier to carry than a folding-stock machine pistol like the MP7.

One attempted solution to this problem is the KAC PDW. The gun is smaller and lighter than the M4 Carbine, and its 6×35 ammunition (based on the 5.56mm case) is claimed to match its effectiveness out to 300 metres with significantly less muzzle blast and recoil. However, it may still be considered too big to be routinely carried on the person, and it seems unlikely that an army would want to adopt another cartridge so close in performance to the 5.56mm, especially since the ammunition is also unsuited to use in a handgun. Similar objections would apply to the 5.56×30 Colt MARS carbine of the late 1990s and the current Indian MINSAS carbine project, which also fires a 5.56×30 round.

Having discussed the disadvantages of traditional weapons, what kind of characteristics would an ideal PDW have? There will be no agreed answer to this question, so what follows is just one personal viewpoint, based on many conflicting views studied over the years.

1. The PDW should be wearable, so that it is always immediately to hand when needed. This means it must be compact and light enough to be holstered (or similarly attached) without getting in the way or being a burden to the wearer. A weight of not more than 3.5 lbs (empty) seems a reasonable target.
2. It should have a shoulder stock and a forward handgrip to provide reasonable controllability and accuracy. The needs of compactness dictate that these should fold or telescope out of the way while the weapon is not in use; the gun must therefore be usable as a single-handed pistol in an emergency if there is no time to extend the stock and grip. In the past, some pistols have been offered with detachable stocks (which often doubled up as holsters) but these are really too cumbersome and slow to get into action, as well as not usually having a forward handgrip.
3. In the interests of compactness, the gun should use ammunition short enough for the magazine to fit into a pistol grip.
4. A very clear and easy-to use sight should be standard, preferably a red-dot zero-magnification holographic type.
5. The ammunition should be reasonably effective against both unprotected targets and those wearing (at least) soft body armor, but it isn’t realistic to expect a PDW round to match the performance of rifle ammunition. The effective range probably doesn’t need to be more than 100 yards or so.
6. Finally, it would be useful for selective fire to be available for its suppressive effect when caught in an ambush.

What is described here is clearly one of the modern breed of compact, lightweight SMGs or machine pistols. There are several types available, but the key issue is ammunition choice. Which is best suited to this role; traditional pistol ammunition or one of the new small-caliber high-velocity rounds like the 5.7mm and 4.6mm?

There is only one small-caliber gun in production which meets the above requirements: the HK MP7. There is a slightly wider choice of compact 9mm weapons, the most notable ones being the Swiss Brugger & Thomet MP9 (developed from the Steyr TMP – Tactical Machine Pistol), which is a little smaller and lighter than the MP7 at 3.1 lbs rather than 3.3, and the new STK CPW (Compact Personal Weapon) from Singapore. Russian firms have also introduced some machine pistols in this caliber recently, most notably the very compact PP-2000.

There is no doubt that the small-caliber rounds will penetrate more armor than traditional pistol ammunition, have a longer accurate range, are smaller and lighter so more rounds can be carried, and generate less recoil making them more controllable in automatic fire. These are all important plus points. However, against unprotected targets they seem likely to suffer from the same erratic effectiveness that afflicts the 5.56mm rifle round, only more so.

On the other hand, the effectiveness of the 9mm ball ammunition has also been questioned by US forces, with various attempts being made in recent years to open up competitions to replace the 9mm M9 with a .40 or .45 caliber pistol (the US Coast Guard has already adopted pistols in .40 S&W). Despite the criticisms of the 9mm, it may not be quite dead yet, and 9mm guns have scope for upgrading their armor penetration.

First, there are steel-cored armor piercing rounds for the 9mm which will get through soft body armor. If more penetration is needed the Russian approach is worth studying; they have recently adopted the 9×19 as their standard PDW round to replace the old 9×18 Makarov, with a composite AP bullet that holds together against soft targets but separates on hitting armor, the steel core penetrating alone. A high velocity is needed to achieve the penetration, which means that the bullets are light and will therefore lose velocity quickly, but they should be good enough for the required 100 yards. Two different loadings have been developed: the 7N21 (80-grain bullet at 1,510 fps) and the high-pressure 7N31 (65-grains at 1,970 fps). For those needing a longer effective range, a 9×21 round on similar principles is also in Russian service; the 7N29 loading fires a 104-grain bullet at 1,345 fps and is claimed to defeat armor consisting of two 1.2mm titanium plates and 30 layers of Kevlar at 50 meters.

Finally, it is possible, just by changing barrels, to switch from 9×19 to the experimental 6.5×25 CBJ, which in its standard loading fires a saboted tungsten alloy 4mm projectile weighing 31-grains at 2,720 fps from an eight-inch SMG barrel. This outclasses the penetration of the 5.7mm and 4.6mm PDW rounds (and even the 5.56mm M855) and has an effective range of 400 meters, but clearly its performance against unprotected targets is questionable although the spoon-tipped bullet variant should enhance tumbling.

The main drawback of the 9mm compared with the 4.6mm is its heavier recoil and the effect of that on controllability in automatic fire. Whether or not this is a significant issue would have to be tested in troop trials. Guns in .40 or .45 calibers (such as the .45 KRISS Super V) could of course receive the same enhanced penetration treatment, with composite armor-piercing bullets and saboted sub-caliber rounds. The downside is that the bigger cartridges reduce the magazine capacity and generate more recoil.

Any military weapon is a trade-off between conflicting requirements, and this is more true of PDWs than most. They need to be compact, light and handy, but also to have a high hit probability in semi-skilled hands and to be effective against unprotected men as well as having the potential for penetrating some levels of body armor. There is no correct answer to this conundrum, just a range of choices with different pros and cons.

Anthony G Williams is co-editor of Jane’s Ammunition Handbook, co-author (with Maxim Popenker) of “Assault Rifle” and “Machine Gun” and maintains a website at www.quarry.nildram.co.uk

While the insignia of US Infantry is crossed rifles, its spirit is the spirit of the bayonet. Every American infantryman, indeed every American soldier, learns the Spirit of the Bayonet.

Following is a brief case study on the tactical success of a bayonet charge in Basra, Iraq in May, 2004 by British soldiers. It was written by Edwin Halpain and Justin Walker at the Urban Warfare Analysis Center and released on January 27, 2009.

We should all stand and cheer our British comrades. When the odds were against them, they prevailed due to training in, and execution of, the Spirit of the Bayonet.

For those of you unfamiliar, let there be no ambiguity: The Spirit of the Bayonet is to kill.

Bayonets in Basra – A Case Study on the Effects of Irregular Warfare

This report is a brief case study on the tactical success of a bayonet charge in Basra, Iraq in May 2004 by British soldiers. As a case study, the findings are not intended to automatically apply to other situations in different locations. Nonetheless, this incident marks a helpful contribution to the larger study of irregular warfare. The research is based on open source reporting combined with collaborative discussions about the incident by military, social science, and technology analysts at the Urban Warfare Analysis Center (UWAC). Interviews with the actual participants in the battle would be a logical next step to better understand the dynamics and significance of this event.

Executive Summary

In May 2004, approximately 20 British troops in Basra were ambushed and forced out of their vehicles by about 100 Shiite militia fighters. When ammunition ran low, the British troops fixed bayonets and charged the enemy. About 20 militiamen were killed in the assault without any British deaths.

The bayonet charge appeared to succeed for three main reasons. First, the attack was the first of its kind in that region and captured the element of surprise. Second, enemy fighters probably believed jihadist propaganda stating that coalition troops were cowards unwilling to fight in close combat, further enhancing the element of surprise. Third, the strict discipline of the British troops overwhelmed the ability of the militia fighters to organize a cohesive counteraction.

The effects of this tactical action in Basra are not immediately applicable elsewhere, but an important dominant theme emerges regarding the need to avoid predictable patterns of behavior within restrictive rules of engagement. Commanders should keep adversaries off balance with creative feints and occasional shows of force lest they surrender the initiative to the enemy.

Overview of Bayonet Charge

On 21 May 2004, Mahdi militiamen engaged a convoy consisting of approximately 20 British troops from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 55 miles north of Basra. A squad from the Princess of Wales regiment came to their assistance. What started as an attack on a passing convoy ended with at least 28 militiamen dead and just three British troops wounded. The militiamen engaged a force that had restrictive rules of engagement prior to the incident that prevented them from returning fire. What ensued was an example of irregular warfare by coalition troops that achieved a tactical victory over a numerically superior foe with considerable firepower.

Atmosphere Preceding the Attack

After a period of relative calm, attacks escalated after coalition forces attempted to arrest Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. British soldiers in southern Iraq said they were “stunned” by the level of violence near Basra. In particular, Mahdi militiamen conducted regular ambushes on British convoys on the roads between Basra and Baghdad. Frequent, uncoordinated attacks inflicted little damage, although precise data is unavailable in open sources. Since the Scottish and Welsh troops arrived in Basra, Shiite militias averaged about five attacks per day in Basra.

The Bayonet Charge

The battle began when over 100 Mahdi army fighters ambushed two unarmored vehicles transporting around 20 Argylls on the isolated Route Six highway near the southern city of Amarah. Ensconced in trenches along the road, the militiamen fired mortars, rocket propelled grenades, and machine gun rounds. The vehicles stopped and British troops returned fire. The Mahdi barrage caused enough damage to force the troops to exit the vehicles. The soldiers quickly established a defensive perimeter and radioed for reinforcements from the main British base at Amarah – Camp Abu Naji. Reinforcements from the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment assisted the Argylls in an offensive operation against the Mahdi militiamen. When ammunition ran low among the British troops, the decision was made to fix bayonets for a direct assault.

The British soldiers charged across 600 feet of open ground toward enemy trenches. They engaged in intense hand-to-hand fighting with the militiamen. Despite being outnumbered and lacking ammunition, the Argylls and Princess of Wales troops routed the enemy. The British troops killed about 20 militiamen in the bayonet charge and between 28 and 35 overall. Only three British soldiers were injured.

Why the Bayonet Charge Was a Tactical Success

The bayonet charge by British troops in Basra achieved tactical success primarily because of psychological and cultural factors. It also shows that superior firepower does not guarantee success by either side. In this case, the value of surprise, countering enemy expectations, and strict troop discipline were three deciding characteristics of the bayonet charge.

Surprise as a Weapon

The Mahdi fighters likely expected the British convoy to continue past the attack. Previous convoys of British vehicles had driven through ambush fire. British military sources believe the militiamen miscalculated the response of the convoy and expected the Scots to flee.

Although the raid is a well-honed tactic practiced by jihadist and Arab irregulars, the surprise raid has been an effective tool against Arab armies, both regular and irregular. Irregular fighters usually are not trained in the rigid discipline that professional counterparts possess, and the surprise attack exploits this weakness.

Enemy Expectation that Coalition Troops Would Avoid Combat

Propaganda by Sunni and Shiite jihadists regularly advertised the perception that American and British soldiers were cowards. Similar rhetoric increased after the battles of Fallujah in April 2004, perhaps to steady the resolve of militia fighters in the face of aggressive coalition attacks. In addition, British convoys did not engage significantly during previous ambushes, which probably validated the narrative for many Mahdi militiamen. Because many of the Mahdi fighters were teenagers, it is also likely that the Mahdi army used these ambushes for training and recruiting. The attacks were an opportunity for young fighters to use weapons in combat with little risk of serious reprisal.

In short, the bayonet charge not only surprised the Mahdi militiamen, it also debunked the perception that coalition troops were reluctant fighters seeking to avoid conflict.

Strict Discipline

A crucial distinction during the bayonet charge was the professional discipline of the British troops in contrast to the disunity and confusion of the militia fighters. Irregular militia often fight with passion and benefit from knowledge of the local terrain. Professional soldiers, however, formally trained in tactics and squad unity can often overcome these and other obstacles. During the bayonet charge, the soldiers rarely lost their nerve and not a single soldier lost his life. Many of the militiamen fled.

Discipline is a tool that can be leveraged in irregular warfare against troops that lack professional training. The individual commander needs to recognize which tactics capitalize on troop discipline and then exploit the enemy’s weakness in this area.

Conclusion

In irregular warfare, Western military forces have options beyond just superior firepower. The bayonet charge in Basra by British troops showed the value of spontaneous surprise attacks under the right conditions. The attack also refuted the jihadist narrative in the area depicting coalition troops as cowards afraid of tough combat, probably swinging the psychological advantage back to coalition troops.

Other nonconventional means of fighting could achieve similar results as the bayonet charge. Drawing from “lessons learned” across areas of operation and from historical case studies could produce multiple options for small unit tactics with minimal changes to operational structure. All irregular warfare methods, however, must be carefully studied for possible second-order consequences.

For example, the use of attack dogs by coalition troops could provoke fear among some militia fighters, but also infuriate local public opinion by giving the impression that U.S. soldiers care more about their dogs than other human beings.

At the least, this case study suggests the importance of changing tactics and procedures to keep enemy fighters off balance. Even within restrictive rules of engagement, commanders should seek periodic “spike” actions that prevent coalition procedures from becoming routine and easily predictive.

Sometimes actions as simple as unexpected changes in appearance or shows of force can regain the initiative. At the same time, commanders must weigh all operational actions in the larger context of persuading the local civilian population to support the consistent, constructive, and stabilizing actions of the coalition as a whole. About the Urban Warfare Analysis Center The Urban Warfare Analysis Center produces innovative research and analysis of irregular warfare conducted in urban environments. They bring together personnel from diverse analytical disciplines – including science and technology, social sciences, linguistics, and military studies – to create unique insights across the full range of military operations. The UWAC serves clients in the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and broader national security arena. For additional information, please see the UWAC website at www.uwac-ok.com or search “UWAC” at www.intelink.gov.

“My dad was a WWII veteran and was telling us about the war when we were young and we got interested in history. In school when the teacher tried to tell something about history, and you heard the story from my dad or his colleagues in the shooting club who were WWII vets, it was always a different story. So we became interested in that, researched it and became interested in firearms.” Ulrich Wiegand, Director, I.O. Inc.

Many entrepreneurs say that their path to success began at an identifiable point in childhood. In the case of Ulrich “Uli” Wiegand and his older brother Oliver, it came in the West German equivalent of middle school and high school in the historic city of Witten. Contradictions between a government mandated, politically correct WWII history curriculum and what they heard in vivid personal accounts of wartime experiences by family and friends set the youngsters on a search for truth. This grew over time into an intense interest in all things military, with weaponry holding particular fascination.

In an interview for SAR, conducted in his spacious office at I.O. Inc.’s headquarters in Monroe, North Carolina, the 39 year old Uli recalled that his father, a combat veteran of the Luftwaffe (Air Force), started the boys at a young age in what would quickly become a passion for small arms.

“Dad got us an air rifle, then he got a deactivated bolt action rifle, like a K98, I must have been seven or eight,” he said. “Then later on I joined the shooting club and shot .22s and later, high powered rifles.”

The gun laws in postwar West Germany were somewhat favorable to the Wiegand brothers in their growing interest in more exotic military hardware.

“We were active shooters, so we joined the shooting clubs, made friends there. At 18 you could get your licenses for handguns, rifles. We could buy deactivated guns…machine guns like MG34s and 42s. And we had live guns on our private collector licenses,” Uli explained. “Now you can have full automatic guns on your licenses but at that time you could only have semiautomatic guns like the G41, Garand, G43, stuff like that.”

Wiegand Ordnance GmbH

When Oliver Wiegand, three years older than Uli, needed money to pay for university their hobby was a natural springboard to the business world. Collector friends in Switzerland pointed Oliver to a large cache of WWII Sten MKII submachine guns for sale in England.

Recognizing a fleeting opportunity, the 23 year old Oliver quickly set up Wiegand Ordnance GmbH in 1988, with a modest financial input from his mother. It was enough to finance the purchase, deactivation and importation of the famous British burp guns. Uli, noting this quick success, joined his brother the following year as a business partner in their next successful venture.

“The German government was destroying plenty of G3 rifles at that time,” Uli recalls. “We bought the scrap and had it all sorted through and sold all the good ones as spare parts.”

Major importers in the US eagerly snapped up the Wiegand brothers’ G3 parts kits which they advertised in the usual gun related publications. Sales accelerated when an enterprising metal-stamper began making semi-auto G3 type receivers, planting the seed of an idea that would bloom in the next few years.

The Wiegand brothers traveled far and wide in search of large lots of suitable military weapons, parts and accessories. While there have been some major finds along the way – particularly the 50,000 brand new surplus Yugoslavian M59/66 SKS type rifles that they found a few years later – Uli vividly recalls some frustrations.

Asked if there was anything he desperately wanted to buy but couldn’t, he brought up several, including some WWII German tanks in Scandinavia, a film studio’s gun room and artillery collection in Bulgaria and a treasure trove found in a major weapon storage site in the former Soviet Union.

“It’s in an old salt mine, a huge underground city,” the younger Wiegand recounted. “They have there, I would say, sixty to a hundred thousand Thompson submachine guns – 1921s, 28s, M1A1s. Beautiful, brand new. But we couldn’t legally bring them into the US.

On the other hand, there was plenty of success to ease the sting. Diligent searches and canny business deals brought in enormous amounts of military surplus gun parts and other items from Europe and beyond. Notable among the acquisitions were thousands of surplus rifles from various combatants in World Wars I and II.

Ulrich is particularly proud of a special lot of Tsarist Russian M91 rifles found in Romania. “They have the original Imperial markings but also Finnish marking,” he said. “Made for Imperial Russia, they ended up there in Finland, captured during the Finnish-Russian War of 1939-40. Somehow the Russians got them back and provided them as aid to Romania.”

Honorable mention goes to a unique lot of K98 rifles imported from the former Soviet Union. “A Mauser Gewehr 98 which was shortened as the Karabiner (carbine) but it had Polish Radom markings and SS markings and 660 for Steyr,” Uli explained. “These guns were given to the new government of Poland right after World War I. Then the Poles set up the Radom plants in 1924 and they refurbished. When the Germans took over (in WWII) they chopped it down into a carbine and gave it to the SS.”

Building on a strong base of surplus sales, the Wiegand brothers’ business model evolved to include modern small arms. But a valued former customer soon became a formidable competitor.

“We started out with the Wum Rifle, an AK with a thumbhole stock,” Uli told us. “We went to Romania to the factory and said ‘build this rifle for the US market.’ We got everything set up and approved but then one of our competitors came in. They had been in business longer, had deeper pockets, so they bought the production rights in Romania. Took our idea and changed it to the WASR-10.”

InterOrdnance of America, L.P.

Assessing the situation, the Wiegands decided to take the fight to their competitor’s turf and set up operations in the US.

“We asked a consulting firm to get us a business plan for the US and they recommended Charlotte, North Carolina,” Ulrich recalls. “Our first thought was ‘why and were is that!’”

The Charlotte metro area, perhaps best known to Americans as the home of NASCAR, proved to be a good choice. Monroe, a suburb, welcomed new business development, featured reasonable real estate prices and a labor pool with a work ethic and other traditional values. InterOrdnance of America, L.P., established in June, 1995, hired a general manager and began shipping tons of military surplus into a rented 2,000 square foot warehouse building in Monroe.

But it soon became apparent to the brothers back in Germany that things weren’t moving smoothly. “In August ’96 I came over to see what was going on,” Uli told us. “It was a mess. I weighed closing up or doing it myself. I decided to stay in the US and run the operation myself.”

InterOrdnance began an aggressive sales campaign, running big ads in Shotgun News and other publications for its military gun parts kits and a compelling selection of exotic war surplus items. Orders rolled in and, in 1998, the company built a new 5,000 square foot facility at its present location in a nearby industrial park. This was doubled in size a year later. Things seemed to be going great when fate dealt a cruel blow.

Indictment

“We had this big problem with ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) over a shipment of L1A1 (FAL selective fire rifle) kits,” Ulrich explained. “Supposedly these weren’t deactivated properly.”

The cargo arrived in customs in October 2001, right after the September 11th terrorist attacks; a particularly sensitive time for heightened security. The resulting difference of opinion on deactivation went back and forth for more than two years. According to the government’s official news release following indictment on February 4, 2004, InterOrdnance was charged with several violations arising from importation and sale of parts kits for Imbel FAL rifles as well as Russian PPSh-41 and Austrian MP69 submachine guns. The government alleged that the Wiegands “imported the component parts knowing the machine guns had not been destroyed according to ATF specifications.”

The brothers mounted a vigorous defense that countered government claims on every point, particularly what they saw as the ATF’s flawed interpretation of its own detailed technical specifications for demilling guns. Ulrich believes their ordeal was made much harder by a poor choice of law firms and problems in the wake of the retirement during this time of Edward Owen, Jr., the highly respected Chief of ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch. Owen’s departure, he said, left a void in judgment and technical expertise that would previously have avoided this kind of erroneous adversarial action.

Both sides, apparently making the best of a bad situation, worked out a deal. In December 2005, Oliver and Ulrich agreed to plead guilty on minor recordkeeping violations and were fined $1,000 each. InterOrdnance, fined $10,000, was allowed to keep its Federal Firearms License. The government agreed to return the confiscated parts kits “after further inspection.”

Despite these relatively minor penalties the fight took a heavy toll. “In the end we got our L1A1 kits back, we had to cut them up, including the barrels,” Uli said. “With attorneys and everything else, the whole thing cost us over a million dollars.”

Bouncing Back

InterOrdnance continued to operate during their four year ordeal despite being handicapped by crippling legal fees, confiscation of the expensive parts kits and shaken consumer confidence from a lot of negative accounts in the press and Internet postings.

“When you fall on your face you get back up and walk again,” Uli declared. “I bought my brother out in 2005 and changed the company from a partnership to an incorporation.”

The new corporation carries the simple designation of I.O. Inc., which he points out has the very practical advantage of brevity in importer and manufacturer identification stamping. “In order to mark firearms you have to use the name on the license,” Uli said. “InterOrdnance of America L.P., Monroe, North Carolina, was way too long, so we’re just I.O. Inc.”

The receivers being stamped were on AK type rifles being imported from Romania and Ulrich expressed a great deal of dissatisfaction with their poor quality. “From a thousand guns you really had to throw away three hundred,” he said, “and from another two or three hundred guns you had to fix them in order to make them halfway decent. The quality is so, so terrible.”

This led directly to his decision that I.O. would begin exclusive manufacture of a unique tactical carbine.

STG-2000-C

“The STG 2000-C is basically a US-made version of the Wieger STG 940 rifle,” Wiegand explained, “the latest development from East Germany (which ceased to exist soon after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989). It’s a fantastic gun, a sleek design with basically all the features of an AR-15 or M16 with the reliability of an AK. That’s what you’re looking for. I have heard some stories from troops in Iraq and Afghanistan of problems with their M16 and M4. You have to keep these meticulously clean or they say they experience jamming.”

The reliability of I.O.’s semi-auto STG comes from its AKM type receiver and internal components. The rifle’s AR-15 features are primarily in a front sight mounted on the gas block and a muzzle mounted birdcage flash suppressor. An over-the-topcover sight mount clamped to the receiver’s integral rail aids tactical versatility.

While initial production of I.O.’s STG utilizes a combination of imported and American made components, work is near completion on a 100% US made gun. “We invested heavily in tooling to make the receivers and many other parts ourselves right here in the USA,” Uli told us. “We have very good barrels being made for us. Right now the only imported parts are the bolt, carrier, trunnion, and receiver cover, but everything will be US made by the end of the year (2009). We’re outsourcing some things to certain local machine shops but the goal will be having everything – every screw, pin, bolt and nut – made and assembled in our own facility. Proper space, proper work environment. It will go together like a jigsaw puzzle with all the tolerances right.”

The robust stamped sheet steel receiver for I.O.’s STG is nearly identical to that of the AKM but with some important modifications based on a close evaluation of several existing versions. “We wanted to make a receiver that is superior and to make sure we could use imported trigger components as well as US made,” Wiegand explained. “When we designed ours, we had some from Romania and Russia, as well as US receivers from a variety of manufacturers. Hammer follow down was a problem and it took two or three months to make sure that the trigger axle and the hammer axle location were optimal. Thousandths of an inch makes a difference. With the I.O. receiver you can put in imported or domestic components and it will work absolutely fine.”

I.O.’s beefy, custom built receivers start with thick steel blanks that are precision formed and heat treated for hardness and durability. Ulrich is proud of some additional features that significantly increase the service life, pointing out a ridge running crosswise on the bottom of the receiver to reinforce positioning of the trigger and hammer assembly.

Also, borrowing an idea pioneered by the Russians, I.O. stamps “crow’s feet” to strengthen pin hole locations. A fully machined mounting rail securely riveted to the receiver completes the value package, allowing quick but rigid attachment of a wide range of scopes or other devices.

Wiegand says that I.O.’s STG has several other noteworthy improvements. “The hand guard and buttstock are better and more sturdy than the East German. It has a neoprene butt plate that cushions against recoil. We gave it a way better sling swivel that doesn’t rattle around. This is a sturdy gun. All exclusive to I.O.”

Right now the guns are chambered for ubiquitous Eastern Bloc 7.62 x 39mm ammo fed from surplus and new-made AK-47 magazines, but we’re told that .223 and 5.45mm versions are in the works. “You can change the caliber by changing the bolt head to fit 5.45 and .223,” Ulrich explained. “You do that by reprogramming during the machining process.

Assembly of key components on the STG-2000-C rifles is done with speed and precision using some specially engineered production fixtures, Wiegand says. These ensure straight and tight alignment of the receiver, trunnion, barrel, and gas block with its integral front sight.

I.O.’s AKs

There are plenty of AK type rifles on the market, apparently selling well enough for I.O.’s wholesale network to urge Wigeand to jump back on the bandwagon.

“We were doing the STG and some of our dealers and distributors asked if we could make an AK,” Ulrich recalls, adding that a positive decision was made easier because virtually all AK parts were fully compatible with I.O.’s new STG receivers. But Wiegand maintains that he was not content to make just another Kalashnikov knock-off. “Just like with the STG,” he said, “we put a lot of thought and money into making it the best AK out there: a US-made AK.”

Ulrich showed us I.O.’s new Liberty Tactical Carbine and gave us a quick tour of this upgraded AK’s features and benefits. “Look at our stock,” he said, “it’s longer for better positioning on your shoulder. It has minimum recoil and muzzle rise because it’s straight line. There’s an ergonomic handgrip, new hand guard with Picatinny rails for tactical accessories. All of our AK rifles will have a scope mount rail that’s integral with the receiver. The accuracy grouping is fantastic; compare it with an AR-15/M16. Much more reliable and significantly cheaper than the AR-15.”

Wiegand told us that production experience and parts commonality with the STG has made it relatively easy to build I.O.’s distinctive AKs. “Our new 6 groove rifled barrels are made locally and they’re excellent quality,” he noted. “When we get our receivers in from the stamping house, made with our tooling, we always make sure they’re all right. We have our own quality control. I’ll show you how, on every work station, every person is responsible. And when each rifle is assembled, every one gets a function test firing with three rounds. When they pass the test and come back up to the front they get a final visual inspection before shipment to distributors.”

Energetic distributors and enthusiastic customer word of mouth have accelerated sales with little need for special advertising. “We’ve been overwhelmed with orders,” Uli says, “and haven’t had time to work on a promotional campaign. We’ll ship it to anyone to test it because we’re 100 percent convinced we have the best product out there at a reasonable price.”

Frank Discussion

During much of our time with Ulrich Wiegand, Frank Pennachio, I.O.’s business manager, had been sitting quietly in a corner of the office. He draws on a wealth of experience from 22 years as a law enforcement officer in New York’s Westchester County and during much of this time was heavily involved in LE training. After relocating to a quiet Charlotte suburb after retirement, fate intervened when Ulrich Wiegand bought a house on the same street. The neighbors became friends and then business associates for the past eleven months.

Pennachio chose this point in the interview to add some important observations on the company in general and AKs in particular, along with some words of appreciation for the local population. “This is a good community,” he said, “a lot of people here believe in gun ownership and gun rights. We fill the need for untrained labor to come in and work on our production line and do assemblies for us. Shan Agner, our production foreman, does a great job in teaching the guys the gunsmithing aspect; doing the assemblies like trigger groups and various furniture configs on the guns. We’re also fortunate to have some rather unique machinery that helps us to assemble the main part of the gun – barrel and trunnion assembly. So a lot of good things came together at one time.”

Production of the STG and AK rifles, Pennachio told us, is still a bit of a work in progress. “It’s limited so far as the actual manufacturing” he said. “We take parts that we’re having made for us, that we own the tooling on, that we’ve set specifications on, that we’ve had made locally and elsewhere in the United States, along with parts kits that are imported from overseas. And we put together US-compliant guns in an AK format.”

It didn’t take long during our three way conversation to note the very different personalities evident in I.O.’s German-born owner and the Italian-American New York ex-cop who runs the company’s daily business operations. Both men smiled when we asked how they get along.

“Uli has always been very hands on, doing everything himself,” Pennachio observed. “He’s never had a staff to get things done and he wants things done quickly. One of his favorite sayings is, ‘It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks,’ but I keep trying (laughs). He’s a ‘need to know’ person, he has to see personally what’s going on. Sometimes I literally have to chase him off the production floor and back into the office to keep things – from a management perspective – running a little more smoothly.”

“Uli and I have lasted a whole lot longer in this business arrangement than anybody else expected us to,” Pennachio continued, “including, perhaps, ourselves. We value our friendship and respect each other’s positions. There’s a lot of head-butting going on but it’s from the heart. Like railroad tracks, we can think along parallel lines to getting the same things done. But we go about it different ways.”

Expanding the Product Line

I.O.’s product offerings are amazingly diverse with some notable departures from small arms. Their online catalog (www.ionic.us) lists uniforms, books, bayonets, holsters, medieval armor, and even Russian-built copies of WWII German military motorcycles.

While military surplus remains an important part of I.O.’s business model, Ulrich pointed to efforts underway to add new-production tactical products such as scopes, mounts and lights to the company’s offerings. How, we asked, do decisions get made on specific products?

The boss was quick to credit key members of his team. “Shan Agner, our production foreman, is the best idea man you can have,” Ulrich said. “He’s on top of what’s out there as a consumer and a shooter. Shan builds his own guns and loves going out on the range. Plus Frank with his law enforcement background and our reps at AMG (American Marketing Group). You throw things out and brainstorm.”

This collaborative effort resulted in a decision to build and sell a modernized version of the Romanian PSL, a high powered precision tactical rifle inspired by the Red Army’s famous Dragunov. The new SSG-2000 is I.O.’s own 100% US-made semi-auto, featuring modern synthetic furniture and a match-grade, chrome lined barrel. Initially offered in classic Russian 7.62 x 54R chambering, a 7.62mm NATO caliber version is said to be in the works.

Iconic German Clones

I.O.’s print advertisements for a couple of particularly unusual firearms have caught SAR’s attention. They strongly influenced a decision to profile the company, US dealer for superbly detailed and authentically configured live firing semi-auto versions of the WWII German military classic MP38 Maschinen Pistole and StG44 Sturmgewehr. Offering them at a fraction of the cost of original selective fire specimens, Wiegand had taken the lead in providing an opportunity for shooters and collectors to own and shoot these rare and highly desirable combat classics.

We were quite disappointed to learn that, while the company still has some of the initial batch of MP38-C replicas in stock, problems with the German manufacturer have made further dealings unlikely.

Ulrich told us that the deal for importation of StG44-C rifles had stalled. “We got everything approved with BATFE on our end,” he said, “and even had all the compliance parts made here locally. But they (Sport-Systeme Dittrich) never delivered anything but a prototype and we’re suing them for $50,000 of our money.”

It’s clear that Wiegand has a particular affection for the distinctively configured StG44, widely considered to be the father of all modern assault rifles. He’s determined to keep the semi-auto Sturmgewehr project moving but with a decidedly interesting twist inspired by those full scale working models that originated in the Japanese non-gun market.

Ulrich enthusiastically showed us an amazingly realistic stamped metal and wood replica StG44. “Look at it, the original weight, it’s fantastic!,” he declared. “We have an engineer working on this making it into a .22 caliber semi-auto. And we’ll put some nice original marking on it.”

Distribution Network

Both Wiegand and Pennachio praised the work of American Marketing Group’s field representatives who show I.O.’s products nationwide. “AMG represent us to distributors and at the trade shows,” Pennachio said. “Vinnie (Vincent) Chiarenza is their lead man; well known and respected with 35 years in the industry.”

“Distributors are looking for a steady supply of merchandise,” Wiegand added. “They want quality, of course, and pricing as well. We developed a nice relationship with all the distributors who carry our products.”

I.O.’s STG-2000 and AK-47 rifles are available through a network of distributors covering the entire United States:

Ellett Brothers – www.ellettbrothers.com

Colorado Guns Sales – www.cogunsales.com

Atlantic Firearms – www.atlanticfirearms.com

AmChar Wholesale – www.amchar.com

Lew Horton Dist. Co. – www.lewhorton.com

Camfour, Inc. – www.camfour.com

Interstate Arms – www.interstatearms.com

Davidson’s Firearms – www.galleryofguns.com

Valor Corp. – www.valorcorp.com

RSR Group – www.rsrgroup.com

Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. – www.billhicksco.com

Bangers Shooting Source – www.bangersusa.com

Personal Collection

Those of us who have longed for the ways and means to increase our personal collections of guns and militaria should closely follow the example set by Uli Wiegand. We found a small part of his acquisitions from more than two decades of worldwide buying trips piled high in various parts of I.O.’s facility.

There were pallet loads of historic long arms carefully catalogued and boxed, along with crew served weapons, tripods, and more, packed in crates and stacked in corners. The muzzle of a wheeled Russian anti-tank gun, last and best of many dozens Wiegand imported and sold, pointed to his sidecar-equipped WWII German Zundapp motorcycle.

These artifacts and many more are waiting patiently for the time when they can be properly displayed in a showroom/museum planned on site.

I.O. Incorporated

The company does business by online orders and as a wholesale distributor. It does not maintain a showroom for walk-in customers. However, it is open by appointment every Friday for FFL dealers and private customers to pick up orders and to speak with the sales staff.

I.O.’s user-friendly website is packed with information and photos on hundreds of pieces of militaria, and gun items ranging from AK-47 grenade launcher sights to ZB-37 ammo belts. Links are provided for instant access to several in-depth published reviews of the STG-2000-C and other products. Don’t miss the video of the Dnepr motorcycle in action at the tab “Museum Items and Vehicles.”

I.O. Incorporated
3305 Westwood Industrial Drive
Monroe, North Carolina 28111
Telephone: (866) 882-1479.
Internet: www.ioinc.us

(Special thanks to Shan Agner for arranging the live fire photo session at Efird’s Rifle Range, Inc., in Albermarle, NC. Also to Ed Efird for his patience and good humor while we were his guests at his excellent shooting venue. Contact Ed at (704) 244-6528)

Brügger & Thomet AG, in Thun, Switzerland, has many years of experience turning out high quality accessories for military and police firearms. In June of 2009, Karl Brügger’s famous three day “B&T Police Days” event was held, and we’ll be bringing that story to SAR very soon.

One item stood out as something very relevant to today’s combat theatre, and that is the successful integration of optics and forend rails to the PKM and PKB series machine guns. Allowing for the addition of optics, lasers, as well as a forend grip, is a great advantage on the reliable PKM series of machine guns. Since many of the coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as indigenous military and contractors are using the Russian workhorse, B&T had an open market. Working from their large reference collection of firearms, B&T was able to standardize their design to fit any of the countries of manufacture on the PKM series.

The top cover rail allows for full opening and barrel changing, with a very reliable optic platform with a solid return to zero.

Worldwide sales:

Brügger & Thomet AG
P.O. Box 42
3608 Thun • Switzerland
Tel: +41 33 334 67 00
Fax: +41 33 334 67 01
www.brugger-thomet.ch/

US Sales:

DS Arms is the source on almost all B&T products in the United States including the TP-9 pistol and machine pistol. They will be happy to help you fit the rail you need.

DS Arms, Inc.
P.O Box 370
Barrington, IL 60011
Tel: (847) 277-7258
Fax: (847) 277-7259
www.dsarms.com

After the defeat of Germany in May of 1945, the Allies began to focus all of their resources to defeating the tenacious troops of the Japanese Imperial Army. On 8 August 1945, the Soviet Union declared war against Japan and immediately launched an invasion of Japanese occupied Manchuria and Korea. At this point in the war the Japanese were ill prepared to stave off the advancing Red Army. At the same time period B29 bombers from United States’ Army Air Corps had been conducting a relentless bombing campaign against the Japanese mainland. The final blow occurred when two atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite the resolve of the Japanese people, the Allied offensive proved too much for them to bear, and on August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally. The Soviet decision to invade Korea and engage the Japanese army during the last days of World War II would alter the history of contemporary Korea, and would eventually result in yet another armed conflict.

At a conference held in Cairo, Egypt on 22-26 November 1943, the Allies agreed to strip Japan of all the territories acquired since the beginning of their aggressive expansionist drive. At the Cairo meeting the United States, China, and Britain had all agreed that Korea would be allowed to become free and independent after the war. Soviet leader Josef Stalin had refused to attend the conference because China’s anti-Communist leader Chiang Kai-shek had been invited.

Later at the Yalta Conference held in February 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Soviet Marshal Josef Stalin agreed to establish an international trusteeship for Korea, but no decision had been made on the exact formula for governing the nation after the end of the war. Following the landing of Soviet forces in Korea, the U.S. suspected the Soviets might try to occupy the entire country and place it under their control. This compelled the United States to improvise a plan for Korea. On 15 August 1945, U.S. President Harry Truman proposed the division of Korea at the 38th parallel, to which Stalin agreed. The Soviet Union accepted the surrender of all Japanese troops north of the 38th parallel with the United States accepting the surrender of troops south of it. The division of Korea by the two emerging superpowers would soon aggravate their disagreement on the terms of Korean independence. The U.S. and the Soviets then established governments based on their own ideologies, leading to Korea’s division into two political entities: North and South Korea.

The Korean War

Escalating border conflicts at the 38th parallel and attempts to negotiate elections for the entire country marked the period immediately before the start of hostilities. All of the negotiations ended when troops of the North Korean Army invaded the South on 25 June 1950. The United States and the United Nations intervened on behalf of South Korea. Despite a rout of U.S. and allied troops early in the fighting, they soon regrouped and succeeded in pushing the North Koreans back past the 38th parallel all the way to the northernmost provinces of North Korea. The Chinese, concerned that the U.S. was interested in using a defeated North Korea as a base for operations against Manchuria, dispatched their army across the Yalu River during October 1950. The estimated 200,000 plus troops of the Chinese intervened on behalf of North Korea, shifting the balance of the war and ultimately leading to an armistice signed on 27 July 1953 that restored the original boundaries between North and South Korea. The 38th parallel continues to divide the peninsula today with anti-Communist and anti-North Korea sentiment remaining in South Korea.

The Weapons

The Korean War was fought with both sides using the same basic equipment and weapons fielded during World War II. The U.S. infantry troops being issued M1 Garand rifles, M1-M2 carbines, BARs, and Browning machine guns. To keep up with demand during the 1950s war, the M1 rifle, BAR and M3A1 submachine guns were briefly placed back into production. The North Korean and Chinese troops were armed with World War II Soviet design small arms that included the Mosin Nagant bolt-action rifles, DP light machine guns, PPSh41 and PPS43 submachine guns, and ironically many U.S. made small arms that were presented to Russia and China under the U.S. Lend-Lease program of World War II. Although the Soviets had developed and issued limited numbers of their new AK-47 rifle at the time of the Korean War, none were known to have been issued or used by the Communists in that conflict. The United States’ first post World War II infantry weapon was the 7.62mm M14 rifle, a weapon that was very similar to its predecessor the M1 Garand. Although the M14 was formally adopted in 1957, government budget cuts delayed full-scale production resulting in the weapons not being issued until 1959.

During the Cold War era the Soviet Union began a widespread military aid program that provided weapons and eventually technical assistance to enable their Communist Warsaw Pact members and associated satellite countries to manufacture Soviet weapons and ammunition in their own factories. North Korea was assisted by the Soviets in setting up manufacturing plants for the indigenous production of AK assault rifles and ammunition during the late 1950s. Most of the individual countries’ AK-47 designs varied slightly from the original Soviet pattern, but component commonality was nearly 100 percent as was the 7.62x39mm ammunition that became the standard small arms cartridge of the Communists.

North Korean Type 58, 7.62x39mm

North Korea began producing a 7.62x39mm AK-47 variant in 1958. Designated as the Type 58, the weapon was a close copy of the Soviet AK-47 with the forged and machined receiver of the Soviet Type 3 design. The North Koreans produced the weapon under license in two state run factories identified by Western intelligence only as Factory 61 and Factory 65 both located near Chongjin, North Korea. The Type 58 was produced from 1958 until 1968. Total production has been estimated at 800,000 rifles during the ten-year production run. The Type 58 was manufactured in both full wood stock and underfolding stock models. Identifying marks on the left side the receiver are a star within a circle, and the model number 58. On the right side, the selector positions were designated with Korean Hanghul characters. The safe position was not marked. Like all standard Soviet pattern AK-47 designs the middle selector position is full automatic, the lower position semiautomatic. Full-automatic cyclic rate of fire is approximately 600-650 rounds per minute. North Korean Type 58 pattern rifles use the standard steel thirty-round magazine. The finish applied to the Type 58 was an average to poor quality bluing.

North Korean Type 68, 7.62x39mm

North Korea converted its AK production over to the Soviet AKM style stamped receiver in 1968. The trigger group of the Type 68 does not however include the Soviet design hammer delay components, and the trip sear is fabricated from a sheet metal stamping. The trigger is the earlier double-hook design. For adding strength and rigidity to the thin receiver a reinforcing rivet and sleeve was placed midway in the receiver above the magazine release. The front trunnion used the “European” style parallel rivet pattern. The barrel was pressed and pinned into the trunnion. The steel backplate trunnion was secured with two rivets extending completely through both sides of the receiver serving to add rigidity to the receiver and as an attachment point for the fixed buttstock. The backplate also had a dovetail-style channel machined into the top to house the recoil spring guide, which contained the recoil spring and provided a means to secure the receiver top cover in place. A small oval indentation, on each side of the receiver above the magazine-well, serve as surfaces inside the receiver to center the magazine in position. Steel axis pins were used for the hammer, trigger and trip sear and the holes on the left side of the receiver had elongated indentations or “dimples” around them primarily to maintain the same inside dimensions as milled receiver models, therefore maintaining the same axis pin and fire control group dimensions. The left side of the receiver on the Type 68 has four dimples around the hammer axis pinhole, the trip-sear pin-hole has three and the trigger has two. The trip lever also has an “I” shaped “dimple” on the receiver’s right side. Like milled receiver AK rifles, the long trip lever spring was used to secure the trip lever, hammer and trigger axis pins in place while the spring rests in a groove in each of the pinheads on the left side. The trip lever, hammer and trigger pins are all identical. Inside of the receiver, the automatic trip lever was redesigned to clear the center receiver support rivet. The Type 68 also retained many features from the earlier Type 58 model such as a solid catalpa wood stock, wood pistol grip, handguards, and the smooth sheet-steel top covers. North Korean Type 68 rifles are unique in that many of them have a sheet metal roller on the rear sling swivel. While most AKM pattern rifles have the rear sling swivel mounted on the buttstock, the Type 68 had the swivel retaining bracket spot-welded on the left side of the receiver. The pistol grip stud and lower stock tang are riveted in place. The milled gas block is flat on both sides and, like the Type 58, has a sling swivel that extends outward from the left side. The folding stock variant of the Type 68 has the Soviet underfolding design with stamped steel struts and buttplate. Some of the North Korean folding stock models have been observed with holes in their struts to reduce the overall weight of the weapon.

Identifying marks on the left side the receiver are a star inside of a circle, and the model number 68. On the right side the selector positions were designated with Korean Hangul characters. The safe position was not marked. The finish used on North Korean stamped receiver AK rifles was a dark gray phosphate. Standard thirty-round stamped steel magazines with strengthening ribs were issued with the weapons. Also observed were orange color plastic magazines with the North Korean star-in-circle markings. The serial number was marked on the left side of the barrel trunnion. Like the Chinese stamped receiver model, the rear sights are only graduated out to a distance of 800 meters. The battle sight position is marked in Hangul characters with three different style characters having been observed. Type 68 rifles are fitted with Type 58 style flat muzzle nuts.

There is also an export version of the Type 68 with universally accepted icon markings. The standard AK battle sight position of 300 meters is designated with a number 3 or Roman numeral III. The selector positions are a Roman numeral I for semiautomatic fire and an infinity symbol for full-automatic. There are no “Type 68” or “star” markings on the North Korean export models. The Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) guerrillas received a large shipment of North Korean manufactured AKM type rifles during the late 1980s. North Korean manufactured export models of their Type 68 rifles have also been widely distributed throughout Central and South America as well as Cuba.

North Korean Type 88, 5.45x39mm

The North Koreans have adopted and manufactured their own version of the 5.45x39mm AK-74 rifle: the type 88. The weapons have a Russian pattern AKS-74 metal sidefolding skeleton type buttstock attached to the receiver by an adapter block and there is also a full stock model. The effective Russian-style muzzle brake is fitted to the barrel and the thirty-round magazines are made of steel. The North Korean star inside of a circle logo is located on the left side of the receiver.

North Korean made Type 58 and Type 68 rifles have turned up all over the world, first in Vietnam and Cuba during the 1960s and more recently in the Middle East and Africa.

At the NRA Show in early 2009, Ruger introduced a new member to their semiautomatic rifle line: the SR-556 – Ruger’s Black Rifle. When they took on the task, they decided not to reinvent the wheel and go with the proven direct gas system but to go with a short stroke tappet piston system instead. The last few years both the defense communities as well as all walks of combat rifle users have debated on what is the best operating system for this platform: direct gas or a piston operated action. Many manufacturers were quick to introduce piston guns to the market with hopes to derail the M4 carbine and M16 series rifle from U.S. service and replace it with a piston operated weapon. Some of the pioneers of introducing piston operated weapons were Heckler & Koch, LWRC and POF. Later, ARES would come out with a retrofit kit, and so on.

Without getting too much into the controversy, there was certainly enough smoke stirred up to get people to look at both operating systems. Detractors of the direct gas system will state that the piston operated weapons will run cooler and cleaner requiring less maintenance and therefore last longer. The main difference between the two systems is where the gas is taken to operate the bolt. The direct gas mechanism creates an expansion chamber between the back of the bolt and carrier thus putting hot propellant gases into the action of the weapon. The piston operated weapon keeps the gas in or around the gas block, therefore not introducing the gas into the action. All points are arguable but this decision is best left to the user.

The SR-556

The SR-556 is chambered for the 5.56mm cartridge and equipped with a 16.12 inch cold hammer forged 41V45 Chrome-Moly-Vanadium steel barrel. The barrel is chrome lined and has a 1-turn-in-9 inch twist rate. The barrel is equipped with a proprietary Ruger AC-556 flash suppressor. The SR-556 utilizes the Troy Industries 10-inch quad handguard that is pinned to the upper receiver. This particular handguard was designed and sold only to Ruger for their new rifle. Along with the rail came three Troy Industry rail protectors. A Troy Industries folding front sight was attached to the front of the top rail of the handguard. The profile is similar to that of an AK with the much larger “rabbit ears” that protect the front sight post.

The rifle is gas operated and fires by the short stroke tapped method of operation. The regulator and piston are held into the front sight base by the captive regulator pin. The regulator has four positions: Position 0 allows for single shot only by shutting off the gas port causing the weapon to be manually cycled. Position 1 is the smallest of the settings. Position 2 is the optimum setting for most commercially available ammunition. Position 3 is the largest for under- powered ammunition or if the weapon is extremely dirty. Ruger recommends the regulator should be set to the smallest setting that will effectively cycle the weapon. Leaving the regulator on the largest setting will “over gas” the rifle and degrade the service life of the weapon. The SR-556 is one of the few piston operated AR-platform weapons to use an adjustable regulator. During testing of the rifle, position 2 was used and the rifle reliably fired all ammunition that it was fed. The most curious thing discovered in the examination of the SR-556 was the inability to remove the operating rod and spring for cleaning and maintenance. In order to do so, the flash suppressor would have to be removed, the taper pins removed and front sight base removed from the barrel. According to Ruger, there is no need to access the operating rod for cleaning or lubrication. The operating rod is nickel-Teflon coated for both lubricity and rust resistance. The operating rod spring is made from stainless steel. When the action cycles, the operating rod is self cleaning.

The upper receiver is the standard M4-type with a flat op Mil-Std 1913 rail. The upper has the forward bolt assist as well as the fired cartridge case deflector. A Troy back-up sight is attached to the rear of the upper receiver.

The bolt carrier group is rather unique. The chrome plating of the bolt and carrier are similar to the finish on the original model 01 AR-15 rifles, M16 and XM16E1 rifles. This boasts ease in cleaning. The carrier is one solid piece with the carrier key machined into the bolt carrier which strengthens the key from the impact of the piston. The rear of the carrier is flared out to lessen the bolt carrier tilt which is caused by the off center impact of the operating rod tipping the bottom rear edge of the carrier into the receiver extension and damaging it. The carrier has forward assist notches on the right side as well. The bolt has the gas key area turned down and the extractor uses a rubber o-ring around the extractor spring. The carrier is a semiautomatic only carrier.

The lower receiver is similar to any other AR-type lower receiver. The pistol grip monogrip manufactured for Ruger by Hogue is extremely comfortable and is much more comfortable than the standard A2-style pistol grip. The stock is a standard GI-type sliding buttstock with the enhancement of a receiver extension allowing 6 adjustable positions. This is most beneficial to those wearing tactical vests or body armor. The buffer used is a standard carbine buffer with three steel weights. The trigger was the standard combat trigger but it was unusually smooth and had a crisp break for this type of a trigger.

To my most pleasant surprise were the magazines which the SR-556 comes standard: the Magpul PMag. Three of these magazines accompanied the rifle. Perhaps the most reliable and durable magazine ever put out for this weapon system, the PMag will boost the reliability of any Black Rifle. The constant curve technology combined with an indestructible polymer makes this the perfect mate for any new high speed weapon system. These magazines have been previously tested and the reliability is unsurpassed.

Overall impressions of the new rifle were impressive. The rifle is extremely well made and the fit and finish was top rate as one would expect to see from Ruger. The rifle came equipped with everything you needed including rail covers and back-up front and rear sights. The barrel suppressor and gas system give the SR-556 its own unique look. All high end accessories were put on the rifle making it ready to mount up an optic and tactical light and put in a squad car. Clearly, the SR-556 is not configured to fire selectively based on its current design and, according to Ruger, there are no current plans to offer the rifle in a select fire variation.

The optic chosen to test the SR-556 was the Trijicon ACOG (TA31RCO-A4CP) Marine Corps scope. The scope provided both tritium as well as fiber optic power to light the red chevron reticle. The test ammunition was manufactured by Silver State Armory and Black Hills. Function testing was conducted with Silver State Armory 5.56mm 55gr. FMJ ammunition. Some 300 rounds were fired with no malfunctions of any sort. Accuracy testing was done off of a bench at 100 yards. Silver State Armory 77gr. OTM and Black Hills MK262 MOD1 77gr. OTM ammunition was used. Retired Marine Sniper Sergeant Major Chris Gagliano was able to fire at nearly 1-1/2 inch groups at 100 yards with the 4×20 power ACOG. This is very respectable groups for any tactical rifle. With a higher power accuracy it is reasonable to expect the group sizes would have decreased even further.

Silver State Armory, LLC of Pahrump, Nevada provided the test ammunition for this article. This was the first time this author had used this ammunition. Upon examination of the ammunition, SSA (Silver State Armory) manufactures their own brass for most of their ammunition. The brass is match grade quality and they do sell it to reloaders. Most of the ammunition made in 5.56mm is tactical ammunition, not necessarily target ammunition but they do have a 5.56mm M193-equivalent which was used for function testing. Group size was very respectable at approximately 1-3/4 to 2 inches off of a bench at 100 meters. Silver State Armory manufactures match as well as duty grade ammunition in 6.8 SPC, 7.62x51mm NATO and .499 LWRC calibers. SSA also manufactures armor piercing cartridges for military and law enforcement.

The SR-556 will undoubtedly find its fans in the United States. This legendary arms maker has entered into the black rifle market and put their own spin on it giving a uniquely different product to the consumer. Ruger offers this as a commercial as well as a military rifle. The acceptance with law enforcement is way too early to tell. The impingement versus piston saga will most certainly continue with each having their supporters. This is just another way to accomplish the same job. The accuracy was superb and no malfunctions were encountered in shooting this new weapon. I expect the SR-556 to be a contender with any person or agency who wants a piston operated black rifle.

One of the strategic areas of the NFA industry that never seems to get the appropriate time and attention are the collectors and owners of C&R NFA items. By definition ATF defines C&R as:

“Curios or relics. Firearms which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as curios or relics, firearms must fall within one of the following categories:

(a) Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof;

(b) Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and

(c) Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event. Proof of qualification of a particular firearm under this category may be established by evidence of present value and evidence that like firearms are not available except as collector’s items, or that the value of like firearms available in ordinary commercial channels is substantially less.”

Of the 182,000 plus machine guns in the National Registry, many are C&R NFA weapons that are coveted by collectors nationwide. They are original weapons that have not been modified significantly and in most cases retain everything from their original condition to the factory markings and all of the other identifiers that make them so valuable to collectors. Owning a C&R machine gun is like owning an original 1st generation Colt or Winchester title one firearm that continues to rise in value and collectability. They are usually rare and owned by collectors or shooters who recognize their value on many different levels. In many cases it is rare to see a C&R machine gun that has not drastically appreciated in value and collectability. Examples include many original factory manufactured machine guns like Thompsons, Browning 1917/1919s, Lewis guns, Maxims, Vickers or even Reising and Sten guns. These are all historically significant weapons and many C&R collectors view themselves as preservationists of historical artifacts while in their care. These items are highly prized collectors weapons and generally command top dollar in the NFA industry. We give them special consideration in not only their classification but in their historical and monetary value.

Nearly six months after the idea of starting the NFATCA, several board members came forward to make certain that we paid very close attention to the collector’s side of the NFA community. Not only did they feel that this was critical to our success but it was critical to recognize the C&R side of the NFA community, for after all, that is where the NFA industry was actually born. So the NFATCA board decided to make certain that not only would we include this important portion of the industry, but we needed to make certain that we represent those interests on our Board of Directors. Senior Board member Dan Shea immediately recommended that we place the editor of Small Arms Review, Robert Segel, as another board member, representing the interests of a strategic portion of the NFA community. Robert is a licensed C&R collector and a collector of note of early machine guns for over 35 years. Shortly thereafter, the NFATCA voted to add Robert as another board member to its ranks representing the C&R community.

It occurred to me recently at one of our gatherings that we have, on many occasions, ignored this asset in our operation and that many events have gone by without Robert’s presence. It also occurred to us that this is a strategic asset that we bring to the table that has gone unrecognized for too long. So it is with this article that we want to make certain that everyone recognizes several things concerning the C&R side of the NFA industry. First and foremost is that Robert Segel is a member of the Board of Directors of the NFATCA. Secondly, Robert does represent the interests of not only the entire NFA industry but is also a major voice for all NFA C&R owners nationwide. With so much happening in the world of C&R weapons within the industry I can safely say you will be seeing and hearing a lot more from that side of the NFA industry. It is important to remember that a good portion of the NFRTR is all about the Curio and Relic side of the NFA world.

Representing the C&R NFA world is an important part of what we do and is reflected in our title: National Firearms Act Trade and Collectors Association. Robert Segel is our primary point of contact on all C&R matters and has been responsible for working many C&R issues on the industry’s behalf.

In 2010, the industry will witness the NFATCA representing many issues surrounding the needs and concerns in the C&R community. We sincerely care about this strategic asset in our portfolio and depend heavily on Robert to steer all of us in the right direction with any C&R issue. Please look for Robert at all of our events and feel free to discuss not only C&R concerns that you may have but any NFA issue that you feel we as an industry representative need to look carefully at in 2010.

Come join the only organization looking out for your NFA interests now. Log on or call any Board member at www.nfatca.org.

Vortex Introduces New Tactical Riflescope

Vortex Optics’ new Razor HD 5-20x50mm riflescope was designed from the ground up to meet the needs of military and law enforcement precision shooters. Packed with more than a dozen unique performance and optical features, the Razor delivers superior ranging and accuracy at extreme distance. With its 35mm one-piece tube machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Razor offers 36 mrad/125 MOA adjustment range for windage and elevation; enough to accommodate for bullet drop at the most extreme distances. The optically-indexed lenses are precision-ground from XD optical glass and fully multi-coated with Vortex’s advanced XR coating to deliver the highest level of edge-to-edge brightness, resolution and clarity obtainable with today’s optical technologies. A unique, multi-element apochromatic (APO) objective lens virtually eliminates chromatic aberration across the entire field of view so targets can be more clearly defined at longer distances – and camouflage patterns more easily spotted and identified. Ranging and accuracy at extreme distances is simplified with their proprietary new EBR-2 mrad reticle. Laser-etched-on-glass and placed in the first focal plane, the reticle enlarges and shrinks with the target when zoomed so the scale remains in proportion at all magnifications. In addition, the subtensions on the EBR-2 mrad reticle match the subtension markings on the turrets to make range calculations and shooting adjustments faster and more accurate. Turret screws are ultra-precision machined from silicon-brass alloy and fitted with hardened steel turret pads that interface with a hardened steel ring on the erector tube. This patent-pending friction reduction system eliminates deformation, wear and galling of the erector screws. Vortex’s proprietary RZR (Rapid Zero Return) Zero Stop mechanism stops the elevation turret from dialing below sight-in range using a rotational-blocking steel design (patent pending) that’s mechanically more reliable and accurate than other systems that block the vertical movement of the turret. The RZR Zero Stop is fully sealed from the elements – even when being set. Delivers precise return to zero after temporary elevation corrections have been dialed without the need for the user to count clicks. With generous 3.9 inch eye relief through the entire 5-20X range of magnification, absolutely waterproof/dustproof/shockproof construction, and a hard-anodized matte Stealth Shadow Black finish, the Razor HD 5-20mm riflescope truly represents the state-of-the art in combat-ready rifle optics. For more information on this as well as the full line of top quality optics please contact them at Vortex Optics, Dept. SAR, 2120 West Greenview Drive, Middleton, WI 53562. Phone: (608) 662-1088. Fax: (608) 662-7454. Visit their website: www.vortexoptics.com.

Mako Offers Shotgun Solutions

The Mako Group, a leader in marketing and distributing weapons accessories, announces their new line of Remington and Mossberg shotgun stocks. All three types of unique stocks, (1) folding, (2) folding collapsible and (3) shock absorber collapsible, are solutions to the market’s numerous requests. Each stock is designed to be very tough and robust, with superior features not found anywhere today. First there is the Tactical Folding Buttstock with an Embedded Adjustable Cheek Piece for the Remington 870, UAS870, Mossberg 500/590 and UAS500, with a MSRP of $160. This is a completely new innovative, ground-breaking design for shotgun stocks. The folding joint can be mounted to fold on either the left or right side, with clearance for trigger use. To fold the stock, simply push the button and a spring locks the stock in the folded position. To unfold, just pull on the stock. In addition, the stock has a slim and low profile, and the rubber buttplate reduces recoil and slippage. Next is an AR-15/M4-style Folding and Collapsible Buttstock for the Remington 870, AGRF870-FK, Mossberg 500/590 and AGMF500-FK with a MSRP of $207. This product includes The Mako Group’s best-selling GLR16 buttstock which folds (as described above), has 5-collapsible positions, comes with an M4-style aluminum buffer tube, and includes two battery-storage compartments – one in the GLR16 and one in the pistol grip. Finally, the AR-15/M4-style Collapsible Buttstock with Shock Absorber for the Remington 870, AGR870-FKSB, Mossberg 500/590 and AGM500-FKSB with a MSRP $255. This product also includes The Mako Group’s best-selling GLR16 buttstock (as described above) and has a unique, one-of-a-kind, shock-absorber system which reduces the actual recoil. Combined with a 5-position collapsible stock, the product is the only one of its type and price point in the market place today. The pistol grip allows a natural fighting stance hold on the shotgun and is slightly angled to counter recoil. In addition, there is improved muzzle control performance during fire and a storage compartment for batteries or a cleaning kit. No gunsmithing is required. All of these stocks are manufactured by FAB Defense in Israel. Please contact them for more information at The Mako Group, Dept. SAR, 74 Rome Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Phone: (631) 880-3396. Fax: (631) 880-3397. Their website is www.makosecurity.com.

Wilson Combat Announces New 6.8 SPC Rifles

After a tremendous amount of research and testing by Bill Wilson and the Wilson Combat team, they are excited to announce the availability of their custom AR platform rifles chambered in 6.8 SPC caliber. The 6.8 SPC (6.8x43mm) was developed by the United States Army Marksmanship Unit to offer superior downrange lethality over the 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington in an AR pattern service rifle with minimal loss of magazine capacity and a negligible increase in recoil. When built to the level of quality and precision Wilson Combat has achieved, the 6.8 SPC is also capable of outstanding accuracy and reliability. In their match-grade, Spec II chambered 16-inch barrels, the 6.8 SPC is capable of pushing a .277 caliber, 85gr bullet to over 2,900 fps. The 110gr bullets easily achieve 2,500 fps with factory loaded ammunition. Appropriate hand loading can achieve even higher velocities and enable the use of heavier projectiles up to 130 grains, which dramatically improves terminal ballistics over a 5.56 Nato/.223 Remington at long range. This added ballistic performance makes the 6.8 SPC perfect for home protection and SRT/SWAT teams. The 6.8 is a truly ideal hunting round for medium to heavy game and turns the AR into a serious hunting rifle. It’s also available in the Tactical Hunter Lightweight and M4 formats, all further customizable by users. Contact Wilson Combat, Dept. SAR, 2234 CR 719, Berryville, AR 72616 for more information. Phone: (870) 545-3618. Fax: (870) 545-3310. Visit their website: www.wilsoncombat.com.

CaseCruiser Universal 5-Pack Gun Case

When handguns travel they need first-class protection from thieves, thoughtless baggage handlers and Murphy’s Law. Collectors, sportsmen and law enforcement professionals can now hit the skyways and byways fully armed and completely at ease. CaseCruzer has them covered with the CaseCruiser Universal 5-Pack Gun Case. The base and top are soft on the inside, hard as nails on the outside. Polyethylene foam absorbs the blows of rough roads and turbulent air flights. When closed, the lid secures handguns with convoluted, egg-crate style foam. Civilians who travel to shooting ranges and gun shows will be equally pleased: prized collections can now be locked down in an indestructible yet lightweight vault and its only 11.9 pounds when empty. This field-tested carrying case can store up to five handguns and 10 magazines in custom-cut Polyethylene foam cavities. Foam plugs keep smaller handguns snug. There are also cutouts for optional desiccant, a hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains dry conditions. The waterproof case is buoyant up to 69.9 pounds and is also dust and sand proof. For more information on this new Pelican case and their other fine cases, you can contact them at CaseCruiser, Dept. SAR, 4665 State Street, Montclair, CA 91753. Phone: (800) 882-4730. Fax: (909) 465-5598. Website: www.casecruiser.com.

Tactical Zoom Lever from MGM Targets

MGM Targets, the industry’s leading manufacturer of steel reactive and stationary targets, is proud to announce the release of the MGM Switchview tactical lever. The MGM Switchview is a small, lightweight lever that clamps around the power adjustment ring of variable power scopes. Made from anodized 6061/T6 aluminum, the Switchview allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the scope’s power setting with a push or pull of the lever. The MGM Switchview is ideal for law enforcement, military or competition shooters, working equally well on telescopic sights for AR-15 to long range bolt actions. Only slightly higher than most target style turrets, the lever is easy to use without being overly intrusive, and enables the user to change magnification settings in only a couple of seconds. Even while wearing gloves or in slippery or wet conditions, finding the lever and adjusting the power setting is quick and easy. Whether you are glassing a large area for a target and then zooming in to make the shot without losing your sight picture, or you need to transition from far targets to “in your face” targets in a hurry, the MGM Switchview will get to the magnification setting you need quickly and easily. The MGM Switchview is available for a variety of variable power scopes, comes standard in anodized black with a MSRP of $59.95, but can be special ordered in just about every color of the rainbow. For more information you can contact them at MGM Targets, Dept SAR, 17891 Karcher Road, Caldwell, ID 83607. Phone: (208) 454-0555. Fax: (208) 454-0666. Website: www.mgmtargets.com.