Quote of the month, sent in by email from little r rambo. This is offered without comment: “A slipping sear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what’s left of your unit”– August 1992 PS Magazine (The Army’s preventative maintenance magazine).

SAR put in a notice in New Review that Ruger’s 50th Anniversary No 1S rifle is in 45-70, apparently in a real “Beauty” stock, etc. Somebody PLEASE make and register a suppressor for these. Please, please. Loaded with a 500 grain pill, maybe with a brass engraved can on it. Engrave it “Fifth Anniversary of the High Cap mag ban” or something. Then send a pic to Ruger. Please. Maybe add “We only make friendly sporting guns, not scary firearms”. It would make an outstanding platform for a serious suppressor anyway, so why not have some fun with it.

Speaking of suppressors, I have been waiting to finish this Sitrep because we were doing the 1999 SAR Suppressor Trials. Only one word suffices to describe them; OUTSTANDING! The normal screwups occurred, of course. We had inclement weather, late starts due to equipment foul-ups, and long, arduous days. All through it, the staff exhibited good spirits, and the attendees were very supportive. One thing we had not originally planned was for the appearance of Dr. Chris Luchini, the eminent physicist, with an intense testing array. Dr. Luchini was able to gather an incredible field of data, and able to crosscheck and verify our other meters. The B&K went down on the second day, but our data is outstanding, and thoroughly cross checked.

Al Paulson, SAR’s Suppressor Technology Editor, is writing an article for us, and SAR is publishing a book on these trials. We tested over 130 strings, and did the accuracy testing as well (Stan Andrewski supervised this). You can read about it in the upcoming issues of SAR.

I would like to personally take a moment to thank those 15 plus suppressor manufacturers who participated. It takes a lot of backbone to stand up and present your work on the open playing field, where all can see, and hear- or NOT hear. There were some real impressive suppressor designs present to be tested. I am not going to steal anyone’s thunder- Al will be writing about it, but I am sure that the rumor mill is running strong right now. Some of the .22 caliber rifles were so quiet that they were within a few dB of the dropping of the hammer, and they still had outstanding velocity and accuracy!

That information will be forthcoming in future issues of SAR, so stay tuned, and don’t touch that dial.

– Dan

Dear SAR,

I enjoyed your article concerning your visit to the NDIA conference and the live fire demonstration that obviously was impressive to those attending.

Please note that under the photograph of the “STRIKER” 40mm Grenade weapon on page 64, reference is made to SDI developing and manufacturing this gun, the M60, M2 and Mk 19 weapons. As a matter of clarification, SDI did not develop the M60, M2 or Mk 19. This credit should be reserved for Springfield Armory, John M. Browning and the United States Navy. As for the “STRIKER”, credit should be reserved for the late Eugene Stoner and his staff at ARES, Port Clinton.

J. Stephen Sarles

Duly noted and appropriately corrected, we hope. All those whose minds were misled by our caption, please signal acknowledgement with a long burst on a US beltfed. Most John Browning designs would seem appropriate

– Dan

Dear SAR,

First let me congratulate all those at SAR for being responsible for a continuing quality product. The cynicism & petty fear of losing a few bucks that I saw at the publications inception seems largely to have died a natural death. Those who complain about the odd article on beer steins, toys or tank museums are forgetting that ‘Man does not live on bread alone’ and the wide world of small arms is very wide indeed. So long as there is at least one informative and well-written piece in SAR I shall count my South Pacific Peso’s well spent. To date they have been well spent many times over with each issue.

What prompts me to put finger to keyboard this time is “No Place To Hide- The OICW Goes To War” by Charles Sweda (SAR Vol.2 No.9). I write because the article is totally uncritical and appears to have come direct from HK’s PR department or from JSSAP.

Whether the OICW is the greatest boon to the infantry since heeled boots or whether it is just another technology demonstrating toy is irrelevant. By ‘critical’ I don’t mean a hatchet job but simply a knowledgeable and hard look at the system- pointing out it’s faults as well as it’s good points in an unbiased fashion. Charles Sweda did none of this.

Some examples are now in order:

-On page 46 is a bar graph comparing OICW recoil to that of a M-14 & M-16. The text states that the recoil of the OICW is 1/3 that of the M-14. The representative bar on the graph is almost 25% that of the M-14- an old advertising trick.

-Also on page 46 is a comparison with the M-4A1 & M-16A4 titled ‘OICW Bottom Line’. The cost of the AR-15 derivative is listed as being about USD$35,000 and mass’s about 24.37 pounds. It seems that figure is calculated by factoring in every possible accessory for the M-4A1/M-16A4- including the expensive & heavy Texas Instruments TI. This is not a valid comparison and again is an old technique from the advertising game.

-’OICW Bottom Line’ also states that the OICW expends 34 rounds for the loss of one friendly to kill a 9 man squad, while the AR-15 derivative expends 1683 rounds with the loss of 71 freindlies to do the same job. It beats me how those nine hostiles managed to kill/incapacitate 71 friendlies before being polished off by the survivors- or even how this was calculated. However, if you want to play that game, consider this: how many rounds would a 2 man sniper team require to kill that same 9 man enemy squad? Should we then make M-24 or AW the standard issue weapon?

-The possible spin-offs from the OICW program needed to be examined rather than an ‘all or nothing’ approach. This is important for it is spin-offs that the OICW programs predecessors (for example the SPIW & ACR programs) are notable for. If the OICW 20mm munitions are so effective (measured against 40x46mm), then why not a reworked M-230 chambered for it? If the optical sight is lighter, cheaper, etc than those it is being compared to, then mount them on the issue weapons and achieve a drastic reduction in system cost & mass.

There are other examples in the article but these will serve to illustrate my point.

So to sum: “No Place To Hide- The OICW Goes To War” seems to be based entirely on non-critical material provided by the manufacturer or JSSAP program managers. The author seems to have made no attempt to provide any balance to this or to present additional research on the topic. I have found it hard to see any difference between this article and one crafted by HK as part of a PR campaign for their product.

Articles by the manufacturer, distributor or program manager on the topic of their products are always welcome- so long as that is what they are presented has. However, it is the type of material represented by “No Place To Hide” that SAR has to be very cautious of- not colour photo essays on badges or characters blindly over-enthusing about their pet toys. Why? Because it is the difference between just another hack gun glossy and a World-class small arms journal.

Peter Lindsay

No apologies coming from me for this one, Peter. The readers of SAR should be aware that Peter is highly respected in the small arms community, and I don’t take this criticism lightly. However, I am not about to run around the office, shouting “Lop off the head of the dolt who allowed this in SAR”, because I carefully reviewed this article, approved it, and edited it. The buck stops here.

If you look at articles in the general gun press from the 1950’s and 1960’s, beside the fun stuff and the proverbial puff pieces, you will note what I call “Vision” pieces. Stories on the AR-10 and AR-15 that read like science fiction. These were attempts to get the idea of what a new system was supposed to do out to the general public, that is the general public that has an interest in shooting or military affairs. These vision pieces served a purpose, and I believe they do today as well.

We are not talking about the newest Colt pistol here, that our readers are attempting to purchase. We are talking about the newest concept our military is fielding in small arms. I am on record as a critic of the system, and have been publicly lambasted by some of the boosters of the OICW when I confronted them with my “Naysaying”. Those who know me can imagine the form THAT was done in, with some biting sarcasm and comments to the effect of “Oh my, you really CAN manage to get the majority of that small amount of shrapnel to come downward instead of going in the full 360 degree spread, even though this projectile is spinning at … hmmm … 100,000 rpm… Oh, well, it will eventually ALL come down due to Mr. Newton and his friend Mr. Gravity…”. Well, there are a lot of people who are critical of the system, but most don’t have any idea of exactly WHAT the JSSAP objective is. This article does a really good job of explaining that.

I have stood by this through the small storm of controversy that has been out there, and listened to the negatives and the positives. I stand by it, and also pledge to continue with other articles that are looking at the negative sides of the project. More importantly, it is the desire of all of us at SAR to continue to bring information to the readers. Sometimes it is going to take this form, and what I have now learned is to put a prelude paragraph on it, warning people that it is a Vision Thing. And, regarding those 71 friendlies, I had just assumed they meant “Collaborators”

– Dan

Gemini Technologies, Inc., (Gemtech) is a Boise, Idaho based manufacturer of firearms, including NFA weapons. At the time the subject of this article was made Gemtech was a collaboration of three separate designers primarily known for their silencer designs, Dr. Philip H. Dater, Jim Ryan and Gregory S. Latka. Jim Ryan has since left Gemtech to pursue a new business. Gemtech continues as its own entity, with Phil Dater and Greg Latka producing the firm’s products. Silencers are the main product of Gemtech. However they did also design and produce concealable firearms that are as stealthy as their suppressors. One of them is the LDE. While it shares a similar name to the 9mm Parabellum LDE-9 pen gun also made by Gemtech, it is a different design, and considerably smaller.

The Gemtech LDE is a single shot “pen gun”, chambered for .22 long rifle ammunition. It was designed by Jim Ryan as a “Last Ditch Effort” (hence the name) firearm. The gun was originally conceived in the early 1990’s, at the same time as the companion LDES suppressor also made by Gemtech. However the first LDE used a trigger similar to that on the MAC Stinger, and Ryan felt that design wasn’t safe enough for carry while loaded. It was never released. The current trigger, which uses a rotating band to retain and release the cocked firing pin, was inspired by the bolt lock he designed for suppressed Ruger .22 pistols. He feels this design is safe enough for carry while loaded.

The LDE is extremely small, measuring approximately 3 inches in length by 1/2 inch in diameter. Weight is less than two ounces. Constructed entirely out of stainless steel (except the firing pin) it is both weather resistant and sturdy. The entire gun, except the firing pin, was made on CNC machining equipment by Greg Latka. The firing pins were made by hand by Jim Ryan, due to their complicated shape and the need to be made from a steel that will take the required heat treatment. Unlike many pen guns, the LDE has a rifled bore.

Pen gun generally refers to hand fired guns that have a stock in a straight line to the bore, as opposed to having a stock at an angle to the bore, as conventional handguns do. As a pen gun, it is regulated in the U.S.A. as an Any Other Weapon (AOW) by the National Firearms Act (NFA), since it is a concealable firearm that does not fit the ATF definition of a pistol or revolver.

The LDE is meant to be used with a muzzle suppressor. The barrel is threaded 3/8 x 24 tpi for that purpose, and Gemtech makes the LDES and LDES 2 muzzle cans, which are usable on this gun, as well as other .22 rimfire weapons. Even though the LDE was listed in the 1996 catalog, Gemtech decided that the level of care required of the operator in using such a small gun was high enough that they could not market it to the general public, due to legal liability concerns. While the LDES and LDES 2 silencers are offered for sale to anyone who can legally obtain a sound suppressor, the LDE is not offered for sale at this time. Jim Ryan advises that fewer than 12 have been made. He also indicated that he does plan at some point to make a longer version of the gun, which will have a longer body and cocking piece, with a pocket clip and a short ink cartridge for one end, and will resemble a writing pen, although it will not be made by Gemtech, but rather by his own company, Tactical Ordnance and Equipment Corp. The longer version, when available, will be offered for sale to anyone able to obtain an NFA weapon.

How it Works

The cocking piece, which is the rear knurled portion, has a Phillips head screw through it, the head of which retains the firing pin. The firing pin spring is captive on the screw, between the body and firing pin. Retracting the cocking piece retracts the firing pin, against the spring. The trigger is a rotating band on the body of the LDE. When it is rotated while the firing pin is retracted against the spring it catches and holds the firing pin, and when the trigger is rotated the opposite direction, it releases the firing pin. If the gun is loaded, it will then fire. The safety pin is a piece of stiff wire that, when inserted through its hole in the body, will catch the firing pin before it hits the round, should the firing pin fall unintentionally.

How to Use it

As with many AOW’s, using the gun is not intuitive, as it does not have a conventional trigger, or stock. The gun is cocked by first unscrewing the rear cocking piece portion until it is held against the body of the gun by the firing pin spring. This retracts the firing pin about 1/2 of the way, and will prevent an accidental discharge should the cocking piece slip out of the user’s hand while attempting to complete cocking a loaded LDE. Cocking a loaded LDE is not recommended. The cocking piece is then pulled back further against the trigger spring pressure, and when fully retracted, the trigger ring is rotated counter-clockwise until the allen head screw in the trigger ring is in line with the mark engraved on the body. This part of the cocking operation tends to be difficult, as the firing pin spring being compressed is rather strong. Attaching a silencer to the gun will help give the user enough gripping area to fully retract the firing pin while also rotating the trigger ring.

The trigger ring, once in line with the mark on the body, will hold the firing pin in the cocked position. The cocking piece will now stay in the fully retracted position by itself, and should be screwed back into the body. At this point the safety pin may be inserted. The LDE is now ready to be loaded, by unscrewing the barrel, inserting a live cartridge into the chamber, and screwing the barrel back onto the gun. The gun is then fired by rotating the trigger ring section of the gun clockwise about 1/4 turn. The muzzle cap/thread protector must be removed before the gun is fired. If the gun is to be dry fired, a fired case must be in the chamber, or the firing pin will hit the chamber, and score it.

In my testing the LDE never failed to fire a shot, perhaps due in part to the firing pin, which hits the rim at two points, to insure ignition. Accuracy testing was not performed, as the gun has no sights or stock, and is basically a contact range weapon. The bullet went where the gun was pointed, and hit the paper point first. It is quite adequate as a last ditch weapon. Firing the weapon with a suppressor was very pleasant, recoil was very mild. Firing the weapon without any muzzle device was a little harder, while the recoil wasn’t too bad, the small size of the gun made it hard to hold on to under recoil. The unsuppressed report out of the tiny barrel was extremely loud, particularly for a .22 rimfire.

The idea behind the LDE was to create a usable firearm as small as could be done. Gemtech succeeded. It is an extremely small survival weapon. The LDE could be concealed inside a package of cigarettes, if people could unobtrusively carry such an item in these puritan times. One might be better off carrying the LDE loose, or as part of their keychain. Due to its very small production figures, it is also quite a collector’s item.

Colt’s M4 and M4A1 carbines will soon be the standard arm of the US airborne and special operations forces, where they will replace the M16A2. The venerable Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun is also slated to be replaced in special operations forces by the subject of this article, the M4A1 Close Quarters battle (CQB) Weapon. The M4 is essentially an M16A2 with a 14.5 inch (368mm) barrel, while the M4A1 is the shortened version of the “flat top” M16A3. The primary differences between the M4 and M4A1 are the detachable carrying handle/rear sight assembly of the latter which is mounted on a MIL-STD-1913 “Picatinny Rail” and the fact that the M4A1 is capable of full automatic fire rather than having the M4’s three-round burst feature. The M4A1’s MIL-STD-1913 rail mounting system allows the flexibility of quickly mounting various optical sights and other accessories without losing weapon zero. Also, the devices are generally mounted in a position that does not demand that the shooter crane his neck to see through them, as is the case with fixed carry handle AR-15 type rifles and carbines.

While the M4A1 offers more flexibility than the standard M4, the weapon’s users desired even more flexibility – a truly modular weapons system capable of being configured for optimum effectiveness in any tactical situation. The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) synthesized the inputs and requested Crane Division, Naval Surface Weapons Center, to develop the system that eventually became the Special Operations Peculiar Modification to the M4 Carbine Accessory Kit. This piece of bureaucratic jargon is abbreviated SOPMOD M4, but it is probable that many who use the term are unaware exactly what comprises the kit, to whom it is issued and how it is employed. Essentially, joining the SOPMOD M4 Accessory Kit to the M4A1 Carbine results in the M4A1 Close Quarter Battle Weapon. We should note at this point that the Army has experimented with a carbine designated M4E2 that is essentially a burst fire M4A1 with the rail interface system described below.

The purpose of the SOPMOD M4 kit is to provide the US special operations forces with the ability to adapt their weapons to meet virtually any mission profile. This is necessary because SPECOPS units have no heavy weapons and thus must optimize the operational effectiveness of the weapons that they have. The SOPMOD M4 kit allows the user to “tailor” his weapon to the assigned mission. The kit is intended to optimize the effectiveness of the M4A1 from CQB/CRE range of less than 50 meters out to the 600-meter maximum effective range of the weapon. While the components of the SOPMOD M4 kit are current as of the time of this writing (July 1999), it is probable that they will change over time, as the kit is intended to evolve to take advantage of technology developments that enhance the effectiveness of the M4A1. (Some are currently under development and will be reported upon in SAR in the near future.) Unlike many other military requirements, development of new items for the M4A1 does not require a change to the requirements documentation. This enables USSOCOM and Crane to act rapidly to bring new items into the inventory. It is significant that virtually all components of the SOPMOD M4 kit are nondevelopmental items/commercial off the shelf (NDI/COTS), are available in the open market and can be mounted on any AR-15 – type carbine. As we explore the components, the reader can determine which of the SOPMOD M4 Kit components, he or she might like to add to their CAR-15 or equivalent. Most of these components will also fit an M16A4 configured AR-15-type rifle, as well. (The M16A4 configuration simply is an M16A3 flattop rifle length with the Knight’s Armament Systems Rail Adapter System (RAS), M5, full-length handguard.)

SOPMOD M4 Kits are issued on the basis of one kit per four carbines and consist of four of the following components: Rail Interface System (RIS), optical scopes, forward vertical hand grips and combat slings. Other items such as the reflex sight, suppressor and Quick Attach M203 are intended to be fitted to one or two carbines out of every four. While the basic “one kit per four carbines” is a general rule of thumb, if more of some items are required, shortfalls are made up from kits which are not required by other teams. Present issue is three kits per Army Special Operations Forces “A” Detachment (SFOD-A), two kits per “B” Detachment (SFOD-B), three kits per Air Force STT and four kits per Navy SEAL platoon. Army Rangers and other special mission units are issued selected components rather than complete kits.

As previously mentioned, the requirements documentation that resulted in the current SOPMOD M4 Kit is written to accommodate changes and upgrades, generally without rewriting. As technology, threats, missions and requirements change, the kit will likewise evolve to keep pace with them. Capabilities that are within those originally identified in the original requirements document do not require rewriting. That is, if a new or improved item is developed that is a significant improvement over an existing component of the SOPMOD M4 Kit, no rewrite of the original requirement is necessary, nor is any change required. If, on the other hand, the capability is a new one beyond the scope of the original documentation, the capability must be validated by USSOCOM and the requirement modified. Once the requirement is validated, the program office at Crane will conduct a competitive evaluation of candidates for selection. Now that we understand the M4A1 Carbine and the overall concept of the SOPMOD M4 Kit, we can proceed to the heart of the matter – the components that make up the kit. First, the basic SOPMOD Kit for four carbines consists of the following components in the quantities indicated in the chart on the top of page 26.

A detailed description of these components and their use is the subject of the remainder of this article. The first is the Day Optical Scope (DOS), Trijicon’s Model TAO1NSN 4x32mm Advanced Combat Optical Sight (ACOG). The DOS is intended to extend the carbine’s effective range to 600 meters. This version of the ACOG has the Bindon Aiming Concept reticle as standard. This system is similar to that used so many years ago by the Germans and to that espoused by Jeff Cooper for his scout rifle concept. The system uses a low power telescope and the “both eyes open” aiming method. As the rifle is brought to the shoulder, the image is unmagnified, permitting extremely rapid target acquisition. Once the rifle is in a shooting position and the shooter is close to proper sight picture with the optic, the target “snaps” into magnification, providing not only faster target acquisition, but also greater accuracy. The central crosshair reticle of the DOS is illuminated by tritium and gives off an amber glow for use in low light or darkness. The wavelength of the amber light is beyond those which night vision devices can sense and so does not affect their use. The DOS is waterproof for eight hours at 66 feet (20 meters) depth.

The 2.25x Miniature (Mini) Night Vision Sight (MNVS) is a small, lightweight and compact night vision sight that provides the capability to identify and hit targets from 20 to 300 meters. The sight is adjustable for windage and elevation and may be mounted on the carbine or hand held. The MNVS reticle is a simple red light emitting diode that subtends 2.5MOA at 100 yards. The sight weighs only 1.85lb (0.83kg, is 7.5in (190.5mm) in length and is powered by a single “AA” size alkaline battery that has an operational life of approximately 16 hours.

The SOPMOD M4 Kit also includes Trijicon’s ACOG Model RX01M4A1 Reflex Sight under the nomenclature Reflex Sight (RS) as a compliment to the 4×32 sight described above. The RS is a 1x day optic intended primarily for CQB/CRE ranges while still enhancing target acquisition and accuracy to a range of 300 meters. Like the 4×32 sight, the RS uses tritium to illuminate the reticle dot for low light and night operations. The dot is also illuminated by ambient light through a fiber optic cable that gathers light from beneath the lens. The collimator system eliminates parallax, so that if the dot appears on the target, it is properly aligned, regardless of the angle from which it is viewed. The design of the sight also provides for a virtually unobstructed view of the target. Like the DOS described above, it allows the shooter to employ the “both eyes open” aiming technique that enhances speed and accuracy at all ranges. The amber dot of the RS is identical to the DOS reticle frequency and thus is fully compatible with all night vision devices. The RS can be mounted either on the receiver rail or forward on the Rail Interface System, at the option of the user.

The question of why amber versus red reticles were used may be raised by some readers and the answer is because of night vision. Simply stated, amber is less destructive of night vision capability than red. The human eye is actually “night blind” at its exact center, where vision is sharpest. This is why, in the days before night vision devices, infantrymen (this writer included) were trained to observe at night without directly scanning the terrain and then to focus once something was detected. The rods that provide night vision are not affected by the amber glow, which is normally centered in the “night blind” area of the eye. In addition, of course, the amber color of the SOPMOD M4 sights do not affect night vision optics. The RS is issued with a polarizing filter for use under special conditions or with a flashlight, where it improves aiming dot contrast. The filter is not compatible with night vision devices. The RS is also issued with an accessory dust cover for use in extreme conditions.

When the carrying handle/rear sight assembly is removed, the military recommends that the Backup Iron Sight (BIS) be installed at all times. This is an excellent policy because although modern optical sights are extremely reliable, one of Murphy’s Laws of Combat dictates that the most critical piece of gear will “go south” at the most inopportune time. Moreover, optical sights are complicated devices and thus susceptible to the “breakdown” law, while “iron” sights are about as simple as aiming devices can get. The sight used in the SOPMOD M4 Kit is simply clamped at the last notch of the receiver rail and folded down out of the way unless it is needed. The BIS is adjustable only for windage in .5 MOA increments. Elevation is adjusted using the front sight. The BIS is intended for use from CQB/CRE range to 300 meters. Once the BIS is zeroed, it can also be used to obtain an approximate zero for other accessory sights, although shooting with sights “zeroed” in such a manner is recommended only to a maximum of 100 meters.

The Knight’s Armament Company Rail Interface System (RIS) is a key component of the SOPMOD M4 Kit because it allows the mounting and operation of many of the kit components, including lasers, visible lights, the vertical handgrip and more. It is safe to say that without the RIS, the versatility and flexibility of the SOPMOD M4 Kit would be dramatically reduced; the RIS is truly the “core” of the SOPMOD M4 Kit. The RIS concept is a simple one. The system consists of two 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum hard anodized coated sections that replace the standard upper and lower M4A1 handguard sections. Upper and Lower RIS sections are not interchangeable. The lower section has a single MIL-STD-1913 rail and the upper has three such rails, 90 degrees apart, thereby providing four equally spaced rails when the RIS is installed. The top rail is slightly higher to align it with the top of the receiver. The RIS lower section has an aluminum heat shield on its inner surface. When there are no SOPMOD M4 Kit components mounted on the RIS, glass filled nylon rail cover panels are slid into place over the rails to provide a relatively even grip surface. The panels are available in varying lengths so that there is an even grip surface, even when accessories are installed.

The Forward (vertical) Hand Grip, another Knight’s product, is installed at approximately the mid-point of the lower rail, depending on the user’s preference. The Forward Hand Grip provides better control of the carbine, especially when several accessories are mounted on the RIS. It also provides additional insulation when the carbine is being fired on full automatic.

The Insight Technologies Visible Light Illuminator is a very high intensity rail mounted light intended for search and clear operations in what the army currently euphemistically describes as “military operations other than war.” In plain English, this means “peacekeeping” or other “pizza delivery” missions which presently seem to occupy the preponderance of our military’s efforts. Tactical use of “white lights” must, of course, be balanced against revealing one’s position. The visible light is sufficiently bright, however, to briefly dazzle adversaries in CQB/CRE situations, thus providing a moment’s advantage to the user. An infrared (IR) filter may be placed over the light to allow IR illumination of targets out to 50 meters. The light is powered either by three DL 123 lithium batteries or by six 1.5 volt “AA” size batteries.

The Insight Technologies AN/PEQ-2 Infrared (IR) Target Pointer/ Illuminator/Aiming laser allows the carbine to be used with any one of several night vision optics, including the standard head mounted goggles, a head or weapon mounted pocketscope, or the issue Mini Night Vision Sight (MNVS), described elsewhere. It is intended for use inside buildings and elsewhere where vision using the NVG would be problematic due to lack of available light. A neutral density filter that prevents “blooming” is used with the laser at close ranges.

Insight Technologies’ AN/PEQ-5 Visible Laser is mounted on the rail interface system and is used for close range engagements. The intent is not to replace the optical sights, but to supplement them in interior lighted areas or in dark rooms in conjunction with the visible light illuminator, or at night in conjunction with night vision equipment.

The Knight’s Armament Company sound suppressor is designed for quick attachment/detachment and reduces the M4A1 noise signature at the muzzle by approximately 28db. The suppressor also significantly reduces the flash signature. Taken together, the sound and flash reductions not only confuse adversaries, but also enhances team communications and reduces the need for hearing protection.

The M203 Mount and Leaf sight, although capable of being quickly and easily attached or removed, are rarely dismounted once they are installed on a particular carbine. Other than its shorter barrel, the M203 is identical to the version used with M16 rifles.

A special sling that provides secure cross body or patrol carry is used with the M4A1 CQB Weapon. Whether in column, “stack,” or moving in close quarters, the sling helps the user maintain control of the weapon’s muzzle. The sling has a removable mount that attaches at the front sight/gas block or to the rail interface system. The sling does not interfere with any components that may be mounted on the rail interface system.

Finally, the enhanced collapsible stock improves the M4A1 CQB Weapon’s ergonomics by enhancing the cheek weld for improved pointing at close range and enhanced aiming at any range. The stock also has compartments to accommodate spare batteries for kit accessories.

One of the keys to the success of the SOPMOD M4 Kit is the fact that the vast majority of its components are commercially available. As mentioned above, most can be purchased commercially by any owner of an M16/M4 type carbine who wishes to create a truly modular firearms system. Thus, any agency wishing to equip itself with M4A1 CQB Weapons can do so by modifying their existing M4/M4A1 – type carbines, regardless of manufacturer. Contact information for manufacturers of selected SOPMOD M4 Kit Components is included below. We do not include carbine contact information in this list, as ArmaLite, Bushmaster, Colt and Knight’s all produce carbines suitable for modification into SOPMOD configuration.

ACOG Reflex Sight
and ACOG 4x Scope
Trijicon, Inc.
49385 Shafer Ave.;P.O. Box 930059
Wixom, MI 48393
Tel:248-960-7700; Fax: 248-960-7725
On-line: www.trijicon-inc.com

Visible laser, AN/PEQ-5;
IR Laser Pointer/Illuminator,
AN/PEQ-2; Visible Light
Insight Technologies, Inc.
10 Tinker Ave.
Londonderry, NH 03053
Tel: 603-626-4800; Fax: 603-626-4888

Rail Interface System; QD Suppressor; Forward hand Grip; Backup Iron Sight; M203 Quick Detach Bracket
Knight’s Armament Company
7750 9th Street, SW
Vero Beach, FL 32968
Tel: 561-562-5697; Fax: 561-596-2955

The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation to LTC Mike Harris (Ret) whose assistance made this article possible.

Machine Gun Production Rises

Machine gun production rose to 67,844 units in 1997, a significant rise from the 22,020 such guns produced during 1996. Exports on the other hand, showed a decline to 20,857 machine guns exported in 1997, as compared to 33,875 in 1996. These latest available figures are contained in the 1997 Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report, produced by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF). Manufacturers and exporters are required to maintain records of all firearm production and sales, and to report the figures to ATF annually. Looking further back, the 67,844 machine guns produced in 1997, is far ahead of the 9,185 made in 1995, and the 10,248 produced in 1994. The 20,857 machine guns exported by U.S. manufacturers in 1997, compares favorably with earlier results as well, since only 19,259 machine guns were exported in 1995, and just 16,729 in 1994. Looking at the “any other weapon” category (composed of such items as short-barreled long guns, penguns, disguised firearms, and the like), just 118 were produced in 1997, compared to 410 in 1996, 110 in 1995, and a whopping 572 in 1994. Exportation of “any other weapons” showed mixed results over the last several years. None were exported in 1997, while 223 were sent overseas in 1996, just 27 were exported in 1995, and 56 in 1994.

Other Figures

Reviewing production of other firearms, there was a total of 1,036,077 pistols made in 1997, a jump up from the 985,533 made in 1996, but down from the 1,195,266 produced in 1995 and the 2,014,336 made in 1994. Pistol production in 1997, was broken down as follows: 250,983 pistols were produced in calibers up to .22 (up from the 204,819 made in 1996); 43,103 pistols in calibers up to .25 (a rise from the 41,156 made the year before); 43,623 in calibers up to .32 (versus 20,709 the year before); 154,046 pistols in calibers up to .380 (down from the 165,789 made in 1996); 303,212 pistols were made in calibers up to 9mm in 1997 (a drop from the 319,696 produced in 1996); and 241,110 pistols were produced in calibers up to .50 in 1997 (up from the 233,364 manufactured in 1996. A total of 33,182 pistols were exported in 1997, compared to 64,126 in 1996, an exportation total of 97,969 in 1995 and 95,036 in 1994. A total of 370,428 revolvers were produced in 1997, down from the 498,944 made in 1996, the 527,664 produced in 1995, and the 586,450 manufactured in 1994. The 1997 revolver production breaks down into: 109,296 in calibers up to .22 (compared to 127,119 in 1996); 3,876 in up to .32 caliber (as opposed to 3,083 the year before); 85,935 in calibers up to .38 Special (versus 115,432 in 1996); 70,792 up to .357 Magnum (compared to 134,910 in 1996); 61,324 up to .44 Magnum (80,456 were produced in 1996); and 39,205 wheelguns chambered for calibers up to .50 (up from 37,944 in 1996). A total of 63,656 revolvers were exported in 1997, versus 90,058 in 1996, 131,634 in 1995, and 78,935 in 1994. A grand total of 1,251,341 rifles were manufactured in 1997, compared to 1,424,319 in 1996, 1,331,780 in 1995, and 1,349,116 in 1994. The number of rifles exported in 1997, came to 76,626, up from the 74,555 in 1996, but down from the 89,053 exported in 1995 and the 82,226 exported in 1994. In the shotgun category, a total of 915,978 were made in 1997, compared to 925,732 in 1996, and down from the 1,173,645 made in 1995, and the 1,254,926 made in 1994. A sum total of 86,263 shotguns were exported in 1997, some 97,173 in 1996, a healthier 100,894 in 1995, and a more robust 146,524 in 1994.

Top Makers

Smith & Wesson Corp., took the honors for being the top pistol producer in 1997 with 220,780 examples, up from the company’s production of 179,899 the year before. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., followed at a close second in 1997, with production of 174,627 examples. This compared to the company’s 1996 production of 134,791 pistols. Smith & Wesson Corp. also emerged as the top revolver maker in 1997, with 159,433 wheelguns, versus 225,491 the year before. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. came in second again with 118,736. Ruger produced 166,123 revolvers in 1996. Sturm, Ruger was America’s largest rifle maker in 1997, producing 317,116, compared to 166,123 in 1996. The Marlin Firearms Co. finished in second place in 1997 with 302,545. Marlin produced 350,897 the year before. In reviewing production of other rifle makers of note, Colt’s Manufacturing Co., Inc. made 28,100 rifles in 1997, and 15,903 in 1996. Knights Manufacturing Co. produced 203 rifles in 1997, versus 150 in 1996. Armalite, Inc. manufactured 5,469 rifles in 1997 and 2,722 in 1996. D.S. Arms, Inc. made 581 rifles in 1997. Springfield, Inc. produced 10,124 rifles in 1997, and 9,742 the year before. Bushmaster Firearms produced 10,976 rifles in 1997, and 8,240 in 1996. Calico Light Weapons made just 154 rifles in 1997, and 546 in 1996. Auto-Ordnance Corp. manufactured 1,350 rifles in 1997, and 1,265 in 1996. Beemiller, Inc. made 25,100 rifles in 1997, and 8,700 in 1996. Robert I. Landies made 352 rifles in 1997, versus 212 in 1996. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. made 60 rifles in 1997, and 227 in 1996. In the shotgun arena, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. emerged as the number one shotgun maker in 1997 with production of 331,998 units. The firm produced 332,388 in 1996, when it also finished the year as the top maker. Other top shotgun makers in 1997 included: H&R 1871, Inc. with production of 183,884 guns (compared to 167,584 in 1996); Remington Arms Co. with 284,294 units (compared to 307,803 the year before); and U.S. Repeating Arms with 79,343 shotguns in 1997 (versus 84,229 in 1996).

Top Exporters

The number one pistol exporter in 1997 was Smith & Wesson, which sent out 17,83 units. In 1996, Smith & Wesson exported 45,462 pistols, more than any other firm. Other major pistol exporters in 1997 included: Sturm, Ruger with 5,097 (compared to 3,935 the year before); Colt’s Manufacturing with 2,270 (compared to 4,078 in 1996); and, SIG Arms, Inc. with 6,648 (compared to 1,100 the year before). The top revolver exporter in 1997 was Smith & Wesson with exportation of 49,359 wheelguns, compared to 74,851 in 1996 when it also occupied the number one position. Other top revolver exporters in 1997 were North American Arms, Inc. with shipment of 3,680 units (compared to 2,830 the year before) and Sturm, Ruger with 7,282 being sent abroad in 1997 (versus 7,268 in 1996). The highest volume rifle exporter in 1997 was Sturm, Ruger with 22,329 units exported (compared to 18,226 the year before). Other major rifle exporters during 1997 included: The Marlin Firearms Co. with 20,307 units (versus 18,181 in 1996); Remington Arms Co. with exportation of 17,026 rifles (compared to 19,452 in 1996); and, Colt’s Manufacturing with 7,176 rifles exported in 1997 (in comparison to 2,020 the year before).

News Shorts

In other news, all three of the bidders in the recent competition to run the U.S. Army’s Holston Army Ammunition plant at Kingsport, Tennessee, are foreign explosive makers. Few firms within the U.S. have the specialized expertise need to manufacture the RDX and HMX explosives handled at the facility, according to U.S. Army officials. The bidders are: Royal Ordnance of Great Britain (the only maker of such types of explosives in that country); a joint venture group composed of Day & Zimmerman, a Philadelphia-based engineering firm, IMR of Plattsburg, New York, and Expo Chemicals, a Montreal-based company; and Alliant Techsystems, Inc., which manages four Army facilities, has formed a team including Dyno Defense Products, a Norwegian explosives manufacturer. The winner will be given a contract to supply the Army with RDX and HMX explosives for five years. Imperial Chemical Industries, plc, of London, already operates some U.S. government-owned facilities. Noted firearm manufacturer, Heckler & Koch, U.K., Nottingham, England recently won an $18 million contract to transfer technology for the local production of some 200,000 5.56mm infantry rifles for the Turkish Army. The guns will be made during the next 10 years at a plant operated near Ankara by Turkey’s state-run artillery, small arms and ammunition maker Makima ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu. The rifles will replace the Army’s current 7.62mm infantry rifles. A new robotic mortar, capable of being operated by remote control, is in development. Standing 18-inches tall, the system, called Dragon Fire, can load, aim and fire automatically. The 120mm gun, intended for use by the U.S. Marine Corps, is being developed by a joint venture between Paris-based Thomson-CSF and Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG, Munich, Germany. In operation, once having received targeting information from a forward observer-either human or via remote sensors- Dragon Fire can erect its gun, load and fire, all within three seconds. With conventional munitions, its range is nine kilometers. With rocket- assisted munitions the range can be increased to 13 kilometers. Dragon Fire’s benefits are reduced personal risk to troops, improve support fire response time and reduced logistical support. The system can operate autonomously or be remotely controlled using transmissions from the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System located on a vehicle, ship or command post. AlliedSignal Aerospace of Torrance, California produced the system’s automatic fire-control and communications package, and Picatinny Arsenal of New Jersey is performing system integration work. The system was tested during the U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warrior exercise. Dragon Fire was funded at a cost of $3 million for its concept demonstration phase. Each unit will likely cost between $400,000 and $600,000 when in production, possibly by the year 2003. The Marines are considering the purchase of 154 systems. Once fully developed, Dragon Fire will be capable of using a variety of ammunition, including smart munitions with Global Positioning System guidance, and will load from a 32-round magazine. In use, the system might be teamed with an unmanned ground or air vehicle loaded with sensors. The drone would sense a target and send targeting information to the mortar system, enabling it to open fire. Last April, a new world record for accuracy was set in the 1,000 yard shooting competition using the .50 Browning Machine Gun cartridge. The event was the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association sanctioned match at the Washoe County shooting facility in Reno, Nevada. The 5-shot group measured 2.6002” using Barnes 750-grain LRS bullets. The record-breaking group was shot by Skip Talbot of Fallon, NV, breaking the previous record of 3.2395” shot with a Barnes 800-grain LRS bullet. The Barnes LRS (for long range solid) bullet incorporates a low drag design with tight ballistic tolerances, Special care is taken in the packaging of the bullets to prevent any cosmetic flaws from appearing on the surface of the projectiles by keeping the bullet separate within the package. Meanwhile, Nosler, Inc., has introduced a new line of target-grade bullets especially for competition shooters, law enforcement personnel and military applications. The Nosler J4TM Competition bullet is available in a .308” 168-grain hollow boattail configuration, popular with long range target and silhouette shooters. A hollow point, boattail design, the new bullet is built on the concentric and uniform J4 bullet jacket of benchrest fame. SPEER has published an authoritative new reloader’s reference, the Speer Reloading Manual No. 13, containing the latest technical information and reloading trends. Included are 13 new data sections for cartridges and/or applications not included in earlier editions. The manual’s heart are the data sections for each cartridge, presented in a user-friendly format containing header information for each cartridge showing the maximum length, trim length, and RCBS shellholder number. More than 9,300 loads are listed, including many of the most recently introduced powders. The 736-page manual is bound in a heavy-duty laminate binding. New England Firearms has added a heavy-barrel .308 Winchester-chambered model to its Survivor rifle line. This cartridge is one of the most popular military rounds in the free world and is usually available even in the most remote areas. The matte blue finished rifle has a 22-inch barrel factory-fitted with a Weaver-style scope base and includes a hammer extension, for cocking when the scope is mounted. The stock and forend are high- density polymer with a thumbhole design. Sling swivels and a nylon sling are standard equipment and the stock has a large storage compartment. The forend is removable and allows ammo storage as well. The new .308 Survivor can also accept a wide range of additional rifle and shotgun barrels through the company’s accessory barrel program. Agents from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) recently arrested Byron Wade Sumner, a Sacramento (California) County Sheriff’s Deputy, for a violation of federal firearm laws. After several months of investigation, ATF served three federal search warrants and arrested Sumner at his residence in the Sacramento County area. Sumner was arrested for possession of a short barrel rifle, a violation of U.S. Code, Title 26, section 5861(d). If convicted, Sumner faces a possible 10 years in federal prison and up to a $10,000 fine. “Although ATF is not happy to have arrested a fellow law enforcement officer, we are charged with the responsibility of enforcing federal firearms laws without regard to the identity or the occupation of the subject,” commented special agent in charge John P. Malone. A recent government audit of the Pentagon shows the defense organization cannot manage its financial records. The audit showed “significant financial system weaknesses, problems with fundamental recordkeeping, incomplete documentation, and weak internal controls,” according to a report issued by the General Accounting Office. The report has advocates of higher defense spending worried that Congress will not take the Defense Department seriously in regard to future financial matters.

MAGPUL SPEEDLOADERS

The Magpul” is thermoplastic loop installed on the base of the 5.56 (M-16) rifle magazine. Through this loop and recessed rough gripping surface, it provides unsurpassed speed and controllability during high stress, tactical magazine changes. It’s patent pending design allows for quick and easy installation and removal without compromising the grip needed to remain on the magazine during tactical scenarios. The Magpul” is based on the tried and true para-cords and duct-tape tabs currently in use with special warfare units worldwide. These units discovered that a loop or tab affixed to the base of the rifle magazine could aid dramatically in a successful magazine change under high stress situations. The Magpul” offers the following benefits; rigid finger loop allows for greater speed in magazine removal and subsequent 180 degree turn for insertion in the rifle, easy installation and removal in under 30 seconds, the finger loop acts as a shock absorber to protect the magazine from damage if dropped as well as silencing magazines stored next to each other. The rough texturing also provides a positive gripping surface under slippery or wet conditions. Magpul” is compatible with all US Government M-16 30 round and 20 round magazines (including the new Teflon coated versions). Other 5.56 NATO magazines successfully tested by Magpul Industries Corp include Israelia Orlite, Thermodl, Sterling 40 round and the Steyr AUG. Versions for the 7.62 and 9mm are planned for release in the next three months. For more information contact Magpul Industries Corp., Dept. SAR, PO Box 17697. Boulder, CO 80308-0697. Phone: 1-303-410-0506. Fax: 1-303-404-9319

RUGER 50TH ANNIVERSARY RIFLE AND SHOTGUN

In conjunction with Ruger’s 50th anniversary they are pleased to announce two very special new products. The classic Ruger No. 1S rifle and 45-70 caliber and the Ruger Red Label over/under shotguns are being produced with commemorative engraving. The Ruger No. 1 rifle combines classic design with modern manufacturing to provide the knowledgeable rifleman with the luxury of a performance-proven rifle that retains the beauty and elegant simplicity of a century ago. Ruger celebrates its 50th anniversary in a very special engraved No. 1 S, appropriately chambered in the historic 45-70 cartridge. Selectively plated in 24 carat gold, the massive, sculptured receiver compliments the elegance of their tasteful engraving and special 50th year logo. Beautifully stocked in select Cirassian walnut, this rifle is designed for the serious Ruger collector and sportsman. Also available are the 50th anniversary Ruger Red Label shotguns. These classic arms are now available in a very special engraved edition. In their 50th year of production, Ruger proudly presents the Ruger Red Label shotguns in unique design with 24 carat gold plated birds in flight. The 12-gauge model sports a duck, the 20 gauge model a pheasant and the 28 gauge model a grouse. Each model is further enhanced with their anniversary logo. For more information on these highly collectable firearms contact, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Dept. SAR, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, Arizona 86301-6181 Phone: 1-520-541-8824. Fax: 1-520-541-8850

TACTICAL GRIPS FROM S.C. HINES COMPANY

S.C. Hines Company has just introduced several new replacement grips for the AR-15/M-16 and the H&K rifles. Their grips are available in several types including, Target, Tactical and Tactical Deluxe. The new grips are direct replacement and are molded from a tough durable space age polymer. These series of grips are currently available; the Sure Grip”, the Ergo Grip” and the Clip-A-Grip”. Both the Target and Tactical series are available with palm shelf similar to the one on the H&K PSG-1 rifle. Other features include palm swells and thumb shelf on certain models. S.C. Hines Company even has an H&K Navy type grip for steel frame lowers. Check out this innovative company for all their top of the line grips. For more information contact S.C. Hines Company, Dept SAR, PO Box 423, Tijeras, NM 87059. They can be reached by phone at 1-505-281-3783.

SAR: John, how did you get interested in machine guns and silencers ?

John: I’ve always been involved in firearms since my teenage days. Someone in the ‘70’s showed me a Shotgun News. I then became aware of class III firearms. I began buying machine guns and suppressors as an individual, became a Class III dealer for a few years, and eventually a Class II manufacturer. My family had been in the wholesale/retail business for years in Jacksonville, AR near the Little Rock Air Force Base. The personnel at the military installation became my initial customer base. Since we already had machine shop capabilities at our Jacksonville Main Street location, the manufacturing of Title II weapons was a good fit with existing resources, skills, and interests.

SAR: How did you get into manufacturing?

John: When I was a class III dealer, I was buying suppressors and converted machine guns from several Class II manufacturers. The quality was just not what I wanted or expected. Many of the suppressors available at that point in time could not be readily disassembled for cleaning, internal parts were crude, others just did not reduce the sound level enough to justify a $200 federal tax (even if the suppressor was free). Many of the manufacturers producing integral suppressors available for firearms such as the Ruger 10/22 had front sights that were mounted crooked, some would not even cycle without malfunctions and others had accuracy problems. I really hated selling products that I would not want to own myself. These problems forced me into the Class II manufacturing business. I simply needed a source of products that were consistently of high quality. My concern when I first went into this business was that I would not be able to sell my products and I’d end up having to keep everything I made. Therefore, I built everything to my level of expectation to where I was pleased with it, so that even if it didn’t sell, I would be happy to keep it. I found that my standards appeared to meet or exceed most expectations of others. To this day I’m still not a high volume manufacturer, and I don’t want to be. The bottle neck in my business is that I put everything together and test fire it myself. I have two licensed shops were I manufacture parts but can unfortunately produce the parts faster than I can put them together. I have several people that work with me but I do the final assembly and fitting myself. That way I know exactly what the quality is of my products , so I very rarely have anybody call with a problem. That is really the key to customer retention and business longevity.

SAR: How much advanced notice did you have that the machine gun law in 1986 was changing?

John: I remember sitting at my kitchen table in March of 1986 reading the newspaper, and noticing there were more and more articles about the McClure-Volkmer Bill, which had just passed the House. That’s when I first started calling the NFA Branch. Gary Schaible, the acting branch director, was very helpful. During one particular call to NFA it finally hit me that the bill was absolutely going to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President. I had a limited window of opportunity so I started working nearly 24 hours a day. ATF was coming out every so often, and they were laughing, as they could see the stress I and others in the country were under trying to get parts registered. The local BATF inspectors were acting like the “Bill” would probably not pass the Senate or be signed by the President, so why get in a big hurry? Fortunately, anything that I did build would be something that I could still use even if it had not become Public Law 99-308. I remember driving into work in the mornings, and being in a daze due to the lack of sleep because I just couldn’t let up.

It was really frightening to see what was happening to this industry and why it’s dangerous from a financial perspective to be in the class III firearms business full time. You can pick up the newspaper some morning and read that you’re literally out of business! Laws can change that quickly. President Reagan was in Japan when the “Bill” passed the Senate, and on his return, thirteen days later, he signed the bill into law. My approach to registering firearms and parts during that time was a little different than most Class II’s. I did not want any screw-ups over what could be registered and what could not. I had the local BATF inspector come out to the shop almost every day to inspect and verify what I was sending in on Form 2’s to NFA in Washington. I obtained the local agent’s signature on each Form 2 and let the local BATF office send them in for me. This prevented me from having many of the verification problems that many class II’s had after the ban.

What is interesting, was that it was generally believed in the industry that the actual day the President signed the act into law, this would be the last day to make and register machine guns. Not many people are aware of this but the Bill was signed on May 20th at about 3:30 pm CST, but it became effective on the previous day, May 19th. The whole day of the 20th, you couldn’t count. I had sent in piles of Form 2s every day, including the 20th. The local ATF agent was coming and checking on me regularly, and my Main Street shop was like a fast food place during lunch with people sometimes lining up out onto the sidewalk wanting me to register guns and parts. I had firearms and parts all over the floors on blankets so ATF could inspect them. I remember during one inspection we were looking at M-2 trigger groups and the inspector required that I have all the parts in order to register the kits. I remember looking at one trigger group, which I had picked up to call out the serial number to the BATF inspector. The inspector said it was missing the selector spring. I told him it was still a machine gun even without the spring, but he told me it had to have all the parts or I could not count it. So I said, “Ok, let me get this straight. If I leave this part off the M-2 trigger group then it’s not a machine gun so I can sell it to any man, woman, or child that walks in my shop, right ?” The ATF agent looked at me, smiled, and said, “Ok, we’ll count it”.

ATF agents made decisions inconsistently all over the country at that time. An inspector in one state would allow a class II to register some parts and in another state the same parts would not be considered a machine gun by the inspector so they could not be registered. Example, for 10 years, I had been putting the serial number on the M-2 trigger housing when I converted an M-1 carbine, but when ATF came out to inspect me in 1986, they disallowed all of my M-2 trigger groups the first day because I had the serial numbers on the housing rather than on some other parts. They stated that I had to have the number on one of the parts that was different than the semi auto parts. Of course the full auto housing has a machine cut in it that is different than the semi-auto but that did not matter. I had to re-serial number several hundred the next day, but they came back out again and approved them.

SAR: Would you give me a break down on the number and types of machine guns that you have registered?

John: In 1986, I registered a couple thousand different types of full auto sears, UZI bolts, M-2 carbine parts, Sten receiver tubes, a few Browning side plates, etc. I also rewelded a number of military M-16 receivers that had been destroyed by the DOD. I produced these in various brands such as Colt, H&R, and General Motors Hydramatic Division, etc. We had gotten so experienced in cosmetic welding of these receivers that it eventually caused a problem during the intense ATF inspection period before the May 19th 1986 cut off. ATF kept asking me where these M-16 receivers came from since there were absolutely no cosmetic imperfections that indicated they were rewelds. Fortunately, I remembered that I had written an article that was published in the now defunct FirePower Magazine on the rewelding process with pictures. This was the only way I could convince them that these were rewelds rather than new M-16 receivers. It worked and I had no problems with them in the future.

SAR: Tell me about how the select fire Ruger 10/22 came about?

John: The Atchission MKI and MKII .22 subcaliber kits for the AR-15/M-16 are responsible for propelling me into designing a full auto conversion for the Ruger 10/22. I got involved with the Atchisson .22 subcaliber units when they were owned and produced by Brocal International out of Ohio. This was quite awhile before Jonathan Ciener produced the MKIII version of the Atchission.. I started redesigning the Atchisson Mark II and eventually wrote a manual to allow shooters of the Atchisson unit to improve its reliability. I ended up producing precision match grade parts for the Atchisson MKII for few years, but I was still dissatisfied with all the work it took to make them function properly. It simple made more sense for me to focus on the conversion of a rifle that was already a .22 rimfire using what I had learned from my mechanical success with the Atchisson.

I began examining a variety of .22 cal semi-auto rifles looking for a suitable rifle to convert to full auto. I worked on a conversion for the Marlin Glenfield, the Remington Speed Master and the Ruger 10/22. The Marlin was just too delicate, the Remington had a very light bolt and was not suitable. The Ruger 10/22 by far was the obvious choice. It was not delicate, it had massive parts in its trigger group and had a heavy bolt. I spent a year and a half on designing the closed bolt conversion for it and built numerous prototypes. I shot something like 300,000 .22 cal cartridges during that year and a half for testing and eventually settled on a particular design. I started officially offering the conversion for sale in about 1985. Over the years, I’ve made numerous modifications to the conversions, and offered them with and without the suppressors. I continue to convert 10/22’s as Post-86 samples for law enforcement demonstrations and sales to dealers, and also release a few pre-’86 conversions each year. Transferable machine guns are simply investments like stocks and other commodities.

Of interest, is that a number of years ago I got a letter from the legal department at Ruger letting me know that they had been informed that I was doing a full auto conversion on the 10/22. The letter stated that the 10/22 carbine was not intended to be used as a machine gun and besides I might be doing something illegal. It was a pretty humorous letter in that Ruger’s attorney seemed to imply that Sturm, Ruger and Co. just woke up and discovered that full auto conversions on semi auto firearms were being done in this country. The letter also implied that Ruger should have control over how their 10/22 and other firearms were used by other manufacturers, dealers and individuals.

There was another company called TEK that did a few closed bolt conversions using a totally different design than mine. The TEK conversion was pretty light duty and most of them would eventually cease to function after extended use. I’ve converted most of the existing TEK conversion in the country over to my design at this point.

SAR: What are the differences on your 10/22’s?

John: These several Rugers I have displayed are my prototype shop guns. One version has a larger diameter suppressor and a match grade barrel in it. Another version is a shorter suppressor which uses the large diameter tube. One has an infrared Sure Fire light on top, and an infrared laser that I made and mounted on the bottom. I use this set up for night hunting with night vision. It is suppressed and can be fired from the waist without needing to look through sights. I recently shot a 60 pound beaver using this set-up, authorized by a state issued night hunting permit, of course. Others displayed indicate the various levels of development of the full auto conversion and suppressor design in the Ruger 10/22.

SAR: How did you register the 10/22’s?

John: I started with registered trigger groups, but I actually converted more Rugers with registered sears than any other way. I remember one man from Tennessee who was a TV repairman, who had registered a full auto 10/22, which was converted electronically. It had a little motor and a battery, and he built it all in the trigger group. When he pulled the switch, the motor would turn and shoot full auto. I converted it to a mechanical mechanism for him since his batteries would run down often.

SAR: With all the Ruger 10/22 suppressors being made by other manufactures what sets yours apart from them?

John: I think a number of manufacturing aspects may be unique to my products. First, the Ruger 10/22 suppressors I manufacture have 1’’ OD seamless stainless tubing that is the highest quality that money can buy. By that, I mean I have my shop foreman, Mike Sullivan, require that the tubing manufacturer and shipper handle the tubing in a special manner to assure straightness and roundness. Most tubing manufacturers ship tubing in 20 ft or longer sticks to their distributors. A 20 ft stick of anything is not likely to stay perfectly straight very long during shipping. Then, when the tubing distributor gets it they fork lift it around the warehouse to stack it. By the time most people buy it is not perfectly straight anymore. On a short suppressor tube of 6 to 8 inches this is not a big deal, but on an 18’ or longer suppressor tube it is extremely important that the tube is straight. Why? Because if the tube is just a few thousandth of an inch off from being straight, then the internal parts including the barrel are curved to fit the contour of the tube. This is one reason that lots of suppressed rifles on the market require you to adjust the rear sight far to the right, left, up or down to sight the rifle in. A few thousands off due to the suppressor tube may translate into inches off at 50 or 100 yards. Next, I have to make sure the bore in the barrel is straight. Bores in rifles and shotguns are usually not perfectly straight, especially in low priced firearms.

SAR: How can you tell if the bore is not straight?

John: The straightness or trueness of the outside of a barrel has absolutely nothing to do with how straight the bore may be. If you take just about any barrel and start cutting it off one inch at a time you will notice by using a micrometer on the wall thickness that the bore is not centered in the barrel through out its full length. Even Colt M-16 rifles can have the bore off center at the muzzle by .020”. This is very important if you are screwing on a suppressor with close tolerances since the bullet may hit the baffles or other structures in the suppressor. I machine every barrel based on the location of its bore not the outside of the barrel. Although I know that the bore is centered at the muzzle end of my machined barrel, I don’t know if the bore is off center in closer to the chamber end. After placing them in a perfectly straight tube, I then test fire them for center shooting accuracy. A barrel may be straight on the outside but have an arch to the bore inside. This will show up when firing because the rear sight would have to be adjusted to an extreme to correct for this. If this occurs I either don’t use the barrel or I shadow box arch or bend the barrel to straighten the bore. The end result is that the bullet will exit the suppressor straight and not at an angle. This allows me to use extremely precise baffles and other parts. Baffles are machined from solid bars of aircraft T6 aluminum on a computerized lathe for precise consistency.

SAR: Any other notable differences?

John: Possibly, the processes of drilling and deburring the gas holes in the barrels may be unique too. I use a new drill bit on every barrel I drill. I want a hole that has the least amount of metal distortion before deburring the inside of the barrel. Since holes are drilled in the barrel for some types of suppressors, the bullet will be cut and deformed as it passes by the port holes if any burrs or edges exist. I have a set of broaches in .00025” increments that I pass down the bore. These broaches have blades on them that trim the burrs off of each hole inside the barrel. Deburring the bottom of the grooves in the rifling is next. I have a specially made spring loaded tool that I insert through each port hole and it expands to let me countersink each hole from the inside. I then lightly polish the bore of each barrel to provide a glass like finish. I line my suppressor tubes with a thin wall .020” stainless tube cut into 1 1/2” lengths. This produces a suppressor cartridge that when removed from the suppressor contains all the powder residue leaving the suppressor tube clean internally. Crowning of a barrel is also a science. I have experimented with all types of crown angles and crowning tool geometry. After crowning I examine every muzzle under high magnification to assure it was cut correctly. Eventually the suppressor is assembled and test fired for accuracy and sights adjusted. It is a long process but has worked well for me. This last year I’ve added the option of a match grade target barrel installed in the suppressor for the more demanding shooter or hunter.

SAR: Have you suppressed any shotguns?

John: Yes, one prototype I designed and made back in August of ’86. I used an old Stevens Model 58 .410 bolt action and made the 12” suppressor offset so the top of the suppressor tube is flush with the receiver. I mounted the action in a Butler Creek Ruger 10/22 folding stock, installed a screw-in full choke tube, and added adjustable sights. It will shoot 3” magnum shells and sounds like a suppressed .22 rifle. (see photo page 32) I’ve hunted with it for a number of years shooting small game. It’s just kind of an all around good little game getter.
The second one is a prototype of a pump suppressed shotgun using a 20 gauge Mossberg Model 500. It has an intricate pump action that really took too much labor to ever put it into production. It looks like something you would see in one of “Arnold’s” movies. A semi-auto shotgun with a box magazine would be a good candidate for an integral suppressor but it would have to be recoil operated rather than a gas operated.

SAR: Tell me about your spear gun.

John: That’s a prototype spear gun I built from a stainless steel .410 Snake Charmer. At one point in time I did a lot of scuba diving and spear fishing, and rubber band guns were just inadequate, as well as, most pneumatic and hydro-pneumatic guns. I redesigned a stainless steel Snake Charmer .410 by placing an M-16 pistol grip on it along with a wrist support, built up the hammer weight so it would have enough momentum under water to fire the cartridge, converted the chamber from .410 gauge to .22 rimfire, and installed a large adjustable ring sight. I used a stainless spear shaft and manufactured a Teflon gas seal at the rear of the shaft.

When you’re scuba diving, you want your line to be coiled up, but when you shoot, you want it to release. This is just one of the characteristics that would define a well designed spear gun. So I made a stainless steel gas operated release mechanism for the line. I use .22 cal. Remington waterproof power cartridges to propel the spear shaft. Remington makes the power cartridges in twelve different power levels. The power produced by the cartridge propels the spear at speeds and distances unmatched by any spear gun I’ve ever seen. The spear will shoot hard and straight to 50 ft before it starts to drop. The adjustable sight is easy to use and allows you to sight-in the gun using an underwater target. The grouping is about 1” at 30 ft. I’ve shot through several fish at once on more than one occasion. You can control the power easily by using different power cartridges. After each shot, you break the action open and it ejects the .22 cartridge automatically. When you shove the shaft down the barrel, it pushes all the trash and residue out the barrel and chamber for the next shot. It makes a dull thud sound when fired and produces no noticeable gas bubble coming from the barrel. I have plans at some point in time to produce these with an adjustable power switch that will allow you to simply select the power level and penetration just a second before shooting. I’ve worked an arrangement with BATF to allow these to be produced without being considered a firearm. This would allow sales directly to dive shop and individuals without a FFL.

In keeping with the idea, I’ve also prototyped a power head for bowfishing. The light weight stainless power head allows you to shoot a .22 magnum cartridge or Remington power cartridge on the tip of your bowfishing arrow. I use the 22 cal. magnum stud driving power blank so it will not be considered a firearm. The stud driving blank will blow a 2 x 4 oak board into splinters and creates a tremendously deep and fatal wound on fish or other game.

SAR: Have you produced many AOW’s?

John: Yes, I have machined Ruger 10/22 barrels into .22 long rifle pen guns. (See photo page 32) At one time I produced a few of these and threaded some of them 1/2”-28 tpi to allow the attachment of a small suppressor made inside the shell of a Magic Marker felt pen. I made a thread protector that looked just like a marker tip and would actually write. You had a pen and a Magic Marker set which screwed together to make a firing combination. The real obstacle in producing and marketing pen guns and some other AOW firearms is the liability exposure since they don’t look like firearm. I’m also prototyping a video camcorder that is actually a very accurate .22 cal. match AOW with suppressor aimed by a laser. The cosmetics are perfect on the camera and the original operational L.E.D.s still light up and releases the safety mechanism when the camera is turned on.

SAR: How about AOW shotguns?

John: Yes, I was able to get a number of double barrel receivers when Iver Johnson went out of business, back in the 1980’s before they become AMAC. Iver Johnson had made about 30 brands of shotguns from the turn of the century. I produced these in .410 , 20 ga. and 12 ga. These were the first double AOWs made in the U.S. since 1934 when Ithaca ceased production of the “Auto Burglar” AOW.

SAR: How many did you build?

John: I only built four of the .410’s, which were more of a novelty. I built about 200 of the 20 gauge and a few 12 gauge. I still have some receivers and may go back at a later date and make some more. I also have several hundred single shot receivers too but there is simply not much of a market in single shot AOW shotguns pistols. I’m currently building AOW Mossberg pumps with 7.5” barrels and 17” overall.

SAR: Have you done any weapons with lasers?

John: Yes, I made a prototype high powered helium neon laser rifle many years ago, before lasers became common and power outputs became restricted by the Bureau of Radiation Health. (see photo on page 33) This is a very high powered laser that I’ve mounted with a scope. It will temporarily blind small game so well that you can just go pick them up. The stock has been hollowed out to hold rechargeable batteries, and it can also run off the cigarette lighter in a car. I’ve got some interesting stories I’ll tell you sometime about this rifle.
Later, I developed a laser module that fits onto the H&K Utility Light for the USP. It allows the use of the light or laser by itself or both the light and laser at the same time. I also made it with an infrared laser for use with night vision. This led to having to make an adapter to allow the mounting of the USP light onto the SOCOM MK23 pistol. None of these prototypes are yet in production.

SAR: Tell us about your mail order business.

John: My first mail order product was selling the book on how to make an Atchisson MKII function. Later, I started providing the Atchisson repair, and then slotting Uzi bolts back when you could sell them. I eventually needed a finish to put on stainless steel so I developed the finish I call Moly Resin from a molybdenum disulfide phenolic Resin. I produce the product now in ten colors and sell it to the SOCOM suppressor manufacturer, Knight Armament, the U.S. Military for refinishing their M-16’s, gun shops all over the country, as well as, in several in foreign countries. Now my business for all products lines is 90% mail order with the mix of 60% Class III and individuals, 38% law enforcement and 2% federal agencies with oddball special projects.

SAR: Tell me about the suppressed Colt 9MM.

John: The Colt Model 6450 9MM carbines was introduced by Colt in late 1985 or early 1986. So there weren’t many registered as machine guns before the May 19th cut-off. I had a large stock of AR-15 drop-in auto sears at that time and the Colt 9mm weapon converted very well. I looked at several other’s efforts in producing a suppressor under the rifle forearms. All of the ones I saw looked like the barrels were cut to 5” or so and then a suppressor tube place on the barrel with baffles. The AR-15 front sight was cut and welded to the tube or simply did not have a front sight. I felt that this design could be improved upon, so I built a two piece suppressor that couples together around the front sight, leaving the barrel the full 10 inches. I port the barrel so that high velocity bullets exit the suppressor 1050 feet per second, so it’s subsonic. It is equivalent in sound to an MP5 SD. You don’t have to worry about the front sight alignment or having some unattractive welding of the sight onto the tube. It is easy to clean, quiet, doesn’t affect accuracy, and allows the use of standard supersonic ammo,. Later on, I developed a mechanism for the AR-15 9MM magazine well blocks to prevent holes from being drilled to mount the blocks in the receiver. I designed a cam mechanism that I put into each 9MM block, which would expand and lock itself in. I also worked for several years on the four position M16 selector. Colt prototyped some of these back in the ‘60’s, but they didn’t go over then. There were several early attempts by other manufacturers to produce a four position kit for the M16, but none of these kits were of high quality or functioned well. I started building my own cams, including 2 shot, 3 shot and 6 shot cams, hammers and disconnectors. I no longer produce the burst kits but I did design and market a kit that will allow select fire with the SWD auto disconnector (lightning link).

SAR: Have you patented any of your products?

John: Yes, I patented certain features of the full auto conversion on the Ruger 10/22, and I have copyrights to some manuals that have to do with making some improvements on various guns and devices. I used to write a weekly column in the local paper, called Bullseye, for about a year. I’d write about everything from cleaning firearms to ballistics. I eventually wrote an article about Second Amendment rights and that was the end. The newspaper terminated my contract cold turkey. Apparently, the news media owners did not agree with our Bill of Rights. I’ve also written a number of articles for FirePower, Swat, Machine Gun News, etc.

SAR: Haven’t you been called to give expert testimony in firearms trials?

John: Yes, years ago I got involved in court cases for both sides. BATF has even flown me out of state to testify on their behalf, but primarily I testify for the defense. I do this not just for criminal cases, but also for liability suits and these have included everything from someone shooting themselves in the knee to the illegal manufacturing of MAC 10 submachine guns and selling them in Mexico. Of interest, is that most cases have to do with the possession of an unregistered machine gun. In almost every instance a crime of violence was not committed but rather a wife, ex-wife, girlfriend, etc. got angry and turned their husband or boyfriend in for possession. Generally speaking, BATF has not gotten very many convictions, at least in the cases I’ve been involved in. It is hard for them to convince a jury that a little bitsy piece of metal called a sear is really a machine gun. It is even hard for me to think it is too, especially considering some of the prices I see asked for them.

SAR: How did you get started in re-manufacturing M16 receivers?

John: Back in the early ‘80’s, Colt would sell a Class III dealer one “dealer’s sample” of each type of machine gun they produced. I was needing more Colt M16’s, and it was too slow getting them from Colt. You had to prove to Colt that you had sold one sample before they would send you another one. I started purchasing cut Colt M-16 receivers that the Department of Defense had destroyed. I made a special jig and fixture and welded them very carefully back together.

SAR: Tell me about the cosmetic work you do on machine guns.

John: During the learning process in rewelding M-16 receiver halves, I had to make certain cosmetic changes to the receivers as needed so they were not noticeable where they had been rewelded. I can weld over “AR-15” and re-engrave “M-16” or change the caliber from .223 to 9mm. I also weld the selector stops onto the AR-15 receiver and remark the safe, semi and auto positions. Just about any cosmetics can be accomplished except changing serial numbers or manufacturers. I don’t know anyone else in the industry that routinely is willing to weld on someone’s M-16 or AR-15 receiver. It is a very delicate process and there is absolutely no room for error. When I reconstruct other machine guns they are almost always made from steel and are much easier to weld.

SAR: Thanks for sitting down with us and sharing your experiences with our readers.

John: You are very welcome.

John Norrell Arms
2608 Grist Mill Road
Little Rock, AR 72227
E-mail: SMG1022@aol.com

When Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe, I watched as the people of Germany smashed the Berlin wall with sledge hammers. I felt both relieved and happy that day because I felt a major threat to America had finally fallen, and without ever firing a single shot. Little did I know what this momentous occasion would eventually mean to me as a military gun collector.

Many interesting surplus military guns have since emerged from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Many of these guns had formerly been quite rare, and a few that were previously VERY expensive in the U.S. are now commonplace. Many SKS rifles, Makarov pistols, and even German weapons that were captured by the Russians during WWII and stored for over 50 years became available. Most of these guns were in very good condition!

The subject of this article is the Czechoslovakian CZ52 pistol. These Czech pistols were once extremely scarce in the United States, and were priced for advanced collectors. Many military enthusiasts had never even heard of the pistol. Today they are priced around one hundred dollars, and available from almost every surplus gun dealer.

The CZ52 was manufactured at the Ceska-Zbrojovka state factory in Czechoslovakia. Hence the CZ prefix commonly used, but it is not entirely correct. VZ is the Czech abbreviation for Vzor or model, so actually a more correct nomenclature would be VZ52. While most other Communist influenced nations adopted the TT33 Russian Tokarev, the Czech’s decided to devise and adopt a pistol of their own design. All CZ52 pistols are stamped RID. This is the code identifying the manufacturer. The year produced, and the crossed swords acceptance stamp of the Czech military are also present. These markings are located on the right side of the pistol’s frame. The CZ52 remained in Czech service until 1982 when it was replaced by the CZ82 pistol.

The CZ52 was produced from 1952 to 1954, an estimated 200,000 plus were manufactured in that brief period. The pistol is a semi automatic, single action, and features a unique roller locked design. The gun weights a somewhat hefty 35 ounces. Overall length is 8.25”. Magazine is the single stack design with a capacity of 8 rounds. The magazine release is located at the base of the grip, as is typical of European pistols. Recoil and muzzle flash is somewhat harsh especially when firing the hot 7.62×25 Czech ammo. The barrel length is 4.5” and unlike most other communist military weapons, the barrel is not chrome lined. The slide can be locked rearward by pushing up on the lever located on the left side of the frame, just under the slide. However, this lever is relatively thin and difficult to manipulate.

The CZ-52 utilizes the roller locking system used on the WWII German MG42 machine gun and more recently on the H&K assault rifles and submachine guns. The CZ fires the common Combloc 7.62×25 Tokarev round, however the Czech M48 version of this round is about 20% hotter than the normal load produced by other countries. Out of the CZ’s 4.5” barrel these rounds travel at over 1650 feet per second, compared to the 1386 feet per second velocity of the normal loadings. The design of the CZ52 is extremely robust and easily stands up to the hotter round. The Czech M48 ammo is not recommended in other 7.62×25 pistols like the TT33 Tokarev.

The CZ52 is well built and rugged. The frame and slide are made of heavy milled steel. The CZ has a very stiff recoil spring, and may not function with some Tokarev rounds. The safety is easily reached with the thumb and has three positions – fire, safe, and the third position is a decocking mode that drops the hammer. The hammer has a rebound notch that keeps the hammer from resting on the firing pin when the safety is applied and the hammer is down.

CAUTION; Due to metal fatigue or other circumstances, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction when decocking with the CZ’s hammer drop safety.

Most of the CZ52 pistols available today have been rebuilt at Czech arsenals beginning in mid 1970 and continuing through the 1980’s. New barrels were installed and numbered to the frames and all other worn or unserviceable parts were replaced. The pistols were then refinished in a flat dark gray color. The rebuilt guns were stamped on the left side of the frame, VOP and the year it was rebuilt ie; VOP 81 for 1981. The facility that rebuilt the weapon is identified by a single digit number following the year it was rebuilt.

There are a few original condition CZ’s occasionally available that have not undergone the arsenal rebuild. These are easily identified by their distinctive gray/green color similar to the parkerizing on a lot of WWII U.S. weapons. There are even occasionally a few brand new CZ’s offered. Some surplus dealers offer 9mm models for those who want to stay with more common calibers. These are modified 7.62×25 models, as there were no original guns produced in the 9mm caliber. In addition to converted guns there are 9mm barrels being offered to those who would like to convert their existing 7.62 guns to 9mm. Changing the barrel is a very simple drop in procedure. The aftermarket 9mm barrels are complete with the rollers and block.

To fire the CZ pistol insert a loaded magazine with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, grasp the slide, pull it rearward, and release. It will move forward and lock. The pistol is now ready to fire. To place the pistol in the safe position, push the safety lever up one notch. The hammer will remain cocked, although the trigger should lock. To lower the hammer, move the safety lever up to the next position, the hammer will lower. To fire, pull the hammer rearward and place the safety in the fire position. After the magazine is empty, the slide will lock in the rearward position. To continue firing, insert another loaded magazine and pull the slide slightly rearward and release. The pistol is now loaded and ready to fire.

CAUTION; It is not recommended that the CZ52 pistol be carried with a loaded cartridge in the chamber. My personal position on single action firearms is never to carry one with a round in the chamber, only loading when you are ready to shoot.

The CZ52, although its appearance is definitely dated, is a well made firearm. For all its attributes, the CZ’s I have fired are not very accurate (5” groups at 25 yards) when compared to other military pistols. I don’t usually dwell a lot on the accuracy of military weapons. They were not produced to be able to shoot tight groups at measured distances. They were made to shoot at and hit man-size targets, under all types of conditions. But the fact remains that I have a difficult time shooting the CZ52 accurately, perhaps its me, but I am quite used to gritty, creepy military trigger pulls. It is not the ammunition because it is the same 7.62×25 I use in my other guns more successfully.

For all its ruggedness the CZ52 does have a few weak areas. Number one is the cast steel firing pin. Replacements are available, but at around $20.00 seem expensive considering the guns usually cost less than a hundred bucks. One way to extend the longevity of the firing pin is not to ever dry fire the pistol. Dry firing guns is one of my many bad habits.

There is one other area that may cause you some grief if you are unaware of it. I suggest that you do not remove the plastic grips. If you do, be VERY careful when removing the metal spring steel clip that retains the grips to the gun! These clips break very easily when you pry on them, worse there is nothing that you can substitute for that clip that will hold the grips in place. (Editor’s Note: So Frank, how do you know this?) Locating a replacement may prove somewhat challenging.

On the CZ52’s positive side, as previously mentioned they are inexpensive, especially considering their sturdy all milled steel construction. Also mentioned earlier was that most of the CZ’s were rebuilt in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Most were not reissued, but put in storage where they remained for many years. As a bonus the guns usually come equipped with two magazines, lanyard, leather holster and a cleaning rod- not a bad deal. Surplus 7.62×25 cartridges are readily available and inexpensive. In addition the CZ52 pistol is on the BATF’s Curio and Relics list. This makes purchasing convenient for collectors that have a C&R license.

CZ52 Pistols
Century Arms
1161 Holland Drive
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Phone 561-998-1997
Fax 561-998-1993

Czech 7.62×25 ammunition
Gibbs Rifle Co.
Box 214 Hoffman Road
Cannon Hill Industrial Park
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone 304-274-0458
Fax 304-274-0078

SADW is a monthly electronic publication from Nick Steadman Features. Nick, intrepid world traveling reporter for much of the arms industry, files this 40,000 to 50,000 word report once a month to his loyal subscribers. Those lucky ones pay a mere $50 (US) £32.50 (UK) per year for the privilege of getting the hot tips and insights from one of the industry’s insiders. Nick’s unique perspective is globally based, as is his wit. Each issue is full of insight and information for those with an interest in Small Arms, as well as his observations on world travel.

1. WEAPONS, EQUIPMENT, TRAINING & RELATED NEWS

OCSW VERSUS THE SACO 40MM STRIKER: a (presumably partisan) letter in Armed Forces Journal International (AFJI) from the Objective Crew-Served Weapon (OCSW) Program Manager at Primex Technologies queried the value of the new lightweight Saco Defense 40mm Striker automatic grenade launcher over the existing Mk19 launcher. It said that whilst it was an achievement to get the weight of the Striker down to 38.6 pounds – as opposed to 75.6 pounds for the Mk19 – when (in each case) one added back the tripod, sighting equipment, cradle & 48 rounds of ammunition the figures rose to 153 pounds for Striker, by comparison with 201 pounds for the Mk19.

On this basis, it asked how even the Striker could properly be called a crew-served weapon, since it couldn’t realistically be carried by only two men (but since when has ‘crew’ meant only two soldiers?). And it added that another 235 pounds of sandbags would be needed to bed the Striker down for firing.

By comparison, it said the OCSW weighed just 64 pounds complete with mount, tripod and 60 rounds (the bare gun is 32 pounds), it requires no sandbags for stability and its 25mm airburst ammunition offers ‘overwhelming lethality’ by comparison with 40mm grenades, with 50% of the flight time, allowing rapid target switching.

We guess we know what Primex is saying, but the point on ammunition is a little unfair, since Saco plans to incorporate the sophisticated Bofors ‘3P’ programmable airburst fuzing in the 40mm grenades for the Striker. Indeed, this is probably its biggest advantage. 40mm ammunition may well be slow to arrive, but some impressive burst patterns can nevertheless be achieved with the 3P fuze, and this approach is hugely more effective than today’s ‘dumb’ 40mm HV grenades which have neither airburst nor even self-destruct fuzing.

The question is more likely will the military – any military – want to shell out for the much more expensive ammunition on which both the Striker and OCSW concepts depend. For all its obvious shortcomings, the Mk19 launcher, though a pretty blunt instrument, was considered one of the most effective and valuable weapons in Desert Storm, and more 40mm ammunition was fired in that contretemps than 7.62mm NATO.

BUFFERED MOUNT FOR UK BIG FIFTIES: the UK Defence Procurement Agency journal ‘Preview’ noted that the .50 L1A2 (M2HB) machine gun in limited service with British forces had been upgraded with a buffered softmount for the Kosovo deployment of airborne forces. This would allow it to be fitted with optical day or night sights that might otherwise be damaged by firing stresses.

UK POLICE BUYING SIG CARBINES: following our earlier notes about British police forces buying the 5.56mm polymer-receiver H&K G36 rifle, we’re advised that twelve UK forces (about a quarter of the total) have now purchased the short-barrelled 5.56mm SIG SG551 SWAT or SG552 Commando carbines, with more still evaluating these variants. This is pretty good going when one appreciates the extent to which British police have been wedded to the 9mm H&K MP5 semi-auto carbine for so many years.

The SIG SWAT model (14.3” barrel) is now available with a mounting spigot beneath the handguard for attachment of the new, value-engineered version of the Parker-Hale bipod. Flashlights or laser aiming pointers can also be attached to a mounting plate on the right side of the handguard.

Both models have side-folding buttstocks and accept the stackable SIG translucent magazines in 20-30 round sizes, though – because side-stacking magazines can interfere with folding the stock – users may find a single 30-round version more versatile. Five-shot magazines also exist.

Any kind of optical sights can be fitted to either model, and an optional detachable cheekpiece compensates for the higher sighting plane. 10” or 7” rifling twist (SG552: 7” only) is offered, to cater for the whole range of 5.56mm ammunition (the special Swiss military 5.56mm (aka 5.6mm Swiss) loading is designed for use with a 10” twist).

Notional muzzle energy (nb: ammunition-dependant) with the SWAT carbine is 1,460J (1,076 foot pounds), which by our calculations equates to an MV of 2,800 fps with a 62gr NATO bullet (or 2,975 fps with the 55gr M193). If so, this combination displays remarkably little velocity loss over a full-length barrel, which should achieve around 3,050fps with the NATO/SS109 bullet (or about 3,200 with the M193).

The stubby Commando (with 8.9” barrel) has a three-prong flash hider not seen on earlier SIG rifles; 5.56mm weapons of these dimensions require a novel approach to flash suppression, as anyone who’s ever fired the subgun-sized HK53 without its muzzle attachment will know……a two-metre jet of flame is typical on a dull day. Our personal preference would usually be for a longer barrel.

CROSSBOWS WITH PERU SF: The Asian Age ran an AFP photo at the end of Jul 99 showing Peruvian Navy special forces on parade during Peru’s independence celebrations. We spotted 7.62mm Galils (apparently with unusually long magazines), 9mm Uzis (presumably from FN, the original source) and – interestingly – a crossbow, brand unknown. We’d love to know what type of projectiles the increasing number of special forces crossbow aficionados are firing from these weapons.

HIGH-TECH PEASHOOTERS – STRANGE BUT TRUE: a ruckus has broken out in the peashooting community over the use of laser aiming pointers, the Sunday Telegraph reported. Standard foot-long peashooters, as still used by many competitors at the World Peashooting Championships, last held in Witcham (UK) in Jul 99, are outgunned by laser-equipped models with front & rear pistol grips in the annual village contest, which takes place at a range of four yards, firing at sticky targets made of putty.

Apparently it started with rudimentary iron sights, and things went progressively high-tech from there on in. Peashooters with laser sights won both last year’s championships and this year’s event, though basic models are still said to be best in windy conditions. However, the ammunition has not changed – Mk 1 dried peas are still the order of the day.

But lest British readers laugh too loud, this is probably what the Home Office has in mind as a suitable pastime for you after they finally take the rifles away, though doubtless the lasers would have to go, on ‘Save the Children’ grounds.

HOME-MADE ASSAULT RIFLES IN INDIA: a photo, from the Asian Age, of National Liberation Front of Tripura ‘militants’ about to surrender to Indian forces in Udaipur, showed a number of obviously home-made rifles. External appearance approximates that of the AK47, but workmanship looks very crude. Even the curved, smooth-walled magazines have clearly been locally produced. Whether these weapon are capable of semi-automatic or even selective fire is unknown. We assume they are chambered for the widely-available 7.62x39mm cartridge.

Since I happened to be in town visiting a friend I decided to visit the Loyal Edmonton Regiment’s museum in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. I phoned the museum curator, Chad Slee, and expressed my interest in viewing the Loyal Edmonton Regiment’s weapons collection. I made an appointment to stop by, view their weapons displays, and meet with Chad and the Weapons Collection Manager, Terry Allison, for a tour.

The museum is housed in a former drill hall or armory which is now the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Center. It is a large and attractive building under auspices of the City of Edmonton Archives and the Alberta Genealogical Society.

“Fears No Foe”

The Griesbach gallery containing two dozen or so cases of uniforms, weapons, millitaria, and equipment (mostly from World War I and World War II) is the focal gallery of the museum. This is based on the story line of the regiment from its inception and establishment to its present day role in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Gallery is named after Major-General the Honourable William Antrobus Griesbach CB, CMG, DSO, VD, DC, the first Commanding Officer of the 49th Battalion and considered to e the “founder” of the regiment. He was also an Edmonton Alderman and Mayor and Federal Member of Parliament and Senator. The regiment traces its roots back to the first infantry unit raised in Alberta (1 April 1908) and over the years has carried various names including the 101st Regiment, Edmonton Fusiliers, 49th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, The Edmonton Regiment, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. The regiment’s motto is “Fears No Foe” and the Colonel-In-Chief is the Right Houourable Countess Mountbatten of Burma, CD, JP, DL, CBE.

The Griesbach Gallery

Entering the gallery there are a display cases containing various uniforms representing the regiment’s long history. There are also medals displays of the men who earned such lofty awards as the DSO ( Distinguished Service Order), the Military Cross, and the Military Medal. The small arms in this gallery are well representative of World War I and World War II (Several men in the regiment saw active service in both world wars). Notably there is a Lewis MK 1 “ground” machine gun, a Vickers .303, and a Bren gun in one case and in another are an MG-42, an MG34, and an MG13 (7.92X57mm Mauser) which usually fired from a 75 round saddle drum (doppeltrommel) or a 25 round box magazine. This one was equipped with a box magazine. The MG13s were manufactured from rebuilt Dreyse machineguns left over from WWI by fitting a perforated barrel jacket, a tubular butt, and a bipod. Replaced by the MG34, the Mg13s were sold to Portugal where they remained in service until about 1950. The MG34 mounts Zielfernrohr 40 – the later type of optical sight used for the MG42. This one is missing a small component on top. A simpler optical sight, the Zielfernrohr 34, was originally used with the MG34.

The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum also has a very nice display centering around my favorite assault rifle: two MP43/44 Sturmgewehr flank a German NSDAP battle flag. In the same case is a near mint condition SA Dagger (“Alles Fur Deutschland”). The Nazi blade was captured in Holland by a member of the regiment. And of course no collection of WWII firearms would e complete without a Mauser 98K.

An interesting display is the captured Italian Army Issue Mannlicher-Carcano Carine, chambered for 6.5 X 57mm Mannlicher. A placard in the display case notes: “President Kennedy was shot with this type of weapon”

The Stone Gallery

Another hall in the museum is the Stone Gallery, named after Colonel James Riley Stone, DSO and Bar, MC. Riley left Edmonton as a private n 1939, was commissioned in March 1942, and rose through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel and command of the Regiment in Italy in 1944. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry during the Korean War.

The Stone Gallery (Due to open this year) focuses on the recognition of all the other military services and units organized in central and northern Alberta. Its fluid story line will continuously rotate displays with themes including RCAF, RCN, such individual services as the RCAF, RCN; specific units; and paramilitary organizations (e.g. the Royal Canadian Army Cadets). In recent years the regiment has sent many of its members off to peacekeeping duties around the world and the museum’s “UN Peacekeeping Display” is pending. It will highlight the regiment’s participation in the Korean War and more recent conflicts and hotspots with several modern weapons related to those events on display. Chad escorted me through the still uncompleted gallery and I noted placards in place for several WWII/Korean War era US made weapons.

In The Basement

After viewing the weapons in the regiment’s collection not on display. Space restrictions don’t allow for display of many of the weapons, but some are slated for exhibits in the new Stone Gallery.

There is an extensive security system including vault doors, multiple locks, and ID card reading keypad lock (all required due to the new Canadian Firearms Regulations) that protect a wide and varied collection of weapons representing the regiment’s various military deployments (as peacekeepers) since the Korean War. Lining the wall were weapons racks with at least thirty bolt action rifles and the occasional muzzle loader, plus a nice selection of Vickers and Maxims (MG08 “Spandaus”) from World War I. Interesting pieces included two Winchester 1876 rifles (.45-74 and .40-60), a VSA MK1 Enfield marked “Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve,” a Danzig made 1888 7.92mm, a Ljungmann AG M42B 6.5X55mm, and a Trapdoor Springfield. Also in the racks were at least one of the following: SKS, AK-47, Sten, Uzi, MP-40, M16A1 Colt, PPD, Thompson, .303 SMLE, Mosin Nagant (including a Mosin Nagant with sniper scope in good condition), MG42, Czech ZB26 MG, Bren, G-3, FN-FAL series C1 and C1A1 rifles and, of course, a Ross rifle.

There were so many variations of the Ross rifle (one expert says 85) I couldn’t tell you which one I was looking at, having only seen three or four before in other collections. The Ross was fielded by the Canadian Army in the trenches in 1914, but it wasn’t long before Canuck infantrymen found them ill-suited to the muddy trenches, tossed them away, and picked up Lee-Enfields from the dead. There were three major problems with the rifle:
1) the bolt stop was often damaged by the recurring abutment of the rearmost locking lug during firing-this often froze the bolt in the locked position;
2) the rifle often failed to extract wartime ammunition; and
3) improper re-assembly of the bolt with the distance between the bolt head and bolt sleeve being less than one inch when the bolt is withdrawn from the rifle would cause it to be blown out of the receiver, usually with fatal results.

The Ross Rifle

Sir Charles Ross designed it as a straight pull rifle in 1896. Manufactured by the Ross Rifle Company of Quebec it was adopted by the Canadian Department of Militia and Defence as the official rifle of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. While the original bolt design (Model 1897) had a locking system patterned after the Mannlicher using a bolt locked on an interrupted thread. Ross changed this to a rotating lug system in 1900. A cam track unlocked the bolt when pulled to the rear. The 1910 design (one of which I inspected in the armory) reverted to the interrupted thread design. The Ross in its various incarnations was tested by the British Army several times and consistently rejected. In his 1910 report on the Ross Mark II the Commandant of the Small Arms School at Hythe said: “It seems clear that This rifle is designed as a target rifle pure and simple, without regard to the requirements of active service or the training of large bodies of men of average attainment.” The Mark III Ross was often fitted with a Warner & Swasey *Cleveland, OH) 5.2X scope offset to the left (so the weapon could be loaded via charger). Herbert McBride (author of A Rifleman Went to War) thought the Ross a superior weapon for sniping and noted the speed of its straight pull bolt…then again, McBride wasn’t “of average attainment.”

Pistols

Moving to the locked cabinets of the linear storage system Chad showed me the museum’s collection of pistols, military and otherwise. There were trays of Webleys and Enfields, a very nice nickel plated Colt revolver, and another Colt handgun which should be displayed upstairs: a M1911 .45 ACP engraved “LTC W.A. Griesbach,” It was the personal sidearm of the founder of regiment. Other pistols in storage included a 1912 Steyr automatic, a Tokarev, a couple of .32 ACP Colt autos, P-38 Walthers, FN pistols, several Berettas, a Belgian Model 1922 Nazi 626/641, a Hungarian Army 37M “Frommer,” a Mauser Model 34. 1910 6.5mm, and HSC 7.65mm Mausers, and a British Service .38 No.2 Smith and Wesson. Interesting pieces included a 9mm Parabellum Artillery pistol M1908 Luger with its 32 round Snail durm, a really nice Broomhandle Mauser with its holster stock complete with original leather furniture and straps, and a very interesting piece, something I’ve never seen before: a “Brownie” 4-shot “pepperbox” style pocket pistol made by O.F. Mossberg and Sons, New Haven, Conn. There was even a rusted Civil War era Colt Army pistol, dug from some farmer’s field – perhaps lost by some outlaw fleeing justice across the border in Montana.

Should you ever find yourself in Edmonton I recommend a visit to the Loyal Edmonton Regiments’ Museum. Admission is free. Viewing hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 4 am. For more information contact: the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum, #118 Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Center, 10440-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5H 3Z9. Phone/Fax (780) 421-9943 or e-mail: lermusm@planet.eon.net.