By Jeff W. Zimba

Sound suppressors generally fall into three categories. There are those that use wipes, those that use just baffles with no wipes, and those that are referred to as artificial environmental or “wet” cans. There are several more distinctions in each category but those are the basic three. While there are indeed several designs, sizes, shapes and types of sound suppressors, they generally all work on the same principals.

Contrary to popular misconception, smokeless powder does not explode, creating the noise you hear when shooting a rifle or pistol. The majority of the extremely loud noise created when shooting a firearm comes from the massive expansion and fast escape of hot gasses. This gas expands extremely fast when it burns, and creates an enormous amount of pressure. It is this pressure that builds and pushes the projectile from the barrel and most of the loud “explosion” you hear is this gas and pressure escaping at such a rapid rate. A sound suppressor slows this process and bleeds these residual gasses at a much slower rate, therefore greatly reducing the sound.

If you think of the function of a sound suppressor along the same lines as the role of an automotive exhaust system, its task is a little easier to understand. If you listen to a vehicle run with no muffler, such as a drag racer or stock car, the noise is quite excessive. If you compare that noise to the sound of your car or truck with a functioning exhaust system and muffler, although your vehicle is not “silent” the reduction in sound is evident. Another analogy to help illustrate the function of the sound suppressor is the common party balloon. Take two equally filled balloons, having the same pressure and volume in each. If you take a pin and release the pressure all at once in the first one, and then just untie the stem and slowly release the pressure in the second one, you will see a huge difference in the sound. Some suppressors work with this principal, slowly bleeding the pressure over a longer time.

The second loudest noise associated with shooting happens when the bullet creates a sonic boom. A sonic boom is a shock wave formed when the projectile travels faster than the speed of sound. The speed of sound at sea level is approximately 1115 feet per second, (750 miles per hour). This is also affected by air temperature, humidity and other atmospheric considerations. While 1115 fps is the speed of sound at 58ºF, it can vary from around 1050 fps at 0ºF to 1160 fps at 100ºF. By using special subsonic ammunition this portion of the noise can easily be alleviated.

The type and design of the suppressor will greatly affect the performance in the amount of sound suppression and some are indeed significant in their sound reduction. Even using subsonic ammunition, there is nothing quite as effective as those “Hollywood silencers” in the movies, and their incredibly unrealistic low signature.

In the first category of those that use wipes, the expansion chambers and other interior features tend to vary but the common factor is the use of a pliable material that the bullet must travel through before exiting the suppressor. It is this material that the bullet passes through that is commonly referred to as the “wipe”. This design is very effective in reducing the sound signature. When the bullet passes through the wipe, the pliable material is momentarily expanded to accommodate the projectile and then immediately contracts back to its previous shape slowing the escape of the hot gasses and therefore reducing the sound. The drawbacks are the necessity to frequently replace the “wipe” material and the loss in accuracy from the projectile actually touching the material upon exiting the suppressor.

In the second category of those sound suppressors that are “wipeless”, the interior baffle and expansion chamber designs vary greatly by manufacturer, but the thing they all have in common is the lack of any “wipe” material. A common design for a wipeless sound suppressor may include an expansion chamber immediately beyond the muzzle, followed with a series of baffles before the end cap. The expansion chamber is where the bulk of the gasses gather immediately following firing. The baffles could be of several designs but are generally a series of circular discs with a hole in their center allowing the bullet to pass through while holding the gasses behind. After the bullet passes through the section of baffles and exits the sound suppressor, the expanding, hot gasses can then pass through this section cooling and slowing as it exits. This creates the reduction in noise. There are two immediate advantages of these wipeless suppressor designs over those that utilize wipes. First, there is no wipe material to erode that has to be often replaced. Secondly, there is nothing actually coming in contact with the bullet, therefore increasing accuracy over the latter design. Some may argue that these are not as quiet as those that utilized wipes but many users seem to prefer this style of sound suppressor.

The third category of sound suppressor is the artificial environmental or “wet” suppressor. These suppressors use internals very similar (and sometimes identical) to the wipeless suppressors. These designs allow the use of water or other medium to be utilized inside the suppressor system. When a liquid or other wet medium is introduced to the inside of the sound suppressor it causes the gasses to be cooled much faster by transferring the heat into the liquid. The actual phase change of the artificial medium also greatly affects the sound suppression. When the heat transfers its energy to the medium, and the medium is converted into a liquid from a solid or to a steam from a liquid, this phase change equates to even less sound. This particular type of sound suppressor design has been around for a number of years. The effectiveness of this heat transfer to the liquid medium allows a suppressor to be quite small and still remain very effective. When a liquid medium is used in a standard sized suppressor its performance is even more apparent. The advantage of this type of suppressor is obviously the additional reduction in sound. The disadvantages are the necessity to “recharge” the suppressor to maintain its effectiveness after a number of rounds have been fired, and the “transfer” of the liquid medium to the host firearm, the shooter and/or the surrounding area. The particular liquid medium used will determine the severity of the last mentioned disadvantage.

With water possibly being the most common medium to use in a wet can, the author has heard of several other, extremely creative liquids being utilized. You have to keep in mind that anything you use as a wet medium will probably come in contact with you and your firearm. Grease is a popular medium but the operator must be certain that there is no blockage to restrict the bullet. A suppressor that has been heavily charged with grease might find some heavy depositing in the firearm and around the surrounding area as well. If you are using water, there is little smell to be concerned with although the water migrating out of the suppressor during firing can still leave a mess on your firearm and clothing. (It is important to lubricate the firearm very well when introducing water to any metal components.) During the testing of the CCF Suppressor Coolant(tm) we noticed it resisted this splattering and there was very little mess at all compared to other types of coolants, following the firing.

The extreme transfer of heat will cause the chosen medium to eventually burn or evaporate and there are certain smells that will be associated with the medium you use. I know some users who utilize shaving cream as a medium and have had other shooters at the range comment on the pleasant smell coming from their shooting position. Some other wet mediums the author is aware of people using include, but are not limited to KY-Jelly, toothpaste, Ultrasound Gel, Diet Soda and Break-Free. I cannot endorse any of these mediums as they are not personally used by me, but I did stumble on to something new recently that seems to work pretty well. It is called CCF Suppressor Coolant(tm) and was just introduced by Capital City Firearms of Richmond, Virginia. It is a clear liquid and is supplied in 8 ounce, flip-top bottles. It is a single-synthetic polymer with extreme heat and pressure resistance qualities. CCF indicates the coolant has a greater thermal conductive rate than water and zero toxicity. It is this higher thermal conductive rate that gives their coolant the suppression efficiency advantage over water by as much as 3 – 4db.

When water is used as a medium it usually lasts a dozen shots or so before it needs a recharge. This is typically due to seepage and evaporation from the heat exposure. The migration out of the can from the gas pressure under fire, and its transition to steam are also factors. One of the properties of the CCFA Suppressor Coolant(tm) is that it is not affected by evaporation so the suppressor coolant can last 70 – 90 shots before needing a recharge. It can also be charged months before the intended use with no loss of performance.

Since this coolant doesn’t burn there is no smoke to act as a position marker, something that may be important to the tactical user. To the recreational user it just means not having to inhale clouds of smoke at the range.

As an extra positive point, the CCF Suppressor Coolant(tm) has physical properties that stop the buildup of carbon on the internals of the suppressor components. This means effortless cleanup instead of having to soak carbon-encrusted parts for days to break it up.

Well, these are all claims by Capital City Firearms and a few of them seem a little too good to be true so they sent me a bottle to test for myself. For starters, I charged the suppressor, a 9mm Carbon Fiber Impulse IIA a week before going out to the range. I had actually intended to get out a little sooner but it ended up being over 5 days before the weather and my schedule were able to work together. It was attached to a 9x19mm HK USP SD and the magazine was loaded. The slide was racked and the first round was launched downrange. This was extremely quiet. Before I knew it, we ran an entire box of ammo through it. It was passed all around the range and everyone had the same confused look when passing it back to me. “I thought you said that was a wet can, when are you going charge it?” I was asked after 20 or so rounds. I explained that I already charged it before I left for the range. After we ran the second box of ammo through it, it slowly started to get a little louder. It was time for a recharge. When I pulled out the bottle with the flip-top and poured about 2 tablespoons into the rear of the suppressor I few people lined up saying, “let me look at that”. The first thing they would do was smell the liquid but it really has no smell. A few more magazines were loaded up and the shooting began again. After handling the USP when the third magazine was emptied again the first comment I got was “where is the mess?” Some additional conversing followed and everyone agreed that there was no noticeable smoke, even after firing almost 150 rounds at that point. After finishing the last box of ammo, everything was packed up and the range day was over. We all left pleasantly surprised. The only thing that was not mentioned was there is a scent of lemon in the air after firing. It is not extremely strong and certainly not overbearing but it is noticeable.

Summary: All the claims made by Capital City Firearms about their CCF Suppressor Coolant(tm) to me rang true. It held the charge for an extended period of time and took over a full box of ammo to start getting louder to the ear. There was no smoke and not a significant amount of “splatter”. There are no special tools necessary to charge the suppressor. Being short on time I never had the chance to disassemble the suppressor to check the clean-up but I did reach in with a cotton swab and everything I could reach just wiped off like it had been coated with Teflon(r). At $21.95 for an 8 ounce bottle and no applicator necessary, it appears to be money well spent.

Sources

Capital City Firearms
CCF Suppressor Coolant(tm)
Dept. SAR
Richmond, VA
804-740-4926
www.ccfa.com

Engel Ballistic Research, Inc.
Subsonic Ammunition
Dept. SAR
544 Alum Creek Road
Smithville, TX 78957
512-360-5327
www.ebr-inc.net

by Robert G. Segel

In this issue, we welcome our new Senior Editor, Robert G. Segel. Robert is a long time contributor and we are very lucky to have him on board. To introduce him, it would be best to let him use his own words- so everyone raise a glass and run a few belts to welcome Robert to his new position- Dan Shea

I’ve had a life long love affair with automatic weapons. It is a fascinating subject that touches upon all aspects of the human condition regarding historical context, technological advances, industrialization, economic impact, social ramifications and political study. It began when I was nine years old and got the opportunity to shoot an uncle’s M3A1 Grease Gun. I was hooked. Shortly thereafter while attending a gun show with my father I bought a deactivated British Sten MK II for $25. (I eventually had the Sten reactivated and I still have it.) Thus began my machine gun collecting career. I purchased Dewats throughout my adolescence and teen years and had them amnesty registered in my father’s name in 1968. I bought my first live gun in 1979, a 21/28 Navy overstamp Thompson of which I am only the second owner. Since then, I have been adding to my collection of pre 1945 machine guns and have specialized in the World War I era weapons – particularly water-cooled guns. Besides having an outstanding collection of rare early machine guns I have, what Dolf Goldsmith describes in his third edition of “The Devil’s Paintbrush,” as the “world’s finest collection” of machine gun insignia and memorabilia from around the world. I began writing historical machine gun articles in 1990 for Machine Gun News and have since had many articles published and am an acknowledged contributor in nine books. I have been a Contributing Editor to Small Arms Review for four years.

I graduated from the University of Denver in 1976 with a BA degree in Economics. I was vice president and co-owner (with my brother) of a company in the beef processing industry. We had four processing plants, an abattoir, a transportation company and a distribution center. In all, we employed over 2,500 people with annual sales of approximately 500 million dollars. We sold the company three years ago and I have since been concentrating on further education and study of early classic automatic weapons of the 1884 to 1930 period. I have been married for 28 years to my lovely wife Penny and have two daughters, Lauren and Jennifer, both in college and both avid machine gun shooters who actually enjoy loading mags and belts. Some of my other interests include being a private pilot actively involved in a World War II PV-2 Harpoon bomber restoration project, am a certified scuba diver, and I race a vintage 1947 MG TC sports car. I am also an accomplished trap shooter having won many local club championships. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and have lived overseas in Australia working as a “Jackaroo” (cowboy) in the Northern Territories and in England in the quick service restaurant industry. I am a member and former director of the Defense Orientation Conference Association. A non-political, non-partisan, non-profit association of civic leaders from across the United States to provide a means of continuing the education of its members in matters pertaining to national security under the direct jurisdiction and supervision of the Department of Defense.

I am delighted with my new responsibilities at Small Arms Review and look forward to making this already great and unique magazine even better. I intend to focus the contents of each issue to address the interests of NFA collectors, historians, shooters, military users, law enforcement users and those in the firearms industry; with articles written by people who are the leading experts in their field providing historical, user and technical data that will not only be entertaining but authoritative, informative and useful. I am excited to bring my business experience, writing and editing skills and, most of all, my passion for the subject to Small Arms Review.

–Robert G. Segel, Senior Editor SAR

By Robert M. Hausman

A record-setting attendance of 61,319 people attended the 2004 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania dubbed “Freedom’s Steel” April 16 – 18. This shattered the previous record set in Charlotte, North Carolina in the year 2000 by almost 10,000 attendees.

Many of the approximately 360 vendors reported being “astounded” by the waves of NRA members moving through the exhibit hall. The aisles in the exhibit hall were so crowded on Friday and Saturday morning that some said it was almost impossible to move through the hall. About 1 million of the NRA’s 4 million members live within 300 miles of Pittsburgh.

The keynote speaker this year was Vice President “Dick” Cheney, who portrayed President Bush and himself as champions of gun rights – and Democratic candidate John Kerry as a potential threat to gun owners.

“John Kerry’s approach to the Second Amendment has been to regulate, regulate and then regulate some more,” Cheney said, citing votes against the federal legislation that would have protected the industry from baseless politically-motivated lawsuits. Bush, Cheney said, “has shown you respect, earned your vote, and appreciates your support.”

Cheney, who spoke for about 25 minutes, carefully avoided mention of the federal assault weapons ban and magazine capacity limit law, which will expire in September unless renewed by Congress. The Bush Administration has gone on record in support of renewing the ban.

Kerry, in a statement issued before Cheney’s address, said “most voters don’t know that (Bush and Cheney) are standing against major police organizations and breaking their promise to renew the assault weapons ban.”

The ironically named Tom Mauser, whose son, Daniel, died in the Columbine High School killings five years ago and has since become an anti-gun activist, marched three blocks to the convention hall in his son’s shoes, but was denied entrance by security guards, on the grounds that the show was open only to NRA members. Mauser called the NRA “an organization with a Field & Stream magazine membership but with a Soldier of Fortune magazine leadership.”

Rousing Speeches

One of the high points of the NRA event for many attendees are the rousing speeches presented by the NRA leadership, and this year’s edition did not disappoint.

Chris Cox, Executive Director of the NRA’s lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action, pointed out to the membership that Senator Kerry “has voted against your gun rights more than fifty times” and then challenged Kerry to “stop dreaming about Hillary hunting ducks with a rifle and go back to Boston for your hair dye and Botox treatments, because…you will never be the candidate of the NRA.”

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre predicted that the obituary for the Clinton gun ban would be written on Sept. 14, noting, “…the sun will rise…It will be gone…and it will never again see the light of day.” Noting the power of NRA members as a voting bloc, LaPierre declared, “Let every anti-gun U.S. Senator and candidate hear my voice; never go to bed unafraid of what this body can do to your career!”

NRA Second Vice President Sigler invoked the anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous ride in his remarks, urging NRA members to sound the alarm. “If Kerry and (Sen. Ted) Kennedy had been around in 1775, America’s Minutemen would have been forced to fight the Redcoats with rocks and sticks and pitchforks,” he emphasized.

And NRA First Vice President Sandy Froman mentioned the importance of the 2004 election as it relates to Supreme Court appointments, warning that if Kerry is elected President, Charles Schumer, Hillary Clinton or Janet Reno may wear the black robes of the court.”

IWA 2004 Show Holds its Own Trade Attendance Same as 2003 but Slight Increase in Exhibitors

The attendance count for the recently concluded IWA & Outdoor Classics trade fair, western Europe’s largest sporting arms and hunting show, reveal a total of 27,000 trade visitors attended this year, compared to a count of 27,009 last year. There was a slight gain in exhibitors to 988 versus 966 in 2003.

Gabriele Hannwacker, IWA project manager, commented, “We’re more than satisfied. The high number of trade visitors shows us that the IWA is the leading global fair in its branch. Also remarkable is the extraordinary high number of attendees from abroad (defined as those coming from countries aside from Germany). Some 73% of exhibitors were from abroad and they came from nearly 50 different countries. Some 56% of the trade visitors came from 100 different countries.”

Walter Hufnagel, a member of NuernbergMesse management (the show’s venue), stated, “There is no comparison to this show. No other trade show has more international importance. Exhibitors and retailers enjoy this special business character. IWA means business.”

The annual world trade volume in the firearms industry is estimated to be about 4 billion Euros, with another 1 billion Euros spent on ammunition.

Germany has more than 2 million shooting club members with 1.5 million of them belonging to the German Shooting Association. More than 20% of them are women. There are about 340,000 German hunters. About 61 million Euros worth of ammunition is sold in Germany each year, with about 38 million of those sales being in imported ammunition.

In the countries comprising the European Union, there are about 10 million hunters. Hunters in the EU are estimated to spend about 12.8 billion Euros on hunting and shooting related articles annually.

At this year’s IWA, there were twelve national pavilions, including from the U.S.A., Russia, Italy and Spain. The IWA Goes Outdoor stage show was again presented with professional models showing products, mainly apparel, five times each day. The New Product Center showcased innovative new items close to the stage show. Next year, the Police Academy in Munster, Germany will organize the first conference on firearms and equipment at the exhibition grounds on the day before IWA opens.

Since 1996, the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities has held its annual general meeting during the exhibition. Three European professional firearms associations, including the Association of German Gunsmiths hold meetings at IWA.

A new traffic management system was in place in Nuernberg this year which greatly aided fair attendees. Electric signs on the adjacent autobahn directed attendees not only to the show but also gave information on which parking lots had space availability.

Some attendees at the fair’s annual “get together” party curtailed their consumption of beer this year due to concerns that the Nuernberg police department was targeting party goers for possible drunk driving offenses. One Austrian sales executive commented that roadblocks were set up near the messes and that all vehicles passing would have to stop while a breathalyzer test was administered to drivers, without grounds for reasonable suspicion of drunk driving.

However, a spokesman for the Nuernberg police department admitted that road blocks are often set up in the city for drunk driving enforcement, but denied that IWA show attendees were being targeted.

IWA Knife Award

A total of 72 knives from 30 different manufacturers competed in this year’s IWA International Knife Awards.

Two American producers won prizes – Columbia River Knife & Tool won in the Designer Knife category with its Snap Lock R.S.L. and Gerber Legendary Blades was the winner in the Outdoor Knife category for its Freeman folder. The German maker Eickhorn also took a prize for its Skipper knife design due to its novel safety features.

According to the results of an independent survey taken during the show, 97% of exhibitors reached their target audience, while 88% forecast positive post-show business. Some 83% of exhibitors have decided to exhibit again in 2005, while 15% are “thinking about it.”

To help stimulate retailer sales, the associations of German gunsmiths and that of German gun manufacturers offered seminars during the show on how to offer bank financing to consumers purchasing high-ticket items.

H-S Precision Wins FBI Rifle Contract

Ending a long search, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has chosen H-S Precision, Inc. of Rapid City, SD as supplier of their new sniper rifle. The chosen model is the H-S Precision Pro-Series 2000 HTR (Heavy Tactical Rifle) in .308 Winchester.

This marks the first time that the FBI has purchased sniper rifles from an outside source. Previously, staff armorers built rifles for the Bureau in-house. The Pro-Series HTR was selected after months of rigorous testing, including a 5,000 round endurance test. The HTR passed with no failures.

The Pro-Series 2000 HTR rifle is built in the U.S. using components produced by H-S Precision, and includes a vertical grip, fully-adjustable stock, a Pro-Series 2000 short action with detachable magazine, a match-grade stainless steel fluted barrel and scope mounts. The balance of the complete package such as the scope, case and other parts are all produced in the U.S. as well. The HTR rifle is also available to other law enforcement agencies as well as the civilian market.

Ruger’s Net Sales/Income Dip in 1st Qtr.

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. has reported first quarter 2004 net sales of $40.2 million compared to $41.1 million in the first quarter of 2003, and net income of $3.9 million or 14 cents-per-share compared to $4.5 million or 17 cents-per-share in the first quarter of 2003.

Chairman William B. Ruger, Jr. commented, “While firearm shipments were consistent with the prior year, the start of shipments of many of our highly-demanded new models during the latter portion of the quarter is quite encouraging. The restyled New Ruger 10/22 rifle debuted in the first quarter, as did shipment of our Gold Label side-by-side double shotgun.” Sales of models chambered for the high-velocity new .204 Ruger cartridge were also cited as being especially strong.

Ruger reiterated the company’s ongoing commitment to firearms innovation, “At the 2004 NRA show in Pittsburgh, we introduced even more new product offerings for this year. Three new Mark III rimfire pistols, featuring the Ruger Mark III Standard model, a redesigned Ruger Mark III 22/45 pistol, and a .17 Mach 2 rimfire pistol. Additional new firearm models are also scheduled for introduction later in 2004. This will be our strongest year of new product introductions in quite some time.”

In turning his attention to the company’s investment castings business, Ruger said, “Although our castings sales decreased 12% from the prior year, we are committed to this technology as our castings expertise is instrumental in our ability to continue to meet the steady demand for new firearms products.”

Ruger emphasized the strength of the company’s balance sheet, “At March 31, 2004, we remain debt free, with $51 million of cash and short-term investments.” Gun sales came to $36,138,000 (89.8% of sales) in the first quarter of 2004, versus $36,483,000 (or 88.7% of sales) in the first quarter of 2003. Castings sales were $4,099,000 (or 10.2% of sales) in 2004’s first quarter, versus $4,649,000 (or 11.3% of sales) in the same quarter of 2003.

Historical Review

In a review of recent developments, it is noted the firm hired four firearms engineers for its product design staff in 2003. During the Safari Club International Show last January, the gunmaker announced the opening of the Ruger Studio of Art and Decoration, which employs four firearms engravers.

In looking at the sales results over the past five years, as detailed in the firm’s 2003 Annual Report, firearms sales have actually declined on an annual basis each year since 1999.

In 1999, net firearms sales totaled $188,564,000. In 2000, net firearms sales were $166,415,000; in 2001, the total came to $147,622,000; while in 2002, the total net firearms sales declined to $139,762,000; and in 2003, the figure dropped further to $130,558,000.

Net castings sales have shown a similar decline. In 1999, net castings sales stood at $53,100,000; while in 2000 the total dropped to $36,239,000; in 2001 the figure slipped further to $26,708,000; while in 2002 it dropped to $21,825,000 and in 2003 net castings sales were $17,359,000.

The company explains that firearms unit shipments for 2003 decreased 2.4% from 2002, as shipments of all product families declined significantly in the first half of the year. Shipments during the latter half of 2003, especially in the fourth quarter, improved due in large part to the introduction of several new product offerings.

Revolver shipments benefited from the popularity of the New Model Single Six revolver in the .17 HMR caliber and the 50th Anniversary Ruger New Model Single Six revolver. Pistol shipments reflected strong demand for the MK-4NRA, a .22 caliber pistol commemorating company founder, William B. Ruger, and rifle shipments benefited from the popularity of the Ruger 40th Anniversary 10/22 Carbine. However, a change in mix from higher priced products to lower priced products resulted in the further decline in sales versus unit shipments.

In 2003, the company instituted a distributor sales incentive program which allowed rebates of up to 1.5% if certain annual overall sales targets were achieved. This program replaced a similar sales incentive program in 2002. From May 1, 2003 to September 30, 2003 (a typically slow time of year for sales) the gunmaker offered a consumer-driven sales incentive program for certain centerfire pistols. From August 1, 2002 through November 30, 2002, a similar consumer sales incentive program was conducted. Sales incentive rebates remained consistent as a percentage of sales in 2003 and 2002.

In regard to the decline in castings sales, shipments of titanium golf club heads to Karsten Manufacturing Corp. decreased $7.4 million in 2003 compared to 2002. There are no future shipments expected to Karsten.

Capital expenditures during the past three years averaged $3.6 million annually. In 2004, the company expects to spend about $8 million on capital expenditures to continue to upgrade and modernize equipment at its manufacturing facilities.

Robert Hausman is the publisher of the small arms industry’s two most widely read professional trade newsletters, The New Firearms Business which focuses on the domestic U.S. industry and The International Firearms Trade which brings readers news of the industry in Europe. To request a sample copy of either publication, send an e-mail to: INTLFT@aol.com.

by Chris Choat

CTR-02 COMPETITION TACTICAL RIFLE FROM JP ENTERPRISES

JP Enterprises has introduced a new Competition Tactical Rifle called the CTR-02. The new rifle starts out with a newly-designed matched upper/lower receiver set. These parts are completely machined from 7075 billet. Tolerances and exterior metal finishing are absolutely the standard of the industry. The upper receiver not only has the standard low rail for compatibility with any properly designed sighting accessory, but also the new Integral ACOG Interface, another JP innovation. The Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gun sight is, without a doubt, the best optical sight of its type and by far the most popular sight used at most action/tactical matches, as well as by most US Special Forces. The new interface allows for a direct interface without any adapters to the upper receiver resulting in a semi-dedicated system that provides improved ergonomics and instantaneous sight acquisition when mounting the rifle. JP Enterprises has even designed their own custom reticle for the TA01 ACOG to optimize this great sight for the new CTR-02 rifles. The CTR-02 upper receiver also features another new JP design feature,Thermo-fitTM barrel collar which results in the most stable relationship between barrel and upper receiver yet achieved in this type of rifle. The result: reproducible accuracy in the sub half MOA range with match quality ammo. They have achieved groups as small as .172” at 100 yards with CTR-02 rifles. Accuracy in the 1/4 MOA range is possible for those with the skill and the patience to do the work. The new CTR-02 lower receiver is equally innovative. It is the first lower receiver with a large integral mag funnel for easy speed loading, and hidden dovetail interfaces on both sides of the magazine housing for quick detach accessories like tactical lights or extra mag holders. The magazine cavity is electro discharge machined, not broached or cast, for perfect tolerance and geometry. No other company would spend the money to have that done. The result is perfect drop free mag fit and alignment with trouble free feeding and function. Of course, all CTR-02 custom rifles come with the complete JP Fire Control Systems set up to your preference with either a 3 pound competition trigger or a 4 pound tactical trigger. A heavy twenty inch barrel is standard but other lengths and contours are available. CTR-02 complete rifles are shipped in a useable hard case with a nice accessory pack. Included is one 10-round post ban magazine, JP cleaning rod guide, a lube kit with barrel brake-in compound, chamber brush, Johnson safety block, JP tech manual and a JP hat and shirt. For more information on these straight shooting rifles please contact JP Enterprises Inc., Dept. SAR, 7605 N. 128th Street, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Phone: 1-800.528-9886. Fax: 1-651-426-2472. Their website is www.jprifles.com.

NEW GUN AND CARTRIDGE FROM GUNCRAFTER INDUSTRIES LLC

Guncrafter Industries has just introduced a new cartridge as well as a new pistol to fire it. The gun is called the Model No. 1 and the cartridge is the 50 GI. The Model No. 1 is pure 1911 all the way through. The external dimensions are the same as the standard 1911 and the Model No. 1 will fit holsters designed for standard 1911’s. It will also accept a majority of the 1911 accessories and components with little or no modifications. The inside of the Model No. 1 has been re-engineered to accommodate the larger 50GI cartridge and also has a beefy .50 caliber stainless steel match grade barrel and a very sturdy magazine of heat treated stainless steel. As for the cartridge, the 50 GI is a proprietary Guncrafter Industries cartridge and was developed from the ground up specifically for the Model No. 1 pistol. It is a very strong, thick-walled cartridge, which when loaded is approximately the same OAL as a .45 ACP round. Due to the large caliber, the cartridge operates at relatively low pressures and has a long reloading life. One of the factory loads for the new cartridge drives a 300 grain bullet at around 725 feet per second, which translates into a 210 power factor. This is achieved even though the pistol is controllable. The gun, as well as loaded ammunition, should be available by the time you read this as well as reloading dies and brass. A conversion unit to shoot .45 ACP in the Model No. 1 pistol will also be available. There will not be a conversion for shooting 50 GI in standard 1911’s. For more information on this exciting new pistol and cartridge please contact, Guncrafter Industries, LLC, Dept. SAR, 171 Madison 1510, Huntsville, AR 72740. Phone: 1-479-665-2466. They can be found on the web at www.guncrafterindustries.com.

QUICKRANGE FROM SHOOTING RANGES INTERNATIONAL

QuickRange is a complete prefabricated shooting range that can be delivered to your location ready to use. QuickRange eliminates the problems associated with building a shooting range, for example, design, construction, installation, etc. It is the ideal solution for gun shops, law enforcement and gun enthusiasts everywhere. Whether it is used for training, profit, or enjoyment, QuickRange is the ultimate shortcut to having a shooting range. Each QuickRange is a self-contained, two-lane shooting range in a bulletproof container. It comes complete with shooting stalls, target-retrieval system, bullet traps, lighting and HVAC system. QuickRange is available in 40-, 60- and 80-foot lengths and is customizable for added style and convenience. Best of all, with QuickRange, everything is ready to go right out of the box. The QuickRange is handcrafted to the highest specifications and delivered fully assembled. Because of is customizable size, you can put it almost anywhere. All safety, noise reduction and air-quality requirements are met and exceeded in every QuickRange through the use of anechoic foam and HVAC systems with HEPA filters. Comfort, reliability and quiet are right on target in every model. For more information please contact Shooting Ranges International, Dept. SAR, 3240 Sirius Avenue, Unit D, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Phone: 1-702-362-3623. You can visit the+m on the web at www.shootingrangesintl.com.

T1 SERIES FROM TOOL LOGIC

Tool Logic, the innovator in pocket sized Atool boxes has now introduced three new products in what they call their T1 Series. These three new products combine several tools in a pocket sized unit that can be carried without adding hardly any bulk to items that you already carry with you everyday. The first is called the Tech Light and contains a white light LED flashlight, precision screwdrivers, a screwdriver socket, ball point pen, a keyring attachment and also a detachable clip. This new product can be clipped to a pocket, hat bill or other item to provide light just where you need it or attached to a keyring to illuminate a dark car interior or lock. Actual size is just 2 inches long and it weighs a mere 0.4 ounces. The second new product is the T1 Series Business Card. This product is more in line with several other of Tool Logic’s existing products. It is an ultra-slim business card sized unit which contains a precision pair of scissors, letter opener, nail file, precision screwdrivers, ball point pen, sewing needle, tweezers, toothpick, ruler and also a detachable clip. The final product in the T1 Series is the Leather ID Wallet. It is the perfect companion to the other T1 Series tools. The custom made ID wallet holds a T1 Business Card with or without the clip for easy carry. This wallet is designed to hold a driver’s license and several credit cards in addition to the T1 Business Card. By putting the T1 Business Card into it with the clip on the outside it is converted into a money clip. The wallet is just 4 inches by 3 inches and weighs just 0.7 ounces. For more information on these new products as well as Tool Logic’s extensive line of other mini tool products please contact Tool Logic Inc., Dept. SAR, 2290 Eastman Ave., Suite 109, Ventura, CA 93003. Phone: 1-805-339-9725. Fax: 1-805-339-9712. Their website is www.toologic.com.

Robert G. Segel

The Mount, Wheeled, Machine Gun, M1 was the logical design progression of the larger and heavier World War I era wood and steel M1917 Machine Gun Cart. The M1917 Machine Gun Cart was used strictly as a means of transportation for one of several types of machine guns (Colt Vickers M1915, Lewis Gun M1917, and the Colt Automatic Gun M1914) and included the gun, mount, ammunition boxes, belt loader box, water chest, spare parts box, various accessories, range finder, tools, mule skinner equipment, pioneer tools, etc. Though it could be man drawn, its design, size and weight dictated that it be mule drawn for optimal usage.

Adopted in 1927, the M1 Machine Gun Cart was designed specifically to provide means by which a Browning M1917A1 water-cooled machine gun, mounted on the M1917 tripod mount, may be transported by man or animal draft without separating the gun from its tripod or otherwise disassemble elements which require time to prepare the gun for action. This manifested itself by combining the idea of a T base for the M1917 tripod with that of a light weight, maneuverable 2-wheeled cart that could carry the gun in the ready to fire position along with ammunition and selected accessories.

The T base (trail assembly) is designed and constructed to accommodate the M1917 tripod in a fixed position by clamping the forward tripod legs at each end of a 2×2-inch commercial grade steel tee, 38 inches long, and the rear leg to a wider tee welded at right angles to the first. When the wheels are removed, the T base with the gun and tripod attached may be set directly on the ground. The trailing leg of the T has a reinforcing spade at the rear that transfers the recoil stress to the ground. The advantage of laying the T base with tripod and gun secured in place is particularly valuable in sand and soft ground by distributing the weight of the entire unit over a wide flat surface area. Otherwise, placing just the tripod and gun in this type of soft earth environment, the tripod feet would bury into the soft ground or sand and the gun would become unstable. Conversely, on solid ground, the wheels can remain in place and the gun brought into action expeditiously in situ.

There are two clamping devices bolted to each end of the cross tee (axle). One set to hold the left and right tripod legs and one set to hold each wheel. The front tripod leg brackets have a plain, cylindrical bearing with a swinging clamp and are secured by a securing bolt with a clamping handle. A similar clamp is located on the trail assembly to hold the rear tripod leg. The wheel clamps are also arranged for quick engagement or disengagement with stub axle spindles mounted in ball bearings in the hubs of the rubber-tired wheels. With the spindle clamped in place, the wheels are parallel and approximately 42 inches apart, center to center. Release of the tripod leg clamps or axle spindle is achieved by simply unscrewing the clamping handle, backing it off against the stop washer on the bolt, and swinging the bolt and clamp clear. It should be noted that when removing the wheels, it is definitely not a one man operation. Opening the spindle clamp will allow the heavily loaded cart to drop unless supported by at least two members of the machine gun crew. The position is awkward and it is well advised to keep one’s feet from under.

The wheels are a wire-spoke motor cycle type with a solid rubber tire 25 inches outer diameter that is wired onto the ordinary clincher rim used for pneumatic tires. The wheel has 20 spokes outside 10¼ inches long, and 20 spokes inside 10 inches long.

On the rear end of the trail is a flat ring lunette with a 1½ inch hole. The drawbar, which is 35½ inches long, may be slipped over the lunette and secured by the retaining pin through the lunette hole when it is desired to draw or push the mount by man power.

Welded to the top of the cross bar above the axle is a rack with a leather strap for carrying six ammunition boxes. The rack is designed to accommodate the early wood ammunition boxes. A separate rack with a leather strap to hold the metal M1 water chest is located directly behind the ammunition rack. The water chest lies horizontally and it is necessary to change the position of the water chest before the steam condensing device can be used. A belt filling box and/or a spare parts box may be substituted for an ammunition box. The drawbar, cleaning rod and a canvas cover containing a spare barrel are carried in brackets and secured by two leather straps on the trail. The data plate is located in the center top of the trail.

The spread of the tripod legs is fixed on the T base. Thus, the limits of elevation of the gun are those of the tripod head. This is variable, however, depending on whether the wheels are assembled to or detached from the T base.

The M1 Machine Gun Cart had a unit cost of $95.76. It was used throughout world in the 1930s by the Army and Marines but was declared obsolete by the time the United States entered World War II and saw active combat service only with those units that still had them at the outbreak of the war. The M1 Machine Gun Cart was replaced with the M3A4/M4A1 Machine Gun Cart during World War II. The M1 Machine Gun Cart is an exceptionally rare accessory for the Browning M1917A1 machine gun. Other than a handful in museums, this author is aware of only four in private collections.

by Janne Pohjoispaa

Subcaliber conversion kits for marksmanship training were quite popular in the era between world wars. In Europe, 4mm subcaliber barrels for the P.08 Luger and the C96 Mauser “Broomhandle” pistols were common during the 1920s and 1930s. Additionally, .22 LR rimfire versions of service rifles and pistols were developed for military training in several countries, yet few were actually adopted and issued in large quantities.

Things changed rapidly after World War II. The nuclear bomb and swift development of military technology during World War II turned military tactics and doctrines toward highly mechanized warfare. With few exceptions, the focus of military training on marksmanship and individual shooting skills received little attention.

However, in 1959 UK MoD Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) came to the conclusion that there was a need for a .22 rimfire version of their then-current 7.62x51mm NATO caliber L1A1 battle rifle for recruit training. An RFP (Request for proposal) was given to potential British and Canadian manufacturers and in the summer of 1959, the British company Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) introduced a .22 rimfire conversion for the L1A1 rifle. The .22 rimfire variation was actually the L1A1 converted permanently for firing .22-rimfire ammunition. The BSA training rifle had an excellent accuracy potential but it was too expensive and required permanent modifications for the rifle. Only a few BSA-converted L1A1’s were ever made. It was never adopted officially and the project for a .22 rimfire training rifle was cancelled. It is interesting to note that decades later, following the very same idea, the Brazilian firearm manufacturer IMBEL came up with a full-sized .22 rimfire caliber version of the FAL rifle. IMBEL .22 FALs, which are still available, have been produced in both semiautomatic-only and selective-fire configurations.

Back in England, the idea for a .22 LR rimfire counterpart to the L1A1 was revived in the 1970s. At that time Heckler & Koch made a .22 rimfire conversion kit for the Metric FN FAL. With minor modifications this conversion unit was also adaptable to Commonwealth FALs. The H&K .22 conversion kit was originally developed in the 1950’s for the German Bundeswehr FN FAL, known as the G1.

The L12A1 conversion kit is not a firearm per se. Not until it is properly installed can it be used for shooting. The L12A1 conversion kit consists of three main components: barrel, breechblock assembly and magazine. An original L12A1 kit includes two 20-round magazines which, together with barrel and breechblock assembly, were stored in a robust wooden box.

The barrel has an overall length of 549 mm (21.6 inches) and has six grooves with a right hand twist. When inserted in the L1A1 rifle barrel, it fits all the way up to the muzzle. The .22 rimfire subcaliber barrel outline follows the bore and chamber shape of the 7.62x51mm NATO barrel and fits tightly to L1A1 bore. The .22-rimfire barrel walls are very thin and care is required while handling the barrel assembly to prevent damage. After the barrel has been installed in the bore, the magazine and bolt guide sleeve on the breechblock assembly prevent removal of the subcaliber barrel.

The .22 RF breechblock assembly includes the bolt body, bolt guide sleeve, bolt stop, recoil spring and the recoil spring guide which joins the breechblock components into a single assembly. This replaces the L1A1 slide and bolt.

The .22 RF bolt is of one-piece construction milled from a solid block of steel and weighs 6.3 ounces (180 g). The bolt face has no recess for the cartridge head as the chamber completely surrounds the cartridge. The single-claw extractor is a U-shaped hook stamped from sheet steel. The ejector is a small roll pin placed inside the bolt guide sleeve. The bolt guide sleeve serves also as the case deflector that forces expelled cases directly to the side. Ejected cases are expelled approximately 2 meters, regardless of cartridge type. The subcaliber assembly includes no separate cocking handle as the original L1A1 retracting handle serves for cycling the .22 rimfire bolt.

The L12A1 feed device is a single-column 20-round box magazine that is placed inside an original L1A1 magazine body. A single-column-type magazine is the most reliable feeding configuration for .22 rimfire firearms and serves this conversion well.

The L12A1 barrel and breech block will also fit in metric FN FAL uppers, yet due to the inch pattern of Commonwealth FALs, the conversion kit magazine works properly with British and Australian L1A1s only.

For evaluation purposes, the L12A1 conversion kit was mounted in an Australian Lithgow-made L1A1. Except for some small external details, the Australian version of the L1A1 is the very same as made in Enfield and Birmingham, England. Instead of a baked painted finish, Australian L1A1s have a “Parkerized” (phosphate) finish. Additionally, Australian-made L1A1s have chrome-lined bores and chambers while British-made rifles have only chromed chambers to ensure reliable fired case extraction. Both British and Australian L1A1s were originally issued with wooden furniture, but most British L1A1’s were later fitted with black plastic furniture while Australian rifles have wooden furniture made from native Australian hardwood called Coachwood.

Installing the conversion kit requires removing the original bolt and slide and inserting the .22 rimfire barrel liner into the bore. After the conversion kit breechblock and magazine are installed, the .22 rimfire L1A1 is ready to fire. The charging handle, magazine catch/release and safety work as before.

Generally speaking, not all .22 rimfire subcaliber training devices work reliably, but the L1A1 .22 conversion kit does. In fact, it cycles more reliably than most .22 rimfire rifles with a wide range of different ammunition. We tested it with a substantial variety of standard-grade ammunition including Aguila Super Extra, Geco LR rifle, Lapua Super Club and CCI Standard. Only subsonic hollow-point-type ammunition is too light to cycle the action reliably.

The L12A1 conversion kit is an excellent example of the .22-rimfire conversion kits actually issued for military training purposes. It appears that not all of the kits purchased by UK MoD were issued to British troops. The L12A1 used for the SAR evaluation was in never fired, unissued condition.

by Al Paulson

Sound Technology’s integrally suppressed Ruger Mark II pistols have a long-standing reputation for excellent sound suppression, long service life, and exceptional accuracy. For example, one long-range fanatic I know mounted a 48-power rifle target scope on a Sound Tech suppressed KMK-10 pistol and shoots quarter-sized groups from a sandbag rest on a calm day at 200 yards using Ely TENEX ammunition. An animal-control professional who buys five integrally suppressed Sound Tech pistols a year finds that the Ruger Mark II pistol wears out before the Sound Tech suppressor (after approximately 200,000 rounds). This study provides a brief but detailed look at the performance of Sound Tech’s most popular silenced .22 pistols at the time of this writing – a combination of target, sporting, and pocket pistols featuring either integral suppressors or muzzle cans.

Integrally Suppressed Ruger Mark II Pistols

The flagship of the Sound Tech line is Mark White’s Model M integrally suppressed Ruger Mark II, which is typically based upon KMK-512 (stainless) model pistol. Those who would prefer a blued pistol usually have theirs built on a P-512 (the Ruger 22/45 with 5.5-inch blued bull barrel), that is 7 ounces lighter and about $50 cheaper than the KMK-512. Before I graduated to progressive multifocal eyeglasses, my pick of the litter was the variant evaluated in this study, which features a 1×9.5-inch suppressor tube. Now I prefer the Sound Tech variant with 1×8-inch tube, which is easier to shoot with progressive multifocals. While most of Sound Tech’s clients also prefer the 8-inch model, it is the longer suppressed variant that is truly the flagship of the Sound Tech line, so the 9.5-inch model is the subject of this study.

The suppressed pistol with 9.5-inch tube looks like an unmodified KMK-10 pistol, since the suppressor tube blends gracefully with the receiver and the muzzle cap is TIG-welded, ground, sanded, and carefully polished so there is virtually no evidence of a separate end cap seam nor are there assembly wrench holes to give the game away. From both visually stealthy and aesthetic points of view, this is a snazzy presentation.

How much bulk and weight does an integral suppressor add to an unmodified pistol? The KMK-512 features a 5.5-inch bull barrel, with an overall length of 9.75-inches and a weight of 42.0 ounces. The KMK-10 features a 10-inch bull barrel, with an overall length of 14-5/16 inches and a weight of 51 ounces. Sound Tech’s integrally suppressed pistols feature a barrel placed under tons of pressure to minimize barrel harmonics and maximize accuracy, special porting 3 inches from the breech – not to maximize sound suppression, but rather to maximize accuracy, and a baffle design that does not accumulate gunk as rapidly as some other designs. The variant with Model M suppressor with 9.5-inch tube is 15.0 inches in overall length, and it weighed 48 ounces new. That’s 6 ounces heavier than an unmodified KMK-512. Compared to an unmodified KMK-10, a new Model M with 9.5-inch tube is 3 ounces lighter and 11/16-inch longer. While the weight is quite manageable, the 9.5-inch tube is a lot of architecture to manage. Therefore, I’d recommend fitting the pistol with Hogue rubber grips with thumb rest to make the pistol a lot more comfortable to hold and fire.

I should note that after more than 50,000+ rounds have been fired though it, this pistol has gained an additional 0.7 ounce of accumulated lead that has plated the inside of the suppressor. (Loose lead dust can be shaken or flushed out, and disposed in an environmentally responsible manner.) The pistol is still a tack-driver, and it still provides excellent sound reduction, as Table 2 shows.

This accumulation of lead has implications for the safety of indoor ranges as suggested by unpublished Finnish academic research reported in Paulson (1996). Finnish research suggests several things about the risk of lead poisoning at indoor ranges. (1) Friction with the rifling in the bore and possibly interaction of hot combustion gases with the exposed lead at the rear of a lead bullet turn some lead into a vapor. (2) The lead vapor condenses into fine lead dust after it has left the muzzle. Airborne vapor and dust can be inhaled directly. This fine lead powder quickly settles on flat environmental surfaces. (3) If disturbed, the lead dust can be inhaled. (4) Inhaled lead vapor and dust will slowly poison the shooter. Lead poisoning – like radiation poisoning – is cumulative.

The Finns postulated that the lead vapor condenses out inside the suppressor as lead dust and that it also plates the internals and previously accumulated lead, if present. Since Mark White caters to animal-control professionals whose employees may shoot 100,000 rounds per year out of a suppressed .22 LR pistol, he’s had the opportunity to dissect his own and other integrally suppressed .22 Rugers after they’ve been retired. These dissections confirm the Finns’ contention that a significant amount of lead vapor is trapped inside a suppressor, thereby reducing the amount of lead vapor and dust discharged into the environment.

White’s S-baffle design is good at redirecting hot combustion gases into places inside the suppressor, where it condenses out and remains inside portions of the suppressor, where the accumulated lead has minimal effect on sound reduction, accuracy, or operational lifespan.

Furthermore, in a truly objective world, there is an argument to be made that the US Environmental Protection Agency should offer government grants to agencies, companies, and individuals with indoor shooting ranges for the purchase of sound suppressors both to reduce the risk of hearing damage, and to reduce the risk of heavy-metal poisoning from inhaled lead vapor and dust.

Sound Tech packs a lot of technology into a net gain of 6 ounces over the KMK-512. As White points out, “There are two ways to suppress the Ruger Mark II: integral suppressors and muzzle cans. The integral suppressors seem much simpler from the outside, but they are much more complex inside compared to muzzle cans. Integrally suppressed pistols are attractive because they have graceful lines and are capable of extraordinary accuracy if carefully designed and built. But there is no free lunch, as one writer says from time to time.

“From the end-user’s point of view, integrally suppressed pistols deliver less projectile velocity than a pistol with a muzzle can. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon which ammunition is used and the needs of the operator. Another negative with integrally suppressed Ruger pistols is that they need much more frequent cleaning than pistols using muzzle cans.”

“A good thing about integrally suppressed Ruger Mark IIs,” White continued, “is that integral suppressors are much more robust than pistols fitted with muzzle cans. The threaded interface between a muzzle can and a handgun is the weakest link in the system. A very hard blow to the front of the muzzle suppressor can bend the mount and cause misalignment of the baffles with the pistol’s bore.

“From the manufacturer’s perspective, integrally suppressed pistols are so much more expensive to build that most makers of premium suppressed pistols barely break even. Integrally suppressed Mark IIs are flagships of the designer’s art, not sources of income. Still, whether you are an end-user or a manufacturer, you gotta love ‘em. As someone once said, ‘Few firearms exhibit such a graceful marriage of form and function as the integrally silenced Ruger Mark II.’”

While Mark White and I prefer the visually stealthy integrally-silenced models just described, some collectors want their integrally-suppressed pistol to look like a gnarly silenced weapon rather than a nifty but otherwise unremarkable, unmodified target pistol. For these folks, White designed a “bulldog” variant of the silenced KM-512 with 1-3/8 by 6-3/4-inch tube that shouts, “silenced pistol!” to anyone who sees it. Called the M2 Model, the beefy bulldog variant evaluated in this study has an overall length of 12-3/8-inches and a weight of 47.2 ounces.

Performance of Sound Technology’s Model M with 1×9.5-inch tube and Model M2 with 1.38×9.5-inch integrally suppressed Ruger Mark IIs were tested with three kinds of Remington .22 Long Rifle ammunition: 40-grain RN high velocity (HV), 40-grain RN standard velocity, and 38-grain HP subsonic. Suppressed performance was compared to an unsuppressed Ruger KMK-512. All pistol and suppressor combinations were tested on the same day at temperatures raging from 52 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The speed of sound varied from 1,109 to 1,111 fps. An earlier test on the Model M suppressed pistol was conducted at 80 degrees, when the speed of sound was 1,139 fps. This study employed the testing regimen and equipment used by Paulson (1996) as amended by Paulson, Parker, and Kokalis (2002). Suppressed and unsuppressed sound pressure levels appear in Table 1. Net sound reductions appear in Table 2, and muzzle velocities appear in Table 3.

I had the opportunity to test the same Model M with 1×9.5-inch suppressor when it was relatively new (after 8,000+ rounds had been fired through it), and again more than four years later after 50,000+ rounds had been fired through it. I use the phrase “fairly new” with a hint of irony, since nice integrally suppressed pistols that I’ve studied over the years have demonstrated life spans varying from 10,000 rounds to 200,000 rounds. At the low end of that range, lead buildup resulting from poorly designed or executed barrel porting – frequently exacerbated by the design of structures immediately downstream of that porting – has been responsible for the low-end life spans.

As seen from the first batch of data listed in Table 1, the relatively new M2 system delivered mean (average) sound signatures of 114, 109 and 110 decibels with high velocity, standard velocity and subsonic ammunition, respectively. Compared to action noise of 109 decibels (measured as the sound of the bolt closing on an empty chamber, using the bolt-release lever), this is stellar performance. Sound Technology’s Model M integrally suppressed pistol is most accurate with standard velocity ammunition, and the sound signature equals the action noise with this ammunition. What more could you want?

Testing after another 42,000+ rounds had been fired through this system produced the second batch of Model M data in Table 1. These data show that the muzzle blast of the integrally suppressed pistol is within 3 dB of action noise with subsonic ammunition. Remember, this pistol already had 50,000+ rounds through it before this second batch of tests was conducted.

It is interesting that the larger diameter M2 1.38×6.75-inch bulldog variant was not as quiet as the Model M 1×9.5-inch flagship variant despite the fact that they have nearly identical volumes (9.3 versus 9.5 cubic inches, respectively). This confirms the old suppressor design rule of thumb that, “Given two suppressors of equal volume, the longer one (typically with more baffles) will be the quieter one.” This old theorem dates back to the days of simple symmetric baffles. Another factor is at work here, since White uses relatively few baffles. Sound Tech’s S-baffles are uniquely asymmetric, and they work more efficiently with higher gas pressures. Therefore, decreasing tube diameter actually improves their efficiency. If you absolutely lust after a gnarly, integrally suppressed Ruger Mark II that provides good sound suppression and outstanding accuracy, then Sound Tech’s Model M2 provides .177-caliber pellet-gun-level sound signatures with standard velocity and subsonic ammunition, and quite usable stealthiness with high velocity fodder.

For my own biases, however, I’d much prefer the graceful lines and stellar performance of Sound Tech’s Model M integrally silenced Mark II pistol.

Taking Stock

One of Sound Technology’s customers came up with a removable, non-attached buttstock that is 7 inches long and greatly extends the effective range of a suppressed Mark II pistol. He has graciously allowed Mark White to manufacture the stock for Sound Technology customers. The front of the stock features a channel that cups the rear of the pistol grip and is held in place by the thumb of the strong hand. The factory adjustable notch-type rear sight works remarkably well so close to the eye, but Brownell’s carries a replacement peep sight that works much better. This makes a dandy accessory for my suppressed kit gun. Two variants of the stock are available: bright stainless steel to match bright stainless suppressed pistols, and a chrome moly steel version finished in black powdercoat to match matte black suppressed pistols. The stainless stock weighs 10 ounces. I find it a most useful accessory in my survival kit, when kayaking or otherwise traveling in wild places.

Stalking the Stealthy Walther P-22

The appearance of the Walther P-22 has been nothing short of a sensation. The diminutive sibling of the 9x19mm Walther P-99, this compact .22 LR pistol retains its bigger brother’s manners and comportment. Two variants are available: one with a 3.5-inch barrel and one with a 5.0-inch barrel. The shorter P-22 is generally preferred for adding a sound suppressor, since it will keep all ammunition subsonic, even with the freebore boost typically generated by a sound suppressor (see Table 3). The remarkably thin barrel is held in tension by a barrel bushing, which is normally replaced by a threaded bushing when a sound suppressor is to be fitted.

Sound Technology’s Squelch sound suppressor is unusual in that its rear mount replaces the factory barrel bushing. No additional adapter is required. Not only is this a cheaper solution, it minimizes the risk of suppressor misalignment of the bore. “A Walther P-22 barrel adapter,” Mark White observed, “has two alignment surfaces and two sets of threads, each of which offers a chance for misalignment. Incorporating the adapter into the silencer is simpler, stronger, and less prone to problems.” To shoot the P-22 without the suppressor, simply unscrew the silencer and re-install the factory barrel bushing.

The Squelch model sound suppressor from Sound Technology comes in two basic variants. Both are fabricated from chrome moly steel and are finished in a nonreflective black powdercoat. The basic or standard Squelch measures (S-Can for short) has a diameter of 1.128 inches, a tube length of 5 inches, and a weight of about 8.7 ounces. The Super Squelch suppressor has a diameter of 1.38 inches, a tube length of 5 inches, and a weight of about 10 ounces. The bigger suppressor is quieter, but the smaller suppressor is more aesthetically pleasing. The smaller Squelch model was used for this evaluation of the Walther P-22. The Squelch siblings are designed as dry cans; the sound signatures and net sound reductions reported in Tables 1 and 2 were obtained with a dry can. That said, one could virtually eliminate first-round pop and lower the noise of subsequent shots by putting a small amount of red Jet Lube or a short squirt of WD-40 in the rear expansion chamber before making the cold shot of the day.

Tables 1 and 2 show excellent sound reduction for a dry muzzle can on a short-barreled pistol. The Squelch delivered 36-, 38-, and 39-decibel sound reductions with Remington high velocity, standard velocity, and subsonic ammunition, respectively. This is wet can performance out of a dry can. It is safe to say this is an impressive achievement. Furthermore, dry cans are a whole lot more fun to shoot than wet cans.

Contrary to some reports on the Internet about finicky reliability based upon ammunition type, this suppressed P-22 cycled with absolute reliability using all kinds of ammunition, keeping offhand hits in pop can bottoms during rapid-action drills. The increased backpressure generated by the sound suppressor may have contributed to this enhanced reliability.

Sound Technology’s Squelch silencer on the Walther P-22 with 3.5-inch barrel is a fun, sensual, stealthy combination.

Silencing the Beretta 21A Pocket Pistol

The 12.3-ounce Beretta Model 21A seems to be the most robust and reliable .22 LR pocket pistol suitable for suppressing. The Mossad (Israel’s CIA) and Israel’s sky marshals have used a longer-barreled version of the Model 21A for decades as their primary duty weapon, due to the round’s sound and penetration characteristics, as well as the ability to hide the tiny weapon in deep concealment.

Such short-barreled pistols as the Model 21A produce a much louder report and belch more carbon monoxide and unburned particulates in the flash than pistols with longer barrels (see Table 1). Sound Tech’s Squelch can for the Beretta is specially designed to work with this particular pistol once it has been fitted with an aftermarket barrel threaded 1/2×28 TPI. The beefy Beretta Squelch weighs 15.5 ounces, compared to the Model 21A’s weight of 12.6 ounces with threaded barrel. The Beretta Squelch has a tube length of 5.25 inches, an overall length of 5.38 inches, and a business-like girth of 1.128 inches. The Beretta Squelch drops the weapon’s gunshot noise down to airgun levels; the Crossman American Classic Model 1377 .177 caliber air pistol, for example, delivers a sound pressure level of 120-123 dB, depending upon the number of pumps. The Beretta Squelch provides excellent performance in a dry can when mounted on a 2.4 inch barrel.

So there it is, the Sound Tech .22 Pistol Sampler. There’s a terrific treat for nearly any taste. The only problem is that it’s hard to pick just one.

Literature Cited

Paulson, A.C. 1996. Silencer history and performance. Volume 1. Sporting and tactical silencers. Paladin Press, Boulder, CO. 424 pp.

Paulson, A.C, N.R. Parker, and P.G. Kokalis. 1996. Silencer history and performance. Volume 2. CQB, assault rifle, and sniper technology. Paladin Press, Boulder, CO. 429 pp.

Sources:

Sound Technology
Dept. SAR
P.O. Box 391
Pelham, AL 35124
Phone and fax 205-664-5860
Website: http://www.soundtechsilencers.com

Anthony Dee

VIMBAR is an acronym for VIntage Military Bolt Action Rifle. This new shooting sport was created about three years ago by Denny Wilcox and Peter Sodoma of Salt Lake City, Utah. The nature of the game is to use old military bolt action rifles in a fun shooting sport utilizing situations that the guns were originally designed for.

The rules are very simple. The rifle must be a military bolt action rifle in an as-issued, battle-ready condition. The sights must also be of standard issue iron configuration, and the rifle must be chambered in its original military caliber. This concept is a great way for a shooter to go out and purchase an inexpensive Mosian Nagant or Mauser rifle, get some cheap surplus ammo, and get involved in a fun type activity for a very low cost initial investment. The great thing is that you will be just as competitive as the next guy.

VIMSAR (VIntage Military Semi Automatic Rifle) is another sub-discipline of the same concept that uses semi automatic Rifles from all eras up to the mid 1950’s. This discipline is currently a side match but is also growing in popularity. Shooters with SKS’s, FN49’s, Hakim’s and G43’s can now have fun with these fine semi automatic military rifles.

Targets for both sports are all steel and are large in size to simulate real-life shooting situations. The idea is to duplicate the capabilities of these rifles on the battlefield. No modern equipment is allowed to assist the shooter. You will not see any laser range-finders or wind flags at a VIMBAR match. The use of ammo cans and field packs may be used as improvised rests. Other military equipment such as pistol belts, ammo pouches, stripper clips and canteens is encouraged. Some clubs even award extra points if a shooter comes in a period uniform or shoots the entire match with a bayonet mounted on his rifle. There is no set standard course of fire to keep things interesting. This way each club can tailor a course to suit their own capabilities.

The first world championship was held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Desert Sportsman Rifle and Pistol Club. This club was the home of several Firepower Demonstrations that were held during the old Soldier of Fortune Conventions and was well suited for this competition. VIMBAR shooters from all over the United States put this fine facility to good use. There were ten different stages of fire used to determine the world champion. The stages were all very different and involved more than just rifle shooting. For example, at one stage the shooter had to use three different weapons. The shooter started with pistol and engaged a steel target before running to another position. There he picked up his rifle and, with a mounted bayonet, attacked a hay bale with three bayonet thrusts before then engaging two rifle targets two hundred yards down range from the standing position. The shooter then had to run to another position, pick up a pre-staged shotgun and load three rounds before neutralizing another steel target. This was a timed stage and the faster time was used to break ties in the main match. All pistols and shotguns used also had to be of a vintage military type. A 1911 Colt, Beretta Model 34, P38 and a Walther PP were seen along with a Model 97 Winchester trench gun.

At another stage, each shooter got the opportunity to shoot a 1919A4 Browning belt fed machine gun. The shooter started at the Browning and fired ten rounds at a target three hundred yards away. Bonus points were awarded if this target was hit. The shooter then grabbed his rifle and moved behind a sandbagged bunker. From that position he then fired ten rounds at two steel targets placed at three hundred and three hundred fifty yards. This entire scenario had to be completed in ninety seconds. This stage was a big hit as several shooters had never had the pleasure of shooting a belt fed machine-gun before!

An interesting array of vintage rifles was represented at the match. There were Mausers of several types and variations with Swedes, 98K’s and Yugos being the most prevalent. Mosin Nagants were very abundant along with some straight pull Swiss K31’s. Several Enfields and Springfields were also seen. Even a rare Model 41 Carcano with set triggers was utilized.

At the end of the main match a team event was held. All the shooters using Axis country rifles were pitted against rifles used by the Allies. Shooters using rifles from neutral countries were used to keep the teams even. The event was a log shoot. Both teams opened fire on a 4X4 log and the team that cut it in half first won the match. In this case the Axis powers prevailed.

The prize table was very impressive and well stocked with a great deal of high quality merchandise. In addition, each shooter received a prize bucket that was filled with a variety of useful items that every shooter could use including ammo, cleaning supplies, three different kinds of gun lube, and passes for a free buffet and several drink coupons at a local Las Vegas club. An impressive catered lunch was provided and the cost was included in the entry fee.

Judging by the enthusiastic attendance and the great time had by all, VIMBAR and VIMSAR will surely gain in popularity around the country.

The top ten shooters for the 2003 VIMBAR World Championship are as follows.

1. Tony Dee – 98 Mauser
2. Denny Wilcox – Yugo M48 Mauser
3. Bobby Ramsay – K31 Swiss
4. Bob Hasagawa – 1903A3 Springfield
5. Joe Brennan – 98 Mauser
6. Derrel Carter – K31 Swiss
7. Peter Sodoma – Enfield #4
8. Miguel Qintanilla – 1903A3 Springfield
9. Sam Salvo – 96 Swedish Mauser
10. Clyde Byerly – 1903A3 Springfield

Ladies Champion

1. Cathie Ringler – 38 Swedish Mauser

by Jonathan Glazer

Most aspects of our modern life are shaped by, of all things, litigation. Things like playground design and the types of dogs people keep are more influenced by court rulings than by any other individual factor. Police tactics and equipment are no exception from this trend. Due to several recent court rulings, less lethal technologies are being made even more attractive to most police forces, if not mandatory in most cases. Not having a less lethal protocol is going to cost municipalities quite a lot in defense verdicts. There are many different levels of less lethal technology that can be deployed to save lives and dollars. The diversionary device or FlashBang is one of the more high profile less lethal tools available to the tactical officer. It is also one of the least understood and most potentially dangerous to the user.

Tactical officers like to carry several FlashBangs hanging from their web gear, not the least of which is because of the way they look. This is hardly a compelling reason to issue them. This does not mean that they do not have a valid use. The fact is that they do.

Their use dates back directly to the mid 1950’s. At that time, the U.S. Army was using explosive simulations for training purposes. Training officers would deploy these explosives, which were derived from hand grenades, in order to let recruits understand what it sounded like to be on the receiving end of explosive ordnance during combat. The first tactical use of diversionary devices was by the Israelis on 3 July, 1976 during the daring raid on the Entebbe airport in Uganda. During that highly successful engagement, the Israelis used several explosive simulators to disorient the hijackers and save the lives of many of the hostages. Other high profile uses of diversionary devices took place on 18 October, 1977 when elements of the German counterterrorist unit, GSG9 stormed a hijacked Lufthansa airliner in Mogadishu, Somalia. On 5 May, 1980 the British SAS stormed the Iranian Embassy in London. Again, the team that stormed the embassy used diversionary devices and this resulted in hostages’ lives being saved. After these promising first uses of the devices, many other police agencies began looking into adopting similar tools. A wave of technological research was undertaken to improve the utility of diversionary devices. That trend continues today as new products are continually being introduced.

Current law enforcement tactical doctrine calls for the use of diversionary devices only under certain circumstances. These scenarios include barricaded suspects and hostage situations, high risk warrant service, distraction of emotionally disturbed or intoxicated individuals and any situation in which an authorized person deems such use to be necessary to safely resolve an incident. Their use minimizes the amount of force required when an individual predetermines their own destiny in a manner that would normally have a violent end. Diversionary devices should never be used solely to preserve evidence.

Diversionary devices are also known as Flash/Sound Devices and Distraction Devices, as well as FlashBangs. They are never referred to as grenades because they operate differently and also because the usual connotation of a grenade is as a device intended to cause death. This brings along a myriad of legal implications so it is best not to ever use that word when discussing a FlashBang.

FlashBangs operate based on the initiation of an explosion of which there are three types. One is a mechanical explosion, like a balloon bursting. Another is a nuclear explosion, categorized as either fission or fusion. The third kind is a chemical explosion. There are two types of chemical explosions. One is a detonation, also known as a high order explosion. It is initiated by a shockwave and can cause sympathetic explosions of nearby explosive material. The sudden release of energy produces a shattering or breaking effect known as a brisance. These characteristics are absent from the second type of explosion which is known as a deflagration. This is the kind of explosion that is employed in a FlashBang. It is a low order explosion that is characterized by a slow burn and is dependent on the presence of oxygen. This kind of reaction is initiated by combustion. The term “slow” as used to describe the burn speed is relative considering that a typical FlashBang completes its cycle within approximately 50 thousandths of a second. Air pressure at sea level measures approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi). At this pressure level at zero degrees Centigrade, the gases in a FlashBang will expand from 15 cubic inches to 33 cubic feet in 50 milliseconds. That is an increase of 3,800 times and produces a shockwave that travels 1,300 feet per second.

A device that behaves in such a way will act upon the human body in three ways and impact on three of the body’s five senses. It will produce a loud noise, which will affect the hearing. It will produce a brilliant flash, which will affect sight. It will produce an effect known as an overpressure, which will affect touch and other sensory organs. The first two effects are easy enough to understand, but it is the overpressure which is usually less familiar to most people. The bright light will do its work even through closed eyelids. It causes the pupils to contract in .5 seconds and it takes up to 2 minutes for the pupil to get back to normal. A substance called rhodopsin exists in the retina to facilitate night vision. The bright light bleaches the rhodopsin, thereby impeding night vision and it takes between 10 and 30 minutes to replenish. Ignition of the device will cause a very loud impulse noise, defined as lasting one second or less. It also produces a threshold shift, meaning that sound level perception is sharply altered and it will also produce a ringing in the ears which can be felt for a few hours afterwards. Permanent hearing damage typically results at 185 decibels and FlashBangs usually produce approximately 180 decibels. A 6 decibel increase doubles the amount of sound. Ambient air pressure in an enclosed area will first increase by up to 4 psi and then drop to a point that is .5 psi below the starting pressure immediately after the blast. This feeling of increased pressure followed by decreased pressure is an experience that is rarely felt by most people. The combination of all three types of inputs will result in a sensory overload due to the amount of incoming stimuli that must be handled by the body. Fear and panic are common reactions as a quick adrenaline dump induces the fight versus flight phenomenon. The natural instinct to stay alive occurs regardless of the circumstances and rules and customs that would ordinarily govern behavior are abandoned. Subjects typically scream and shout and may be unable to do much more than follow simple commands. This type of response is commonly followed by what is known as the acetylcholine effect. Acetylcholine is a chemical that is produced in the body and is associated with surrender and compliance. It is the opposite of the fight and flight reaction. Both responses in sequence make a subject much easier to apprehend because of the lack of an organized response to external threats. It is easy to see how use of a diversionary device will allow officers to gain the advantage on a barricaded suspect based on the impact on the three senses mentioned.

The FlashBang is composed of three main parts: The Bouchon, or fuze assembly; the body/canister and the explosive charge. The Bouchon itself is composed of three main components: The safety lever or spoon; the striker and the primer. Most FlashBangs in use today utilize the M201A1 Fuze assembly that is made by The Ensign Bickford Company. These fuze heads have a 1.5 second delay with an error range of plus or minus .5 seconds. Generally this translates into a real world delay of between .7 and 2 seconds. The body or canister is designed to protect the charge from rough handling, heat and moisture. It also contains the explosion long enough to achieve the desired effects without exceeding safe pressure levels. The charge is composed primarily of photo flash powder with a booster designed to magnify the effects of the blast. This mixture, while certainly explosive, is classified more as a propellant due to its deflagrating properties. FlashBangs are generally shaped like smoke grenades and are usually cylindrical in shape. They are meant to be thrown or carried in one hand.

Tactical use of a FlashBang must always be specified in a written policy and taught by the designated training department. That policy should cover allowable uses as well as the correct way to utilize the device. Proper protective gear must be worn which includes eye and ear protection. It also includes the use of gloves. FlashBangs can and will cause serious injury if used incorrectly. Premature detonation due either to operator error or equipment malfunction is always a possibility. Protective gloves should be made of materials like Nomex and/or Kevlar so that they will be resistant to burning. It is also common for some departments to use cowhide welding gloves as they provide an extra level of protection. If allowed to ignite in a bare hand, FlashBangs will very efficiently remove everything from the knuckle outwards. Numerous such injuries have occurred because of not holding the spoon firmly enough, known as milking the spoon, or from switching hands or loosening one’s grip prior to tossing. If heavy protective gloves were worn during a premature ignition, there would still be significant injuries, however it is more likely that the fingers will remain attached to the hand, albeit dislocated. Another piece of gear used in conjunction with FlashBangs is an old fashioned diaper pin, usually fastened to the operator’s load bearing equipment or on their sleeve. The purpose of the diaper pin is so that if the use of the device is compromised for some reason and needs to be aborted and the split pin (described in the next paragraph) is lost, the diaper pin can be inserted into the appropriate hole and fastened, thereby securing the FlashBang in a safe manner.

Use begins with the deployment stage, which starts with preparation of the device and ends with release of the spoon. The safety lever keeps the striker, which is driven by the striker spring, from moving forward and hitting the primer. The safety lever is held in place by a split pin that usually has both ends of the pin spread in opposite directions to prevent inadvertent removal. This pin can be left in exactly this configuration, known as hardpinning, or one or both ends can be straightened to facilitate removal. This is known as softpinning. Care must always be taken when such a procedure is undertaken. The officer deploying the device must ascertain at the scene what the proper placement for the device should be. The device must not be thrown into an area that cannot be directly observed because one of the goals of using a diversionary device is minimizing injury to bystanders. The operator must make sure there are no small children or pets or flammable materials directly in the target area. If the operator ascertains that there is an unsafe situation in the target zone, their responsibility is to abort the use of the device. One example of an unsafe condition would be the existence of open containers of flammable liquids, perhaps in a drug lab. In that situation, ignition of the device could cause combustion of the flammable materials leading to a dangerous fire. The operator should also have picked a safe spot outside the structure where a FlashBang can be quickly tossed to ignite without causing damage if an “ABORT BANG” order is issued. Going back to our abort situation, the operator should optimally reinsert the original pin to secure the device. If the original pin was lost, the diaper pin can be inserted and fastened to secure the device. If neither of those options are available, the least desirable option of tossing the device into the predetermined safe combustion zone must be taken. Once the decision to deploy is made, the device is centered in the palm of the hand with the spoon depressed firmly with the web of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. The pin is usually rotated one quarter turn to free it from the notch that holds it in place and removed. The target area is surveyed for existence of hazardous conditions and the device is tossed. Left handed operators generally will grip the device upside down as the ergonomics of the M201A1 Bouchon is designed for a right handed operator. Military training dictates that the pin on a hand grenade be pulled with the grenade held tightly into the body. This will minimize casualties in the area around the operator because the bulk of the blast and the fragments will be absorbed by the body of the operator in case of a premature detonation. In contrast, the FlashBang should be held by the hand with the arm extended. The opposing (usually the weak side) hand will pull the pin while the other hand pushes the device away. Since the FlashBang does not produce anti personnel fragments, there is less of a danger of injury to nearby personnel. By keeping the device away from the body, the explosion will minimize injury to the body of the operator. The operator’s hand will of course still be in danger of severe damage. Once the device is tossed, the ignition of the device can be interpreted by other members of the team as gunfire. The use of a FlashBang should always be brought to the attention of all members of the team so they can be properly prepared for the effects and for the next stage of the entry. The device ignition should never catch any member of the team by surprise. Deployment of the device should be accompanied by use of a readily understood short phrase, known as a brevity code. Common brevity codes are “Device in!” and “FlashBang!” as well as the military “Fire in the hole!”

Once the spoon is released and the device is tossed, the firing sequence begins. The striker spring is allowed to propel the striker into the primer, which will be crushed and produce enough of a combustion to ignite the delay. This burns for the preset amount of time, within the error ranges typical of the Fuze. That delay is usually between .7 and 2 seconds. Since Bouchon assemblies can usually be removed from the device, care must be taken to not mix up assemblies between diversionary devices and smoke grenades. The reason this is so important is that smoke grenades typically have a zero delay and this is clearly not a desirable feature for a FlashBang.

Once the delay burns, the combustion is transferred to the main charge during what is known as the ignition sequence. The charge is made up of flash powder, which is comprised of aluminum or magnesium plus an oxidizer such as barium nitrate or potassium perchlorate. The resulting deflagration builds up inside the canister until the pressure escapes from the body of the device. The typical charge will provide 500 tons per square inch of pressure at the point of pressure. This drops off to 4-5 pounds per square inch at 5 feet from the point of ignition. The blast lasts 54 milliseconds. In contrast, an eye will take 200 to 250 milliseconds to blink. The resultant pressure wave will travel 1.136 feet in one millisecond. 40 milliseconds after ignition, the visible flash will be generated of approximately 6 million candlepower and this will last 10 milliseconds. There is very clearly a lot of energy being released in a very short amount of time.

Since the purpose of the device is to minimize injuries and the possibility of death, fragmentation is not desirable. A major problem of many FlashBangs is that after ignition, the Bouchon becomes a projectile and can cause injury or death by striking a person in a vital area. FlashBang design has attempted to minimize this effect through a few different ways. One design utilizes a deflagrating canister. The Omni Blast 200 is an example of this type. The entire body of the device is destroyed by the ignition and there is no propulsion of the Bouchon as equal pressure is applied outwardly in all directions. Such canister types present the greatest danger to the operator in case of a premature detonation. Another way of dealing with this problem is by utilizing a non bursting canister. A canister of this type will be heavy and vented, allowing the plasma jets created by the ignition to escape via the vents. There will be vents in the top and bottom of the device and pressure is directed in multiple directions to minimize movement of the device. The bouchon remains attached at all times, with the exception of the spoon, which will drop free when released. Examples of these types of FlashBang are the DefTec 25 manufactured by Defense Technologies, Inc., and the ALS Diversionary Device manufactured by ALS Technologies. The latter device is notable for its use of a reusable body of either aluminum or steel. The canister can be recovered and fitted with a new fuze/charge assembly for reuse. The third type of design is the use of a submunition, which separates the bouchon from the main charge prior to ignition. Since the fuze assembly is not near the main charge, it cannot be propelled in a manner that can cause injury. This type also provides an additional level of safety in that a premature ignition will cause the submunition to eject the main charge, which will not ignite in the hand of the operator. This type represents the current direction of the industry as it has the greatest potential to minimize injuries to operators and innocent bystanders. I personally witnessed prototypes of this sort being tested by ALS Technologies and they do appear to be very effective and much safer than older FlashBang designs.

Training operators in the use of diversionary devices cannot be minimized. Improper use of a FlashBang can have severe consequences. The New York Police Department found this to be true when they effected a dynamic entry into a suspected criminal enterprise and deployed a device last year. Unfortunately, they had the wrong apartment and a lady in her 80’s suffered a fatal heart attack a few hours after being exposed to the effects of the device. There is a lawsuit pending at this time and the NYPD has implemented procedures greatly restricting the use of FlashBangs to situations that are individually approved by the Chief of Police personally. This has the effect of eliminating their use in the City of New York.

Potential operators must be trained in the operation of the devices that they will be issued. They need to know the proper circumstances in which they may be deployed and what the effects of such deployment will be, as well as how to minimize damage to property and injury to suspects, bystanders and other team members. The operator must be trained to properly use safety equipment and must know the results of not using proper equipment and procedures. There are implications for trainers to be considered as well. The cumulative exposure to FlashBangs will cause damage, even with the use of protective gear. Trainers and students should only be subjected to a maximum of 5 exposures to a FlashBang in any one day. More than 5 exposures in one day will significantly increase the chance of hearing damage. The threshold for hearing damage is 185 decibels and individual FlashBang ignitions will generally come close to that threshold, but not exceed it. Studies have shown that 1% of the population is at risk of a measurable hearing loss from one unprotected exposure. The higher frequencies are the first to go and that is the kind of hearing damage that will typically be found in cases of overexposure to diversionary devices. While this danger is certainly present, there is a greater likelihood of trainers and officers getting hearing damage from gun shots than from diversionary devices. Hearing protection is, however, unnecessary when the observer is 100 feet or more from an outdoor deployment.

There are many other factors that need to be ingrained prior to allowing an operator to tactically deploy a FlashBang. The operator needs to understand the factors that make up proper placement. 5 feet from the target is ideal as the effects from sound and pressure are optimized. As distance doubles from the device, the effects from sound and pressure are halved. The effects of barriers must be understood. Barriers can both reflect and absorb the sound and pressure depending on the composition of the barrier. Generally, softer textured barriers will absorb the effects, thereby weakening the effect of the device. More rigid materials will reflect the effects. This produces a secondary pressure wave which comes behind the initial or incident wave and produces a cumulative effect. By placing the device next to a wall, the effects will be greater than by placing it in the middle of the room due to this cumulative effect brought on by the reflection of the sound and pressure waves. The floor will reflect the sound and pressure waves up as well. A suspect will receive the same effect whether they are sitting or standing due to the reflection off of each of the surfaces in a room. Additional placement factors were touched on previously. Since temperatures in the immediate vicinity of the device will be close to 2700 degrees centigrade, the presence of laundry or newspaper or drug paraphernalia in the target zone will increase the fire hazard. Fire extinguishers must always be present and accessible by all team members when diversionary devices are being deployed. The presence of children complicates the issue since the psychological effects of the device will be exaggerated in a child. One team member needs to be assigned to be responsible for any children present at the scene. Elderly people have the risk of an increased blood pressure and pulse rate after the ignition and this could aggravate existing medical conditions. The presence of loose objects on the ground increases the likelihood that the device could propel a piece of debris with enough force to cause injury. Such a condition would not necessarily require the aborting of the deployment of the FlashBang. It might necessitate tossing of the device in an arc for an airburst.

Failure to ignite is an important issue to keep in mind. The primary reason for a failure of a FlashBang to ignite is a failure to remove the pin. While this may seem silly, it happens even to experienced officers due to stress and distraction. Occasionally, a FlashBang will malfunction and fail to ignite even when properly deployed, but modern manufacturing standards have reduced these incidents dramatically. The officer needs to be trained that if a device is deployed and it does not ignite after 2 seconds, they should simply deploy another. The likelihood of two devices failing to deploy, absent incorrect deployment, is virtually nonexistent. FlashBangs can also potentially ignite when hit by small arms fire. In tests I witnessed on DefTec 25 units, direct hits from .223 full metal jacket rounds penetrated the canister and ignited the device. Shots fired from a 9mm handgun did not penetrate the device canister and did not ignite the main charge. Clearly, care must be taken where FlashBangs are deployed or displayed, particularly in a hostile circumstance. If the spoon flipped yet the device remains unexploded, the device should never be touched directly. It should be grasped indirectly. One option is to use a long reach grabbing device to relocate the FlashBang to a “safe area”.

During training of potential users of diversionary devices, it is essential that live units be deployed. Unfortunately, FlashBangs are expensive and one can only experience up to 5 exposures per day without the danger of permanent cumulative damage. There is also paperwork that follows the devices and this makes training that much more difficult to perform. Once the student understands the effects and how to deploy a live device, there are several training aids that can be used to continue training. DefTec makes a training device which mirrors the size and weight of a DefTec 25. ALS Technologies manufactures a training unit that utilizes reusable charges to simulate a blast. CTS also makes a trainer which uses a fuze assembly with a left hand thread so that it does not inadvertently get installed on a live FlashBang. Each of these devices provide a report after a delay which does not have the same effects as a FlashBang, but is loud enough to let all participants know that the device has been deployed. Applied Tactical Technologies makes a training unit that is called the “Yellow Bang”. It utilizes a proprietary blank pistol type cartridge that is ignited thereby providing the signal report and can be cheaply and easily reloaded.

There are several alternate forms of diversionary devices other than the typical hand held FlashBang. ALS Technologies manufactures 2 different devices that can be fired from a standard 12 gauge shotgun. One is called the Bore Thunder round and is designed to be fired in any non-contact direction and aimed away from any children or flammables present at the scene. A typical deployment of such a device would be with the barrel of the shotgun projecting through a window in the target area or through a slightly opened door. The performance of this load is comparable to most hand thrown diversionary devices. The other ALS Technologies product in this category is the Aerial Burst round which is fired from the shotgun in the usual manner and delay ignites approximately 1 second after it is launched. It too is extremely effective when fired into a room through a window or a door from a distance. Care must be observed when deploying so that the projectile does not land on humans or flammables. A department that specifically will not deploy FlashBangs due to administrative rules or restrictions could deploy both devices. Utilizing such devices is no different than firing a shotgun in a tactical situation. But that is more of a legal policy decision. Similar launchable distraction devices are available for 37mm and 40mm launching devices. Alternative methods of deploying FlashBangs include putting a device on the end of a long pole to put through a window. Such a device is known either as a Flash Stick, Painter’s Pole or a Bang Pole. A Cod Weight is a heavy weight that can be attached to a diversionary device. It is designed to be thrown with force through a window or another breakable barrier where a typical FlashBang would not have enough kinetic energy to break through the barrier.

There is another device which can be deployed either in an enclosed environment or a crowd control situation. It is known as a Sting Ball device. The Sting Ball operates like a FlashBang, but it also throws out a large quantity of small high durometer rubber balls with great force. This device is generally used for crowd control, but it can be used in place of a diversionary device as well. It is a less lethal device, but the same care must be taken when using it as must be used for a FlashBang.

The FlashBang or Diversionary Device is an important less lethal tool for law enforcement. It produces a loud noise, a pressure wave, a bright flash of light and heat. These 4 characteristics affect the body’s senses of sight, hearing and feeling to provide a sensory overload on a barricaded suspect. This provides a delay of a few seconds to a few minutes during which a well trained team can gain entry, neutralize any threats and rescue any victims. Proper and effective training must be provided to all users of such devices. Formal training is paramount. Buying FlashBangs and fielding them without certified instruction is a disaster waiting to happen. A written policy must be developed and adhered to so that legal liability is minimized. Proper use of Diversionary Devices, as well as other less lethal systems, may precipitate some litigation, but it is sure to result in countless saved lives.

Contact Information

Applied Tactical Technologies
P.O Box 268
Babylon, NY 11702-0268
800 223-1204
www.att-tactical.com

ALS Technologies
1103 Central Blvd.
Bull Shoals, AR 72619
877 902-4257
www.ozarkmtns.com/less-lethal

Defense Technology
Federal Laboratories
1855 South Loop
Casper, WY 82601
877 248 -3835
www.defense-technology.com

Combined Tactical Systems, Inc.
388 Kinsman Rd.
Jamestown, PA 16134
724 932-2177
http://www.less-lethal.com/

Editor’s Note: Most distraction devices are categorized as “Destructive Devices” under Title II of the GCA-68. This requires registration and transfer through the NFRTR (NFA Branch ATF&E) and there should be a notice sent to the ATF when these items are destroyed, so they do not remain in the NFRTR. It has been suggested that there be a separate Registry for these items, because the hundreds of thousands of distraction devices now in the NFRTR, which have been destroyed and not removed, make the registry more difficult to manage.

by Jess I. Galan

It had to happen sooner or later and it took the Russians to do it. As a matter of fact, the entire project seemed to be cloaked in secrecy at first, given the lack of solid information available during its initial stages. You would almost think that we were back in the Cold War days and that the project in question involved some deadly, super-secret weapon kept under tight wraps by the infamous KGB.

Late in 2002, however, well-known Russian gun manufacturer Baikal (Izhevsky Mekhanichesky Zavod) finally announced that their new MP-661K Drozd (small bird) CO2-powered BB machine pistol was in full production and ready for export. Indeed, the Baikal MP-661K Drozd was officially unveiled at the 2003 SHOT Show by its American importer and distributor, European American Armory Corporation (EAA), based in Sharpes, Florida.

There is little doubt that the MP-661K will do very well in the US market, as it is both a novel and fun gun that appeals to a wide cross-section of shooters. In fact, I dare say that even folks who don’t really consider themselves shooting enthusiasts, would be thrilled to plink away with this amazing little buzz gun.

At this point, let me dwell on a bit of history. Air- and gas-powered machine guns have been around for some time.

In the early days of World War II, some American companies produced BB-firing look-alikes of the .30 and .50 caliber Browning machine guns used by our armed forces. These air-powered BB machine guns were used by our military forces to train new recruits, quickly and inexpensively, in the basics of aerial gunnery. These trainers employed a car battery to operate the firing mechanism and shooting power was obtained from compressed air. The most well known of these wartime BB machine guns were the models made by the Mac Glashan Air Machine Gun Company in Long Beach, California.

In the mid-1970’s a small company called LARC, Inc., based in Miami, Florida, brought out a submachine-gun-sized full-auto BB gun powered by automotive-type Freon gas. The LARC M-19A – as this molded-plastic and aluminum BB gun was dubbed – was sold mostly by mail order and found a measure of popularity. However, its rather chancy reliability and feeble construction drove it out of the market after a few years.

It should be noted that the MP-661K machine pistol, like all air- and CO2-powered guns, does not fall under any federal restrictions, despite the fact that it is capable of full automatic fire. Powered by a standard disposable 12-gram CO2 cylinder – of the type commonly used in most CO2 guns – this unusual BB gun also requires six regular AA alkaline batteries to operate its firing mechanism. The batteries go in the hollow forend, just below the barrel, and provide power to activate the striker that acts upon the CO2 valve located at the top of the detachable magazine. The small CO2 cylinder is housed in the magazine, and the latter has capacity for up to approximately 30 air gun BBs. Both standard steel BBs and 4.5 mm (.177 cal.) European lead BBs can be used in the Drozd.

The MP-661K measures 19 inches overall with its detachable molded shoulder stock installed, while removing it reduces the overall length to 13¾ inches. The buttstock fits snugly into dual recesses at the rear of the receiver and can be detached by simply giving it a sharp pull. Weighing a mere 3½ pounds, fully loaded and with its stock in place, this gun compares favorably in size and heft with several compact submachine guns and machine pistols meant for serious social affairs. With its shoulder stock removed, the MP-661K bears more than a passing resemblance to the Polish RAK PM-63 machine pistol.

The entire body and shoulder stock of the MP-661K are made of a tough looking molded synthetic and that’s okay with me. A bright yellow finish is given to the lower half of the piece, apparently in an effort to make it look toy-like and thus avert possible objections to its importation by US authorities though an early production sample received for tests late last year had an entirely black synthetic body. Current production has only the upper half of the gun’s body finished in black. Given this strange-looking color combination, EAA decided to rename the MP-661K, calling it “Bumble Bee.” Whether called “Little Bird” in Russian or “Bumble Bee” in English, the fact is that the MP-661K is one truly amazing fun gun. Surprisingly for a gun intended for shooting BBs only, the blued steel barrel of the MP-661K is rifled. The magazine assembly is also made of steel with a blued finish.

As far as fire controls, the MP-661K has the selector on its left side and it consists of a sliding catch capable of going to three positions clearly marked 1, 3, and 6. These indicate semiautomatic, 3-round burst, and 6-round burst, respectively. There is a similar sliding catch on the right side. This control allows the shooter to select the cyclic rate for burst fire, giving a choice of 300, 450, or 600 rpm.

The battery-operated firing mechanism is activated by a vertically sliding switch on the left side, about a half-inch behind the selector. When in the ON position, a red LED indicator light located just in front of this switch lets the shooter know that pulling the trigger will activate the firing mechanism. Thus, this switch is really the gun’s manual safety, because when it’s turned off, the MP-661K cannot fire even with a fully pressurized and loaded magazine in place.

For a BB plinker, the MP-661K has been given a decent set of sights. The rear unit comes with a fairly small square notch element and is fully adjustable via slotted screws. An aperture piece is also included with the gun in case the shooter prefers to use the gun with the stock attached. Up front there is a rather massive blade molded integrally with the upper receiver. The rear section of the latter sports a dovetail section that allows installation of a compact red-dot or laser-aiming device for special ops against mice and other small pests.

The MP-661K Drozd/Bumble Bee on test performed admirably. With a fresh 12-gram CO2 cylinder in place and fully loaded magazine, semiautomatic fire from the shoulder, at 20 feet, produced groups averaging 1 inch across. Not bad at all for a BB gun with a barrel measuring just over 8 inches. Despite its relatively short length of pull, the gun is well balanced and feels remarkably solid. Its single-stage trigger was creditably smooth and crisp on let-off.

The muzzle velocity was chronographed, yielding an average of 332 fps, indicating that, compared to the vast majority of entry-level youth-grade BB guns; the MP-661K is a tad more potent. A dramatic demonstration of the gun’s power was given when it was turned loose on several empty soft drink cans set up about 20 feet downrange. With the switches set primarily on 6-round bursts at a cyclic rate of 600 rpm, the cans were quickly scattered and shredded with a few well-aimed bursts. Each 12-gram CO2 cylinder yields an average of 2½ to 3 full magazines before running dry.

Eye protection is a MUST when using this gun. Steel BBs rebound with significant force upon striking solid objects, and with this gun the chances of having a hail of BBs coming back at the shooter are obviously greatly increased.

Undoubtedly, the Baikal MP-661K adds a new dimension to backyard plinking with BB guns. Although definitely not in the toy category, despite its flashy color scheme, this unusual piece is “just what the doctor ordered” for folks longing for a bit of full-auto action that won’t break the bank and won’t require any BATF paperwork. My only advice to anyone buying one of these guns is to secure an ample supply of CO2 cylinders and BBs, because shooting this little chatterbox is truly addicting. Incidentally, the MP-661K comes with a handy device for quick-loading BBs into the magazine, a plastic bag containing approximately 200 BBs, plus spare O-ring seals and a clearly written instruction manual. Only one magazine is provided, but extra magazines can be purchased from the importer at reasonable cost.