By Dean Roxby

The Devil’s Paintbrush – Sir Hiram Maxim’s Gun
By Dolf L Goldsmith

Published by Collector Grade Publications
Deluxe Expanded Edition, 2002
584 pages, 819 illustrations
$79.95

Reviewed by Dean Roxby

Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim is best known for the belt-fed machine gun that he designed, built and marketed worldwide. This book details not only the gun, but the unique story of a most fascinating man.

An American by birth and a prolific inventor in New York, Sir Maxim (he was knighted by Queen Victoria for his contributions to the British Empire) was a very successful businessman and electrical inventor prior to becoming involved with firearms design. A long list of his other inventions is included, ranging from light bulbs to medical inhalers for asthma and bronchitis. He even attempted to build a flying machine prior to the Wright brothers. He had a natural desire to invent, as indicated by his first invention during his teen years, a self-powered mouse trap.

As interesting as that is, the firearms enthusiast will no doubt want details of the gun that bears his name. This book certainly delivers. It goes into great detail documenting the original trial and error development of the automatic machine gun, and includes numerous period photographs and sketches. Maxim went though numerous versions of his design, creating a truly legendary machine. The change from black powder cartridges to smokeless powder was one such change well covered by this fine book.

From his first firearm patent, a lever-action Winchester converted to recoil operation, to his brilliant belt-feds, this book covers them in great detail. One gun featured in Chapter 2, History and Development, was named “Prototype”. This early design was entered in the 1885 International Inventors Exhibition where it won a gold medal.

The book is divided into chapters set out in chronological order at first (during the initial development, patent, and early marketing stage), then changing to chapters based on users. As the Maxim in all its many variants was used worldwide and was manufactured under license by a number of countries, there are many nations discussed. Notable chapters include: Chapter 6 British Service, Chapter 7 Imperial Germany, Chapter 8 German Maxims at war, Chapter 9 Russia, and Chapter 11 The Maxim in America.

Chapter 14 The Maxim in Depth, discusses the actual operation of the system, including field stripping and disassembly of the feedblock and lock.

Chapter 15 The Troubleshooters Handbook details the various stoppages and how to rectify them.

The original first edition and updated 2nd edition (1993) ended here. Since then, a great deal more information has been collected. As explained by author Goldsmith, the decision was made to leave the original 366 pages as is, and add a 200 page Addendum for the Deluxe Expanded Third Edition. The rational is that readers of the first or second editions would have to sort through a huge amount of previously read information to get to the new bits. By adding a separate Addendum, the new research is readily available.

The layout is similar to the earlier works, chronological within each chapter, and the chapters based on nationality. Chapter 16 is titled More on the British Maxim, followed by chapters on German, Russian, USA, and everywhere else.

Besides the gun itself, there is a tremendous amount of accessories, tools, training material, and other collectables featured. A good lot of this comes from author Goldsmith’s own personal collection. One can tell from reading this book that he truly cares about the guns he writes about. This also applies to any of the other titles by Goldsmith. He has several other large, thoroughly detailed books on belt fed guns, including a five volume set on the Browning .30 cal and .50 cal guns, and a long out of print classic on the lovely British Vickers MG, The Grand Old Lady of No Man’s Land.

The Maxim book is published by Collector Grade Publications of Cobourg, Ontario, Canada and is well known for producing very high quality firearms books. This one is printed on quality semi-gloss paper and is hard cover bound. The hard covers have a dark brown simulated “leather” feel to them, and this is protected by a separate dust jacket. This gives a very nice appearance, something to be treasured.

The YHM Model 57 is produced in both flat black as well as burnt bronze. Notice this model has a longer extended handguard, which is also an option to the customer.

By Christopher R. Bartocci

The AR business, like any other, has trends that alter the way the weapons are produced to make a more modern updated looking carbine instead of the legacy AR look going back to the early 1960s. Many companies have created unique looking receivers with a much more modern look such as AXTS, San Tan Tactical, Seekins Precision and now the Yankee Hill Machine Model 57. Providing to numerous OEM’s as well as manufacturers of their own weapons is Yankee Hill Machine Co., Inc. of Florence, Massachusetts. Opening their doors in 1951 as a job shop, Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) broke into the gun world in the late 1960s in the form of a government contract making cleaning kits. Around 1998, YHM started to sell complete AR-type rifles in co-op with ZM Weapons. The co-op dissolved and DPMS is now its own company. YHM has manufactured several weapon components for the U.S. military as well making them familiar with military grade quality control.

YHM manufactures a wide variety of components including rifle receivers, back up sights, front sights, rail systems, flash suppressors, lower receiver accessories as well as sound suppressors. They have a very good size selection of complete rifles ranging from entry level to professional. Along with their complete rifle line, they also sell complete upper receivers whether they are stock items or custom items. YHM has earned their reputation in this industry for quality and innovation. One does not have to look very far to see other manufacturers using YHM parts.

The newest entry to the market is the Model 57. To start with, the upper and lower receiver is manufactured from a billet instead of a forging. There are several reasons why this is a benefit over the forging. With a forging, there is very little that can be done to alter the look of the receiver without alteration of the forging die. Another big factor is when there is a buying surge of rifles and components forgings can be very hard to come by. Here in the U.S., there are relatively few forging companies that manufacture for the entire industry. These include Cardinal Forge, Anchor Harvey, Cerro Forge, Martin Marietta and Brass Aluminum Forgings, to mention a few. Many of these have U.S. government contracts with Colt and FN. In some cases receiver forgings that are rejected by those companies find their way into the commercial market as well. Basically, these are standard lower and flat top upper receiver forgings. YHM found during the frenzy of 2012 they had difficulty getting forgings. They wanted to be sure they could build rifles whether there were forgings or not.

Using a billet instead of a forging offers a starting point to allow the manufacturer to sculpture any design they like with the only limitations being the length and the width of the billet. Billets are also much easier to manufacture. The original YHM design arguably mimicked a forged lower (concept design started in January 2013). YHM started to make sure all of their specifications would match any upper throughout the industry. Although the design of their first six prototypes had a very unique look to them, it was too similar to that of a legacy lower so YHM decided on a course in a different direction. At this same time, the YHM engineering department had greatly increased in capability and innovation. YHM knew they could do vastly more with the lower with this new engineering approach as well as improve machining practices. Two more concepts later, YHM arrived with the current Model 57. Once the lower was completed, YHM decided on a whole package. Once this was decided, the YHM engineering team was challenged to come up with an entirely new rifle to show at SHOT Show 2014. By October 2013, YHM had their new billet upper receiver as well.

The Model 57 rifle has an unloaded weight of 7.43 pounds without a magazine. With the stock extended the overall length is 37.5 inches and with it closed is 33.5 inches. The rifle comes with two Magpul Gen 2 PMags and YHM Quick Deploy Q.D.S. sights, which are manufactured from 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum. The Model 57 can be purchased in 5.56mm, 300 AAC Blackout (7.62x35mm) and 6.8mm SPC calibers. Finishes are offered in flat black and burnt bronze. The MSRP is $2,195 for the flat black model.

Starting from the rear of the Model 57, the rifle uses a Magpul Commercial Specification CTR stock that is lightweight, durable and has a lock on the stock so it will not inadvertently move without intent. The receiver extension allows the stock six different positions.

The pistol grip is the Magpul MOE or Magpul Original Equipment. This is far more comfortable than the standard Mil-Spec A2 pistol grip and up more of the user’s hand.

The lower receiver is manufactured from a 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum billet, the same type of aluminum as the Mil-Spec forgings. The trigger guard is integral into the lower receiver and is oversized to allow for heavy gloves. The magazine well is cut in a unique shape and appears as though the front of the magazine well extends a little more than a standard legacy rifle. During testing of the T&E rifle it was found two magazines would not seat due to this. These were the H&K polymer magazine and the newly introduced Elite Tactical Systems translucent polymer magazines. This bears no reflection on the rifle; these magazines were designed a little different is all. The front of the magazine well has grooves machined into it making it easier and a more solid hold. The rear takedown and front pivot pins are the YHM designed E-Z Pull takedown pins that protrude from the right side of the rifle making field stripping of the rifle considerably easier and faster. The trigger is a two stage trigger that broke at 5 pounds

The upper receiver, also machined from a billet of 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum has a very unique sculptured look to it. Machined into the receiver is a forward assist as well as a fired cartridge case deflector. The ejection port has written on the outside the caliber and in the case of the T&E it said “5.56mm NATO.” All YHM firearms now include a caliber marked ejection port dust cover.

The barrel on the T&E rifle is a YHM manufactured 16 inch fluted barrel manufactured from 4140 steel and Melonite QPQ finished. The barrel is referred to as a ball cut barrel and is patterned in such a way so that although material is removed, it retains its original tensile strength. The rifle is offered with a carbine gas system. There are four different barrels offered by YHM: a standard 5.56mm Mil-Spec 1 turn in 7 inch barrel, a 5.56mm barrel with a 1 turn in 9 inch barrel, a 300 AAC Blackout/300 Whisper barrel with a 1 turn in 8 inch twist barrel to accommodate both super and subsonic loads, and a 1 turn in 10 inch 6.8mm SPC barrel. YHM’s ball cut barrel is at this time only available on complete Model 57 rifles. YHM offers both threaded and unthreaded muzzles as well.

The muzzle device was quite interesting called the YHM Slant Series Brake/Comp – a combination of a muzzle brake and compensator. The particular one on the rifle was the YHM-26-MB-A, which can also be bought separately for a MSRP of $70. This device stood out during testing as it did not have the brutal blast on the sides as you would come to expect from a muzzle brake and you could clearly feel it doing its job. Muzzle jump was negligible and although very uniquely and somewhat freaky looking, this muzzle device does an excellent job.

The handguard is the SLR (Slim, Light, Rail)-Slant Series handguard. The top of the rail makes a continuous top rail from the charging handle to the tip of the handguard at the muzzle end. The rail is T-marked so the operator will know the proper placement of the optics or other accessories to maintain zero. This rail is manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum and is available in midlength as well as rifle length configurations. The rail on the T&E rifle is the midlength (YHM-5145), which has three QD mounts on the front left and right sides and the underside of the handguard. The rail is continuous on the top but the sides and bottom are only 3 inches in length on the front of the handguard. To the rear is smooth and very comfortable to hold. The 12 o’clock position of the handguard accepts customizable Mil-Std 1913 rails. The handguard is 2.18 inches wide and 2.18 inches tall. The handguard does require a proprietary barrel nut. All the necessary components and tools are provided with the handguard for installation. The handguard on the submitted T&E is their Specter Systems – a term coined by YHM that refers to a free floating handguard that extends over/past the gas system/gas block hiding it under the handguard. This also protects the gas system from any damage from the rifle being dropped or any other type of impact.

The rifle comes standard with the YHM Q.D.S. (Quick Deploy Sights) front and rear sights (YHM-5040). These folding backup sights feature a spring loaded automatic deploy system and lock positively in the upright and folded positions. They deploy by a spring loaded button and stow the same way. Both sights are manufactured from 6060-T6 aircraft grade aluminum. The rear sight has the same short and long range dual aperture as the standard A4/M4 rifles and windage is adjusted by a knob. No tools are necessary.

The bolt carrier group is standard Mil-Spec. The carrier group was very well machined and melonite coated. The charging handle has the new YHM tactical latch on it that makes it much easier to manipulate with gloved hands.

The charging handle includes the Tac Latch.

At the same time the new Model 57 arrived, so did some new magazines for testing manufactured by Hexmag. Product design of the Hexmag began in early 2013. Hexmag was incorporated in November of 2013 and began shipping product in March of 2014. The design was done by Adam Schefter, one of the company’s owners.

The material is very similar to other top end magazines that are made of a mix of nylon and fiber materials for strength. The magazine has a series of hexagram shapes on the magazine exterior. According to Hexmag, the grip is the number one benefit and they feel the design was more interesting to look at compared to what else is out there saying the pattern compliments the design and not distracts. The pattern saves on weight and they estimate the weight savings as two 5.56mm rounds per magazine.

Another outstanding feature of this product is the colored follower and the colored lock plate. The base plate has a hexagram shaped hole where the lock plate protrudes and locks the floor plate and magazine base together. No tool is needed to disassemble the magazine. One can use their finger to push inward on the lock plate and slide the floor plate off the magazine body. Both the follower and lock plate are offered in black, orange, green, red, yellow, pink and blue. By changing the color of the lock plate to various colors, this can help the shooter to identify caliber of the cartridges in the magazine as well as projectile types. The magazine itself is offered in black, Flat Dark Earth and olive green.

The market can expect other types of magazines in the future. Hexmag offers a Lifetime Warranty on their magazines. Prior to release, the magazines had been put through a battery of testing including drop testing and compatibility testing. The T&E magazines were subjected to different rifles as well as fully automatic fire.

The YHM Model 57 was tested with numerous magazines to determine compatibility. These magazines included GI aluminum, Magpul PMag, HK High Reliability steel magazine, Hera Arms polymer mag, Lancer AWM, Surefire 60-round and the new Hexmag. These all functioned without issue. The rifle was tested for function with 500 rounds of Black Hills Ammunition .223 Rem 55gr FMJ as well as Federal American Eagle .223 Rem 55gr FMJ. There were no malfunctions. The efficiency of the muzzle brake/compensator was quite noticeable on affecting muzzle jump. The feel of the handguard was quite comfortable. It was nice not having the rail at the rear of the handguard due to how uncomfortable that can be. The Magpul MOE pistol grip is always a winner. The best group shot that day was a .740 inch group by a SWAT Team sniper with Black Hills Ammunition MK262 Mod1 ammunition. This is a 77gr Open Tip Match Round used by SOCOM. It is this authors opinion this is the finest factory produced 5.56mm cartridge in the world. You get a combination of match accuracy and consistent wounding ballistics. Designed by Jeff Hoffman, this round has become the most sought after 5.56mm round in the military as well as foreign military who have had the chance to shoot it with their SOCOM advisors. Black Hills Ammunition makes this ammunition available to the commercial and LE markets as the 5.56mm 77gr OTM in their new manufactured ammunition line.

With all the variations of the Black Rifle you may be thinking, “Not another one!” This is not your typical copy of the M4 carbine – in fact it is the opposite. This rifle sports a new style upper and lower receiver, new free float handguard, excellent fluted barrel, advanced muzzle brake/compensator and more. The only thing this author would have liked to see different is that the gas block to be drilled and pinned in place instead of locked on with set screws.

Sten Mk II submachine gun and magazines.

By Frank Iannamico

During World War II there were an estimated forty-two million magazines produced for the British Sten submachine gun. Today, Sten magazines are very easy to find on the surplus market and usually very inexpensive. Because of their availability and low price, Sten magazines have been adopted for use in a number of modern firearms, both as issued and in modified form. With such a proliferation of Sten magazines one has to wonder just why anyone would choose to make new ones.

During 1940, the British were in dire need of small arms. The British Lanchester submachine gun and its magazine were a close copy of the German MP28 II submachine gun. The reason for choosing that particular weapon was the manufacturing drawings had been made earlier from two weapons that were in British hands. The existing German magazine and the submachine gun were copied instead of designing a new one to save precious time. The German’s MP28II magazine was the same basic configuration later used for their MP38-MP40 magazines. A similar magazine, in a 32-round configuration, was adopted for the British Sten submachine gun for the same reason. The double-stack single-feed magazine design is a configuration that requires a strong spring in order to force the cartridges into a single row at the top. The spring makes the single feed magazine difficult to load by hand, requiring the use of a loading tool, and places a lot of force on the magazine feed lips. The double-stack double-feed design, as was used in the Thompson submachine gun, is far more reliable and much easier to load by hand.

Sten magazines were produced by a large number of contractors and subcontractors. The magazines were fabricated from sheet metal, with the manufacturing process of the body varying slightly by manufacturer. A thick steel collar was spot welded to the top of the magazine’s body to form the feed lips. The floor plate was made of sheet metal and bent to slide onto the rails formed on the bottom of the magazine body. The floor plate was held in place by a protrusion on a plate attached to the bottom of the magazine spring.

Early Sten magazines proved problematic and were redesigned by eliminating the holes in the rear of the magazine (used to determine how many rounds were in the magazine) and adding a cross brace to connect the legs of the follower to keep them from spreading apart and dragging on the magazine body. The new magazines were designated as the Mk2 design. Many of the earlier magazines were upgraded when processed through a British Factory Thorough Repair program (FTR).

The primary contributing factor of the Sten magazine’s functioning problems is the feed lips’ propensity to spread apart when loaded, changing the critical feed angle of the top cartridge. The condition exists because of the stiff spring inherent of the design.

After Market Sten Magazines

This brings us back to the question of just why aftermarket Sten magazines exist. One of the primary problems with original Sten magazines is that they are 70 plus years old. Springs have a finite life, and the sheet metal parts can suffer from metal fatigue and corrosion. The new manufacture Sten magazines are made of modern materials and to closer tolerances than possible during World War II. When the Sten magazine conversions for the M11/Nine submachine gun were introduced, there was a small run of Sten new magazine springs produced in an attempt to make the magazines more reliable. As a general rule, aftermarket magazines are not as reliable as original factory production. However, the reproduction Sten magazines seem to be the exception. Currently there are two known sources for new manufacture Sten magazines.

TAPCO is a well-known wholesale company based in Georgia that specializes in the accessory market for firearms. One of the products the company offers is a U.S. made, 32-round Sten magazine made from a modern composite polymer material. The spring is made of corrosion resistant stainless steel, the floor plate is steel and the follower is made from the same polymer as the body. The magazines were originally designed for MasterPiece Arms’ 9mm Defender Series of semiautomatic MAC type pistols. The Defender pistols were originally designed to use metal Sten magazines, but as suitable surplus magazines could no longer be found in the quantity needed, the Company persuaded TAPCO to manufacture new ones. They also offer a magazine loader, although the magazines used in the evaluation could be loaded with an original Sten box type loading tool. According to their website, all TAPCO products have a lifetime guarantee.

The second source of new manufacture Sten magazines is an online company called KeepShooting.com. The company, in business since 2002, is located in southern Maryland and sells firearms, firearm accessories, military surplus and ammunition. The Sten magazines offered by Keep Shooting are all steel and exact reproductions of the originals. The company website states: “The magazines are guaranteed to fit and function reliably in any Sten submachine gun, including the Sten Mk I and each of its many variants. This magazine is also compatible with the MPA-30. The body of the magazine, which is designed to hold and feed 32-rounds of 9x19mm Parabellum ammunition to your firearm, is constructed from hardened steel that has been fully heat treated. It also boasts a black Teflon-based finish for enhanced protection against rust and corrosion. Additionally, both the steel spring and follower are precision manufactured to provide for reliable feeds on a consistent basis. The Keepshooting.com Sten magazine is a reproduction of the original Sten magazine, which was a direct copy of the MP-38 magazine. As such, it may still suffer from the reliability issues characteristic of the original design, as our modern manufacturing techniques are not capable of correcting inherent design flaws. If properly maintained, your Keepshooting.com Sten magazine should perform well.”

As advertised, the Sten magazines appear to be very well made. The company website lists the manufacturer as the KeepShooting.com products house-brand. Several efforts were made to contact the company by both phone and email to inquire where the magazines were manufactured. No one answering the phone at the company knew the answer, nor could locate anyone that did. There were no replies to several emails. Judging from the construction and finish of the magazines an educated guess would be South Korea, based on features and construction of other magazines known to be produced there. There are some magazines advertised on the Keep Shooting website that specifically state “not Korean made.” The Sten magazines ad on the site did not include that statement. These particular Sten magazines seem to be only available from this company, so not revealing their source is understandable.

The Field Test

Both the TAPCO and Keep Shooting magazines were tested in a British Mark II Sten, Mark V Sten, Sterling and a Lanchester submachine gun – weapons all designed to use Sten magazines. Ammunition for the test varied from reloads to new full metal jacket with a variety of 115, 125 and 147 grain bullets.

Fit

The Lanchester submachine gun could not be used for the operational test because none of the aftermarket magazines being evaluated would fit into the brass magazine well. Original World War II manufactured 32-round Sten and 50-round Lanchester magazines fit with no problem. During World War II, Sten submachine guns and magazines were assembled from parts supplied by numerous manufacturers both large companies and small workshops. As such the parts were made to generous tolerances. To expand the magazine fit-test beyond the four test guns, the new magazines were then checked in several Sten magazine housings from parts sets and the magazines fit with no problem. One of the magazine housings was from a Lanchester part set. The Keep Shooting magazines fit, but the TAPCO mags did not.

Function

As stated earlier, the primary problem with original Sten magazines is the spreading of the feed lips, which changes the feed angle and leads to failure to feed stoppages. Loading the magazines to full capacity will aggravate this condition. If you leave original Sten magazines fully loaded over an extended period of time, you will probably encounter functioning problems. The feed lips of the new magazines were measured and the feed angle checked. The magazines were then loaded to capacity and stored for several months. The magazines were removed from storage and measured again. The feed lips of all the magazines remained in spec. The acid test was to test fire them. Seven of the Keep Shooting and four of the TAPCO magazines were loaded and tested twice. They were fired in two different Sten variants and a Sterling submachine gun. There were a few stoppages encountered in firing 700-plus rounds, but none could be directly attributed to a magazine malfunction.

Summary

The aftermarket magazines functioned very well in the test; they proved to be more reliable than original World War II magazines. The cost of the new manufacture magazines is comparable with original 32-round surplus mags, and there is no storage grease or Cosmoline to remove.

Sources

TAPCO
www.tapco.com/

Keep Shooting
Phone (877) 703-2767
www.keepshooting.com/

The HK P9S was a revolutionary handgun for its time. Employing the roller-locked action made famous in the HK G3 and MP5-series guns, the P9S is an exceptionally smooth and accurate firearm.

By Will Dabbs, MD

What do the SIG P226, Glock, HK USP, Colt 1911, FN Hi-Power, Tokarev TT33, Walther P99, and CZ75 all have in common? Despite the fact that these guns originated from the four corners of the globe, the common theme to them all is the luminary John Moses Browning. In the history of mankind, John Browning is the undisputed master of firearms design. Kalashnikov made more guns. Stoner revolutionized the ergonomics and materials. Maxim likely claimed more lives. Browning, however, changed the very landscape. In the case of handgun design, the Browning operating system wherein the barrel tilted out of battery by means of a wedge or link still drives most of the world’s tactical handguns nearly a century after the man died.

There have been some interesting alternatives. The Walther P38 and the Beretta 92 employ a novel tilting wedge. A few designs to include the Beretta PX4 and the new Chinese CF98 use a rotating barrel with a cam system to lock the breech. Some designs just made the slide and recoil spring beefy enough to manage recoil energy and left it at that. Those brilliant German engineers at HK, however, once tried something completely different.

Big Bore Beginnings

A team of German engineers working for the firm of Johannus Grossfuss Metal-und locierwaffenfabrik in Doblen, Saxony, began work designing a replacement for the belt-fed MG34 General Purpose Machine Gun in 1939. The guys who designed the resulting German MG42 had never before designed a firearm. Given the requirements for a quick-change barrel and accelerated rate of fire perhaps this explains the unconventional nature of the gun. The MG42 was mostly steel stampings welded together and could be built en masse using modern production facilities without requiring excessive numbers of skilled machinists. The MG42 was portable, reliable, devastating downrange, and relatively cheap. The WWII-era design was so effective that it is still general issue in many armies even today. The beating heart of the MG42 was the delayed roller locking mechanism.

In the MG42, locking was undertaken via a pair of steel rollers that cammed out into corresponding recesses in the breech of the gun. This system made for a very smooth action that ended up being reliable in the face of fouling and high round counts. While there was some detailed machining required to produce both the bolt and barrel extension, compared to the MG34 that preceded it the MG42 was a breeze to build in quantity. The original roller locking system was actually inspired by the design of the industrial pile drivers of the day.

German engineers were so enamored with the concept that towards the end of the war they were adapting this system to drive a shoulder-fired assault rifle. After the armistice these engineers made their way to Spain and built their rifle as the Spanish CETME.

The CETME was chambered for 7.62x51mm cartridges and fed from a 20-round box magazine. Soon after its introduction the gun’s German designers went back to Germany and started production of a product-improved version for Heckler and Koch called the G3. Several calibers and countless variations later, this roller-locked operating system drove the HK33 and MP5 families as well. Never satisfied with creative stagnation, HK engineers eventually miniaturized the classic roller-locked operating system into the revolutionary HK P9S tactical handgun.

Vital Statistics

The 9mm P9S arose before the world’s fetish for high-capacity magazines so it feeds from a single-stack box magazine that holds nine rounds. The magazine release is on the heel of the butt in the European fashion and there is a simple slide-mounted safety. These are about the only aspects of the gun that aspire to normal, however.

There is a manual decocker on the left side of the frame that is accessible with the right thumb. Unlike the SIG-series guns, to render the weapon inert you depress the decocker, pull the trigger, and then lower the internal striker into a neutral position. Pressing the decocking lever all the way down also drops the slide on a fresh magazine.

The trigger on the P9S is simply outstanding and the slide is coated with something that feels a bit like Teflon. The P9S employed a polymer frame back when polymer frames weren’t cool. In this case the polymer portion is little more than a sheath that wraps around a metallic endoskeleton. After several decades of hard use the polymer frame on my example has had to be replaced twice.

The HK P9S employs such innovative features as polygonal rifling and a small mechanical indicator that protrudes from the rear of the slide when the action is cocked. As with all things HK, the P9S looks like a sewing machine on the inside but is executed to an incomparable standard of quality.

Turning Ammo into Noise

HK produced the P9S in limited numbers chambered in .45 ACP as well. However, most examples encountered today are in 9mm. Given the modest recoil impulse of this cartridge, the P9S is a very nice-shooting handgun. As is the case with its larger cousins, the MP5 and G3, the roller-locked action is almost unnaturally smooth. Follow up shots are easy and the heel-mounted magazine release is fairly intuitive if not quite as awesome as that of John Moses’ 1911.

My P9S is monotonously reliable despite years of use and is just the right size to tame the 9mm into a pussycat. Sights are decent and the barrel is stainless. Even after a bazillion rounds the P9S still groups competitively with any of my more modern iron.

One aspect of the novel roller-locked design that did find a passionate niche following was as a suppressor host. The roller-locked mechanism lent itself to a fixed barrel. That meant that a suppressor might be mounted without adversely affecting reliability or requiring a Linear Inertial Decoupler or LID device. This fact alone has guaranteed the popularity of the P9S years after it was discontinued from production.

There are frequently multiple right ways to reach a common destination. In the case of tactical handgun design there is basically John Moses Browning and then there is everybody else. Within that tiny subset of everybody else, HK engineers once conjured up a truly innovative way to skin the cat. You just cannot help but be impressed with how well the Germans pulled it off.

The Scorpion offers a lot of 9mm firepower in a small, lightweight package. With the removable receiver cap it would be a natural to turn into an SBR. It would then be as close to an original Scorpion EVO submachine as most shooters would be able to own.

By Chris A. Choat

The Czech Scorpion submachine gun started development in 1959. The first prototypes were built, minor changes made and then the little gun went into full production in 1961. It was designated the Samopal Vzor 1961 (submachine gun model 1961). The name was then shortened to simply the SA Vz.61 or Vz 61 or simply the Scorpion. The Vz 61 was originally chambered in 7.65×17 Browning, which is also known as the .32 ACP. This caliber was chosen as it was very popular in Europe at the time. The gun was intended for use by Czech special forces or non-infantry units and proved to be very popular with them because the diminutive .32 ACP cartridge was easy to silence. The gun uses a stamped steel receiver and fires from a closed bolt. The lower receiver is made from machined steel. It is magazine fed from either 10- or 20-round double stack, double feed magazines and ejects its empty brass straight up, out of an ejection port located in the top of the upper receiver. The Scorpion is select-fire and features a wire-steel, top-folding shoulder stock. With the stock folded the gun is a very compact 10.5 inches. The gun uses a telescoping bolt that keeps the overall length to a minimum. It also uses a rate reducing mechanism that slows the rate of fire to a very manageable 850 rounds per minute. In 1982 the Czech Army adopted the 9×18 Makarov cartridge and the Scorpion was redesigned to accept the more powerful, larger cartridge. It became the model SA Vz.82 and was also made in export models that were chambered in 9×17 Browning or .380 ACP. There were also some guns produced in 9×19 Luger or 9mm Parabellum. These last versions of the gun were produced starting in the early 1990s. The Scorpion submachine gun didn’t change much from the late 1950s until recently.

The Scorpion EVO III A1 submachine gun started production by the Czech gun manufacturer Ceska Zbrojovka Uhershy Brod (CZ-UB) in 2009. Prior to that, it was built in Slovakia and was called the Laugo submachine gun. In 2002 the gun rights were sold to CZ-UB and then was later re-designated the Scorpion EVO III. The gun was completely redesigned with a larger form factor and was made with the use of modern polymers and design technics. Being larger than the original gun the new Scorpion uses a simple straight blowback firing system. It still offers select-fire but now has a 3-round burst setting as well as semi and full-auto. The pistol grip/trigger mechanism, receiver and forearm are all made from polymer as is the side-folding, collapsible stock. The gun has a full-length top Picatinny rail with fully adjustable front and rear iron sights. With the full length rail any optic or combination of optic and night vision can be added. There are also side rails and a bottom rail mounted on the fore end. It is still fed from box magazines but now the mags are made from semi-translucent polymer and come in 10-, 20- and 30-round capacities. All fire controls are ambidextrous as is the charging handle that can be mounted on either the right or left hand side. Naturally where the Scorpion EVO III A1 is select-fire it’s available only to military, law enforcement and Class III dealers as a post-sample machine gun… until now.

CZ-USA is a subsidiary of CZ-UB and has been importing the CZ line of guns since 1998 to their facility in Kansas City, KS. There are several uniquely American CZ-USA products, notably their line of Safari Classic rifles as well as the 550 Tactical Rifles. These are built here in the USA at their Warsaw, Missouri plant. At the SHOT Show this year one of the new guns that drew the most interest was a semiautomatic pistol version of the CZ Scorpion subgun which is called the Scorpion EVO III S1; the “S” meaning semiautomatic. With the new gun being introduced in a pistol variant it still has the 7.8 inch barrel that the submachine gun uses. That’s the good news. The bad news is that to have a gun that looks just like the submachine gun you will have to register the pistol as an SBR (short barrel rifle) before you can add the stock. Now for more good news. CZ-USA has an arm brace adapter that allows the user to add a SIG type arm brace to the pistol giving it the look of the submachine gun. At the time that this article is being written AFT has just made a new ruling on arm braces. It basically says that you can own an arm brace, you can install an arm brace and you can even shoot a pistol with an arm brace installed; but if you shoot the pistol equipped with an arm brace, with the arm brace shouldered, then the whole unit becomes an SBR. If it is not registered as an SBR then you cannot shoulder it! Bureaucracy at its best. Just to be on the safe side you might want to register the Scorpion as an SBR then put on the adapter and install a collapsible buffer tube and stock and be done with it. CZ-USA says that they might be offering the original side folding, collapsible submachine gun stocks for the pistol if they can get the 922r restrictions sorted out and get ATF approval. For now just be glad we can get this pistol because it is quite a gun.

The Scorpion pistol has all the features of the submachine gun except for the select-fire mechanism. The pistol has an upper receiver that is made from polymer and is actually two halves that are bolted together with Allen head bolts. It has a full length Picatinny rail that runs across its top surface that is molded in. It also has two side rails and a bottom fore end rail that are also molded in. There are molded in loops on each side for a quick attach sling snap as well as a slotted one on the left side for a regular sling. Added to those are two metal “hard point” sling mounts right above the magazine well. The gun doesn’t lack for places to mount a sling of either the single point or dual point variety. The pistol comes with a detachable hand stop mounted at the front of the bottom rail to keep the shooter’s hand back away from the muzzle. This can be adjusted along the rail for the shooter’s preference. The pistol grip, which houses all of the fire control components, is also made from the same polymer. This grip assembly features a large pistol grip that should fit most shooter’s hands. The magazine well, which is also part of the grip assembly, features a large flare that guides the magazines into position very fast, every time. The magazines made for the Scorpion are first rate and are made from translucent polymer so that the shooter can tell at a glance how many rounds are remaining in them. They are available in 10-, 20- and 30-round capacities. They are the double column, double feed style and load fairly easily without the use of a magazine loading tool. The magazines have a removable baseplate and can be taken apart for cleaning.

The magazine release is located just in front of the trigger guard and releases the magazines with just a forward push. The release is ambidextrous and the empty magazines drop free when empty. The safety selector naturally has two positions, safe and fire, and the receiver has white and red pointer dots respectively. The bolt release is made from steel and is the only fire control that is not ambidextrous. It is released only on the left side of the gun but can easily be reached by either right or left handers. The charging handle on the test gun was set up on the left hand side of the upper receiver but can easily be changed to the right hand side as desired by the shooter.

At the rear of the receiver is a cap that covers the back dovetailed mount for a buttstock. It also has a sling attachment point and is made from machined steel. It can be easily removed by using a punch to depress a spring loaded button at the rear of the receiver – then it just slides up and off. The rear dovetail is where the SIG type arm brace is installed or maybe, at a future date, a stock assembly. The author was sent an arm brace adapter with the test gun and installing the arm brace was quick and easy and stabilized the gun dramatically. If you decide that you don’t want to have to wait for a ruling on the original side-folding collapsible stock, the arm brace adapter accepts any AR style buffer tube that will then accept any AR type stock after you get your approved SBR paperwork.

Even though the pistol is made mostly of a fiber-reinforced polymer it has a very robust feel to it. It weighs in at 5 pounds and is 16 inches overall. The 7.8 inch barrel is cold hammer forged and is threaded. The threads are metric 18×1 right hand. The barrel is capped with a flash hider and has a spring loaded detent to keep it in place instead of a lock or crush washer.

While 18 X 1 is not a common American 9mm thread pattern, Thompson Machine is already offering thread adapters to fit so that you can install a suppressor on the new pistol. They sent this author one of their adapters and it was installed in one of their ISIS 2 suppressors and installed on the gun. The Scorpion is a natural for use with a suppressor. The sheer mass and weight of the bolt combine to hold the bolt closed slightly longer than normal 9mm firearms. Using subsonic 9mm ammunition the Scorpion is extremely quiet.

At the range the new pistol was test fired using a two handed conventional style hold (two hands on the pistol grip), then with a two handed carbine style hold (one hand on the pistol grip and one hand on the forearm) and then two handed with an arm brace installed. As each style of hold was used the pistol’s accuracy increased. By far the most accurate way to hold this gun is with an arm brace installed. The shooters also incorporated a single point sling attached to the rear of the receiver and pushed the pistol forward, putting tension against the sling. With this shooting style the pistol shot like a mini carbine making hits on an 8 inch steel plate at 100 yards a matter of routine. So if you don’t want the hassles of an arm brace this is the next best thing. The pistol comes with a very nice set of steel sights already mounted on the Picatinny rail. The front sight is the standard AR platform style round post that is adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is also made like an AR-15 style sight but is only adjustable for windage. Like the AR style sight the rear has round peep type apertures but instead of only 2 it has 4 and they can be rotated either forward or rearward to the size or distance the shooters prefers. Both front and rear sights can be adjusted with the sight adjustment key that comes with the gun. The sights as they came set from the factory proved to be dead on.

Shooting the gun was a pleasure with recoil being almost non-existent. The trigger is just what you would expect in this type of gun. It has about 1/4 inch of take-up before hitting resistance but then broke cleanly. The trigger pull was right at 7 pounds measured with a Lyman Digital Trigger Pull Gauge but feels lighter when actually shooting it. The trigger has a grooved face for positive finger placement.

300 rounds were used the first time out with absolutely no issues with full metal jacketed loads with bullet weights from 115 grains to 147 grain subsonic. Several defense hollow point loads were also fired and, again, with no feed, function or ejection problems. The gun just ran magazine after magazine shooting any ammunition that it was fed. We fired the gun with the original iron sights first then an Aimpoint Micro T-1 was installed. The T-1 co-witnesses with the iron sights in its bottom 1/3rd. With the Aimpoint installed and the gun fired from a rest at 50 feet, the Scorpion would cut half dollar sized holes with entire 30-round magazines.

The polymer magazines proved to be well made and highly reliable and though very lightweight, they were very robust. They were ejected both empty as well as fully loaded out of the gun onto the dirt with no sign of breakage or rounds popping out. The magazine release on the pistol is ambidextrous with release grooved pads on both sides of the front of the trigger guard. They can be easily and quickly released by either the shooter’s trigger finger or with the thumb of your off hand. We never had to pull a magazine out – they always dropped free. The bolt release is located on the gun’s left hand side just above the rear of the magazine release where it can be quickly hit by the shooter’s off-hand thumb putting the gun back into action after a magazine change.

The safety on the pistol can be easily reached with the grip hand’s thumb or even with the trigger finger. It rotates about 45 degrees downward from safe to fire. The end of the safety switch protrudes out a fair amount from the gun. While it is rounded and doesn’t catch on your gear, one thing that all the shooters noticed was that it tends to bite into the hand if you shoot with your grip hand situated up at the top of the grip. It doesn’t sound like a big thing but, nevertheless, CZ is saying that they will probably be offering a non-ambidextrous safety/selector for it in the future.

The gun ships from the factory with two 20-round magazines. We were able to get 2 of the new 30-round magazines to try out as well. The forecasted retail on the 30-round magazines is supposed to be under $20. They work every bit as well as the 20-rounders though they get too hard to load after about 25 rounds. Here a loader, like the one from Maglula, would make the chore much easier. For people who live in high capacity magazine restrictive states the guns will ship with two 10-round magazines instead. At the time of this writing the only other accessories that are available for the gun is a shoulder sling, a double magazine pouch and a backpack style carrying case. As time goes on this author expects there will be a great many factory and third party accessories available for the new Scorpion as this should become a very popular gun. Not only is the gun totally reliable it is good looking, very accurate and with a retail price of just $849 it is one of the best buys in the firearms world today.

CZ-USA
P.O. Box 171073
Kansas City, KS 66117-0037
(913) 321-1811
www.cz-usa.com

Thompson Machine
172 Center Street
Panacea, FL 32346
(850) 408-5161
www.thompsonmachine.net

Training drills involving simulated cover allowed for the SDP Compact to be evaluated in dynamic settings with multiple strings of fire.

By Todd Burgreen

SPHINX can trace its own corporate heritage back to 1876 where it began as a Swiss tooling company in Solothurn, Switzerland. Swiss manufacturing has a well deserved reputation of quality, which SPHINX is proud of. SPHINX was relocated to the city of Porrentruy in 1985, where it became SPHINX Engineering SA. It was here where the first SPHINX semiautomatic pistol was drafted and manufactured. The demand for quality precision firearms led SPHINX Engineering SA to acquire Industrial Technology & Machines AG (ITM) and develop the AT 2000 in 1996, improving upon ITM’s popular CZ 75 pattern. SPHINX handgun models have been used in IPSC competition for decades and have served as the sidearm of the Danish, Malaysian, Norwegian, and Singaporean special operation forces, as well as a handful of municipal police departments in Switzerland, including the regulatory agency that provides security at nuclear power plants. In 2010, SPHINX Systems SA joined with KRISS Group, bringing together innovative technology and precision to create the SPHINX SDP series. In 2013, SPHINX earned their ISO certification in 2013.

The SPHINX Special Duty Pistol (SDP) Compact reviewed herein is an excellent example of product development and evolution that traces its heritage back to the CZ 75. However, make no mistake, the SPHINX is not a mere clone; it represents a clear evolutionary step in the CZ 75 design – a separate branch of the CZ 75 family tree if you will.

The SPHINX SDP Compact is a modernized rendition of the classic CZ 75. What is it about the nearly 40 year old CZ 75 design that keeps it so adored and desired by so many shooters for personal defense, target, or competition? Surely more modern designs featuring higher capacity and new materials have eclipsed it: do not bet on it. Discounting the CZ 75 variants as only holding onto their position due to whimsical nostalgia or other forms of emotional attachment is not valid. The business of a fighting or competition handgun is too grim and serious to allow for emotion to sway so many. Yes, the CZ 75 pattern handgun may have been superseded as a duty weapon in our military and police ranks, but take note that elite units and personnel with a vote often revert back to the CZ 75 design with the SPHINX SDP Compact an example this.

The SDP Compact combines base CZ 75 design with design modification and Swiss precision. Previous SPHINX pistol models were custom made and hand fitted to tight tolerances with the commensurate price reflective of this. The 2010 merger with KRISS Group shifted focus with the SDP Compact emerging in 2012. The SDP Compact is SPHINX’s first mass produced firearm and the model line is priced approximately 66% less than previous SPHINX handguns.

With the SDP Compact, SPHINX has merged steel slide, aeronautic grade aluminum frame, and corrosion resistant polymer grip. The SDP series of pistols will come in three versions: Standard, Compact, and Sub-Compact. The SDP Compact’s frame is a two piece modular unit. The polymer grip and aluminum frame are fit together via a dovetail cut and held in place by two internal screws. This design permits metal to metal interface between the steel slide and aluminum frame. The aluminum frame contains the slide rails, fire control mechanism, thumb and grip safeties, slide stop, and railed dust cover. The aluminum frame also serves as the bed for the barrel. The frame is mated to a polymer grip that commences at the top of trigger guard. The inside of the polymer grip is EDM (electrical discharge machining) wire eroded to hold very precise dimensions.

The SDP Compact disassembles quickly similar to the CZ 75 via pulling the slide open, aligning witness marks on the frame and slide, then pushing out the takedown lever from the frame allowing the slide to be slid off the frame. The SDP Compact exhibited no evident tool marks and no lateral play in the slide’s fit to the frame or barrel to slide. The barrel locks up tight when in battery.

Ambidextrous controls round out the SDP Compact package, including low profile decocking lever on both sides of the frame. All controls are configured in a way as to minimize any possible snagging on holsters or controls. One area where the SDP Compact pistol differs from the original CZ design is in its lockup. The SDP’s barrel hood is used to lock into the ejection port. Many current handguns use similar method in lieu of lugs in front of the ejection port as done in the original CZ 75. Another difference with the SPHINX SDP Compact versus the original CZ 75 is that “cocked and locked” carry is not possible. Magazine capacity of the pistol is 15 rounds plus one in the chamber.

The polymer frame incorporates an interchangeable grip system to accommodate different hand types while maintaining the classic “CZ 75-like” feel. The grip features a large beavertail tang and large for a high grip. A pronounced beavertail recognizable to anyone familiar with the 1911 immediately sets apart the SPHINX SDP Compact from most other CZ 75 based models. This allows the SDP Compact to sit low in the hand for more effective muzzle control during recoil and natural pointing characteristics. The SDP Compact’s slide mass and shape is engineered to aid in increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire. SDP Compact’s low bore axis relative to the shooter’s hand allows for a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapid rounds are fired. The low bore axis also aids in minimizing muzzle flip. The slide moves along internal rails machined inside the frame. Proponents point to benefits derived from this such as smoother cycling and finer tolerances translating into better accuracy potential.

The SDP Compact’s trigger is a great enhancement. The DA/SA semiautomatic’s trigger is often criticized due to the difference experienced from breaking the first shot hammer down carry mode to subsequent rounds in the magazine. The SDP Compact has one of the best triggers experienced in a DA/SA semiautomatic; the SDP Compact will have many re-evaluating DA/SA handguns. Once trigger control is mastered, which takes surprisingly little orientation training, the SDP Compact is very capable of firing rapid multiple shot strings with the utmost accuracy thanks to short trigger pull and reset.

The one thing many do with a handgun is switch out factory sights. There is no need for this with the SDP Compact. It comes standard with a well-designed sight system. Target acquisition is fast due to the dot giving a fast and clear “flash” at close range, yet allowing for more precise aimed fire at distance. You will automatically focus on the most important part of your sighting system – the front sight. Lastly, an oversized trigger guard makes the SDP Compact easy to operate while wearing gloves; a nod to realism for a duty or personal defense weapon carried under all conditions. An integral Picatinny rail under the pistol’s frame readily accepts lights, lasers, and other accessories.

All of these SPHINX SDP Compact enhancements mean little if it feels like an unwieldy paperweight in one’s hands instead of a natural pointing handgun. The SDP Compact frame does not sacrifice this in its quest for capacity. The majority of range testing with the SPHINX SDP Compact took place at Echo Valley Training Center. Two main T&E priorities were the focus – make sure that SDP Compact’s reliability was beyond reproach and if the SDP Compact offered something beyond the other handguns on the market. Of first concern, the SDP Compact handled several types of ammunition without a problem. Firing began with basic drills to get acclimated with the SDP’s trigger, sights, and overall feel. The sights were zeroed out of the box for 25 yards using the classic 6 o’clock hold. Various bullet profiles and weights were used to ensure nothing interacted with the SDP Compact causing malfunctions. A wide range of 9mm loads were tested including 115gr, 124gr, and 147gr JHP and FMJ loads from Black Hills, Federal, Hornady, and Winchester.

Several magazines’ worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets. Drills quickly moved past stand and deliver drills to more dynamic drills involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. Years of training with various entities such as Pat McNamara, Jason Falla, Tactical Response, Suarez International, Storm Mountain, Robert Vogel, etc., provided a background of what is acceptable performance for a defensive handgun. The SDP Compact’s simplicity of operation allowed for rapid engagement of targets combined with well thought out ergonomics positioning the hand near optimum position starting with the presentation from the holster. Approximately 500 rounds were fired while compiling this article without encountering any issues.

he SDP Compact’s sights are good to go out of the box. Its slide is thicker and less svelte than the original CZ 75s. This is a result of being machined from bar stock. Many will find the thicker slide easier to gain a solid grip on when manipulating it.

T&E’s rarely consist of bench testing pistols for accuracy due to reliability and quick engagement of targets being more paramount in a self defense/service handgun. The SDP Compact did not disappoint regularly producing 3 inch groups at 25 yards when fired from standing unsupported positions. Bench testing could not be resisted after witnessing the unsupported accuracy results. Sub 2-inch groups at 25 yard were not unusual and probably would have been smaller if not for rudimentary bag support and only cursory interest in bench testing. The advantage of the single action trigger option was quickly evident during the bench testing where accuracy was the goal with its compact, minimal creep pull. As can be expected, recoil impulse was minimal in a 27 ounce handgun chambered in 9mm, especially one with the ergonomics of the SDP Compact.

As a side note, it was a surprise the number of holsters that accommodated the SDP Compact thanks to its CZ 75 heritage including both IWB and belt models. When manipulating the SDP Compact from a holster during visits more of a point shooting or flash sight picture was utilized along with one handed firing grip. This is a more realistic way of analyzing what the SDP Compact brings to the table for user’s considering using it in the role it was designed – a handgun for law enforcement, military or civilians concerned with personal defense.

Many may ask what the SPHINX SDP Compact offers to shooters compared to other handguns already on the market. The SDP Compact benefits from lessons learned combined with practical input from world class and tactical shooters combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with quality weapon production.

Specifications

SPHINX SDP Compact
Caliber: 9mm
Overall length: 7.4 in.
Overall height: 5.35 in.
Overall width: 1.37 in.
Weight: 27.86 oz.
Barrel length: 3.7 in.
Sight radius: 5.7 in.
Action: DA/SA with ambidextrous decocking lever
Trigger pull weight: SA 3.30 lbs. DA 10.14 lbs.
MSRP: $1,299

KRISS USA
PO Box 8928
Virginia Beach, VA 23450
(855) 574 7787
www.Sphinxarms.com

The MAX-31A Mk2 upper on a Model-11 .380 lower receiver. The MAX-31A converts the Model 11 from .380 caliber to 9mm. The system is designed to feed from both the high capacity, 71-round Suomi M31 drum and 50-round “coffin” magazine. The optic fitted is the Trijicon RM01, a LED red dot sight powered by a CR2032 battery.

By Frank Iannamico

Origins of Gordon Ingram’s Model 11

During 1969, while working at Sionics, Gordon Ingram developed another variation of his basic Model 10’s design, which was even more compact than the original. The new .380 caliber submachine gun was chronologically designated the Ingram Model 11 or simply the M11. The M11 was basically a scaled down version of the Model 10. The M11 was approximately one-third the size and weight of all existing suppressor equipped 9mm submachine guns of the day. Weighing in at 4.62 pounds with a loaded thirty-two round steel, double-stack-single feed magazine, the new Model 11 was nearly one-half the weight of the loaded .45 caliber Model 10.

Like its counterpart the Model 10, the Model 11 was constructed of sheet metal bent and welded to form most of the main components. The upper receiver was made from 16-gauge sheet metal with a steel block at the front end to support the sheet metal components and provide a mounting point for the barrel. The lower receiver was made of 14-gauge steel; this was slightly thinner than the 12-gauge metal used for the M10. A steel block was located on the bottom of the receiver to provide strength to the sheet metal and support the buttstock. The magazine well/pistol grip was fabricated from 16-gauge steel. On Military Armament guns the top of the magazine well was welded to the bottom of the receiver. The trigger guard was made of 12-gauge steel strap. The front and rear sights were formed from sheet metal. The bolt was a steel casting. Most of the internal parts were castings or steel stampings.

Ingram had noted that most of MAC’s customer emphasis was on sound suppressed weaponry. The 9mm Parabellum cartridge was not considered for his new M11, because of the cartridge’s inherent supersonic velocity. The only way yet devised to eliminate the sharp sonic crack of standard 9mm ammunition, was through the use of cartridges loaded to maximum velocity of 955 feet per second. The 9mm Parabellum so loaded used a 130-grain full-jacketed bullet, originally intended for the .38 Colt Super rounds. The .380 was considered to be as effective as the 9mm rounds of the era that were downloaded to achieve subsonic velocity.

Gordon Ingram’s Model 11 was originally intended to be offered as an alternative to the `Model 10 as a smaller, more concealable weapon. The M11 was designed specifically for use with a sound suppressor for “special” operations. In addition to its subsonic velocity the small .380 ACP round also produced less felt recoil and made the little submachine gun, even with a cyclic rate of fire of 1,600 plus rounds per minute, easy to control. To enhance the effectiveness of the .380 ACP cartridge a special loading utilizing a heavier projectile was developed, the cartridge was designated the MAC .380 SMG. This special loading replaced the standard 95-grain FMJ projectile with a more effective, yet still subsonic, 130-grain bullet. The bullet was the same as that used for the MAC subsonic 9mm rounds, with the same muzzle velocity of 955 feet per second. Original lots were made by the MAC loading department in commercial cases, and later by Winchester with a “380 SMG” head stamp. Because of its ability to accurately spray projectiles onto a target, the potent little M11 has often been referred to as a .380 caliber shotgun.

One experimental Model 11 was produced in 9mm Parabellum at MAC, but the weapon was never placed into production. Early Model 11, .380 caliber submachine guns manufactured at the Military Armament plant were marked 9MM AUTO, this caused a lot of confusion with customers in the U.S. and South America who were attempting to load and fire 9mm Parabellum rounds in their .380 caliber M11 submachine guns. After a brief period, a letter “K” suffix was added. The 9MM AUTO K represented “Kurz” or “short”, a designation commonly used in Europe. The .380 round was also known in many foreign countries as the 9mm Browning Short or 9mm Corto. The addition of the letter K did not completely solve the problem. To finally address the caliber confusion situation, subsequent production M11’s were marked .380 CAL. Some of the Military Armament Model 11 submachine guns have an oval shaped spot milled out of the receiver and marked .380 CAL in that area. It has often been reported that the 9MM AUTO K logo was removed, but this was not the case. When first attempting to mark the M11s with a .380 CAL marking, a worker transposed the numbers; the M11s had been mistakenly marked .308 (as in the 7.62×51 NATO cartridge). The .308 is the caliber marking that was removed by milling and changed to read .380 CAL.

The SWD .380 M11-A1

After the demise of MAC and RPB, SWD introduced a .380 caliber version of their M11/Nine submachine gun designated as the M11-A1, which was essentially a shortened M11/Nine frame and receiver. As with the earlier MAC and RPB Model 11 .380, the 9mm models were more popular and produced in much larger numbers. The SWD M11-A1 receiver’s right side was marked; M11-A1, CAL .380; SWD INCORPORATED; ATLANTA, GA. U.S.A. The SWD-style encircled Cobray emblem was stamped at the top rear corner, and occasionally on the buttstock. The Cobray logo on the original MAC/Ingram Model 11 and the RPB M11-A1 was not encircled and did not include the name Cobray at the bottom. There are a few minor design differences between the original .380 caliber MAC/Ingram M11, RPB M11-A1 and the SWD M11-A1 variant. The primary difference is that the SWD M11-A1/.380, like its counterpart the M11/Nine, uses Zytel magazines. In order to accommodate the dimensionally larger Zytel magazine, the SWD M11-A1 magazine well was made larger than those on MAC and RPB M11 models. The steel magazines from the original MAC M11 and RPB’s M11-A1 submachine guns are not interchangeable with those of the SWD M11-A1 model. The SWD model has two dimples pressed into the side of the receiver to limit the rotation of the SEMI and FULL mode of fire selector lever to 180-degrees. The front of the magazine has a rather short bead of weld attaching it to the trigger guard; the back of the magazine well is welded to the receiver, hidden by the plastic grip extension. The grip extension also has the SWD style encircled Cobray logo molded into it.

The steel magazines of the earlier MAC and RPB .380 caliber Model 11’s won’t fit or function in the later manufacture SWD .380 caliber M11-A1, likewise the SWD Zytel magazines won’t fit in a RPB or MAC M11/.380. However the Lage MAX 31A is compatible with either model because the original magazine well is not used.

The MAX 31A

The pistol-size .380 caliber Model or MAC 11 wasn’t produced in the same numbers as the Model 10 or SWD’s M11/Nine submachine guns. As a result of the Model 11’s very limited production, aftermarket upgrades and enhancements to increase its ergonomics and decrease its cyclic rate have been few and far between. The M11’s .380 cartridge, less common in large quantities than the 9mm round, have also contributed to its lack of popularity. Most modifications in the past were to convert the Model 11 to fire 9mm rounds, although most attempts have been unsuccessful. The 9mm round was simply too powerful for the M11’s small frame and short bolt travel.

Richard Lage’s recently introduced MAX-31A Mk2 upper receiver has many attributes; one of them is successfully converting the Model 11 from .380 caliber to 9mm, and it’s designed to feed from both the high capacity, 71-round Suomi M31 drum magazines, and the Suomi 50-round duplex magazine more commonly known as the “coffin” because of its shape. The longer receiver converts the M-11 and M11A1 into a carbine sized submachine gun and provides greater control and handling. Features include a 16-inch long accessory rail on top and hard mount points for additional M1913 rails on right and left sides of front handgrip, the bottom rail is integral. Contained within the upper receiver is a heavy weight bolt assembly with a longer length of travel than the stock M-11A1 upper receiver. This reduces the rate of fire (ROF) from 1,500+ rounds per minute with .380 ACP ammo down to around 770 rounds per minute with 9mm ammo. Due to the reduced cyclic rate and longer bolt travel, muzzle rise is reduced; the gun feels much smoother in operation and easy to keep on target. The MAX-31A Mk2 easily attaches to the stock M-11 and M11A1 without any modifications to the lower receiver.

Options

The Lage MAX-31A Mk2 comes standard with an 8-3/8-inch barrel with 1/2-28 muzzle threads and a 9mm bird cage flash hider. For those desiring a different muzzle thread, Lage offers as an option 8-5/8 inch barrels threaded 3/4-10 at the muzzle for use with the original “old school” MAC or SWD 9mm suppressors. Also available is a 8-3/4 inch barrel with a HK type 3-lug mount. All Lage barrels are made from 4140 chrome-moly steel and finished in black oxide.

The VBS is a Variable Buffer System consisting of one buffer spacer. When installed in the MAX-31A Mk2, the rate of fire can be easily increased. The VBS easily installs on the bolt assembly by simply installing it between the rubber buffer and the back of the bolt assembly. It is securely held in place with the ejector rod.

Other accessories available at extra cost include both fixed and side-folding buttstocks made of black polymer in a choice of lengths to fit any shooter. A collapsible buttstock with a fixed polymer butt plate is also offered. All stocks have a provision for attaching a sling.

The optional two-piece molded polymer grip features a finger groove, a ribbed front and stippling on the sides. The rounded backstrap is more comfortable than the stock grip and extends lower. The bottom of the grip features a funnel shape on the bottom to facilitate faster magazine changes. A second grip is available with the addition of a lever above the grip to activate the heel mounted magazine release. The grip is the same as the standard two-piece molded grip except it has an internal mechanism to activate the heel mounted magazine release with a thumb actuated lever at the top of the grip. When used with “drop-free” magazines, you will be able to drop the empty magazine while reaching for a replacement magazine. The grip is available for the both the MAC/RPB and the SWD M11/.380 models

A vertical K-Grip is designed to attach to a M1913 Picatinny type rail. The canted angle allows a natural shooting stance that is more comfortable than a straight vertical grip. The clamp is made from 6061 aluminum and finished in black anodize. The grip portion is made from black polymer.

For those who need additional rails for attaching accessories to the sides of the upper receiver such as flashlights or lasers, Lage offers left and right side mount rails made from 6061 aluminum and finished in hard coat black anodize.

Other available products include an extended safety lever that mounts at the front of the trigger guard. The lever makes it quick and easy to positively engage and disengage the safety on a MAC, vital for use in subgun competitions. Also available is an internal safety slide that is designed to have more bearing surface and is made from steel with a black oxide finish. It is designed to replace the original slide that is made of cast aluminum.

Also available for the MAX 31A are several competition triggers, an improved extractor, a hardened sear, extended safety lever, buffers and extended cocking handle.

Overall dimensions of MAX-31A Mk2 upper receiver:
Length: 21-5/8 inches
Width: 1-1/2 inches (2-1/4 inches across cocking knob)
Height: 4-11/16 inches
Weight: 3 pounds 11.7 ounces

Overall dimensions of the MAX-31A Mk2 when assembled to an M-11A1 lower receiver with an 8-7/8 inch stock:
Overall length with 8-7/8 inch stock: 28 inches
Height: 6-1/2 inches
Width: 2-1/4 inches
Weight unloaded: 5 pounds, 13.7 ounces
Weight of 72rd drum magazine: 2 pounds, 2.5 ounces

Sources:

Gordon Ingram, the MAC MAN
Chipotle Publishing LLC
Phone: (702) 565-0746
Web: https://www.smallarmsreview.com

Lage Manufacturing LLC
Phone: (480) 219-8893
E-Mail: Sales@max-11.com
Website: http://www.max-11.com/

Suomi Drums
Tom Wright
Email: Vegasdrums31@gmail.com

Coffin magazines
Folke Myrvang
Email: folkem@online.no

By Teresa G. Ficaretta, Esq. & Johanna Reeves, Esq.

Domestic Assembly of Nonsporting Rifles and Shotguns from Imported Firearms-Avoid Violations of 18 U.S.C. § 922(r)

Licensed importers and licensed manufacturers are generally aware of the provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968 that make it a crime to assemble a nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun from a specified number of imported parts. However, this little-known provision of Federal law may be violated by any person who adds domestic parts to an imported firearm. This article provides an overview of 18 U.S.C. § 922(r), discusses its history and purpose, and gives the reader information on avoiding unintentional violations of the law.

The Statute

Section 922(r), Title 18, United States Code, makes it unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun prohibited from importation under the “sporting purposes” test of section 925(d)(3) of the Gun Control Act (GCA). The statute provides exceptions for rifles or shotguns assembled for sale or distribution by a licensed manufacturer to a Federal, State, or local government agency. An exception is also provided for purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Attorney General.

The purpose of section 922(r) is to prevent persons from circumventing the import restrictions of the GCA by importing unassembled rifles and shotguns and assembling them into nonsporting configuration in the United States. ATF regulations issued under this provision of the GCA are found in 27 C.F.R. § 478.39.

Willful violations of section 922(r) are punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for a term of no more than 5 years, or both. Such violations may also result in seizure and forfeiture of firearms involved in the violations and in license revocation.

Legislative History

Section 922(r) was added to the GCA by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-647, November 29, 1990. The principal purpose of the provision was to avoid circumvention of the import provisions of the GCA by importing firearms parts and assembling them in the U.S. using domestically manufactured frames or receivers. Readers may recall that the ban on importation of semiautomatic nonsporting rifles was imposed by the Bush administration in 1989. The administration apparently believed importers were avoiding the ban by bringing in all the parts for nonsporting rifles and adding them to domestically-made receivers, actions that were perfectly legal before Congress enacted section 922(r).

The “Sporting Purposes” Test for Rifles and Shotguns

Before we discuss the regulatory provisions, let’s focus on the “sporting purposes” test of the GCA. In SAR Vol. 19, No. 4, The Sporting Purposes Test for Imported Firearms, we provided readers with a thorough discussion of the history of the sporting purposes test and how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) interprets the test as to handguns, rifles, and shotguns. We will not repeat that information in this article. However, so that readers understand how section 922(r) incorporates the “sporting purposes” test for rifles and shotguns, we are summarizing ATF’s criteria for these firearms below:

Nonsporting Rifle Criteria

The rifle is a semiautomatic version of a machinegun;

The rifle is chambered to accept a centerfire cartridge case having a length of 2.25 inches or less; and

The rifle has one or more of the following military features:

• Ability to accept a detachable magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds
• Folding or telescoping stock
• Separate pistol grip
• Ability to accept a bayonet
• Flash suppressor
• Bipod
• Grenade launcher
• Night sights

Nonsporting Shotgun Criteria

Any one of the following features render a shotgun nonsporting:

• Folding, telescoping, or collapsible stock
• Bayonet lug
• Flash suppressor
• Magazine over 5 rounds or a drum magazine
• Grenade launcher mount
• Light enhancing device
• Excessive weight (greater than 10 pounds for 12-gauge or smaller)
• Excessive bulk (greater than 3 inches in width and/or greater than 4 inches in depth)

Regulations Implementing 18 U.S.C. § 922(r)

The regulations in 27 C.F.R. § 478.39 implement the provisions of section 922(r), providing specific guidance on the particular parts and how many of those parts can be used to avoid the domestic assembly prohibitions. It is interesting to note that ATF published proposed regulations in 1991 (Notice No. 723, 56 FR 41105, August 19, 1991) that would have prohibited the domestic assembly of nonsporting semiautomatic rifles and nonsporting shotguns by using 2 or more of the 22 parts listed in the regulation. This very restrictive reading of the statute was condemned by members of Congress who sponsored the language of section 922(r), and ATF received over 3,000 written comments, most of them negative. A number of the commenters pointed out that the proposed rule would prohibit the legitimate use of foreign parts in domestically made firearms, a widespread practice in 1990, and one that Congress did not intend to disrupt.

ATF adopted the final rule (T.D. ATF-346, 58 FR 40587) on July 29, 1993 to prohibit domestic assembly from more than 10 of the 20 firearms components listed in the regulation. ATF noted that if a majority of the components are imported, the assembled weapon would be considered reasonably as a foreign weapon prohibited from importation. By identifying the major firearms components and addressing only the assembly of those firearms using a majority of foreign components, ATF reasoned the rule would preclude the assembly of foreign made firearms without interfering with the legitimate use of foreign parts by domestic manufacturers. ATF also revised the regulations to allow the replacement of damaged or defective parts on firearms lawfully imported into the United States or those lawfully assembled prior to November 30, 1990, the effective date of section 922(r).

Application of the Regulation to Manufacture of Rifles and Shotguns

As stated above, the regulations in 27 C.F.R. § 478.39 list 20 parts ATF believes to be “major components” of semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. In applying the regulation to a particular firearm, the first test is to determine whether the finished semiautomatic rifle or shotgun is nonsporting. If the rifle or shotgun to be assembled is sporting, then there is no cause of concern under 922(r). Conversely, if ATF would classify the semiautomatic rifle or shotgun as nonsporting, then the assembly must proceed in accordance with Section 478.39. The regulation establishes the rule that section 922(r) is violated only if the nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun is assembled with more than 10 imported parts of the 20 parts listed in the regulation, as follows:

(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings
(2) Barrels
(3) Barrel extensions
(4) Mounting blocks (trunnions)
(5) Muzzle attachments
(6) Bolts
(7) Bolt carriers
(8) Operating rods
(9) Gas pistons
(10) Trigger housings
(11) Triggers
(12) Hammers
(13) Sears
(14) Disconnectors
(15) Buttstocks
(16) Pistol grips
(17) Forearms, handguards
(18) Magazine bodies
(19) Followers
(20) Floorplates

If Federal firearms licensees are using any imported parts in the assembly of a nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun, it would be a prudent best practice for the licensee to document which parts are imported and which are domestically made. This documentation, along with any invoices demonstrating the provenance of the parts, should be retained in the event an ATF inspection results in questions about compliance with section 922(r).

Meaning of the Word “Assemble”

Section 922(r) makes it unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun. The term is not defined in the statute or regulations, and ATF takes the position that assembly has its ordinary, everyday meaning. ATF has advised that “assembly” includes putting together a firearm from unassembled components, adding parts to a complete or partially complete firearm, and removing parts from a completed firearm and adding new parts. As an example, a manufacturer who adds a shoulder stock to a barreled action or a pistol would “assemble” the resulting rifle. “Assembly” would also occur when a folding stock, flash suppressor, bayonet, or night sights are added to a rifle. The term “assemble” would also apply to a situation where machining is necessary before a part is added to a firearm, such as when a magazine well is machined and a magazine is added to a rifle. Questions concerning particular manufacturing operations and whether they are “assembly” should be referred to ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division.

Does Section 922(r) Apply to Short Barrel Rifles and Short Barrel Shotguns?

Yes. Section 922(r) applies to the domestic assembly of short barrel rifles and short barrel shotguns if they are also nonsporting under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3).

Rifles having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length are regulated under the NFA. Shotguns having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length are also regulated under the NFA. Within the last year ATF advised a manufacturer that its attachment of a shoulder stock to an imported semiautomatic pistol would violate section 922(r) unless the manufacturer added enough domestically made parts to avoid the prohibitions set forth in the regulation. The basis for this advice was that the resulting short barrel rifle would also be nonsporting because it had a detachable magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds and a separate pistol grip. These are both nonsporting features identified in ATF’s 1998 rifle import study. Thus, in addition to complying with the registration requirements of the NFA, the manufacturer must switch out a number of the pistol’s component parts to ensure that no more than 10 of the parts listed in section 478.39 are imported. The same rationale would apply to a short barrel shotgun imported into the United States, then reconfigured so it had one or more of the features set forth in the 2012 shotgun study.

Just to clarify, it is not ATF’s position that all short barrel rifles and all short barrel shotguns are nonsporting and therefore subject to section 922(r). Rather, it is ATF’s position that if the short barrel shotgun or short barrel rifle has one or more nonsporting features, then it cannot be assembled with more than 10 of the imported parts listed in section 478.39.

Does Section 922(r) Apply to Pistols and Revolvers?

The plain language of the statute is limited to the assembly of semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. ATF has never applied the domestic assembly provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 922(r) to handguns. This means that importers of sporting handguns may lawfully change features to make the handgun nonsporting without violating section 922(r).

Enforcement of Section 922(r)

The authors have been unable to identify any reported decisions in criminal cases construing section 922(r). This does not mean, however, that the United States Attorneys have never indicted defendants for violating this provision, as many criminal cases are disposed of at the District Court level without being reported.

On the civil side, there is at least one civil license revocation case based on assembly of a nonsporting SKS rifle with a folding bayonet. In this case, Trader Vic’s Ltd. v. O’Neill, 169 F. Supp. 2d 957, 963-64 (N.D. Ind. 2001), ATF’s position that “assembly” includes
adding one part to a fully assembled rifle is clearly illustrated.

It is apparent there are challenges for ATF in enforcing section 922(r). In any criminal prosecution, the United States bears the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant assembled a nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun “from imported parts.” A violation of section 922(r) must be “willful,” which requires the United States to prove the defendant knew his conduct was unlawful, not that he or she was specifically aware of the particular requirement of the law that was violated (see, e.g., Bryan v. U.S., 524 U.S. 184 (1998)). Thus, to sustain its burden of proof, the government must prove: (1) the defendant assembled a nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun; (2) the rifle or shotgun was assembled with more than 10 of the parts listed in 27 C.F.R. 478.39; (3) the 10 or more parts were imported; and (4) the defendant was aware his or conduct was unlawful. Parts, other than frames or receivers, generally are not marked with the country where the parts were manufactured. Absent an admission that the parts are imported or other evidence the parts are imported, e.g., invoices from abroad listing the imported parts, it will be difficult for the government to determine whether a violation of section 922(r) occurred, much less whether a particular assembler “willfully” committed that violation. It is no surprise there are no reported criminal cases for this provision of the GCA.

However, it is important for manufacturers and other assemblers to remember that the standard of proof for administrative/civil license revocation is lower than that required for criminal prosecution. Although the government must still establish the elements outlined above, the standard is only a preponderance of the evidence, which is lower than beyond a reasonable doubt (see Jim’s Pawn Shop, Inc. v. Carlton Bowers, No. 5:05-CV-524-H(3), E.D. N.C. (Sept. 16, 2008)). Licenses may be revoked under 18 U.S.C. § 923(d)(3) if the licensee has willfully violated any provision of the GCA or any rule or regulation issued thereunder. “Willfulness” in the context of license revocation means that the licensee knew of his legal obligations and purposefully disregarded or was plainly indifferent to the requirements (see Stein’s, Inc. v. Blumenthal, 649 F.2d 463 (7th Cir. 1980; Lewin v. Blumenthal, 590 F.2d 268 (8th Cir. 1979)). Generally technical or inadvertent violations of the law or regulations are not sufficient for license revocation, while evidence of repeated violations with knowledge of the law is sufficient. Consequently, warnings or violations cited by ATF Industry Operations Investigators would be sufficient evidence of willfulness to sustain
license revocation.

Manufacturers who utilize imported parts in their assembly of nonsporting rifles or shotguns would be wise to study 27 C.F.R. 478.39 and ensure that the firearms they assemble do not use more than 10 of the components listed in the regulations. As stated previously, records establishing the origin of the parts will answer any questions ATF may have about the lawful assembly of such firearms.

Finally, section 922(r) is an “any person” offense that can be violated by consumers. Nonlicensed persons who acquire imported semiautomatic rifles or shotguns and add parts to make the weapon nonsporting may violate section 922(r), depending on the number of parts used. Even though it may be more difficult for ATF to prove a willful violation on the part of a nonlicensee, consumers should avoid this violation and its significant penalties.

Conclusion

Manufacturers who import rifles or shotguns and modify them must be wary of adding domestically made parts to such firearms if the final result is a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun that would fail ATF’s sporting purposes test. Such manufacturers should ensure they use no more than 10 of the parts listed in the regulation to avoid violation of section 922(r). Likewise, manufacturers who use imported parts in manufacturing domestically-made firearms should ensure they abide by the restrictions of 922(r) and 27 C.F.R. § 478.39. The provisions of section 922(r) also apply to short barrel rifles and short barrel shotguns if they have nonsporting features and are assembled from imported parts. Questions concerning this provision of the GCA should be submitted to ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division to avoid unintentional violations of the law.

(The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as legal advice.)

About the authors

Johanna Reeves is the founding partner of the law firm Reeves & Dola, LLP in Washington, DC (www.reevesdola.com). For more than ten years she has dedicated her practice to advising and representing U.S. companies on compliance matters arising under the federal firearms laws and U.S. export controls.

Teresa Ficaretta is one of the country’s foremost experts on ATF regulations under the Gun Control Act, the National Firearms Act, the Arms Export Control Act and Federal explosives laws. Before joining Reeves & Dola in 2013, Teresa served as legal counsel to ATF for 26 years, followed by two years as Deputy Assistant Director in Enforcement Programs and Services. They can be reached at (202) 683-4200.

BY Chris A. Choat

Sightmark Debuts Long Range Prismatic Weapons Sight

Hunt down your target with the speed and agility of the all-new military-inspired Sightmark Wolfhound 6×44 Prismatic Weapon Sight. The new sight is designed for quick target acquisition on an AR platform. This device features an advanced Horseshoe Dot reticle to compensate for bullet drop and an impressive 2.8-inch eye relief, longer than most on the market, for a natural, comfortable shooting stance. The reticle is ballistically matched to .223, 55 and 62 grain with holdovers from 300 to 900 yards. The Wolfhound 6×44 is equipped with a 5 MOA central aiming point for precision long-range shooting and a 7.5 MOA outer circle for close-range shooting, making it the ideal optic for the experienced shooter wanting to make their mark. The Wolfhound 6×44 yields a fixed power prismatic optical design, keeping the object in focus at 10 yards or more. Safe from impact and fully submersible, the rubber-armored device is 100% waterproof, dust proof and shock proof. The weapon sight features an all-aluminum Picatinny mount, ensuring secure attachment with every shot fired. The built-in Picatinny rail on top allows for additional optics such as the Sightmark Mini Shot Reflex Sight or other compact red dot sights to increase short-range accuracy. Learn more at
www.sightmark.com.

SIG Sauer Unveils the SIG MCX

SIG Sauer, Inc. continues to set new standards in firearm design, innovation, and performance with the introduction of the SIG MCX. Designed from the ground up as a short-barreled, silenced, lightweight rifle-caliber system, the SIG MCX has reset the standard for modularity, sound suppression and mission capability. With the introduction of the SIG MPX submachine gun, SIG Sauer raised the bar for performance and modularity in a pistol-caliber platform. The SIG MCX combines that modularity with rifle-caliber power in a compact package, designed for optimum performance with a silencer. Unlike every other firearm on the market, the SIG MCX was designed from the start for optimum performance with the .300 Blackout cartridge and a silencer. When paired with a SIG Sauer silencer, the outcome is a firearm with superior suppression capability and enhanced reliability with both supersonic and subsonic loads. An auto-regulating gas system makes the transition from subsonic to supersonic seamless. In combat situations, the SIG MCX can run supersonic on the silenced setting without damaging the firearm or negatively impacting reliability. Sharing a modular design with the SIG MPX, the SIG MCX is a mission-adaptable firearm. Changing between .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO is as simple as swapping barrels and op rods. Converting to 7.62x39mm simply requires an additional bolt face change. All of this can be performed by the user in the field. Barrel lengths can also be changed, with 16- and 9-inch versions initially available. The SIG MCX features a recoil assembly that does not require a buffer tube, allowing for side folding stocks. A full-length Picatinny top rail allows for the mounting of lights or optics. Removable SIG Sauer iron sights come standard. The SIG MCX upper is compatible with Mil-Spec AR-15 lowers and, with the use of a SIG MCX Stock Kit, allow consumers to fully upgrade their own system. Three variants of the SIG MCX will be available to the commercial market; semiautomatic rifle, short-barrel rifle (SBR) and pistol configurations. All will be available in .300 Blackout, 5.56 NATO or 7.62x39mm, with caliber conversions available immediately. All SIG MCX models will feature aluminum KeyMod handguards, ambidextrous AR-style controls, an ambidextrous charging handle, and will utilize standard STANAG magazines. Contact them at www.sigsauer.com.

Allegiance Ammunition Announces New .223 Subsonic Round

It’s back, it’s black and it’s bad in a quiet kind of way. Allegiance Ammunition now has a .223 round that functions the M4 and AR-15 type weapons. Whether it is for law enforcement or a military team that needs astonishing stealth combined with maximum power and performance, SilentStrike delivers. SilentStrike fully functions in semi and full auto with the M4, AR, weapon platform. The round has a 110 grain lead free, frangible bullet that leaves the barrel at a silent 975 fps. The bullet has a fragmenting Tungsten powder core. The fragmenting SilentStrike gives excellent results in soft tissue even at subsonic velocities. Go to www.allegianceammunition.com for more information or to place an order.

Plano Introduces New Field Locker Mil-Spec Cases

In the jurisdiction of firearms and firearms storage, the most exacting of users are in law enforcement and the military – and justly so. Anything less than the best is unacceptable when lives and security are at stake. Product failure is intolerable and potentially dangerous. This is precisely why Plano doesn’t take the title of being ‘Mil-Spec’ lightly. Demonstrating this commitment to integrity, Plano proudly introduces the Field Locker Mil-Spec Case series. The robust series comes in five sizes and configurations protecting valuable pistols, long-guns, and tactical weapons. Precise measurements are first and foremost to being considered law enforcement and military grade. Each Field Locker Mil-Spec Case is carefully sized to fit and protect the firearms within, and can be trusted to exactly measure its stated specifications.

From there, it’s a checklist of quality componentry and vital features. Each case is formed using Plano’s inimitable molding process, which yields a reinforced shell that’s up to any task it’s assigned, from long and rugged travel to exposure to the elements. All Field Locker Mil-Spec Cases are watertight and dustproof. Secure sealing with premium Dry-Loc gaskets coupled with exact measurements insure that the contents won’t be adversely affected by water or dirty environments. Over molded heavy duty handles defy breakage while reducing fatigue to your hand on the move. Reinforced padlock gates tell would-be thieves to choose another victim; most padlocks fold flat, too. Each draw-down latch is built for durability and positioned with expert knowledge of what will be guarded on the inside, keeping those contents safe
and secure.

Field Locker Mil-Spec Case features double-density foam. Fully customizable, the foam layers can be configured to go hand-in-glove with your particular firearm. Long gun and tactical firearm carriers each sport a pair of easy-glide enclosed ball bearing wheels to make the cases incredibly mobile and perfect for traveling. For more information please contact them at www.planomolding.com.

Faxon Firearms Adds 7.62×39 Kit to the ARAK-21 Platform

Faxon Firearms, manufacturer of the innovative ARAK platform, is proud to announce the addition of the 7.62×39 Russian caliber to its offerings for the ARAK-21. This addition will allow the user the added advantage of a larger caliber round and less expensive ammunition for more range time. This system makes the ARAK-21 platform one of the most versatile platforms on the market, allowing the user to have the potential to have three rifles in one (5.56, .300 Blackout and now 7.62×39). The 7.62×39 caliber will be available for order in standard ARAK-21 upper receivers, complete XRS rifles, and as a stand-alone kit for existing ARAK-21s. Kits will be available in 12.5-inch and 16-inch medium profile barrels. Current ARAK-21 users/owners can simply purchase the 7.62×39 kit as an addition to their current rifle upper. The 7.62×39 caliber kit comes with an interchangeable bolt, firing pin and barrel, all designed to work interchangeably with the current ARAK-21 upper receivers and XRS rifles. Rather than modify existing components, Faxon took detailed time and testing to create a robust set of solutions that solve many of the issues of the cartridge that plague other conversions. They lowered and widened the feed ramps to ensure consistent chambering, increased the bolt diameter to handle bolt thrust, and supply a new firing pin that matches the depth and width of the venerable AK to ensure consistent ignition. With the addition of the 7.62×39, they are expanding the capabilities for each user of the ARAK-21. This option further expands his or her platform and opens up many new shooting options. The ARAK-21 7.62×39 Kit has an MSRP of $499 and can be purchased at www.faxonfirearms.com or through Faxon’s dealer network. MSRP for single barrel upper receivers is $1,199 and multiple caliber kits that include 7.62×39 will add $99 for the bolt and firing pin.

LaserMax Introduces Laser and Light for Beretta Pico Pistol

At the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, LaserMax showcased the LaserMax-equipped Beretta Pico pistol and it is now ready to ship. This ultra-thin, compact carry pistol is distinguished by its sleek, low-profile design and integrated LaserMax laser and light. The Beretta Pico is easy to carry and draw from concealment. Recognizing that laser sighting dramatically improves shooting performance while white light helps quickly identify a threat, Beretta has chosen LaserMax to partner with to supply light and laser equipped housings as upgrades for the Pico. Now that the base model Pico is on store shelves, LaserMax and Beretta are poised to ship the light and laser versions. The Beretta Pico and LaserMax frame combinations will be offered as completed firearm assemblies as well as sold separately as an upgrade to the base model. In both LaserMax configurations, the light source, electronics and power supply are encased within the dust cover area, seamlessly fusing the functional optics with the pistol housing and adding no bulk to interfere with concealment. Complete information on new LaserMax products is available at www.lasermax.com.

The instruction poster for the vz. 54 military rifle.

By David Pazdera

Czechoslovakia saw the first attempts to equip a military rifle with a scope as early as between the World Wars, when such modification was applied on the vz. 24 army repeating rifles and the use of optics were envisioned also for the development of the new self-loading models. After World War II, which proved the extraordinary importance of “snipers” in modern combat, Czechoslovak experts tried to bring their own original solution.

Firearms designer Otakar Galaš (1904–1968), born in Syrovice in Moravia, was in charge of the development of a rifle for snipers in the post-war Czechoslovakia. Although originally educated in electrical engineering, he started work in Zbrojovka Brno in 1933 as a mechanic in the prototype production area and simultaneously was in charge of shooting presentations of weapons both in Czechoslovakia and abroad. He was a keen hunter and regarded himself as an elite shooter. Among other things, he excelled with special language skills: besides being able to speak German and English he could also speak Turkish. World War II became a milestone in Galaš’s life. Living in England, he worked hard in the local military industry as well as gaining valuable knowledge of high-precision rifles.

Galaš’s Special Rifle

Otakar Galaš is believed to have started designing sniper rifles as early as during the war, however, only his postwar projects are documented in some detail. He partially carried out these projects in parallel with his hunting rifles, at first as an employee of Zbrojovka Brno and later on as a worker of the newly established enterprise Prototypa, renamed to Konstrukta Brno in 1954.

In 1949, Otakar Galaš elaborated a detailed analysis of use and development of sniper weapons during the course of World War II. Based on this analysis, he developed a design of his own, the ZG 49 Sn “special sniper rifle” using the Mauser-type action for the cartridge in 7.92x64mm, which originated by loading the vz. 23 bullet into the standardly manufactured 8×64 case.

Although the concept of a special cartridge was interesting, it did not last for too long: since the spring of 1950, after Alexej ?epi?ka, a son-in-law of the communist president Klement Gottwald, assumed the office of the Minister of National Defence, uncompromising unification with the Soviet equipment started to be enforced in the Czechoslovak army. At first, the new army command attempted to gain the required new weapons simply by means of licenses from the Soviet Union. To their great disappointment, they were not too successful in the case of infantry weapons. Among others, they did not manage to procure more vz. 91/30 sniper rifles using the Mosin system, which were originally intended as the new standard weapons of Czechoslovak snipers. The situation was thus resolved in the summer of 1951 by assigning development of a new sniper rifle using the Soviet cartridge 7.62x54R with a heavy vz. 30 bullet having a lead core. This was actually a serial cartridge designed for the heavy vz. 43 machine gun Gorjunov and the Soviet consultants did not object to its licensed production in Czechoslovakia.

The Army Chooses the Mosin

The task was again taken up by Otakar Galaš, who prepared two prototypes designated ZG 51 Sn in a few months’ time. One of the prototypes used the action of the Soviet repeating rifle Mosin vz. 91/30, while the other used the M98 Mauser-type action. Galaš himself apparently (and rightly) regarded the Mauser design as the better quality and more promising solution; however politics intervened once again and, after tests in 1952, the Czechoslovak military administration gave preference to the Soviet system. Therefore, the development continued only for the rifle based on the vz. 91/30 rifle. However, it was not a development of a brand new weapon, for the army demanded that its production should utilize the maximum quantity of components of the Soviet vz. 91/30 rifles that were available in the Czechoslovak military stores.

The Galaš’s weapon differed from the vz. 91/30 sniper rifle by its smaller length and lower weight and particularly by its more ergonomic stock and a relatively good scope 2.5×6° from the “national enterprise” Meopta Koší?e and its installation. The installation allowed for easy removal and mounting of the scope without the necessity of repeated zeroing and it was lower while still retaining the option of sighting with the mechanical sights. It was necessary to redesign the barrel as the Czechoslovak sniper rifle was expected to hit a square of 50×50 cm with ten rounds at the range of 800 meters.

The barrel designed by Galaš was shorter by 30 mm but somewhat thicker than the Soviet weapon. This solution not only improved ballistic performance but also made serial production easier. It was also necessary to fine tune the original action and trigger mechanism. During the summer of 1953, the ZG 51 Sn prototypes achieved good results in tests and further adjustments were only made based on partial comments. The rifle was introduced into the army’s equipment base in July 1954 as the vz. 54 sniper rifle (odst?elova?ská puška vz. 54) and it was positively evaluated in December 1954 in the conclusion of the test report from the USSR.

Problems with the Originals

The armaments factory in Uherský Brod, at that time called Závody p?esného strojírenství (Precision Engineering Plants) Uherský Brod, shortly ZPS Uherský Brod, was designated for the production, or more accurately, for the assembly of vz. 54 sniper rifles. A number of subcontractors were to assist in the project. The preparation of this production program commenced as early as 1954, with the assumption that the test series of 100 pieces would be manufactured in 1955. But, not for the first time within the Czechoslovak military industry of that time, the plant did not succeed in meeting the plan and the test series of 75 rifles did not get into production until the December of 1955; a continuing supply of the components necessary for adaptation remained an open issue. Indeed, in the early part of 1956, during the course of building up the test series, serious problems arouse with using the components of the vz. 91/30 rifles from the military stores. The biggest complications were caused by different tolerances of the diameter of the receiver threads for screwing on the barrel. In the end, the plant had to increase the thread diameter by 0.5 mm; otherwise most receivers would not be applicable for the given purpose.

After resolving this issue, the test series was successfully accomplished and the competent Ministry of Precision Engineering could grant the respective “production capacity” to the plant. On 24 September 1956 the Ministry of National Defence granted its permission to acceptance of the finished weapons, however, subject to elimination of some minor shortcomings and application of the tested improvements.

ZPS Uherský Brod plant had just had an embarrassing experience with production of the vz. 52 self-loading rifles, which were immature in terms of design and technology; therefore the factory workers were determined to restore their unjustly injured reputation. Despite all their efforts, the production of the vz. 54 sniper rifles was not smooth in the second half of 1956 either. The main complication was the desperate shortage of usable components from the vz. 91/30 rifles. Although 16,000 rifles were examined, only 4,500 pieces arrived in Uherský Brod by mid December 1956, out of which merely 2,500 pieces got into production after another thorough inspection.

Zeroing finished rifles with a scope for the range of 300 meters was not easy either. To this end, ZPS Uherský Brod used a garrison shooting range in Popovice (Moravia), which however was available only on certain days – and they did not shoot if the weather was bad. Moreover, the company had to obtain capable shooters from various plants. As accuracy was unsatisfactory at first, when using the original assessment method, it was necessary to develop a new sighting-in verification procedure.

On top of that, subcontractors also faced considerable difficulties: Považské strojírny in Považská Bystrica had to interrupt production of stocks for some time due to poor drawings from Konstrukta Brno. The national enterprise Kozak Klatovy had to modify the scope cover at the last minute and the company Meopta had to develop a changed scope model to respond to additional requirements of the military administration resulting from underwater tests.

No wonder that in this situation the armaments factory in Uherský Brod was able to finish and hand over only 108 vz. 54 sniper rifles from September 1956 to the end of the year, although the production schedule called for supplies of 4,000 pieces.

All’s Well That Ends Well

The company did much better in the following year when it apparently found a source of other usable components and provided zeroing service in Považská Bystrica, Vlašim and Brno (however, ZPS Uherský Brod had to do the necessary modifications in each of the shooting ranges, which made this production program even more expensive). Despite the defects of the scopes, which were returned to the manufacturer for repair, the plant in Uherský Brod finished and handed over the total of 5,410 vz. 54 sniper rifles during the course of 1957. After adding the last three pieces in January 1958, this production program was ended, most probably due to the lack of other usable components of the original Mosin rifles.

To avoid any confusion, the vz. 54 sniper rifles were by no means bad weapons although this cannot be stated with certainty about all the pieces, owing to the production complications. Generally, the people of the armaments factory in Uherský Brod invested a huge amount of work in this program and they managed to produce, using components of different quality (and different size), ergonomically friendly, accurate and reliable rifles, which in the hands of experienced shooters and with the appropriate ammunition actually achieved the required dispersion of ten hits in the square of 50×50 cm at the distance of 800 meters. This was a very good result, in view of the fact the weapon was by no means a special sniper rifle as originally designed by Otakar Galaš, despite partial tuning of its mechanism, and considering its low-performance scope.

In the end, the vz. 54 sniper rifles were used in the equipment of the Czechoslovak National Army until the 1970s, when they were replaced by imported Soviet self-loading sniper rifles Dragunov (SVD). Afterwards, they served for some time in the domestic police forces. A part of them was even upgraded later on to the pattern 54/90, sometimes called also 54/91 (in addition to a new stock with an adjustable cheekpiece and a rail for mounting a bipod, the model featured a typical side rail allowing for mounting a higher-performance scope PSO-1 from the SVD rifle). Considering the small number of manufactured pieces and their interesting history, the original unaltered vz. 54 rifles are rightly considered today as increasingly desirable collectors’ pieces.

Vz. 54 sniper rifle (Odst?elova?ská puška vz. 54)
Calibre: 7.62×54 R (NT 14 cartridge)
Overall length: 1.190 mm
Barrel length: 700 mm
Weapon weight w/o scope: 4.15 kg
Weapon weight with scope: 4.55 kg
Magazine capacity: 4 cartridges (+ 1 in the chamber)