PHOENIX ARMS DELUXE RANGEMASTER TARGET KIT

Phoenix Arms, manufacturers of the HP line of compact semi-auto pistols, has now introduced their new all-in-one kit for the avid shooter; the Deluxe Rangemaster Target Kit. It’s a highly affordable way to get into pistol shooting. The new kit contains everything the sports enthusiast needs to enjoy the thrill of precision target shooting. The centerpiece of the package is the Phoenix Arms HP22LR compact semi-auto .22 caliber pistol. It’s loaded with features including a three-inch vent rib barrel, ten round magazine, adjustable rear sight, magazine interlock with hold-open feature and more. The Deluxe Rangemaster Target Kit also includes accessories such as a five-inch extended target barrel and an extended magazine with finger grip. The pistol and accessory barrel are available in either Satin Nickel or Polished Blue. Other items in the new kit include a pistol lock and lanyard cable, cleaning kit, a bottle of Break Free® gun oil, complete instructions and an official Phoenix Arms HP Rangemaster patch. All this in a rugged high-impact ABS transport case with a lock keyed to match the included pistol magazine well lock. The best thing is that the entire kit retails for under $200.00. For more information contact Phoenix Arms, DEPT. SAR, 1420 Archibald Ave., Ontario, CA 91761. Phone: 1-909-937-6900. Fax: 1-909-937-0060.

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION NOW OFFERS NEW 9MM

Black Hills Ammunition long known for their excellent line of high quality ammunition is now offering a new 9mm loading; the 124 grain Jacketed Hollow Point +P. The new offering utilizes a 124 grain hollow point bullet at a sizzling 1250 fps for 430 ft lbs of energy. To ensure proper bullet performance at this velocity level they chose the Speer Gold Dot bullet for maximum expansion plus weight retention. This new load stays within industry pressure standards for 9mm +P ammunition. For more information contact Black Hills Ammunition, DEPT. SAR, P.O. Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709-3090. Phone: 1-605-348-5150. Fax: 1-605-348-9827. Website address: www.black-hills.com.

NIGHTSTALKER TACTICAL LIGHT/PISTOL GRIP

Wilcox Industries Corp. has just announced the release of their new “Power Grip Plus”. Specifically designed for use in the Special Operations community but also available to the commercial market the revolutionary Nightstalker “Power Grip Plus” adds both form and function to your M-16 or AR-15 weapon as does no other accessory. This ergonomically designed pistol grip offers additional support or optimum weapon handling plus the added feature of either laser, tactical light or both. The “Power Grip Plus” is available in several configurations including flashlight only, visible laser/flashlight and visible laser/infrared laser/flashlight. The infrared laser configuration comes standard with in infrared illuminator. All versions are equipped with a dual function flashlight bypass button, which activates the visible flashlight regardless of the mode of operation, either as an on/off toggle or momentary flashlight. A built-in LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for laser models indicates power, remaining time and user selectable blink rates. For more information on this top of the line accessory contact Wilcox Industries Corp., DEPT. SAR, Pease International Tradeport, 53 Durham St., Portsmouth, NH 03801. Telephone: 1-603-431-1331. Fax: 1-603-431-1221. Web Site: www.wilcoxind.com.

GG&G FIRE SYSTEM FOR THE M-96 EXPEDITIONARY RIFLE

GG&G of Tucson, AZ , one of the world’s acknowledges leaders in the design and manufacture of law enforcement and military optical mounting systems and tactical weapons accessories has recently introduced a version of their already highly regarded FIRE (Fully Integrated Rifle Enhancement) System for the M96 Expeditionary Rifle. The FIRE system includes any or all of the following as required by the end-user: MAD folding emergency rear sight, folding front sight, a dedicated M96 full-length MilStandard 1913 interface rail and standard Aimpoint rings. The M96 Fire system requires the removal of both the rifles front and rear sight assemblies. The Mil-Standard 1913 interface rail is made from a machined billet of 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum alloy and costs $100.00 including all of the mounting hardware. The MAD folding rear sight has four apertures, two of each size (small .073 and large .199 in.) So that rotating the aperture in either direction will bring the next size into view. It uses the standard Colt windage knob and windage screw. One click provides 0.48 MOA change when mounted on the M96 rifle and about 0.65 MOA on the M96 carbine. For more information on this innovative new sighting system contact GG&G, DEPT. SAR, 3602 E. 42nd Stravenue, Tucson, AZ 85713. Phone: 520-748-7167. Fax: 1-520-748-7583. Their web site is www.gggaz.com.

NEW WINCHESTER JACKETED HOLLOW POINT PISTOL LOADS

Winchester Ammunition has just announces five new loads in the USA brand pistol ammo line. All of the loads use a jacketed hollow point bullet and are designed with personal protection use in mind. The new loads include a 38 Special round with a 125 grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of 945 fps; a 9mm load with a 115 grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of 1225 fps; a 357 Sig load with a 125 grain bullet and a muzzle velocity currently being defined; a 40 S&W load with a 180 grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of 1010 fps and finally a .45 auto load with a 230 grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of 880 fps. The new Jacketed Hollow Point pistol loads from Winchester combine performance and value into a package shooters will appreciate. For more info contact Winchester, DEPT. SAR, 427 North Shamrock Street, East Alton, IL 62024-1197. Phone: 1-618-258-2204. Fax: 1-618-258-3609. Web site: www.winchester.com.

• a. .223 FMJ (weight 3.56g, MV 960m/s) – max range 2,800m, terminal velocity 98m/s, terminal energy 17 Joules, terminal energy density 0.72, angle of descent 70 degs
• b. 7.62x39mm FMJ (weight 8g, MV 710m/s) – max range 2,710m, terminal velocity 99m/s, terminal energy 39 Joules, terminal energy density 0.86, angle of descent 67 degs
• c. .308 Win FMJ (weight 9.5g, MV 830m/s) – max range 3,900m, terminal velocity 122m/s, terminal energy 70 Joules, terminal energy density 1.54, angle of descent 65 degs
• d. 7.5mm Swiss GP11 (weight 11.3g, MV 750m/s) – max range 4,900m, terminal velocity 143m/s, terminal energy 116 Joules, terminal energy density 2.62, angle of descent 61 degs

(all of which suggests the 7.5mm Swiss, still relatively unknown outside that country, is a pretty powerful little number) also, compare the rifle data above with 9x19mm:-

• e. 9mm Luger (weight 8g, MV 350m/s) – max range 1,710m, terminal velocity 80m/s, terminal energy 26 Joules, terminal energy density 0.4, angle of descent 65 degs.

Kneubuehl points out that in order for a human target to escape injury, energy density (Joules per square mm) must be clearly below 0.1 for skin and 0.03 for eyes, which puts rather a new gloss on the wounding potential of ‘spent’ projectiles. All the above projectiles vastly exceed these figures.

Even for airgun & shotgun pellets, the figures are significant, as below:-

• f. 4mm shot (weight 0.38g, MV 420m/s) – can injure skin to 210m and eyes to 280m
• g. 4.5m (.177) airgun pellets (weight 0.53g, MV 180m/s) – can injure skin to 170m and eyes to 240m

All something to consider in the context of the favourite American New Year pastime (now the subject of widespread crackdowns) of banging off towards the stars with no great regard for where the resultant bullets may ultimately land.

WOMAN SHOT WITH BEANBAGS DIES: the Los Angeles Times reported on 24 Jun 2001 that an 89-pound woman who was suffering from a stomach ailment died after being shot with two rounds of beanbag ammunition by police in Long Beach (California).

The woman had reportedly been keeping police at bay with an eight-inch knife and was shot when she declined to drop the weapon. The beanbags were fired from a 12g shotgun at a reported range of 30-35 feet and struck the woman in her arm and torso, though her boyfriend claims the range was only 10-15 feet. The LA Times reported separately that – according to a county coroner’s spokesman – the woman, Glenda Lee Reymer (49), died of a “severe, focal blunt force trauma to the chest.”This is not the first fatality involving beanbags in recent months, and the time may well have arrived when these particular ‘non-lethal’ weapons need to be seriously reappraised.

Pole Barn Adventures

I first went into the Range House to pick up six T-shirts for the Emma Gees in Georgia. Outside I ran into Jim Ballou, whose new book ‘The BAR’ has flown off the shelves. Despite a broken leg, Jim came to Knob Creek to autograph copies of his landmark book on the Browning Automatic Rifle. To say that Jim stayed busy does not describe it. Those who can not come to KCR will find Jim’s monumental work available from Long Mountain Outfitters.

Just inside the pole barn I ran into Mike Westinhouse. Mike proved once again that, no matter how much you have seen, you have not seen it all. Mike reached into his back pocket and produced an awesome shell. This complete round came from a 90 anti-aircraft gun produced right at the end of World War II. One thinks of a 90 as a cannon round. This round more resembles a 50 caliber on steroids. Rounds like this were fired from a unique American gun. For the scholars of anti-aircraft guns, they will find this rare round and even rarer guns referenced in Chinn’s.

After viewing rare munitions, I set out in search of accessories. The Emma Gees in Georgia sent an interesting list. Both the quantity and the quality at this show stood as nothing short of spectacular. I filled the first two orders at MG34.com./Allegheny Arms of Culver City, PA. Greg Souchik displays a number of fine items, both in quantity and quality. One friend wanted post war magazines for the PPSh 41. His three digit gun dates from 1948. I filled his order with six post war magazines and two post war carry pouches. All of them looked NOS.

On the way to the Small Arms Review table, I stopped off at the C & S Metall Werkes tables to see Milton Barnes. I waited as Milton sold a pair of MP-5 drums to two satisfied customers. We shook hands and Milton said he had a surprise coming Sunday about four o’clock. Milton advised this writer to be in attendance on the lower part of the main line at the appointed time. I said that Milton could mark me present and headed for the Small Arms Review tables.

At the SAR tables, Jeff Zimba pointed toward the cover shot for the then upcoming June 2001 issue. Through the crowd around it, I viewed the image of Cuba Gooding Jr. and the twin fifties that graced the cover. This writer, the staff of SAR, and a number of subscribers took a great deal of pride in doing that particular article.

Next I stopped by Dennis Todd’s tables and caught Dennis in a rare moment when he could talk. Dennis proudly showed off the original top drums for the MG – 34 and the newly made attachments. I then picked up a rare magazine for a friend, thanked Dennis, and departed. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Anagnos displayed a huge amount of gear on their tables. From Mr. Anagnos I picked up a book on M-16s from the Rifle M2 to the Carbine M4A1. An M-16 shooter back in Georgia will add this book to his collection.

On the way out of the Pole Barn I found John Ross at the Kent Lomont tables. John had brought copies of his fine book ‘Unintended Consequences’. While autographing books for his many fans, John regaled the assembled throng with a number of amusing stories. A friend in Georgia sent in an order for a copy of John’s book, autographed if possible. Mr. Ross kindly autographed a copy of ‘Unintended Consequences’ to the Georgia Emma Gee.

Just outside the Pole Barn a long time friend came by. He had known of the then upcoming article on ‘Pearl Harbor’. He produced from his pocket a postcard that dated from before World War II. He stated that one might find a great deal of gun history on the picture postcards from the first half of the 20th Century. A couple of weeks before KCR he had found several postcards at an antique show. On one card, an eight man Marine Corps gun crew sights two .50 water-cooled guns on anti-aircraft tripods. The photograph shows the set up of the cooling hoses and even the .50 loading rig in the left rear If one’s wife insists on one’s attendance at an antique show, when one might be more interested in going to a gun show, some R & R and some interesting history for the Emma Gee may be found among the postcards.

This shopping expedition ended about 1:30 on Friday afternoon. Again the quality and quantity of the items rated as nothing short of excellent. The dealers had gone ‘all out’ to supply their customers with fine equipment. Everything that this writer purchased he found in good supply, reasonably priced, and of generally excellent quality. The Emma Gees from Georgia who had sent orders all seemed to be very pleased with the items that came back to them.

Showtime

Inside the Pole Barn one can find surprising rare examples of otherwise common items. The Vickers tripod shown by Brian Koskey of Mill Creek Armory serves as a case in point. I have viewed a number of British and Turkish tripods and a very rare adjustable height Vickers tripod. Brian stated that he had just finished restoring a very unusual Vickers tripod for Kent Lomont. Brian brought the tripod out to the sunlight in front of the Pole Barn for some serious viewing.

In bright sunlight one could properly view this very rare tripod. The top of the rear leg of the tripod read ‘1915 American’. Beside the nomenclature at the lower left side sat a level that worked as well as the day it was made. The T & E worked differently than any previously observed. The entire upper head turned for elevation. The trajectory came in a similar but smoother manner to the British tripod. Brian had carefully refinished all of the parts. This rare Vickers tripod worked as well as it looked.

I next went to the tables of Long Mountain Outfitters. LMO displayed a large number of guns from the motion picture industry. A beautiful M-60 E-3 with Navy barrel and motion picture history sat on the side table. This one carried a ‘Sold’ tag about 30 minutes after I viewed it. A large number of motion picture AK variants caught everyone’s attention. Among the AK’s one found four Valmets, two side folders and two with AK stocks. I later ran into a friend who has a special appreciation for the Valmets. He immediately headed for the LMO tables. Look for an upcoming article on one of the most famous of LMO’s motion picture Valmet AK variants.

Meanwhile out in the specialty sheds, ammunition could be found in abundance. One found the pricing reasonable on all and a bargain on some. This writer bought three crates of 7.62 x 39 from Tennessee Guns. Knob Creek being Knob Creek, he came home with less than one. I also picked up some 45ACP, 308, and 30-06 from Centerfire Systems. All came at reasonable prices. The venerable 8mm left the ammunition sheds in crate after crate. The ammunition dealers brought quantity and quality. The shooters put a great deal of brass on the ground at the Spring Knob Creek Shoot.

John Ross told this writer to go by the Ohio Ordnance tables and look in the Post 86 rack. John’s suggestion presented an opportunity to view and examine something truly unusual. When I got to Ohio Ordnance, Mike Krotz proudly showed off the KKM-PI-69. Mike unracked this rare AK variant and explained its function. The barrel exited the trunion higher than on a regular AK. No gas tube exited the wooden foregrip. Mike explained the drill on this select fire gun. The rifle fired 22 long rifle from a closed bolt. ‘Karl’ then pulled the magazine. The magazine looked like a regular AK mag whose top necked flat with a 22 mag end exiting in the middle. Then Mike pointed to the button on the side of the magazine. In standard AK size, the magazine held 20 rounds in 22. With a flip of the button, the bottom of the magazine dropped down allowing it to hold 30 rounds of 22 long rifle. These well-crafted magazines began showing up at gun shows more than a year and a half ago. Now we know what they are for.

I dropped by the S&H tables to see Curtis Higgins. S&H displayed a number of suppressed weapons along with some very nice FNC sear conversions. Directly across from S&H stood the tables of John’s Guns. John Tibbetts displayed a number of his fine suppressed weapons. John builds both suppressed pistols and rifles in Palestine, Texas. While examining a fine suppressed .22, a friend dropped by and advised that Mark Mann was unpacking something important. After finishing at the John’s Guns tables, I headed for the LMO tables. At LMO, I turned down the side tables to The Rifleman tables of Mark and David Mann.

David Mann and his son Mark run The Rifleman, a fine gun store in Macon, Georgia. Their well-stocked store carries an inventory of regular and Title 2 weapons. As I came up, they unpacked a truly awesome weapon. There on its Chinese high mount stood a Chinese version of the Russian DSHK 38/46. Mark Mann explained the history of this magnificent machine gun. This gun had seen service in Vietnam. Some .223 rounds had creased the top of the muzzle break. A .308 round had slammed into the right rear D handle. Before or afterward, the gun made its way back to China. After being declared surplus, the heavy weapon made its way to Iraq. There it found a home atop an Iraqi tank. After two days in Desert Storm, the gun again became unemployed. The historic weapon later made its way to America as parts, and had been manufactured pursuant with current law, as part of their Class 2 license research and development for potential future government sales.

‘…Ready on the Firing Line’

I went up to the firing line on a regular basis to put brass on the ground. The shooting proved excellent. The 30 minute breaks between the shooting proved equally intriguing.

I met with Mike Thacker about two weeks before Knob Creek. Mike announced that he had done something interesting with the spare barrel for his Jap 99. Mike had had a talented Georgia gunsmith rechamber the spare Jap 99 barrel to 7.62 x 39. Mike then asked that I contact a gentleman who possessed an original Chinese 7.62 x 39 conversion of the Jap 99. After making that telephone call, I contacted Forbes Mathews. I asked Forbes to bring his calipers to Knob Creek.

Two weeks later on Knob Creek’s main line, Forbes and I met with the gentleman from the Northeast. Forbes examined and measured the rear connecting piece to the Chinese 7.62 x 39 conversion. Two types of short Russian conversions exist. Both conversions use the AK magazine. As you read this, Forbes Mathews and Mike Thacker create an extremely interesting gun. Look for an upcoming article on this intriguing firearm. This conversion makes an extremely accurate distance weapon that produces almost no felt recoil.

I also met with another scholar on the Japanese LMGs, namely Dean Schaub. Dean knows automatic guns well, but is particularly intrigued by the automatic guns of Imperial Japan. Dean and I looked over a Jap 99 made in 1945 and discussed a number of these fine guns. Dean then stated that a summer shoot would occur about three hours drive from his hometown. At that shoot, he would be able to view and photograph several quite rare Japanese automatic guns. Dean was particularly excited that an extremely rare Type 3 in 6.5 mm would be there. Dean vowed to take the photographs. Look for an upcoming article on these fine weapons in a later issue of SAR.

About six slots down I met with Gerald Dorsey early on Saturday evening. From that slot for years, Gerald has fired his fine Argentine version of the 1917 water-cooled. Ramo crafted the gun many years ago from a parts kit fitted with American internals and D handles. Like most Browning guns, the way one makes it quit is to run it out of ammunition. Gerald admits to that happening a couple of times. Though many fine Brownings fire on the Knob Creek Range, the sights on Gerald’s gun make it unique.

A large spider web sight rests in a strap across the water jacket backed by a spike rear sight. This arrangement stands as quite rare. Mounted to the side post at the rear one finds a Zeiss telescopic sight. Gerald explained that Zeiss offered this scope as a commercial option military scope for the 1917 Argentine inter-war water-cooled. One looks down into the scope and sights outward parallel to the barrel. For years, Gerald had the only scope of this type that he knew of. A couple of years ago, another scope surfaced. Gerald bought it for a friend who shoots an identical 1917 water-cooled. Mr. Dorsey’s gun proves that while viewing a very nice weapon one may also turn the pages of history.

Meanwhile down on the far side, Doug Hollberg experienced a stoppage with his 08/15 Maxim. When Manuel Contreras helped Doug run the weapon on Friday, the gun ran fine. On Saturday, after about another 3000 rounds, Doug experienced a case separation. The case split about in half and on an angle. When the line went cold, Doug tore down the gun and a group of Emma Gee’s offered assistance. John Ross quipped, ‘Hit it with a bigger hammer.’ Doug replied, ‘A 15 pound hammer is all that I have.’ Dolf Goldsmith then took a look at it. Dolf employed a ruptured case removal tool but could not budge the split case. Dr. Ed Weitzman took a look and recommended hospitalization. back in Georgia on Monday, and the stubborn 08/15 barrel checked into Forbes Mathews Memorial for a short stay.

A pearl of wisdom goes, ‘If you must pick one night to be at Knob Creek, be there on Saturday night’. The gunners and the staff of Knob Creek Range put on a spectacular Saturday night show. The show began with a fly over and down range shooting by a helicopter. Jay Bazner an SAR regular contributor took photographs from on high. Jay sat strapped in the chopper seat while he caught the action with his camera.

After the fly over and shooting by the helicopter, the gunners advanced to the line positions. Homer Sailor calls the line hot. The rounds poured down range. The KCR range crew had set small explosive charges among the numerous targets down range. A cheer went up from the crowd each time a gunner hit one of the charges. Many of the assembled crowd jockeyed for positions behind the guns that they were interested in.

Some viewed guns that they did not know. During the shooting, they took time to become more familiar with them. The DSHK 38/46 stands as a case in point. Up on the main line stood another ‘Dishka’. Though Chinese and very similar, this gun was not the one described earlier. Many had never seen nor heard the Soviet origin heavy machine gun. To most the Dishka appears only in books. At Knob Creek Range, the Dishka is real. Thunderous does not adequately describe the report of this gun. The 12.7 shell measures slightly longer than that of the John Browning .50. The 12.7 is much more powerful. SAR writer Steve Hyde once described the Dishka’s report as being louder with earmuffs on than the American .50 is with ear muffs off.

After each shooting session the crowd gave applause. During the breaks between, the flame thrower contingent put on a spectacular show. They demonstrated single and multiple actions with the flame-throwers. These skilled men and women lit up the night sky. One could feel the heat from the flames at the firing line. After the final shooting session, the crowd broke out in a thunderous applause. A good time was had by all.

I spent most of Sunday checking notes for this article and putting some brass on the ground. About four o’clock, I gave up shooting a very nice Thompson and headed for the lower part of the main line. There I watched Milton Barnes and the crew from C & S Metall Werkes set up a 37mm M3 anti-tank gun. This World War II gun looked new. Milton wore the black derby hat of the Confederate artillerists in the Bowler Battery. This unit meets in St. Charles, Missouri once a year to fire their 12 pound mobile mountain howitzers. On this day, Milton wore the derby to fire 37mm M3.

Milton set up the gun and fired the first three rounds. Then each man from C & S selected a target and took his turn with the wonderful 37. Viewing these men set and work the M3 anti-tank gun proved to be some of the most enjoyable time spent at the Spring shoot. Each man brought a different method of working the gun. Each selected a different target. Most of them hit what they aimed at. True to the doctrine of Dangerous Dave, these cannoneers saved their empty cases for reloading.

I close with words from a poignant goodbye. The placard honored a man known to many. Above the Little Fat Guy’s slot hung the sign that paid homage to one who could no longer be with us. The white background with blue letters honored Mr. Sid Hartman. Mr. Hartman left us earlier this year. For many years Mr. Hartman worked security on the gunner’s right of the Knob Creek line. We shall miss Sid’s professionalism and his good nature. Mr. Hartman came every spring and every fall- the sign correctly read ‘We Will Miss You Sid 1942 — 2001’. Enough said.

Credits:

1. 1. Shane Coe, Centerfire Systems, 102 Fieldview DR, Versailles, KY 40383 859-873-9544
2. 2. Gerald Dorsey, Midwest Firearms, 1905 Ontario DR, Janesville, WI 53545 608-752-3065
3. 3. J. Patrick Moore, Summit Ammunition, P. O. Box 946, Gadsden, AL 35902 256-413-7180
4. 4. Robert C. Pace, Class 3 and Winchesters, P. O. Box 335, Fruitport, MI 49415 231-865-6355
5. 5. Kent Lomont, Lomont Precision Bullets, RR1 Box 34, Salmon, ID 83467 208-756-6819
6. 6. Robert Landies, Ohio Ordnance, P. O. Box 687, Chardon, OH 44024 440-285-3481
7. 7. Milton Barnes, C & S Metall Werkes, 4025-H Old Hwy 94 S, St. Charles, MO 63304 636-928-1551
8. 8. Greg Souchik, Allegheny Arsenal, P. O. Box 161, Culver City, PA 16725 814-362-2642

Apart from a single page entry in a Hungarian language textbook on small arms, little information of substance has come to light on this intriguing, but heavyweight conversion of an existing wheel-mounted MMG into a GPMG. The KGK retains the ruggedness and simplicity of the SG-43 in operation using gas-piston operation and the extremely simple side-locking bolt of its parent the SG-43.

The KGK differs from its parent the SG-43 as follows:

• BARREL The barrel is of the longitudinally-fluted SGM type, the fluting is intended to lighten the weight of the barrel and as an aid in heat dissipation. The muzzle is fitted with a long prong-type flash-hider similar to the later PK GPMG. As shown in Fig 3 a flexible carrying-handle is fitted to the barrel towards the breech-end and acts as both a means of carrying the weapon when on the move and as a means of removing a hot-barrel during sustained-fire. (Note: The location of the carrying handle is still well-forward of the center of gravity, in consequence the gun is very butt heavy and the gunner when using the handle almost carries the gun in the vertical position!) (See Fig 3)

• Unlike the SG-43/SGM the KGK barrel is retained in the receiver by a transverse round-section pin in the forward end of the receiver. In consequence a half-moon cut-out in the lower barrel is provided immediately below the chamber area through which the barrel retaining pin passes. (See Fig 4)

• RECEIVER The receiver has been substantially modified. On the RHS of the lower receiver is a very prominent round-section charging handle, knurled for more effective grasping which replaces the sheet metal type of the side-mounted (SGMB) or rear-mounted extended (SG-43) original. On the LHS of the lower receiver, immediately behind and below the ammunition feed-way, a folding barrel-release lever is fitted. This is similar in form to the charging handle, and rests in the raised, folded position. Below the barrel-release lever are the letters ‘Z’ and ‘NY’. Locked position is indicated by ‘Z’ (ZARVA) and unlocked by ‘NY’ (NYTIVA). (See Fig 5)

• The SG-43 type cut-out for the barrel-wedge on the upper surface of the receiver has been left in place, but is redundant in function as the barrel is secured in place by the transverse cross-pin. (See Fig 6)

• TRIGGER/BUTT GROUP The thumb-trigger arrangement of the SG-43 has been replaced with a detachable pistol-grip which contains a simple pivoting sear giving automatic-fire only. A square-section transverse bar locks the trigger when the weapon is cocked. A solid RPD type butt replaces the spade-grip of the SG-43. (See Fig 7). A butt-trap is fitted for small weapon cleaning items. (See Fig 8).

• SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION The main serial number is located on the forward-end of the top cover, with major components being numbered to the gun. (See Fig 9)

• BIPOD The bipod is of the fixed non-adjustable type. The bipod legs are constructed of tubular-steel and attached to the forward end of the gas-piston shroud, immediately behind the gas-block. When not in use the bipod legs are folded rearwards under the body of the gun and held in place by a spring-clip fitted to the right leg. (See Fig 10)

• SIGHTING SYSTEM The front-sight consists of a machined base with protecting ears around a simple post-type foresight. The foresight can be adjusted for both elevation and bearing. The rear-sight is similar to the original SG-43. Rapid adjustment is provided by a spring-loaded button on the LHS of the sight riser, with fine-adjustment provide by a knurled knob on the top left of the sight. The KGK is sighted to fire both the heavy 200 grain Type D ball round and the current standard 148 grain Type LPS ball round in 7.62mm. To accommodate the substantially different bullet weights, the sight-bracket is marked ‘N’ on the LHS and sighted to 2300 meters for the Type D and on the RHS is marked with the letter ‘K’ and sighted to 2000 meters for use with the lighter Type LPS round. (See Fig 13)

• Disassembly Is simple! Ensure the weapon is unloaded. Remove the receiver cross-pin behind the pistol-grip and withdraw bolt and carrier. Remove pistol-grip/trigger cross-pin and remove unit. Unlock barrel (paragraph 6 refers) and remove. By lifting the top-cover, the removable feed mechanism and cartridge extractor can be removed for cleaning. It should not be necessary to strip the weapon any further. The KGK consists of 11 ‘soldier’ type components. (See Fig 14)

Richard Jones is the Assistant Custodian of the MOD Pattern Room Collection in Nottingham, England

North Exhibition and Advertisement Corporation
7A Yuetan Nanjie
Beijing, China 100045
Phone number:
010:8512244-212 8527570
Fax number:
010:8512244-212 8512418

• A) Maxim Gun Company, Ltd. (1884-1888) Hetton Gardens and Crayford
• B) Maxim Nordenfelt Guns and Ammunition Company, Ltd. (1888-1897) Erith and Crayford
• C) Vickers Sons & Maxim, Ltd. (1897-1911) Erith and Crayford
• D) Vickers, Ltd. (1911-1928) Erith, Crayford and others
• E) Vickers-Armstrongs, Ltd. (1928- ) Erith and various other locations

In 1927, Vickers, Ltd. began to introduce for commercial sales the Mark L tripod for the commercial version of the Mk I Vickers that was called the Class “C” Rifle Caliber Gun. The Mk I and Class “C” guns were virtually identical except for their name – Mk I being a British military designation and Class “C” being a commercial designation. In 1928, when Vickers became Vickers-Armstrongs, they continued with their development of commercial sales of guns, mounts, and accessories around the world.

The Mark L tripod was a top of the line, well constructed and expensive option to purchase. What made this tripod unique and differentiated it from the standard Mk IV tripod is the elongated cradle that could be realigned from its horizontal configuration by unlocking the cradle and rotating it upward and locking it in a vertical configuration. This significantly raised the overall height of the tripod allowing the mount to be used as an anti-aircraft extension. The cradle also had a special ammunition box bracket that could be unlocked, rotated and re-locked thus enabling the ammunition box to be kept aligned with the proper axis of the gun. The elevation gear is engaged and used only when the gun and tripod are set up in the horizontal ground configuration. When setting up in the anti-aircraft configuration, the gun must be dismounted before the change-over can be achieved. The elevation gear is folded forward and secured with a retaining clip that is located within the frame of the cradle. The rear of the cradle is swung up and locked in place to the bronze crosshead with a retaining pin. The gun is then remounted at the forward mounting holes only. The ammunition box holding bracket is unlocked by pulling out the spring loaded locking pin, rotating the entire bracket and releasing the locking pin into the new guide hole. Though it is advisable to remove the ammunition box from the bracket when changing positions, it is not mandatory to do so.

The ammunition box was specifically designed for this mount. It is made of wood with dove-tail construction with a leather carrying handle at the top. The front forward sides are cut with guide slots for securing to the ammunition bracket mount located on the cradle. As was typical and unique of Vickers designed ammunition boxes, the top lid was double hinged. This allowed partial opening to permit feeding yet keep the rest of the box covered to protect the belt from dirt and the elements or opened full length to allow reloading the box with a fresh belt of ammunition.

The Mark L tripod was made during an eight year period with 535 being made. A later modification, called the Mark LB had a slightly different front leg locking mechanism and was produced for only three years from 1934 to 1936 with 760 units being produced. By 1937 the commercial market was drying up because of world recession and military sales to the British Government were increasing with the resulting emphasis on the Mk IV tripod.

Following is a detailed order history of sales of the Mark L and Mark LB tripods. This information is taken from previously unpublished handwritten notes in the “Mountings” book from the Vickers archives. These seventy year old entries were in pen and pencil done by at least four different writers (variations in handwriting) with notations that at times seem most cryptic. It is interesting to note that some of the tripods ordered were not for use with the Vickers Class “C” gun but rather for the Colt MG38 water-cooled machine gun. (The Colt MG38 is the Colt commercial version of the Browning M1917A1 water-cooled machine gun.) However, this is not as odd as it may sound at first impression as both guns would fit on the Mark L and Mark LB tripods and Vickers-Armstrongs was the agent for Colt in England at this time. Remember too, that mounts were ordered as accessories separately from orders for guns. Customers used the guns they purchased on a variety of mounts – naval mounts, cone mounts, wheeled field carriage mounts, fortification mounts, fortress mounts and tripod mounts to name a few. Just because a customer ordered X number of guns doesn’t mean that they would order the same number of X tripods. They would order separately Y number of mounts to suit their individual needs. Since gun and mounts were ordered and produced separately, serial numbers for guns never matched serial numbers for mounts unless specifically requested by the customer for inventory purposes and then special numbers were assigned. The order/work numbers were internal tracking numbers but it seems safe to assume that the second set of two or three digit numbers after the first backslash would indicate a date. Two digits would indicate a year and three digits would indicate year and month. What can not be determined is if the date is the year of order, year of production or year of shipment.

Though the production records shed some new light on production orders, they at the same time raise new questions that can not be readily answered. For example, the Mountings book list a number of Mark L tripods with an asterisk without explanation and no one now knows what they mean. Could it mean the rear leg was supplied with or without a seat? Or the rear leg was extendable? Perhaps an SAR RKI might know.

Nevertheless, the commercial Mark L tripod mount is a very rare accessory for the Vickers gun that is seldom encountered on the collectors market today. It reflects on a time period when all things were designed and manufactured with care and precision to last the rigors of use for many years.

Nowadays, Russia’s policy in Chechnya is undergoing further changes. In January this year, President Vladimir Putin declared a new step in this respect. The Army is decreasing their presence, withdrawing major troop units from the Northern Caucasus and giving priority to Special Forces. Nikolay Patrushev, Chief of the Federal Security Service, replaced Igor Sergeyev – Russian Minister of Defense – as a Commander-in-Chief responsible for activities in Chechnya.

It is believed that the missions in this region will be more of a policing, surgical and peacekeeping type. Along with the Federal Security Service (FSS), troops of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice and other groups of special designation are supposed to be the backbone of Russia’s military power in Northern Caucasus. This does not, however, mean that Army is pulling out from the war theater for good. A limited Armed Forces contingent will be coordinating actions with the above forces of special deployment.

The Russian Defense Industry keeps an alert open eye on these changes. At the end of January this year IZHMASH – Russia’s largest arsenal and both developer and manufacturer of the Kalashnikov and Dragunov small arms systems, in partnership with the “Krechet” SPETSNAZ group, a division of the Udmurt Regional Ministry of Justice (Minjust), organized the first all-Russian Convention of SPETSNAZ.

Attending this event were representatives of sixteen Regional Minjust Departments of SPETSNAZ as well as officers of the Anti-terrorist Center of FSS (“Alpha” and “Vympel”), Special Research Institute of the Ministry of Interior, OMON, SOBR and others.

As part of the program, demonstration firings were organized at the Test Shooting and Training Facility in the vicinity of Izhevsk, a city in Western Urals. IZHMASH hosted delegates from 18 defense enterprises of the Urals and Siberia. Special guests were invited from Moscow and the Republic of Belarus – a member of a new State union.

It was an opportunity for the Industries to demonstrate their newest developments in small arms, ammunition, optics, laser technology, combat equipment and military gear. Designers were available to provide advice and consultations on the technical parameters and features of novel weapons. It was a practical move: the Russian defense industry is looking for new orders from SPETSNAZ, and thus offering the most up-to-date equipment for special operations purposes.

SPETSNAZ “Krechet” demonstrated their combat skills operating the types of guns that the group was able to obtain recently from IZHMASH: AN-94 and AK-107 assault rifles, “Bizon” submachine guns, SVDS, SVDK, SV-98 and SV-99 sniper rifles, SAIGA-12K auto-loading assault shotguns and many more. Most of the above weapons were fielded in the operations in Chechnya.

SVDS/SVDK Systems

As seen in the photos, the Russian issue SVD sniper rifle and SVDK have considerable differences. The latter were dictated by the new conditions in the recent theaters of warfare in various parts of the world. Being a firearm designated to destroy single targets, which may be moving, open or behind cover, the SVDK is better adapted for airborne troops and troops carried by armored vehicles. Its overall length of 875mm (34.5 inches) with folded stock is roughly equal to the size of a seated soldier.

The rifle can be operated from a fighting vehicle using it for cover and concealment against enemy small arms fire. The rifle can fire both special sniper cartridges and regular rounds with steel core, cal. 9.3 x 64. It also successfully employs tracer and armor-piercing-incendiary types of ammunition. Externally, the SVD and the SVDK rifles differ in the following:

* SVDK has a folding buttstock;
* a shorter barrel;
* a new conical muzzle brake with teardrop-shaped slots;
* a pistol grip under the receiver;
* handguards made of fiberglass-reinforced polyamide;
* the SVDK construction features no under-barrel bayonet lugs; the bayonet comes in accessory kit;
* the SVDK has a telescoping/folding bipod.

The buttstock, which folds to the right, is made of steel tubular segments and assembled by welding. It is attached to the rear of receiver by means of a hinge similar to that of AKS74. The buttstock lock knob was also borrowed from the Kalashnikov construction. The cheek plate has three functional positions. “Marching order” – the plate is rolled up and locked in a vertical position above the upper bar of buttstock. The other two positions of the cheek in “Firing order” are as follows: (a) locked at the angle above the upper bar of the stock when the operator uses an optic scope or a night vision device; (b) unlocked and rolled down inside the buttstock frame when firing with open sights.

The buttstock end is made from reinforced polyamide. The entire construction of the buttstock is strong enough and can be used in a hand-to-hand combat.

The muzzle is equipped with a mono block, consisting of the front sight base integrated with the flash suppresser. The whole device is attached to the barrel with two pins coming into notches on the upper portion of the barrel end. One significant peculiarity of the new flash suppressor is its conical, funnel-type geometry with four teardrop-shaped, asymmetrically located slots. The lower two slots are placed in such a manner that none of them comes into a central position. The partition between these slots is wider than the one between the upper slots. This is done for the purpose of preventing an excessive upward climb at firing. The other reason is elimination of vertical gas jets. The jets, diverted strictly downwards, would raise unwanted dust in front of the shooter, disclosing his position. Despite the fact that the new brake is 65mm shorter that the one on the SVD rifle, it is in no way less effective in the sense of both suppressing flash signature and decreasing the muzzle blast.

The pistol grip, located under the receiver and attached to it with a single long screw, is also made from thermosetting reinforced polyamide. For the operator’s ergonomic convenience, the trigger and its guard bracket are shifted forward by about 10 mm.

Russian industry has recently provided sharp shooters with a new dedicated sniper round, with the bullet weighing 56 g, that travels with the muzzle velocity of 730 m/sec. The projectile generates muzzle energy equal to 14,900 Joule. Shown is the sniper cartridge with enhanced penetration capability. This feature seems to be a must with Russian snipers, as they want to accurately defeat both body armor and material at extended ranges.

The SVDK rifle has the usual sheet-metal selector on the right side of the receiver. The upper position is “safe”. The lower position at all times places the mechanism into semiautomatic mode. The levers of SVD and SVDK slightly differ in shape: in the latter the side ear has been changed from the lower position to the upper, which is supposed to make its manipulations easier. A top-cover locking lever, which is located in the rear of the receiver of both rifles, is geometrically identical. In SVDK, however, the locking angle is somewhat smaller.

Like the pistol grip, the handguards of SVDK are made from black reinforced polyamide. Their construction has been modified by adding pronounced horizontal ribs to provide an enhanced gripping surface. On the inside surface of the guards there are additional strengthening ribs to increase shock resistance. Similar to the SVD, the new rifle has twelve ventilation openings in the handguards (6 on each side) eliminating a possibility of burning operator’s hands in intensive firing.

Although 60 % of SVD and SVDK parts and components are interchangeable, a deeper insight may offer more differences. The SVDK top cover has been given an extra strength by stamping it from steel sheet 1mm thick. The one in SVD has a thickness of 0.7 mm.

The gas regulator of the new rifle is basically the same, with a few moderate alterations, which do not reduce operational merits of the older version. The piston has no obturation grooves. Outer diameter of the gas piston, internal diameter of the gas tube are 10.5 mm and 14 mm respectively, while in SVD these sizes are 9.5 mm and 13 mm.

Steel bodied sheet metal magazines with prominent reinforcing ribs for both SVD and SVDK rifles hold 10 rounds. No tools are required to load these staggered-column, detachable box-type magazines. The magazines have a hold-open device and thus after the last round has been fired, the bolt group is retained in its rear position.

Manufacture of a barrel

The barrel and chamber are made from a solid blank by cold hammer forging. The cylindrical blank is deep-drilled, reamed twice and honed. The bore and the chamber are made by the method that is called “reducing”, i.e. by cold hammering with SHK Steyr Machines. Under the pressure from three hammers placed at an angle 120 degrees that strike the blank at high operational rate, the blank is deformed to copy the surface of the mandrel inserted inside the bore. After the bore is finished, the barrel is heat-treated and honed. No further machining is required.

Unlike this process, barrels of SVD/SVDS rifles are made differently. The long cylindrical blank is deep-drilled under the pressure of mineral oil. The bore is reamed twice, but instead of honing, it is electro-polished (smooth polishing) to obtain precise diameter. Furthermore, the part is submersed into a liquid kerosene-based substance. An electrode that is inserted inside the bore is the tool that produces rifling by a method that is called “electric erosion”. The bore is good and precise enough, and requires no further machining – just chrome plating. But before galvanizing, the external surface of the barrel is finished by machining.

The barrel is connected to the rectangular receiver by means of four pins. The barrel-receiver assembly is fixed to the stock bedding with two bolts. The barrel is free-floating.

The rotary bolt has three identical and strictly symmetrical lugs. The base of the front sight is original in design, but the sight itself and the hood, along with rear sight assembly are derived from the SVD construction. In contrast to issue SVD and SVDS rifles, the SV-98 has a different scope mounting mechanism. Traditionally, both Mosin Nagant and SVD rifles always had a base plate on the left side of receiver. The bracket-type scope mounting system attached to the base plate holds a scope above the central axis of receiver. The forged and machined rectangular receiver of the SV-98 rifle has a dovetail mounting device. SV-98 can be equipped with an anti-glare strip. The weapon also has a canvas carrying sling. The flip-up safety knob is located on the right side of receiver, just behind the bolt. The trigger mechanism of sporting type is sensitive enough and can be individually adjusted to sniper’s liking. The SV-98 is available in two chamberings: 7.62 x 54R and .308 Winchester. In the near future it will be made in calibers 9×64 mm and .338 LAPUA Magnum. The telescopic bipod is attached to the front bottom end of the handguards.

The SV-99

The SV-99 represents a new trend in developing short-range compact sniper weapons of enhanced accuracy. The rifle has become a favorite weapon for covert operations in urban terrain for the purpose of removing sentries, watchdogs and dangerous criminals. Its overall length is only 1000 mm. The straight-pull action is protected by the Russian National Patent. Locking of the bolt of the crankshaft type is achieved by a lever arrangement that retains the bolt in locking position by the dead point of the traction link of the cocking lever. Once the bolt is in battery, it cannot be unlocked without applying a side shoulder of the cocking lever. This mechanism is derived from the construction of the winter Biathlon rifle, also devised by the IZHMASH Joint Stock Company.

The SV-99 has a detachable buttstock, which, as may be required by a tactical situation, can be replaced by a pistol grip. The stock is made from laminated plywood. A knob located on the rear left side of the barrel and receiver assembly serves to release the stock and attach the grip. This shorter envelope is handy in a combat at close ranges. The safety lever is located at the front part of the trigger guard. Once the safety is in its rearmost position, the rifle is deactivated by blocking both action and trigger. To bring the rifle into firing order, push safety forward. The rifle is magazine fed. The plastic detachable box-type magazine accommodates 5 rounds. The rifle’s magazine port can accept 8-round and 10-round magazines. There are two 5-round extra magazines inside a special niche located inside the lower portion of the buttstock. The niche has a plastic hinged cover, which prevents magazines from unwanted dust and mud. The buttstock has a fully adjustable cheek and buttplate to ensure operator’s comfort at firing. A telescopic bipod attaches to a rail located inside the lower surface of the handguard. The threaded muzzle end of the barrel can be equipped with a compact silencer. On top of the receiver there is a dovetail rail to accommodate practically any type of a telescope. SV-99 has no iron sights. The rifle can be knocked down in a few moments, thus making it very handy for transportation in a medium-sized bag or case. Its longest assembly – a barrel and receiver with handguard – is only 520 mm long. SV-99 comes complete with the following accessories: 2 extra magazines; telescopic bipod; pistol grip; silencer; carrying sling; cleaning kit including cleaning rod.