Sometimes a firearm gem is found by accident. Such is the case with the Century International Arms Polish TTC semiautomatic pistol chambered in 7.62×25. It is a “Made in Poland” Tokarev TT-33. The Poles used wz48 nomenclature for their Tokarev version. Many of the Russian/Soviet designs are coming to be better appreciated since the Cold War and may be a result of the easing of import restrictions allowing for easier access; thus more familiarity as the decades have passed since the late early 1990s.

The Tokarev TT-33 was adopted in 1933 to replace the aging Nagant 1895 revolvers in Soviet service. An earlier variant, the TT-30, was originally adopted in 1930, but design changes were incorporated involving the trigger, barrel, omission of the removable backstrap, and frame to simplify production that led to the change of nomenclature to TT-33. For reference sake, the Tokarev blends exterior aesthetics of the 1903 Browning with internal workings of the Browning 1911. The pistol is a single-action, semiautomatic, recoil operated weapon patterned after Browning’s swinging link design, but modified in the Tokarev to simplify production. Essentially, the barrel and slide are locked together for a fraction of an inch during recoil allowing for the bullet to exit and pressures to drop before the empty case is extracted and ejected. The Tokarev is not a direct copy of Browning’s design and exhibits unique features of its own. The Tokarev’s trigger assembly is a modular unit and has locking lugs the full circumference of the barrel compared to only the top of the barrel in the 1911. Most semiautomatic reliability issues stem from defects in the magazine. This is addressed in the Tokarev design with cartridge feed lips machined into the receiver versus the magazine to enhance reliability and prevent damage that occurs when magazines are slammed home. The Polish TTC is fed from an eight-round single stack magazine and weighs 30 ounces with an overall length of 7.6 inches and a 4.6 inch barrel. The TTC’s width is less than that of the iconic 1911. Grip width is often commented on as being important for carryability and allowing for people with smaller hands to hold comfortably.

The Tokarev was the issue handgun for Soviet officers during World War II though many Nagant revolvers were still in use. The Tokarev fires the bottlenecked 7.62×25 cartridge, which is very similar to the German .30 cal. Mauser Automatic 7.63×25 design. The 7.62×25 was also used with the PPSh-41 submachine gun and other weapons in the Soviet armed forces. Sources report that German troops frequently used Tokarevs picked up on the battlefield. The purported interchangeability between the Soviet and German rounds further encouraged this practice. This is cautioned against since the Soviet 7.62×25 cartridge is loaded to higher pressures compared to the German round. The Tokarev’s proven ability to function under the harsh conditions of the Eastern Front was appreciated then by soldiers on both sides and now by collectors.

Ballistics are eye opening with 85-90gr bullets accelerated to 1,300+fps. The round had a reputation for potency compared to other contemporary pistol cartridges of its era and even now is capable of penetrating modern soft body armor due to its high velocity. The Tokarev’s reputation for reliability, accuracy, and lethality was proven in the greatest land conflict of the 20th Century. The Tokarev stayed in service with the Soviets until 1952 when it was officially replaced by the Makorav. The Tokarev could still be found in use with Soviet armed forces in the 1960s and Soviet Police into the 1970s. It is still in service with North Korea and China. Versions of the Tokarev were manufactured in Poland, China, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania, North Korea, and Egypt.

Two of the most common complaints of the original design were the lack of manual safety and grip angle. The Polish Tokarev version imported by Century has a manual thumb safety retrofitted on the frame behind the trigger to satisfy import regulations. The installed safety is a simple trigger block and is done in a fashion better than most safety add-on modifications that can be found on various other versions of Tokarev imports. Grip angle, while different than a 1911 or Glock, was not problematic during testing and evaluation. The only grip issue detected was the tendency for the hammer/slide to come into light contact with webbing around the thumb of the firing hand. This was only noticed after shooting several magazines and was remedied with a shooting glove. Importantly, the Polish Tokarev’s functionality was not compromised. The TTC was put thru the same regimen of testing as any other handguns evaluated. Century includes two magazines with the TTC and a leather holster with chest strap that also allows for spare magazine to be carried. Recoil/muzzle blast was as expected with any handgun sending rounds downrange at 1,350+fps.

. Multiple range visits over several months taking advantage of inexpensive surplus ammunition and affordable Wolf Ammunition 85gr 7.62×25 in both FMJ and JHP configurations produced no malfunctions with over 900 rounds fired. The Tokarev seemed to always find its way to the range no matter what was being tested with a few magazines fired with it. The inexpensive surplus ammunition supply is a major factor in the upsurge of popularity with the Polish TTC handguns. Solid reliability and surprising accuracy only reinforces this trend as word is spread about what is being received for well under $300.

The Polish TTC handled numerous runs through handgun courses designed for competitors using more modern pistols without an issue. Holsters designed to handle a 1911 served to carry the TTC during range visits. This worked as long as holsters were not custom or form fitted for the 1911 profile. The TTC’s magazines were not drop free, but once this was determined reloads went smoothly. The basic U-notch rear and small, narrow bladed front sight gave a decent sight picture as plate racks, steel poppers, and paper silhouette targets were engaged. The narrow front blade proved an asset in longer range shooting as daylight was still present on either side of the front sight in the rear notch allowing for a way to gauge hold better than the three-dot configurations commonly found on more modern handguns. Accuracy was impressive both in terms of group size and effective engagement distances. A steady two-handed hold combined with slow fire produced constant hits on steel popper targets at 50 yards. This is a combination of flat shooting ballistics and solid design and construction.

Take-down of the wz48/TTC is very similar to anyone familiar with a bushing barreled 1911 barrel design. Cleaning was a simple matter with no idiosyncrasies. The Century Arms TTC proved a pleasant surprise along with the potency of the 7.62×25 cartridge. Everyone with an interest in owning an operating piece of history is encouraged to try a Century Arms TTC offering for themselves.

Sites of Interest

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

Wolf Ammunition
PO Box 757
Placentia, CA 92871
(888) 757-9653
www.wolfammo.com

Mr. Eugene Reising 1884-1967

Eugene G. Reising was born on 26 November 1884, in Port Jervis, New York. He attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During his career, Reising worked for several firearm manufacturing firms as a designer and while working under John Browning, made significant contributions to the design of the 1911 pistol. A designer of some note, Mr. Reising had more than 60 firearm related patents.

During 1938, the world watched as situations in Europe and the Far East deteriorated and it soon became apparent that war was on the horizon. Eugene Reising, anticipating a demand for military weapons, began designing his submachine gun in 1938. Reising’s approach to a submachine gun design was somewhat different than the standard open bolt configuration, common on submachine guns of the day. The open bolt design made the submachine gun a simple and easy to manufacture weapon. However, the flaw of the design was excessive weight, especially when considering their relatively low-power pistol cartridges. Eugene Reising’s idea was to use a delayed locking system like that used in semiautomatic pistol designs and would allow his submachine gun to be accurate in semiautomatic fire and weigh less than any existing submachine guns.

Reising negotiated a deal with Harrington and Richardson in 1939, where H&R would manufacture his submachine gun at their Worcester, Massachusetts facility and he was to receive a $2 royalty for each Reising gun sold. A patent for the Reising submachine gun design was filed June 28, 1940. A second patent for an improved design was filed February 7, 1941. Patent numbers 2,356,726 and 2,356,727 were granted on August 22, 1944.

Harrington and Richardson

The Reising Submachine gun was manufactured by the Harrington and Richardson Arms Company from 1941 to 1943. The first order of 4,000 Reisings, received in March of 1941, was destined for Indochina. Other Lend-Lease orders included 6,000 Model 50s for the Soviet Union and 2,000 for England. During World War II, 114,216 Reisings were produced. By 1943, the Marine Corps had procured 66,500 Model 50 and Model 55 submachine guns in four separate contracts, over half of the total production. The remaining Reisings were purchased by police departments, domestic and foreign governments. Production of the Model 50 resumed at H&R in 1950, primarily for the domestic law enforcement market. Production ended in 1957.

Problems Arise

What made the Reising submachine gun unique was its weight of only 6.75 pounds for the Model 50. This was accomplished through the weapon’s closed bolt design. However, the Reising’s closed bolt feature was also one of the principle reasons for its failure to be consistently reliable in combat. To operate, the bolt tilted up into a recess in the receiver and momentarily locked until the cartridge was fired. Problems arose when dirt or any type of foreign debris got into the receiver recess preventing the bolt from locking up completely and the weapon would not fire. The required lubricants compounded the problem by attracting dirt. The Reising also had several other problems contributing to its poor reputation. The twenty-round magazine was the unreliable double stack, single feed design. Compounding the problem were the magazine’s thin, easily distorted feed lips. After numerous complaints of magazine failures a new magazine was designed and introduced. The new magazine was the more reliable single stack, single feed design, but this reduced the magazine capacity to only twelve rounds. The Reising also had a problem with interchangeable parts. When minor repairs were attempted in the field, it was often discovered that the replacements parts would not fit; it was just another fatal flaw the Reising possessed. The biggest mistake was adopting the weapon without sufficient testing; the rush to get weapons into the field was a contributing factor.

The U.S. Marines first fielded the Reising in combat operations against the Japanese during the battle for Guadalcanal. The abundance of sandy terrain on the tropical island jammed many of the Reisings rendering them useless. As long as the Reisings were kept clean they worked, but keeping them clean in a combat environment was nearly impossible. Another common problem reported by the Marines was that the commercial blued finish on their Reisings began to rust after only a few days exposure to the humidity on the island. After numerous reports of the Reising’s failure in combat, the weapons were pulled from front line service and relegated to rear echelon troops.

During a post war interview, Eugene Reising was questioned about the poor showing of his submachine gun. He stated that there was never a formal complaint received from the Navy Department on the performance of the Reising submachine gun in combat. He explained that Harrington and Richardson Arms, Inc. had in fact not received complaints, but five production excellence awards from the Navy Department. Mr. Reising seemed to be of the impression that much of the Reising gun’s negative image was generated from a single incident on Guadalcanal when Marine Colonel Merritt Edson ordered the guns to be thrown into the sea. He did acknowledge there was a problem with interchangeable parts on the Reising guns, and that this had caused problems in the field. He said that there was such an emphasis on production, there was no time to engineer the weapon to have completely interchangeable parts. He concluded by pointing out that Reising submachine guns were evaluated several times by the military before being approved for procurement.

The Reising in Law Enforcement

Quite a few law enforcement agencies purchased the Reising and many prisons used them to arm their guards. The Reising was less expensive than the Thompson and considered to be more accurate when fired in the semiautomatic mode. When properly maintained, the Reising proved to be satisfactory for its law enforcement role. The primary distributor for the Reising both during and after World War II was Federal Laboratories of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The law enforcement demand for the Reising was such, that H&R resumed production of the weapon in 1950.

The “Commercial” and “Military” Reising Myth

The early manufactured Reising submachine guns are usually classified by collectors as the “police” or “commercial” model – these being the earlier blued guns with the 28-fin barrels. The second reference to the Reisings is the “military” version, the later production Parkerized 14-fin barrel guns. Although collectors and enthusiasts commonly use these references, both of the nomenclatures are incorrect. The H&R factory did not ever acknowledge in any documents separate commercial or military models. The only reference H&R used for the .45 caliber Reising guns was the Model 50, 55 and 60. The Marines procured both the early blued guns as well as the later manufactured Parkerized ones. The police purchased both variations as well.

Transitional Guns

During the manufacture of firearms, there are usually improvements and design changes introduced during the production run. This occurred during Reising production and many submachine guns were assembled with a mix of the new and old design parts. These guns are generally referred to by collectors as transitional guns.

Reising Dates of Production

1941 Serial Numbers: 101-8500
1942 Serial Numbers: 8501-73600
1943 Serial Numbers: 73601-114317

1950 Serial Numbers: K101 to K973
1951 Serial Numbers: L101 to L3589
1952: No production
1953 Serial Numbers: N111 to N327
1954-1956: No production
1957 Serial Numbers: S4700 to S5607

Marine Contracts:

NOm 33387 – 2 February 1942: 2,000 each Model 55 Reising submachine guns.

NOm 33660 – 26 February 1942: 11,500 Model 55, and 11,500 Model 50 Reising submachine guns.

NOm 36828 – 13 July 1942: 20,000 Model 55, and 5,000 Model 50 Reising submachine guns.

NOm 37893 – 13 October 1942: 30,000 Model 50 Reising submachine guns (plus a 3,000 overrun).

Receivers

The receivers on all of the .45 caliber Reising models were machined from 1.25 inch round steel stock. The early 1st design/late 2nd design receivers are easily identified by the direction of the logo stamped on the top portion of the receiver. The receivers on the earlier guns have the logo marked on the top so that it is read from the right side of the weapon. The receivers used on the later manufacture guns are marked to be read from the left side. In virtually all cases, except for transitional guns, the early receivers read from the right side will have the 28-fin barrels and other early features. Receiver’s read from the left side will have the 14-fin barrels and late features. The early receivers will have one spring-loaded end cap locking ball to secure the bumper plug and later receivers will have two locking balls. A slight discoloration of the finish may be evident near the center of Reising receivers. This was a result heat treating to harden the bolt locking lug. This is particularly noticeable on Parkerized guns. The early 1st design receivers were heat treated manually while the process on 2nd design receivers was automated.

Barrels

All .45 caliber models of the Reising were fitted with barrels made from nickel steel. The breech end had 7/8-18 threads to screw into the receiver. The cooling fins were turned on the barrel with a form cutter. The barrels were rifled by the broaching method with a 1 turn in 16 inches, right hand twist. During the third Marine contract, the number of radial barrel cooling fins was reduced from 28 to 14 in order to increase the structural strength, and to reduce labor hours.

Disassembly Screw

There is a single screw assembly is used to secure the barreled receiver to the stock. It consists of a threaded fastener with a curved washer attached. The washer is attached to the stock by two nails and the washer is secured to the shank of the screw to retain it when loosened. The configuration of this assembly on the early models is different than on later versions. On the early guns the screw is small, requiring a tool to turn it. When tightened, the screw head fits flush with the stock. On the later production, the screw is larger in diameter and thicker. The edge of the screw head is knurled and extends slightly below the stock. This type can be tightened or loosened easily by hand, or with the rim of a cartridge.

Bumper Plug (Receiver End Cap)

The Reising had four different designs of bumper plugs. “Bumper plug” was the nomenclature the H&R Company used for the threaded end cap that screws into the rear of the receiver. In the early designs, the recoil spring guide rod was manufactured as an integral part of the end cap and was a hollow steel pin. This style cap was used in many of the early model Reisings. There were a few problems encountered with this design as the steel guide pin would often break off the cap and bind the recoil spring causing the weapon to jam. The second design of end cap was similar to the first except that a solid steel pin replaced the hollow guide pin used in the earlier design. The pin was still an integral part of the cap. This style proved to be no more reliable than the original design.

The third design of end cap also had a solid integral spring guide pin, but the end of the pin was slightly tapered. This was done to try and eliminate the pin breakage problem of the earlier designs. This style cap was used in most of the early production Reisings fitted with the 28-fin barrel and some of the early production of the 14-fin barrel guns. Unfortunately, the problem of the guide pin breaking still existed. The breakage problem was eventually traced to the receiver threads for the bumper plug not being machined concentric to the receiver.

The fourth design cap was designed to alleviate all the problems of the original one-piece caps. The new cap was designed as two pieces, making the guide rod separate from the end cap. This solved the problem of the bending or breaking of the recoil spring guide rod. The new design spring guide rod was hollow rather than solid. This new design guide rod was used on all but the earliest second design Reising production. The end caps are completely interchangeable between models.

Magazine Housings

The magazine housing on a Reising serves two purposes. One is to hold the magazine in position, the other is to support and guide the action bar. Several different style magazine housings were used on the Reising during their production run. The magazine housing retaining pins also differed slightly between the early and later models.

Stepped Housing (First Design)

The first production Reisings were fitted with a magazine housing that was narrower in width at the rear. This was necessary to house the magazine release and at the same time keep the opening small enough to have a secure fit around the magazine. This housing was made from two separate pieces, the top plate and the housing body. The top plate was attached to the housing by welding.

Magazine Housing (Second Design)

This housing was stamped from a single piece of sheet metal, rectangular in shape, and there was no rear step on this design. A pin was inserted in the rear part of the housing acting as a spacer to keep the magazine in alignment. This eliminated the need for the “step” used in the earlier housing design. This is the most common type of housing and was used in both early and late production Reisings.

Magazine Housing (Third Design)

This magazine housing was also pressed from a single piece of sheet metal and it was designed to only permit the insertion of the twelve-round magazine. The housing was designed with an indented rib at the center that limited the inside dimension of the housing, preventing the use of twenty-round magazines. These housings were used in the late production Reisings.

Magazine Release Lever

One of the components that were changed several times during production was the magazine release lever. The first design was a simple spring steel lever with a hardened steel pin spot-welded to it. The lever was attached to the magazine well housing with a small screw. The rounded end of the lever had small lines depressed into it to make it more slip resistant. These style levers were used on the early blued guns. On later Reisings, this lever was slightly redesigned to have a smaller pin for holding the magazine in place and the lever itself was widened.

The magazine lever evolved into the next design that primarily appeared on transitional mid-production Reisings. These were often fitted along with the milled three-screw trigger guard. This type lever was manufactured in two pieces and was designed to release the magazine by pushing on the lever rather than pulling it. The release tab at the end of the lever was U shaped for added strength. On late production Reisings, the magazine release lever was redesigned to be more durable and easier to operate. These levers were also made in two pieces; the lever and the end piece. The end piece was made so it would pivot and use leverage to release the magazine.

Sights

The rear sight was fitted into a dovetail slot milled into the receiver. The sight on the Reising submachine guns was an aperture style and adjustable from 50 to 300 yards. This could be accomplished by lifting up the sight and sliding a notched elevator forward or rearward. The later manufacture Reisings had a screw installed to secure the sight onto the receiver.

The front sights were an unprotected blade design. On early guns, the front sight was fixed, staked into place and non-adjustable. The very last production 28-fin barrels had front sights that were adjustable for windage by loosening a small setscrew, and drifting the sight right or left. The 14-fin barrels had the same feature.

Part II will cover Reising Accessories.

It could be safe to assume that when the first 1911 pistol was test-fired, inspected and sold, there would be little consideration that an article would be penned 100 years later in 2011 on a new offering of the same design. The time-tested and proven 1911 series handgun is not only still available, but going strong. They are still highly sought after and manufactured in numerous configurations. When modern technology and technique meets such a proven design, we can expect this trend to last for many more years.

American Tactical Imports is quickly becoming well known for offering high quality firearms at very reasonable prices from several points on the globe. The firearms we are focusing on today originate in the Philippines and are manufactured by Shooters Arms Manufacturing (SAM).

At the time of this writing the FX 45 1911 series pistols are available in 5 configurations: The Military, the GI, the Titan, the Titan SS and the Thunderbolt. All are steel receivers and parts with solid mahogany grips. While some models are reminiscent of classic 1911 offerings, other designs are modernized and geared towards the competitive or professional shooter.

The FX 45 Lineup

The Military most resembles the traditional, standard size 1911. With its 5-inch barrel and 8-round magazine capacity, it has a full length slide with light, rear serrations, and an overall length of 8.46 inches. The sights are a fairly low profile and the rear sight is drift adjustable for windage. The hammer is a knurled, wide spur. The mainspring housing on this model has a lanyard loop like some early original military designs.

The GI is similar in size and handling to a standard Combat Commander. Though the grip length is the same as the Military model to utilize factory 8-round magazines, the slide and barrel are shorter to aid in concealability without giving up magazine capacity. The hammer is the rounded Commander style and the grip safety has an extended beavertail. This model has an extended safety. The barrel length is 4.25 inches and an overall length of 7.87 inches. Trigger and sights are the same as the Military model.

The Titan falls in between the size of the Defender model and the Officers model with a barrel length of 3.125 inches and an overall length of 6.93 inches for optimum concealability. The magazine well and grip are also shorter and the magazine capacity is 7 rounds. The mag-well is slightly beveled for easier reloading. This design has a lightened trigger and also employs the same hammer and extended beavertail as the GI model. The sights are a higher profile and are drift adjustable for windage with a black rear blade and white dot front sight. The slide is heavily serrated in the rear on this model. The hammer is the rounded Commander style and the grip safety has an extended beavertail. This model also has an extended safety. The weight of this model is 1.87 pounds.

The Titan SS is almost the same as the Titan except it is stainless steel with a matte finished slide and polished frame. The slide is heavily serrated front and rear. All other specifications are the same as the standard Titan.

The Thunderbolt is similar in size and shape to the 5-inch barreled GI model with several upgrades from the standard design. It has the addition of a mounting rail beneath the barrel in front of the trigger guard, an extended beavertail grip safety, a lightened trigger, an extended and heavily beveled mag-well, a stippled grip both front and rear, a lightweight trigger, an extended ambidextrous safety, a heavily serrated slide front and rear, and fully adjustable 3-dot sights for windage and elevation. Like the GI model, it uses standard 8-round magazines. The overall length and weight are also the same as the GI model at 8.46 inches and 2.31 pounds respectively.

All models were supplied with checkered mahogany grips, and the grip style is standard of this design in case the user desires to change to aftermarket grips.

Initial Examination

Upon opening and examining all models listed above we were immediately very impressed. Each pistol was shipped in a heavy cardboard box lined with soft Styrofoam, in a sealed plastic bag with a light oiling for protection. This writer cringed at the “shiny” appearance of each gun, as it is a personal preference for matte finishes on such firearms. That cringe turned to joy as soon as the oil was wiped from each pistol. With the exception of the stainless steel Titan SS, all were finished with a deep, dark uniform finish. Even the stainless model had a matte slide. Of course the finish is just a personal preference and some like them as shiny as possible.

Once they were cleaned the actions were checked and it was time for a trigger test. Every trigger broke like glass. There was not the slightest bit of creep in any of them and every one had a very short fast break. They all greatly exceeded our expectations in this area.

The fit was very tight with little to no noticeable movement between the slide and the frame on any model. They all moved slick and smooth and almost had a hand-fitted feel to them.

The markings are very clean and clear, from the largest logo to the smallest importation and serial number marking.

The mahogany grips were all checkered without any noticeable blemishes and the Titan models both have a large diamond in the areas of each screw.

Range Time

Several types of ammo were tested with all the FX 1911 model guns. Since there are no distinct mechanical differences between other 1911 types, the testing did not include muzzle velocity testing. Our focus was on function and practical accuracy. All groups were fired at 10 yards (30 feet) off hand with a combination of Wolf 230 grain FMJ, Remington 230 grain FMJ and Winchester Bulk (often referred to as white box) 230-grain FMJ ammo. All models functioned great, and only 1 shooter had a few rounds that did not feed completely during the initial break-in. It may have been a combination of the new guns, the heavy internal oil and below freezing temperatures, but on 3 rounds total, in 2 different guns (1 in 1 gun and 2 in another) the slide needed a light tap forward to completely feed the round and close up. Other than that there was not a single failure to feed, fire or eject. By the end of a few boxes of ammo everything was working excellent. The groups were impressive and definitely on par with other manufacturers’ 1911 models, especially given the testing was done in a windy 21ºF environment. The Thunderbolt performed exceptionally well duplicating a few “ragged 1-hole 8-shot groups” right away.

Conclusions

All who had the opportunity to examine the FX 1911 guns from ATI were very impressed with the performance, the crisp triggers and the fit and finish. None were informed of the MSRP until after getting their initial impressions. When shown the pricing, the comments were a unanimous expletive variant of “No way!” Since many of our testers worked with us on some of the more expensive variants we have tested in the past few years, they were all under the assumption these must be a high-end line as well. The extremely reasonable prices were found almost unbelievable to all who had the chance to test and handle them. This writer agrees. No matter the model, they are a great value for your money and should not disappoint even the most ardent 1911 fan.

No matter if you are looking for a new starting piece for a serious race gun build, or you are buying one expecting better than average performance out of the box, if you are or want to be a 1911 aficionado, you may end up finding a “new favorite” pistol for a lot less money than you ever expected to spend.

American Tactical Imports
100 Airpark Drive
Rochester NY 14624
(800) 290-0065
www.AmericanTactical.us
(Please visit their website for a list of dealers)

Since November 2006, the inhabitants of El Ocotal, Nueva Segovia, reported a small aircraft and a helicopter flying at low level along the regions of Santa María, San Fernando, Jalapa, Condega and Somoto. The local police chief, Commissioned Héctor Zelaya, acknowledged awareness of unauthorized and unidentified flights taking place from around the community – particularly at night. Lacking the appropriate air assets to intercept the suspects, the government dispatched Army and Police foot patrols to search for clandestine landing strips being used by the intruders in the area. The troops pushed towards the region of Las Camelias, in the San Fernando Mountains close to Honduras.

PNN – National Police

Unfortunately this is a common occurrence in Central America, where the drug traffic has intensified. A month after the mentioned incident in El Ocotal, the Anti-Narcotics Police had intercepted a small launch some 56km from Managua, along the Pacific Ocean, finding some two tons of cocaine in its interior.

The Nicaraguan National Police dedicates considerable resources to fighting the drug traffic, kidnapping rings, and money laundering. Since 2006, the Nicaraguan National Police (PNN) is under the command of First Commissioned Aminta Elena Granera Sacasa, appointed by the previous President Enrique Bolaños Geyer to replace PC Edwin Cordero Ardila. To have a better understanding of the Nicaraguan National Police, this author visited Major Commissioner Aquiles Alonso Sevilla Midence at his PNN Public Relations office at the Main HQ at Plaza del Sol in Managua, who cordially welcomed and provided us with the requested information.

According to the National Census, Nicaragua has some 5,142,098 citizens, which would suggests that the country maintains one of the smallest police institutions in the region. By 2005, the PNN counted with some 8,666 agents, but by the following year, the First Commissioner listed 12,300 professional and reserve officers. These elements derive from a General Directorate, and are distributed between 26 police divisions, including the DAEM, DOEP, INTERPOL, Police Intelligence, Drugs Investigations, and Public Security. The PNN operates from precincts (delegaciones), sub-precincts (sub-delegaciones), police sectors and posts. The precincts are located at Matagalpa, Managua, León, Chinandega, Estelí, Madriz, Nueva Segovia, Carazo, Granada, Masaya, Rivas, Boaco, Chontales, Jinotega, Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte (RAAN), Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur (RAAS), Río San Juan, Zelaya Central and Triangulo Minero.

A Development and Modernization Program was implemented in 2001, and the first phase was completed in 2005. This program had its basis on the 1995 Constitutional Reform-Law 228, which dictated the Police Model Regulations, and other necessary documents. In 2002, Disposition 032/02 reorganized the National Police Criminal Investigations Division into a Support Police (Auxilio Policial) and Police Intelligence (Inteligencia Policial) divisions.

The PNN has received considerable support from the European Union, particularly from the Spanish International Cooperation AECI. Spain has dispatched several missions who have assisted in the establishment of the Criminal Lab, and training an equipment of the Immediate Reaction Group (GIR). The Swedish ASDI has provided funds for the construction of 22 police installations, and equipment. The list of benefactors includes the German GTZ, British DFID, Save the Children (Sweden), UNFPA, BID, International Plan, and the Danish DANINA. The China-Taiwan Agency has provided considerable assistance along with JICA-Japan and PNUD-Japan. It is of particular interest that although the locals have suffered numerous wars and huge quantities of weapons remain in civilian hands, the country does not report the same problems with the brutal gangs (Maras) that distinguish the neighbors. It also reports fewer problems with kidnapping rings than other, more prosperous, regional countries.

However, the huge quantities of war-material in the streets has resulted in the establishment the Dirección de Armas, Explosivos, y Municiones (DAEM – Arms-Explosives and Ammunitions Directorate). A bust in 2005 highlight the problem: the PNN confiscated 21 rockets, 462 boxes of Nitroglycerine, seven RPG-7s, 1,802 explosives, two G3 rifles, one Galil, 225 AKMs, eight pistols, three machine guns, 188 other small arms and others in a single raid.

TAPIR, on the other hand, refers to Tácticas y Armas Policiales de Intervención y Rescate – the PNN’s SWAT team – under the DOEP command. The Tapirs are trained by the Army’s COE (Comando de Operaciones Especiales). The unit deploys in pairs, with four operators forming a Team, and several Teams forming patrols and detachments. The organization includes a combat swimmers unit, and their main small arms consists of Uzi and Mini-Uzi SMGs, along with Macro-Galil and Micro-Galil rifles for close quarters operations, and AKM rifles for more conventional operations.

Until recently, the Police Special Operations Direction (DOEP – Dirección de Operaciones Especiales Policiales) comprises the mentioned TAPIR group, the Special Brigade in charge of crown control and physical support, the K9 Unit, the Embassy and Objectives Detail (Departamento de Protección de Embajadas y Objetivos) Operations Department, the Rapid Reaction Group (GIR – Grupo de Intervención Rápida), and two support offices.

Many of those police units that I was able to observe in Nicaragua patrol the city on extended cab pickup trucks, and indeed the PNN has received some 420 examples by 2006. By comparison, there were 122 patrol cruisers and 804 motorcycles during the same year. By 2003, the PNN had an arsenal consisting of 2,229 pistols; this had increased by 2006 to 4,795 handguns, including 2,566 models acquired during 2004 and 2005. In regards to rifles and shotguns, the PNN listed 3,795 models by June 2006. Small arms totaled 8,590. Most weapons I was able to observed were AKM-S rifles (many of them were the North Korean Type-68), with metallic folding stock. The PNN operates some three Cigarette-type speedboats and a few other launches.

PNN agents must attend and complete their initial training at the Walter Mendoza Martinez Police Academy (ACAPOL), established under Police Law No.228, of 31 July 1996, published on August 23. French advisers have trained the Special Brigade elements, while Spanish advisers have assisted the GIR and the TAPIR. The Nicaraguan police commandos are ready to go anywhere, and at anytime, to accomplish their tasks, responding to the Ministry of Government (Interior).

Army Commandos

With the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement, the Central American governments have agreed to organize a Rapid Reaction Force tasked to fight the drug traffic and international terrorism. It is expected that Nicaragua will dedicate some 600 members of the Army Special Forces Command, Antiterrorist Units, the Air and Naval Forces, and Military Intelligence.

When I first visited the Army’s Special Forces Command nest at the vicinity of the Xiloa Lagoon, the unit was the responsibility of Lt. Col. Rafael Ramírez Gomes. The COE was tasked as the main element of the SAR and Humanitarian Unit, which demanded a deployment within 35 minutes from any alert. This Comando de Operaciones Especiales (C.O.E.) comprises some 600 highly motivated and trained men. Upon arrival we are met by then major and today commander Lt. Col., Manuel Salvador Gaitán, and Cpt. Matamoros, two warriors trained by European Special Forces. They would escort me deep into the base. The first time I came face to face with the Nicaraguan commandos had been long ago, when attending the change of command of the Gral. Humberto Ortega to General Joaquín Cuadra Lacayo, outside Managua. The Nicaraguan Army has always opened its doors to us, allowing several visits to the country and institutions. US forces had the opportunity to work alongside a platoon of these commandos when they formed part of the Chavalo Task Force, attached to the Spanish Plus Ultra Brigade in Iraq.

During the 2nd Civil War between the Sandinistas and the Contras in the 80s, and as a result of the military experience, the Army organized the Batallones de Lucha irregular (BLI). They were trained in airborne techniques, jungle warfare and led by Cuban or Chilean advisers. By 1985, the EPS fielded 13 such units: BLI Simon Bolivar, BIL Coro de Angeles, BLI Ramon Raudales, BLI German Pomares, BLI Juan Pablo Umanzor, BLI Santos Lopez, BLI Miguel Angel Ortez, BLI Farabundo Marti, BLI Sucrates Sandino, BLI Francisco Estrada, BLI Pedro Altamirano, BLI Juan Gregorio Colindres and BLI Rufo Marin. Each of these battalions fielded 700 men equipped with AKM rifles, SVD precision rifles, RPD and RPK machine guns, backed by Soviet 60mm, 82mm and 120mm mortars and AGS-17 grenade launchers. SShK 38/46 12.7mm heavy machine guns were mounted on vehicles and helicopters. Complementing the BLIs were small Light Hunter Battalions (Batallones Ligeros de Cazadores – BLC). They were to operate much in the same manner as Venezuelan hunter battalions, or 250 men divided in two companies. Their mission was to find the enemy and to fix their position so the BLIs then would come to destroy them with their superior firepower and mobility. There were 19 BLC, including the BLC Rigoberto Cruz, BLC Gaspar Garcia Laviana, BLC Oscar Benavides, BLC Modesto Duarte, BLC Edgar Munguía and BLC Adam Gomez.

The Contras operated in small battalion-size “task forces,” small-company size “detachments,” and squad size “groups.” These were effective in tying up thousands of troops and destroying the economy. For good measure, the Sandinista government claimed dictatorial powers and established rough and brutal repression, only feeding the Contra ranks. Furthermore, within a brief time after taking over, the FSLN government was pursuing radical economic and social policies at home and building up military strength with the support of the Soviet Bloc. The government also started involving itself on behalf of local and Marxist guerrilla movements in neighboring El Salvador and Guatemala.

Following Cuban and Soviet doctrine on highly mobile (but heavy) armored formations for forced reconnaissance tasks and as spearhead breakthrough forces, the EPS established the elite Brigada de Tropas “Pedro Altamirano.” Geographically the country divides into three regions. The largest in extent is the triangular mountain region, which occupies the center of the country, to the east of Lake Nicaragua and north of the frontier with Costa Rica. A broad strip of lowland runs north-south, roughly parallel with the Caribbean coast. Another much narrower strip of lowland contains two large lakes, Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua. The country is mountainous, although not to the extent of some Central American Republics, with peaks as high as 2,000 meters. With the war against counterrevolutionaries coming from Honduras and Costa Rica, the Pedro Altamirano troops had to be ready to fight in any terrain; and they were trained in parachute and reconnaissance techniques at El Cacho, Pinar del Río (Cuba).

However, they remained mechanized, equipped with PT-76 light tanks, BTR-60 APCs, and BRDM armored vehicles, inappropriate for use in the densely-forested mountains. Even so, the Contras managed to destroy only two BRDMs throughout the war. They were ambushed in one of the mountain roads, with the rebels firing dozens of AP 40mm grenades from M79 launchers. The Contras had positions in elevations overlooking the road, and the rounds landed on the lightly protected roof of the BRDMs. Later, the Nicaraguan Spec Ops would adopt the M79 grenade launcher as one of their favorite weapons, many coming from former-National Guard warehouses, and large catches captured to the Contras.

One of the flaws on the use of the Altamirano Brigade was that the Air Force lacked the heavy air transport aircraft necessary for true airborne movement of the heavy equipment. The Army realized that there was a need for something lighter and highly mobile, and with the capacity of taking the fight to the enemy anywhere in the hills. Around 1985, the military decided to include special operations units as part of its order of battle (Orbat). With troops from the Pedro Altamirano brigade and volunteers from the Ministry of the Interior’s (MINIT) Permanent Territorial Companies (COPETE) the Army organized the first Pequeñas Unidades de Fuerzas Especiales (PUFE – Small Special Forces Units).

A PUFE fielded 63 commandos, all trained at El Cacho in Cuba. A year later, the military had increased the PUFEs to three units, forming the first Compañía de Destino Especial (CODE – Special Destiny Company). Soon after, the Batallón de Fuerzas Especiales “Julio Buitrago Urróz” had been organized with three CODEs. By 1986, the CODEs were re-dominated Destacamentos (Detachments), and all the special operations forces were housed at Asturias.

The Spec Ops HQ was moved to Chiltepe, Managua, in 1987, and starting in 1988, the PUFE-BON Julio Buitrago Urroz became the premier tactical unit of the military, adding a reconnaissance, a submarine and an air assault detachment to the three special operations detachments of the order of battle.

With the Pedro Altamirano Recce Armored Brigade, the BLIs, BLCs, and the CODEs from the EPS and the MINIT’s COPETEs and Border Guards, the Sandinista High Command decided to finish up the Contras once and for all. “Operación Soberanía” was launched along the Costa Rican border against ARDE guerrillas. Spearheading the offensive were the PUFEs of the Buitrago Urroz Battalion and two submarine exploration nucleus from the Pedro Altamirano Brigade.

ARDE, originally led (or misled) by Eden Pastora, had been infiltrated by Sandinista intelligence operatives, and was in disarray due to internal fights. The Sandinista conventional operation – complemented by special operations actions in the rear, and well inside Costa Rica – disarticulated ARDE.

Trying to repeat the same success than Sovereignty, the EPS launched some 10,000 men in “Operación Danto” in March 1988. Danto had as a target the guerrilla camps across the Honduran border. Again COPETEs, BLIs, BLCs, CODE/PUFEs spearheaded the assault. The camps were overrun, and the Contra guerrillas desperately fought back from well inside Honduran territory. The Honduran responded with air support for the guerrillas, and after a few days, reluctantly accepted the US offer to heli-transport troops to the region. There seem to have been a consensus by the Hondurans that the Sandinistas were just taking care of national business by attacking the Contra Camps, even inside their own territory. Eventually, Danto would come to a halt after some Mi-8s had been lost to the Hondurans, and after the US threatened to deploy the 82nd Airborne Division.

As the war came to an end in 1990, the 13 BLIs were reduced to 13 security companies, and the hunter battalions disbanded, the artillery, tank and mechanized brigades were reduced to a single entity.

C.O.E.

Although the Soviet Union passed into discredited oblivion soon after the dismissal of the Sandinista government, Cuban assistance, particularly for the military, continued until about 1994. Eventually, all assistance from the former Communist Block countries dried up. No positive efforts were initially made to fill the philosophical vacuum left by Nicaragua’s former role models. However, more recent statements and documents, especially in connection with the armed forces, indicate the apparent beginning of an effort to forge a new doctrine more appropriate to present political circumstances and the situation of the country.

Soon after the end of hostilities in 1990, Spec Ops were re-organized in two SF battalions directly under the control of the EPS General Command (Comandancia). The 1st PUFE-BON Buitrago listed the 11th Detachment (DOE-Destacamento de Operaciones Especiales), 12th DOE & 13th DOE as part of its TOE. The 2nd PUFE-BON Altamirano comprised the 21st DOE, 22nd DOE and 23rd DOE. The 2nd PUFE-BON Altamirano was a heavier entity, counting on PT-76 and BRDMs for its operations. Ironically, with the end of the war, the armored assets recovered their importance and elite status due to the new emphasis of the Armed Forces.

Between 1992 and 1995, the Army went through the peace demobilization process. The Comando de Operaciones Especiales (COE) is established in 1995 as well, and housed in the vicinity of Xiloa Lagoon, close to Managua. The COE was first organized with four Special Operations Detachments (DOES), and a Fire Support Unit. Today, the COE comprises a Support Apparatus, and three Departments: Command, PPUU (Pequeñas Unidades – Small Combat Units), and Security Element. The Pequeñas Unidades de Combate comprises three Special Operations Detachments (1st, 2nd and 3rd DOES), an Anti-Tank Detachment, and a Defense & Fire Support Detachment. Each DOES is divided in binomios (pairs), Equipos (each 5-man), Grupos (each 4 Operational Groups and a Command Team), and Destacamentos (4 Operational and a Command Groups). The COE also deploys one Special Operations Platoon in support of the Northern Military Detachment.

Other Elites

The Air Force handles today a single Compañía de Paracaidistas (Paratrooper Company), comprising some 120 elements divided into a Search and Rescue Detachment, and an Air Special Operations Detachment. The unit has received specialty training by French commandos and Naval Infantry at Martinica.

It is now known that Major Anastasio Somoza Portocarrero’s EEBI prepared the Primera Compañía de Infantería de Marina (1st Marine Company), and the unit was forged by fire in the closing days of the Somoza’s Regimen. The first Naval Infantry units of the modern Nicaraguan military were basically established within the Ministry of the Interior’s (MINIT) Border Guard Troops in the early 1980s. Eventually, the Nicaraguan Sandinista Army would establish several infantry outfits attached to the Naval Force. Today, there is a fusiliers company operating from San Juan del Sur, as part of the local Port Authority; there are also two additional companies assigned to the Naval Regions at the Pacific and the Atlantic, and some detachments assigned to the Northern and Southern Military Detachments. It is specified that these outfits operate in the installation security role and not properly as amphibious units.

There are several issues that afflict the Nicaraguan National Security today, between them elicit weapons, human and drug traffic. The PNN’s Justice Support (DAJ-Auxilio Judicial), the Anti-Narcotics, Financial Investigations (DIE-Investigaciones Económicas), INTERPOL, and the Central Criminal Lab (LCC-Laboratorio Central de Criminalística) divisions coordinate with other 12 Central American Law Enforcement Regional Plan components to fight contraband, drug traffic, money laundering, kidnappings, and other organized crime activities. According to statistics provided by the PNN, the war has netted 6,614 operations between 2000 and 2005, resulting in the seizure of 22,247kgs of cocaine, along with 588,533 marihuana plants and 279.82kgs of heroine.

All this demonstrates that elite outfits of the Ministry of Government’s National Police and the National Army’s elite forces are spearheading the fight against the drug traffic and organized crime anytime and anywhere in Nicaragua.

The United States Marine Corps put their best foot forward once again for the 30th annual Modern Day Marine (MDM) show at Quantico, Virginia. This year’s show was very well attended by both vendors and USMC personnel, with many new vendors on display. Over 8,500 attendees, mostly USMC, kept the over 400 booths energized. The discussions at the show had most of the attendees and vendors very pleased and planning on returning the next year. MDM is always a highly rated show for interaction with not only the higher ranked and hopefully decision makers, but with the rank and file Marines. Most vendors are aware that this is what builds their brand as the young Marines move up in rank they remember the lessons learned not only on the battlefield, but on the display floors as well.

There were many booths for organizations supporting the USMC and veterans. One group in particular SAR would like to bring to our readers’ attention: The U.S. Paralympics Military Program. This group is working with the U.S. Paralympics to help sponsor more of the thousands of severely wounded veterans into the active sports programs they provide. www.usparalympics.org or www.semperfifund.org.

AAI LSAT (Lightweight Small Arms Technologies) is a technology based program managed through the Joint Service Small Arms Program Office (JSSAP), located at the Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. The focus of LSAT is:

• Reduce the weight of weapons carried by warfighters by 35 percent
• Lower the ammunition weight by more than 40 percent
• Maintain or improve lethality and reliability over current systems
• Improve ergonomics and logistics
• Reduce training and maintenance time

These promising technologies continue to be matured and tested. Current program objectives are to:

• Develop the cased telescoped ammunition and light machine gun to TRL 7 and conduct an operational demonstration
• Continue maturation and demonstrations of the caseless ammunition and light machine gun
• Develop and demonstrate a cased telescoped rifle to TRL 5 (www.aaicorp.com)

Beretta– The TRG Folding Stock can be retrofitted to all TRG precision sniper rifles without any modifications to the weapon itself. Front to rear: PX4 .45 ACP SOCOM trials pistol with Gemtech Blackside suppressor. TRG-42 PSR .338 Lapua Magnum rifle with standard sidefolder. Beretta owns Steiner so they are featuring the Military 4-16×50, and the suppressor is the Surefire LLC model FA338SS. The Harris Bipod was chosen for this. The TRG stock system accepts Remington 700 USMC Short action and the M24 long action. Scope is the Schmidt & Bender PMII. The Harris bipod is chosen for this. (www.berettale.com)

One of the busiest booths at the show was the FNH USA booth with its emphasis on small arms for the warfighter. The SCAR program was well received with a constant flow of Marines looking over the rifle system, and the sniper and M3M .50 displays were also busy. (www.fnhusa.com)

The General Dynamics MK47 Grenade Machine Gun is a lightweight new generation of launcher that has been well accepted by testers and users alike. The idea for making it squad portable was put to Eagle and they designed a 4 pack system for packing this out – one pack that is for the MK47 itself, the next for tripod and FCU, and the next (add as many as you want) to carry the soft box ammo carriers in either 32 or 48 rounds. The soft carriers reduce the bulk of the ammo containers, but once loaded, will fit inside the original ammo cans the 40x53mm linked grenades come in making for a quick fit in a Humvee or other vehicle. (www.gd-ots.com) or (www.eagleindustries.com)

C. Reed (Trey) Knight III holds the M110 Carbine, the newly adopted Knight’s Armament Company 7.62×51 mm sniper rifle in its shorter profile. The patented dimpled ‘Heavy’ barrel delivers expected HB accuracy and consistency results, while providing lighter weight and more rapid cooling. 7.62mm M110 Carbine (P/N: 25749) pictured with Leupold 1.1-8x CQBSS (optional P/N 25884)

Prolific parts and weapons supplier LaRue Firearms presented several caliber variations of their Optimized Battle Rifle. The 7.62x51mm carbine version (shown) provides semiautomatic long range capability in a smaller package. (www.laruetactical.com)

The LMO/VLTOR manufactured PKM 7.62x54R machine gun that LMO has been supplying to USG customers. LMO is the GSA contractor armorer trainer for U.S. and foreign small arms, as well as a long-time supplier of unusual munitions. (www.longmountain.com)

LWRC featured their M6-G series rifles with the reliable short stroke gas piston operation they are well known for in their M16 based platforms. The REPR in 7.62x51mm was quite popular with the USMC attendees and is a contender for consideration on sniper systems. (www.LWRCI.com)

ManroyUSA.The MK43 Mod 0 EBS (Electro-optical BoreSight assembly) is utilized for accurately aligning weapons with their sighting systems. The EBS employs a state of the art color video camera and permits a single user to accurately and remotely align the weapon to the sight from the safety of the gunner’s position. The EBS provides a safe, easy to use, accurate, fast and reliable tool for boresighting that yields high first round hit probability. The ease of use of the EBS minimizes the time required to perform boresighting and maximizes the convenience and the frequency of the procedure. The EBS retains its accuracy over a wide range of environmental conditions and permits the alignment process to be accomplished at up to 2,000+ meters. (www.manroy-usa.com)

McCurdy’s Armor Dynamic Defense Materials, LLC is supplying a portable armored wall system named in honor of fallen Marine Corporal Ryan McCurdy. This armor system is fast to set up and as a single wall is effective up to 7.62mm threats. An interior wall can be added as well as sand-fill to bring that protection up to 12.7mm. (www.ddmat.com)

The Metal Storm Multi-Shot Accessory Underbarrel Launcher (MAUL) is an ultra-lightweight 12 gauge gun system that attaches to the barrels of the M4 and M16 Modular Weapon Systems (MWS). With Metal Storm’s stacked round firing system, the war fighter can load and fire five shots simultaneously in a single chamber, maximizing mission effectiveness. (www.metalstorm.com)

Nammo-Talley and Raytheon The new 83mm SERPENT shoulder fired launcher is a reloadable tube using a variety of task chosen ammunition that may be fired from enclosure. The three current workhorse rounds are the Novel Explosive for Urban Use, the High Explosive Anti-Armor, and the High Explosive Dual Purpose. The SERPENT weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kg), has an overall length of 32.4 inches (82.2 cm) in the carry position, and has a range of 500 meters (1,640 feet). (www.nammotalley.com) and (www.raytheon.com)

MSG Military Systems Group started in 1984 and has been supplying mount and weapon related products ever since. They are a GSA provider and are online at the e-buy system. (www.milsysgroup.com)

US Ordnance- STS US Ordnance’s display featured a twin M2HB .50 caliber machine gun set up with right and left hand feeds. US Ordnance has numerous government contracts on the M2HB as well as the MK43 Mod O (M60E4) 7.62x51mm machine gun. The twins are set onto a naval mount that is one of the featured products of Special Tactical Services, LLC. STS is committed to providing the highest level of training possible to all of their clients and their main business line is providing GS approved training as well as contracted security in operations. (www.usord.com) and (www.spectacserv.com)

Rheinmettal and Vingtech provided a variety of solutions and enhancements for the 40x53mm platforms. Perhaps the most interesting was the Vingtech MK19 Capability Upgrade. This system was combat proven on the HK GMG and brings new accuracy to the MK19 system. Upgrade package includes the Vingmate Fire Control System, Vingtech Combi Softmount and the Vingtech Video Trainer. (www.vingtech.com)

RPG Stopper – The ShotScreen RPG Defeat System is an active protection system that can be mounted on new or retrofitted LAVs and a variety of other vehicles and stationary platforms. The system releases a wave of small diameter, low velocity non-lethal pellets from several non-slewing locations to defeat multiple anti-tank type RPG grenades. To defeat an incoming RPG, two adjacent warheads are fired to form an overlapping pattern of pellets. The cloud of pellets travel to the intercept plane at a low rate of speed. This pattern, or ‘shot screen,’ intercepts the RPG round at close range from the protected vehicle and neutralized the RPG to nullify its lethality. This is done by short-circuiting the electrical path in the dual cone nose as shown in the picture. In an alternate version, it pre-detonated PG7s at a significant stand-off distance. (www.gd-ots.com)

Magpul has been providing a prolific line of upgrade products as well as their in-house weapons designs, but the game-changing P-Mag 30 is still one of the hottest items at any show. (www.magpul.com)

Carl Zeiss presented some new products: Front: 4×30 fixed 4x ballistic prop compensated with 8 degree field of view; L-R NSV-1000 long range night vision, IRV-600 IR-Thermal Imager 1.2km range to detect a human, NSV-600 Intermediate range image intensifier, 6-24 x 72 Hensoldt military optic, Rear: Spotter 60 20-60x spotter optic. (www.zeiss.com)

Tippmann Ordnance Company, related to the longtime U.S. company that produced the Tippmann miniature fully functional one-half scale Browning machine guns and air rifles/paintball equipment, has produced a series of training gear that is pneumatically operated. Training suicide bomber vests, roadside IEDs, and the new M1A-M2 Mortar Launcher (shown). The M1A-M2 is a paint marker system resembling a military crew served mortar, similar in visual impact with a standard military 81mm mortar. The marker system is a 62mm, smoothbore, muzzle loading, gas/Co2 operated, manually fired, high angle-of-fire training device. The device propels a 20 oz. marker round (water soluble marker paint), with a 4 round per minute firing cycle rate, with an effective range of approximately 500 yards, providing a 70+ feet in diameter ‘kill zone’ while employing a maximum operating pressure of 200 psi. (www.tippmannordnance.com)

In keeping with their tradition of support at MDM, SureFire had a well-stocked booth. Of note were the mil-spec rifle suppressors. Top to bottom: FA762K for 7.62x51mm rifles weighing 19 oz (539gr) and has a length of 8.4 inches (19.1 cm); MICRO for the 5.56x45mm rifles weighing 12 oz (340gr) with a length of 4.0 inches (10.2cm); MINI for the 5.56×45 rifles weighs 14 oz (397gr) with a length of 5.0 inches (12.7cm). (www.surefire.com)

Marine Corps Warfighting Lab – The MCWL is an effective group whose mission is to “Conduct concept-based experimentation and wargaming to develop and evaluate tactics, techniques, procedures, and technologies in order to support the warfighter by enhancing current and future warfighting capabilities.” This is accomplished through the various divisions of the lab; Science & Technology Integration; Global War on Terrorism Operations; Experiment Division; Technology Division, as well as several other groups. (www.mcwl.quantico.usmc.mil)

The year 1994 will be remembered by many as the dark cloud that brought the dreaded “Assault Weapon” ban in the paramilitary market among civilian shooters. This controversial law killed importation of sporterized military type weapons and their rimfire look-alikes. The fallout soon affected many independent aftermarket accessory producers solely dedicated to the development and production of hi-capacity magazines, folding stocks and dress up kits for sporting arms to eventually close their doors after their pre ban hardware was depleted. Owners of sub guns and hi-capacity guns and look-alikes saw the value of their wares climb sky high overnight and lasted for a decade. The Clinton ban finally sunset in 2004 marking the beginning of yet another era in the hi-tech weapons development geared for both military and civilian market. Back once again are the high capacity magazines for short and long arms, dress up kits and folding stocks as well as few rimfire look-alikes of the golden 80s. Regretfully, the big difference this time is that not all states have been freed from this bureaucracy as legislators in anti-gun strongholds opted to live with the restriction and are likely to stay with it for an indefinite period of time.

When hi-tech exotic weaponry first entered the scene back in the 80s, its primary goal was to fill the enormous demand in transforming semi-auto sporting arms to military format. Aftermarket accessories for the very popular Ruger 10/22 self-loading carbine undoubtedly stirred more money-making innovations among independent manufacturers than any other models ever produced in the American market. Hi-capacity magazines for this gun became the hottest selling item to date followed by folding stocks and dress up kits. Bill Ruger’s masterpiece self-loader is unquestionably one of the most advanced and sophisticated U.S. made rimfire carbine in the world. With nearly five million produced to date, no other model in its class will ever come close. This gun is as hot a seller today as it was when it was first introduced 42 years ago. Out of the box, the 10/22 can be best described as a subtle cross-breed between a sporter with just a slight dash of the famed M1 .30 Carbine with the absence of the clip sticking out below the gun. Perhaps, the hottest selling point of the gun is its unmatched reliability and ruggedness as compared to other models in its class that are many times more expensive. The ten-round rotary magazine of the 10/22 is a masterpiece of design as well as reliability. However, for a more serious defensive application, its limited firepower becomes an issue. It is a pure fun gun that barely encounters any malfunction; but its limited capacity keeps the fun a bit too short, especially when used by paper punchers and plinkers. In today’s standard, a ten-round magazine is considered a handicap, particularly for a self loading carbine designed to be a work horse. Selling the 10/22 is no problem and is always the first one to leave the dealer’s shelves. The maker has a hard time catching up with the demand of seemingly never ending orders. The main problem confronting the dealers is supplying their 10/22 customers with the demand for a truly reliable large capacity magazine that can equal the factory produced magazine in overall reliability. Whether Ruger ignored the idea of developing this device for their bread and butter gun or simply hadn’t time for it, still remains a mystery. One thing for sure however, it has left an open market for a very desirable item.

The mid 80s opened the door to many private entrepreneurs who entered the race in the development and production of hi-capacity magazines for this hot selling little carbine. The first contender to enter the market was the ill fated Condor. In its first month, the 25-shot plastic magazine was a sensation. A month after, customers who bought it cursed it to the moon. In a desperate bid to calm down the complaining buyers, the manufacturer enclosed a small instruction sheet, suggesting that the buyer has to throat the barrel until it works. Nice try, but this didn’t solve the problem. A few months later, the company closed. The Condor was followed by the Sanford-50, a drum type magazine boasting an impressive 50-shot firepower. This magazine was marketed by Eaton Supply. This item was also offered by Arcadia Machine & Tool Company (AMT) as an optional accessory for their “Lightning,” a stainless steel clone of the 10/22. The Sanford-50 gives the gun and awesome look and feeling of confidence seeing the large number of rounds neatly stack around the rim of the clear plastic housing. The Sanford drum is the first 10/22 magazine to feature a see-through viewing using clear Lexan plastic for its exterior casing. The magazine also features a loading gate wherein the ammo spool can be manually turned while loading. This excellent feature makes for easy loading advantage by simply dropping the rounds into the feed lips, while turning the spool. The magazine lip is made of cheap cast zinc oxide material that is somewhat fragile and out of dimension. The Lexan plastic easily cracked in its rear half casing when accidentally dropped to no higher than a foot on a wooden floor.

Did the Sanford 50 work? Unfortunately this is another matter. During the test, this awesome looking drum proved to be a great pretender. It develop multiple loading problems with hang-ups leaving the chamber empty because the next round for battery got stuck halfway below the feed line and was not scooped up by the bolt during the loading cycle. It was also plagued by ejection problems with empties barely clearing the ejection port. When the magazine is loaded to capacity, the spool is slower than a turtle walk, leaving no round positioned in the magazine lip when the bolt passes through resulting in an empty chamber. With just about ten rounds remaining in the magazine, the tension of the clock-type spring becomes erratic, causing the top round in the magazine lips to occasionally jump out of its seat. This causes a loading jam with the cartridge caught between the breech face and barrel chamber in an almost vertical position, with the tip of the bullet lodge in the chamber mouth. As much as the quick and easy loading feature of the Sanford drum was a big plus, it failed miserably with every type of ammunition used. A few years later a new version of the Sanford drum was produce and marketed by Pro-Mag. Gone was the see-through Lexan material being replaced by what appears to be an unbreakable material. Externally, the Pro-Mag drum appears solid and impressive. This first impression quickly changed during the actual test firing. Pro-Mag made the same mistake as on the first Sanford construction by using a soft metal instead of steel in the magazine lips. After the last round is fired, the bottom section of the breech face that pushes the cartridge to the chamber is hitting the top of the magazine feed ramp and deforming quite easily. Another fatal flaw of the design is the very short protrusion of the round metal in front of the magazine that connects to the receiver. When the gun is fired, the magazine tends to disengage and fall off the gun since this part of the magazine is barely engaging the gun. The magazine connection to the receiver is loose and it tends to rock back and forth when it is seated to the gun. The overall reliability of the gun is acceptable when using solid point cartridges; however the magazine must be supported by the non-shooting hand while the gun is being fired to prevent the magazine from falling off. The forward racking action of the magazine as the bolt moves forward when not supported by hand tends to jam the cartridge nose against the edge of the chamber as it is being pushed out of the magazine lips. The Pro-Mag 50 is far from being perfect. It definitely needed more refinements on the above noted areas of concern. Next in the market was the Black Dog 50-shot polymer drum magazine for the 10/22. This magazine looks promising and is very well made as compared to both the Sanford and Pro-Mag drums. The Black Dog version appears to have borrowed some features from the Sanford employing a back window to access the winding mechanism as well as its clock-type spring. However, its inherent reliability can be attributed to the features borrowed from the Italian made Bingham PPS-50 steel drum design incorporating plastic dummy cartridges as part of the magazine follower system. The PPS-50 drum magazine is possibly the finest 50-shot drum magazine ever made and Black Dog certainly made a great choice in employing its design characteristics. The Black Dog drum works best with solid point ammo. When hollow points are used there is an average of 3-4 jams per mag.

The quick demise of the old Condor magazine was quickly followed by yet another 25-shot all plastic banana magazine called the Eaton. Both the Condor and Eaton are virtually identical except the Condor utilized steel feed lips while the Eaton is an all plastic construction. Is this the improved Condor? During testing, three Eaton banana-type magazines were used. For a while, the magazines seemed to work fine but after 300 rounds were fired, malfunctions started to appear. The follower started to get tight and loading problems become frequent. The ejector shoulder on the magazine lip started to wear out fast causing frequent ejection problems. It appears that the plastic material used is not geared for this type of device. One time during the test, a rim blow-up occurred while firing a Remington Yellow Jacket hi-velocity cartridge. The unsupported section below the breech face diverted the exploding gas towards the magazine forcing it to disengage from its seat. As a result, the small protruding section that engages the magazine catch at the back of the magazine broke off, rendering the magazine totally unserviceable. As the Eaton magazine fell off the gun, it split into two halves as it hit the ground scattering the remaining ammo during impact. The two halves appear not to be bonded together. The Eaton 25-shot magazine is a standard item for the AMT Lightning when it entered the commercial marketed in the 1980s. Interestingly, Black Dog resurrected the Eaton magazine design as one of the primary offering in the banana type magazine market. While the early Eaton magazine are made to 1980’s standard, the new Black Dog version is much refined employing unbreakable polymer materials in their overall construction.

The new and much touted Butler Creek 25-shot “Steel Lips” magazine appears to bear a strong heritage to the old Condor magazine in overall design and construction. The difference between the two is that the Steel Lips works and the Condor doesn’t. By close examination, there are subtle differences between the original Condor and Steel Lips primarily in the feed lip and follower design. The exterior format is virtually identical between the two, however, the Butler Creek magazine proved to be far superior to the Condor in both quality of workmanship and reliability. The Steel Lips works reliably as long as it is kept clean. However, once the inside is exposed to heavy powder residue built up after prolonged use, the follower tends to hang up and will not push the cartridges upward leaving an empty chamber. The Steel Lips was also offered in all plastic format called the Hot Lips (clear plastic) and are both available in ten and 25-shot capacity. Three ten-shot version can be clipped together to form a unique “Star” shape configuration for a 30-shot firepower. In addition to its excellent magazines, Butler Creek also produced and marketed a very compact loading device for their magazines. Unfortunately, this loader will not work with other brands due to their different magazine lip opening.

Yet another 50 rounder entered the scene. This one has a unique teardrop type configuration. This magazine was originally marketed by Mitchell Arms designated as the 50/22. It was given good advertising and publicity when first introduced. Class II manufacturers for the 10/22 were also at its peak during this period. It was hoped that the Mitchell magazine was the final answer to the long search for a reliable hi-capacity magazine in their full auto wares. Two magazines were ordered with the same expectation. Unfortunately, after few try outs, the enthusiasm towards the Teardrop magazine quickly faded away. This device does not load to capacity without jamming. The drive belt is prone to hang-ups, just like the spool design of the Sanford drum. Worst of all, the Mitchell magazine has the shallowest ejector shoulder of all the hi-cap contenders tested. As expected, ejection problems plagued this magazine next to feeding hang-ups, caused by frequent stopping action of the drive belt. The Mitchell 50/22 has good possibility to be a top contender in the 50-round category once all the bugs are ironed out.

Twenty two years after its initial introduction, the Mitchell teardrop magazine once again came to life in the form of the new MWG 50-Rounder. This author was quite skeptical whether the MWG version was any better than the original despite the flowery advertising. The MWG is not cheap retailing at $80 but was not as expensive as the Pro-Mag drum which at one time sold for $100. Nevertheless, two of this new version was purchased for testing. As usual, prior to the actual reliability test, a visual comparison between the old and the new was made. The first thing noticed was the belt clip on the old Mitchell magazine was omitted on the MWG. The new version sported an all clear plastic construction in its shell casing versus the two-tone plastic of the old. Further examination revealed that the new MWG incorporated identical steel feed lips to the factory rotary magazine, while the Mitchell design had a narrow ejector and slightly different cutouts in the release point of the lip area. Internally, everything seemed to be identical except for the new type of material used in the loading belt. The old type has some sort of strands coming off the belt while the new one is clean. Range testing consisted of 500 rounds of Stinger and two 10/22s for heavy duty workout. Out of the 500 rounds fired, only three malfunctions were experienced which occurred only when the magazines were fully loaded. One of the 10/22s has an extra power recoil spring purchased from Brownell’s. The other has the standard factory recoil spring, which is basically tailored to work with their magazine. The bolt seems to have difficulty pushing the top round from the magazine lip, which is under heavy tension with the factory standard recoil spring. However, with the heavier recoil spring, the magazine worked flawlessly with 300 rounds fired. That is quite impressive. Finally, a 50-round magazine for the 10/22 that really works. MWG has indeed done their homework on this one. So what makes the MWG work and not the Mitchell? After stripping both the Mitchell and MWG magazines, the only valid explanation as to why one works and the other don’t is the difference in magazine lips. To test my theory, I switched the magazine lips on both magazines and retested both. The MWG, now having the lips of the old Mitchell, did not work. The Old Mitchell, now with the new magazine lips of the WMG, worked very well. Now on the right track, the metal lips were borrowed from two factory magazines and installed them on the old Mitchell magazines. They fit perfectly, and at last, worked perfectly. Puzzle solved. Why Mitchell did do not use identical lips as the factory rotary magazine to begin with is a mystery. Unfortunately, such good things do not last. Barely two months after getting the new MWG magazines, with just over 1,000 rounds being used in each mag, cracks started to appear on the top of the magazine just around the cap nut that controls the tension of the upper half of the belt. In addition, the bottom of the magazine housing also exhibited multiple cracks now rendering this expensive magazine totally unserviceable. Nevertheless, the old Mitchell mags are very much intact and still working great after their defective magazine lips were replaced with original Ruger parts. If MWG changes the housing with a better material that does not crack easily, I may but them again. For now, they work, but they don’t last very long.

Just at the time when more and more large capacity magazines were starting to flood the market for the 10/22, Bingham Ltd. of Norcross, Georgia introduce an all steel 30-shot banana type magazine of Italian manufacture. Bingham at this time was busy promoting its upcoming PPS-50, a rimfire clone of the famed WW II Russian PPSh burp gun. The Bingham magazine is very well made. A magazine adapter was utilized to compensate for the wide opening of the stock’s magazine chute for the factory rotary type magazine. The Italian magazine produces only marginal reliability, however. It also suffered multiple ejection and loading problems when fully loaded. It worked best with only 25 rounds loaded to give the spring and follower more leverage for movement. The magazine lip appears easily deformed and needs to be re-adjusted from time to time, especially the built-in ejector to minimize ejection problems. The magazine also tends to disengage accidentally from its adapter during firing. To correct this drawback, the writer installed built-in spring loaded plungers positioned on both sides of the adapter. The protruding ends of the plungers locks securely on their corresponding detent holes at the front of the trigger housing.

For few years, the Sanford, Eaton and Mitchell magazines dominated the 10/22 hi-capacity market despite their shortcomings. In the later part of the 80’s Ram-Line and Eagle International, both based in Colorado at that time, set to compete in this open market. Eagle International introduced a very attractive 30-shot banana type polymer magazine in both smoke and black color. The Eagle has a few interesting design features not found in any magazine in its class. It features a built-in magazine catch activator that is more convenient to operate than the factory flush-in catch if a high capacity magazine is used. The bottom of the magazine had a sliding trap door that would allow internal cleaning if needed. There were notable malfunctions experienced with the Eagle that occurred mostly after several thousands of rounds had gone through it. The magazine lips appeared to have opened up and caused the top round to jump out of its seat when firing hi-velocity rounds, particularly Stingers. A custom nylon buffer will help alleviate this problem by softening the recoil impact. When new, this magazine worked quite well with very few malfunctions noted. The Eagle magazine is available again and now offered in various colors ranging from black, smoke, orange and clear. This magazine not only proved to be one of the more reliable 30-rounders available in the market today, it is also one of the cheapest with some retailers selling them for as low as $10.

Perhaps, among the half dozen or more independent aftermarket accessory producers, no one can claim the top spot in the development and manufacture of hi-capacity magazines in the banana type category than Ram-Line. Famous for their extensive line of fixed and folding stocks made of indestructible polymer material and dress up kits, the Colorado based company has undoubtedly offered more selections of banana-type magazines than anyone else in the industry. Their first 30-round single stack magazines are the most reliable in their lineup. I still have five of these which I have extensively used in the past 20 years and they still work as good as when they were new. These magazine were soon followed by the more sophisticated double stack versions that were offered in 15, 20, 30, and 50-shot capacity, as well as a 25-shot single stack magazine called “Truncator” designed to work primarily with truncated type ammo such as the Remington Yellow Jacket. Ram-Line can be credited to the final breakthrough in creating a double column type magazine, something thought impossible at one time with .22 rimfire ammunition. These double stack format magazines however are very hard to load due to their very powerful dual clock type springs. To solve this problem, the company developed an autoloader device that can load the magazine almost as fast as you can shoot it. Unfortunately, as good as it sounds, the loader does not always work reliably. Their double stack magazines are also subject to this type of criticism. I have a dozen of this magazine that I acquired back in the late 80s. Out of twelve, half actually worked as long as they were not loaded to capacity and with certain type of ammo. Winchester Super-X appears to work best with these mags. The others have varying problems that I can attribute to excessive spring power of the follower. The most common problems encountered with this type of magazine is the tendency of the top round’s front end to lift itself up to almost 50 degrees as the bolt hits the back of the receiver during recoil. As the bolt comes back to battery, the lower end of the breech face that normally scoops the cartridge will miss the rim (now below the feed line) and instead glides over the lifted front end of the bullet, scraping it and finally stopping as the breech face dug deeper into the bullet nose. Another frequent malfunction using this magazine is the tendency of the bullet nose to hit the upper section of the chamber mouth as it is being pushed by the bolt towards the chamber. Again, the excessive magazine spring power appears to be the culprit here. There seems to be imbalance in the distribution of spring tension with much of the pressure directed to the front end of the follower. It is this author’s opinion that Ram-Line should have combined a full power spring and a half power spring rather than using two full power springs to make the system work reliably – and it would also make loading easier.

One of the most pleasant surprises on a recent trip to Tel Aviv was finding Building 14 of the Israeli Defence Forces History Museum. The museum is located in the Tel Aviv Promenade area, which is right off of the main road running along Tel Aviv’s beautiful Mediterranean beach. While it is a short walk from a number of hotels, it is only accessible from that direction, so if you’re unsure of the area take a taxi.

After going through a real security screening and answering some questions about “Why” I was there, I paid the 15 Shekel (about 3 USD) entrance fee, got my English one-page guide, saw “The Rifle & Machine Gun Pavilion- Building 14″in the guide and started in that direction. After passing some very interesting rows of anti-aircraft guns including ZPU-2 and ZPU-4, a nice quad DShK 38/46 and some very unusual 13.2mm Hotchkiss magazine fed twins, there was an unmarked door that said “Building 14.” On opening the door of this low military barracks style building, it looked almost like “Pattern Room-Mideast.” There were hundreds of machine guns set up in excellent displays, a truly outstanding collection. There went the rest of the day. At SAR we decided that the collection was unusual enough that we would make a pictorial feature of this collection so that the readers can get a good feel for what is actually there and how historically important this collection is. If you visit Tel Aviv, be sure to visit this museum and block out some serious study time!

The IDF History Museum was formed as part of the Israeli Ministry of Defence Museums Unit. There are 19 buildings on the site and each one has a different focus. Displays that will be of special interest for the small arms community include:

Building 3- The Weapons Caches: “Slikim” Pavilion. Where it all began in 1920-1948 with underground operations in the land of Israel during the British Mandate.

Building 7- The IDF’s Early Weaponry Pavilion: The War of Independence and the Suez Campaign (1948-1956). Early weaponry and the stories behind them.

Building 10- the Pistol Pavilion. Also displays the Six Day War and the War of Attrition (1967-1970). A varied collection of pistols, contributions to the Independence War warriors, alongside the handguns of famous persons. The Six Day War includes authentic documents and clippings from the waiting period prior to the war until the end of the War of Attrition.

Building 14- The Rifle and Machine Gun Pavilion. Also displays the Yom Kippur War (1973). A rare collection of light weaponry from the earliest rifles until the personal weapons of IDF soldiers in various periods. The Yom Kippur War has authentic documents and testimonies from the war and from the political processes that led to a peace treaty with Egypt.

Building 16- Captured Weapons and Equipment Pavilion. From the Peace for Galilee Operation in 1982 until current times.

Israeli Defense Forces History Museum
Tel Aviv Promenade
Yehezkel Kaufman St
(Corner of Hamered St)
Tel Aviv, Israel

Open Sunday-Thursday, 08:30-16:00
To reserve guided tours of the museum:
Tel: + 03-5161346
+03-5172913
Fax: +03-5106942

After participating for several decades in the silencer business, Gemtech is a very familiar name in the world of military weaponry. Their ability to continue manufacturing effective sound suppression systems to meet a constantly changing environment is a cornerstone they wear with pride. With a current industry desire for silencers to perform with shorter barrels combined with a heavier rate of fire, their answer is the new TREK and TREK-T.

The TREK series silencers not only meet the criteria for short barrel use with a fully automatic rating, but they do it in a very small and very light package without sacrificing sound reduction.

The TREK silencers are the shortest and quietest thread-mounted 5.56mm suppressors available in the Gemtech family. With an overall length of 5.7 inches and an outside diameter of 1.5 inches, the standard TREK is manufactured from Stainless Steel and Inconel and weighs 17.3 ounces. The TREK-T has the same measurements and is constructed of Inconel and Titanium. The weight of the TREK-T is an extremely light 10.3 ounces.

Live Fire Testing

It would be a disservice to our readers not to mention that we are very excited about the claims of durability with short barrels (>10.4 inches) and the ability to withstand fully automatic usage. When you combine the small size and effective sound reduction it makes it even more interesting. We are currently conducting long term testing on both the TREK and TREK-T silencers but we are so excited with the early findings we wanted to give you some initial impressions in the early stages of testing. Watch future issues of Small Arms Review for long term testing including precision accuracy, fully automatic usage and high round counts.

It is the unanimous opinion among all shooters participating in these tests that the TREK silencers are far quieter than what is expected. All ammo has been standard 55 grain and 62 grain FMJ from numerous manufacturers with similar performance in all areas. Both silencers are very comfortable with no hearing protection and fall far below the pain threshold for shooters and spectators. While some 5.56x45mm suppressors with supersonic ammo can still be slightly uncomfortable to shoot with no hearing protection over long periods, the Gemtech TREK does not fall into that category. We have not yet tested these with sound metering equipment thus far and are only going on practical sound reduction, but as several testers have noted, that is the best and most important test for those people who actually use them. A silencer that meters well but is still uncomfortable to shoot is far less desirable than one that is simply noticeably quiet to those behind and beside it. An interesting comment that keeps surfacing is that the TREK-T is even noticeably quieter than the standard TREK. The residual sound has a different “pitch” that is easier on the ears and has been the preferred of the two models.

During the accuracy phase of testing we have been pleased to find that the noticeable point of impact (POI) shift has been almost non-existent with each platform when the rifle is sighted in with a standard flash hider. At this phase in testing, all shooting has been with an EOTech Holographic Sight, off-hand at a range of 50 yards.

Conclusions

As mentioned earlier, we are only in the very early stages of some long term testing with the Gemtech TREK and TREK-T silencers. So far the results are very impressive and all test shooters have expressed in being involved through all phases of future testing. Our initial conclusions are the TREK family of silencers performs much better than we had anticipated and we are quite intrigued with the lightweight and quiet TREK-T. The performance is impressive when compared to other suppressors, much larger and heavier. And the lack of point of impact shift is also reason to be pleased.

Since our early impressions are based on what we consider the initial phases of a long term test, and it is important to understand that our “light usage” is usually equivalent to or surpasses many shooters regular to heavy use, we have little doubt that the TREK silencer family will fail to impress anyone who has the opportunity try one for themselves. The MSRP of the TREK is $525 and the TREK-T is $1,100.

Gemtech
P.O. Box 140618
Boise, ID 83714-0618
Ph: (208) 939-7222
Website: www.Gem-Tech.com

Most of you have read a blog here or there that accuses the NFATCA of being an exclusive Big Boys Club. We supposedly have membership dues that are for the rich that no one can afford except an anointed few. We supposedly have private club meetings and are double agents for ATF. It is about time that someone set the record straight and told the truth, for a change.

This month marks the sixth year of formal organization as a 501(C) for the NFATCA and was formed with one goal and objective in mind: formal representation of NFA owners by NFA owners at a level never before achieved by any other organization. And that my friends is exactly what has been accomplished in six years of blood, sweat and tears. This organization was initially formed by more senior members of the NFA community, all of whom had been in the NFA business long before the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA), Public Law No. 99-308, 100 Stat. 449 (May 19, 1986), to include the Hughes amendment, was passed by Congress in May of 1986.

Every original board member had been in the NFA business, individually, a minimum of 30 years. It took that kind of strength, experience, maturity, and stamina to build something that would truly represent the community in a fashion never before accomplished. We formed the original board of directors at Knob Creek in April of 2006 and at that meeting each individual founding (Plankholder) member wrote a check to the organization for $5,000, to help get that organization off the ground. It took experience, time, and yes, a lot of money to accomplish what was necessary to move the NFATCA to the forefront of the ATF agenda. Having worked at every level of the executive leadership at ATF we took a completely different approach to working with the government, working together, instead of working against each other. We worked in the interests of the NFA community and in the best interests of public safety.

For six years now the NFATCA has held a consistent board with an agenda working for the benefit of NFA owners nationwide. We initially needed a lot of operating capital to move ahead with the strength necessary to make a difference. Membership levels ran from a life membership of $25,000 to an entry level of $250. This past year we introduced a $50 membership that has given the organization a tremendous boost in its ranks. We have now formed a formal steering committee that drives many of our initiatives from a working agenda to the best utilization of our top resource, our individual members. Our representation spans the entire agenda of NFA owners.

So if you still believe in the rumor that this organization is a special rich boys club, then take a look at the numbers. The majority of our membership is made up of regular NFA owners, like yourself, from all over the United States.

We have, and continue to take on, Benefactor Members, like The Freedom Group, to help us reach our goals. We have and will continue to work with groups like the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI), and The National Shooting Sports Foundation, to do one important thing: represent your interests as NFA owners and collectors. That initiative requires time, money, and the right kind of experience to make a difference in a world that is, many times, not so friendly. What we do isn’t cheap and it takes more time and energy than you could ever imagine. We have managed and continue to maintain a presence at every single point of enforcement and legislative interest that can and will affect our NFA community. If you want to refer to what the NFATCA does as a “Boys Club,” then you simply don’t understand what it takes to make a difference with the right of NFA ownership. Of course it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that if you personally are not at the forefront of someone else’s success, it’s easy to find fault in something you had absolutely nothing to do with.

I often refer members to the NFATCA’s incorporation statement to remind me of what we are supposed to be all about:

The NFATCA Operating Charter

This corporation is organized as a non-profit corporation for the following purpose: To promote the interests of the general community comprised of collectors, manufacturers, importers and dealers of firearms and devices regulated by the National Firearms Act; to promote educational and cultural interest in the firearms and devices covered by the National Firearms Act; to address matters of public policy regarding firearms, in general; to encourage research, development and innovation in the firearms community; to encourage the lawful use of firearms; and to engage in any other lawful activity as instructed by the corporation’s Board of Directors.

You don’t have to look far to see the results of our charter. Most have seen the NFA Handbook, now in its fourth iteration, or the working version of the Firearms Technology Handbook, or the less than half dozen rulings that we have been responsible for working side by side with ATF in the making. We are often amazed at how fast some people forget that the NFATCA was the single organization that pulled the FNC ruling out of the fire and into a safe haven. But then too we can understand that if you didn’t come forward and help you should feel left out and probably a little angry and jealous of a success story where you could have made a difference. It’s not too late for you to step up.

I’m certain that the old expression on this particular topic is more than appropriate at this juncture, “Enough Said”.

Why don’t you come and join us today and lend your personal expertise to our endeavors. You too can make a difference with your time, your experience, and a mere fifty dollars. Come visit us at www.nfatca.org.

SureFire Announces New 60- and 100-Round Magazines

SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of high-end illumination tools and tactical products, is proud to announce the release of its hi-capacity 60- and 100-round (STANAG 4179) aluminum magazines for .223/5.56mm NATO M4/M16/AR-15-style firearms. These new high capacity magazines (HCMs), named the MAG5-60 and MAG5-100, are designed to provide military units with an overwhelming tactical advantage in the delivery of firepower. In battle, it typically takes the average soldier four seconds to reload his weapon and reacquire a target, valuable time that could be spent engaging threat targets. At best, 30-round magazines allow a soldier to fire no more than 150 rounds in 30 seconds. SureFire’s 60-round high-cap magazine increases that figure to 240 rounds and its 100-rounder to 293 rounds. Both will support military units planning to incorporate full-auto firepower to more of their operators. SureFire HCMs easily and securely fit into the host weapon, with the bolt closed, when loaded with the maximum round count. The design of the magazine takes into account the allowable tolerances of cartridges manufactured to NATO and SAAMI specifications. A 4×2 quad-stack configuration features a revolutionary internal spring and follower system designed to be more reliable than current standard Mil-Spec USGI 30-round magazines. This proprietary internal design also allows SureFire HCMs to be stored indefinitely while fully loaded, in preparation for deployment, which means individual units can be issued ammo supply crates with pre-loaded magazines instead of empty mags and ammo cans; another potential lifesaving benefit in critical-response situations. The MAG5-60 will fit into most nylon pouches with Velcro cover flaps intended to hold two standard 30-round magazines, but double magazine pouches with stitched partitions may require some alteration. Both the 60- and 100-round HCMs can be disassembled for periodic cleaning or as required. The magazine floor plate can be easily removed from the body using a punch, the tip of a cartridge, or a variety of common tools. MSRP is $129 for the 60-round magazine and $179 for the 100-rounder, with orders expected to begin shipping in March of 2011. For more information you can contact them at SureFire, LLC, Dept. SAR, 18300 Mount Baldy Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Phone: (800) 828-8809. Fax: (714) 545-9537. Their website is www.surefire.com.

McMillan Introduces the M3A Rifle

McMillan has now expanded its tactical line with the introduction of the McMillan M3A rifle. The M1 platform has seen renewed interest as a close-range to medium range weapon where performance of a .308 Winchester cartridge is preferred, but with the firepower of a semiautomatic action. The McMillan M3A has an 18 inch barrel and utilizes a six-groove rifling with 1×10 right hand twist. The action is Springfield M1A chambered in 7.62mm NATO (.308 Win). The adjustable cheekpiece on the McMillan M3A stock positions the head for an optimum cheek weld. The stock is designed to shoot with a scope as well as iron sights. An optional Picatinny site rail system with 10.75 inch bottom rail and 2×4 inch side rails is available for mounting night vision optics, forward mounted scopes and other accessories. The M3A uses a two stage military trigger set at five to six pounds. One 10-round magazine is included with the rifle. Accessories and upgrades are available, including scope, bipod, cleaning equipment, cases and other options. For more information or to place an order please contact McMillan Firearms Manufacturing, LLC, Dept. SAR, 1638 W. Knudsen Drive, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Phone: (623) 582-0536. Fax: (623) 581-3825. They are on the web at www.mcmillanusa.com.

LaserLyte Subcompact V3 Laser

LaserLyte is now shipping the company’s most state-of-the-art, smallest and versatile rail mounted laser to date; the LaserLyte Subcompact V3 laser. Now, half the size of the previous model, the Subcompact V3 needs less than 3/4 inch of Picatinny rail space to easily mount onto even the smallest firearms. Constructed of T6 aluminum for extra strength and durability, this updated unit offers a smart, cost-effective auto-off feature. If left on for five minutes, the unit begins to display a unique flash for one minute, indicating to the user that the unit will automatically shut off soon. After one minute in flash mode the unit shuts itself off to extend battery life, prevent accidental activation and battery depletion. Press the unit’s button at any time to reset this feature for five more minutes. The Subcompact V3 easily mounts with a hex drive crossbar screw and features windage adjustment, elevation adjustment and programmable constant on and pulse modes. Additionally, the unit is ideal for left and right handed shooters with two separate activation buttons located on the backside of the laser. Not only will the laser fit nicely on the smallest of sub-compact railed pistols, it works great on modern rifles as well. The Subcompact V3 laser is powered by four 377 batteries that provide five hours in constant on mode and ten hours in pulse mode of normal usage. For more information on this tiny laser please contact LaserLyte, Dept. SAR, 101 Airpark Road, Cottonwood, AZ 83626. Phone: (928) 649-3201. Fax: (928) 649-3970. Website: www.laserlyte.com.

ISSC-Austria Introduces Their New MK22 Rifle

ISSC-Austria, exclusive importer and distributor of the M22 range pistol, proudly announces the introduction of the ISSC Modern Sporting Rifle; the MK22 in .22 LR. This addition to the ISSC-Austria .22 caliber lineup is engineered and precision built in Austria, incorporating the look and feel of a military-style designed rifle with the modern elements of a modern sporting rifle platform. This durable, all-metal rifle gives the shooter a “centerfire” feel even though it is chambered in the economical .22 LR cartridge. The MK22 features include an adjustable, folding open sights, a Picatinny-style quad-rail for mounting of sights, lights or vertical foregrips and a folding, collapsible stock with an adjustable cheekpiece. The MK22 will also come in a version that will meet specs where certain states require fixed, non-folding stocks. Weighing just a little over seven pounds, the MK22 has an overall length of 35.16 inches when the stock is fully extended to 33.7 inches when collapsed. There will be magazines with either 10-shot or 22-shot capacity. MSRP for the new ISSC Modern Sporting Rifle MK22 is $569.95. They can be contacted at ISSC, Dept. SAR, 91 West Main Street, Ware, MA 01082. Phone: (413) 967-3767. They can be reached on the web at www.issc-austria.com.

New Rifleman ACH Electronic Hearing Protection from Altus Brands

When it comes to electronic hearing protection/amplification systems, Altus Brands pretty well has it down. Their newest entry is the slim, light weight Rifleman ACH series that offers a high NRR of 21 and a crisp, natural sound quality. The Rifleman ACH is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Each unit weighs a feather light 8.3 ounces, features a slim, adjustable headband that is easily worn with combat helmets as well as caps and other headgear. The compact unit folds into itself for easy carry and storage. Each cup is also fitted with Receiver/Input capabilities for: AM/FM Radio, CD or MP3 Player, many FRS radios or electronic communication/entertainment devices using a 3.5 mm ‘mini jack’. Each cup has its own electronics and accepts two standard AAA batteries. Altus Brands, LLC also owns Pro Ears Electronic Hearing Protection/Amplification products, BenchMaster Rifle Rests, Crossfire Slings, Cass Creek Calls, Bughats, American Bison Leather and Woodland Whisper. You can contact them at Altus Brands, LLC, Dept. SAR, 484 W. Welch Court, Traverse City, MI 49686. Phone: (800) 891-3660. On the web at www.altusbrands.com.

New Scope Mount for 1919 Belt-Feds from KMP Classic Arms

There is a new scope mount that fits the 1919 series of belt-fed machine guns and semi-autos. It is made by KMP (Karma Metal Products) Classic Arms, makers of 1919 and M2 belt-fed parts as well as complete guns for the industry. KMP has long been known for their high quality parts that they manufacturer for semi-auto 1919 and M2 guns, especially for the home builders. Now they have put that expertise to work in a new scope mount. The new mount is all aluminum, can be quickly attached or removed and is reversible. Now 1919 shooters can mount a scope or red dot optic on their guns and really wring out the accuracy of these belt-fed workhorses. For more information please contact Tom Taska at KMP Classic Arms, Dept. SAR, 556 Caldwell Ave., Mansfield, OH 44905. Phone: (419) 524-4371. Fax: (419) 524-4790. Website: www.karmametalproducts.com.