I am continually amazed at how gullible people are, and how quickly they take refuge in rumor or falsehood when presented as convenient fact. Dan Quayle, as Vice Presidential candidate, corrected a child during a spelling bee – Quayle spelled “Potatoe” as he was taught in his classical education. I know this, and knew it at the time, because I personally was taught to spell it as “Potatoe” in the fine U.S. public schools of the 1950s and ‘60s. So, when people start talking about “Common Knowledge” and mock Dan Quayle for this event, dismissing him as an intellectual lightweight for adding the ‘e’ to the spelling of potato, I’m skeptical of the depth of their understanding of the lynching tactics of modern media. As reference, this quote from the Oxford Dictionary:

“The spelling of potatoe, while not terribly common, existed for almost the entire 20th century. For example, the New York Times was still occasionally spelling potato with an –e in 1988. In fact, one can easily find spellings of potatoe all the way up to 15 June of 1992, at which point they suddenly drop off or become used in an ironic way, referencing this incident.” – Ammon Shea, Oxford Dictionaries.

So, one of the most common misconceptions in “common knowledge” is total baloney, concocted and driven hard by the media in order to destroy a conservative Vice Presidential candidate during the re-election campaign. A very successful disinformation campaign, it worked to make a laughingstock out of Dan Quayle in the eyes of the uninformed. Read that as “most American voters.”

My point in this example? Only that people are damn gullible. They read things, and are easily led. Thus, we come to “gun control” in the U.S. A complete nut, maybe on too many meds or off them and destabilized, gains access to a firearm, and massacres some innocents. Most of the time the killer is avowedly anti-Christian, has lots of leftist beliefs, might be into Satanism, and damn sure is not a typical American firearms owner. So, who gets blamed by the media? The basic, rock-solid gun owning public of America. What’s called for? Is it more control over the proven mentally ill so they’re not allowed to purchase firearms? Nope. Is it perhaps arming people in the schools so they can defend against the actions of a crazy person? Nope.

We have to ban different classes of firearms so that law-abiding, morally grounded, properly trained, responsible American firearms owners can’t enjoy their Second Amendment Right to be armed in a modern fashion. That’s the vast majority of us. Typical, isn’t it?

Thankfully, this time the silly, pointless, and impotent laws that were proposed, that would never solve the problems, were defeated without having to go through ten years of ridiculous impositions on firearms owners. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be more attempts, and very soon at that. We need to discuss reasonable, rational solutions to the problems of a crazy person with a weapon – how to protect our children in the schools – with real solutions, not theatrical pronouncements and impositions on the Rights of citizens in misguided efforts at gun banning. The first step in trying to accomplish this is to understand that the gun-banners are irrational first, dealing only with emotions and misinformation, and that they are NOT the majority of Americans. It’s best to offer real solutions, to deal with these issues head on, not just hope they’ll forget about us for a while, because they won’t, they’re just backing up to regroup.

-Dan

Now a semiautomatic only version is being produced here in the U.S. at IWI USA in their new facilities located in Harrisburg, PA. The new Tavor SAR is assembled in the U.S. with both Israeli and U.S. produced parts (to make it 922r compliant). In fact it must have just the right amount of U.S. made parts, as there is a card inserted into the operators manual that states if you use a non-U.S. made magazine, muzzle device, trigger, hammer piston or sear you may be in violation of 922r.

The Tavor features a long-stroke piston type operating system and is, as stated before, a bullpup design. The rifle has Mil-Spec 100% interchangeability of parts and uses any AR-15/M16 magazine. It has a Mil-Spec, chrome-lined, cold-hammer forged barrel with a 1 in 7 RH twist. It can be ordered with either a 16.5- or an 18-inch barrel. The 18-inch barrels are equipped with a bayonet lug. The Tavor is available in either a flat-top version or the IDF version that includes a Mepro-21 reflex sight already affixed. The gun can be ordered in either black or a very good looking FDE (flat dark earth) model. The Tavor is completely ambidextrous with cocking handle, ejection port and safety able to be changed from side to side without additional parts. A left hand bolt is available as an option to complete the transformation.

The barrel on the Tavor has a relatively quick change feature that enables the gun to be changed to different calibers very easily. Caliber conversions for both 9mm and 5.45x39mm should be available by the time you read this. The 9mm barrel will have a 1 in 10 twist and the 5.45×39 barrel will have a 1 in 7.5 twist. With the gun being shipped in .223/5.56x45mm one can only hope that a conversion for 300 Blackout would be the next logical choice.

The main body of the Tavor is made from a high-strength impact modified polymer. All the metal parts on the gun are treated for corrosion resistance and are finished matte black. Overall weight of the gun is 7.9 pounds and the overall length is just 26 1/8 inches.

The gun received for testing was the black, flat-top rifle with a 16.5 inch barrel. The gun is shipped with one 30-round IWI USA produced magazine, a very detailed full-color operator’s manual and a very nice cleaning/accessory kit tool pouch, which includes a 4-section cleaning rod, bore brush, chamber brush, dust brush, receiver brush, cleaning patch tip, oil bottle, 2 sling push button type sling swivels and a sight adjustment tool. The flat-top model comes with folding front and rear back-up sights that are built right into the Picatinny rail. When the sights are folded down they look like part of the rail itself. The front sight on this model also has a tritium insert for low light/night use. While the gun’s top and side rails are billed as Picatinny they are not machined to exact Mil-Spec M-1913 specifications as they have a slight depression that runs down their center. That said, Mil-Spec M-1913 accessories fit and lock on perfectly.

The Tavor, when held by its pistol grip, tends to feel muzzle light or buttstock heavy. But as with most bullpup rifles, it seems to feel well balanced when shouldered. The buttstock features a rubber buttpad that keeps it securely positioned when the rifle is shouldered. The trigger on the Tavor test gun broke at 10 pounds but did not have the mushy feel that most bullpup firearms are plagued with. Suffice it to say, this is a combat trigger; not one designed for target shooting. The safety on the gun is positioned in the normal position right above the pistol grip and travels 90 degrees from safe to fire positions. The charging handle is positioned right above the firearm’s forearm and is reversible and non-reciprocating. There are slots on both sides of the gun to receive it. The slot that the charging handle rides in will also accept a 6-inch Picatinny rail that comes with the gun. This rail can be installed on the opposite side from the charging handle to accept accessories such as lights, laser designators or whatever the shooter requires. To change the charging handle from the left to the right side the forearm has to be disassembled. The magazine release on the Tavor is decidedly different from any other firearm. It is a vertical lever positioned at the front of the magazine well. Pushing it rearward releases the magazine. Most magazines drop free of the receiver when the magazine release is pushed. The gun has 4 sockets, 2 on each side that will accept push-button sling swivels. These are limited rotation sockets that keep the sling from becoming twisted. The two sling swivels that are supplied with the gun are finished in a matte black that matches the gun’s overall finish.

As with most firearms of this type, the Tavor can be disassembled without the need for tools. The only thing needed is the tip of a bullet or even a small stick. A captive push pin at the upper rear of the stock is pushed out that releases the buttpad to swing down. Once this is done the piston, bolt group and recoil spring, which is all one assembly, is slid out of the back of the gun. By pushing out two more captive push pins just behind the magazine well, the entire firing mechanism, which includes the hammer, sear, disconnector and related spring and parts, can be removed out of the bottom of the rifle by swinging the bolt release paddle out of the way. All of the firing mechanism parts are contained in a polymer housing that comes out as one unit. One only needs to have taken apart other firearms that have separate springs, rods or pins that always seem to go to never-never land to appreciate the way this rifle comes apart in contained subassemblies. You can tell the designers had input from end users here.

The gun was tested with various type of .223/5.56 ammunition and consisted of whatever could be located at the time. The testing was done when .223 ammunition prices were through the roof and availability was very limited. It did consist of some Tula, in both FMJ and hollow point styles, Black Hills Ammunition 75 grain Match Hollow Points, Independence 55 grain FMJ, Wolf 55 grain FMJ, American Eagle 64 grain Tactical Tracer and some ASYM Precision Solid Defense X ammunition loaded with Barnes copper TSX bullets. The Tavor was also fed some of the author’s 55 grain FMJ reloads.

The Tavor digested any and all ammunition that was fed into it. It didn’t matter what brand, bullet style or type of ammunition was used in the rifle – it fed, fired and ejected it with relentless reliability. Over 300 rounds were fired on the first outing with the gun and not one single malfunction was seen, observed or encountered. At the time this article is being written, the gun has had over 600 rounds through it and still no problems. The gun was taken out of the box and put to work with no lubrication and still continues to run the same way. While the testers did not subject the test gun to the rigors that IWI has put its test rifles through we didn’t baby the gun either. If you want to see how IWI and the IDF test the Tavor go online to the IWI Weapons channel on You Tube.

The Tavor was fired with both open sights and with optics. One of the optics that was chosen was a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4×32 with a red chevron .223 ballistic reticle. This no-nonsense optic is built every bit as tough as the Tavor itself. For those out there that have never used an ACOG, this model is a fixed power compact scope that has a tritium/fiber optic illumination BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticle that can be used in bright sunlight or even no light conditions. It can be used either with one or both eyes open, are waterproof to 100 meters and have been combat proven for many years.

Accuracy of the test gun was very good once the shooter got used to the heavy trigger pull. The gun would easily shoot into 4 inches at 100 yards with open sights and under 2 inches with the ACOG. The 1 in 7 twist barrel favored the heavier 75 to 77 grain bullets with some groups inside 1 inch from a sandbag. Recoil of the Tavor is like most all .223 AR style guns, almost nonexistent. The gun is very pleasant to shoot with a straight back recoil and no muzzle rise. Empty brass was positively ejected into a small pile about 6 feet from the gun at the 4 o’clock position.

As the Tavor uses standard AR-15/M16 type magazines, we tried all brands that we had on hand. This is not to say that the IWI magazine that comes with the gun is inferior, it isn’t. In fact this author thinks it is a very good magazine. It is lightweight, has gripping ridges and windows on either side to show round count. It even has a small button on the baseplate that protrudes when the mag is fully loaded so the user can tell even in the dark. We just wanted to try others to see if any would cause unexpected problems. They did not. We tried MagPul MAGPUL PMAGS, Lancer L5 Warfighter mags, SureFire 60 and 100 round magazines, Cammenga Easymags, Thermold mags and plain GI aluminum mags. All of the magazines fed and functioned fine and locked the bolt open after the last shot.

There is one other feature of this gun that should be covered. It seems like today there is a new rage that is sweeping through the firearms world. The SBR or short barreled rifle. This author is the first one to admit that the little short barreled AR-15’s or for that matter the super short M16 rifles definitely have somewhat of a sexy look or have the so called Hollywood “cool factor.” While the pros and cons of the little guns can be the subject of heated debates by the online commandos, the short 7 to 10 inch guns will still reach out and touch someone or something at amazing distances. Also for vehicle or CQB work they are hard to beat. Back when the law was written that rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches had to be classified as SBRs and taxed to the tune of $200 per gun that sum was a lot of money. It is still a considerable amount but shooters that spend over $2,000 for an AR style gun or between $500 and $700 per thousand rounds of ammunition to feed it don’t think twice about paying for this $200 tax stamp. Most AR manufacturers are now offering versions of their most popular rifles as factory SBRs. During one of our test outings we happened to have an SBR with us and it and the Tavor were laid side by side. I guess that it had never dawned on me but when I saw them there together the light bulb came on. I got a tape measure and lo and behold the Tavor has an overall length of 27 inches. The author’s 7-inch barreled SBR measures 28.5 inches with the stock extended. In this author’s opinion I would rather have the increased range and velocity of the gun with the 16.5-inch barrel and not have to pay the $200 tax. Maybe we should keep this to ourselves and not let the “powers that be” in Washington know about it.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the IWI USA Tavor. It is a well built rifle that exhibits the ultimate reliability and durability and is not the lease bit ammo sensitive. It works with any AR-15 style magazine and the accuracy exhibited is as good, if not better, than most AR;-style rifles out there. Plus you get a kind-of tax-free SBR. What more could you want?

The Yovanovitch (Jovanovic) system semiautomatic pistol was first described by Dr. Joseph Howard Matthews (1881-1970).  The University of Wisconsin eventually published the first edition of his three volume work <I>Firearms Identification</I> in 1962.  On page 611 (Volume I) the author says: “One Yugoslav pistol which is of native origin is the 9mm Yovanovitch.  L. Yovanovitch was an officer-engineer-inventor who designed and developed this pistol, then sold it to the Yugoslav Government.  It was manufactured by the Voino Tekhnichki Zavod… The barrel and bolt are contained in a tapered tubular housing which runs the entire length of the arm.  The pistol is disassembled by turning a milled head at the rear of the housing.  It has a mechanical thumb safety located in front of the left grip piece – a lever set in a vertical position with the “Safe” and “Fire” positions indicated in Serbian.  The grips are of plain wood, without serrations or checkering.  The inscription on the barrel reads PATENT L. YOVANOVITCH MODEL 1931.  There are no proof marks or other markings…  It is said that a substantial order for pistols was obtained from Haile Selassie of Ethiopia in 1954 and that these were made and delivered.  This statement has not been confirmed, but, if true, it is likely that they were the 9mm Yovanovitch.  A former officer in the Mikhailovitch Army states that pistols of both 7.65mm and 6.35mm calibers, of the same design, were made.  The former were for police and similar use, rather than for military use.”

Since 1962, authors, as well as official institutions, have accepted the statement without any checking.  Consequently, in the current FBI National Crime Information Centre 2000 Operating Manual, (December 2000, p.154), “Model Yovanovitch, Country – YG” (Yugoslavia) recorded as “Code YOV.”  However, the true story about the weapon is quite different.

Lazar Jovanovic (Yovanovitch) was born in Belgrade 1898 to a prominent Serbian historian and politician Ljubomir Yovanovitch.  After World War I, he enrolled in Faculty of Engineering of Ghent University in Belgium.  He soon thereafter left his studies (he never graduated) and returned to Belgrade and dedicated himself to arms construction and the shooting sports.  Yovanovitch came into contact with well-known manufacturers of target rifles and pistols – gunsmith & firearm dealer Carl Widmer (C. Widmer Büchsenmacherei und Waffenhandlung) of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and Julius Gottfried Anschütz GmbH & Co. KG., located in the Thuringian city of Zella-Mehlis, Germany.  On July 16, 1932, Yovanovitch designed a single shot .22 target pistol based on a specific bolt rotation system: the bolt is rotated in a helical motion (of rotational motion to forward motion).  The constructor filed the specification No. 612 at a Yugoslav Patent Office on July 16, 1932.  Finally, Yovanovich was granted Patent Number 10.491 on November 1, 1933.

Due to this patent, C. Widmer, assisted by J. G. Anschütz, started the production of target pistols Model Widmer-L.Y (Lazar Yovanovitch) in 1934.  Regrettably, Yovanovitch was inexperienced in business matters and his design was not patented out of Yugoslavia so that J. G. Anschütz soon renamed the pistol as Model “International” and continued its production without any participation of the Yugoslav constructor.

On the other hand, Yovanovitch was simultaneously working on the construction of semiautomatic military service pistols.  The initial versions were a .22 LR and .380 ACP caliber pistol with an under-barrel tubular magazine, designed for military competition shooting.  However, this weapon was never manufactured.

In 1930, Yovanovitch made only one piece of the first version of the .380 ACP semiautomatic military service pistol to be his personal weapon.  Technically, the M1930 is a blowback operated semiautomatic pistol.  The recoil spring is located around the barrel, the trigger is of single action type and the gun is striker-fired.  The pistol featured three safeties – magazine safety (which blocks the firing when the magazine is removed), automatic grip safety at the front side of the grip and mounted manual safety at the left side of the gun.  The magazine catch is located on the side of the grip, next to trigger guard.  The breechblock is locked in the rear of the slide with the cross bolt lock, which secured against falling out by the safety pin with spring.  Furthermore, the pistol has a cartridge counter – pointer at the grip and magazine.  8 pointer pins, each with own spring, are built in the wooden grip.  The magazine right side has a slot through which the follower pointer disc glides.  The follower pointer disc is screwed into the follower left side.  As the follower moves up, the disc pushes the pins one by one, and this stabs the hand of the shooter with its point.

With the .380 ACP M1930, Yovanovitch took part in the 29th IISSF World Championships 1933 in Granada, where the men’s 25 meters Rapid-Fire Pistol was first introduced, but only as a test competition.  Shortly before he left for Spain, on March 8, 1933, the Yugoslavian International Shooting Sport Federation (SSKJ) issued to Yovanovitch Permit No. 893, required to transport the weapon abroad.  The document says that Yovanovitch traveled abroad with “one single-shot target pistol chambered in .22 rim fire, serial No. 449, and one 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol of his own design (M1930)”  With that same pistol Yovanovitch took part in XI Olympic Games in Berlin.  The men’s 25 meter rapid fire pistol competition (automatic pistols and revolvers of all calibers) was held on August 6, 1936 at the shooting ranges a “Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Handfeuerwaffen” e.V. Berlin-Wannsee.  After the first series (three series of six shots – every target visible for eight seconds; 53 shooters from 22 nations competed) the 25 marksmen, including Lazar Yovanovich were eliminated, because they did not achieve 18 hits.

Yovanovitch concluded that his personal weapon M1930 was too complicated to become a Military Service Pistol.  In order to interest the Yugoslav Military in his weapon, he designed a somewhat simpler weapon in 1931.  The M1931 was also a blowback (unlocked breech) operated semiautomatic pistol.  The recoil spring is located around the barrel, the trigger is of single action type and the gun is striker-fired.  The pistol featured two safeties – magazine safety (which blocks the firing when the magazine is removed) and mounted manual safety at the left side of the frame.  The heel magazine release is located at the butt of the pistol grip and is a simple catch.

The extractor on the pistol has a double function being both an extractor and the spring loaded lock for the threaded takedown breechblock at the rear of the slide.

Drawn up, the extractor head allows the breechblock to be rotated counter clockwise and then removed from the slide.  With the breechblock removed, the separate striker and striker spring can be pulled out to the rear.  Pressing the trigger releases the slide and recoil spring, allowing it to run forward off the frame.

The pistol uses a striker firing mechanism; pressure on the trigger causes the trigger bar to move to the rear and down, where it disengages from the disconnector striker’s nose and frees it to go forward under spring pressure and fire the cartridge.  There is a safety catch on the left side of the pistol that prevents the trigger from moving when engaged.

Constructor filed specification No. 494 at a Yugoslav Patent Office on July 1, 1934 and offered his M1931 pistol to the Military-Technical Committee of the Yugoslav Royal Army.  In order to provide support of the high court and military circles, Yovanovich made a single piece of the pistol and presented it to the Yugoslav King Aleksandar I Karag?orgevich.  The weapon was completely gold plated with the ivory grip panels inserted with the golden king’s Cipher (AI).  There was a Cyrillic inscription engraved on the slide: “Patent L. ?ovanovic / Model 1931.”  However, the Patent Office of Belgrade disapproved Yovanovics’ patent, and the Military-Technical Committee showed no interest in the M1931 either.  Consequently, this version has never been manufactured by the Military Technical Institute at Kragujevac and never became a Military Service weapon of the Yugoslav Army.  Yet, the failure did not discourage Yovanovich.  In the same year, that is to say 1934, he designed a toggle-locked, short recoil action weapon for higher-powered cartridges.  Having a bad experience with Widmer and Anschütz, this time he engaged another agent in a prominent Swiss Patent Agency, A. Braun Héritier Eschmann AG patent attorney firm.  A. Braun Braun Héritier Eschmann AG was established in Basel (Bâle) in 1888 by Amand Ritter, as one of the first patent agencies in Switzerland.  In 1898, Amand Braun joined the firm and managed it from 1921 until his death in 1943.  On October 15, Amand Braun provided Yovanovich’s design with Swiss Patent No. 180,095.  On the base of the patent, Yovanovich designed a toggle-delayed blowback semiautomatic pistol, and on June 1, 1934, he got the Yugoslav patent No. 10,940 for it.  Therefore, the Military-Technical Committee of the Yugoslav Royal Army found this version too complicated for practical use.

When on April 6, 1941, Germany and Italy attacked the Kingdom of Yugoslavia; Lazar Yovanovitch enlisted as Petty Officer First Class in the 1st Hydroplane Squadron, The Bay of Kotor.  Before leaving for Kotor, he left his M1930 pistol at home in Belgrade.  Regrettably, shortly after, Yovanovitch was taken prisoner by the Italians on April 17, and escorted to the POW Camp P.G. 63 Marinaro Aversa near Arezzo.  On signing the armistice with Italy, and before the Germans entered Aversa, he managed to flee from the Camp on September 13 and reached Switzerland.  He settled down in Sainte-Croix in the canton of Vaud, and continued his constructional work.  In Switzerland, he patented several target rifles and pistols.  However, in 1951 Yovanovitch moved to Canada and opened a small private arms manufacturing workshop on 71 St. Elisabeth Street, Longueuil.  There, in 1958 he manufactured one more piece of the M1931 pistol.  The weapon had standard wooden grip panels, and the left side of the slide bore an impressed inscription: “Patent L.YOVANOVITCH / MODEL 1931.”  Yovanovitch built into the pistol the old barrel taken from the Official Yugoslav Military Sidearm – 9mm Browning M1910/22 pistol.  Accordingly, genuine Belgian manufacturer markings remained on the barrel “Fabrique Nationale” (F.N.) as well as the caliber mark (Kal. 9 m/m).

For that pistol on February 27, 1959, the Chief and Director-general of Québec Provincial Police, Hilarie Beauregard issued him Firearm Permit No. 84,159. “This permit authorizes Mr. Lazar Yovanovitch to have a pistol elsewhere than in his dwelling-house or place of business for the Protection in the interest of his business – Demonstration purpose and Repairs Service – Target practice.”

In fact, the Canadian government realized the Act to amend the Criminal Code of 30 June, 1951 inadvertently banned a substantial number of ‘sporting’ rifles and shotguns, and 26 June, 1954 adopted a new Act respecting Criminal Law.  The Form 76 series of permits disappears, replaced by the Form 42- Firearm Permit.  While the Form 76 specified that a handgun can be carried “…for the protection of life or property, or for target practice,” the Form 42 now states the purpose for which the firearm is required (target shooting, self or property protection), and authorizes it to be possessed: “…Since the Code does not specify how the handgun is to be transported and because it is not expressly prohibited, the concealed carry of firearms by authorized citizens is still permitted.  It remains perfectly legal for authorized permit holders to carry their handgun concealed upon the person.”

Because of a tough financial situation, in 1960 Yovanovitch was compelled to sell his pistol, and the only M1931 pistol in USA.  It was the very piece seen by Dr. Joseph Howard Matthews on the basis of which he created a myth about the Yugoslav weapons “manufactured by the Voino Tekhnichki Zavod.”  Also, on the grips is a crudely hand-written 4-digit number (3344), which Mathews declared as a serial number.

Yovanovitch returned to Belgrade on September 7, 1974 and died soon thereafter on January 28, 1975.

The M1931 pistol remained in the USA, published by Mathews in the late 20th century and later it was sold in an auction in Switzerland and later, in 1977, in Austria (Linz).

The gold plated M1931 pistol was given to the Military Museum of Belgrade after the assassination on King Aleksandar in 1934.  Sadly, in 1944, this rare item was stolen from the Museum.  Now, the only preserved piece in Belgrade is Yovanovitch’s personal M1930 pistol owned by the author of this article.

TECHNICAL DATA:

M1930 Pistol

Designed: 1930

Designer: Lazar Yovanovitch

Manufacturer: L. Yovanovitch in Military-Technical Institute Kragujevac

Number built: 1

Type: Semiautomatic pistol

Action: Blowback

Cartridge: 9×17 mm Browning .380ACP

Total length: 8 inches (203 mm)

Barrel length: 4.25 inches (108 mm)

Rifling: six grooves with the right-hand twist of one turn in 9.4 inches (240 mm).

Land Width: .045” (1 mm)

Bore Diameter: .3504” (8.9 mm)

Groove diameter: .358” (9.1 mm)

Feed system: 8-round, detachable box magazine

Height: 4 3/5” (117 mm)

Weight unloaded: 20.8 oz (590 g)

Sights: Front blade, rear notch

M1931 Pistol

Designed: 1931

Designer: Lazar Yovanovitch

Manufacturer: L. Yovanovitch in Military-Technical Institute Kragujevac and in his own workshop in Longueuil, Canada.

Number built: 2

Type: Semiautomatic pistol

Action: Blowback

Cartridge: 9×17 mm Browning .380ACP

Total length: 7 ¼” (184 mm)

Barrel length: 4 ¼” mm (108 mm)

Rifling: six grooves with the right-hand twist of one turn in 9.4” (240 mm)

Land Width: .045” (1 mm)

Bore Diameter: .3504” (8.9 mm)

Groove diameter: .358” (9.1 mm)

Feed system: 8-round, detachable box magazine

Height: 4 5/8” (117 mm)

Weight unloaded: 19.3 oz (520 g)

Sights: Front blade, rear notch

Bushnell Tactical Introduces New Elite Tactical Scope

Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry leader in high performance sports optics for more than 60 years, has introduced a new 1-8.5x 24mm short to mid-range riflescope (SMRS). The Elite Tactical 1-8.5x 24mm riflescope is available with the BTR-2 illuminated, mil-hash reticle in a first focal plane design. The new tactical SMRS 1-8.5x 24mm scope combines close quarters precision with outstanding mid-range capability. With true one power magnification, this scope delivers instant target acquisition at close range combined with the ability to acquire targets at extended ranges by taking advantage of the versatile magnification range. The scope is built with a 34 mm tube to allow room to dial at extended ranges, and features sturdy T-Lok locking target turrets with .1 mil click values and 10 mils per revolution. The riflescope features the versatile Ignition illuminated BTR-2 reticle with 11 brightness settings (an off position between each setting) for quick adjustments in any light condition. The Ignition reticle increases overall brightness at any setting, with improved concentration of light on the illuminated portion of the reticle. The mil-hash BTR-2 reticle is designed to allow marksmen to quickly make range, holdover and windage adjustments. The reticle has a chromium backing on the muzzle side to eliminate the possibility of light emitting from the front of the scope. Bushnell Elite Tactical series scopes are built to withstand the rigors of the field, whether in military and law enforcement situations, competitions or countless rounds at the range. With fully multi-coated optics and the new anti-reflective Ultra Wide Band (UWB) coating, the scope delivers light transmission across more of the visible light spectrum than before. This feature leads to enhanced clarity, exceptional brightness and true color from dawn to dusk. Built from high-quality forged aluminum alloy, the scope features a robust 34mm one-piece tube and Argon purging. Integrated to deliver long-lasting performance and reliability, Argon provides added resistance against corrosion, reduced chances of fogging and longer seal life. The scopes are 100 percent fog proof, shock proof and waterproof. Bushnell takes all-weather performance a step further with its patented RainGuard HD lens coating. The permanent, water-resistant finish gives shooters a clear view when weather conditions present a challenge. Contact Bushnell Outdoor Products, 9200 Cody Street, Overland Park, KS 66214. Phone: (913) 752-3400. Website: www.bushnell.com.

Upgraded SureFire M300 Mini Scout Light

The M300 Mini Scout is a powerful, lightweight weapon-mounted light that quickly and securely attaches to any Mil-Spec Picatinny rail via its integral thumbscrew clamp. Powered by a single 123A lithium battery, its virtually indestructible LED generates 200 lumens of tactical level light shaped by a proprietary TIR lens into a beam with plenty of reach yet enough surround light for close-quarter work. The ergonomic M300 is activated by clicking its pushbutton tailcap switch or, for fingertip control without altering your grip on the weapon, by pressing the included pressure-activated tape switch. Built from lightweight aerospace aluminum, hard anodized with a Mil-Spec finish, and O-ring sealed to keep out the elements, the ultra-compact M300 will endure the rigors of combat without weighing down your weapon. For more information contact SureFire, 17680 Newhope Street, Suite B1, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Phone: (714) 545-9444. Fax: (714) 545-9537. On the web at www.surefire.com.

TacStar Announces New Adaptive Tactical M4 Stock For Ruger 10/22

TacStar – a Lyman Brand and a leader in the field of tactical accessories – has introduced a new synthetic stock for the popular Ruger 10/22: the first in a line of accessories created by Lyman’s partnership with Adaptive Tactical. Incorporating four innovative patents, the Adaptive Tactical 10/22 Stock’s groundbreaking design is loaded with more features than any other stock on the market and is offered in both black and camo finishes. The patented features include a removable barrel insert in the forend, which allows the stock to accommodate both standard tapered barrels and .920″ bull barrels, with no ugly gaps. In addition, a reversible Stowaway rail is concealed in the forend. Rail up; the outside surface blends with the contoured forend. Rail down; the accessory rail is exposed for mounting a bipod and/or other accessories. An adjustable M4 type butt stock provides a 4-inch adjustment in length of pull and is equipped with convenient storage compartments for two spare Ruger rotary magazines. (Magazines not included.) Finally, the stock’s comfortable pistol grip accepts an optional accessory TacTRED Monopod that can be extended from the grip. TacTRED provides a quick, stable, single point rest on any surface and ensures maximum tripod-like stability when used with a front rail-mounted bipod or front rest. TacStar’s new AdTac 10/22 Stock and TacTRED Monopod, as well as all TacStar and Lyman products and brands, are available nationally through firearms and sporting goods dealers and mail order companies. You can contact them at TacStar, Lyman Products Group, 475 Smith Street, Middletown, CT 06457. Phone: (860) 632-2020. Fax: (860) 632-1699. Website: www.tacstar.com.

SAM7K Pistol Variant Added To K-VAR Product Line

Continuing with plans to expand the SAM7K series, K-VAR added another AK pistol to its product line and is now available to customers. The SAM7K-02 enters the mix sporting a tactical hand guard with attached flashlight that allows shooting enthusiasts to easily locate the target. The hand guard (sku: KR-016B) is the original Bulgarian hand guard set that includes the latest generation design lower hand guard with flash light made from Mil-Spec black polymer. The integrated flashlight emits a very bright glow for fast target acquisition. The flashlight uses two 3-Volt lithium batteries (CR 123 ASL) and is designed for milled-receiver Krinkovs. The 7.62x39mm, semiautomatic pistol keeps the same outstanding integrity and specifications as the original SAM7K. You can reach them at K-VAR Corp., 4001 South Decatur Boulevard, #37383, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Phone: (702) 364-8880. On the web at www.k-var.com.

ATI Introduces New FX 45 Titan Lightweight

The new Super X Pump Marine Defender from Winchester Repeating Arms is ready for any weather while on the water, for home protection and competition shooting. The SXP Marine Defender features an inertia-assisted action for faster cycling of shells. Matte Hard Chrome Plating on the barrel and magazine tube offers excellent protection against the elements. A drop out trigger group allows for easy cleaning. The Super X Pump has an 18-inch barrel and uses the Invector-Plus choke system. A cylinder choke is installed, allowing the SXP to shoot anything from slugs to buck shot. The magazine holds a total of five shells and a removable TruGlo fiber-optic front sight is included. The Super X Pump is drilled and tapped for scope bases. For better handling in all weather conditions, a tactical ribbed forearm gives you more control. The Synthetic stock also features a textured gripping surface and has an Inflex Technology Recoil Pad. Suggested Retail Price is $399.99. For more information contact them at Winchester Repeating Arms, 275 Winchester Ave., Morgan, UT 84050. Phone: (801) 876-3440

Super X Pump Marine Defender From Winchester

The new Super X Pump Marine Defender from Winchester Repeating Arms is ready for any weather while on the water, for home protection and competition shooting. The SXP Marine Defender features an inertia-assisted action for faster cycling of shells. Matte Hard Chrome Plating on the barrel and magazine tube offers excellent protection against the elements. A drop out trigger group allows for easy cleaning. The Super X Pump has an 18-inch barrel and uses the Invector-Plus choke system. A cylinder choke is installed, allowing the SXP to shoot anything from slugs to buck shot. The magazine holds a total of five shells and a removable TruGlo fiber-optic front sight is included. The Super X Pump is drilled and tapped for scope bases. For better handling in all weather conditions, a tactical ribbed forearm gives you more control. The Synthetic stock also features a textured gripping surface and has an Inflex Technology Recoil Pad. Suggested Retail Price is $399.99. For more information contact them at Winchester Repeating Arms, 275 Winchester Ave., Morgan, UT 84050. Phone: (801) 876-3440.

Reed Exhibitions Out as SHOT Show Manager

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the largest trade association for the firearms industry, has announced that it has reached an agreement with Reed Exhibitions to terminate the agreement the parties had for the management of the SHOT Show. Accordingly, effective immediately, Reed Exhibitions will no longer be manager and producer of the SHOT Show.

Reed Exhibitions provided service to NSSF and the customers of the SHOT Show for more than three decades, however, the company’s decision to restrict the sale of certain types of firearms (particularly AR-15 derivatives) this year at the large Pennsylvania consumer hunting and fishing show – an event unrelated to NSSF and the SHOT Show – was in conflict with NSSF’s mission to serve the shooting sports industry. This Reed decision resulted in many industry firms cancelling their participation at the Pennsylvania expo and ultimately caused the event to be cancelled. As a result, both organizations (NSSF & Reed) decided it was in the best interest of the SHOT Show to end their relationship.

Some SHOT Show exhibitors were considering their non-participation at the 2014 SHOT Show if Reed continued on as its manager.

Reed’s decision to ban AR-15 type rifles from the Pennsylvania show was made during the time when the firearms industry was under severe stress and in danger of faltering from the attacks by members of Congress, led by Obama/Biden, who were predicting that an anti-gun “tidal wave” would sweep the firearms industry away.

The SHOT Show – the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show – is owned and sponsored by NSSF. It is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports, hunting and law enforcement industries. The 2014 SHOT Show will be held Jan. 14-17 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

New SHOT Show Management Company Chosen by NSSF

After what has been described as an extensive national search involving the trade show industry’s top management companies, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has selected ConvExx as its new SHOT Show management partner.

ConvExx replaces longtime NSSF partner Reed Exhibitions, which became uncomfortable with managing the SHOT Show due to its extensive displays of “black rifles.”

Based in Las Vegas, ConvExx is privately held and has produced more than 200 shows and events, working with more than a million exhibitors and attendees.

ConvExx produces the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, which at nearly 1 million net-square-feet and 135,000-attendees is ranked as the fourth largest trade show in America by Trade Show Executive magazine (SHOT Show is ranked 16th).

“We’re excited to have ConvExx on board as our new management partner,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “ConvExx offers a unique combination of extensive large-show and Las Vegas experience, which will serve our exhibitors and attendees well.”

“We’re thrilled to be selected to help NSSF manage the SHOT Show,” said ConvExx Chairman Chuck Schwartz. “The SHOT Show is one of the premier trade show events, and we are proud to be associated with NSSF and the shooting sports industry.”

Sturm, Ruger to Open Third Factory

Sturm, Ruger & Co. has announced that it plans to open its third manufacturing plant, a 220,000-square-foot facility in Mayodan, North Carolina.

This will be the company’s first major expansion in over 25-years. It is expected to be finalized in late-summer. The company currently employs over 2,000 people in its two plants in Newport, New Hampshire and Prescott, Arizona.

NSSF Files Suit Against Connecticut’s New Gun Law

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, has filed suit in federal court for the District of Connecticut alleging that Governor Dannel Malloy and the leadership of the Connecticut General Assembly misused the so-called “emergency certification” exception to circumvent the safeguards of the normal legislative process and in violation of Connecticut statutory law in order to pass Senate Bill 1160, a package of strict gun control regulations.

The suit further alleges that enactment of the new law violates fundamental due process rights guaranteed by both the Connecticut and United States Constitutions. NSSF is asking the court to declare the law invalid and issue an injunction prohibiting its enforcement. “A 139-page bill was assembled behind closed doors, bypassing both the public hearing and committee processes, and quickly sent to floor votes on the same day in both the House and Senate where legislators did not have adequate time to even read the bill.

“The governor then signed the package into law the next day. All of this is in violation of guarantees citizens are supposed to have under Connecticut State Statutes and protections in our State and U.S. Constitutions for which our forefathers fought,” said Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president and general counsel, NSSF.

“Our suit focuses on this abuse of process that has resulted in enacted law that does nothing to improve public safety, while resulting in adverse effects on law-abiding citizens, manufacturers, retailers and sportsmen’s organizations,” said Keane.

Non-Licensed Exports to Canada Limit Now $500

The State Department Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has revised sections 123.16 and 123.17 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to increase the dollar limit of exports of certain firearms, and firearm parts, components, accessories and attachments to Canada without a license from $100 to $500 (wholesale). This has been a F.A.I.R. Trade Group effort that has been an undertaking of several years.

These amendments implement the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, which restricts DDTC from requiring an export license:

(1) for certain firearms and firearm components for end-use by the Canadian Government when the total transaction value does not exceed $500 wholesale; and (2) for certain firearms components for end-use in Canada when the total transaction value does not exceed $500 wholesale.

FAIR has been advocating this issue on behalf of industry for quite some time. They thought they had attained victory back in 2005 when the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the appropriations legislation, but it had to continue to work with DDTC to ensure they implemented the legislation.

Following are excerpted portions from the Federal Register Notice. Please review this revision carefully, as the firearms and parts and components that qualify for the license exemption depend on the final end-user. In addition, there are several conditions that must be satisfied to use the license exemption failure to meet these requirements could subject the exporter to fines, penalties, or other enforcement action.

It is important to note that the license exemption dollar limit for all countries other than Canada remains at $100.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 123 RIN 1400¨CAD07 [Public Notice 8371]
International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Canadian Firearms Components Exemption

AGENCY: Department of State.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: The Department of State is amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to implement a statutory provision regarding the exemption from licensing for export to Canada of firearms components not exceeding $500 in value.

DATES: This rule is effective July 8, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Sarah J. Heidema, Acting Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, Department of State, telephone (202) 663-2792, email DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov ATTN: Part 123, Canadian Firearms Components Exemption.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of State is amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to implement section 520 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act 2012 (Pub. L. 112¨C55), which applies to fiscal year 2012 appropriations, as carried forward for fiscal year 2013 by the Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act 2013 (Pub. L. 113-6). The Department has the authority to regulate the export control program pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, 22 U.S.C. 2778. Pursuant to section 520, the Department cannot require a license for the export of certain firearms and firearms components for end-use by the Canadian government with a total transaction value not exceeding $500 wholesale, and cannot require a license for the export of certain firearms components for end-use in Canada with a total transaction value not exceeding $500 wholesale. ITAR 123.17 is revised accordingly. In addition, ITAR 123.16(b)(6) is amended to remove the words “for personal use,” as the firearms exemption at ITAR 123.17 includes use of the exemption for an end-use other than personal use. This rule implements a statutory mandate, and concerns a foreign affairs function of the United States. Therefore, the Department is publishing this as a final rule, and is not soliciting comments.

Text of New Rule on Exempt Canadian Exports

3. Section 123.17 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
123.17 Exports of firearms, ammunition, and personal protective gear.

(a) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license of:

•(1) Parts and components for USML Category I(a) firearms, except barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames), or complete breech mechanisms, when the total value does not exceed $100 wholesale in any transaction, except to any of the countries or entities as provided in 126.1 of this subchapter;

•(2) Parts, components, accessories, or attachments for USML Category I firearms, except barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames), complete breech mechanisms, or fully automatic firearms and parts and components for such firearms, when:

i. The total value does not exceed $500 wholesale in any transaction;

ii. The export is to Canada for endues in Canada or return to the United States, or temporary import into the United States of Canadian-origin items and return to Canada for a Canadian citizen; and

iii. The exporter makes a declaration via the Automated Export System, pursuant to 123.22(a) of this subchapter, and the exporter is eligible to export under this exemption or

•(3) Parts, components, accessories, or attachments for USML Category I firearms, including fully automatic firearms and parts and components for such firearms, when:

i. The total value does not exceed $500 wholesale in any transaction; pursuant to 120.1(c) of this subchapter; or

ii. The export is to Canada for endues by the Canadian Federal Government, a Canadian Provincial Government, or a Canadian Municipal Government; and

iii. The exporter makes a declaration via the Automated Export System, pursuant to 123.22(a) of this subchapter, and the exporter is eligible to export under this exemption, pursuant to 120.1(c) of this subchapter.

ATF Head Confirms Straw Buyers Rarely Prosecuted

President Obama’s choice to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives told a Senate panel last month that, the arrest of “straw buyers” was a top Justice Department priority but the department rarely prosecutes cases “due to limited resources.”

The testimony from U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones came during a rancorous confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Republicans – led by Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa – questioned Jones’ credentials, his leadership of the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota, and his role and involvement in the Fast and Furious gunrunning probe that let more than 2,000 weapons be “walked” across the U.S.-Mexico border to drug smugglers.

Jones acknowledged in questioning by Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, that of 48,321 cases involving straw buyers, the Justice Dept. prosecuted only 44 of them – saying that “hard decisions” to prosecute were made based on “limited resources.” He also acknowledged that as the U.S. attorney in Minnesota, he never prosecuted anyone accused of being a straw buyer.

“The data demonstrates that it is not a priority for the Obama administration to prosecute those who illegally try to buy firearms,” Cruz said.

Jones took over as acting director after the Fast and Furious operation was made public, although Grassley noted that he served as chairman of the advisory committee to Attorney General Eric Holder from 2009 through 2011, when the operation was in effect.

Jones has now been confirmed as director of ATF. Grassley had asked that the hearing be postponed, saying Jones was the focus of an open investigation by the Office of Special Counsel on his conduct as U.S. attorney in Minnesota.

“When there is a pending investigation, the committee obviously doesn’t have the full information about the nominee,” he said. “In this case, there are allegations of gross mismanagement and abuses of authority in Mr. Jones’ office. And there is a complaint that Mr. Jones retaliated against a whistleblower. These are serious charges, and ones that are of particular concern to me.”

On April 12, Grassley said the OSC reported two pending matters involving the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota – a prohibited personnel practice complaint and a whistleblower disclosure alleging gross mismanagement and abuses of authority. A month later, he said the OSC gave the committee an update, saying the whistleblower disclosure case had been closed but the prohibited personnel practice complaint was moving to mediation.

Grassley said employees within the U.S. attorneys’ office had written anonymously to the OSC asking for “a review of the patterns, practices, treatment, and abuse that [they] have suffered.” He said they claimed Jones “had instituted a climate of fear, had pushed employees out of the office, dismissed employees wrongly, violated the hiring practices of the EEOC, and put in place an Orwellian style of management that continues to polarize the office.”

Separately, he said, Donald Oswald, former special agent-in-charge of the FBI’s Minnesota division, wrote to the committee to voice his concerns about Jones.

Magpul Joins Suit Against Colorado’s New Law

Magpul Industries has joined 54 Colorado county sheriffs in filing a federal lawsuit against the state’s recently signed gun-control bills.

But even if the lawsuit is successful, the Erie-based firearm magazine marketer is still planning to leave Colorado. “Just to clarify, we are still moving, regardless of the outcome of this legal action,” said a post on the company’s web page. “That train has left the station, and we are well into the selection and negotiation process as well as arranging many elements to be prepared to launch and already moving some production out of state.”

The lawsuit challenges two bills signed in March by Dem. Gov. John Hickenlooper: House Bill 1224, which restricts ammunition-magazine capacity to 15 rounds, and House Bill 1229, which requires background checks on all gun sales and transfers – including temporary transfers. “This isn’t good public policy. These are really awful bills,” said Weld County Sheriff John Cooke at a press conference. “They are unenforceable and encourage disrespect for the law, which puts both law enforcement and the public in greater danger.”

The Democratic state legislature approved the bills, along with a third bill requiring gun owners to pay for their own background checks, with no Republican votes.

Another manufacturer, HiViz Shooting Systems, has announced that it would move from Fort Collins to Laramie, Wyo.

NYC Taxpayers Help Sponsor Bloomberg’s Gun Control Group

The webpage of Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) appears to have been purchased and hosted by City of New York, the Weekly Standard reports.

The group was co-founded by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston mayor Thomas Menino to “share best practices, develop innovative policies, and support legislation at the national, state, and local levels that will help law enforcement target illegal guns Mayor Bloomberg’s press secretary, Marc La Vorgna, confirmed the City of New York’s involvement with the domain’s purchase and hosting, to the Standard.

When asked whether the purchase and subsequent hosting of the domain by New York City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications was accidental or intentional, La Vorgna replied that the purchase had “definitely been vetted.”

La Vorgna continued, saying that, “Mayor Bloomberg’s push for changes to federal firearms law was part of the New York City agenda” and compared it to other efforts Bloomberg, as mayor, has undertaken – like the effort he and other mayors are involved in to limit the use of food stamps in purchasing sugary drinks.

The Mayors Against Illegal Guns website, according to La Vorgna, like other Bloomberg efforts to lobby the federal government, was done as part of “his capacity as mayor.”

Maggie Haberman and Steve Friess of Politico add, “At minimum, the use of a city web server and city employees underscore what critics have long derided as a blurring of the lines between government resources and Bloomberg’s own multi-billion-dollar fortune, his company, and his pet interests in his three terms as mayor.”

It is unclear why Bloomberg, who has a net worth of $27 billion and has given millions of dollars in donations to Mayors Against Illegal Guns Action Fund, would involve the City of New York in purchasing and hosting the webpage for Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

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.

The SKS carbine or Samozariadnyia Karabina Simonova was the first Soviet series production weapon chambered for an intermediate-range cartridge. The SKS carbine was conceived during World War II to supplement the semiautomatic SVT 38 and SVT 40 (Samozaryadnaya Vintovka Tokareva) and 7.62x54mm bolt action Mosin Nagant battle rifles. The 7.62x39mm round would eventually replace the powerful long range 7.62x54R rifles and short range 7.62x25mm cartridge used in Soviet submachine guns.

The SKS is a gas operated, semiautomatic-only carbine that has a fixed 10-round magazine that is designed to be loaded through the top of the receiver using stripper clips. The Soviet SKS weighs approximately 8.8-pounds with an overall length of 40.16 inches, which is somewhat heavy and long for its midrange round. The rear sight is calibrated for a range of 100 to 1,000 meters, with a 300 meter battle sight position. The action’s locking mechanism is a tilting-bolt design.

Although well made and reliable, the SKS design was dated at the time of its post-war introduction, which was at the dawn of the select-fire, detachable magazine assault rifle. Work was already well underway on Kalashnikov’s AK-47 design around the same time period that the SKS was being placed in large scale production during 1949. Despite large numbers of SKS carbines being manufactured, its front line service in the Soviet Union was brief.

The SKS was distributed and manufactured in a number of Communist satellite nations, and was in front line service for a longer period of time in many of those countries. U.S. Forces encountered the SKS during the Vietnam War were it was fielded by Viet Cong guerilla fighters and the North Vietnamese Army.

In addition to the Soviet Union, the SKS was manufactured in Albania, China, East Germany, North Korea, Romania, Vietnam and Yugoslavia. Although the non-Soviet SKS carbines were the same basic design, there were small detail differences on the weapons manufactured in the aforementioned nations. Once shunned by collectors, many of the SKS variants that were once cheap and plentiful have become difficult to find and have gone up in value as interest in collecting them has increased.

Soviet Production

The Soviet SKS carbines were manufactured at the Tula Arsenal from 1949 until 1956 and at the Izhevsk plant from 1953 to 1954. The Tula manufactured SKS carbines can be identified by an arrow inside of a star marking and date of manufacture on top of the receiver cover. The markings vary slightly in small details. Some of the early 1949 Tula markings were rather crudely done. The Tula markings were changed during 1955-1956 to a small star on the left side of the receiver. The Izhevsk plant’s SKS two year production run was short compared to the Tula Arsenal, making the Izhevsk carbines less common. The Izhevsk SKS carbines are identified by an arrow in a triangle inside of a circle symbol along with a date of manufacture, which like the Tula markings, can vary slightly in small details. Most original stocks were made of birch, except for very late Tula production which were laminated.

When first imported to the U.S. during the 1990s, the Soviet SKS carbines sold for as little as $99. Most had undergone an arsenal rebuild and appeared in like-new condition. A few features that may appear on refurbished rifles are Soviet rebuild markings that include a box symbol with a line inside or a diamond icon on the top cover or buttstock, blued bayonet and bolt, black painted parts, XXXed out or mismatched serial numbers, or a laminated replacement stock. There were a few Soviet SKS carbines imported that had not undergone the rebuild process; these rifles are highly desired by collectors. Some Soviet SKS carbines have additional “new” receiver serial numbers that were added by the importer. This came about as a result of an ATF directive claiming that original serial numbers having Cyrillic or non-Roman characters were not being properly recorded by FFL dealers transferring the carbines making them difficult to trace by the ATF.

Albanian Production

During the Cold War period the Soviets began to supply military aid to Albania. The Soviet military supply line ended when Albania cut its ties with Russia in 1961 and in 1968 Albania withdrew from the Warsaw Pact. Communist China also assisted Albania with military hardware, which included Chinese Type 56 SKS rifles, and Type 56 milled receiver AK rifles. After Albania broke ties with the Soviet Union, and left the Warsaw Pact, the country continued its relationship with China.

China provided technical assistance and parts to Albania in order to help them establish their own weapons production, which began with the SKS rifle, at the Uzina e Municioneve Gramsh state-owned factory in central Albania. Series production of the Albanian SKS known as the Pushkë Gjysmë Automatiku Shqiptar tipi 56 (Albanian Semi-Automatic Rifle, Model/Type 56) began in 1962, with the Type 56 designation originating with the original Chinese SKS. Also in 1962, the manufacture of M43, 7.62x39mm ammunition was established at the state owned M Poliçan factory.

The Albanian SKS differs slightly from its Soviet made counterpart by having a long three vent handguard that extends out to the gas block. The buttstock has two separate compartments for maintenance items and a sling swivel on the left side. The 10 round magazine has a slightly different shape than other SKS carbines. The underfolding bayonet is a spike style and black in color. The most obvious difference from other SKS carbines is its hook-type cocking handle. Albanian serial numbers are located on the left side of the receiver and on most major components. The serial numbers generally have three to six numbers followed by a dash and a two digit year of manufacture. The 300 meter battle sight position is marked with a letter D. Large numbers of the Albanian SKS carbines and stores of 7.62x39mm ammunition were destroyed by the United Nations disarming initiative after the Balkan wars. Several NATO countries, including the United States and Great Britain, supplied funding for the destruction project. Only a limited number of Albanian SKS rifles were imported during 2002, the average price was $229.

Chinese Production The Type 56

Chinese production of the Type 56 (SKS) carbine was undertaken during 1956 by a large number of arsenals, and remained in production longer than any other country. In addition to military carbines, China made a large number of their commercial Type 56 carbines for export, primarily for the U.S. civilian market. Chinese SKS carbines were first imported during the 1980s.

Military production of Type 56 carbines can be identified by an arsenal symbol on the left side of the receiver. One of the most common is a number 26 inside of a triangle, the logo of the Jianshe Arsenal. There were a number of different factory codes used by China. The Chinese characters located near the factory code represents “56 Type.” Most Type 56 carbine serial numbers are numeric except for very early production that was assisted by Soviet technicians; these serial numbers were preceded by a letter. Rear sight battle sight positions markings vary from a Cyrillic letter P (P) used on early manufacture, a letter D, Roman numeral III or a number 3.

Due to the large number of factories involved in production there are many small detail differences in Chinese production of their SKS carbines. During early manufacture at the arsenals many milled parts were used, as production continued into the mid 1960s, stamped parts began to replace labor intensive machined ones. One of the first components to be fabricated from sheet metal was the trigger group; eventually some receivers were made of sheet metal. Another cost saving initiative was to pin the barrels to the receivers instead of having to thread the barrel and receiver. Milled lightening cuts in the bolt carriers and other parts were eliminated to save machining. Two types of folding bayonets were used during production in China; the spike style and a blade type.

The Chinese Type 56 SKS carbines are the most common of the genre in the U.S. Some are surplus Chinese military, but most are commercial variants made for the U.S. market. At one time the Chinese SKS carbines were very inexpensive, advertised as low as $79.

East Germany Karabiner-S

The East German version of the SKS is the Karabiner-S. Some of the unique features include a slot in the buttstock for attaching a sling, lack of a trap door in the buttstock for a cleaning kit and there is no cleaning rod, which is normally stored under the barrel on other SKS carbines. The factory markings are located on the left side of the receiver, the first two numbers preceding the serial numbers indicate the year of manufacture. Rear sights are marked with the letters SV. Stocks were made of laminated wood. There are also East German issued Soviet manufactured SKS carbines; these can be identified by a triangle with a number 1 inside it, marked on the receiver near the serial number. East German SKS carbines are somewhat rare. There may be other variants and features, but because of the rarity of the weapons very few are available for study. Many of the East German SKS carbines were destroyed after the reunification of Germany. Most of the East German SKS carbines in the U.S. were war trophies brought back from Vietnam.

North Korea Type 63

The North Korean SKS, designated as the Type 63, is similar to the Soviet configuration. The North Korean star in a circle logo and 63 and a Hangul character representing “Type” are stamped on the receiver’s top cover. The battle sight position on the rear sight leaf is a Hangul character that translates to “height.” Stocks are made of laminated birch with two small reinforcing pins in the wrist area and two pins in the foregrip area. The underfolding bayonet is a blade type. The North Koreans fielded a grenade launching model with a launching sight attached to the left side of the receiver, a gas cut-off valve on the gas block and a detachable clamp-on launching tube. The grenade launcher appears to be a compilation of the U.S. designed M8 and M1 launchers. There may be other variants and features, but because of the rarity of the Type 63 carbines very few have been available for an in-depth study. North Korean carbines were never imported to the U.S. Those that are in the U.S. are most likely Vietnam War trophies.

Romania M56

The Romanian SKS designated as the Model 56 was manufactured in Romania from 1956 to 1962. The serial numbers begin with two letters followed by sequence numbers, followed by the year of manufacture. The M56 carbines were produced in the Uzina Mecanica Cugir plant in Transylvania. The Cugir factory’s arsenal mark is similar to the Izhevsk Arsenal of Russia, a triangle with a vertical pointing arrow inside but without fletching. The 300-meter battle sight position on Romanian SKS rifles is marked with a letter I. The bayonet is the blade type with dull chrome plating. The major parts are marked with the full serial number but the bolt, bolt carrier, receiver and barrel are marked with a similar one to three digit number. The stock is beech wood with a sling swivel located on the bottom. A number of M56 carbines have been imported into the U.S. In 2002, Romanian SKS carbines were offered for $150.

North Vietnam

The Vietnam SKS carbines are marked with a small star with a 1 inside of it, located on the left side of the receiver. The battle position on the rear sight leaf is marked with a Cyrillic letter P. Documented serial numbers are all in the 620,000 to 650,000 range. One of the rarest SKS variants, those in the U.S. are trophies that were brought back from the Vietnam War as none were ever imported.

Yugoslavia M59, M59/66

The Yugoslavian SKS is the Model 59. First manufactured in 1959, the M59 has a few minor differences from the Russian SKS. One is the radius on the front of the gas tube and the stock is made of beech wood. There are matching serial numbers on most of the parts. The battle sight position on the rear sight leaf is marked with a letter I.

The M59 was modified in 1966 to the Model 59/66 that has a permanently attached NATO spec 22mm diameter grenade launcher, gas cut off valve and flip up grenade sight. The attachment of the launcher tube to the barrel added 3.74 inches (95mm) to the weapon’s overall length. There are several variations of the grenade launcher tube configuration. Later tritium and/or phosphorus night sights were added and this variation is often referred to as the 59/66A1. The Yugoslavian SKS variants do not have chrome-lined barrels and chambers because the technology to apply it wasn’t available in that country during production. Manufacture of the 59/66 started in 1966 and lasted until 1970. A large number of the Yugo 59/66 rifles have been imported, many in new or like new condition. During 2003 the Yugo SKS carbines were advertised for as low as $89.

Like every accessory in the never-ending line up, technology as well as clever ingenuity leads to some much better options. Perhaps the finest of the breed was developed by Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing out of North Royalton, Ohio with their Manta rail guards.

Manta rails are truly in a class of their own as several things separate these guards from the norm. First is the fact that stainless steel clips are molded into the advanced “Polyunobtanium” material used to manufacture the Manta rail. Unlike traditional rubber rail guards, which will eventually stretch and become loose, the Manta rail guard has flexible molded rail sections that can be pinched to the desired tension or cut to the desired length. Another incredible feature is the Micro Pocket inside the top of the panel, which allows a pressure pad of any size to be slipped into the pocket protecting your switch from heat and external hazards. The Micro Pocket panel also allows for simple removal and installation of your switch. Manta has the answer whether a switch is to be mounted on a hand guard or on a vertical grip. They offer two different diameter sleeves that slide over a vertical pistol grip or the larger vertical grips such as the Grip Pod. The larger vertical grip sleeve can also be mounted over your rear pistol grip to give you an enhanced tactile feel. Molded channels in the very low profile cross clip model enable cords to be placed under and through the rail guard to protect the cord from damage or getting hooked on anything. The 2.75 inch pocket panel also allows an operator to use it as rail guard even if they are not utilizing the micro pocket for a switch. Also offered is a .25 inch Wire Clip to hold a wire in place and .5 inch Cross Clip that allows you to route wire in a multitude of directions or take up any extra length of cord making zip ties a thing of the past.

Manta has a diverse line of rail guards and wire management panels. Depending on your pressure pad and whether you would like it on your rail or your vertical grip, there is a micro pocket push button panel or a standard 2.75 inch micro pocket panel. The micro pocket panels also interface nicely with optional end caps to finish off the look of the switch helping to affix the switch system tighter to the rails and will also prevent dirt from entering the pocket. Vertical Grip Sleeves in 1-inch diameter for standard pegs and the 1.25-inch diameter for larger grips such as the Grip Pod or even your rear pistol grip. Standard Very Low Profile rail guard panels and Very Low Profile Cross Clip panels are offered in 6-inch sections and can be cut to length for a custom fit. Rounding out their wire management products are the Manta Wire Clip and Manta Cross Clip to create a clean rail free from exposed wire that can easily get snagged.

The tactile material is easy to grip even under the harshest condition. It has been tested in extreme cold and more importantly in intense heat. This stuff does not melt. A blowtorch and cigarette lighter were taken to the panel for nearly a minute. Some discoloring and some ash were noticed. The ash was brushed off. Noticeable discoloration and a minute loss of material but no hole and the panel was still 100% functional. In fact, due to the heat resistance of this material, Manta increased the heat resisting properties of their materials and offer what they call the MSS or Manta Suppressor Sleeve. Many operators when they fire their suppressed weapons end up dropping the weapon and transitioning to the hand gun. The rifle hangs just at the point where the suppressor contacts the expensive tactical pants and burns a hole in them. So these covers insulate the suppressor from burning holes in pants (or the shooter). This MSS is so effective that a non-vented area is indexed at the 12 o’clock position to severely diminish the haze and mirage caused by the heat. Even more fascinating as it hides the thermal heat signature of the muzzle. Thermal imaging proves this and it certainly offers an advantage. There is no burning smell from the material.

The Manta rails durability was noticed by the U.S. Marine Corps and is standard issue on their M27 IAR or Infantry Automatic Rifle. This means Manta has a CAGE Code, which is 65M28, as well as National Stock Numbers in Black and Tan for the 1 inch vertical grip sleeves, 6 inch Very Low Profile Cross Clip Panels, 2.75 inch Micro Panel Pocket Panels and the Cross Clips. You will also find Manta products being utilized by military units around the world and even standard issue is some locations. For more information contact: Advanced Innovation and Manufacturing, Inc., 9940 York Alpha Drive, North Royalton, OH 44133. Phone: (440) 237-2460. Fax: (440) 237-2561. Website: www.mantarails.com. E-mail: sales@mantarails.com.

The Disintegrating Metallic Belt Links

During the Second World War, more than 9 billion metallic links were produced by U.S. companies to feed the various .50 cal. Browning machine guns used by U.S. Armed Forces on ground, on sea and in the air.

Two official U.S. documents represent the major sources of information for this study, namely the report published in 1945 by the Chief of Ordnance, Machine Guns – Development and production of metallic belt link and fabric ammunition belt and the minutes of the Metallic Belt Link Industry Integration Committee compiled up to September 1944.

In 1940, the different models of .50 cal. Browning machine guns used on ground, air and sea are fed with the disintegrating metallic link M1. It is a direct scaled up version of the .30 cal. disintegrating link that was designed at the end of the First World War to feed the Marlin aircraft machine guns.

These .50 cal. Links, M1, of standard issue in the U.S. Army were manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal and are protected against corrosion by an electro-plated zinc coating exhibiting a typical light grey appearance. These links produced before 1940 for the U.S. Army are devoid of markings. Specimens bearing the Colt logo are commercial export production; it remains unknown to the author whether these links were produced “in house” by Colt or were subcontracted.

The development of a new link to replace the M1 finds its origin by a requirement of the Chief of Air Corps hereafter excerpted from his memorandum addressed to the Chief of Ordnance on April 24 1940. “In recent developments on remote control mounts and power-driven mounts for aircraft machine guns, it has been found necessary to place the entire ammunition load for a given gun mission in one belt and in one ammunition container. In order to do this in the restricted space involved with some mounts, such as tail guns and engine nacelles, considerable flexibility in the metallic link belt is necessary. The present standard link belt does not give sufficient flexibility to afford utilizing space in the most efficient manner. It is therefore requested that immediate steps be taken to materially increase flexibility in both torsional direction and in the plane of the belt. This matter should be expedited as much as practicable as it vitally affects the machine gun mounts now being given a high priority of development in the Air Corps.”

As a result of the above memorandum, a new metallic link was adopted as standard in February 1941, which almost doubled the flexibility compared to that of the previous type M1. This was accomplished by the redesign of the sides of the center loop, which are tapered; the center loop is also slightly larger in diameter than standard and the connecting ears are more rounded.

A new rust-proofing coating made of iron phosphate saturated with oil was adopted as standard for all M2 links. As the minutes of the Belt Links Committee indicate, this change in rust-proofing coating was made to eliminate the difficulties arising from the electrolytic corrosion resulting from the contact of the zinc plating with the brass cartridge case.

During peacetime in the interwar period, Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) had the exclusive responsibility of the design and production of the metallic links for U.S. Ordnance. During the sole 1940 year, Rock Island Arsenal produced 14.876 million .50 cal. M1 links, most of which was delivered to the Air Force. During 1940, several U.S. companies were asked by the British Government for the production of metallic links and therefore began building new production capabilities.

As soon as mid-1940, bearing in mind the possibility that the United States could enter the war, U.S. Ordnance anticipated a considerable increase of requirements for metallic links, essentially for Air Force use, and therefore prepared for procurements from private companies. In June 1940, the Fort Pitt Bedding Co. of Pittsburg is the first private company to be notified of a contract by U.S. Ordnance for production of .50 metallic links. During 1941, another three private companies began delivery of .50 metallic links to U.S. Ordnance namely: the Barnard Aviation Co. (which later became the General Aviation Co.) in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the Firestone Steel Products Co. in Fall River, Massachusetts and the National Stamping Co. in Detroit, Michigan.

In December 1941, following the entry of the United States in the War, the mobilization program scheduled a need for 3 billion .50 cal. links for 1942 and 5 billion for 1943. In order to fulfill those considerable requirements, six new private companies began production in 1942 followed by 12 others in 1943.

The salvaging of .50 M2 links was proposed and tried in early 1943 when the supply of links was acute, but because of the unknown factors in the previous history of the links necessitating a 100% inspection, and the cost involved in refinishing and packing, the project was abandoned. At that time, the suggestion for making Grade A and Grade B was also offered, but was not given serious consideration because of the number of complications it would have introduced in the supply program.

It was in September and October 1943 that the maximal full production output of all 22 factories involved in the production of .50 metallic links was reached. At that period, the cumulative monthly rate of all 22 factories reached 522 million links.

The coordinated production of the 22 factories, the organization of raw material deliveries, the development and procurement of machine tools, the harmonization of standards and quality control, all these key requirements have been possible through the Metallic Belt Link Industry Integration Committee. This committee, composed of representatives of U.S. Ordnance and the various manufacturers and sub-contractors, was created in July 1941.

In October 1943, according to the amount of links already in stocks and the actual consumption rate by combat units, the expected production requirement for 1944 was reduced down to a total yearly production of 2 billion only. This reduction in the production requirements drove early 1944 to the complete termination of production for 13 out of the 22 factories and a large reduction of monthly production rate for the remaining 9 factories. Mid-1945, after the close of the hostilities in Europe, 4 more factories stopped production. In August 1945 with the Victory over Japan, only 5 factories were still in activity. From January 1941 to August 1945, a total of more than 9.4 billion .50 cal. Browning links had been produced.

M2 links bear the manufacturer marking associated with a number or a letter, which indicates the machine tool used in order to precisely locate the faulty machine in case of non-standard production.

Experimental Links

The further development of experimental links is described in much detail in the Record of Army Ordnance Research and Development published in 1946 from which the following information is excerpted from.

Although the M2 link was officially adopted as standard on 20 February 1941, and was considered acceptable by the Army Air Force, the link development program was continued in order to keep abreast of the rapid development of combat planes by producing a still stronger and more flexible link.

The development was conducted along three general lines. The first deals with the modification of the M2 link and development of other one-piece designs in an attempt to minimize the modifications in existing manufacturing processes. The second approach deals with the development of a two-piece link in which the connecting loop was joined to the bridge of the body loop by a swivel joint, which accomplished greater strain flexibility than is practicable with a one-piece design without sacrifice of the required strength. Finally the third approach was the investigation of the feasibility of employing materials other than steel to determine whether the advantage of reduced weight and increased resistance to corrosion could be obtained whiteout sacrifice of strength and other characteristics of the steel links.

A considerable amount of study was given to the improvement of the M2 link that resulted in at least 28 experimental models that retained the essential characteristics of the standard link with simple modifications. The final result of the study on one-piece links was the development of the T43 design with increased resistance of the center loop obtained both with the addition of a tab at the end of the center loop to prevent it from opening up under load and also with the addition of stiffening ribs. This test model was the precursor of the model later adopted as M9, which is still nowadays the standard link for modern Browning weapons.

The third approach based on the use of non-steel materials involved both plastic and aluminum links. Experiments with plastic links that might generate a saving in weight of 60% or more and an entire freedom from corrosion had been conducted over a period of more than 4 years and were still in progress after the close of the Second World War. Several different companies dealing with plastic materials patented various plastic links designs. Among the plastic materials investigated, the most promising was determined to be DuPont FM-1 Nylon as used for the T37 series of links. The major drawback of plastic links at the time was the impossibility to find plastic materials that would stand the extreme climatic conditions specified (both low and high temperatures).

Aluminum was also considered in an attempt to reduce weight and improve resistance to corrosion. However, the lower mechanical properties compared to steel would require an increase in thickness of stock that would nullify any saving in weight. No surviving specimen of WW2 aluminum links has been observed so far by the author.

Packing of Links

During the early 1930s, the first M1 links were packed by 6 pieces in a chipboard carton according to the design of the manual linker type L-56 for which six cartridges are simultaneously inserted into links.

In 1935, the Link Loading Machine Cal. .50 M2 was adopted as standard. This linker enabled the simultaneous introduction of 10 cartridges into links. Therefore, a new 10-link chipboard carton was adopted also. These 10-link cartons bear printed on the chipboard the designation of the content as well the manufacturer (either in abridged or in full text); the cartons are undated.

As of 1942, the approved packing for .50 M2 links was 1,000 pieces in 10-link chipboard cartons. The 100 individual cartons are wrapped in two sheets of waterproof paper, and then packed in an exterior container made of either a fiberboard box or a wirebound wood box. An exterior container made of a nailed wood box was also approved at that time but not used by link manufacturers.

By end of 1942, the use of the two waterproof sheets was abandoned in favor of a unit waterproof envelope. The packing used at this time was not an overseas pack because 90% of the links were being used in this country to make up ammunition belts. In May 1943, after some experience in the handling, storing and reshipping of the links packed in fiberboard boxes, the use of this box was discontinued because of its poor stacking properties and low wet handling strength. Therefore for the last half of 1943 and first half of 1944, all the facilities were using wirebound boxes.

At a production rate approaching one half billion links per month during the last quarter of 1943, this meant that approximately one half-million wirebound boxes were needed monthly. Because of the critical supply of veneer and lumber at this time, and in view of the many other demands for the wirebound box industry, the shortage of wirebound boxes loomed large. A reuse program was set up whereby wirebound boxes were returned from the ammunition belt assembly plants to the link manufacturers.

In March 1944, the Navy Bureau of Ordnance requested that all links to be consigned to the Navy be packed in an approved overseas interior pack and a nailed wood exterior box. At this same time, the method of packing links for domestic shipping was also improved in anticipation of long term storage. A higher quality waterproof envelope was used and openings were properly sealed with waterproof adhesive.

The packing for the Navy consisted of 10 links per chipboard carton, 50 cartons per intermediate fiberboard carton that was then wrapped in a greaseproof paper and dipped in wax; then two of these intermediate packages were packed in an exterior nailed wooden box. This form of packing was both moisture and vapor proof and was designed to withstand the extreme conditions encountered in amphibious landings. From the middle of 1944 on, the total production of three facilities (Fort Pitt Bedding Co., Acme-Lees Division and Grand Rapids Hardware Co.) was packed this way for the Navy.

Fabric Belts

The earliest water-cooled M1921 Browning machine guns for ground use were fed with 100-round fabric belts. The belts are devoid of starter tang and are accommodated in a wood chest that can be fastened to the weapon mount. The design of the fabric is based on the contemporary .30 Browning fabric belts. With the adoption of the M2 Browning machine guns by U.S. Forces in the 1930s, metallic links became standard and fabric belts remained only offered for export.

At the end 1942, while several private contractors were tooling up for the mass production of M2 metallic links, the Metallic Belt Link Industry Integration Committee anticipated that the production objectives of metallic links M2 for 1943 could probably not be met according to delays in the procurement of certain machine tools and shortage of steel sheets. The Bureau of U.S. Ordnance then initiated a study in order to replace metallic links by fabric belts for all uses other than for the Air Force, which required exclusively metallic links. Experiments were very quickly conducted on the basis of a 100-round fabric belt manufactured by Russell Manufacturing Co. and already exported to Great Britain. This export 100-round fabric belt bears at both ends six fabric pockets stitched closed in order to play the role of starter tangs.

On 8 January 1943, a 100-round fabric belt was adopted as standard under the designation M7. This belt is completely made of fabric and is fitted at both ends with fabric connecting loops. These connecting loops, patented by The Russell Manufacturing Co. with U.S. Patent number 2,422,898, enable to assemble two fabric belts together. This feature fulfilled the specific requirement of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Board that needed a 200-round belt assembly to be fitted into the large Chest, Ammunition, Caliber .50, M2.

The disposable box M2 with a nominal capacity of 105 rounds mounted on metallic links proved capable of accommodating without difficulty a fabric belt with up to 110 rounds. Accordingly, during the first months of 1943, the capacity of the M7 belt was increased from 100 to 110 rounds, while keeping the M7 designation unchanged. In September 1943, all metallic link factories reached nominal production rate therefore enabling to fulfill all requirements for air, ground and maritime uses. The M7 fabric belt was then reclassified as “Limited Standard” and the metallic links M2 became of standard issue for all U.S. .50 Browning weapons.

Unlike what is sometimes written, fabric belts were not reserved for training purposes only in the continental United States. Ammunition belted on M7 fabric belts were definitively used during combat in Europe. These fabric ammunition belts are sometimes seen in period photographs and are sometimes recovered still nowadays in combat areas of North-East of France on the border with Belgium (Battle of the Bulge) and with Germany (Battle of Alsace). No surviving specimen of the early 1943 M7 belt with the original capacity of 100 rounds has been observed so far by the author.

Most M7 belts were made out of green fabric and only a small quantity were manufactured out of white fabric. The belt pockets are numbered in black ink every 25 rounds with numbers ranging from 25 to 100, while the first pocket is numbered “1” and the last “110.” The belts also bear in black ink the designation of the manufacturer, the month and year of production and the reference to the U.S. patent No. 2,061,072 granted to The Russell Manufacturing Co. in 1936 corresponding to the fabric weave.

Production of 110-round M7 fabric belts was shared among 7 factories, which on the other hand were also involved in the production of .30 Browning fabric belts. From April to September 1943, a total of more than 8.6 million M7 belts were produced, which means that these fabric belts are by any means not scarce. It seems that only a small proportion of these millions belts was actually loaded with ammunition and nowadays the vast majority of the M7 found are still in new unissued condition, sometimes still rolled and fastened with a small piece of string, as out of the belt weaving factories. Sometimes the M7 fabric belts were recycled as trousers’ belt or sewn as reinforcement ribbons in sleeping bags.

(Look for Part 2 in the next issue of Small Arms Review that will be devoted to the .50 cal. belt boxes and belt assembling machines.)

GUN TRUSTS, CORPORATIONS, CLEO SIGNATURE
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

As you are undoubtedly aware, the White House has launched yet another assault on firearms owners in general; and now the NFA community in particular. Many are livid over the fact that it appears as though NFATCA caused or asked for the changes discussed in the Executive Action presented by Vice President Joe Biden in a draft Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM). The NFATCA shares the anger and venom of the firearms community in response to these proposed actions and rule-making efforts. Be clear: We did not ask for what the White House is trying to deliver, nor did we instigate these actions. Let’s take a look at how we got to this point.

The NFATCA began in the Bush administration and enjoyed the benefit of working with an ATF that was willing to engage in constructive dialogue. We understand and appreciate that many of you believe that ATF, the NFA and the rest of firearms regulation should be abolished and that “negotiating with the enemy” is abhorrent and traitorous. Advocating for the repeal of the NFA is a noble goal, but not something that most of this community have shown a willingness to fund. The NFATCA adopted the approach that we would seek to work with ATF on goals that we could achieve and engage ATF as willing and productive partners. That cooperative environment actually worked for many years, until our current President was elected and subsequently re-elected. Our cooperative resources within ATF still existed, but they became increasingly reluctant to engage in productive activity with us. We had action items in play with an ATF that was becoming more and more distant.

The NFATCA began its efforts to eliminate the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) signature requirement on several NFA forms almost nine years ago. In 2009, ATF was reluctant to engage in a dialogue to address this issue and others that were considered to be important to the NFA and firearms communities. Although we had previously engaged in a productive and collaborative work environment, ATF’s hesitance forced us to retain counsel to file a formal petition to attempt to achieve meaningful discourse.

Once the petition was formally delivered, ATF began working with us on advancing the CLEO signature removal issue. We went through several rounds of clarification and patiently observed the effort moving back and forth between ATF and DOJ over a period of years. In early 2011, and again in 2012, ATF clearly demonstrated their intention to remove the CLEO signature requirement in RIN 1140-AA43, though they still had not consulted with us regarding the trust/corporate items. We awaited the formal rule-making process to begin. On August 28, 2013, the RIN was changed without notice. In addition, a lengthy draft of a proposed NPRM was released.

Our petition acknowledged the understanding that ATF was concerned about prohibited persons skirting background checks by utilizing trusts and corporate entities to purchase firearms. We had been warning people for years that ATF was going to shut down what was being called the “trust loophole” regarding unqualified people obtaining weapons, and that NFATCA was trying to mitigate the damage and get rid of the antiquated CLEO signature requirement as part of this negotiation. We sounded this clarion because ATF had clearly indicated that they wanted to discontinue it. NFATCA didn’t make this a problem or bring it to ATF’s attention; the people abusing the system did. ATF was already aware of it because they had such a massive increase in trust transfers, and they read the Internet boards, following the way people bragged about getting NFA weapons anonymously and advising each other how to do so. ATF is engaged with cases of prohibited persons who have acquired weapons through trusts and corporations without background checks. Some may point to the fact there have not been any violent crimes as a result of the background check “loophole,” but prohibited persons in possession of firearms is a crime in itself. ATF was in the untenable position of approving those transfers to prohibited persons. Something was absolutely going to change.

Class 3 dealers formed the method of using trusts back in 1993-1994, after consulting with lawyers and ATF counsel to circumvent local law enforcement who refused to sign off on purchases, in order to help the collectors in Dade County and Houston in particular. The dealers who engaged in discussions with ATF at the time made all of this possible, and for fifteen years this method worked very well. It was the Internet braggarts who created a problem for the general public, and now they’ve burned the bridge. Collectors are going to be inconvenienced, and Dealers’ sales are going to hurt due to the actions of a few individuals who have unlawfully cheated the system. Once again, the few abusers have caused a problem for all of us. The abusers of the trust situation set off ATF’s radar. If there is anger that should be displayed, it should be towards the people who abused the system and brought all of this to the attention of ATF and the Executive Branch. Is it right that we have restrictions on our constitutionally guaranteed RTKBA? No. Is there some magic wand that gets rid of all firearms laws tomorrow morning? No. Is there a regulatory agency we have to deal with if we want to own NFA firearms, with a stack of rules and regulations? Yes.

While the NFATCA has acknowledged in our petition that there is concern regarding prohibited persons receiving firearms without background checks via trusts and corporations, the draft NPRM does not reflect any discussions or negotiations we have had with the Federal Government. We did not support nor advocate for the efforts of the Executive Branch that were recently published as the proposed NPRM. The proposed NPRM is being used as a political expedient to address areas of negligible concern. The Executive Branch proposals unduly burden the law-abiding public, will restrain lawful commerce and bury an already overwhelmed agency with an administrative infrastructure that will not serve the public safety interest.

The NFATCA supports the elimination of the CLEO signature requirement. The NFATCA is willing to engage with DOJ/ATF and the Executive Branch to investigate reasonable, effective and manageable approaches to preventing prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. We cannot and will not support the NPRM in its current form. Unfortunately, it does not appear as though ATF, the DOJ or this administration wishes to enter into a constructive dialogue. As a result, the NFATCA will adopt a much more aggressive stance. We are currently soliciting resources to mount an offensive on multiple fronts:

• A legal review and dissection of the draft NPRM.
• Soliciting information regarding the costs of such an effort that would prohibit that level of spending.
• A legal counter-offensive to the draft NPRM via petition or other suitable means.
• Solicitation of Congressional inquiry.
• Creation of a massive grassroots effort to combat the NPRM, should it actually be published in the Federal Register.

Many of the existing and proposed gun laws are already unconstitutional in our eyes. However, they are the law of the land right now, and we have to fight them. We have to fight hard to win, and we’re not better off if we simply sit back and complain and impotently shake our fists in the air because we feel we are holy and right. We are better off engaging with the regulatory agency through whatever effective means can be mounted and try to pre-empt the negative application of regulations, while working towards turning the tide that is against us on the larger scale. We don’t have many public friends in Congress. There is some support behind the scenes, but no one who’ll currently vote to rescind 922(o) or repeal the NFA. As for the courts, Heller should have been 9-0 in our favor but it was 5-4 as a win, and two of the five said, “Wait, this doesn’t have anything to do with machine guns, does it?” There’s no guarantee that the U.S. Supreme Court will rule in favor of constitutionality, so the current field of battle in which we can compete is regulatory.

If you look at the record, you’ll see that we’ve accomplished a lot. For two years running, we had gained traction and had the CLEO signature almost gone. ATF started the action on the trusts in 2008 or 2009; we found out and engaged them on it. Because it took so long, the White House finally became aware of it and is now using it as yet another public gun control initiative that Obama and Biden think they can just mandate. Remember, it’s not done yet. It has to go through Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) review, which could be completed by November. Then, it must withstand mandatory public comment after it is published in the Federal Register, if it is actually published. If we muster a lot of rational comment on why this is harmful and getting rid of CLEO is good, and we use some strong allies in the background, we have a chance to turn that around – perhaps enough to get rid of CLEO along the way.

Now it is time to do something. We’d get farther faster if we had stronger support in the community to fight these issues. We’ve been asking for help on this, for the public to join the NFATCA and become active. We didn’t receive much help, yet managed to persevere and keep fighting. I would suggest that you not just hand this administration a win by allowing them to continue to keep us divided. We will not sit on our hands. We will not sit back and let the White House win without a fight. That being said, the choices are obvious: You can sit back and criticize, or you can join in the fight. Today we are mustering support from sister organizations that believe in the cause and want to help. As many of you have heard me say over and over again, united we stand, divided we fall. Come stand with the NFATCA and write to your elected representatives and your state delegates. Join the crowd of people, like the NFATCA, that absolutely will not stand for this administration’s efforts.

The finish has come a long way since then. One of the companies that has led the development of nickel boron finish is WMD Guns of Stuart, Florida. The company opened its doors in 2011 and was formed by a cadre of technologists and gunsmiths with the goal of being an advanced coating company for firearms with the goal of providing consumers with access to high performance coatings. WMD provides high reliability coated products, coats all types of consumer firearms, and coats components for OEMs. This triad of business sectors indeed allows multiple avenues of access to consumers, agencies and manufacturers.

WMD Guns has several proprietary finishes. The first they call NiB-X coating. This is an extreme use nickel boron coating. It has a hardness of 70 Rockwell and a CoF of .08. This coating can be applied to all ferrous and non ferrous alloys except magnesium, providing a hard, lubricious surface to complex geometries. NiB-X conforms to material standards ASTM B607 and AMS2433C and is applied in a NADCAP accredited facility (highest process control standard achievable in the aerospace sector). The advantage to this finish is it is harder than Tennifer, Melonite, nickel Teflon and hard chrome. It is environmentally corrosion resistant and very lubricious. The finish is easy to clean, requires less maintenance and offers higher reliability and enhanced performance. The second is Nitromet, which is a high performance salt bath nitro carburizing surface treatment that conforms to AMS 2753 (e.g. Melonite, Tennifer). It provides a surface hardness of 55 Rockwell, added corrosion protection and uniform black color. It adds no dimension to the surface since it is a diffusion process. WMD also offers nickel, nickel Teflon and zinc nickel coatings. WMD Guns provides coating services using these technologies to several OEM in the industry.

In 2013, WMG Guns released their flagship product highlighting the optimized use of these technologies, the BEAST AR-15 rifle. This rifle is completely coated in NiB-X nickel boron finish, resulting in a flat dark earth color finish. The rifle uses a combination of the NiB-X as well as the Nitromet coatings. The BEAST that was provided as a test and evaluation rifle was provided with a flat dark earth Molding Solutions stock and a flat dark earth standard A2-style pistol grip. The upper and lower receivers as well as the Nordic Comp free float rail are coated in NiB-X. The charging handle and extended latch are coated as well. All of the fire control controls (magazine catch assembly, bolt catch assembly and selector lever) have also been NiB-X coated. The pivot, takedown and hammer and trigger pins are still black.

The 5.56 NATO 16-inch barrel is manufactured by Ballistic Advantage and it has a Mil-Spec 1/7 inch right hand twist capable of stabilizing projectiles from 55 grains to 80 grains in weight. The barrel extension and external surface of the barrel are NiB-X coated while the inside of the bore and chamber are processed with Nitromet. The Nitromet is claimed to be much harder than chrome improving barrel life. The gas tube is also coated in Nitromet. The muzzle is equipped with Tac-Grip Muscle Compensator, which has also been NiB-X coated. Even the magazine was NiB-X coated.

Another very interesting feature is the ACOG scope that was provided with the rifle. The ACOG scope is manufactured from the same 7075 T6 aircraft aluminum as the receivers of the rifle. The optic body was NiB-X coated as well. This does not come with the rifle, but it can be purchased from Trijicon or their dealers, as they are now in production with the NiB ACOG. The rifle also comes with a very high quality black carrying case.

The only additional thing tested with the rifle was the new 3rd generation M3 Magpul PMags. This is the newest generation in the evolution of what this author feels is the best magazine available anywhere for this platform. The new magazines have a flat floor plate allowing easier stacking in a magazine pouch. The new M3 features a stainless steel magazine spring, four-way anti tilt follower, pop-off Impact/Dust Cover and tool-less disassembly for cleaning. The low profile ribs and aggressive front and rear texture provide positive control of the magazine helping with compatibility of double and triple magazine pouches. The easy to disassemble standard flared floor plate provides drop protection and aids extraction from the magazine pouch. A paint pen dot matrix has been added to the bottom panel of the magazine body for easy marking by the end user for magazine identification. The geometry of the M3 makes it compatible with not standard M16/M4-type magazine wells including the HK416, M27 IAR, British SA80 and FN SCAR. The M3 incorporates a new material technology and manufacturing process which increases strength and durability in critical areas.

The ammunition tested in the BEAST was standard U.S. issue M855 ball ammunition. The weather conditions were a scorching 110º day in the desert outside of Las Vegas. There were 140 rounds put through the rifle. No lubricant was added. There were no malfunctions of any sort with the PMags or the aluminum one provided with the rifle. The performance of the Tac-Grip Muzzle Compensator was excellent. Shooting the rifle it was easy to see that it made a big difference on being able to get off quick and accurate follow up shots. Factory claims of up to 40% reduction in recoil sounds about right. The range was 100 yards and the average group was approximately 2 to 3 inches. The range was not ideal conditions with the heat and high winds. The M855 ball is not the most accurate of ammunition but it was all that was available at the time we had the rifle to test. Under proper weather conditions and proper match ammunition I would expect the rifle would perform as advertised. The BEAST has a MSRP of $2,199, which is not much more than the average top tier AR rifle MSRP.

Other products in the WMD suite of products includes a drop in NiB-X 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group, an NiB-X .308 Bolt Carrier Group, an NiB-X .22 Long Rifle conversion kit for AR-15 platforms (dubbed the “Little Beast”) and numerous AR-15 platform parts that are NiB-X and/or Nitromet finished.

The WMD Guns NiB-X 5.56 Bolt carrier Group features a Mil-Spec bolt manufactured from Carpenter 158 case hardened steel, shot peened and then magnetic particle inspected. Standard Mil-Spec gas rings are used. They claim the NiB-X coating is 40% more wear resistant than chrome plating. The extractor is coated with NiB-X and uses a heavy duty extractor spring with a black buffer. The bolt carrier is made from 8620 material, heat treated and case hardened. Their manufacturing tolerances on the inside are tightly controlled. The NiB-X coating gives the carrier additional durability and ease of cleaning. The gas key, which is a very critical component, is hardened to U.S. GI specifications and attached using grade 8 hardened fasteners. Permatex No.3D Aviation Form a gasket Type III Sealing Compound per Mil-S-45180 used on assembly. The key is NiB-X coated and is also staked as per military specification. Both the cam pin and hammer (available in both semi and auto configuration) are coated in NiB-X. They sell drop in bolt carrier groups for an MSRP of $220 or include a NiB-X coated hammer for an MSRP of $235.

The WMD Guns 7.62x51mm/.308 NiB-X Bolt Carrier Group was recently released with an MSRP of $350 and has the potential to lead to a fully coated “Big BEAST” in the future. The NiB-X coated .22 Long Rifle conversion kit for the AR-15 is called the Little BEAST. It can be used in any quality AR-platform rifle and drops in within 20 seconds. The Little BEAST comes with a Black Dog 25-round magazine with stainless steel lips for durability and has an MSRP of $250.

Another unique service that WMD offers is to refinish consumer, dealer and Agency firearms with NiB-X and/or Nitromet. They have a staff of gunsmiths that will disassemble, coat and reassemble your weapons. The quality of work and added performance of the surface treatments led the FBI to convert their bolt carrier groups to NiB-X. Other law enforcement agencies are following suit to upgrade their operators’ weapons.

The BEAST is a high quality rifle offering a unique blend of technology. WMD Guns has taken the high quality components and mated them with their experience in advanced coatings. You can expect more offering from this company in the future but you can always send your parts in to them to coat with NiB-X. They offer a lifetime warranty on their proprietary finishes.