The .22 LR is ideal for the recreational target shooter, small game hunter or as a low cost training alternative for shooters of every discipline from competitive shooting to law enforcement and military training applications. It is very cost effective as the cartridge is very inexpensive and the noise level is very low. There is no recoil whether it is in a revolver, bolt action or semiautomatic rifle or pistol. Projectile weights range from 20 to 60 grains and are available in lead round nose, lead round nose hollow points, copper plated round nose and hollow points and even bird shot loads for unwanted reptiles. Velocities can range from 575 to 1,750 feet per second. The subsonic ammunition is very popular with those who like to use sound suppressors. In fact, .22 LR is used by various militaries throughout the world with suppressors for silent sentry incapacitation. Most states within the U.S. permit sound suppressors (a regulated NFA item) and are fairly common. Ammunition is often bought in 50 round boxes or 500 round bricks. In the U.S., Federal, Winchester, Remington and CCI have complete lines of .22 LR ammunition. This includes low cost plinking ammunition (CCI Mini Mag, Remington Thunder Bolt, CCI Blazer, Win Super X), hunting ammunition (Remington Yellow Jacket, Remington Viper, Federal Game Shok, CCI Mini Mag HP, CCI Stinger, ATI Scorpion, Winchester Wild Cat, Winchester M-22 and match ammunition such as Federal Gold Medal and Remington match/standard velocity loads. There is an abundance of foreign ammunition as well including Wolf, Aguila, PMC and Fiocchi to name just a few.

This 2-part article tests several of the most popular conversions for accuracy and reliability. Part 1 looks at the history and development of the .22 Long Rifle cartridge and its variations as we then jump into the first conversion used for the black rifle: the M261 drop in conversion bolt carrier group and magazine and a current production WMD drop in conversion bolt. Then we go on to look at the Tactical Solutions AR-22 upper receiver conversion and CMMG upper receiver conversion. Part 2 will look at the Black Dog Machine magazines, which actually came with several of the upper receiver conversions. We will look at the DPMS, Spikes Tactical, Chiappa the CORE Rifle systems .22 conversion and discuss some ammunition variations.

Enter the M261 .22 LR Conversion for the M16

In the late 1970s, the army was looking for a way to keep their soldiers proficient in marksmanship, particularly the National Guard and Reserves. Many of the Guard and Reserve units did not have access to rifle ranges. Though many had access to indoor ranges and private clubs, the back stop would not take the penetration power of the 5.56mm round. However a .22 Long Rifle round was not an issue. Being the bore was similar they developed a drop-in bolt carrier conversion that would convert it to fire the round. Of course a special magazine was needed to feed the rimfire cartridge. The front portion of the conversion unit was basically a 5.56mm cartridge case; the chamber was an inch or so behind the base of the cartridge case. The bolt is blowback operated. The bolt slides on two rails with a recoil spring the goes from the bolt to the endplate on the back of the conversion unit. The buffer/action spring of the rifle is not used. The feed ramp is located on the chamber block. The ejector is built into the left rail. The charging handle grips in the same fashion to the front of the conversion as it does to its standard bolt carrier. The military bolt was designated the M261.

When the trigger is pulled, the hammer strikes the firing pin in turn striking the rim detonating the base. The powder is ignited and expansion of the gas pushes the bullet from the cartridge case through the conversion end approximately 1 1/4 inches and then enters the bore and engages the rifling. The mass of the bolt and the hammer spring keep the bolt closed until sufficient pressure drops and allows the bolt to move to the rear while the extractor draws the cartridge case out of the chamber and the ejector strikes the left side of the cartridge case throwing it out of the receiver. When the bolt reaches it most rearward position the recoil spring drives the bolt forward stripping a round off of the magazine, into the feed ramp, up into the chamber and the bolt closes ready for the next shot. The bolt does not hold open on the last round with this conversion. In all, the .22 Long Rifle is not as reliable of a cartridge as a military grade battle cartridge. The conversion did see malfunctions and was not known to be the most reliable mechanism but it did serve its purpose. One of the biggest problems was a ring of lead that would prevent the bolt from fully closing causing the round to fire out of battery. Also bulged cartridge case caused by bolt bounce but the cartridge would still detonate. Nevertheless, it allowed those who did not have access to a proper rifle range the ability to practice at the ranges they did have access to. Using the smaller caliber, the soldier still had to use and apply the fundamentals of marksmanship that could be carried over to the full power round when the time came. Another issue that would come up with the kit was the rifling pitch. The standard .22 Long Rifle barrel has a rifling twist 1/16 inches. The original M16/M16A1 rifles used a 1/12 inch twist over stabilizing the projectile. Also available was a clip on brass catcher that attached to the carrying handle and receiver.

One of these M261 drop-in units was provided by John Miller for testing for this article. The M261 was dropped into an M16A1 rifle and the brass catcher clipped on. The magazine for the conversion kit fit right into a 20- or 30-round magazine. One was placed in a 20 round magazine. There were 100 rounds of ATI Scorpion ammunition fired through the conversion with no malfunctions. Then 10 rounds of CCI Stingers were tested. There were two malfunctions with the failure of the bolt to fully close.

The M261 has been very heavily updated. The Atchisson-style bolt conversion is sold today by many different manufacturers. The bolt rides on two rails and the bolt is better made and there is a much improved stronger extractor. The drop-in bolt carrier conversion tested is manufactured by WMD Guns and called “Little Beast.” The most noted improvement of the WMD version is the complete system is NiB-X coated. This is a nickel boron type coating that reduces the need for oil and cleans up easily. This unit was placed in a M16A1 rifle. Black Dog Machine magazines were used to test this drop-in unit. This bolt ate up CCI MiniMag, CCI Stingers, Scorpion and Remington Thunder Bolt. However, it did not cycle reliably the Federal Match or the Remington Golden bullets. The rifle was shot with iron sights at 25 yards with all groups being just over 1 inch. When the bolt group was cleaned it should be noted that it was basically wiped off with a rag.

In the late 80s to early 1990s, Colt introduced their own drop-in .22 Long Rifle bolt. This was another form of the Atchisson style but modified with a spring loaded plunger in the rear of the group. When the bolt came to the rear it would strike the plunger giving additional counter recoil force. This drop in group was sold separately as well as provided with certain models of AR-15A2 and Sporter rifles. One of these was not available to the author for testing.

To get consistency, all dedicated upper receivers were tested on the same lower receiver. The lower receiver is manufactured by Aero Precision with a VLTOR stock assembly. The trigger group is the standard Mil-Spec type trigger with standard hammer, trigger and disconnector springs. This could easily represent a standard receiver anyone would have that would purchase one of these receivers. The same optic was used as well, a Trijicon ACOG 4x20mm. Every upper receiver was tested with the magazine that was received with it. However, Black Dog Machine had sent test and evaluation units of their entire magazine line and they were also used throughout testing.

Tactical Solutions (Tac Sol) AR-22 Conversion Upper Receiver

Tactical Solutions is very well known for .22 LR conversion kits and manufactures one of the finest in the industry. They are well known for manufacturing high quality sound suppressers as well as complete match rifles based on the Ruger 10/22. Tac Sol opened their doors in 2002 and was a machine shop specializing in aerospace parts under the name CNC Solutions. The first product they came to market with was their Pac-Lite upper for the Ruger MK and 22/45 series pistols with the barrels for the 10/22 following that. In 2007, Tac Sol introduced their AR-22. Of the components in the AR-22 upper receiver, Tac Sol manufactures the barrel, barrel extension, bolt and guide rail assembly in-house. They offer three variations of complete dedicated .22 LR upper receivers. The first is their AR-22 M4. This is basically identical to the standard M4 carbine upper receiver in fit and feel. It has a military profile 16.1 inch barrel with a “F” marked front sight base. The upper receiver is a Mil-Spec 7075-T6 receiver with forward assist, ejection port cover and fired cartridge case deflector. It comes with standard single heat shield handguards. This upper can be configured in any way you would a standard 5.56mm upper. Another offering is the AR-22 LT, which the upper features a 16.5 inch 6061-T6 lightweight aluminum threaded end barrel with a 4140 button rifled steel liner and a Hogue free float forend. The third model is the AR-22 SB-X. The barrel is a 6061-T6 lightweight aluminum threaded end barrel with a 4140 button rifled steel liner and a Hogue free floating forend. The SBX bore length is 12.25 inches with a permanently attached shroud for an overall length of 16.5 inches allowing the user to attach a suppressor without adding length. The most popular mode sold by Tac Sol is the AR-22 SB-X.

The bolt group is CNC machined from 416 stainless steel and the rails are precision ground tool steel to insure strength, smoothness and reliability. The guide rails are ground flat 0-1 tool steel. The fit and finish is flawless. The recoil spring has a polymer buffer on the rear of the recoil spring to increase service life of the components. With the Tac Sol system being a dedicated .22 LR upper receiver, the feed ramp is on the end of the barrel. The ejector is part of the left guide rail. The bolt group is easily disassembled for cleaning by simply sliding the recoil spring assembly off the left side of the bolt and removing the bolt from the guide assembly. The firing pin is spring loaded to guard against slam fire issues. When the bolt assembly is installed in the upper receiver, there is no gap between the rear of the bolt and the ejection port. The rifle came with one 25-round Black Dog Machine translucent polymer magazine.

The upper receiver tested was their AR-22 M4 model. As received, there were no flaws mechanically of visually seen. The only modification to the upper was the installation of a Magpul MOE carbine length handguard system. This system is far more comfortable to use than the standard GI handguards. The interface between the Aero Precision lower receiver and the Tac Sol upper were excellent with no rattle between receivers. For function testing, 300 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag ammunition as well as 50 rounds of Remington Golden bullets and 50 rounds of Federal American Eagle were fired. Also fired were 50 rounds of CCI Stinger ammunition. No issues were noted at all. However, if the chamber is dirty from firing standard lead ammunition, the longer case of the Stinger might have difficulty chambering. There were no malfunctions at all with this upper receiver conversion group. The full extent of the Black Dog Machine magazines was used including their 10-, 25-, 32-round and their 50-round drum. One magazine stood out; Black Dog Machine developed a billet 25-round magazine that weighs 1 pound. That is the approximate weight of a full 30-round magazine of 5.56mm ammunition. With this magazine in the rifle, it felt exactly like a standard M4 carbine. In fact, if you close the ejection port cover, there is no way you would know it was a .22 LR caliber. The weight and balance were exactly the same. This is excellent for real world training.

Accuracy testing was conducted at 25 yards off of a bench. Group size averaged .700 inches with the best being 3 rounds of Federal Gold Medal at .300 inches: Very respectable. This particular upper was also tested with a sound suppressor.

CMMG

Another manufacturer offering a conversion upper receiver is CMMG. CMMG offers a wide selection of not only .22 Long Rifle dedicated receivers but drop-in bolt conversions as well. The upper receiver provided for this article (22B7CA4) was a dedicated .22 LR upper. The receiver is manufactured from 7075T6 aircraft aluminum and has a forward assist although not functional. The upper receiver is a standard M4-type with a Mil-Std 1913 upper rail and a fired cartridge case deflector. Added to this upper receiver is a gas deflector located right in front of the fired cartridge case deflector. The purpose of this is to keep unburnt propellant from hitting the shooter in the face, not to deflect cartridge cases. The barrel has a M4 profile and is 16 inches in length with a 1/16 inch twist. The barrel is manufactured from 4140 chromoly steel. The muzzle device is the standard A2 compensator. The upper was equipped with an 11-inch free float handguard manufactured by CMMG. The quad Mil-Std 1913 handguard was very well made.

The bolt is a modified Atchisson design. The end of the bolt group contains the feed ramp for the round and the end slides over the rear of the barrel. The bolt group is made from stainless steel. The bolt was very well made with little to no machine marks. This bolt may be converted to the drop in Atchisson design by replacing the tip with the one that is the shape of a 5.56mm cartridge case.

No magazine was provided with this upper receiver. Black Dog Machine magazines were used to test fire the upper. CMMG make their own magazine called the 25R3, this is a next generation magazine, which will hopefully be available in the very near future.

CMMG offers an array of upper conversion styles. This includes standard 20 inch M16A4 style as well as M4 style upper receivers. Also offered is a 16 inch lightweight (pencil) barrel. Both fixed and low profile sights are options. Due to their mounting methods for the barrels, any handguard system that will attach via barrel nut and or handguard cap can be used.

The upper receiver was placed on the Aero Precision lower receiver. The ammunition tested was CCI MiniMag, CCI Stinger and Federal Match. The Federal Match caused several malfunctions due to it not being a high velocity load. However, the groups were excellent. When the rifle was given the CCI MiniMag and Stinger loads, the rifle cycled with no issues. This rifle was shot at 25 yards with the best group being with the malfunctioning Federal Match at just under 1 inch. The others were not much larger. The CMMG is a very high quality dedicated upper receiver. They offer several models with MSRP ranging from $500 to $625.

Coming up in Part 2: a look at modern .22 LR ammunition as well as Black Dog Machine magazine options. Also reports on .22 LR upper conversions from DPMS, CORE15, Spikes Tactical and Chiappa.

Doing the Right Thing

The past year for the gun community has been one of turmoil and confusion. From history and experience we have seen that presidents don’t touch firearms control until after their first term. Welcome to this administration’s second term of turmoil.

The one major factor that we as a community are missing is solidarity. Many of the largest organizations are failing to understand that working together to fend off firearms legislation has now come to a critical point. Not only are all of us working tirelessly to fend off issues such as 41P, but we now have to turn our attention to the states to fend off firearms legislation that is being fueled at the state level. There is so much confusion at that level that enforcement agencies don’t even understand the legislation and, worse, don’t know how to enforce the new regulations. Confusion on issues such as whether a firearm is banned or not to figuring out how to enforce magazine ban alerts has many state enforcement personnel calling ATF for clarification. It is a chaotic mess particularly focused in as many as thirteen states in the Northeastern part of the country.

What does this mean? It means that there is opportunity for the industry to get involved and stave off further legislation with the real facts on each of these issues. Organizations such as the NRA, Fair Trade, The American Silencer Association, and certainly the NFATCA, are at the forefront of figuring out “How do we work together and place our time, resources and money towards a common goal while defending the Second Amendment.” In a time when the next generation is even questioning the value of the Constitution, it now more important than ever that we work alongside of each other to better position our resources to move things in a more sensible direction.

In late May of this year some of the top leaders in the industry were meeting privately to discuss critical issues and figure out how we improve the leadership in this country and support those individuals in the fall elections that believe in our Constitution and support the rights that we as U.S. citizens have elected our U.S. officials to uphold and support.

Our country is in jeopardy financially and from the very infrastructure that had hard working men and women build what we have. The thought of entitlements going far beyond things like social security and your retirement are becoming the new trend of the new generation. People all around you support “Change” as if it meant getting more stuff for free. As you know, or should know, nothing is free – someone has to pay at some point.

This private meeting had one objective in mind; build a better America through better leadership that will likely start in the U.S. Senate. Our problem has consistently erupted into a society that says, “I want the government to take more control.” In reality, that track record speaks for itself with one failed example after another in a long list failures. It just doesn’t work.

As we now know since Congress was unsuccessful at passing a new Assault Weapons Ban, this administration turned to the states and simply asked for help. The result has been catastrophic and will continue to run a slippery slope unless we put the right people in office to do the right thing, protect the Constitution. Managing that process and at the forefront of this battle are our elected leaders nationwide. Who elects those officials and the platforms they represent is up to you the voter.

There was a time when I said, “It can’t get any worse”, that is, until I saw a bumper sticker in early May that read, “I’m ready for Hillary.” The States and the Feds are mixing the Kool-aid again and it is time we vote together and make the kind of change that we as firearms owners want. There is an entire generation of Americans emerging that have been drinking this Kool-aid and need to know the truth. As mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, that is our responsibility to teach them what America is all about.

Do your part in building a better society with our young people so that they too can understand the meaning of debt and the change that will make it impossible for anyone else to pay for that debt except them. Teach them that strong seasoned leadership insures better results for success and the future of our economy and our country as a world leader.

Building a country on debt that exceeds your assets will certainly lead to failure. And you may ask yourselves, who will pick up the pieces?

In the meantime I will get off my pedestal and give you some news that has a more positive note.

ATF NFA Branch has hired 15 new examiners that are in training as we write this article. That additional workforce will have significant impact on our NFA transfer times so we can reduce the amount of time to get a transfer approved from ten months to less than 90 days. With more than 72,000 transfers in the backlog this month this will take some time to make a difference, however, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

On another note, 41P has now been delayed to January of 2015. I can only say thank Heaven and hope that the over 9,000 response to this bill will delay things even longer than next year. The pressure of the fall elections will certainly impact what happens here. From the over 1,000 members of the NFATCA we say thank you for taking the time and energy for making your voices heard.

As a last note you should all know that we will soon see new leadership at the NFA Branch which should have a major effect on processes within the Branch. We will keep you posted on who will fill this new position. In the meantime the entire industry takes it hat off to Ted Clutter, who tirelessly serves the NFA.

As mentioned earlier, the leaders of some of the major firearms organizations met and discussed a common strategy to defeat the multiple attempts at gutting the Constitution. At the forefront of that meeting were discussions on electing officials that support your rights as Americans. It is truly time to support those of us that are fighting for you and to get out and vote for the kind of leadership that will get us back on track with our Constitutional rights.

We simply ask for your support and your getting out and voting this fall for a firearms friendly leadership that helps us manage our future.

Thank you.

ATF Bans 7N6 5.45×39 Ammunition From Importation

On March 5, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received a request from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) to conduct a test, examination and classification of Russian-made 7N6 5.45×39 ammunition for purposes of determining whether it is considered “armor piercing ammunition” as defined by the Gun Control Act (GCA), as amended. Since 1986, the GCA has prohibited the importation of armor piercing ammunition unless it is destined for government use or testing. The imported ammunition about which CBP was inquiring was not destined for either excepted purpose.

The Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, defines the term “armor piercing ammunition” as:

“(i) a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or (ii) a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.”

When ATF tested the 7N6 samples provided by CBP, they were found to contain a steel core. ATF’s analysis also concluded that the ammunition could be used in a commercially available handgun, the Fabryka Bronie Radom, Model Onyks 89S, 5.45×39 caliber semiautomatic pistol, which was approved for importation into the United States in November 2011.

Accordingly, ATF found the ammunition is “armor piercing” under the section 921(a)(17)(B)(i) and is therefore not importable. ATF’s determination applies only to the Russian-made 7N6 ammunition analyzed, not to all 5.45×39 ammunition. Ammunition of that caliber using projectiles without a steel core would have to be independently examined to determine their importability.

The National Rifle Association advised that notably absent from the ATF-issued advisory is any mention of the “sporting purposes” exemption provided for in the federal armor piercing ammunition law. The law gives the Attorney General discretion to exempt certain projectiles from being considered armor piercing ammunition. This exemption already applies to 5.56×45 M855 and .30-06 M2 AP ammunition.

NRA has repeatedly encouraged ATF to rule that projectiles originally made for rifles and any projectile not designed and intended to penetrate armor when fired from a handgun are exempt from the federal armor piercing ammunition law. Just last year, NRA sent comments to ATF that explained how Congress intended for the armor piercing ammunition law to cover a very limited class of projectiles and provided ATF with guidance on granting “sporting purposes” exemptions to projectiles.

NRA is also working with members of Congress to get more answers from ATF on how the agency determines if a projectile is “armor piercing ammunition.” The efforts include inquiries as to whether ATF considers 7N6 ammunition, which has been widely used as an affordable alternative for target shooting and rifle training, a candidate for a “sporting purposes” exemption.

Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), and Howard Coble (R-N.C.) have already sent a letter to BATFE Director B. Todd Jones encouraging him to act on other outstanding petitions for “sporting purposes” exemptions.

The congressman’s letter notes that, despite the clear intent of the architects of the law, to ban only bullets capable of penetrating body armor and designed to be fired from a handgun, ammunition clearly designed and intended for use in rifles has been scrutinized as potentially being “armor piercing” under the statute. The letter further notes that manufacturers have been looking at new and innovative materials to replace traditional lead components in markets such as California, where the use of traditional ammunition for hunting has been banned. Some of these alternative materials cause the ammunition to fail the composition test in 18 USC 921(a)(17)(b)(i) and the products are further subjected to a ruling on their intended use by the ATF.

Some manufacturers of ammunition designed for use in rifles have stopped production as a result of guidance from ATF that their products may be considered armor-piercing. The congressmen note that at least 19 companies that produce ammunition for hunting or other shooting sports have submitted petitions to ATF, requesting the agency exempt their products as “primarily intended for a sporting purpose” as required by federal law.

ATF Allegedly Withholding Audio Tapes

The congressmen also wrote about several meetings that were held last year at ATF headquarters to gather input on this issue from manufacturers, groups representing hunters and sportsmen, and groups opposed to alternative ammunition being brought to the market. The audio of all of these meetings was recorded and attendees were told multiple times that the recordings would be made available to them.

When the requests for the tapes were made, the Congressmen write, ATF, however, did not respond. As a result, some organizations filed Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain the recordings, which were also ignored. This lack of transparency is extremely troubling especially considering the fact that attendees were told in no uncertain terms that the meetings were being recorded and the tapes would be provided, the congressmen wrote.

The congressmen close by noting that the unintended consequences of misinterpreting the statute are steep, particularly considering the fortunate lack of instances of officers being shot with rifle-hunting ammunition from handguns. ATF was also encouraged to issue a ruling consistent with congressional intent.

Dems Step Up Effort for Import Semi-Auto Gun Ban

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), sponsor of the federal gun ban of 1994-2004, is asking President Barack Obama to direct the BATFE to reinterpret a provision of the Gun Control Act of 1968 to prohibit the importation of various semiautomatic firearms and their parts.

In a letter to Obama, the text of which was included in an article published by the Daily Caller, Feinstein said that, “at a minimum,” ATF should: prohibit importation of all semiautomatic rifles that can accept, or be readily converted to accept, a large capacity ammunition magazine of more than 10 rounds… prohibit semiautomatic rifles with fixed magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, prohibit the importation of the frame or receiver of any prohibited rifle… prohibit the practice of importing assault rifles in parts… prohibit the use of a “thumbhole” stock… and prohibit the importation of assault pistols.

This request is similar to the type of failed legislation Feinstein introduced in Congress last year (which would have imposed the biggest gun ban in American history), only this time she’s trying to achieve some of her ends through soliciting the president’s use of executive authority over firearm imports.

Recently joining Feinstein in the fray were 80-plus U.S. House members who wrote their own semi-auto firearms import ban proposal letter to President Obama. Initiated by Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), the letter urged Obama to compel the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to expand its ban on the importation of semiautomatic firearms.

Obama Total Ivory Ban Coming Into Effect

As part of the Obama Administration’s “National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking,” Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will implement a U.S. ban on commercial trade of elephant ivory.

The ban will impose new restrictions on the import, export, and commercial sale of elephant ivory within the United States, with some limited exceptions. The limited exceptions include a narrow class of antiques that are exempt from regulation under the Endangered Species Act; and items imported for commercial purposes before international commercial trade in these species was prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Anyone proposing to sell elephant ivory or rhino horn would be responsible to document that they are exempt, in effect, creating a total ban on the sale of ivory. The ban will:

• Prohibit Commercial Import of African Elephant Ivory
• Prohibit Commercial Export of Elephant Ivory
• Significantly Restrict Domestic Resale of Elephant Ivory – sales across state lines are prohibited, except for bona fide antiques, and will prohibit sales within a state unless the seller can demonstrate an item was lawfully imported prior to 1990 for African elephants and 1975 for Asian elephants, or under an exemption document.
• Clarify the Definition of “Antique.” To qualify as an antique, an item must be more than 100 years old and meet other requirements under the Endangered Species Act. The onus will fall on the seller to demonstrate that an item meets these criteria.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service plans to have the new regulations in place in June. Those looking to acquire ivory from past legal stockpiles to restore antiques, make pistol grips, or otherwise refurbish items will no longer be able to do so.

An unusual assortment of trade groups opposes the regulations, including the National Association of Music Makers, the Art and Antiques Dealers League of America and the National Rifle Association. The critics say the rules are confusing, unfair and should be rewritten to account for ivory that came into the country long ago. For example, to make an interstate sale an owner would have to prove the ivory entered the country through one of 13 American ports authorized to sanction ivory goods: A near impossible requirement. Some ability to sell ivory within a state will remain. But most owners will now have to document that the item has been in the United States for at least 100 years – again impossible.

The Fish & Wildlife Service has said it intends to end domestic demand instead of helping African countries end elephant poaching.

Excise Tax Liabilities Up 22%

The latest Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collection report released by the Department of the Treasury indicates that firearm and ammunition manufacturers reported tax liabilities of $213.5 million in the 4th calendar quarter of 2013; up 22% over the same time period reported in 2012.

Additionally, the 2013 annual FAET collections (January 1 – December 31) totaled $863,696,528 making it the highest year on record to date, surpassing the previous record 2012 FAET of $643,915,884 by 34.1%.

NICS Checks Second Highest April Figure

The April 2014 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 988,726 is the second highest April on record for the system, even with a decrease of 16.6% compared to the April 2013 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,185,231.

For comparison, the unadjusted April 2014 NICS figure of 1,733,651 reflects a 1.8% increase from the unadjusted NICS figure 1,702,455 in April 2013.

New Form for Requesting Marking Variances

ATF announces the availability of a new form that aids licensed manufacturers and importers who apply for marking variances.

The new ATF Form 3311.4 satisfies the requirements of a marking variance letter application. When properly completed, this form is said to reduce processing time as it specifically requests information required to process a marking variance, thus eliminating delays caused when a request omits needed information.

The form is available on-line at www.atf.gov and is fillable on-line. The ATF Form 3311.4 can be submitted electronically (preferred method), and accepts an electronic signature when available. Otherwise, the form should be printed, signed by both parties, scanned and forwarded to: marking_variances@atf.gov or Faxed to (202) 648-9601. Submissions should be made about 90-days prior to the intended manufacture. The ATF Form 3311.4 is available at: www.atf.gov/content/library/firearms-forms.

Over 30-Round Mags Banned From Export

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reports that the U.S. State Department has made a “policy decision” to limit the export of ammunition magazines of more than 30 rounds capacity solely to government, law enforcement and military end users.

The policy has yet to be posted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) website. An update on this policy development will be provided as more information becomes available.

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. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

ATI’s first product was the GSG (German Sports Guns) .22 caliber rifles. These are made in Germany that are .22 Long Rifle caliber and have the appearance and feel of the H&K MP5 family of carbines. They are of extremely high quality and are down to the last detail a clone of the legendary German weapons. By going with the .22 Long Rifle caliber the customer could have the feel of the real McCoy but fire an affordable caliber. This was even more important with the recent ammunition shortages. ATI has gone on to import other .22 Long Rifle caliber firearms including the GSS STG-44, which is a replica of the original German STG-44, the granddaddy of the modern assault rifle. Currently, they are importing a .22 Long Rifle version of the MP40 as well. Other ATI products include other .22 Long Rifle caliber weapons such as AK clones, various pistols, firearm accessories, their own line of ammunition manufactured in Turkey, Drago cases and their own 1911 handguns and family of shotguns.

In 2012, ATI decided to get into the AR market. Initially, ATI was selling stripped and complete lower receivers. They offered a standard aluminum lower receiver but they also offered the new OMNI polymer lower receiver. These polymer receivers were offered at an incredibly low price of $49.95. Along with the polymer receiver, ATI offered a Chiappa .22 Long Rifle attached upper that offered a low cost rifle one could afford to practice with but would look and feel like the real M4. In mid-2012, ATI began to offer complete rifles based on both aluminum and polymer lower receivers. ATI assembled all of the rifles at the Amchar facility in Rochester, New York. Components were procured from the top suppliers in the industry. The rifles are offered in several combinations relating to handguard type, forged or billet upper receivers as well as California compliant models.

The newest member of the ATI family was released in November of 2013; the OMNI Hybrid multi-caliber polymer lower receiver. This lower receiver will replace the early polymer lower. Manufactured from an incredibly durable material, there are metal inserts in the lower on the high stress areas such as the receiver extension. This is a multi-caliber lower meaning 5.56mm, .22 LR, 300 Blackout, 6.8mm or anything else you would want to put it on. The magazine well is flared to allow easier magazine installation. The receiver is thicker than the standard aluminum. When the trigger and hammer pins are installed there are four set screws installed over each end of the hammer/trigger pin to keep them from walking out as well as make sure they are properly centered. This feature has a patent pending. All of the lower receiver components are standard Mil-Spec type except there is no trigger guard used – that is molded into the receiver. Like its aluminum counterpart, you can use any industry standard components such as trigger groups, receiver extension as well as pistol grips. It has a very pleasing look and feel to it, quite solid and well made.

Two rifles were provided by ATI for test and evaluation. The first was their 16 inch ATI OMNI Hybrid (Item: ATIGOMNI556) with a MSRP of $629.95 and a special run Mil-Sport Tactical aluminum lower rifle with a Head Down free floating handguard with an MSRP of $739.95. The fit and finish was quite good. This particular rifle had a billet upper receiver made by Seekins Precision. The upper receiver was superb and had a very unique look to it though, like many, the rifle has a forward bolt assist, ejection port cover door and fired cartridge case deflector. The top of the receiver has a Mil-Std 1913 rail. The charging handle is a standard Mil-Spec.

The barrel on this rifle was manufactured by Mossberg. It is a 16 inch government profile barrel with the step cut for the M203 grenade launcher. The barrel has 6 lands and grooves with a right hand twist with a 1 turn in 7 inch pitch. The barrel will stabilize projectiles from 55 to 80grains in weight. The entire barrel is Melonite coated for durability and corrosion resistance. The muzzle device is a standard A2-style compensator with a crush washer. The rifle uses a carbine length gas system. The gas block is bolted onto the barrel with two lock bolts. There is a low sitting Mil-Std 1913 rail on top of this gas block. The handguards were the standard large M4-style handguards.

The bolt carrier is a standard Mil-Spec type M16 carrier group. The carrier key is staked in place as per military specifications. Both the inside of the carrier and key are chrome plated. The extractor has the rubber “O” ring, which increases extraction force by a factor of four.

The lower receiver is the new OMNI Hybrid that is a major improvement from the original polymer receiver. It is manufactured from an incredibly durable polymer that ATI has run over with a fork lift truck with no damage to the receiver. There is a metal reinforcement in the rear of the receiver strengthening the receiver extension area now permitting the receiver extension nut to be torqued as per military specification. The buffer is a standard 3 steel weight carbine buffer. The receiver extension permits the stock to have six positions.The receiver has a standard military specification type trigger assembly – the kind of grit and creep one comes to expect from a standard combat type trigger. The trigger broke at 6 1/4 pounds. The safety, bolt catch and magazine release are standard.

This rifle was equipped with a Trijicon Reflex sight and shot at close quarter ranges. More than 200 rounds of M855 ball were fired through the ATI C-Products Defense magazine and the new imported Hera Arms H3 and H3T polymer magazines. There were no misfires or malfunctions of any sort. The groups were all off hand and were under 2 inches at 25 and 50 yards. It would be expected for the groups to improve with a combination of a rest and some match grade ammunition.

The next rifle provided was the Mil-Sport Tactical rifle, which is a 7075 T6 aluminum forged lower receiver. The lower receiver parts are identical to that of the OMNI Hybrid lower. The upper receiver is what is different from the standard. Also a billet Seekins Precision upper, the big difference between these rifles was this one has a Head Down free floating handguard as well as using a few different parts than the standard. A low profile gas block is used so the handguard can slide over it. There is a special barrel nut and wrench for this handguard. To install the barrel extension that goes into the receiver, there are three spacer shim rings placed over the barrel and then the special barrel nut is installed. The torque is the same as the standard barrel at 30 ft. pounds. Then the gas tube hole in the barrel nut and receiver are aligned with a breaker bar on a barrel wrench. The handguard is screwed onto the barrel nut with eight screws.

Added to this rifle was a Leupold 4.5 to 14 with a 50mm objective on an ArmaLite mount. The Hera magazines were used along with 100 rounds of M855 Ball and 20 rounds of Remington .223 Remington 77 gr. Matchking BTHP (RM223R3). The target was set at 100 yards and the rifle fired from a sandbag. The best group was obtained with the Remington Match ammunition with a group measuring approximately .80 inches. There were a few flyers and that was attributed to the military grade trigger. If there was a match trigger placed in this rifle that group size may very well have come down some. This is excellent accuracy for a rifle of this type and in this price range. This rifle experienced no malfunctions of any type either.

The ATI ARs are an excellent beginning AR-enthusiast in training. Accurate and reliable as well as able to accept any of the accessories you want to install. ATI has made sure to produce a good rifle that is in a reasonable price range. ATI is for sure to release new models and with operations soon to open in Summerville, South Caroline the rifles should be readily available in quantity. ATI has put thousands of rifles out over the first 2 years of production with a small staff. All that is about to change with moving the shop to gun friendly South Carolina.

The passive night scope, Meopta ZN 6x, has a 1,000 meter effective range. The red reticle, powered by two AA batteries, has variable brightness adjustments. Battery life is said to be greater than 50 hours. The scope’s robust construction makes it a perfect match for large caliber, high-recoiling anti-materiel rifles. The rifle does come equipped with iron sights, but obviously for use only in extreme emergency situations.

Transport is facilitated with a standard carrying case; or a backpack is available for airborne operations.

Like most Eastern bloc weapons, not much is known about the Falcon. Accuracy and efficiency depends entirely on the quality of ammunition as is typical in similar types of anti-materiel weapons. The Falcon is being successfully used by Czech Armed Forced and has proven its reliability under extreme conditions on missions in Afghanistan.

Manufacturer: ZVI, Czech Republic
Caliber: .50 BMG (OP96)/12.7×108 mm (OP99)
Service date: unknown
Weight: OP 96 – 13.4 kg; OP 99 – 12.9 kg
Length: OP 96 – 1,380 mm; OP 96 – 1,260 mm
Barrel length: OP 96- 927 mm; OP 99 – 839 mm
Action: Bolt, rotary with double-lock.
Single shot or two round detachable magazine
Effective range: 1,600 meters at day; 1,000 meters at night
Optics: Day – Meopta ZD 10×50;
Night – Meopta ZN 6x
Stock: Synthetic
Penetration: 25 mm armor at 100 meters
Bipod: Standard equipment
Muzzle Brake: Standard equipment

Awards are issued for individual items as well as outstanding displays. There is also a special award category for miniature arms. Award categories include the Gun Collectors Committee Trophy – a perpetual sterling silver bowl trophy awarded annually for the display judged best of show and a Best Educational Groups Awards plaques in four categories for exhibits predominantly comprised of: Antique Arms (pre-1898); Classic Arms (1898-50 years prior to the meeting year); Contemporary Arms (50 years prior to the meeting year-current production) and Combined Arms category for those exhibits that have arms represented from any of the other three categories. Finally, sterling silver medals are awarded for specific firearms that are judged on their individual quality, condition, originality, collector importance and historical value.

This year, for the first time, there were two ground-breaking machine gun displays for the attendees to learn from and enjoy. One featured an exceptional Vickers display from the Kirk Brumbaugh collection (sponsored by the Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association) and the other featured the machine guns of World War I from the Robert G. Segel collection (sponsored by the American Thompson Association and the Dallas Arms Collectors Association). Vickers Display The Vickers machine gun presentation was set up in a very professional and museum quality looking display entitled The Many Variants of the Rifle Caliber Vickers Machine Gun 1908-1989. This engaging display portrayed major variants of the Vickers machine gun from its introduction in 1908 until its final withdrawal from service in the late 1980s. Included with the guns were period photographs, a representative sampling of accessories issued with the weapons, model aircraft and armored fighting vehicles showing deployment of the Vickers in various roles through two World Wars and numerous conflicts.

Ten different Vickers guns were on display. Gun number 1 was a 1908 “New Light Pattern” Vickers gun in its original form incorporating all of Vickers improvements to Maxim’s 1889 design and equipped with the “Peddie” rear sight. This gun is one of five surviving Italian contract guns delivered in 1911. The gun is mounted on a tripod made by the Spanish maker Gabilondo. The tripod is unique to Italian issue guns and was purchased by Italy apparently as a cost-saving measure as Gabilondo’s tripod was significantly less expensive than Vickers commercial tripod offering of the same period.

Gun number 2 was a British Army issued Mk I Vickers. The 1908 New Light Pattern was modified to meet British army demands, mainly to change the “Peddie” rear sight to a “flip-up” rear sight that was more robust and allowed greater elevation for indirect fire. The gun is mounted on a Mk IV tripod, adopted after the Boer War for the British Service Maxim Gun and used, unchanged, from 1904 until the Vickers’ retirement in the 1980s. Appearing with the gun was a WWI pattern flexible steam hose and a Mk II canvas water bucket as well as a Sangster emergency mount to fire the gun when dismounted from its tripod.

Gun number 3 was a Colt manufactured U.S. Model of 1915 Vickers machine gun in caliber .30-06. It was mounted on an original Colt made U.S. tripod with U.S. Vickers water box, ammo box, and U.S. Mills Vickers belt.

Gun number 4 was a standard World War I aircraft gun. Consistent with British practice, Mark I guns configured for aircraft use were designated “Mk I*.” The “*” denoted a change from the original ground gun. The gun is identical to a standard ground gun in operation but the jacket is vented and relieved to facilitate air cooling. Also, the trigger is activated by a wire running to the cockpit. The gun displayed was made by Colt chambered for the 11mm Gras cartridge; sufficiently large to accommodate incendiary filaments. Termed a “balloon gun,” its purpose was to ignite hydrogen-filled artillery spotting balloons and destroy Zeppelin airships.

Gun number 5 is one of a twelve gun contract between Vickers and Argentina. It is a short-jacketed “C Class” gun. The Argentine contract guns are the sole short guns made by Vickers. The barrel and jacket are 24 inches in length – six inches shorter than the standard “C Class” guns’ 30 inch length. Argentina ordered the special length guns to mount on Harley-Davidson motorcycle sidecars used by the Presidential guard.

Gun number 6 is a purpose-built gun designed to mount in tanks and armored cars. It uses a standard “C Class” mechanism fired by a pistol grip and conventional trigger mechanism. It is mounted with a detachable leather-wrapped aluminum shoulder stock. It appears with a British Army folding monopod for use if the gun is fired while dismounted from the vehicle.

Gun number 7 is a Vickers “E Class” gun made for mounting in aircraft cockpits for pilot use. It uses a standard “C Class” action with an updated barrel jacket, in essence, an aerodynamic WWI Mk I* gun (gun number 4). It used disintegrating metal Prideaux linked belts developed late in WWI. This gun is one of 135 guns made for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the 1930s.

Gun number 8 is an interwar “F Class” aircraft gun fed from Lewis Gun magazines. Both Vickers and Browning redesigned their respective belt-fed guns to feed from Lewis drums during the 1920s. This particular gun was made by Vickers for the Japanese Navy and mounted in aircraft observer’s cockpits.

Gun number 9 was a 1930s “C Class” commercial gun mounted on a Vickers made “L Class” tripod. The commercial “C Class” gun on this tripod was the most expensive gun and mount “package” marketed by Vickers in the post war period. Few were made and fewer sold due to the large numbers of surplus WWI vintage machine guns on the international market.

Gun number 10 was a Mk I Vickers gun, “V” serial number range, made in 1943. This gun has a smooth water jacket and is mounted on a rare Mk V airborne tripod made largely of magnesium to reduce weight. (It weighs 28 pounds, about half the 56 pound weight of the Mk IV tripod). Shown with rubber hose, articulated coupling, two gallon gas can used for water, dial sight, stripless belt and flash hider. This was the typical configuration that remained in service in the UK until 1968 and in the Commonwealth until 1989.

The display also incorporated accessories, largely of UK or Commonwealth manufacture and included spare parts and tools box with all appropriate materiel, spare parts wallet with contents, indirect fire and sight aids, the No. 12 Barr & Stroud range finder, plotters, binoculars, range tables, compass, target pointer, No. 9 Gun Director, dial sights, slide rules Mk VI Gun Layer, aiming lamps, clinometers, supplementary sights, training simulator, Parker-Hale designed .22 LR training system, blank firing device, training chart, manuals and a cut-a-way Vickers showing all the internal operating parts.

The exceptional display of Vickers guns and accessories rightly earned the NRA Gun Collectors Committee Best of Show silver bowl trophy and was presented to the Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association as they were the sponsors of the display. Additionally, they were presented with an award certificate for Best Accessories Display – both awards well-earned and deserved. The Machine Guns of World War I Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I (1914-2014), the American Thompson Association and the Dallas Arms Collectors Association combined booth space to sponsor a forty-foot wide exhibit of 14 World War I machine guns and accessories aptly titled The Machine Guns of World War I. These early machine guns represented the main combatants of England, France, Germany, Austria, Italy and the United States and also exemplified the apex of technological advancement of automatic weapons development of that time. The large crew-served heavy machine guns along with their accessories were displayed on individual risers. There were additionally four glass cases to the front that held light machine guns and other accoutrements and related items from the World War I period.

The size and scope of this collection of rare and seldom seen automatic firearms and accessories was a great crowd pleaser and presented a live visual reference to the weapons that were responsible for the 400-mile long trench warfare that became synonymous with World War I. The guns on display included a brass jacketed Maxim circa 1895. From the time of its invention in 1884 and for the next 20 years, Maxim machine guns were manufactured with heavy brass water jackets. While there were constant improvements to manufacturing techniques, materials used, efficiencies of production, efficiency of operating system and the constant ways to lighten the heavy weight of the weapon, oddly, one of the last means to reduce the weight of the weapon was to eliminate the ubiquitous heavy brass water jacket for one made of steel. Thus, all countries around the world that used Maxim machine guns that were purchased prior to about 1900 all had brass water jackets. As these countries began to fight in World War I, and until they could update their arsenals, they all used brass jacketed Maxims. The 1895 brass Maxim shown at the show was made by DWM in Germany for an Argentine contract and is typical of early brass jacket Maxims of that era.

The U.S. Colt Automatic Gun Model of 1917, a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt fed crew served weapon represented the type used during the war. Because of a swinging operating arm underneath the barrel, the weapon received the nickname of “potato digger.” Though earlier versions were considered obsolete, the Model 1914 was used by the Canadian Army until replaced by the Vickers gun and the Marlin-Rockwell Model of 1917 was used as an aircraft gun. It was displayed mounted on an intermediate height leather seated tripod along with a belt loading machine.

A U.S. Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) Model of 1918 was shown in a lighted display case. Designed by John Browning, this lightweight, gas operated machine rifle was adopted by the U.S. Ordnance Board in 1917 and designated as the Model of 1918 (as the Model of 1917 designation had already been assigned to the Browning water-cooled gun). By July 1918, the BAR started arriving in France and the first unit to receive them was the U.S. Army’s 79th Division. The gun was displayed with a BAR assault cup belt, manuals and other related accoutrements.

The French St. Etienne Mle 1907, a complex mechanical nightmare prone to overheating and parts failure was also on display. It saw active service in the French African colonies and, by necessity, throughout the Western Front in World War I. The St. Etienne M1907 is an air-cooled, gas-operated, strip fed heavy machine gun chambered for the French 8mm Lebel cartridge. It is unique in its operational design as the gas piston is of a blow forward configuration using a rack and pinion system to operate the reciprocating parts. This complicated mechanism was the heart of the numerous inherent problems with the gun. When World War I broke out, the M1907 quickly succumbed to the rigors of the Western Front. But the French were desperate for machine guns and the M1907 saw wide service throughout the war.

In a lighted glass display cabinet was the French Chauchat (C.S.R.G.) Mle 1915, a long recoil, gas assist, magazine fed light machine rifle. The Chauchat was the standard light machine rifle of the French army during World War I as well as the standard light machine rifle of the U.S. A.E.F. (American Expeditionary Force) when they arrived in France in 1917. Lightweight and portable, the gun functions on the long barrel recoil principle with gas assist. Its low manufacturing cost and relative simplicity made it the most produced machine gun of the war with over a quarter million being manufactured. Regrettably, some parts were not interchangeable and made from mediocre material, was poorly constructed and assembled. It rightfully suffered a poor reputation as an inferior weapon. Additionally, the gun had a number of large openings in the receiver, barrel casing and magazine that allowed the mud and dirt of the battlefield to enter the gun causing failures of operation. Though some have called the Chauchat the worst machine gun ever made, it was nevertheless fielded throughout the war. The gun was shown with its bipod, flash hider, sling, anti-aircraft front and rear sights, assault cup belt, complete armorer’s spare parts and tool wallet, manuals, elite machine gunner’s badges and a pair of rare French issue leather magazine holders.

Though not seeing action until the end of the war, the U.S. water-cooled Browning Model of 1917 was shown. Adopted by the U.S. as their standard heavy machine gun, it was a water-cooled, short recoil, belt fed, crew served weapon. It was mounted on an original Model of 1917 tripod along with a mounted wooden ammo box, belt, condensing hose, water/condensing can, flash hider and an armorer’s complete spare parts and tool box. The first Browning Model of 1917s began arriving in France in late June 1918 and began to replace the French Hotchkiss and British Vickers machine guns in U.S. Service. The first recorded use in combat was in September 1918 by the 79th and 80th Divisions.

The ubiquitous British Vickers Mk I water-cooled machine gun was presented as the Vickers was the standard machine gun of the British and Commonwealth forces. It was displayed on its proper Mk IV tripod along with a canvas water bag, complete armorer spare parts and tool box, condensing hose and former gasoline can pressed into service as a water can.

Another French machine gun on display was the French Hotchkiss Mle 1914; an air-cooled, gas-operated, strip fed, crew served heavy machine gun that was the standard French army heavy machine gun in World War I. It was also the primary heavy machine gun of the U.S. A.E.F. (American Expeditionary Force). Heavy but rugged and dependable, it was shown mounted on the proper Model 1916 tripod along with ammo box feed strip container, and complete armorer’s spare parts and tool kit along with leather and chain-mail gloves and shoulder pad for handling hot barrels. The Hotchkiss Mle 1914 saw continuous service by both France and the United States along the entire line of the Western Front for the full duration of the war.

The rarest gun displayed was an Italian FIAT Revelli Modello 1914; a water-cooled, crew served weapon. Designed by Captain Bethel Revelli in 1908, it used a unique swinging rotary wedge to delay blowback. It also had a water recirculation system for cooling rather than a steam condensing device and he designed a unique feed system using a metal cage containing the cartridges rather than a belt or feed strip system. The FIAT Revelli Modello 1914 remained in front line service throughout the war being used in all applications that included aircraft armament, anti-aircraft emplacements and offensive and defensive infantry applications. It was displayed on an aircraft observers/gunners mount as used on World War I Italian bombers. Also displayed was an ammunition box containing ten metal cage cartridge holders.

In the last lighted display cabinet the British Hotchkiss Portable Mk I*, a British made licensed copy of the French Mle (Model) 1909 Portative. This man portable light machine rifle is based on the successful Hotchkiss heavy machine gun operating principle and is gas operated, air cooled and fed with a 30-round metal feed strip. The Mk I had wood stock and a barrel mounted bipod for use by the infantry. The model on display was the Mk I* that had the buttstock removed and replaced with a smaller and lighter removable “L” shaped stock for use by cavalry, armored cars and tanks and a small emergency tripod for dismounted use. Used by Indian troops and ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) in Gallipoli and British mounted troops on the Western Front, it was also used by the Australian Light Horse, New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade and the legendary Camel Corps in the Desert Campaign in the Sinai and Palestine from 1915-1917. The Mk I* Portable was displayed with its removable “L” shaped buttstock, small emergency tripod for dismounted use, an armorer’s spare parts and tool box, ammunition feed strip container, and a strip loading machine.

The versatile Lewis Gun, a gas operated, pan fed, man portable light machine gun, was used widely by British and Commonwealth infantry forces and in arming U.S. aircraft both as primary and observer’s weapons. This Savage made Lewis Gun was displayed in a mock-up of a crashed Allied plane in No Man’s Land with a mannequin in a U.S. Flying Corps uniform manning his Lewis Gun mounted on a Scarf Ring mount fighting the Germans to the end. It is interesting to note that the U.S. Marines attached to the 2nd Division were trained with the Lewis Gun while in the U.S. but the Lewis Guns were taken away upon arrival in France where the Marines were issued the French Chauchat M1915 automatic machine rifle.

Another rare gun on display was the Austro-Hungarian Army issued Schwarzlose Model 07/12 heavy machine gun. Designed by Andreas Wilhelm Schwarzlose, a German born Prussian arms designer, the M.07/12 is a water-cooled, belt fed crew served weapon of a simple design that was unusual in that it operated on a mechanical disadvantage toggle-delayed blowback mechanism using just a single spring: it did not have a locked breech. The Schwarzlose was a very reliable and robust weapon and was the standard issue machine gun of the Austro-Hungarian Army in World War I. It was displayed on its proper tripod and with a shoulder stock, ammo box and belt, condensing hose, water/condensing can and a complete armorer’s spare parts and tool box.

Universally recognized and of great interest to the attendees was the German Maxim MG 08 display. The German army adopted this model of Maxim in 1908 and was the standard heavy machine gun of the German army throughout the war. The MG 08 is a short recoil, water-cooled, full automatic, belt fed crew served weapon. It was displayed with original water jacket armor, frontal armor shield, original sled mount, water hose and water/condensing can, spare parts and tools, belt loading machine, twin compartment ammo can and period belts as well as an armored helmet brow plate and armored chest plate. The German army used the MG 08 to great effect in World War I with tens of thousands being produced. Because of its devastating effect on advancing troops, it was the primary reason World War I became a stagnant war of trenches as it was extremely difficult to advance against it.

Displayed in a lighted glass display cabinet was a German Maxim MG 08/15 light machine gun. With the use of the Lewis, the Chauchat and the Hotchkiss Portable light machine guns by the Allies, Germany recognized the need for a lighter weight, man portable machine gun beyond their standard heavy MG 08 machine gun. In 1915, using current factory capabilities, the heavy Maxim MG 08 was modified and lightened by redesigning the receiver, installing a smaller water jacket and adding a pistol grip and wood butt stock. A hangar was affixed so that a 100-round assault drum could be attached directly to the gun and a provision was made for the attachment of a sling and a small bipod. Beginning in the spring of 1917, the MG 08/15 saw wide distribution and service. The gun was displayed mounted on its bipod, with water hose and water/condensing can, assault drum and assault drum carrier box and manuals.

The overall display of The Machine Guns of World War I was very well received by the convention attendees. The display won a plaque for Best Educational Exhibit in the Classic Arms category. Additionally, a sterling silver medal was awarded to the German MG08 on its sled mount as one of ten outstanding weapons of the show.

These displays do not just “happen.” It takes a lot of people, a lot of time and a lot of hard work to assemble, collate, label, research, and construct and build the exhibits. The goal is to share some of the finest weapons in the world with the public and educate them of their historical significance. It all requires an inordinate amount of time and money and the volunteer work of the many members of the sponsoring organizations. Without their help, these world class exhibits would not be available to the viewing public. Thanks to the Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association, The American Thompson Association and The Dallas Arms Collectors Association, these two machine gun exhibits received the accolades they richly deserved.

It is gratifying to see that automatic weapon collecting has finally been accepted as a legitimate collecting discipline. The fact that this NRA convention had not one but two outstanding exhibits featuring classic automatic weapons, that won top awards, is a testament to the historical importance these weapons played in the early twentieth century and that today’s youth and generation can learn of the significance and sacrifice of an earlier time as represented by these historic artifacts.

Unknown

The intriguing thing about this statement, of course, is that thus far these weapons have never been shown. Even the former German quarterly Waffen Revue has never mentioned them, though it was known for its thorough documentation about German war developments. Alas, one would say, one more piece of history lost.

Fortunately, things turned out differently because there is such an institute as the Army Museum in Prague – a museum with a fantastic collection, and an old-fashioned way of preserving it. It got me thinking; a museum in Prague and a war-time development in Brno? Could it be that one of these grenade rifles had been saved?

On a visit to the museum with my friend Leszek Erenfeicht, I took the list of projects of the Sonderkommission with me. Our host, curator Jan Skramoussky, thought for a moment, said, “I’ll have a look” and then disappeared into the catacombs. After fifteen minutes he came stumbling back. Not with one, but with four grenade rifles. And all four were different!

Unique

These weapons are truly unique. Since my visit to Prague, I have tried to find further information, but without any success. Regrettably, we must do only with a detailed description.

First the big picture. There are four shoulder firearms with a rifled barrel for firing rifle grenades, and with a special mechanism to absorb the recoil forces. All four are marked with a trademark and/or model designation and serial number:

1. Factory marking Z in circles, model designation ZK 424, serial number SK 0051.
2. Factory marking WAFFENWERKE BRÜNN A.G., no model designation, serial number No. 10.
3. Factory marking WAFFENWERKE BRÜNN A.G., model designation GBSS43, serial No. 07.
4. Factory marking WAFFENWERKE BRÜNN A.G., model designation GBSS43, serial No. 11-IV.

Weapon numbers 1 and 3 have a rotating barrel with a bayonet closure. Weapons 2 and 4 have a tilting barrel. The barrels are chambered for a special 7.9mm cartridge for firing rifle grenades. Their front section is rifled.

The letters ZK stand for a design of the Koucký brothers, while GBSS43 stands for Gewehrgranaten-Büchse SS 43. This is a rather enigmatic designation. Would the weapons have already been developed in 1943? And if so, how is it that in April 1944 only four pieces were available for testing? Unfortunately, we do not have an answer.

Another question concerns the chronological order of these four guns. The most logical seems the one in which they are listed here. ZK 424 is a factory designation, which was used for weapons that were still under development. There is a good analogy: the ZK 403 submachine gun, also by Koucký. Only when the SS planned to adopt it was renamed Maschinenpistole 42. Therefore, it seems plausible that the ZK 424 preceded the other three models. Weapon number two seems a logical next step, with only the brand name used by the Germans and no model designation. And then there are the two specimens with the manufacturer’s name and model designation, one with a number 7 and one with number 11. We can only guess at the meaning of the Roman numeral IV added to the last gun’s serial number. The fourth version of serial number 11? That does not make sense.

In the following, the four arms will be discussed separately. Unfortunately, many questions remain unanswered. But in any case, the existence of these weapons is now known.

ZK 424

Its outer appearance is simple: a tubular housing of sheet steel with a wooden butt-plate and two pistol grips, identical to that of the vz. 26 light machine gun and its successors (the front grip being reversed). Internally it is a different story. The mechanism of ZK 424 consists of three complex, solid steel main parts: the barrel with its locking lugs, the breech head with the firing pin, extractor and ejector, and the breech block. At rest, all three are interconnected. The barrel has two locking lugs at the rear, which fall into corresponding recesses in the breech head – the reverse of a bolt action rifle. The bolt head has a rear recess that falls like a bridge over the narrowed front section of the breech block.

To load the weapon, the barrel must be opened. The ZK 424 barrel has eight lands and grooves. On the right is a handle, slid with two rails in recesses of the barrel block, and fastened with a thick screw.

The base of the handle has a spring-loaded cam, which rest in a recess of the breech block, just ahead of the extractor, when the weapon is closed. If the spring-loaded lever of the handle is pressed, the cam is pulled inward. The barrel can be rotated upwards, which causes the lugs to rotate out of their recesses in the breech head. If the barrel is free, it can be moved forward so that a cartridge can be loaded in the chamber. When unlocking the barrel, a sloping cam pushes the firing rod backwards, so that the firing pin is cocked.

When the barrel is closed, it moves the cartridge in front of the firing pin. The firing pin is cocked. The only thing left is to load a rifle grenade in the muzzle end.

The ZK 424 has no safety, but a peculiar trigger mechanism. This consists of two vz. 26 pistol grips with part of the original trigger mechanism. The rear one is still clearly recognizable. The front one has the pistol grip and trigger removed (the hole for the shaft of the pistol grip is still visible). A plate extends from the rear to the front unit. When the trigger is pulled, that plate is pulled backwards. The sear in the front unit pivots, thus permitting the firing pin to strike forward.

After the shot the whole mechanism moves backwards in the receiver to soften the recoil. The huge recoil spring captures the moving parts. At the end of its movement this spring pushes the complete mechanism forward again. If the barrel is opened again, the empty case of the cartridge is withheld by the extractor and when the barrel moves forward, it is pushed sideways by the ejector in the breech head. The ZK 424 has no sights or sight base and no lanyard rings.

Weapon Number 10

The second grenade rifle, with the factory marking Waffenwerke Brünn, but without model designation, is very different. It is a somewhat futuristic looking weapon, with a relatively simple construction. This version has a tilting barrel, similar to that of an air rifle. The mechanism consists of the rifled barrel, hinged between two wings of the receiver. Behind the barrel is a locking latch, which also serves as the upper part of the cartridge chamber. The latch looks like an inverted U. Its legs have notches, which fall into recesses in the receiver and thus hold the barrel closed.

As the knurled knob of the latch is pressed, these notches slide out of their recesses and the barrel can be opened. If the barrel is fully opened, two springs push the latch to the rear, which in turn extracts the empty cartridge case. The barrel does not hinge that far open, and space is limited. The top of the housing has a recess to facilitate the loading of a new cartridge.

The firing mechanism of the weapon is completely hidden in the housing, impossible to dismantle without proper tools. Therefore, we can not show any details.

At the left side of the pistol grip is a safety lever, with two positions labeled F (Feuer) and S (Sicher). After the shot, barrel and receiver move backwards inside the housing. On the left side of the frame is a T-shaped pedestal for a grenade sight, with increments up to 331 (!) meters.

Mechanically, this grenade rifle is of brilliant simplicity. Field stripping is a matter of seconds. Barrel and receiver can be pulled forward out of the housing after pressing the latch on the front pistol grip. The sheet metal butt is fixed to the housi

The other two rifles are both marked on the top of the receiver with the name of the factory, Waffen Werke Brünn AG, and the model designation GB SS 43. And there we have pretty much the only thing they have in common, because both function completely differently. Even the model designation is spelled differently. One model shows the SS runes between dashes, the other not.

GB No. 7

This weapon has the lowest serial number; Gewehrgranaten-Büchse No. 7. The weapon has a lot in common in terms of construction with the ZK 424. On the barrel there is a handle, with which it can be turned, and then can be slid open forwards. A cartridge can be placed in the chamber. If the barrel is closed, the handle acts as a front pistol grip.

With its typical flare-shaped mouth, the weapon looks like a combination between a rocket launcher and a pirate gun. Although it looks fairly simple on the outside, the interior is just as complicated as the ZK 424. Weapon No. 7 has a sheet steel receiver, consisting of two parts. The rear part has the butt, main spring, breech block and the firing mechanism. The front part contains the barrel and the front pistol grip. This piece acts in fact as a barrel shroud. To load the rifle, the catch behind the front pistol grip must be pressed. The barrel jacket and barrel can be turned 90 degrees clockwise and pushed forward. Subsequently, an ignition cartridge can be loaded in the chamber.

The barrel of No. 7 has two lugs at the rear, just like the ZK 424. These lugs rest in recesses in the front of the breech block. Again, the firing pin spring is cocked when the barrel is rotated to open. However, unlike the ZK 424, the breech block does not consist of two parts, but of only one, albeit in the form of a very complex milled piece.

Number 7 again has a huge main spring, which is enclosed between two caps. The front cap lies around the breech block, the rear around a perfectly fitting wooden plug, which in turn rests against the inside of the butt-plate. When the shot is fired, barrel and breechblock recoil together and here again a ‘limiter’ inside the breech block captures them in their forward movement.

Grenade Rifle number 7 has a huge trigger guard, so that the weapon can also be operated while wearing gloves. The safety is on the left of the trigger housing, with the markings F (Feuer) and S (Sicher). Above the trigger is a bracket for the grenade sight. This is virtually identical in construction to that of weapon No. 10, but has a different graduation. This sight runs up to 200 meters. At the right of the butt plate and on the barrel shroud are two sling swivels to carry the weapon across the shoulder. On the left side of the receiver is a leather cheek piece, but this has only very limited use. The front and rear sights are positioned so far to the left that the head of the shooter, while aiming, does not even come near the cheek piece. Apart from that, the grenade sight is not practical either: at most distances, the hand that grasps the front pistol grip blocks the view between front sight and target.

The sheet steel receiver/housing of this Grenade Rifle is a masterpiece of industrial design and engineering, very suitable for mass production. This contrasts sharply with the extremely complex shape of the barrel and breech block. The usefulness of the flared-shaped mouth is unclear.

GB No. 11

We do not know what is meant by the Roman numeral “IV” after the serial number on Gewehrgranaten-Büchse number 11 – IV. The fourth version? In any case, it is a weapon with a tilting barrel again. The construction of the barrel and the receiver resemble that of the weapon with number 10, with an almost identical locking pawl annex ejector. However, number 11 has a very different mechanism to absorb recoil. It is the only weapon we have ever seen with a friction brake.

The housing of Gewehrgranatenbüchse number 11 has a cross-shaped cross section. In the left and right arm of the cross there are two rectangular guide rods. The receiver has double wings at the left and right. The wings fit exactly in the lateral arms of the housing, wherein the guide rods come to lie on both sides, between the two wings. Around the guide rods are two mainsprings. Through this construction the massive mainspring of the grenade rifles has been replaced by a smaller and more easily manageable double spring. The designers were apparently not sure that this double mainspring could adequately dampen the massive recoil, so they included an extra friction brake. The top of the tailpiece has an elongated slot with three circular cut-outs. In these cut-outs rest three springs and on top of those lies a steel block; a friction-resistant material (probably asbestos). The springs press that block against the inside of the housing. With the recoil of the barrel and breech, the friction between asbestos and housing creates an additional delay. If all this was not sufficient, then there was the unique butt plate. Between the wooden butt plate and its metal mounting are two heavy coil springs, to spare the shoulder of the shooter.

Just as with weapon number 10, the wooden handles of this weapon resemble closely those of the vz. 26. In this case, however, they are newly created with some minor adjustments. To tilt the barrel open, a kind of trigger in front of the front pistol grip must be pressed, after which the pistol grip can pivot inward. The narrowed upward section of this grip pushes the barrel open when it is pressed inward. The ejector, a bridge piece fitted with two axes in the rear part of the barrel, then springs out.

The trigger mechanism is a simplified version of that of the ZK 424. The trigger has a U-shaped extension, which keeps the firing pin cocked. When the trigger is pulled, the front of this extension pivots downward and releases the firing pin. A sliding plate functions as a safety. In its rearmost position, a tongue on the plate covers the extension and blocs its movement. This “safety catch” has no markings.

Gewehrgranaten-Büchse 11 has a similar grenade sight on the left side of the housing as number 10 and number 7, with the same flaws: Only if the weapon is held at an angle greater than 45 degrees can you use the front sight by looking underneath the front pistol grip.

Shutdown

On July 14 and 15, 1944, the Special Committee on Infantry Weapons officially held its first meeting in Berlin. During the meeting, all weapons projects on the list of April were scrutinized. Most of the developments were stopped. This included the construction of a Gewehrgranaten-Büchse in Brno. It marked the end of this fascinating development.

If one looks at the weapons from an engineering point of view, one quickly gets the idea that there were two different (teams of) constructors; one designing the relatively simple tilting barrel weapons, and the other for the much more complicated guns with rotating barrel. In the absence of concrete information, there is unfortunately not much more to say. Production numbers, planned deployment, the type of ignition cartridges; all remain unclear. Apart from that, we are of course delighted that these four unique weapons can be shown. And maybe the story will have an ending just for submitting this article as we learned that there are two or three more Gewehrgranat-Büchsen in the museum in Prague.

(Thanks to Jan Skramoušský of the Vojenský Historický Ustav (VHU) in Prague.)

Rukavishnikov

While there were lesser-known contenders along the way, the “suitable” rifle Stalin was referring to was Nikolay Rukavishnikov’s semi auto design, adopted in late 1939 and firing a demonstrably powerful 14.5mm cartridge. Although proven capable of penetrating 20 mm of armor at 500 meters, a catalog of problems in performance, production, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and high-level Army indifference delayed fielding of more than a handful.

Vannikov nervously and hastily cited these factors in his defense, winning at least a temporary reprieve from the firing squad. But Stalin, told that debugged Rukavishnikov rifles would not be rolling off the assembly line for more than a month, upped the pressure.

Such was the urgent need as Germany’s armored forces continued to race toward Moscow, that the dictator demanded a crash program to develop alternatives. Not just one but two simultaneous efforts were to begin at once, produce guns in the shortest time, and they had both damn well better be good. Or else it would be cigarette and blindfold time…

22 Day Wonders

In what has to have been an “honor” they’d prefer not have, two of the Soviet Union’s most talented gun designers were put under Stalin’s fearsome orders and immediately set to work around the clock. Vasiliy Alexeyevich Degtyarev, best known at the time for several well-regarded machine guns, and Sergey Gavrilovich Simonov, creator of the clever but flawed AVS-36, are said to have produced firing prototypes in an astonishingly brief 22 days.

Degtyarev’s gun used a relatively simple bolt action, albeit fancied up a bit with a recoiling barrel and automatically unlocking bolt to help minimize high energy stress on the parts and to speed up manual feed of subsequent shots. Robust, relatively light, simple to operate and to manufacture using mostly lathe-turned parts, it was a strong contender.

Simonov, on the other hand, took a bigger chance by making his rifle a gas operated autoloader. But, hedging the bet somewhat, its action was wisely derived from his previous invention, the 7.62x54R Simonov 1938 rifle. Although heavier and somewhat more difficult to make, its fast, reliable semiautomatic function and five round capacity were compelling advantages over the rival bolt gun.

Both weapons tested well and were deemed superior to the still-struggling Rukavishnikov that was summarily scrapped. Then, testifying to the dire need for weapons of this exact kind, both were officially adopted on August 29, 1941 and rushed into production.

An interestingly ironic side note to quantity manufacture of the PTRS comes from having to make an emergency move of its entire factory operation from Tula to Saratov. Seems the rapid German advance, against which the antitank rifles were so sorely needed, threatened to overrun the factory.

Anatomy of the PTRS

Since the focus of this feature is on live firing Simonov’s “Protivotankovoe Ruzhe Sistemy Simonova,” let‘s take a close look at what he came up with in just over three weeks of grueling, nonstop, trial-and-error design and fabrication.

With apparent faith in his 7.62mm 1938 rifle despite it earlier losing out to rival Fedor Tokarev’s SVT-38 and 40, Simonov used its essence as the basis for his considerably more powerful tank-buster. With a top-mounted gas piston to actuate a sturdy bolt carrier, its locking in the beefy machined steel receiver was achieved by simple tipping action.

Taming the mechanism-destroying and case-separation propensity of the powerful 14.5mm cartridges was achieved by building in “dwell time” during movement of the gas piston and unlocking the bolt carrier. The proper milliseconds delay – calculated and achieved on the run with no sophisticated engineering apparatus – allowed the relatively brittle cartridge cases to “deflate” inside the firing chamber, easing extraction and ejection without undue instances of sticking and rim separation.

Recognizing the many handicaps of mass-manufacturing operational weapons under the most dire wartime circumstances and shortages of materials, machine tools and their operators, Simonov’s design was efficiently simple to make and not unnecessarily critical in its tolerances. Its thick, conventionally machined upper receiver was mated with a mandrel rifled barrel. Underneath, a trigger housing group and protruding magazine assembly were made mostly from stampings.

Weighing more than reasonable for one man to carry on the march, the long and heavy barrel assembly could be quickly separated from the receiver. Its well positioned bipod allowed necessary movement for gunner position and efficient aiming, and sights were configured in the same manner as most other Soviet shoulder weapons. The gun was “soldier friendly” – quick and easy to load, aim, fire, strip, and clean. Equally important, the PTRS was effective for gunners with steely nerves whose best bet was to wait for enemy tanks to close to well within 500 meters.

Reduction of recoil wasn’t just a concern in minimizing stoppages as well as parts stress; effects on gunners had to be considered as well. Because too much kick would cause flinching and inaccurate shooting, not to mention pain and suffering, both Degtyarev’s bolt gun and Simonov’s semi auto featured prominent muzzle brakes. These simple and effective blast deflectors channeled propellant gas at a slight rearward angle, pulling the whole gun forward with each shot. And, while the PTRD’s tubular steel buttstock contained a sturdy spring that compressed with each shot, Simonov’s considerably heavier rifle with recoil-absorbing semi auto action needed only to have a simple butt pad on its fixed wooden stock.

First Blood

Less than three months after adoption and start of manufacture, the first of the new antitank rifles went into battle with the Red Army, fighting a desperate action to block advance of the Germans on Moscow.

As reported by Western Front Artillery Commander (initial tactical doctrine called for the big rifles to be deployed with the artillery), “The first experience in using antitank rifles occurred on 16 November 1941 in the 1075th Infantry Regiment… in the region of Petelino – Shiryaevo, where eight rifles were used in the battle. They were fired at enemy tanks at 150-200 meters. In that battle, two medium tanks were destroyed.”

Combat experience undoubtedly increased the ability and confidence of the gunners because target engagement ranges quickly lengthened. The same commander, Lieutenant General Ivan Kamara, wrote to superiors, “In subsequent battles, the antitank rifles were successfully used against light and medium enemy tanks. Fire was usually laid out to 250-400 meters.”

Production ramped up quickly and by the end of 1942 more than 248,000 of both types are said to have been produced with the PTRS accounting for about 63,000 of this impressive number. As more and more of the two types of rifles reached the front lines tactical doctrine was refined and matured.

In his invaluable reference book, Soviet Small Arms and Ammunition, D.N. Bolotin reports, “By 1943, the demands of the Red Army were completely satisfied; there were antitank platoons in every battalion, antitank companies in every infantry regiment and every tank-fighting division. In addition, the artillery, beginning with the antitank regiments, also received antitank rifles on the scale of one for every gun. According to approved practices, each infantry regiment was to have 54 rifles.”

Heroes of the Great Patriotic War

PTRS and PTRD rifles and the men who used them in battle quickly entered Red Army combat mythology through a vigorous and comprehensive propaganda campaign intended to inspire soldiers on the front as well as civilians back at home and in factories. Bolotin cites one colorfully worded leaflet among many representing countless true stories of heroic antitank riflemen in action against the hated invaders.

Recounting actions of Vasili Zverev, a former tractor driver turned platoon commander, it notes, “The line defended by a handful of his men was attacked by tanks. The enemy vehicles surged ahead, pouring fire at the soldiers from their cannon and machine guns, threatening to crush the defenders with their tracks. Nervously, the soldiers awaited the commander’s instructions. Zverev simply let the tanks come nearer, then opened fire with other antitank rifle teams. Tanks started burning, then exploding. Six had been destroyed by the riflemen.”

Room for Improvement

PTRD and PTRS rifles were strong, serviceable and deadly in the right circumstances but they still had shortcomings. While some sources contend that the harsh Russian winter was the source of the bulk of problems, Bolotin directly refutes this. “Though they operated faultlessly in wintertime, spring thaws brought jams caused by dust and mud; stoppages were caused by violent extraction (of the powerful rounds), together with partial ruptures of the cartridge. These flaws could be explained by minor design imperfections, impossible to eliminate within the short time in which the weapons had been developed.”

Bolotin reports that both Degtyarev and Simonov personally visited soldiers on the battlefront, carefully listening and taking to heart their concerns. A comprehensive remedial program was carried out in the latter part of 1942, addressing shortcomings in “technical documentation, roughly finished chambers and sliding parts, and mishandling by the soldiers.”

It is reported that one remedy to sticking cases came with instructing gunners to lightly lubricate the cartridges. But this can be tricky as the inevitability of oiled surfaces attracting grit could quickly make the extraction problem even worse.

PTRS Technical Specifications

Armaments designer Sergei Gravilovich Simonov designed, built and fired a prototype in the astonishing period of just 22 days. While the simpler PTRD went on to be made in vast numbers, it is said that more than 250,000 of both types were made before production ended following defeat of Germany in 1945. Although replaced by RPGs in first-line postwar use, they soldiered on for decades later, supplied to various communist armies and insurgent forces around the world.

The 14.5mm Cartridge with BS-41 Projectile, adopted in August 1941, was most commonly used in the PTRS and PTRD rifles in WW2. Carried in a brass alloy jacket, its penetrator core – variously described as tungsten carbide or metal-ceramic – is said to be capable of punching through some 40 mm of armor when hit flat-on at ranges under 300 meters. More powerful and versatile versions evolved and are still in use with the Russian Army and others in various heavy machine cannon, most notably the KPV/ZSU.

Nomenclature: 14.5mm Protivotankovoe Ruzhe Sistemy Simonova, Obrazets 1941 g
Origin: Soviet Union
Caliber: 14.5 x 114 mm
Operation: Semiautomatic only, gas activated piston
Locking: Bolt carrier tilts to lock in receiver recesses
Feed: 5-round internal magazine with rounds loaded individually or with enbloc clip
Overall length: 86.6 inches/2200 mm
Sights: Hooded post front and tangent U notch rear. Adjustable to 1,500 meters
Barrel: 48 inches/1,220 mm long, 8 grooves rifling, right twist. Operator removable for two-man carry.
Weight unloaded: 46 pounds/20.8 kilograms
Muzzle velocity: 3,320 feet/1,012 meters per second
Armor penetration: 1.57 inches/40mm at 90 degree angle, target engaged under 300 meters

PTRS and 14.5mm Update

Recent correspondence with Mr. J. D. Jones in preparation of this feature reveals that he has since parted with the rare and undoubtedly pricey gun seen in the live fire photos. But his appreciation for its big bore ammo has led him to make and offer the 14.5mm JDJ, yet another exotic and interesting development in SSK’s distinguished line of unique wildcat cartridges and custom tailored launch platforms:

The 14.5mm JDJ cartridge is based on the .50 BMG case. The neck is opened to accept the SSK 1,173 grain bullet loaded over 235 grains of 5010 to fire form the case. Other bullets may become available in the near future.

Important Note: SSK has non Destructive Device exemption for a 14.5mm (.585?) cartridge

In the test rifle, 100 yard accuracy hovers between .3 and .5 inches with this fire form load. Velocity is chronographed at 2,600 – 2,700 feet per second with the 1,173 grain bullet. This author’s worst 300 yard three shot group with it is 1.509 inches. The 750 Barnes is a real performer at 3,000 FPS. Dies are in stock.

Actions suitable for the .50 BMG are the ONLY ones that will take this cartridge. We recommend McMillan actions. Guns are all custom built according to customer preferences. It is doubtful that it will be possible to build one for less than $8,000. Please do not email questions – if seriously interested call.

SSKINDUSTRIES.COM
590 Woodvue Lane
Wintersville, Ohio 43953
Phone: (740) 264-0176,
FAX: (740) 264-2257
http://sskindustries.com

The 7.62x25mm PPD Submachine Gun

Soviet designer Vasiliy Degtyarev had introduced several promising weapon designs by 1931. Development continued until 1934 when his 7.62x25mm M1934 Degtyarev submachine gun, the PPD (Pistolet-Pulemyot Degtyarev), was adopted for arming senior officers, but production of the PPD was very limited. Degtyarev continued his work and introduced an improved model, the M1934/38 PPD that used a 25-round box or 73-round drum magazine. The drum magazine had an extension on it to fit up through the stock. However, in 1939 a decision was made by the People’s Commissariat for Defense to stop production and withdraw existing submachine guns from service. They determined the submachine gun would have a limited range, waste ammunition and had little military value – ironically an opinion shared by the U.S. and Great Britain at the time. The Soviet leaders changed their minds during the disastrous “Winter War” with Finland. On 6 January 1940 the Commissariat for Defense ordered that large numbers of submachine guns be issued to the army.

Vasiliy Degtyarev continued efforts to improve his PPD design that resulted in the adoption of the PPD 40. The PPD 40 used a drum magazine, which differed from that of the PPD 34/38 model, by having only feed lips at the top in place of a magazine extension mounted on the top. This design improved feeding as the PPD 40 was designed only for drum magazines. The PPD 40 was produced from 1940 to 1941, with approximately 87,000 being built. The PPD submachine guns were manufactured before the widespread use of metal stampings and had many forged, machined parts that required a lot of tooling and skilled labor to produce.

The 7.62x25mm PPSh 41

The PPSh 41 submachine gun, and the pressed metal technology to produce it, was conceived by Soviet designer Georgiy Shpagin. Shpagin was a former Russian army ordnance man who after his discharge began to work at the Kovrov Ordnance factory; the same facility where the PPD submachine guns were ultimately manufactured. During August of 1940, Shpagin’s first prototype submachine gun was tested. The weapon proved to be reliable under all conditions and its pressed steel, riveted and welded construction required few skilled workers or specialized machine tools to produce. The PPSh was adopted in December of 1940 as the M1941 Shpagin submachine gun or Pistolet-Pulemyot Shpagina. Production began during the fall of 1941.

PPSh 41 production was first organized in a network of factories around the Moscow area, each making parts or subassemblies to be assembled in centralized plants. Initial production was slow but soon grew exponentially. There were many companies involved in making PPSh 41 weapons and parts, including a few who had no previous experience with weapon manufacture, these including the Moscow Automotive Factory Zavod imeni Stalin (ZIS). The ZIS factory symbol was a Cyrillic character that looks like a number 3, which represents the Roman letter Z. Another PPSh 41 factory was the Scetmach plant in Moscow that marked their receivers with a Cyrillic letter C that translates to the letter S. Other factories contributing to the production of the PPSh 41 submachine gun were: the Kirov Aviabuilding Plant, the F. Dzerzhinskly Factory, the Korov Plant, the Krasnuj Stamping Plant, the Tbilisi Instrument Factory, and the Tbilisi Train Factory. However, by October, due to the advancing German army, many of the factories were abandoned and relocated to the Vyatskie Polyany Machine Building Plant. The designer Shpagin was appointed as the chief designer of the facility, which became one of the primary manufacturers of PPSh submachine guns during the war. The PPSh drum magazine manufacturing plant, originally located near Moscow was also forced to relocate to the Vyatskie Polyany area. Many Soviet made PPSh drums and some box magazines will have the Star in a Shield trademark of Vyatskie Polyany plant.

The PPSh 41 consisted of eighty-seven separate parts, twenty-four of the parts were fabricated from pressed carbon steel, and only five of the components were forgings. The four-groove chromium-lined barrel was pressed and pinned to the receiver. The receiver extended out to form a sheet metal barrel shroud with cooling slots. The end of the shroud formed a compensator to reduce muzzle climb. The receiver was hinged at the front; at the back of the receiver was a spring-loaded end cap that had an L shaped lug at the bottom that secured it to the trigger frame. By pushing the end cap forward the lug was disconnected from the trigger frame and the receiver could be lifted upward for maintenance, pivoting on the front hinge.The bolt had a fixed firing pin and a cocking handle safety that could secure the bolt in an open or closed position. The submachine gun was capable of both semiautomatic and full-automatic fire, with an automatic cyclic rate of 900+ rounds per minute. The sliding mode of fire selector is located inside the trigger guard, forward of the trigger. The full automatic position is forward, semiautomatic to the rear. The weapon operates from an open bolt. The ejection port is located in the center of the receiver and spent cases are ejected straight up.

The PPSh was fed from a 71-round drum magazine, and except for the feed lip design, was similar to that used in the PPD 40 (PPD 40 drums have one straight feed lip). However, the drum magazines were difficult to carry, hard to load in the field, and often caused the weapon to jam. The drums were also time consuming to manufacture, and caused a delay in getting the PPSh weapons into the field. As a result, in 1943, a curved 35-round double stack, single feed magazine was designed for the PPSh. Thin steel used in early production of the box magazines caused many problems, which were easily solved by using thicker sheet metal in their construction. The single feed design of the box magazine made them hard to load to full capacity by hand.

Early production PPSh 41 submachine guns were fitted with a tangent style rear sight calibrated out to a range of 500 meters. To simplify manufacture, the tangent sight was replaced by a simple U-notch, two-leaf flip sight with one leaf marked 10 for 100 meters and the second marked 20 for 200 meters. The front sight was a threaded post adjustable for elevation and the sight could also be drifted left or right to adjust for windage. Another change was to replace the detachable front sight hood, which was often lost in the field. The removable front sight hood (which is missing from most examples) was replaced by a fixed hood permanently welded to the barrel shroud. The early production hinged receiver used a one-piece front receiver pin that had a circular groove in the center and was retained in place by a round piece of spring steel. The early style pin was replaced by an improved two-piece pin that was easier to remove. During late 1942, the trigger frame magazine well was reinforced by extending the frame upward partially enveloping the sides of the receiver. Another problem that arose in the field was the buffer, which could not stand up to hard use, and was in short supply. Some of the PPSh submachine guns studied had a reinforcing bolt through the wrist area of the stock to keep it from breaking.

Over five million PPSh 41 submachine guns were manufactured during World War II. In 1943, Iran made an agreement with the Soviets and received drawings and tooling to manufacture a copy of the PPSh 41 under license at the Mosalsalsasi factory near Teheran, Iran. The submachine gun was designated as the Model 22. A number of the Iranian made submachine guns were issued to the Red Army during the war. Manufacture of the Model 22 continued after the war ended. During World War II many captured PPSh submachine guns were fielded by the Germans; some were converted to 9mm using MP40 magazines. Post war variants were made in China as the Type 50, Hungary as the Model 48, North Korea as the Type 49, and in Poland.

The Chinese manufactured the Type 50 in at least three factories in China. Different arsenal markings include: the circular gear symbol of the Communist 90th Arsenal, Factory 626, and an unknown facility using star with three horizontal lines on the left side and two lines on the right. The rear flip sight leaves on the Chinese Type 50 has apertures instead of U-notches as on Soviet models, and is attached with counter-sunk rivets, while Soviet rear sights were attached with round head rivets. Some Chinese Type 50 submachine guns had wooden stocks that were made in two pieces. The two-piece stocks were joined together with glue, but during hard use in the field the stocks often split apart at the joint. It has often been reported that the Chinese version will not accept a drum magazine. That bit of misinformation was first published in a U.S. Ordnance report. Because the dimensions of the drums vary to some degree, some drums will fit in the Type 50, while others may not; this was also true of the Soviet PPSh 41. The Soviets addressed the problem by selecting drums that fit in a particular submachine gun and then etching the host weapon’s serial number on the drums that fit.

The North Korean Type 49 can be identified by a star inside of a single or double circle stamped on the top of the receiver, along with the serial number and year of manufacture. The Type 49 has features of both Chinese and Soviet models. The rear sight is a two leaf type with 100 and 200 meter apertures, the ejection port is rectangular shaped and the trigger frame has the late Soviet style receiver reinforcing tabs. The receiver pivot pin is solid and staked in place. The weapon was manufactured from 1949 to approximately 1955. The plant producing the submachine guns was located in Pyongyang. The factory was overrun by UN and South Korean troops during the conflict, but could only be held a few days before it was retaken by North Korean troops. The factory was relocated further north by the enemy and was back in production in just a few weeks.

Hungary adopted and manufactured a copy of the Soviet 7.62x25mm PPSh M1941 as the 48 Minta. The 48M was manufactured by Fémáru Fegyver és Gépgyár (FÉG), Budapest, from 1949 to 1955. The date of manufacture was stamped on top of the receiver along with the FEG arsenal logo and the numbers 01 inside of a circle. The trigger frame has the receiver reinforcement tabs at the top; the two-leaf rear sight has U notches for sighting.

The post World War II Polish copy of the PPSh 41, the PM wz.41, was manufactured at the Zaklady Metalowe Lucznik plant located in the city of Radom, Poland. The factory logo was a number 11 inside of a horizontally placed oval stamped on top of the receiver. The trigger frame has the receiver reinforcement tabs at the top, and the two-leaf rear sight has U notches for sighting. The ejection port has a rectangular shape.

In addition to Russia’s use in World War II, the PPSh and its variants saw widespread use during the Korean War by the North Korean and Chinese troops. The submachine gun was also fielded by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong (K50) during the Vietnam War. Weapons captured during the aforementioned conflicts were from every country that produced them.

During the 1950s, the Austrian Army designed a plastic replacement stock for the PPSh 41. The plastic stocks were a light or dark maroon color.

The 7.62x25mm Cartridge

The 7.62x25mm round was originally developed for Fedor Tokarev’s prototype pistols in 1929. The dimensions of the Soviet round are nearly identical to that of the German 7.63 Mauser cartridge, but most sources warn that the Tokarev round not be used in pistols intended for the Mauser cartridge. The bottleneck Tokarev cartridge was also used in Soviet submachine guns, and there were many types produced specifically for submachine gun use. Early Soviet production used brass cases, however because of brass being a critical material in wartime, around 1942 the case material was changed to painted or copper washed steel. Early bullets had a lead core; later production used a combination of a steel core inside a lead envelope. The steel-lead bullets had a slightly longer overall length to retain the weight of the lead core bullets. The bullet jackets were steel clad with gilding metal. There were a number of specialty loadings that included: tracer, armor-piercing, armor-piercing-incendiary, flame-thrower igniter, blank and dummy. Bullet weight of the standard ball round nose bullet was approximately 85.8 grains with a muzzle velocity of 1,492 feet per second. The round generates very little recoil in a PPSh 41 submachine gun, making the weapon very controllable during full-automatic fire.

PPSh 41 Specifications

Stock: Fixed wooden stock
Overall length: 31.1 inches
Barrel length: 10.6 inches
4-groove barrel, chromium lined
Magazine: 71-round drum/35-round stick
Loaded weight: 12.0 lbs w/drum / 9.5 lbs w/stick
Cyclic rate: 900+ rounds per minute
Semi and full automatic operation