Anzio Ironworks has just introduced their new compact .50 caliber single shot rifle. The new rifle is so compact that it can actually be stored and transported in a briefcase! The rifle is a quick take-down type but is very strong and also very accurate. The receiver is made from ETD 150 chrome-moly steel. It features a 17 inch Badger barrel as standard equipment but the rifle can be ordered with any length barrel. The 17 inch barrel is the only one that will allow the gun to be fitted into a briefcase. The barrels are 1 in 15 twist, cut rifled and hand lapped. The overall length of the assembled rifle is just 37 inches but in can be broken down to fit in a standard briefcase in less than 30 seconds. Other features of the Takedown .50 include a picatinny rail for mounting the users choice of optics, a Versa-Pod bipod and a fully adjustable trigger which can be adjusted down to around 2 lbs. One novel feature of the new rifle is the way it is cocked. The front of the pistol/trigger guard is merely rotated forward after the gun is loaded to cock it. The rifle weights 23.5 pounds without the bipod and comes standard with a blued finish. A baked-on moly-coat finish is available as an option as is a Haliburton briefcase and longer length barrels. The manufacturer guarantees that the new rifles will shoot under 1.5 moa out to 1000 yards. For more information contact Mike Remo at Anzio Ironworks Corp., Dept. SAR, 1905 16th Street, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. Phone: 1-717-895-2019. Fax: 1-727-827-4728. They are on the web at www. anzioironworks.com.

GG&G INTRODUCES WEAPON MOUNTS FOR THE M-3 LIGHT

The Insight Technology M-3 light has proven itself to be one of the finest weapon mounted lights around. Its light weight, powerfully bright light and rugged construction make it the light of choice for demanding professionals. The M-3 light was originally designed to interface only with handguns, such as the Glock. Now GG&G have introduced a series of M-3 mounts for several firearms. The first is a mounting rail for the Colt M-16/AR-15 series of rifles. The rail can be installed by the operator with basic hand tools or it can be purchased from GG&G already installed on a new set of standard M16A2 or M-4 handguards. This mounting rail retails for just $25.00. Next is GG&G’s M-3 rail for dovetail installation on such systems as the Knight Armament Company’s “RIS” or “RAS” M-4 forearms or the D.S. Arms rail units for the FN FAL series of rifles. This unit will also fit on standard “Weaver” type dovetails. The cost of this unit is $36.00. GG&G also manufactures two universal adapter rails for the M-3 Tactical Illuminator. The 1/2 inch concave (on the bottom surface of the mount) version will fit a wide range of firearms, such as the Benelli shotgun. The 3/4 inch convex model can also be used on a wide range of weapons including the Remington 870 shotgun. Both of these mounts sell for just $26.00 each. For more information on these or any of GG&G’s wide range of mounts contact GG&G, Dept. SAR, 3602 East 42nd Stravenue, Tucson, AZ 85713. Phone: 1-520-748-7167. Fax: 1-520-748-7583. Their website is www.gggaz.com.

WINCHESTER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Winchester Ammunition is pleased to announce the launch of their new, third generation web site at www.winchester.com. The new site features a detailed product catalog that provides content to assist visitors in selecting Winchester Ammunition. The website now includes ballistic detail on all of their ammunition. Additional site features are a press release section, law enforcement and industrial sections, retailer locator, new product section, library section and much more. The new site will also showcase old artwork from the Winchester archives. In addition to providing extensive information for Winchester customers, the site includes a Winchester store where consumers can purchase Winchester logo merchandise online. For more information check on the new website at www.winchester.com.

SPEC-OPS NEW READY-FIRE MODE MAGAZINE POUCH

Best Made Designs, LLC, has just introduced another product in the Spec-Ops line. The new product is called the Ready-Fire Mode magazine pouch. The new mag pouch fits the buttstock of several different assault rifles; AR-15/M-16, Mini-14, AR-10 etc. The new pouch is made of 1000 denier Cordura fabric nylon and quickly attaches to the host weapon with Velcro straps. Once in place it provides the shooter with a mag pouch for either a 20 or 30 round spare magazine. The pouch is forward opening with pull-tab cover flap of positive magazine retention but quick access. The difference between this and other buttstock mag pouches is that the Ready-Fire Mode incorporates a rear mounted sling attachment point that allows the rifle to be carried in the Ready-Fire Mode! The Ready-Fire Mode works with the weapon’s standard sling and can be attached or removed in seconds. For more information on this great new product contact Best Made Designs, L.L.C., Dept S.A.R. 1601 W. 15th Street, Monahans, TX 79756. Phone: 1-915-943-4888. Fax: 1-915-943-5565. They can be found on the web at www.specopsbrand.com.

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL INTRODUCES “1*” KNIFE

Columbia River Knife and Tool had recently introduced the new M16 “LE” and “M” knives with Gary Paul Johnsons “1*” logo on them. Gary designed the logo-1* (one ass-to-risk) while he was with the Shakers Heights Police Department. It was designed as a reminder to those who go in harms way to be careful out there. Gary granted CRKT the exclusive right to use his “1*” logo on special models of its folding and fixed blade knives. Identical in construction to their popular original M16, the new models offer the same sure-grip contoured handles of 6061 T6 aluminum, hard anodized in Law Enforcement blue for the LE models and Olive Drab for the M series. The stainless steel locking liners with friction grooves are also black Teflon plated, and give positive locking with limited access for superior safety. The new knives have AUS 8 stainless steel blades, chosen for edge retention and durability, plated in black non-reflective Teflon. All models feature the “Carson Flipper” extension to the blade, which aids in opening and acts as an additional blade guard. For more information on the M16 1* Knife Line contact Columbia River Knife and Tool, Dept. SAR, 9720 S.W. Hillman Ct., Suite 805, Wilsonville, OR 97070. Phone: 1-503-685-5015. Fax: 1-503-682-9680. Website: www.crkt.com.

THE M151 MUTT

Due to this versatile employment, it is not surprising that the Central Americans use gunjeeps in considerable quantities. Armed light utility vehicles are pressed to provide convoy and perimeter security, in addition to the main task of liaison. In large armies with strong armored formations, the duties of perimeter response, antitank, reconnaissance, and liaison duties are entrusted to light armored vehicles. In Central America, this role falls on anti-tank and recce armed utility vehicles instead. Their use also include delaying action in withdrawal, acting as flank guards and for anti-airborne and/or anti-heliborne operations.

The first Central American CJ-3 gunjeeps, which arrived soon after WWII, were equipped with a single machine gun pedestal in the bed. Some were equipped with either a heavy 12.7mm M2HB machine gun, or a lighter .30” M1919. In Salvadoran and Honduran service, one of the most common matches consisted of single or double mounts of the Madsen Model 1950. The CJ-3 served until replaced by either the M38, the CJ-8 or the M151.

The US delivered considerable quantities of M151s in all its variants to Honduras and El Salvador starting in the mid-1970s; however, few remain in service due to the lack of spare parts. In the weapon carrier configuration (better known as gunjeep), the M151 utility vehicles are used for roadblocks, retaining the capacity to respond with high mobility and firepower. They are used for route and area reconnaissance, mobile patrolling, and security on the move convoys. They are also useful for immediate tactical response.

In 1998, Salvadorian Colonel1 Gustavo Perdomo Hernandez found five M151A2 abandoned at the Special Forces Command base. Perdomo and his mechanics worked overtime to recover all five vehicles. By doing so, Perdomo proved the feasibility and necessity to establish a line to recover this type of equipment.

The rebuilt Salvadorian M151A2s were baptized “Centaurs”. The Salvadorian Special Forces now operate these rebuilt vehicles. They have had their beds extended to accommodate additional radio equipment. One variant is used as command post. There is another variant configured to FAV standards with a M2HB and a M249 SAW; and a third variant sports an M60MG and an M249 SAW. One more variant has been equipped with a 60mm mortar and ammunition boxes. A fifth variant has been equipped with a GE 7.62 mm Mini-gun.

The Nicaraguan National Guard pressed Spanish made CJ-3 and M151 gunjeeps into service during the first revolutionary war of 1977-1979. These sported either a MAG-58 or an M1919 machine gun in the bed. They proved extremely vulnerable during ambushes by the guerrillas, and most were destroyed during the war.

Guatemala was the first Central American recipient of the new M151A1 in the late 1960s, and continuing with M151A2 models after 1970. Guatemala continues to be the largest user of the US-made M151 Jeep in the region. The Chapin2 Army does not use any other type of light utility vehicle, and has avoided purchasing the more common M38/CJ type, or clones. So pleased is the Army with the little utility tactical vehicle, that has even established a “production” line to rebuild them. The Guatemalan Material War Service has rebuilt and delivered fifty of 70 rebuilt M151s to the newly established National Civilian Police in 1999. There are 200 bare chassis waiting for the budget to go through the process, and the Army would like to purchase some additional 300 chassis.

When this author visited the production line, there were some 20 M151 in various stages of recovery, and two models were ready for “redelivery.” The vehicles are stripped down to the bare chassis, and then put back together using new, remanufactured, or overhauled parts.

The most powerful M151 gunjeep type deployed in Central America is the M825 variant (M151 jeeps equipped with M40A1 RCL) for antitank and support roles. The M40A1 RCLs in use in Central America come from the US, Israel or Spain.

THE M38A1 AND ITS MANY CLONES

The other widely used “Jeep” in the region is the M38 light utility vehicle. American Motors Corporation (AMC) produced the M38 and M38A1 soon after WWII. The M38 was adopted by the US Army in the 1950s, and was widely distributed to Central American armies. There were also “civilian” variants-the CJ5 and CJ7-that entered service with the various regional armies. The M38 was, in fact, a larger Jeep Willys.

The CJ-5 sported an AMC 4-121 4-cylinder petrol engine, developing 80bhp. The CJ-7 came with a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine and the usual manual 4F1R transmission, but there were some models that mounted a more powerful 4.2 liter 6-cylinder engine. By far the most popular version deployed by the Honduran and Salvadoran armies was the CJ-8 Jeep, equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine (4.2 Ltr). The Salvadoran models are said to have come from commercial sources, through mediation by an American Colonel, and paid by US aid funds.

There have been numbers of CJ8 Jeep clones that have been delivered to the Hondurans, Salvadoran and Nicaraguan armies.

Honduras received the Ford U-50, a variant of the CJ-5 built by the Brazilian Ford. These models sported a 4-cylinder OHC petrol engine, developing 91bhp, matched to a 4F1R transmission. In Honduran service, the Brazilian made U-50 were supplemented with Brazilian-made Toyota LAND CRUISERS. These mounted a 6-cylinder petrol engine, developing 145bhp.

In the 1980s, Nicaragua received numbers of UAZ-469 4×4 light vehicles. The UAZ-469 vehicles mount the ZMZ 451M 2.445 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine, developing 75hp. However, these Soviet utility vehicles are nothing like the CJ Jeep series. Therefore, the Nicaraguan Popular Army (EPS) acquired several KOREANDO Jeeps in 1990. The KOREANDO built by South Korea resembles the CJ-8, and it is the civilian version of the KEOHWA M-5 & M7 series, equipped with an AMC 6-cylinder petrol engine developing 114bhp. The KOREANDO did not prove to be satisfactory in service, so the Nissan PATROL-made in Spain-were purchased starting in 1996. These Spanish made Nissans are equipped with a P-40 6-cylinder, developing 130bhp.

In El Salvador, the M151 gunjeeps were usually equipped with either a 7.62mm Madsen SAETTER or an M1919 machine gun on a pedestal in the bed. The CJ-8 gunjeeps sported either an M1919 or an M60D. These gunjeeps were used for security convoy and rapid response, and therefore, received serious losses in battle. By 1985, the Maestranza (Armed Forces National Workshop) had developed an armored CJ-8 Jeep variant. This carried armored plates around the cab and bed, and a turret equipped with an M2HB machine gun. The suspension was reinforced, and double tires were placed in the rear. The experiment failed since the CJ-8 engine, the AMC 4.2 liter 6 cylinder diesel engine, developing 115hp, overheated due to the excessive weight. The armored CJ-8 project was abandoned and the prototype was relegated to base security at the Military Detachment 1, Chalatenango, where it survived the war, and it was dismantled in 1992.

Very few “civilian” Jeep Wranglers have been deployed in Central America. Nevertheless, the “look and power” of the Wrangler pickup appear to be preferred by the military. The American YJ-L Wrangler pickups are fitted with a Cummins B3.9 diesel engine, developing 105hp, matched to a Chrysler A727 3-speed automatic transmission and New Process M231 2-speed transfer box. The similar (less powerful) CJ8 long bed was a favorite of the Salvadorans, since it was common to use the Jeeps as transport, cramming as many as five soldiers in the bed, plus two crewmen.

All the M40A1s in Salvadoran service were fitted to the long bed (LB) variants of the M38/CJ8 during the civil-war of 1979-1992. These vehicles were deployed as close support, a role proper for an armored vehicle. Therefore, many CJ-8 LB/M40A1 vehicles were equipped with a front armored shield. The Infantry also used their M38 LB/M40A1 in a similar fashion to self-propelled artillery, firing salvoes at the guerrillas and then changing positions before firing again.

The matching of the M40A1 to a long bed jeep has continued with the latest CJ Jeep clones acquired by the Salvadorans. In 1990, the Salvadoran Army took delivery of 36 M240 Storm antitank vehicles (with the M40A1 RCL) and two M-240 reconnaissance and command variants. The M240 MMV series (Multi Mission Vehicles) were designed by Automotive Industries Limited of Nazareth Illit (Israel). The M240s are produced in two frame lengths. The Salvadorans chose the long bed variant (4.5 m) (the other length option is 4.15 m). The M240 is an Israeli near copy of the US-made CJ-8. As designed, the M242 series are equipped with the same CJ-8 engine, a DANA 300 2-speed transfer box and a TREMEC T-176 4F1R transmission. The Salvadorans opted for the more powerful M240 AMC 4L V-6 diesel engine, developing 180 hp, and matched to an AISIN AX-15 5F1R transmission and a NP231 2-speed transfer box. A couple of variants were delivered: Armed (Reconnaissance & antitank/support) and utility (control & communications).

The Reconnaissance variant is the typical armed variant, with an adjustable pedestal in the bed for either a heavy machine gun (12.7mm M2HB) or an automatic grenade launcher. The front passenger door mounts a second 7.62mm machine gun (a M60D in Salvadorian service). The antitank/support variant carries the M40A1 RCL. Surprisingly, the AT/Support variant lacks the light machine gun for the use of the front mounted passenger3.

THE HUMMER

The Honduran Army has taken delivery of several M998 HUMMER transports to operate as light pickup trucks for the three Infantry Brigades and to operate alongside the Saladins of the 1st Armored Cavalry Regiment (RECABLIN). These are the most modern light utility vehicles deployed by any Central American army or police force. The high mobility performance and payload capacity makes the HUMMERs particularly powerful weapon platforms. Therefore, all the Honduran M998s have been equipped with a central mount for a single 12.7mm M2HB in the bed. A second 7.62mm MAG-58 machine gun can be mounted at the front passenger side.

The Honduran HUMMERs have also replaced the M825 utility cars (M151A2 jeeps with 106mm RCL). The HUMMER is ideally suited as a platform of the powerful M40A1, able to carry comfortably a crew of four, in addition to some five times the ammunition carried by a M825. The Honduran Army also distributed some M1069 Prime Mover variants to the RECABLIN, which tow the four M102 howitzers and four M55A2 systems assigned to the Regiment.

THE RBY & CASHUAT

The American experiments with the “dune buggie” as part of the Fast Attack Vehicle program of the early 1980s, inspired a number of experiments around the world.

THE RABBI

Perhaps one of the most interesting “gunjeeps” deployed by the Central Americans is the RBY-Mk1 supplied by Israel. The Israelis determined that the idea of the Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV) needed refinement. The FAV concept was sound, providing for speed, mobility and great firepower, but it lacked protection.

The Israelis developed their own version of the FAV. The RBY is not strictly speaking a Jeep or a light utility vehicle. In general, the RBY is based on a concept of the legendary LRDG patrols developed by the SAS during WWII, but providing better speed and improved protection to the crew. The crew can raid the enemy with a large array of light and heavy weapons.

The Honduran Army uses the RBYs in the context developed by the Israelis, much like gunjeeps. The RBYs are organized in a reconnaissance squadron, comprising 4 sections each equipped with two Recce RBYs and 2 Tank Hunter RBYs in addition to four M38 gunjeeps. The RBYs and armed utility M38 vehicles were used in their classical supporting role.

Colonel Emilio David Rodriguez Alvarado, of the Honduran Armored Cavalry Regiment, explained to us that he participated as a young lieutenant in the battle of the Amatillo Bridge in 1984. At the time, Salvadoran FMLN guerrillas overran the local police outpost on the El Salvador side, and prepared to blow up the bridge. The RBYs arrived in time to receive a baptism of fire, pushing back the rebels until Salvadoran troops arrived late the following day to take control of the bridge. One vehicle of this reconnaissance section was sufficient in 1984, to provide enough firepower to beat back the Salvadoran guerrillas who had just wiped out a complete Salvadoran National Police company.

The Honduran 1st Armored Cavalry Regiment (RECABLIN) Commander, Colonel Jorge Andino Andrade, assured that 13 RBYs are operational; however, they denied access to the units’ motor pool to verify this-most likely due to the Salvadoran background of this author. His second in command indicated that Nicaragua is no longer considered a potential enemy, but war with El Salvador is only a matter of time. Ironically, at that particular time, Honduras coast guard units were raiding Nicaraguan fishing boats around Lempira in the North and Fonseca in the South.

The officers also complained of the tight budget to keep the machines running, imposed by the civilian administration. However, with the reluctance of the Armed Forces to open-up to civilian authority, and with some trigger-happy officers still calling for a war with El Salvador, it is only sensible that the civilian authorities retain certain reservations over the military.

The Guatemalan Army considers the RBYs to be light armored vehicles, and they are deployed accordingly. Due to the broken Guatemalan terrain, and the characteristics of the RBYs, they were relegated to operations in the coastal regions and around Jutiapa.

CASHUAT VAL (VEHICULO DE ASALTO LIGERO)

In 1985, the US made available $3 millions to upgrade and re-equip the Salvadoran Cavalry Regiment. Cavalry officers were invited to the 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington, to observe and test the Fast Attack Vehicle being developed by the Special Forces in those days. According to then Cavalry Regiment S3, Captain Miguel Castillo4 the Fast Attack Vehicle was rejected by the Salvadorians because it was too expensive, lacked armored protection and did not provide for a light armored transport variant. The Salvadoran terrain is broken, presenting only a few open areas; therefore, operations of motorized equipment are restricted to paved and dirt roads. The Cavalry Regiment had been tasked with keeping the roads open to transit, so a light armored vehicle for convoy escort and road patrol was needed.

Based on the concept of the Fast Attack Vehicle presented to them in Fort Lewis, the Salvadoran Cavalry Regiment officers requested the Light Assault Vehicle (VAL-Vehículo de Asalto Ligero) from the local National Workshops (Maestranza). The Cavalry provided a Tactical Group and Maestranza a Technical Group to study the production of a locally-made armored pickup truck.

The M37B1 4×4 Dodge pickup chassis was selected to mount a mild steel shell for trials. After all details and problems were resolved, a line was established at the Maestranza HQ, San Salvador. The US Tank Automotive Command supplied 66 kits to ensemble the new armored cars in El Salvador. The Army collected 100 M37B1 chassis from Army barracks nationwide, and more were offered from the Military Assistance Program. The Salvadorian hoped to build 100 armored pickups.

The Army had found that troops riding on the enclosed armored trucks would go to sleep due to the intense heat inside the armored vehicles. Therefore, an open-topped design was selected for the new Light Assault Vehicle to provide some sense of insecurity so troops would keep awake and alert. The Maestranza produced 66 armored pickups denominated Cashuats (“Horse” in Nahuat Amerindian language). They were built in two variants: light armored transport and weapons carrier. As designed-a light armored road patrol vehicle-the Cashuat was a complete success. The VAL program called for a light armored vehicle for roles typically assigned to gunjeeps; in reality, they only supplemented the smaller utility cousins. The M151 and M38 continued to be used by the Cavalry Regiment in reconnaissance sections of 5 gunjeeps. Furthermore, the Salvadorans deployed the Cashuats for counter-insurgency tasks as armored close support of infantry, fire support, and armored troop transports. The Cashuat had not been designed for these roles as they can be considered “light armored long wheelbase gunjeeps.” It lacked the firepower of the Panhard AML-H90 and the mobility of the UR-416. In this supporting role the Cahsuat VAL was considered to be a complete failure.

BLEAK FUTURE

Modernization programs of older vehicles are good investments. The recovery of the M35A2 truck to the A3 standard is one example. The “new” M35A3 consists of an old M35A2 modified with a Cummins 478-ci engine developing 170hp, new 4-speed automatic transmission, 2-speed transfer box, and new axles with super single radial tires. The changes include a new cooling system, split air/hydraulic breaks, new power assisted steering, and central tire inflation system.

Ideally, the M151A2 chassis would go through a similar transformation to a M151A3. This would include an overhauled manual or a new automatic transmission, a Perkins Prima 80T turbocharged 80hp diesel engine (or similar), power steering, improved suspension, wide tires and central tire pressure. As a light strike vehicle, a modernized M151 can be modified Israeli-style, with wire-cutter front post, roll bars, storage boxes, additional radios, a MAG-58 forward over the dashboard for the use passenger side crew, and either an M1919 or MAG-58 in the bed facing rearguard. In fact, the USMC used something similar until 1997. The Guatemalan Army in their M151 “production” line could easily incorporate these suggested modifications.

Guatemala is happy with the M151, and the Hondurans have opted for the HUMMER. The Salvadoran Army is left behind having a number of different light utility vehicles, but without enough of them to make a difference. El Salvador has a requirement for some 300 to 500 modernized M151, and between 300 and 500 modernized M35 trucks in all variants. Salvadoran sources indicate that all US material military assistance has stopped. The only assistance being received is in training. This leaves considerable US-made material relegated to warehouses or the junk yard. The Army lacks even trucks for mobility. The Salvadorans are also to blame since they have been unable to establish a reliable logistic branch and those making military arms and parts purchases appear to be either inept or highly corrupt.

Notes

1 Now General, Special Military Security Brigade Commander.
2 Chapin: Accepted regional nickname, applied to Guatemalans (not a diminutive name).
3 This author considers that the investment on the Storm was unwise. A better investment for the Salvadoran Army would have consisted in acquiring second-hand M113 vehicles, refurbished to A3 standards, or the establishing a recovery line for M151A2s.
4 Today Brigadier General, Salvadorian Army General Inspector.

With the assistance and resources of the Inland Division of General Motors, a newly redesigned Hyde weapon was ready for testing early in 1942. All of the objectionable features of the earlier 109 model had been corrected. The redesigned new gun was designated the Hyde-Inland-1. The Hyde-Inland-1 weapon was tested at Aberdeen from early to mid April 1942. The action was now enclosed and there were no external moving parts. The barrel fins and vertical foregrip had been eliminated. They were replaced by a horizontal wooden foregrip that extended under a newly designed smooth barrel. The weapon was select fire and was lighter than the Thompson and the earlier Hyde 109. In full auto fire the Hyde-Inland was superior to all other weapons tested. In the 50 yard full-automatic fire test the Hyde-Inland-1 placed 99 out of 100 shots on the 6’x6’ target. This compared to 50 hits out of 100 for the M1 Thompson and 49 out of 100 for the M1928A1 model. However, the weapon’s accuracy in semi-automatic proved to be inferior to the Thompson.

The subject gun fired 6,080 rounds of .45 caliber service ammunition during the testing. There were 20 malfunctions recorded. Fifteen of the malfunctions were failure of the bolt to remain open after the last shot in the magazine was expended. On three occasions the bolt remained open, but closed when the magazine was removed. Other malfunctions included one light firing pin blow and one failure to feed. The result of the mud and dust tests indicated that the Hyde-Inland had some superiority over the Thompson.

The average cyclic rate of the Hyde-Inland-2 was the same as the earlier models at 527 rounds per minute. This compared to the M1928A1 Thompson at 610 rounds per minute and the M1 Thompson at 775 RPM. Those who fired the test weapons stated that the Hyde-Inland handled very well and that the recoil was soft. They also stated that there was no appreciable tendency for the muzzle to rise in automatic fire. Mr. Hyde requested that he be permitted to make a few minor changes to the design before the service tests were held.

A few minor suggestions were made by Ordnance to further improve the weapon, including a redesign of the magazine well to use the standard Thompson twenty or thirty round box style magazine, and a heavier operating spring. Subject to the improvements being made, the Hyde-Inland gun was recommended for standardization as the U.S. Submachine Gun, Caliber .45 M2 on 30 April 1942. The Thompson was to be downgraded to Substitute Standard. However, because of the tremendous requirements for submachine guns it wasn’t considered a good time to completely stop production of the Thompson and retool to manufacture the new M2 weapon. The M2 was to be classified Substitute Standard and the Thompson would retain its Standard status. A report to the Ordnance Committee held on 13 April 1942 stated that “the Hyde-Inland weapon was superior to the M1 Thompson from a five- percent reduction in weight to a ninety- percent reduction in malfunctions. Accuracy in full-automatic fire was nearly perfect. All of the features of light weight, accuracy, absence of malfunctions, simplicity of construction, combined to make the proposed M2 far superior than any other weapon previously presented to the Ordnance Department.” The M2 however, was not the simple, easy to manufacture “sheet metal” weapon that was desired by the Ordnance Department.

In June of 1942 five new Hyde-Inland-2 models were submitted. The new weapons were tested for functioning on June 19, 21 and 22, 1942. A total of 2,640 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition were fired with only two reported malfunctions

The Marlin Firearms Company was awarded a contract to manufacture 164,450 M2 weapons at a cost of $36.76 per piece less magazine and accessories. A supplement to the contract was executed stating that one thirty-round magazine would be supplied with each submachine gun.

Initial production was expected to begin in December of 1942, but by 31 March 1943 no guns had been produced. The delay was due primarily to the Marlin company encountering difficulty in securing the dies needed for six components that were to be made of compressed powdered metal, a relatively new process. After several M2’s were made and tested, two of the components made by the powdered metal process cracked. It remained questionable whether or not other powdered metal parts could withstand the required tests. The Springfield Ordnance District was instructed by Washington not to accept any weapons pending further investigation. Marlin was finally able to partially overcome the expected early production problems and the first M2 weapons were shipped to the U.S. Ordnance Department in May of 1943. In the interim the Ordnance Department had tested and adopted the new all-metal M3 submachine gun. The reduced cost and potentially higher production of the M3 resulted in the subsequent cancellation of the M2 submachine gun. The U.S. Ordnance Committee officially declared the M2 submachine gun obsolete on 14 June 1943. No M2 .45 caliber submachine guns were ever issued by the military. The late Armin Romberg, a long time employee of the Marlin Company stated that approximately 500 of the M2s were manufactured.

The Submachine Gun, M2 is an extremely rare item today, with only two known transferable examples in the U.S.

By Janne Pohjoispää

Although some sources have cited the vz 58 as a Czech copy of Kalashnikov design, it is not. The vz 58 is reminiscent in appearance to the AK-47 and AKM assault rifles, but its operating system is completely different. With painted metal surfaces, the vz 58 looks cheap, but its construction includes greater number of machined components than the H&K rifles or machine guns have.

In external configuration the vz 58 appears similar to the Kalashnikov assault rifles. The barrel is mated is to an open-top receiver. The gas piston is located over the barrel and the magazine has a curved shape similar to that of the AK series. However, except an open top receiver, many of these features can be also found on the WWII-vintage German MP43/MP44/StG44 assault rifles.

In the post-WWII period, the Czechoslovakian armed forces acquired substantial number of small arms captured from German troops and also obtained from other European entities as well. Prior to the Second World War, Czechoslovakia had been a large armaments supplier that exported military small arms including large numbers of the Mauser 98-type rifles and the excellent ZBvz26 and ZBvz30 light machine guns. After the war, the small arms industry that had served the German cause, turned rapidly to produce new small arms of domestic design. This occurred even prior to the communist takeover in 1948.

At the same time, the Soviet army was just fielding the SKS semi-automatic carbine and a new assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov appeared on the scene. Both these rifles were chambered for the intermediate 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge. During this time interval, the Czechoslovakian small arms industry introduced the semiautomatic vz52 carbine. The vz52 has a short stroke gas piston mounted around the barrel, similar to the German Mkb42(W), and tilting bolt with front-mounted locking lugs. It was originally chambered for a novel 7.62x45mm cartridge that served with the vz52 light machine gun, too. The 7.62x45mm cartridge remained in service only for few years until it was replaced with the 7.62x39mm M43 round in 1957. A version of the vz52 that was chambered for the Soviet cartridge became known as the vz 52/57. It was short lived, as a new selective-fire assault rifle destined to compete with the AK, was already on the drawing board. In 1958, this new 7.62x39mm caliber assault rifle was adopted as the Samopal vz58.

The vz58 appeared in two basic variations, the fixed-stock vz58P and the vz58V equipped with a side-folding metal stock. Except for this distinction, these two models appear to be otherwise identical. In addition to these, there exists a version called as the vz58Pi, which is the basic vz58P except that it has a provision for mounting an infrared night sighting device on the left side of receiver. The vz58Pi also features a light bipod and a conical flash hider attached to the muzzle. During the 1970s, some experiments were reportedly conducted with some 5.45x39mm caliber conversions. None were adopted, and interest turned during the 1980’s to the AK-based LADA small arms family (assault rifle, SMG and LMG) that were originally designed for the Soviet 5.45x39mm M74 round but later modified for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge.

Like most other post-WWII products of the Czechoslovakian small arms industry, the vz58 assault rifle was not widely distributed outside the borders of Czechoslovakia. The vz58 was seldom seen on the news. However, the 7.62x39mm vz58 assault rifles were frequently encountered in Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East in the hands of communist-backed forces commencing with the conflict in Viet Nam. Czech vz58 rifles were also issued to certain terrorist groups, including the Palestinian “Black September” movement. After Czechoslovakia was divided into two nations, the Czech and Slovakian republics, respectively, in 1992, vz58 assault rifles, along with a small number of the AK74-type 5.45x39mm rifles stayed in service with the armed forces of both nations.

The vz58 is gas-operated with a short-stroke piston and fires from the closed-bolt position. The gas system has a gas block pattern and location similar to the basic AK/Sturmgewehr design. The piston is placed over the barrel and topped with a sheet steel cover, secured with a single cross pin. The gas system has no regulator or provision for a gas cut-off. The piston is not integral with the bolt carrier. The piston’s maximum travel is 0.6 inches (16 mm), and it has its own return spring to drive it back to its forward position. The piston is chromium plated for better corrosion resistance.

Most gas-operated assault rifles have rotating bolt heads with front mounted locking lugs. The vz58’s bolt moves vertically along the bolt carrier’s guide ways. The bolt has a falling locking block with dual locking lugs. Construction is very similar to the Walther P38 or the more recent Beretta 92 except that the locking block operates in the opposite direction, i.e., the locking block drops into the battery. When driven backwards by the gas piston, the bolt carrier withdraws 0.67 inches (17 mm) until the locking piece disengages from the receiver and then moves a further 0.12 inches (3 mm) until bolt engages the bolt carrier follows its rearward motion. As the bolt has no rotating head, there is no primary extraction. The bolt body has a recessed breech face and a single claw-type extractor. The firing pin is of the floating-type as used with most military rifles. The bolt carrier was milled from solid steel bar stock and has complex shape, including bolt guide ways and clearances for allowing the vertical movements of the pivoting locking piece. It should be noted here that the vz58 could be assembled and fired without the locking piece, with disastrous results.

In a manner similar to the SKS carbine or Czech vz52 and vz52/57 rifles, there is a stripper clip guide milled on the front face of the bolt carrier. The 30-round magazine is, however, detachable. Although the vz58 magazine is similar to the AK pattern, it is not interchangeable. The vz58 magazine is stamped from sheet aluminum with ribbed sides. The magazine catch/release is of the AK-type, but smaller of size and can be accessed easily from the left side only.

The magazine follower incorporates a stud that activates the bolt’s hold-open device after the last shot is fired. The small-sized operating button of the hold-open device is located at the front of trigger guard and it can be used to leave the bolt group in the retracted position. There is no manual latch for releasing the retracted bolt and this is accomplished by removing the empty magazine or by inserting a loaded one and pulling back slightly and then releasing the cocking handle. The cocking handle is integral with the piston slide and positioned obliquely upwards.

There is no conventional rotating hammer on the vz58, but its striker-type hammer is a horizontally moving hollow steel bar, which is powered by its own spring assembly that is integral with the receiver’s top cover. The hammer passes through the bolt carrier to the base of the bolt where firing pin is located. Due to its configuration the selective-fire trigger mechanism is different from the majority of designs used with most small arms. In fact, just such a mechanism is encountered on the Swedish Bofors L/60 automatic cannon. The vz58 trigger mechanism can be described as a scaled-down version of design used with the Bofors automatic cannons. The 40 mm Bofors automatic cannon, introduced in 1929, was the first successful automatic cannon design.

There are two separate sears, side by side, for single-shot and full-auto fire. The full-auto sear is located 1.5 mm behind the single-shot sear. The single-shot sear is fitted with a disconnector that controls the bolt carrier’s movement and when the trigger is pulled the disconnector breaks the trigger connection to the semiauto sear until the trigger is released. When set on the full-auto mode, the disconnector is disengaged and the semiauto sear is connected rigidly to the trigger and held down as long as trigger is pulled. The full-auto sear has a separate trip arm that controls the full-auto sear when the trigger is pulled and holds down the semiauto sear. The fire selector is located just above the pistol grip, on the right side of weapon. The middle position is safe and when the selector is rotated forward, the rifle provides single shots. If rotated backwards, full- auto fire results. The selector markings are “1” and “30,” respectively.

If there is a single component that resembles the AK47, it’s the receiver. The receiver is milled from solid steel, but smaller than the AK. The vz58 is also shorter than the AK-47 or AKM. The receiver has a stamped sheet-metal steel top cover that overlays the rear half of the receiver. The receiver cover includes both the recoil spring and hammer spring that are secured by a single cross pin.

The relatively light barrel has an overall length of 400 mm. The bore has four-groove rifling with a right-hand twist of one turn in 9.45 inches (240 mm). Like most other military rifles and machine guns of Warsaw Pact origin, the bore and chamber are hard chrome plated for better corrosion resistance against powder and primer residues, to withstand the over heating produced by full-auto fire and also to inhibit accelerated wear from firing steel-jacketed ammo. The vz58 has a right-handed muzzle thread to accept a blank firing device or flash hider. It is not compatible to the Kalashnikov muzzle devices. In addition, the bayonet is different from AKM wire-cutter types. The bayonet attaches to a longitudinal rail under the barrel, and slides forward in a unique mounting manner. This bayonet rail also accepts a light bipod with non-adjustable legs.

The earliest examples of the vz58 had wooden stocks, but most vz58s will be encountered with furniture made from red Bakelite reinforced with wood fiber. Sources also report that some recently built rifles were fitted with black plastic furniture. The main difference between the vz58 basic variations is the type of buttstock, as mentioned previously. The vz58P has a fixed, partially hollow Bakelite stock with a steel buttplate, while the vz58V has an L-shaped side folding stock made from steel wire. The vz58 buttstock has a shorter length-of-pull than that found on the most of the AK series. Unlike the Kalashnikov design, the vz 58 buttstock provides no provision for storing cleaning kit. Neither is a cleaning rod is furnished with rifle.

Both the forearm and handguard are quite similar in configuration to those of the Kalashnikov. However, unlike the AK models, the vz58 forearm is riveted in place and cannot be removed without tools. The top handguard is mounted on the gas piston cover. The pistol grip is small and has a shape reminiscent of the late models of the Fallschirmjagergewehr 42. Neither the forearm nor pistol grip are checkered. They both have a glossy, and quite slippery, surface. The rear sling swivel is mounted on the left side of buttstock and the front swivel is attached to the gas block.

Czech vz58 rifles can be found with either a manganese phosphate (Parkerized) or baked gray enamel finish. Our test and evaluation specimen was marked “she 75” and had the latter type of finish.

The vz58 has a set of iron sights very similar to those of the Kalashnikov assault rifles. The front sight is a square post protected by a substantial hood. The front sight is adjustable for both elevation and windage by means of special tools. The rear sight is an open U-notch mounted on a sliding tangent-type base. It is adjustable for elevation only, from 100 meters to 800 meters with 100-meter increments and a 350-meter battle-sight setting. The sight radius is 13.94 inches (354 mm).

There is no provision for mounting auxiliary sighting devices on either the P or V versions of the vz58. The much rarer vz58Pi has an optical sight mounting bracket on the left side of the receiver for Russian NSP infra-red night vision device and the more recent Russian passive night vision devices, including the 1PN58 and 1PN51.

Firing and Handling Characteristics

The vz58 is shorter, thinner and lighter than the AK47 or AKM. The vz58 weighs 1.5 pounds less than the AKM and 2.5 pounds less than the AK47. It is also about 2 inches shorter than the AK47 and AKM assault rifles. The vz58 is easy to carry and feels more like a pistol-caliber submachine gun than a 7.62x39mm caliber assault rifle.

Yes, It’s light, compact and handy, but these qualities bring disadvantages. The vz58 is not very easy to operate with winter mittens; both the selector switch and magazine catch/release are difficult to manipulate if gloves are used. In addition, during prolonged firing sessions some insulation for the forearm is required. If a substantial number of rounds are fired, the vz58 gets so hot that it cannot be comfortably supported with the bare hand. The slim Bakelite handguard provides limited heat insulation and the lightweight barreled action won’t absorb much heat either.

The vz 58 was test fired with three types of the 7.62x39mm M43 caliber ammunition including Chinese Norinco 123-grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket), Czech 123-grain FMJ sold under the brand name “KOPP” and Finnish Lapua 123-grain FMJ. When fired from the bench at a range of 100 meters, the vz58 was capable of generating 4 to 5 MOA groups with steel-cased Chinese and Czech ammo and 3 to 4 MOA groups with Lapua ammunition. Accuracy is close to average AK-grade, perhaps slightly better.

Strangely, the short stroke, piston-operated vz58 has lower perceived recoil than heavier Kalashnikov rifles. During the test firing sequence, the vz58 operated flawlessly with steel-cased ammunition, but produced continual extraction and feeding malfunction when brass-cased ammunition was cycled through the rifle. Evidently, steel cases are harder and will not adhere to the chamber walls as firmly as brass cases, which require more extraction momentum.

The vz58 expels empty cases about two meters (7 feet) to right. The ejection path is neither as violent as that of the AK series nor are the cases damaged, although this latter is of little concern to a military user.

Although finely made, the vz58 is poorly finished. It is pleasant to handle and fire, if only steel-cased ammunition is employed. Operators prefer what they are programmed to use. I am used to firing and handling the Finnish variant of the AK47, which I still think is better than the vz58. While the Czech rifle is more accurate, the AK is easier to shoot and deploy with and, most important, substantially more reliable.

US LE, Dealers and collectors Notes:

Class Three Supply (724-962-1890) has been importing Post 86 dealer sample restricted vz58s for law enforcement and Class 3 Dealers. Prices are reasonable- in the $400 range, and the quality of the guns I have seen has been excellent. Sarco (908-647-3800) has been selling parts kits, and bayonets have been relatively easy to find on the market, at about $40 each. The leather mag pouches that hold 4 magazines have been on the market recently as well, I bought a set at Knob Creek. There are 4 known transferable vz58s in the United States. There may be more, but I have never seen them. There were three full stock and one folder. One set was sold as full stock and folder, and these two were Vietnam bringbacks, registered in that time period. The finish on all of the transferables that I have seen was of the grey paint, and the stocks were all red bakelite style

Although the Mk 46 Mod 0 superficially resembles FN’s Para and SPW Models, it is again different from these Minimi versions. The modifications to the Mk 46 Mod 0 reduced its weight by 3.9 lbs in comparison to a standard M249. The major differences between the Mk 46 Mod 0 and the standard M249 are as follows:

• The Mk 46 Mod 0 barrel is much shorter than that of the M249.
• The Mk 46 Mod 0 lacks the magazine feed of the M249.
• There is no provision for vehicle or tripod mounting.
• The gas regulation system has been eliminated and replaced with a simplified “monobloc” system.
• There are MIL-STD-1913 rails atop the receiver and a rail system is fitted to the handguard for mounting accessories.
• The Mk 46 Mod 0 flash suppressor is identical to that of the M4 SOPMOD Carbine. This flash suppressor accepts standard military issue noise suppressors (silencers).
• The carrying handle has been eliminated.
• The Mk 46 Mod 0 is Teflon coated for corrosion resistance and to provide dry lubrication.
• The rear sling attachment point has been moved forward to facilitate “across the chest” carry.

We visited FN Manufacturing in Columbia, South Carolina to test fire the Mk46 and were very favorably impressed with the latest addition to the US military’s small arms inventory. Eliminating the requirement for magazine feed apparently significantly increased the reliability of the FN light machine gun. We did not experience a single stoppage while firing approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Changing belts was as simple as sliding a new container into place and positioning the new belt in the feed tray. As mentioned, there is no provision to manually remove the barrels; they will simply be dropped under operational conditions.

Firing the Mk 46 was uneventful and thus quite enjoyable, although muzzle blast was pronounced, as can be expected from any short barreled weapon. Since the Mk 46 is equipped to accept the Navy’s standard suppressor, (From Knight’s Armament Company), however, this probably will not be an operational problem, as the gun will almost certainly be deployed with suppressor in place. The Mk 46 was easy to control; bursts were easily kept in the five to seven round range and muzzle rise was minimal. Although fieldstripping is somewhat lengthy in terms of the number of steps involved, the task is actually quite simple in practice.

In sum, our time spent with the new Mark 46 version of FN’s MINIMI was a very pleasant experience. The gun was lightweight, simple and easy to use and absolutely reliable during our brief experience with it. It seems that the U.S. Navy has a winner!