To the casual eye, the rifle being reviewed will appear to be another Kalashnikov AK. More discerning readers will identify it as an AK74 chambered in the 5.45×39 versus the more wide spread Soviet/Russian 7.62×39 load due to the magazine profile. A yet smaller percentage of readers will identify the rifle as a Jim Fuller Rifle Dynamics’ customized AK74. Built from a Bulgarian AK74 parts kit that included a chrome-lined barrel, the RD AK74 arrived with an AK74 style flash hider/muzzle brake installed on the muzzle via 24mm threads. A NoDak Spud receiver is combined with KVar furniture that includes a double-shielded forend handguard. A G2 trigger group is installed in conjunction with the polishing of the trigger surfaces and a Fuller modified rear sight is utilized. The RD AK74 features a Norrells Moly Resin Gray finish over Parkerizing that Rifle Dynamics has found to be the best finish for a rifle that will take a lot of abuse, heat and lack of cleaning. Jim reports the finish has proven itself many times over under the worst conditions. This rifle may appear as a basic AK74, but it benefits greatly from Rifle Dynamics’ treatment.

As it arrived from Rifle Dynamics, the RD AK74 represented a return to a more traditional AK form compared to a rifle equipped with rails and such – though this was altered with addition of a Midwest Industries/US Palm front handguard and folding wire stock. There is a tremendous amount of fitting that goes into the RD AK74. It receives an internal reliability check with a light honing of the bolt/carrier group and guide rails. All exterior surfaces where users touch are dehorned. Most owners will not even notice the Rifle Dynamic attention to detail, but can take comfort that everything possible has been done to make it the best fighting rifle available. Even without firing a live round the Rifle Dynamics AK superiority over a standard AK could be detected in the smoothness of the action, trigger pull, quality of re-finish and overall weapon feel. Rifle Dynamics is well versed in the nuances of the AK platform and can educate even the most diehard AK connoisseur.

The simplicity and reliability of most Soviet-bloc weapons has always impressed Jim Fuller. This led him to studying the AK system of operation beginning in the early 1990s. Jim believes the AK is the most dependable fighting rifle ever produced. Rifle Dynamics is a 07 FFL/SOT manufacturer, which allows for work on machine guns, suppressors, SBRs and SBSs combined with being considered a dealer as well. Jim is more concerned with form following function as all weapons are fighting utensils with work reflecting this mindset. Jim’s shop offers custom work on ARs, Saiga, PSL rifles, as well as MACs, along with other typical work found in custom shops involving revolvers, 1911s, stock work, and other tasks. Rifle Dynamics is also involved in providing dynamic firearms training along with armorer courses and has a large selection of belt-fed and select-fire Com-bloc weapons to facilitate orientation demonstrations bringing personnel up to speed on operational use of these weapons.

Rifle Dynamics offers a wide range of services and upgrade packages for customer owned AKs without having to resort to custom builds from parts kits. One example of these improvements is the Fuller Modified Rear Sight unit. Jim reports this is one of his most popular AK modifications in terms of customer feedback. Over the years many have complained about the iron sights on the AK: the Fuller Rear Sight improves this tremendously. The Fuller Sight has the rear notch widened and corners radiused to a spec that was given to Jim by an optometrist for maximum efficiency in centering the front post in the rear notch. Both windage and elevation adjustments are made on the front sight. Many will be more than satisfied with the Fuller sight and eschew mounting anything on the RD AK74 choosing a more traditionalist route.

Importantly, the RD AK74 features the same great handling characteristics and reliability the AK family is renowned for. The Kalashnikov gas-operated piston-rod system is the heart of its reliability. The RD AK74 weighs 7.5 lbs and measures 37 inches long with its 16.5-inch barrel. With the wire stock folded, the rifle measures 29 inches in length. The original intent was not to replace the standard stock with a wire folding stock model due to previous experiences with wire stocks. However, the simplicity of doing this with the RD AK74, considering no special adaptors are needed to accomplish this combined with handling a friend’s AK74 at the range, forced a reassessment. The minimal recoil impulse of the 5.45×39 combined with an effective muzzle brake makes shooting the RD AK74 accurately and without discomfort with the wire stock very possible. Steel MGM man targets were routinely struck at 200-250 yards with rounds sent down range rapidly. This exhibits both the ergonomics of the rifle and overall accuracy of the RD AK74 /5.45x 39 combination.

For testing, both the 60gr and 70gr Wolf Ammunition was used as well as the relatively new Hornady 5.45×39 60gr VMax. Additionally, some surplus 52gr 5.45×39 ammunition was accessed. This is loaded with the 7N6 “poison pill” bullet that first gained notoriety in the Soviet-Afghan War. Basically, the Russian designers constructed the 52gr FMJ with an air cavity behind the tip of the bullet. This causes the bullet nose to deform when penetrating a target causing it to tumble that is devastating when striking flesh. One downside typical to most surplus ammunition is that it utilizes corrosive primers. Something the Russians and other ex-Soviet bloc states insist on using due to concerns with cold weather ignition and long-term storage capabilities offered by corrosive primers. The Wolf 70gr load produced approximately 2,600fps and the Wolf 60gr nudged 2,900fps when fired through the RD AK 74 with the 52gr surplus ammunition clocking in at 3,000fps.

As alluded to earlier in the article, it was decided to change out the RD AK74 Kvar forend furniture. This was an attempt to increase accuracy and effective range of the RD AK74 by enabling the mounting of a red dot optic. The US Palm and Midwest Industries collaborative AK Tri-Rail was installed. Installation of this rail is quick and does not require a trip to the gunsmith. Easy to follow instructions and all of the necessary hardware to mount this rail system is included. Since the Tri-Rail doesn’t mount directly to the gas tube, your optic is spared exposure to a large amount of heat, thus extending the life of your optic. Another benefit of the US Palm/Midwest Industries Tri-Rail is that it allows for better ventilation around the rifle’s barrel, thus cooling it down faster after long strings of fire. As expected from a US Palm/Midwest collaboration, the Tri-Rail was well made and did not move once installed on the RD AK74. The Tri-Rail was considered essential for getting the most out of the RD AK74; without the Tri-Rail it would have been impossible to proceed with mounting a red dot optic to enhance the RD AK74. The Tri-Rail enables a lower 1/3 co-witness option for a number of optics coveted by AK users. The specific optic needs are decided before ordering a Tri-Rail due to the top cover being made per individual optic base design. Current options are Trijicon RMR, Aimpoint T1/H1, Vortex Sparc, Burris Fastfire, and Leupold Delta Point.

It was decided to mount a Trijicon RMR on the US Palm/Midwest Tri-rail. The RMR sight is a proven commodity able to withstand the recoil and heat generated by repeatedly long strings of fire. The RMR only weighs several ounces; thus adding little in weight to the Rifle Dynamics AK74 preserving its natural handling. Due to engineered co-witnessing, the RMR sat low enough on the Tri-Rail that no adjustment of cheekweld was required to pick up the RMR’s amber 7 MOA dot. The beauty of the Trijicon RMR sight is that it does not require batteries to generate the aiming dot because of the dual use of fluorescent fiber optics and tritium lamp. The lack of reliance on batteries appealed to this author as matching the RD AK74’s rugged nature. The mounted Trijicon RMR did not disappoint in range tests proving more than capable of withstanding the RD AK74’s recoil and heat generated from firing multiple magazines during Team Tactics exercises. The RMR’s dot aided in acquiring a fast aiming point at CQB ranges. The 7 MOA dot in the Trijicon RMR proved more than capable of hammering steel man targets out to 200 yards reliably. For reference sake, a military silhouette target measures almost 17 MOA at 100 meters. It was found that a 50 yard zero with the Trijicon RMR fit the needs best when mounted on the RD AK74. The red dot sight offer the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights. Age may be catching up to us as the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights, especially at speed.

The Rifle Dynamics AK74 was evaluated at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). Echo Valley Training Center hosts numerous well known training entities every year along with DoD personnel, Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Manufacturers are also finding their way there to take advantage of what the facility offers. Echo Valley Training Center has multiple 100 yard enclosed bermed bays capable of handling numerous students conducting “square” range drills or more dynamic/fluid types of training utilizing the barricades, building facades, and doorways constructed for this purpose. In conjunction with the individual training bays, EVTC features multi-stepped target berms that are strewn with reactive steel targets, fluid drained automobiles, and moving targets at ranges varying from 150 yards out to 350 yards. EVTC is further enhanced by the existence of prepared firing positions. This allows for more realistic prone and “dug-in” trench-style firing points. These firing positions and target arrangements are ideal for all types of training scenarios with most types of weapon systems including assault and precision rifles, not to mention belt fed weapons, and ultimately team exercises for team members to train coordinated fire sequences.

Range evaluation commenced with a function test involving firing several magazines in rapid succession. A 100 yard open sight zero confirmation took place after functionality was established and rifle sights shot on paper at 25 yards. While not unique, this is a good way to establish a baseline for reliability. Let’s face it: if an AK-type weapon does not have pristine reliability, its major attribute is nullified. The Rifle Dynamics AK74 functioned fine leaving the handguards smoking. Accuracy with the Wolf Ammunition 60gr and 70gr loads hovered in the 3-inch range at 100 yards. The surplus Bulgarian mirrored this performance. The Hornady VMax produced 2-inch groups. This is probably more indicative of my deteriorating eye sight than actual accuracy potential of the RD AK74. Other range tests consisted of completing several runs at a carbine course set-up at EVTC. Several ISPC-style man targets are engaged from different firing positions. Multiple shots were fired at each target and a magazine change was mandated before leaving cover. The various stages consisted of three different styles of barricade with one including coming through an operable door frame. Time was stopped by engaging two steel man-targets placed approximately 125 yards downrange. I find testing any rifle in this format helps highlight any strengths or weaknesses in handling or weapon manipulation. The RD AK74 turned in times that were on par with any of the different rifles and competition times previously tested at the range.

The Rifle Dynamics AK74 exhibited all of the positive Kalashnikov characteristics combined with the lethal Russian .22 caliber service round – the 5.45×39. Arms aficionados will find and appreciate Rifle Dynamics’ attention to detail. The RD AK74 proved desirable due to its reliability, accuracy, ammunition costs, and controllability during rapid strings of fire. It is strongly suggest anyone interested in a 5.45×39 chambered AK, whatever their reasoning, to contact Rifle Dynamics about your needs.

SITES OF INTEREST:

Rifle Dynamics
(702) 860-7774
www.rifledynamics.com

Midwest Industries, Inc.
828 Philip Drive, Suite 2
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 896-6780
www.midwestindustriesinc.com

Trijicon Inc.
49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 960-7700
www.trijicon.com

US Palm/SGCUSA
14860 N. Northsight Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 222-4369
www.uspalm.com

The reintroduction of the AR-10/SR-25 in the early 1990s re-revolutionized the use of semiautomatic rifles as sniper/tactical rifles. The direct gas system combined with the eight-lug rotating bolt and a free floating barrel made this system sub-MOA with little difficulty or maintenance. Although the AR-10 was discarded nearly 50 years ago by a biased and self serving U.S. Ordnance Corps in the late 50s, the rifle has come back with a vengeance even though it came out of private industry rather than a government arsenal. The rest is history. The AR-10 family of weapons has become extremely popular and, like its 5.56mm little brother, proven to be just as versatile of a platform.

The AR-10 comes in both rifle and carbine forms. Telescopic, fixed as well as precision stocks are available. Rails systems as well as free floating tubes are available as well as conventional handguards. Like the 5.56mm weapon, the AR-10 is equipped with Mil-Std 1913 rails and therefore compatible with all the accessories from optics to flashlights. The rifles are offered in fixed as well as flat top upper receiver variations.

There is one other aspect of modularity the AR-10 has with the AR-15/M16 series of weapons: caliber interchangeability. ArmaLite, Inc. has introduce the rifle in the standard 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Win) as well as .243 Win. Now a third caliber is offered the .338 Federal. The .338 Federal is a standard .308 Win cartridge case with the mouth expanded to accept a .338 caliber projectile. Firing a 180 grain projectile, the velocity is a higher 2,830 feet per second compared to a .308 Win caliber firing a 180 grain projectile at 2,600 feet per second. The .338 Federal also is offered in a 210 grain projectile that has a muzzle velocity of 2,630 feet per second. Due to the fact the .338 Federal is based on the .308 Win cartridge case and overall length, the .338 Federal cartridges can be used in a standard .308 Win magazine. The .338 Federal takes advantages of modern propellants which enable the 210 grain 338 Federal projectile to travel 30 feet per second faster than the 180 grain .308 Win projectile. The .338 Federal cartridge is a proprietary Federal cartridge. As of this writing, Federal is the only company manufacturing this caliber. However, if the popularity expands, more manufacturers will add it to their production line. This cartridge offers more punch and greater range potential than the .308 Win cartridge and can be adapted to any weapon chambered for the .308 cartridge.

ArmaLite was the first manufacturer of auto-loading weapons to chamber up for this cartridge. Taking their proven AR-10T rifle and modifying the bore and chamber, the rifle is chambered for the .338 Federal. Due to the characteristics of the .338 Federal cartridge, nothing else was modified other than the bore and chamber. The rifle that was shipped for test and evaluation was equipped with a 22-inch triple lapped AISI 416R stainless steel barrel RH 1:10 inch twist, which will stabilize .338 caliber projectiles from 185 to 210 grain projectiles. The front sight base has a Mil-Std 1913 rail on top to enable the placement of a folding front sight. The free floating handguard is manufactured from aluminum and is manufactured by ArmaLite. The upper receiver is manufactured from a solid 7175 T74 aluminum forging. The rifle is also equipped with the newly introduced receiver with a forward bolt assist. Of course the bolt carrier has ratchet notches machined into the right side of the carrier to function with the forward assist. To accommodate left handed shooters a fired cartridge case deflector has been added to the upper receiver. The upper receiver is a flat top upper receiver with a Mil-Std-1913 rail for mounting optics.

The lower receiver is manufactured from a solid 7175 T73 aluminum forging. The trigger used is ArmaLite’s National Match 2-stage trigger (first stage 2.5 pounds and the second stage is 4.5 pounds). This trigger proved to be excellent allowing precision trigger control. A standard M16A2-length stock was provided. The magazines are based on the M14 magazine and may take M14 magazines and convert them into AR-10 magazines. ArmaLite has manufactured their own magazines offering several enhancements over the M14 converted magazines. The ArmaLite manufactured magazines are offered in 5, 10, 20 and 25 round capacities.

The rifle was provided with a Leupold Mark 4 3.5 to 10x scope with an illuminated reticle. This scope has a 40mm objective and is equipped with bullet drop compensator for the 7.62x51mm round with a 168gr projectile. The illuminated reticle is turned on or off by the user and has 11 increments of brightness. The scope was mounted in an ArmaLite 30mm scope mount. The ammunition tested was the Federal Fusion .338 Federal 200gr projectile. Due to cost of the ammunition, 100 rounds were fired in this evaluation. There were no malfunctions during firing. Recoil was noticeably more than the standard 7.62x51mm cartridge. The groups printed consistently between 3/4 to 1 MOA. Though the day of the test was rainy and drizzly, the accuracy is certainly acceptable for any tactical application or hunting application required of it. There are distinct improvements and justifications to shoot the .338 Federal over the standard .308 Win however, due to the cost of the ammunition, the .338 Federal may never see its full market potential. The .338 Federal is strong enough for any North American game and that may be its niche. We will just have to wait and see.

Early Swedish Machine Guns

Sweden was not shy in their attempt to modernize their army at the turn of the twentieth century by equipping it with modern machine guns. The m/95 Maxim, the m/99 Nordenfeldt (Konstruction Bergman-Nordenfeldt) and m/00 Hotchkiss all found a home at one time or another in the Swedish army from 1895 to 1914. From 1914 the m/14 Schwarzlose was adopted and widely used. The first 511 Schwarzlose machine guns were imported from Austria but in 1917 Sweden began making them at the Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (GF) in Eskilstuna. A total of 753 Schwarzloses were built in Sweden between 1917 and 1939.

Enter the System Browning

Sweden had no separate Air Force prior to 1926; instead the Army and Navy each had their own sections of aviation. The Schwarzlose could not be configured to be synchronized to fire through the arc of the propeller and in the 1920s tests were conducted with the M1919 Colt aircraft Brownings that were deemed successful. This ultimately led up to Sweden purchasing a total of 185 M1919s from Colt from 1920 to 1930.

It did not take long for Sweden to recognize the value of Browning’s operating system. The Browning was a simple design, extremely reliable and very cost effective to produce. In 1930, the director of Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori noted that they could produce 50 water-cooled M1917A1-type Brownings for the same price as 30 Schwarzlose machine guns, which were still in production at GF. Thus, GF and Sweden embarked on manufacturing machine guns based upon the Browning system. This included the Kulspruta (Ksp) m/22 air-cooled aircraft gun introduced in 1930 and the first water-cooled Browning developed by GF in 1929 as the Ksp m/14-29. This gun was mounted on the m/14 Schwarzlose tripod. Thus, the m/14-29 designation identified the m/14 tripod and the m/29 as the designation of the gun. Between 1930 and 1936, Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori produced 274 of the Ksp m/14-29s.

The Kulspruta (Ksp) m/36 mark (ground)

The m/14-29 Browning system water-cooled machine gun was upgraded in 1936 to fire the powerful 8x63mm sk ptr m/32 ammunition. With this powerful, hard-hitting, long range cartridge, the m/14 Schwarzlose mount was deemed unsuitable for long range indirect fire and a new soft mount Lavett was adopted. Gunnar Johnsson, Sweden’s foremost small arms designer, developed the soft mount Lavett. This heavy ground mount had a special cradle buffered by strong springs that guaranteed accuracy by reducing vibration as the gun fired. In conjunction with an elaborate traverse and elevation mechanism and a 5×25 power optical sight, the long range effectiveness for the purpose of indirect fire of the m/36 was phenomenal. Only active Army field units were issued the m/36 machine gun on Lavett soft mounts. Second line units had their m/36 guns mounted on the m/14 Schwarzlose mount because they were easier and cheaper to produce.

While the m/36 was based upon the operating principles of the Browning M1917A1 water-cooled machine gun, there were differences even though the guns appeared similar. The m/36 used spade grips rather than the pistol grip arrangement as found on the M1917A1. If the m/36 mark (ground) was mounted on the m/14 Schwarzlose tripod or the customary infantry tripod, standard spade grips attached directly to the gun were used. If the m/36 was mounted on the single or double buffered soft Lavett mounts then the grips were removed and the spring loaded buffer was added to the back plate. The Spade grips were an integral part of the of the side plates of the cradle. Additionally, the steam tube and valve arrangement, (patterned after the m/14 Schwarzlose system) was relocated to the bottom rear of the water jacket thus eliminating the long steam tube assembly that ran along the axis of the gun along the top of the water jacket as found on the M1917A1. On the muzzle of the m/36 there is an adjustable gas port that assisted in recoil that could be used to increase or decrease the rate of fire.

The Kulspruta (Ksp) m/36 lv dbl

An added benefit was the m/32 round had a range of 5.5km (3.4 miles, or nearly 18,000 feet. Thus, in the anti-aircraft role, it could reach high enough to damage aircraft at significant altitudes. This being the case, a twin gun arrangement (lv dbl – twin AA) was created for anti-aircraft work.

The twin anti-aircraft m/36 guns were not just a matter of mounting two guns in a special cradle on an anti-aircraft tripod. The guns were actually different and made as a pair with the left gun fitted for left-hand feed and the right gun fitted for right-hand feed. The cocking handle of the left-hand gun was on the right side and the cocking handle of the right gun was on the left-hand side. All sighting and aiming was done from the left gun only. The right gun had no sights whatsoever, whether anti-aircraft, front post or rear leaf. Each gun had its own special spring buffer assembly for the right and left guns that were different in that they contained the safety and trigger. The position of the safety and trigger in relation to each gun was different.

The twin Ksp m/36 lv dbl anti-aircraft arrangement was commonly used atop Volvo trucks and armored vehicles using a ring mount to provide convoy and emplacement protection.

1966 dated manual for the Swedish Kulspruta m/36 lv dbl twin anti-aircraft machine guns showing use on an armored vehicle on the front cover.

The trigger was a red vertical bar that was placed to the outside of the spring buffer tube of each gun, to be operated by the thumb of the right and left hand. Thus each gun was operated independently from each other. The left or the right could be fired alone or both together depending on target, ammo supply, operability, and operator preference. The safety was a spring loaded knob mounted on a ring to the inside on the spring buffer tube. By pulling up the knob and rotating the ring around the outside of the spring buffer tube, a stop was positioned in front of the trigger to prevent trigger depression. Again, each gun was operated independently.

Twin AA Cradle and Tripod

The Sammansättning anti-aircraft tripod accepting a single or double gun cradle is a special long-legged affair to allow for anti-aircraft fire while standing. Chains are used to lock the tripod down for extra rigidity during firing. If conditions were such that it was not feasible to use the chains to lock the tripod down (e.g. in snow), weights, such as rocks or full ammo cans, could be slung in the looped chains to gain some rigidity to the mount.

A special soft twin cradle arrangement was used for the twin anti-aircraft m/36 guns. The cradle frame consists of two single soft cradles, one for each gun. The two cradles were held rigidly parallel to each other by the twin cradle head at the front that allows mounting to the tripod and elevation, and a bolted metal cross beam at the rear. Depending on whether a left or right hand arrangement, provisions to hold the ammunition boxes to each side gun cradle and the spade grips for each gun that also contained the remote trigger was determined by whether a right or left side set-up. The front of each cradle is attached to the tripod head so as to allow elevation. The tripod head socket fits into a pivot point on the tripod that allows unrestrictive 360 degree traversing.

In addition to the anti-aircraft tripod, the twin m/36s were also commonly placed on trucks or armored vehicles in a ring mount providing a 360-degree area of protection. These were often fitted on top of the driver’s cab on a number of different Volvo truck models. A ground infantry tripod, the Värnlavette m/41 tripod that accepted a single gun or a twin-gun cradle was also available though the twin anti-aircraft version of m/36 ground mount was rarely encountered.

Production

With the very real possibility of war looming on the horizon in the late 1930s, the production capacity of Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (GF) was pushed to its limits due to orders for weapons of all sorts of rifles, light machine guns and heavy machine guns. In December, 1939, negotiations were held with Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson (LME) concerning supplementing production of the m/36. LME was already involved in manufacturing some parts for the m/36 as early as 1938 and by early 1940 was manufacturing many m/36 components thereby easing the pressure on GF and by 1941 were producing 15 machine guns per day. In all, Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (GF) produced 8,025 m/36s and L.M. Ericsson (LME) produced 5,361 m/36s.

The water-cooled m/36 was primarily manufactured by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (GF) from 1937 to 1944 while L.M. Ericsson (LME) produced guns in the three year period of 1940-1942.

• The m/36 mark (ground) MG: GF and LME produced 6,615 guns with the mount m/36. Another 973 were made by GF and LME without mount, used with the m/14 Schwarzlose mount.
• The m/36 lv (AA single) MG: GF and LME produced 406 guns.
• The m/36 lv dbl (Twin AA guns): Made in pairs, GF and LME produced 5,392 guns representing 2,696 pairs.

A unique aspect of the Swedish m/36 water-cooled machine gun is that both manufacturers applied a relatively large, ornate but different Swedish crest to the top of the water jacket. Guns made by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (GF) can be easily identified by the large intricate roll-stamped crowned shield that is divided into four sections by a cross, with two lions and two groups of three crowns each in the segments.

The m/36 as made by L.E. Ericsson also had a roll-stamped design on top of the water jacket but was completely different from GF and thus an easily identifiable variation. It consisted of a simpler crown atop a single shield with three crowns in it.

Ammunition and Feeding

The m/36 used cloth ammunition belts similar to typical Browning cloth belts. Each belt contained 250 rounds and was loaded into a metal ammunition box. The ammunition box had a metal top hinged at the end for full opening. Riveted to each end is a long leather strap that serves as a carrying handle. There is an ammunition box holder adapter that affixes to the left side of the cradle for a single gun, or a left and right for the twin m/36s for the ammunition boxes to affix to for the twin guns. These ammunition box holders have an adjustable leather strap that goes around the ammunition box to hold it securely in place during firing.

The m/36 was chambered in three different rounds in its lifetime, each time new barrels, bolts and cartridge stops being supplied as the rounds changed and improved. The m/36 was originally chambered in the m/94 round-nosed loading of the 6.5x55mm Swedish service cartridge. Then the m/32 8x63mm cartridge loaded with a 220gr bullet to the same overall length as the U.S. .30-06 with 56 grains of nitrocellulose powder that produced a muzzle velocity of 2,493 fps. This beefed-up .30 caliber cartridge allowed for accurate extreme long range shooting especially when mounted on the Lavett soft-mount single or double tripod. In the post-World War II years, the Swedish Army adopted the Belgian FN MAG in 1958 and the m/36 was then transferred to second-line units. Sweden then joined NATO and adopted the H&K NATO caliber G3A3 (AK4 in Sweden) and in 1966 the Swedish Army switched completely to NATO calibers. This included all the m/36s in secondary units and they were rechambered to the 7.62mm (.308) NATO round. The m/36 remained on active service in the Swedish Army until the 1990s when finally declared obsolete and retired from service in 1995.

Accessories

There were a number of accessories associated with the m/36 that included a tool and spare parts chest that contained just about everything needed to keep the gun running, a belt loading machine similar to the typical Browning-type of cloth belt loader, water jacket carrying strap to carry the gun when the water jacket is hot, wooden box containing the anti-aircraft sights, water carrying/condensing can, spare barrel, spare barrel carrier, cleaning rod, ammo box holder brackets that attach to the single or double soft mount cradle, leather support straps for hanging ammo boxes and an expended cartridge shell bag. A 5×25 power optical sight in a fitted leather case was also available. The optical sight was not used or issued with the twin anti-aircraft m/36s but was issued and used when the m/36 (single or double) was used on the soft ground mount.

The front and rear anti-aircraft sights at attached to the left gun cradle – not to the gun.

The leaf sight is adjustable from 300 to 3,000 meters and is also adjustable for windage. This sight is on the left gun only.

The muzzle booster of the m/36 is adjustable by exposing more or less of the gas escape holes. Adjusting allows a faster or slower rate of fire.

Pair of canvas and rope slings to facilitate carrying the water-cooled m/36s when they are hot replacing the need for asbestos gloves. The large loop goes through the smaller loop that then provides the means for carrying.

Illustration from the Ksp m/36 manual showing the proper method of using the water-jacket carrying straps.

Accessories for the Ksp m/36 included a belt loading machine, tool and spare parts box, 8×25 optical sight, box with spare anti-aircraft stadia and ring sights, ammunition box holders with leather support straps, water-jacket carrying straps and water condensing hoses.

The anti-aircraft sight box contains the mounting fixtures for the front and rear sights as well as extra ring and stadia sights.

The spare parts and tool box has just about everything you need to keep the Browning system Swedish Kulspruta m/36 machine guns running.

From the Kulspruta manual, three types of mounting for the Ksp m/36: ring mount (top), Värnlavette m/41 tripod (middle) and anti-aircraft tripod (bottom).

The 5×25 optical sight came fitted in its own leather carrying case and was issued to ground units only. There were at least three manufactures of the optical sights to include Navigation, Berlin; Spindler & Hoyer, Gottingen, Sweden and NIFE as shown here, dated 1941.

The new Gemtech Quicksand sound suppressor, now available for purchase, is used on 7.62 NATO rifles and utilizes a patented quick mount system. It can be fastened securely in only two seconds and at only 17.5 ounces in weight it is the lightest quick-detach .308 suppressor available.

Modeled after the popular Gemtech Sandstorm, the Quicksand is manufactured to be as effective as it is light. It also adds the feature of a Quick Mount. Using an entirely new baffle design, just like the Sandstorm, the Quicksand sound suppressor is manufactured from corrosion resistant Titanium, providing a light package that is stronger than steel and tuned to maximum efficiency. The lightweight construction is not only attractive when working in environments where extra ounces translate into a much heavier burden, but Titanium also cools much faster than many other materials and has far less impact on point-of-impact shift from changing barrel harmonics.

While one attractive feature of the Quick Mount is the speed and accuracy of the attachment method, it is equally interesting that it is “backwards compatible” with the older HVT and TPRS mounts and allows a duel-use with the G5 mount for use with the Gemtech 5.56mm series of silencers. This gives the user a great amount of usefulness and continues to increase the versatility of the suppressor.

Live Fire

The base rifle chosen to test the Gemtech Quicksand was a DPMS LR-308. This rifle is an accurate platform and has performed very well under numerous testing conditions. The free-floating barrel of the test rifle is 16 inches in length, with an M4 profile. The rifling rate is 1 turn in 10 inches. The flattop upper receiver provides a suitable base for almost any mounting option. The magazine design of the DPMS LR-308 rifle is based on the early, original ArmaLite magazine design, and this has been adopted by several other manufacturers including POF-USA. There is a great selection of available magazines ranging in size from 5-rounds to 25-rounds and MAGPUL is even making a .308 version of their wildly popular PMAG in this design.

Ammunition being utilized in this testing included Lake City Special Ball and Wolf Performance Ammunition Gold. Optics for this test would be an IOR Valdata fixed 4x scope.

After an initial sighting-in period, the first order of business was to collect muzzle velocity measurements. This was repeated with each load – suppressed as well as unsuppressed – using the Vortex-style flash hider that is built into the Gemtech Quick Mount. It is important to note that due to the design of the Quick Mount, the suppressor can only mount on a single way. This is a great design step above earlier 3-lug mounts and some other commercial mounts that allow mounting in numerous positions. Since the Quick Mount only allows mounting one way, the repeatability of critical shot placement when taking the suppressor off and remounting it is held to the highest standard possible. As anyone who shoots an accurate rifle combined with a suppressor knows well, any variable, such as mounting the suppressor in a different position, has the potential to affect the point of impact greatly. The design of the Gemtech Quick Mount takes this potential for error out of the equation with their design.

The suppressor had a surprisingly low impact on the muzzle velocity (MV). We conducted the majority of our tests with 150-grain SP Wolf Gold and 173-grain Lake City M118 Special Ball. The complete information is included in the accompanying chart but in summary the average muzzle velocity from the 16-inch DPMS AP4 barrel with the Lake City was 2,496 feet per second (fps) unsuppressed and 2,500 fps suppressed. The Wolf Gold averaged 2,680 fps with no suppressor and 2,668 through the Quicksand. An interesting note may be the continuity of all ammo fired through the Quicksand Suppressor. While the overall change was not significant, the extreme spread of all ammo was decreased greatly while the suppressor was in use.

The repeatability of the suppressor was tested with great results. Testing was performed in the following manor; a string of 10 rounds was fired and the suppressor was removed. This was followed by another string of 10 rounds and the suppressor reattached. This was carried out 2 times per test so we would eventually end up with 4 groups of 10 rounds each. The return to zero was absolute each time so it actually ended up being 2 groups of 20 rounds each, one suppressed and the other unsuppressed. The deviation was a slight point of impact (POI) shift of approximately 2 inches at 100 yards, and repeatable. The Lake City Special Ball ammo performed the best in the accuracy phase although the Wolf Gold was much more consistent in muzzle velocity.

An interesting side note on ammo selection is that the Wolf Gold ran well in the stock 16-inch unsuppressed configuration, but we experienced some trouble while using the suppressor. A few rounds had trouble extracting and actually blew out primers. No other ammunition in any configuration exhibited this activity.

Summary

The Gemtech Quicksand is a very desirable suppressor. The extremely light weight of the 17.5-ounce system caused everyone who handled it to verify that it was actually a .308 can. All shooters testing this combination had fired numerous 7.62 suppressors in the past and all were impressed with the feel and sound signature of the Quicksand as well. The firearm no longer exhibits that “nose heavy” feeling common with many other sound suppressors, making initial and follow-up shots very fast, especially when engaging multiple targets. Although Gemtech claims an average decibel reduction of 32Db, the “tone” of the Titanium suppressor seems “softer” to the ear. This seems to be a standard observation as this writer recently tested the Gemtech 5.56x45mm TREK and TREK-T series sound suppressors and the same result was noted with the Titanium model in that caliber as well. All ammo fired was traveling well over 2,400 feet per second at 8 feet from the muzzle and none was the least bit uncomfortable without hearing protection of any kind as it was well below the threshold of discomfort.

The Quick Mount mounting system is a big advantage for a number of reasons – the most obvious is in the performance. Since it is a Bi-Lock system with 2 different size lugs there is only one way it can mount. This is beneficial for repeated accuracy when mounting since it will always end up with the same orientation. When the suppressor is attached it is pushed onto the mount, rotated and released. It is under spring tension which applies pressure to the front when released giving it a positive position lock the operator can actually feel. When locked in place it is not possible to shift or rotate; thus maintaining position for accuracy and retention. In the rare occurrence when the suppressor is not desired for use, the mount doubles as an effective Vortex-style flash hider/muzzle brake. Also, the threads are protected and never exposed at any time once the mount is secured.

The ability to use the Quicksand with a Gemtech G5 mount allows the owner to utilize it on a 5.56x45mm (.223) platform when desired is a positive aspect as well. While it has always been “possible” to use a 7.62mm suppressor on a 5.56mm platform, either the necessity of a thread adapter to fit, or the excessive size and weight of the 7.62mm designs didn’t make it “practical.” The Quicksand provides a solution to both situations with the mounting system and light weight of the system. The MSRP on the Quicksand is $1,400.

Gemtech Quicksand

Over the past 15 years, many people have wondered who it was that was responsible for bringing their SAR to them every thirty days, just like clockwork. We’re not a big magazine, but we work hard to keep the integrity of the information we bring you, and to have a bit of fun in the process. Moose Lake Publishing LLC (MLPLLC) has been the publisher since the beginning, and that company is comprised of a number of Members who are long timers in the Class 3 community. We all hope that we’ve brought you a lot of enjoyment and filled in a lot of blanks for collectors and end users alike. Here are some pictures from our scrapbooks. (Richard “Stretch” Kennedy, Member of MLPLLC and great friend to the firearms community, has always politely declined having his photo put in the magazine.)

Jeff W. Zimba is a Member of MLPLLC, is an accomplished firearms writer and has done the layout of SAR for 15 years. Jeff has hammered out a new issue every 30 days, come hell or high water. Jeff’s new business ventures include Alpha Group, LLC which is an advanced firearms training center and licensed contract security company, and his discreet job that involves silencers and night vision in protecting rural and urban communities helps fill his freezer. In this picture, Jeff has just taken a Maine Black Bear with a .450 Bushmaster (Photo by Bob Howe, Pine Grove Lodge)

Technical consultant and noted author Dolf Goldsmith (standing) and SAR Senior Editor Robert Segel at the National Firearms Centre in Leeds, England, (on their own dime) with Sir Hiram Maxim’s “Forerunner.” Behind and around them are many prototypes, one-of-a-kinds, and issue weapons from the Great War and earlier. They were working on their collaborative effort that will produce the definitive book on the early machine gun designs. Noted early machine gun collector Robert Segel has been a contributor to SAR since the very beginning and for over half of the life of this magazine has been our Senior Editor, leading and guiding us along with gentle nudges to ensure we keep SAR’s dual focus on historical firearms intertwined with our modern weapons coverage. (Photo by Dan Shea courtesy the National Firearms Centre)

Deborah Shea is a Member of MLPLLC, who has sacrificed for 15 years as Business Manager to make Small Arms Review a viable business entity and to keep it running no matter what. Here she stands on Mount Nebo in Jordan, looking out from the spot where Moses looked on at the Promised Land over the Dead Sea. Debbie is well known around the world in the small arms community, having traveled “on her own dime” to over 30 countries. (Photo by Dan Shea)

In 1996 At the Yuma Proving Grounds on the Cibola Dust Range, MLPLLC General Manager and Member Dan Shea (in his Long Mountain “Murphy’s Law” Tee shirt) stands with “The Germans” from HK Oberndorf as they test the early GMG Grenade Machine Gun in 40x53mm. The Yuma tests were a tradition for any new-to-the-planet Secret Squirrel guns that HK would need environmental testing on every year, and Dan was usually there. Standing to the front is the late Volker Kurtz, a great friend to SAR. Dan has traveled to over 70 countries exploring small arms history and technology, “on his own dime.” (Photo by either Jim Schatz or Wayne Weber, none of us can remember who took it)

MLPLLC Member Kyle Shea with five-barreled Gardner Gun at the National Firearms Centre in Leeds, England. Kyle has been a member of countless SAR Expeditionary Force trips around the UK, Europe and Asia, “on his own dime.” Kyle’s interests lean towards uniforms, swords and early weapons like the Ferguson Rifle, which Major Peter Laidler was kind enough to let him photograph at Warminster. Kyle has been packing and shipping for MLPLLC since he was very young, as well as assisting the authors and photographers on their expeditions. (Photo by Dan Shea)

The “Angels with Charlie” picture from the “MG Angels” issue. Mike Dillon was talking with Dan Shea and Dr. Philip Dater and the idea of a “Machine Gun Angels” cover with girls who were actually in the Class 3 industry came up. Mike graciously offered to set up a “glamour shoot” at his facility with the Dillon team. Left to right: Megan (Shea) Sidon, Member of MLPLLC and longtime personality around the Class 3 community, who has been to many countries “on her own dime,” “Charlie” Dr. Philip H. Dater, Member of MLPLLC; Mary Jean Huebner – firearms attorney who specialized in the Class 3 community; Julie Dater, Gemtech employee and daughter of Phil and Jane Dater, who has graced the cover of SAR numerous times as well as appearing in many Gemtech ads. (Photo by Mike Smith & Nyle Leatham, Courtesy Dillon Aero)

Dr. Philip H. & Jane Dater on top of a Ferris Wheel in Thun, Switzerland. Phil and Jane are Members of MLPLLC, and they can frequently be seen traveling with the SAR crew around the world – “on their own dime” – to explore with us. Dr. Dater is one of the prime movers in Gemtech, and his company Antares Technologies consults all through the arms industry. The Daters were in Thun as part of a vacation in Europe and a visit to Brugger & Thomet, the Swiss suppressor manufacturer. Karl Brugger had kindly hosted us all for a visit to their facility, and some nice dinners at Interlaken. You can read The Interview with Dr. Dater in your back issues of SAR Volume 8 Numbers 9 & 10 for some insight into his amazing journey in our community and his effect on the suppressor community in particular. (Photo by Dan Shea)

P. Burke Fountain is a Member of MLPLLC, and an extremely devoted student of small arms. Burke has spent a significant amount of time between his interests in early machine guns, Lugers, and unit insignia from the Great War, and has traveled with the SAR Expeditionary Forces “on his own dime.” In this photo, Burke can be seen in his natural environment, surrounded by a forest of Brass Maxims, including the incredibly elusive Parapet mounts for trench or wall warfare. (Photo by Dan Shea)

Bill and Peggy Vallerand were MLPLLC Members, and after Bill passed away, their son John joined Peggy as owners of their MLPLLC shares. Bill would frequently travel the U.S. and to the UK “on his own dime” to do research into his favorite subjects – weapons from the Zulu time up to World War II. Bill mentored many people in the small arms community, and was a regular fixture at Knob Creek, The North Country Shoot, and the Hiram Maxim shoots, helping anyone who asked on fixing their old machine guns. Bill and his good friends Dolf Goldsmith, Larry Smith, and Bill Morrison, were involved in many of the legendary machine gun deals of the last 5 decades. (Dan- “This is one of my favorite pictures of Bill Vallerand, at the old MOD Pattern Room in Nottingham England. Bill would spend days wandering in what we called the “Field of Dreams” and occasionally come up for air and regale the rest of us with his discoveries amongst these bipod mounted treasures.”) We all miss Bill very much, and his contributions to our community will last forever. If you want to know more about Alphonse William “Bill” Vallerand, read The Interview with this Korean War veteran in SAR Volume 11, Number 1. (Photo by Dan Shea, Courtesy the old MOD Pattern Room, Nottingham, England)

In the fall of the year 2000, the rumor was that the old MOD Pattern Room Collection, which had started in the 1600s, was to be destroyed. Thankfully, the 13,000 plus pieces in the collection were only to be mothballed for several years while a new home was found. Numerous luminaries of the small arms community, who had spent decades around this collection, were all in Nottingham to do research and we gathered for a photo in the old upstairs. Richard Jones scattered out of the area immediately so he wouldn’t be on film (we suspect his reflection might not be captured), and camera-shy Herbie Woodend volunteered to take the picture. Left to right: Warren Wheatfield, Dr. Philip H. Dater, E. Daniel Shea, Bill Vallerand, Dolf Goldsmith, P. Burke Fountain, and Ian Skennerton. (Photo by the late Herbert J. Woodend, MBE)

New Del-Ton TRX Rifle Available Through ATI

American Tactical Imports (ATI) is proud to introduce the brand new Del-Ton TRX16 rifle. Del-Ton fans have long awaited the release of a new product from the family owned, North Carolina-based AR manufacturer. This new rifle from Del-Ton, Inc. is a 16-inch semiautomatic rifle already fully dressed with the latest Troy Industries accessories. Chambered in 5.56x45mm, the TRX features forged 7075 T6 Aluminum hard coat anodized Mil-Spec upper and lower receivers. The 1×9 twist chrome moly vanadium barrel has a threaded muzzle, mid-length gas system, Troy Industries Low Profile gas block and A2 flash hider. The TRX also features a reinforced fiber Troy Battle Ax buttstock and a Troy 13-inch TRX Extreme Hand Guard. It weighs 6.8 lbs. empty and has a fully extended length of 36.75 inches and a collapsed length of 33 inches. The sights are Troy DOA/STD rear folding and Troy M4/HK front folding. The TRX has an HPT/MPI tested bolt. MSRP for the Del-Ton TRX16 rifle is $1,250 and it comes with a hard case, 30-round Troy magazine and a cleaning kit. It will be available in both black and flat dark earth. For more information please contact American Tactical Imports, Dept. SAR, 100 Airpark Drive, Rochester, NY 14624. Phone: (585) 328-0945. Fax: (585) 328-4168. Website: www.americantactical.us.

Ruger Announces New SP101 Revolver in .22 LR

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announces a new SP101 revolver chambered for the .22 Long Rifle, the most popular cartridge in the world. The new .22 LR Ruger SP101 is true to Ruger standards of rugged reliability and perfect for those seeking a quality small frame revolver. This new SP101 will appeal to firearm instructors and enthusiasts who want to practice and perfect their shooting skills, or just spend time plinking with inexpensive rimfire ammo. Ruger re-engineered the SP101 to chamber eight rounds instead of the traditional six, improved the sights, and maintained the same classic features that were the SP101. The 30-ounce double-action revolver is made of weather resistant stainless steel with a satin finish for longevity and good looks. The walnut grip panels inset in the one-piece rubber grip are checkered and engraved. The revolver features a fully adjustable square-notch rear sight and fiber-optic, square-post front sight. The 4.2-inch barrel features a half shroud covering the ejector rod. For more information contact Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc., Dept. SAR, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, AZ 86301. Website: www.ruger.com.

M240 Machine Gun Foregrip and Rail Adapter

Special Tactical Services, LLC, now has a new adapter kit that allows the user to add useful accessories to the M240 machine gun by means of a rail (patent pending). This short rail adapter assembly fitted to the forward mount lug is primarily designed for rapid and rugged attachment of vertical foregrip assemblies but the attachment is also suitable to accessory bipod assemblies that utilize a Mil-Std 1913 interface (Picatinny Rail Grabber). As the pivot point has been moved closer to the operator, the STS adapter provides a more natural handling point and improved ergonomics. Bipods attached in this location allow for a more rapid traverse and offer handling characteristics that emulate the Mk43/M60-E3 configuration for quicker engagement of multiple targets dispersed across the field of fire. Installation is quick and easy. Simply pull the center pin all the way out to the right side. The pin is captive and will stop in the fully disengaged position. Place the adapter over the receiver forward the mounting hole location. Push the pin all the way left, through the receiver lug into the fully engaged position and securely attach the rail accessory or grip of your choice. STS does not recommend the attachment of polymer or cast metal (MIM) rail interface material. Plastic or rubberized grips are fine; so long as they incorporate a high quality machined metal rail grabber. For more information you can contact them at Special Tactical Services, LLC, Dept. SAR, Diamond Springs Road Suite B, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Phone: (757) 554-0699. Fax: (208) 693-9692. On the web at www.spectacserv.com.

New Rifle Assault Bag From Uncle Mike’s

Uncle Mike’s, a leading provider of shooting accessories for more than 60 years, has introduced the Rifle Assault Bag, a rugged and versatile case for owners of AR or modern sporting rifles. Constructed of tough 600D polyester and lined with 2-inch closed-cell foam padding, the Rifle Assault Bag offers gun owners long-lasting protection for their firearm. Hook and loop straps hold the firearm securely in place, ensuring it doesn’t shift in transit. The bag also features a hidden interior pocket for handgun storage. With three exterior pockets, the Rifle Assault Bag provides shooters with plenty of room to store extra magazines and gear, making it an ideal case for range or competitive shooters. The bag is not only compatible with AR style guns, it is also a great option for take-down firearms and other short rifles and shotguns. The bag is available in lengths of 36 or 43 inches and is 20.5 inches deep and 11.25 inches high. It includes a padded, adjustable shoulder strap, and is available in the following three colors: black, canopy or dark earth. The MSRP for the Uncle Mike’s Rifle Assault Bag is $101.95 for the 36-inch model and $113.95 for the 43-inch version. For more information contact Bushnell Outdoor Products, Dept. SAR, 9200 Cody, Overland Park, KS 66214. Phone: (913) 752-3400. Fax: (913) 752-3550. On the web at www.unclemikes.com.

New Blaze Gun Case from Technoframes

Technoframes is the world leading producer of high quality gun & ammunition storage solutions, with product lines ranging from gun cases and ammunition boxes to replica ammunition displays. Their new Blaze is a state-of-the-art gun case precision engineered from hi-grade aluminum and ballistic acrylic. Blaze delivers not only a secure storage system but also an unparalleled display platform for a wide range of handguns. The built-in dual-sided locking system facilitates rapid access if needed while the comfort grip handle means Blaze is also easily transportable. Add-on components include devices to enable the gun case be both wall mounted and have the contents obscured from prying eyes, so, with 3 different models to choose from, Blaze has got you and your handgun covered. For more information on these innovative cases please contact them at Technoframes, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 1067, Manchester, NH 03101. Phone: (866) 246-1095. Website: www.technoframes.com.

New SureShell Shotshell Carrier from Mesa Tactical

Mesa Tactical, provider of high quality tactical accessories and gear to law enforcement, military and civilian shooters, announced the availability of its four-, six-, and eight-shot SureShell shotshell carrier and optics rail assemblies for Mossberg’s Model 500 and Model 590 pump action shotguns. Mesa Tactical’s aluminum SureShell shotshell carriers are an industry standard and the preferred choice of most federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies due to their hard anodized aircraft aluminum construction and fail-safe shell retention system.

Mesa Tactical has been supplying shell carriers for the Mossberg 500 platform since November 2005, but this current announcement highlights the availability of integrated shell carriers and optics rail assemblies. Similar products have been available for the Benelli M2, Benelli M4 and Remington 870 platforms for years, but this is the first time integrated shell carriers and rails have been offered for the Mossberg shotguns. SureShell shell carrier and rail assemblies for the Mossberg pump shotguns feature four-, six- or eight-shell shotshell yokes fitted to a bracket incorporating a Mil-Std 1913 (NATO STANAG 2324) Picatinny optics rail. The rail bracket is secured to the shotgun receiver using the optics rail mounting holes already drilled and tapped into the Mossberg receiver at the factory. The optics rail stretches most of the length of the shotgun receiver, or about 4.5 inches, allowing the mounting of a red dot scope or other target acquisition aids. In addition to the standard 4.5 inch rails, Mesa Tactical is also offering four-, six- and eight-shell carriers in a full length (20 inch) configuration. Twenty inch rails allow the use of back-up iron sights (BUIS) in addition to optics. The full length rails are supported at the front by Mesa Tactical’s new Magon magazine clamps. A unique feature of the full length rail and Magon clamp system is the ability to completely field strip the weapon, including removal of the barrel and bolt carrier, without tools, leaving the rail and clamp intact. A full length rail is also available with no shell carrier. For more information contact them at Mesa Tactical, Dept. SAR, 1760 Monrovia Ave., #B1, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Phone: (949) 642-3337. Fax: (949) 642-3339. Website: www.mesatactical.com.

AccuCover Increases Accuracy While Reducing Parallax Error

British designed and manufactured, the AccuCover is an entirely new concept in scope cover design. As you would expect from a manufacturer of quality scope covers, it provides excellent protection of your scope and lens against whatever the elements can throw at it. However, what really makes the AccuCover unique is its ingenious patented design which helps you soot both faster and more accurately. This is done quite simply with the addition of high visibility markings on the rim of the scope cover. When you aim, your eyes traditionally focus on the crosshairs within the scope and the target behind. With AccuCover, your peripheral vision also come into play, sensing the four markings on the rim and helping to keep your eye aligned with both crosshairs and target. By simply aligning the brightly colored chevrons with the crosshairs, the eye becomes centralized to the scope. Its simplicity is its beauty. With all three elements aligned, this not only allows you to acquire the target faster, it also ensures a more accurate, consistent shot. The benefits of the AccuCover are:

• Reduced parallax error – excellent cheek weld delivering greater accuracy
• Reduced rifle cant – less rifle tile delivering greater accuracy
• Faster eye alignment – especially in dusk/dawn lighting conditions
• Silent push-button opening – ensuring a stealthy approach
• Cover folds flat to scope – eliminating undergrowth entanglement
• Water resistant – as you’d expect from a first class scope cover.

AccuCover is already being used by British police forces for firearm training and on sniper rifles and the military is also learning of the benefits of this simple product. It comes in three sizes, which fit up to 99% of all ocular rifle ends. For more information, contact them at AccuZero Ltd, P.O. Box 6387, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 6BY Great Britain. Phone: +44 (0) 7958 195446. Website: www.accucover.com.

An NRA-supported amendment by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to prohibit funds from being used by the Department of Justice to conduct “gun-walking” programs similar to the now-infamous “Fast and Furious” operation was passed in the U.S. Senate with unanimous bipartisan support (99-0).

Specifically, the amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill states that: “No funds made available under this Act shall be used to allow the knowing transfer of firearms to agents of drug cartels where law enforcement personnel of the United States do not continuously monitor or control such firearms at all times.”

Responding to the passing of the amendment, Sen. Cornyn said, “Today’s bipartisan effort is just the first step towards ensuring that such a foolish operation can never be repeated by our own law enforcement. The onus is now on Attorney General Holder to hear not just today’s bipartisan call for answers, but the American people’s demands that Washington be held accountable.”

NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox said, “As more details of ‘Fast and Furious’ are unraveled, we are all learning more about the incompetence and dishonesty of those responsible. While it is reprehensible that a program like ‘Fast and Furious’ would be approved by the Obama administration, it is absolutely unacceptable that American taxpayers had to foot the bill. The Senate responded appropriately to ensure future illegal, shameful and deadly scandals aren’t funded and NRA would like to thank Senator Cornyn for his leadership efforts on this important issue.”

Taxpayer Funds May Have Bought Guns for Cartel

Congressional investigators are confronting the Justice Dept. on evidence they say indicates an FBI informant used U.S. taxpayer funds to buy drugs and possibly guns for the Senaloa cartel.

This information was apparently known to the FBI and DEA as early as 2009 but not passed on to the ATF which went on to spend millions of dollars trying to identify that informant.

The informant was allegedly buying guns in January 2010 from Manuel Cells-Acosta, the Phoenix man considered the main target of ATF’s operation Fast and Furious.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder from Rep. Darrell Issa and Sen. Charles Grassley, the representatives ask Holder to tell Congress how much the Dept. of Justice paid the informant, when he became an informant, and how much the informant spent buying guns for the cartels.

“If ATF had known in January 2010, as the DEA and the FBI apparently knew, that the straw purchasing ring was procuring weapons for this informant, then Operation Fast and Furious may have ended 10-months sooner than it did,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “This would have prevented hundreds of assault type weapons from being illegally straw purchased on behalf of Mexican drug cartels.”

“Sources have indicated that this information was communicated to numerous senior people in the DOJ Criminal Division, including Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer and several of his top deputies, including Jason Weinstein, Kenneth Blanco and John Keeney,” the letter says.

The letter says that ATF knew by July 2010 that Cells-Acosta had crossed the U.S.-Mexican border 15 times, but chose not to arrest him; even though those crossings and the hundreds of guns ATF agents witnessed him receiving constituted probable cause.

Grassley and Issa have requested Holder turn over the request documents by Oct. 4th. So far, the Justice Dept. has provided just 12 documents over the past month, according to a Grassley spokesman.

Operation Fast and Furious began in October 2009. All told, more than $1.25 million was spent on the illegal guns. ATF later acted as the seller of the guns to known illegal buyers.

New Rules on Guns Leaving the EU

New rules are going into effect on the export of civilian-use firearms in the European Union.

The new EU regulation will give effect to the United Nations Firearms Protocol which aims to put more in place more effective controls of the export of civilian-use firearms.

European exporters will have to seek authorization from Member States to export firearms and ammunition to countries outside the EU. Before issuing an export license, Member States will have to ensure that the destination country has no objection to the import or transit of the shipment. No authorization will be required for hunters and sport shooters if they justify the reason for their journey and return to the EU within 24 months.

A listing of firearms requiring export authorization will be regularly updated.

The new EU rules will not apply to fully automatic, deactivated or antique firearms, or to those for use by the armed forces or public authorities of Member States. Neither will they apply to state-to-state transactions.

ATF Says P.O. Boxes & Rural Routes Are OK

ATF has issued an Open Letter (dated August 29, 2011) stating that FFLs may accept a government-issued identification document that shows only a post office box or rural route address as their residence address after requesting and obtaining a variance from ATF. The ATF offers further guidance on selling to purchasers who present an identification document bearing a rural route address.

The residence address required on Form 4473 must be sufficient to identify the physical location of the purchaser’s residence in the event the firearm is the subject of a trace request. For this reason, Form 4473 states that a post office box is not an acceptable residence address.

Unlike a post office box, a rural route address is considered the person’s legal residence, and that address is sufficient on “identification documents” issued by states recognizing rural routes. Accordingly, ATF has determined that FFLs may transfer firearms to customers who provide an identification document listing only a rural route address, provided that the purchaser resides in a state or locality where a rural route is considered by the jurisdiction to be a legal residence address and no ATF variance is needed prior to making such transfers.

Anti’s Blocking Hatch Amendment

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is seeking to offer an amendment to the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill now being debated on the Senate floor, but anti-gun senators are blocking a vote on the amendment.

The Hatch amendment would make permanent 10 different appropriations “riders” – essentially directions from Congress to the administration about how they must spend, or not spend, funds – into permanent law. Traditionally, each “rider” had to be reauthorized on a year-by-year basis. Some of these riders go back 30 years.

Provisions in the Hatch Amendment:

1. Firearms Database Prohibition – A prohibition on the use of funds to create, maintain or administer a database of firearms owners or their firearms.
2. Curio and Relic Definition – A prohibition on the use of funds to change the definition of a “curio or relic.”
3. Transfer of BATFE Authority – A prohibition on the use of funds to transfer any duty or responsibility of the ATF to any other agency or department.
4. Physical Inventory Prohibition – Prohibition on a requirement to allow a physical inventory of Federal Firearms Licensees.
5. Information Retrieval Prohibition – A prohibition on the use of funds to electronically retrieve personally identifying information gathered by Federal Firearms Licensees.
6. Business Activity -A prohibition on the use of funds to deny a Federal Firearms License or renewal of a Federal Firearms License on the basis of business activity.
7. Information Gathering Prohibition – A prohibition on the use of funds to maintain any information gathered as a part of an instant background check or to maintain information for more than 24 hours.
8. Firearms Trace Data Disclaimer – A requirement that any trace data released must include a disclaimer stating such trace data cannot be used to draw broad conclusions about firearms-related crime.
9. Firearms Parts Export to Canada – A prohibition on the use of funds to require an export license for small firearms parts valued at less than $500 for export to Canada.
10. Importation of Curios and Relics – A prohibition on the use of funds to arbitrarily deny importation of qualifying curio and relic firearms.

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

This issue is being handed out at the SHOT Show, and we are very pleased to present it to you. As always, your issue of Small Arms Review is something we’re proud of: a whole lot of people worked for a long time to bring you this issue. This is one of the reasons we decided to include an article on, “Who brings you your SAR.” We’ve also had a lot of fun and want to peak the interest of longtime readers who may have suspected hidden meanings here and there, so we included a short guide to some of the fun things we’ve done in the past.

Since this is being handed out at SHOT Show in January, the idea of having a pull out map for firearms friendly things to do in Las Vegas area seemed like a winner. We covered everyone we knew with a range and/or gun store, and hope we didn’t leave anyone out. There were a couple we see advertised or mentioned, but never got response by phone or email, and we couldn’t find them to stop in and visit, so, we hope this is inclusive. If you’re coming to SHOT show, just look that map over and plan your visits, everyone’s website is included so you can check their hours and details. There are several new ranges in town with machine guns, as well as the long-time shops. We suggest getting to Vegas a few days early, or stay a few days later, to explore this unique local phenomena.

Shameless Plug: if you stop in at “LMO: The Store,” in Henderson, it’s a great place to pick up back issues of SAR as well as books we publish and binders. Everyone knows that Debbie and I own LMO, I just wanted the readers to know that if they come to The Store, there’s a full rack of SAR there to browse through along with all the other Class 3 related items.

In this issue, we managed to cover the spectrum of our reader’s interests pretty well. Personally, I’m torn between the Swedish m/36 water-cooled Brownings that Robert wrote about – beautiful guns – and Maxim’s article on the Spetsnaz CQB rifles, the cornucopia of next generation Russian fighting weapons. The amazing Swedish twins that Robert scored are in excellent condition, and this might be the first time I have ever seen these covered in English, and certainly the best photos. On the other hand, the 9x39mm cartridge has really caught my interest, since firing it many years ago overseas. We have some to test thoroughly now (overseas), and will bring you those reports, but at LMO we’re also trying to replicate the cartridge stateside, so watch for that.

I’m just talking about my favorites in this issue, it’s all good. One thing that we should all be grateful for is the new NRA of the last decades. Our reports show just how NFA friendly the NRA has become at the Conventions. There are consistently important awards given to historical displays on machine guns and designers. This acceptance has run through much of the NRA leadership and the Board, and we should all continue to try to bring our concerns to them, and support the NRA in these types of endeavors. I think Robert Segel’s “The Machine Gun Designs of John Browning” display was outstanding, and several other SAR “Usual Suspects” have won awards for their displays in the past.

In that spirit, we should try and start the display section at the Small Arms Review show again. It was for lack of volunteers to run this that we had to stop doing it: there needs to be a consortium, and MLPLLC has always been a small company without the ability to overextend at a show. Our group could certainly have some interesting displays. Remember, displays do a number of things for the community; invite more interest in NFA, bring people out of the woodwork who have similar interests, and educate people (especially the young people) in general on the historical and technical importance of military firearms. For the person doing the display, there’s the satisfaction of sharing their collection and interest, and the chance that someone walking by will have the Holy Grail they need to top off a section of their collection.

-Dan

On April 29 through May 1, 2011, the National Rifle Association (NRA) held its 140th Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The official attendance of 71,139 is the second largest NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits on record for the longest running shooting and hunting show in the world. With a record braking 559 exhibitors, the exhibit hall was packed with NRA members the entire weekend, many of whom traveled from all over the country to attend the event. Additionally, most seminars and workshops were standing room only.

In addition to the industry display booths, and in conjunction with the show in their own exhibit area, are displays of rare, historic and interesting collector firearms sponsored by NRA affiliated clubs. This year, there were 26 gun collector affiliates that participated with displays in this 51st year of awards competition. These gun collector groups take great pride in their displays in not only presenting weapons of rarity and historical note, but in the professional looking displays as well. While the NRA primarily focuses on shooting and hunting, they are well aware of the value of collecting and displaying significant weapons to the public to educate them on the history and the roll collecting plays within the gun culture. The competition between the affiliated clubs and their displays is intense.

In recognition of this, the NRA awards medals and certificates in a number of different categories. These include:

• Best Arms Awards – Each year a maximum of ten sterling silver numbered medallions are awarded to those collector arms judged best on display (and not necessarily will ten be awarded). Firearms are judged on their individual quality, condition, originality, collector importance and historical value.
• Certificates of Recognition – In 1981, the NRA Gun Collectors Committee authorized an award for unique displays of items related to firearms. Up to ten certificates are normally awarded in any one calendar year. An item which has received a Certificate of Recognition is not eligible for this award in subsequent years.
• Best Educational Display Awards – In 1962, the Gun Collectors Committee authorized the Best Educational Group Awards to recognize outstanding displays that creatively and effectively present a well-organized theme. The committee has divided the Best Educational Display Awards into four categories: Antique Arms (pre-1898), Classic Arms (1898, 50 years prior to the show), Contemporary Arms (50 years prior to the show to current) and Combined Arms (collections that represent a mixture of more than one category.) Emphasis is placed on recognition of those exhibits that best inform the NRA members and general public of the historical, technical and cultural aspects of firearms and related items.
• The National Firearms Museum’s Spirit of Collecting Award.
• The Best Miniature Arms Awards – Each year, since 1987, sterling silver numbered medallions have been awarded to those miniature arms judged best on display. In 1998, the Collectors Committee decided to heighten competition for this award by presenting only three medals each year.
• The NRA Gun Collectors Committee Trophy – This sterling silver bowl is a perpetual trophy awarded for the display judged best of each year’s Annual Meeting and Exhibits. The winning organization’s name is engraved on the trophy and the organization receives a miniature of the trophy to retain. This is the top honor and the award all strive for.

World renowned Thompson submachine gun collector and author Tracie Hill is the force behind bringing the validity and legitimacy of collecting and displaying historic machine guns to the forefront of the NRA community. For so many years, machine guns were taboo at the NRA show and considered “evil” within the NRA hierarchy and by many even within the general NRA membership. His efforts have truly enlightened all that collecting historic classic machine guns is just as legitimate as collecting any other historical firearm and he has done it in a most profound and professional way.

He broke the ice within the NRA and the NRA Collectors Committee with exhibits of the iconic Thompson submachine gun winning awards from the judges, and the public, and winning the coveted NRA Gun Collectors Committee Trophy and a number of Best Arms awards beginning in 1998. Under the sponsorships of several NRA affiliated organizations over the years that include the Thompson Collectors Association, the Dallas Arms Collectors and The American Thompson Association, he has been responsible for winning the coveted NRA Gun Collectors Committee Trophy six times.

With the success of having displayed, and winning multiple awards, for Thompson exhibits, it was decided to become ambassadors of the Class III world and bring to display some of the other wonderful and historic collections that exist. The first foray into other machine gun exhibits was in 2006 when the Thompson Collectors Association and the Dallas Arms Collectors sponsored a Maxim machine gun exhibit at the NRA show in Milwaukee that won the NRA Gun Collectors Trophy and a sterling silver Best Arm medallion for a Colt Model of 1904 Maxim. (See Small Arms Review, Vol. 9, No. 12, September 2006.)

In 2011 in Pittsburgh, under the sponsorship of The American Thompson Association, they presented an exhibit entitled The Machine Gun Designs of John Browning. The 30×10 feet exhibit featured a Colt Automatic Gun Model 1914 on a Marine Light Landing Carriage, a New England Westinghouse Model of 1917 water-cooled machine gun on a Model of 1917 tripod mounted on an M1 machine gun cart, a Winchester Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) Model of 1918, a Colt Browning M2 .50 caliber water-cooled mounted on an M3 anti-aircraft mount, a Buffalo Arms .30 caliber ANM2, an Inland Arms M1919A6, a GM/Frigidaire .50 caliber M2 HB on a M3 tripod and a twice-size cut-a-way of a .30 caliber Browning. Accompanying the display of the firearms were lighted display cases that contained tools, manuals, accoutrements, medals, awards and ephemera relating to the guns with explanatory signage for everything present. Additionally, a professionally printed 8-page handout describing all the weapons on display was freely distributed to all show attendees that expressed an interest. The response by those attending the show was overwhelmingly positive with many thanking us for bringing such a collection and making it available for close-up viewing.

These displays are not slapped together at the last minute. A full year of planning is required to establish what and how the display will be presented: what guns, accessories, accoutrements, historical information, signage, handouts, glass cases, lighting, overall theme, etc., all has to be thought through and decided upon well before the start of the show. This collection of Browning machine guns came from the Robert Segel collection with additional pieces from David Albert and Phil Askew. Helping set up the display and staffing it during the show answering questions and highlighting the historical aspects were David Albert, Richard Vensel, Jackie Vensel, Tom Davis, Phil Askew, Bill Yenglin, Robert Segel, Jennifer Segel, Tom Rasch, Tracie Hill and Thomas Hill. The human element and the truly enthusiastic volunteers set a high standard for that very much helped guarantee a successful presentation to the public.

The exhibit of The Machine Gun Designs of John Browning won the top honor of the NRA Gun Collectors Trophy and a sterling silver medallion for one of the Best Arms at the show for the New England Westinghouse Model of 1917 water-cooled machine gun, serial number 6, on a Model of 1917 tripod. The medallion is numbered and registered to the gun and stays forever with the gun should it ever be sold.

It should be noted that as sponsor of the exhibit, this is the third time The American Thompson Association has won the NRA Gun Collectors Trophy. But even more importantly, with the displays of Thompsons, Maxims and Browning machine guns over the last 13 years, machine gun collecting has been recognized and accepted within the main stream gun collecting fraternity as the historic, relevant and legitimate endeavor that it is with the stigma of being “evil” finally disappearing.

Miniature 1/3 Scale MG 34

Another machine gun also won an award at the 140th NRA Meetings and Exhibits in Pittsburgh. The Miniature Arms Society, a recognized NRA collector affiliated organization, had a display showing many fine examples of the art and craft of miniature arms makers. These are not toys but a testament to the skill of making actual working miniatures that fully represent their full-size brethren except in a diminutive size. The judges award just three sterling silver medallions each year to those miniatures that represent the height of the art. Robert Segel, a Miniature Arms Society member, submitted a fully functional 1/3 scale German MG 34 light machine gun on fully functional Lafette, one of only six made by MiniArt in Moscow, Russia in 2006, and won one of the Best Miniature Arms sterling silver medallions. The medallions are numbered and registered to that gun and if the gun is ever sold, the medallion must go with it.

Miniature Arms Society (MAS) president Wayne Driskill (left) and MAS member Robert Segel display the 1/3 scale MG 34 that was submitted for judging.

The fully functional MG 34 in 1/3 scale, one of only six made by MiniArt in Moscow, Russia in 2006 on fully functional Lafette is displayed with the numbered and registered NRA sterling silver medallion for Best Miniature Firearm. It is one of three awarded to miniature arms.

Tracie Hill, Robert Segel, Jennifer Segel and The American Thompson Association president Tom Davis accept the NRA Gun Collectors Trophy and silver bowl during the NRA Gun Collectors Committee awards presentation ceremonies. (Lloyd Hill)

Back at the display after the awards presentations, (left to right) Tracie Hill, Phil Askew, Tom Davis, Jennifer Segel, Robert Segel and David Albert proudly display the NRA Gun Collectors Trophy, silver bowl, and silver Best Arm medallion.

Robert Segel accepts a numbered and registered sterling silver medallion for one of the ten BEST ARMS on display during the awards ceremony for the New England Westinghouse Model of 1917 Browning water-cooled machine gun.

This article is intended to complement Anthony Williams’ article published in last month’s SAR (Vol. 15, No. 4, January 2012) dedicated to .5-inch Vickers guns and ammunition in order to present some of the feed systems used with those weapons. Both fabric belts and metal disintegrating links are presented for four main types of .5-inch Vickers ammunition, namely the earliest belted .600/.500-inch, the rimless 12.7×81, the semi-rimmed 12.7x81SR and the high velocity semi-rimmed 12.7x120R.

Feeding the Early Vickers in .600/.500-inch

Early .5-inch aircraft Vickers machine guns used the belted .600/.500-inch cartridge. The feeding was achieved by means of a complex and over-engineered disintegrating metallic link using no less than 5 separate rings. The ammunition itself is nowadays an extremely sought after specimen and only available in the world’s most advanced collections. The known surviving links are only a handful nowadays and are probably among the scarcest British disintegrating link for collectors.

Feeding the British Service .5-inch Vickers for the Rimless 12.7×81

The rimless 12.7×81 Vickers ammunition was adopted for British Service in 1924 and is also referred to as the .5”V/580. This ammunition was used in British Service both on Land, Sea and in the Air.

Land Service .5-inch Vickers

On Land, the Mark II, IV and V water-cooled tank guns were fed with a 100-round fabric belt referenced as Mark I. The belt is composed of two strips of cotton fabrics assembled together with riveted brass spacers. Both ends of the belt are fitted with a brass starter tang intended to facilitate the introduction of the belt into the feed block. The starter tangs are marked with the caliber designation, the belt capacity and the manufacturer’s code. One starter tang only also bears inspection markings. The brass spacers are slightly chamfered at the top ends in order to positively seat the shoulder of the cartridge case in the belt. Before World War 2, belts are produced by the company Vickers-Armstrongs Limited and are not dated. During World War 2, belts are produced by the company Thomas French & Sons of Manchester. This company specialized in the production of a very wide range of belts and links in various calibers. These wartime belts by Thomas French are marked with month and date of production.

Naval Service .5-inch Vickers

The water-cooled naval Mark III .5-inch Vickers weapons, most frequently encountered on the quadruple Mark M anti-aircraft mount are fed with a 200-round belt assembled with metallic disintegrating links and wrapped around a spool.

Two types of links were in service. The standard link is of the model Mark II Navy and denoted II N. The link design is a direct scale-up version of the Prideaux links developed by the inventor during WW1 for the .303 Vickers aircraft weapon. The links are marked with the weapon designation .5VMG or .5MG, the model of link II N and the manufacturer’s code. According to the large amount of links used during WW2, at least nine different British manufacturers produced those Mark II N links. For example, the company British Pens Limited of Birmingham (marking BP) produced 14,198,000 Mark II N links during WW2.

With the standard Mark II N links, the connection of belt sections with one another usually requires that a loose cartridge be inserted into the trailing links of each belt. In order to enable the connection of two belt sections together without the need to remove and insert a cartridge, a dedicated connecting link was designed and referenced Connecting Link Mark I Navy and denoted I N. This link is fitted with a half-open central loop which can be directly snapped into the last cartridge of the adjacent belt. This connecting link is marked with the weapon designation .5MG, model of link I N and manufacturer’s code. According to their specific use, these connecting links were produced in a much smaller quantity than the standard Mark II N links. It is suspected that probably only very few manufacturers produced these joining links. So far, the author has only come across Mark I N Connecting Links manufactured by the company British Pens Limited (BP), but there are probably other productions.

Air Service .5-inch Vickers

The .5-inch Vickers was involved in British Air Service with the air-cooled Vickers Class B weapons. Only very few weapons were actually acquired by the British War Office for test purposes. These aircraft weapons were fed with simplified and lightened disintegrating links. These Class B links are nowadays rarely encountered.

Feeding Weapons for the Semi-Rimmed Export 12.7x81SR Vickers Ammunition

According to the British War Office requirements, the Vickers Company was only permitted to export .5-inch weapons using a slightly modified cartridge case to make it semi-rimmed which makes it 12.7x81SR. The Vickers designation of that ammunition was .5”V/565.

Vickers exported a few tens of aircraft weapons chambered for that caliber to Japan and Siam. The disintegrating links used with those exported weapons have not been definitively identified. It is however suspected that the links are the same as those used with the Class B aircraft weapons but this is only speculation pending documented evidence.

Feeding Italian Weapons in 12.7x81SR

Italy adopted the semi-rimmed cartridge 12.7x81SR for their aircraft weapons of domestic design.

The Breda-SAFAT aircraft weapons are fed with disintegrating links of the Prideaux design similar to those used with the British Mark III Naval weapons. Italian made links can be readily identified by the markings exhibiting the Italian manufacturers’ code and the month and year of production. No connecting link was used by Italy. It is not known to the author whether Hungary domestically produced any links to feed their Breda-SAFAT.

The other major Italian aircraft weapons chambered for 12.7x81SR is the Scotti-Isotta Fraschini, which also uses disintegrating links. This weapon uses a feed mechanism where the cartridge is pushed through the links that therefore requires belt links of specific design.

Specimens of Italian push-through links with “hook-and-eye” connection design are known from surviving specimens bearing the markings Mod. 42. It is currently unknown to the author whether these are a late variant of links for the standard Scotti weapons or specific links for another weapon. Any comments by readers would be most appreciated.

Feeding Japanese Weapons in 12.7x81SR

Japan adopted the semi-rimmed 12.7x81SR cartridge to feed the Ho-103 aircraft weapon that was derived from the U.S. .50 cal. Browning. The feeding is achieved with disintegrating links which, unsurprisingly, are derived from the U.S. Browning .50 cal. Links M1. Japanese links are either unmarked or marked with the manufacture’s logo.

Feeding the High Velocity Vickers Class D for Semi-Rimmed 12.7x120R

The water-cooled High Velocity Vickers Class D chambered for 12.7x120SR was fed with disintegrating links. This weapon was never adopted by Britain and only very few specimens were sold to Asian countries. Accordingly surviving specimens of the links are nowadays rarely encountered. Links observed so far are unmarked.