by Dan Shea

The Assault Weapon and High Capacity Magazine Ban is sunsetting this September? It might happen, it might not. This is a big issue for the liberals, and they used it to destroy the Republican centerpiece bill ending unjustified lawsuits against firearms manufacturers. We won’t know until September 13, 2004. I don’t personally see it sunsetting, it is a huge issue for some and they will attach it to every bill they can. President Bush indicates he won’t sign it, but if it is on a bill he politically has to sign it might be done. If the Democrats managed to get enough Republicans to vote for keeping the ban so that it was put on this bill, what would make anyone think that the Republican senators, who caved this time, won’t cave again? This is how the political system works today. I knew that the initial bill wouldn’t pass, due to the amendments that would be forced onto it. It was all strategically planned. That is how it works in the Beltway. Expect more votes just like this one, and expect that the losers will always be the citizens. I am keeping enough high capacity magazines for each gun I have.

There is also the issue of John Kerry and his service in Vietnam hanging over the coming election. John Kerry and his supporters in general are casting webs of deceit and disrespect on the service that our current President, George W. Bush, provided to his country. Bush was in the National Guard as a fighter pilot and did not go to Vietnam.

Neither did millions of other active duty service members in that fifteen-year period of time. Neither did tens of millions of eligible young men whose numbers weren’t called up in the draft. Even if you were drafted, Vietnam service wasn’t a certainty, but we all considered it in every decision we made. Certain service branches and MOS’s were prone to going, though. John Kerry chose one when he enlisted and he went to Vietnam in the brown water US Navy. George W. Bush chose another – but wasn’t sent over. The fact that Bush chose National Guard service does not diminish the fact that he served. Did that National Guard service lessen his chances of going to Vietnam? Possibly. That Kerry volunteered and went is to his betterment in my opinion, but what he did with it afterward is entirely disingenuous. That means I am calling him dishonest.

1965. The gun bunnies in a National Guard Artillery unit in New Hampshire were given thirty days and a wakeup to say goodbye to Mary Jane, grab clean underwear and a toothbrush then report for service in Vietnam, the Republic of. Thirteen months and a day until they were short enough to go on the Freedom Bird, and they lost men in combat.

Their story is not unique in any way. There are millions of men and women in our National Guard and Reserves who have served in every conflict in recent memory, and are over in the sandbox today. They are doing it, they are paying the price, and Kerry might be forgiven for talking trash only because he paid that price by putting on the uniform and going where his Uncle Sam sent him, but the jerks around him never did the time. I would like to offer them a nice big cup of shut the F%^# up.

John Kerry: if you know one thing about George W. Bush that shows cowardice, then put up or shut up. You are an embarrassment to all of us who served, fought, and are fighting today. There are websites springing up naming the guys who served with you, quoting them as putting big question marks on the events that got you your medals.

Damn. We should not be questioning his medals. Service to country is a private thing. Your government having you point a weapon at another human being is a private thing. This whole dragging around “who did what” and questioning their service can serve no good end for John Kerry, or for everyone his trashing of the National Guard casts disrespect on. Everybody who loves someone in uniform should call John Kerry and tell him to drop this subject. Vote for him if you want, but for the memory of the names on that Wall in DC and the loved ones they left behind, and the people serving our country all over the world today, ask him to stop trashing those who put it on the line, whether active, guard, or reserve. -Dan

by Robert M. Hausman

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives recently notified FNH USA that its Fabrique Nationale Five-Seven 5.7x28mm IOM (Individual Officers Model) semiautomatic pistol has been classified as a sporting pistol, allowing it to be imported into the US for commercial resale.

The pistol’s 8-inch overall length, 22-ounce weight, click adjustable target sight, target grips, and target trigger along with its safety features of a locked breech mechanism, loaded chamber indicator, magazine safety and firing pin block or lock, gave it a total score of at least 75 points allowing ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch to classify it as suitable for general sale.

FNH’s law enforcement sales manager, Rick Demilt says that despite the ruling, the firm will continue to sell these pistols only to law enforcement personnel as there is armor-piercing 5.7x28mm ammunition available.

FNH also received a determination from ATF that one of the three 5.7x28mm rounds, the SS192 training round, is not classified as armor-piercing under federal law. This round has a hollow point with the front one-third portion being hollow. The rear portion contains an aluminum core. Since it is not a fully jacketed projectile, it is not defined as armor piercing.

Major International Trade Shows

During the past several months, members of the small arms industry have been busy attending trade events. In February, firearms and outdoor firms headed west for the SHOT Show held Feb. 12 – 15 at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. The following month the focus was on Europe as marketers headed to Nuremberg, Germany for the annual presentation of IWA, March 12 – 15. Topping off the show season, EXA, held 17 – 20 April in Brescia, Italy is the final “must attend” event for global marketing firms.

The 2004 S.H.O.T. Show was expected to attract over 1,400 manufacturers and distributors, occupying more than 500,000-net-square-feet of exhibit space to showcase a broad range of products. The show attracts trade visitors from all fifty US states and more than sixty-five countries. The 2002 Las Vegas event attracted 18,549 attendees, making it one of the best such events to date. The 2003 show, held in Orlando, Florida, had a lower attendance.

In March, global marketers headed to Germany for IWA & Outdoor Classics where an expected 1,000 exhibitors, 73% of whom are international firms, were visited by over 27,000 trade-related attendees from one hundred countries. The management at IWA does one of the best jobs of vetting attendees to ensure only qualified trade visitors are in attendance. In fact, it is a criminal offense in Germany to attend a trade show under false pretenses.

EXA Rich in History

Held in the province of Brescia, where 90% of Italian small arms production takes place, EXA was created in 1980 to offer Brescian manufacturers a showcase worthy of their fame and quality production. The event has gradually assumed international significance and importance over the ensuing years. Thanks to the presence of exhibitors from all over the world, this show can now be rightly considered one of the major world events in its sector of industry. The 2003 edition was presented for the second year at the modern Brescia Exhibition Centre.

EXA’s predecessor was the “Brescian Arms Exhibition” organized by the Brescia Chamber of Commerce in the “Quadriportico” in Piazza Vittoria in September 1979. There were 43 exhibitors, all from Brescia taking part. This initial event led to the first edition of EXA held at E.I.B. the following year which attracted 79 exhibitors, 59 of which were from the Brescia district, 19 from other parts of Italy and one from abroad. The public was allowed to attend during the first two days and there were a total of 6,700 visitors, 10% of which were professionals in the trade.

The next year, in 1981, the exhibitor count climbed to 105 and the visitors to 8,500. In 1984, the show grew considerably as the number of visitors doubled to 17,000 while the 62 Brescian companies present were surpassed in number by those from other regions- some 67, seven of which were from abroad. Among the novelties of that year was the first national convention on arms discipline with notable presenters. The 1992 edition was the first to play host to over 30,000 visitors with more than 220 exhibitors. In 2000, the show’s nineteenth edition, it was moved to April, from February.

With the old E.I.B. “ciambellone” (round structure) determined to be too small, EXA was moved to the new exhibition center in 2002 and attracted a record 32,000 visitors (4,000 from the trade) and 585 exhibitors.

Study: Southeast Asian Gun Control Varies

Legal controls on civilian ownership of small arms varies widely in the ten countries comprising Southeast Asia (Brunei, Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam), according to a recently released study Legal Controls on Small Arms and Light Weapons in Southeast Asia, produced by the Small Arms Survey in Geneva, Switzerland.

Licensing laws often contain ambiguities subject to the interpretation and discretion of the licensing agencies. For example, in Myanmar, applicants must be “loyal citizens to the State”. In a similar vein, Malaysian law states that licenses will be granted only where this is no “danger to the public safety or the public interest.” Philippine law determines who may possess a given type and caliber of firearm on the basis of occupation, social standing, and income level.

Indonesia permits private ownership of non-Indonesian military standard arms -specifically anything below .32 caliber- whereas Myanmar’s criteria is .38 caliber or less. Malaysia specifies that only single-shot arms can be licensed. Laos grants licenses for any type of non-military or military standard arm. Thai law prohibits discharge of firearms licensed as antiques. Philippine firearms licenses are valid until the death or legal disability of the licensee.

Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand require additional permits (beyond mere possession) to carry arms. Cambodia only issues pistol licenses to senior civil servants. Singapore only grants licenses for pistols of up to .32 caliber. In Vietnam, only shotguns are allowed for personal use.

Only Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand require a serial number or other unique identifier mark on licensed arms.

Just over half of Southeast Asian countries limit the amount of ammunition a gun owner may have at any one time. Residents of Thailand and the Philippines must have a separate permit to purchase ammunition. Malaysia allows possession of only 100 rounds of ammunition per license. Indonesia allows 50 rounds per pistol and 100 rounds per licensed rifle.

More Gun Control in South Africa

The government of this nation, with one of the world’s highest violent crime rates, has imposed new restrictions on the owners of its 4.5 million registered firearms.

While formerly allowing ten guns, gun owners are now limited to four guns, with just one being designated for use in self-defense. For each they will have to prove a need for ownership and submit to re-registry every two to five years. They must also complete a firearms training course and demonstrate proficiency with each gun owned. Further, police are allowed to enter firearm licensee’s homes to ensure their arms are being stored in a gun safe. Gun owners are now also required to report the loss or theft of a gun and risk facing the filing of a negligence charge against them when doing so.

FBI Evaluating .308 Rifle Systems

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is evaluating .308 bolt-action rifles for possible adoption by the agency. This process began last August 4th.

After recent completion of Phase I evaluation, FNH USA, Inc. was notified its rifle entry was determined to be one of the three highest technically rated proposals and that FNH’s rifle systems will continue on to Phase II of the evaluation process.

FNH’s Rick DeMilt commented, “Most of the other entrants are ‘bambi-boomers’ painted black with a heavy barrel. Our entrant, the FNH SPR rifle, is designated for real world operators.”

The FBI also identified Accuracy International and H-S Precision as the other two firms submitting technically acceptable proposals and their rifles also continued on to Phase II of the evaluation process.

Maryland Approves 9 More Handguns

The Maryland Handgun Roster Board, the state-law mandated body that has the power to approve or deny handgun models before they can go on sale in the state, recently approved nine additional models.

The handguns, which became legal for sale last October 15th, are:

• Smith & Wesson Model 500 in 500 Magnum.
• Smith & Wesson Model SW99 in .45 ACP.
• Rossi Models R851, R972 and R971 in .38 Special/ .357 Magnum.
• EMF Hartford Premier I & II in .45 LC, .32-20, .38/40, .44-40, and .357 Magnum.
• Taurus CIA Model 851 in .38 Special.
• Taurus CIA Model 651 in .357 Magnum.

aryland Letter Writing Campaign

The Maryland Licensed Firearms Dealers Association has instituted a consumer letter writing campaign to certain firearms manufacturers in an attempt to make more handguns available for sale in the state. The group says the following manufacturers’ products are not compliant with the state’s “integrated mechanical safety device law” and asks consumers to contact the manufacturers to ask when their products will comply with the new Maryland law and have locking devices on their guns:

Beretta, USA, Smith & Wesson (semiautomatics only, revolvers comply), SIG Arms, Magnum Research (Desert Eagle), Para Ordnance, Glock, Inc., Kimber, and Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Industry Research Reports Available

Invaluable industry-specific research documents are available from The New Firearms Business, an American trade publication covering the small arms industry. These include:

• Cumulative End-of-Year U.S. Firearms & Ammunition Imports These reports detail the total amount of various firearm types and small arms ammunition imported to the US annually. Country of origin and ports-of-arrival are listed. Years available include: 1993 through 2002. Price: $25 per report. Order all 10 reports (at $250) and get included two extra reports for the years 2001 and 2002 with added firearm and ammo categories.
• ATF Firearms manufacturing & Export Reports (for years) 1975 through 2001. Detailing total production by caliber for individual manufacturers and exportation by type for individual manufacturers. Note: Years 1975 – 1988 are contained in one report. Due to length, there is a $27 fee per year with the exception of the 1975-1988 report which is $27 total. Order any five reports for only $120. Order all 14 reports for just $325.
• ATF’s Commerce in Firearms in the U.S. Offered as a two volume set (years 2000 and 2001/2002 editions) containing nearly 110 pages of industry-specific statistical information. This reference contains export and import figures from 1899-1999, net domestic small arms & handgun sales 1947-1998, firearms manufacturers’ shipments 1899-1998 & more. Both reports just $50.
• Handgun Carry Regs of the 50 States A listing of which US states provide “shall-issue” concealed carry licenses, which states issue “discretionary” permits and those not issuing such permits at all. A useful reference for handgun and related accessory marketers. Just $20.
• California Handgun Marketing Guidelines Over 125-pages of reference material for any firm contemplating marketing firearms in the State of California. Includes: Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale, Roster of Certified Firearm Safety Devices, Gun Models (including long guns) Approved by Type of Safety Device (gun lock models available). Only $60.
• WFSA Workshop on Export, Import, & Brokering of Small Arms and Firearms A reprint of the report issued in the aftermath of the Workshop held in June 2002 in Naples, Italy sponsored by the Manufacturers Advisory Group of the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities. While the meeting’s primary purpose was to garner industry support in preventing illicit firearms trafficking, it contains a good deal of statistical information on the world firearms market, customs, tracing and trade practices, brokering and U.S. law, industry practice recommendations, firearms marking and tracing, and export/import policies. Price: $30.
• ATF & The Imports Community 2003 a reprint of the 188-page set of documents distributed at this important annual industry regulation briefing held in Washington, D.C. in July 2003. If you missed this meeting, this is your chance to obtain the written materials containing statistical & other vital business information. Price: $50.

To order any of these documents, send a check to The New Firearms Business, P.O. Box 98, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 U.S.A. Credit card orders can be phoned in to 1-802-751-8064.

Robert M. Hausman is the publisher of the firearms industry’s two most widely read professional trade publications, the bi-weekly The New Firearms Business which covers the domestic US market and the monthly, The International Firearms Trade which covers the world market. For subscription information to either publication, send an email to FirearmsB@aol.com.

by Chris Choat

DPMS INTRODUCES TWO NEW .308 RIFLE MODELS

Building upon the Panther Long Range 308’s reputation as one of the most accurate.30caliber semiautomatic rifles in the world, DPMS Panther Arms unveils two new models of the LR-308, the LR-308B and the LR-308T. Both models utilize the standard LR-308’s heavy-walled extruded upper receiver and the robust machined aluminum lower. Both receivers are hard coat anodized per mil spec and Teflon coated black. The newest .308 rifles, however, define themselves by their barrel and lower overall weights. The LR-308B, with its shorter and lighter design, measures 37.6 inches long and weighs 9.7 pounds. It features an 18-inch 6-groove chrome-moly bull barrel with a right-hand twist of one turn in 10 inches. The 7.25-inch fluted, aluminum, free-float handguards, along with its compact design, provide a true tactical rifle envelope. These two crucial features, along with the original LR-308’s reputation for accuracy and reliability, make this rifle a rifle that appeals to all applications. Not to be overlooked, the tactical LR-308T appeals particularly to law enforcement personnel as well as hunters. A mere 8.9 pounds, and 37.6 inches in length makes this rifle easier to handle and much more portable. The 7.25-inch fluted, aluminum, free float handguards and a shortened, lightweight, six-groove, 16-inch chrome-moly barrel with a right-hand twist of one turn in 10 inches brings .308 rifle design to a whole new level. DPMS is an industry leader in providing quality AR-style rifles, components and accessories. No other company offers more styles or configurations of AR rifles. DPMS also provides choices for shooters ranging from high-power to small-bore by offering several rifles chambered in .22LR, 5.56x45mm, 7.62×39, .308 Winchester and .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Mag. For more information please contact DPMS, Inc. Dept. SAR, 3312 12th Street S.E., St. Cloud, MN 56304; phone: 1-320-258-4448; fax: 1-320-258-4449.

RUGER 10/22 STOCKS FROM IRONWOOD DESIGNS

Ironwood Designs is a military stock manufacturer based in San Jose, CA. They have recently introduced a line of stocks for the Ruger 10/22 rifle, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The new stocks are bullpup designs and are made from various exotic woods with a machined aluminum chassis. One model is the SG 2000, which is based on the Walther WA 2000 tactical rifle. It is available in either Black Walnut or Black Pakkawood. The latter makes a very striking package when combined with a stainless 10/22. Another interesting model is the 10/22 AUG, which makes the Ruger rifle, look like a Steyr AUG. It also features a forward folding grip and a machined scope mount. The manufacturer tells me that another model that is based on the FN P-90 is also in the works. One great thing about these bullpups is that if you have a finely tuned trigger on your 10/22 that feel is carried over to these new models. That was always the shortcoming of bullpup conversions in the past. Several options are available with different models. They also manufacture AK and FAL reproduction stock sets. For more information on these innovative products please contact Ironwood Designs, Dept. SAR, 872 Ironwood Drive, San Jose, CA 95125; phone: 1-408- 269-7102; Their website address is: www.ironwooddesigns.com.

HECKLER & KOCH WINS TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION PISTOL CONTRACT

Sterling, VA. (October 1, 2003) Heckler & Koch, Inc. has been awarded a contract with three one-year options to supply the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with .40 caliber handguns for the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program. The program is designed to train commercial airline pilots who volunteer to serve as federal law enforcement officers responsible for defending the cockpit against terrorist attacks. The HK USP40 Compact LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) is already in use by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. “The selection of the HK USP40 Compact LEM by the TSA is yet another step in establishing this model as the premier handgun among law enforcement,” said HK Law Enforcement Sales Manager Wayne Weber. “The HK LEM system is taking the US Law Enforcement community by storm, by combining a truly innovative trigger system with outstanding reliability, accuracy, safety, and ease of handling.” Under the terms of the contract, the maximum value of the base period is $480,038, with maximum contract value available up to $3.3 million, if all three, one-year options are exercised. This procurement is part of the TSA’s Federal Flight Deck Officer Program, a component of the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act enacted by Congress in 2002. The program allows pilots of American air carriers to volunteer for special firearms training and become certified federal law enforcement officers. After completing their federal certification, pilots would be authorized to use a handgun to defend their cockpits from hijackers and other attackers. “We are very pleased that the Transportation Security Administration selected the Heckler & Koch USP40 Compact LEM for the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program,” said HK Vice President Peter Simon. “This contract award further validates the company’s recent announcement to build a manufacturing plant in the United States. We particularly appreciate the efforts of Georgia’s congressional delegation; Senator Chambliss’ and Congressman Collins’ tireless efforts played a major role in Heckler & Koch’s decision to locate its plant in Columbus, Georgia.” Heckler & Koch announced in August that it plans to build a manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia, with the TSA handguns among the first products made. A groundbreaking ceremony for this facility is planned for October 14, 2004 on-site. Heckler & Koch, Inc. of Sterling, Virginia is the U.S. affiliate of Heckler & Koch, GmbH of Oberndorf, Germany. Heckler & Koch, a leader in the design and manufacturing of technologically advanced firearms for defense and law enforcement. It is the firm behind some of the most well known firearms of the last fifty years including the G3 rifle, MP5 submachine gun, USP pistol, and newer models such as the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the UMP submachine gun, and the G36 weapon system. For more information please contact Heckler & Koch, Inc., Dept. SAR, 21480 Pacific Boulevard, Sterling, VA 20166; phone: 1-703-450-1900; fax: 1-703-450-8160.

CRIMSON TRACE TEAMS UP WITH SMITH & WESSON

Smith & Wesson has just introduced its popular 642 J-Frame now with Crimson Trace Lasergrips. The compact hammerless, compact revolver, frequently used by law enforcement will feature Crimson Trace’s Lasergrips already installed right from the factory. This rubber wrap-around grip features an integrated laser aiming system and sports the legendary Smith & Wesson medallion. “The Crimson Trace laser is a serious tool, proven to increase hit ratios during real police shootings where speed and accuracy determine life and death,” said Adam Wollander, vice president of marketing for Crimson Trace. “And if a J-frame is carried for personal defense or backup, every shot is critical.” “The laser equipped J-frame extends Smith & Wesson’s tradition of bringing technological innovation to the firearms marketplace,” said Roy Cuny, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson Corp. “Crimson Trace Lasergrips add precision aiming capability to our compact revolver without adding weight or bulk.” Lasergrips enhance the shooter’s performance with any handgun, but none more than the J-frame. With low-light and movement, the rule in real-life armed encounters, missed shots are all too frequent. Missed shots mean increased potential for collateral damage claims and, most importantly, failure to stop the threat. The Smith & Wesson J-frame is capable of extraordinary accuracy that can be used to its full potential by the application of Crimson Trace Lasergrips. This new Smith & Wesson — Crimson Trace package offers a great self-defense combo and a terrific value of $696. The production of these special pistols is limited and will be available through licensed firearms retailers by mid-December. Lasergrips with the S&W medallion will be available only on this revolver. Customers are encouraged to visit their local federally licensed firearms retailer as previous innovations from Smith & Wesson sold out quickly. Lasergrips are recommended as an essential accessory by some of the world’s top firearms trainers. Crimson Trace’s laser-aiming devices are used around the world by law enforcement agencies and military, as well as, responsible armed citizens. For more information or to find a stocking dealer near you, contact S&W’s customer service line at 1-800-442-2406 or you can visit them at www.crimsontrace.com. To find the location of the nearest Smith & Wesson stocking dealer call 1-800-331-0852 or visit www.smith-wesson.com. For information on Lasergrips for other firearms please contact Crimson Trace, Dept. SAR, 8089 Southwest Cirrus Drive, Beaverton, OR 97008; fax: (503)627-0166.

by Jeff W. Zimba

This latest project from MGI is a drop-in unit requiring no tools or additional modification to the firearm; it simply replaces the factory buffer. It is used in conjunction with the factory buffer spring and is not a hydraulic unit, but a mechanical device. As the factory recoil spring is utilized, there is no loss of reliability as a consequence of a weakened charging mechanism use to retard the rate of fire.

The buffer is self-adjusting and will reduce cyclic rate to the lowest possible rate within the parameters of acceptable reliability. The faster your M16 is to begin with, the greater the reduction in rate of fire. This system works both in carbines and in full-length rifles. If the buffer is of the shorter, carbine length, a spacer is included with it for use in a standard A1 or A2 stock.

All testing was performed with the assistance of a PACT MKIV Timer. The PACT MKIV Timer is a small computer you can clip on your belt that will count the number of rounds fired and records the overall time to provide the cyclic rate. It will also record the amount of time between each round. It can be used for competitive shooting when running through a timed course and provide a random buzzer as well. The suggested retail price is under $200.

The first test platform used was an M16 with a collapsible stock and an 11.5-inch barrel. Using standard military 5.56x45mm M193 ball ammo, the average cyclic rate with the factory buffer was 1,029 rpm. When the MGI buffer was installed the cyclic rate dropped to an average of 760 rpm. That is a reduction of 269 rpm. The largest extreme spread was a drop from 1,056 rpm to 745 rpm. That was a cold gun and the reduction was 302 rpm. Using the same gun but running Wolf 55-grain ammunition we averaged 957 rpm with the factory buffer and only 711 rpm with the MGI buffer. That was an average reduction of 246 rpm.

Next, upper receivers were swapped to utilize a 20-inch barrel. The M193 ball averaged 771 rpm with the factory buffer and dropped to 638 rpm with the MGI buffer. The average reduction in cyclic rate in this configuration is 133 rpm. The Wolf ammo averaged 707 rpm with the factory buffer and dropped to 597 rpm with the MGI buffer for an average reduction of 110 rpm.

The third set of tests performed was with a 16-inch barrel chambered in 7.62x39mm. Standard Chicom, steel-cased, Berdan-primed ball ammo was utilized. The original rate of fire with a factory 5.56x45mm buffer averaged 872 rpm. Switching to the MGI buffer dropped the cyclic rate to an average of 685 rpm. That was a decrease in the cyclic rate of 187 rpm. While the reduction was not as great as some of the results with 5.56x45mm ammunition something else started to become very obvious. The perceived recoil was lowered significantly and the muzzle jump was only a fraction of the rise encountered with the original buffer. While this was apparent throughout all the testing, it was more pronounced with the heavier bullet and increased recoil of the 7.62x39mm cartridge.

In order to actually get a close look at what was happening to the muzzle rise, a Nikon CP5000 camera was set up in the movie mode on a tripod. Several strings were fired with the factory buffers as well as the MGI buffer. When we got back to the studio and uploaded the videos, we played them simultaneously and the results were quite revealing. When the factory buffers were being utilized there was a moderate amount of muzzle rise. I have been shooting M16s for many years and I can hold them fairly steady during full-auto bursts. When we viewed the footage of the MGI-buffer-equipped weapons the results were startling. I took a few of these videos, strung them together and uploaded them onto the MGI website. In each video, there is a 20-round burst with a factory buffer followed by a 20-round burst with an MGI buffer. If you put your mouse pointer on the muzzle of the rifle while the video is playing, you can see that while using the standard buffer there is some movement. When the clip with the MGI buffer plays you will notice almost no movement at all. It is especially apparent when using the 20-inch barrel, as the cyclic rate is much slower than the 11.5-inch barrel. If you would like to see these for yourself follow the products link to the MGI Buffer System from the main page at www.mgimilitary.com.

The MGI buffer was tested next with a 9x19mm SMG upper receiver. An 11.5-inch, barreled upper receiver and a Colt-style magazine block were purchased from J&T Distributing. A J&T 9x19mm upper receiver was chosen because it is similar to the original Colt design and uses the standard Colt 9mm magazines. It also permits use of the factory magazine/catch release. While the system runs fine with modified Uzi magazines the testing was performed with original Colt 20-round magazines due to their reputation for reliability. The first string of testing was with the original 5.56x45mm buffer. The average rate of fire was 830 rpm. When the heavy 9mm buffer from J&T was installed, the cyclic rate dropped to 663 rpm. This buffer was replaced by the MGI buffer and the cyclic rate dropped to an average of 622 rpm. All of these 9x19mm tests were duplicated while using a Gemtech 9mm 3-lug adapter and an AWC Minitac suppressor to test the effects the suppressor would have on the cyclic rate, but the results were inconclusive. While the gun functioned well with all three buffers, the sound pressure level was lowered to the extent that the PACT Timer could no longer register every round being fired, yielding false results. Some times it would even count “extra” rounds from the SNAP of the bullet hitting the impact area.

As the 11.5-inch-barreled, 5.56x45mm system had the fastest cyclic rate, as well as the greatest level of reduction in the rate of fire, it was chosen for use during the accuracy testing in fully-auto fire. This was obviously the least controllable platform. All testing thus far has been conducted at 25 yards while shooting a full 20-round magazine in one burst. While not practical in a tactical environment, we felt would provide the greatest test of the actual recoil reduction. Our expectations were confirmed and the hit probability was increased by at least 50% after removing the factory buffer and installing the MGI buffer.

Because of range limitations, we did not test fire in vertical directions. In combat there are sometimes requirements for firing up (Snipers in trees or buildings), or firing down (From helicopter or building). There might be changes in the rate of fire or reliability in those scenarios.

Conclusions

Test firing was conducted in temperatures ranging from over 90ºF to as cold as -5ºF below zero. Functioning was not affected with any buffer used and the reliability remained the same. In every test performed, the cyclic rate was consistently reduced and the recoil spike was cut drastically when the MGI buffer was utilized. Muzzle rise was almost completely eliminated in some of the rifles with longer barrels and was cut significantly in all configurations. In both long and short bursts the hit probability was increased due to the additional controllability. In full-auto, smaller bursts could be fired solely by using a disciplined trigger control with the MGI buffer installed as a result of the significantly reduced cyclic rates. I can recommend the MGI Rate Reducing Buffer without reservations of any kind.

Sources

Rate Reducing M16 Buffer
MGI
Dept. SAR
P.O. Box 61
Levant, ME 04456
(207)884-8226
www.mgimilitary.com

Wolf 5.56 Ammunition
WOLF Ammunition
Dept. SAR
2201 E. Winston
Suite K
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714)635-4246
www.wolfammo.com

9mm 3-Lug Barrel Adapter
Gemtech
Dept. SAR
P.O. Box 140618
Boise, ID 83714
(208)939-7222
www.gem-tech.com

Minitac Suppressor
AWC Systems Technology
Dept. SAR
P.O. Box 41938
Phoenix, AZ 85080
(623)780-1050
www.awcsystech.com

MKIV Pact Timer
PACT
Dept. SAR
P.O. Box 535025
Grand Prairie, TX 75053
(800)722-8462
www.pact.com

9mm M16 Upper Receivers
J&T Distributing
Dept. SAR
Box 430
Winchester, KY 40391
(859)745-1757
www.jtdistributing.com

by J David Truby

As the Beretta 92 replaced the venerable old Colt M1911A1 as the US military’s sidearm in 1985, few remember that it had been less than 15 years earlier that Colt built its better mouse trap, the handgun that almost succeeded its aging ancestor: the little-known Colt SCAMP, almost 40 years old now and barely known except to small arms cognoscenti.

Faced with the hoary age of the 1911A1 and its inevitable retirement by the military, Colt designers came up with a new concept in 1969. They decided not to merely replace the veteran pistol; they chose to improve the capability of an already good basic design. Colt design engineer Henry A. Into called his 1971 prototype the “SCAMP,” for Small Caliber Machine Pistol.

“We looked at all the mini-submachine guns already out there, e.g., Skorpion, Mini Uzi, plus the small Walther and Beretta designs, and, in addition our engineers tinkered with various pistols they converted to full-auto with large capacity magazines, like the Browning Hi Power. Then, we did several in-house designs, finally settling on the SCAMP as the one that met all the required criteria of lightweight, compact, easily hand-acquired, accurate and capable of putting out a high rate of effective suppressive fire,” said Ronald Stilwell, former president of Colt.

According to Henry. A. Into, former manager of handgun engineering for Colt, who actually designed it, the SCAMP was “more than just a handgun for individual military personnel. It was a solid, lightweight and accurate machine pistol…truly a versatile and useful offensive handgun, just a bit bigger than our 1911A1.

“Although we developed the SCAMP officially as a proprietary handgun for the military’s personal defense weapons program, what we turned out was a lot more. We gave the individual operator a whole lot of handheld firepower.”

Only slightly larger and heavier than the .45ACP 1911A1 pistol it was to replace, the SCAMP was built around a Colt-developed, high-velocity, centerfire .22 round. It was also far better balanced than the old Colt, according to Into.

“The SCAMP was a gas-operated, locked-breech weapon with select-fire capability, including three-shot burst,” he added.

One of the major problems faced by any automatic weapon is the climb factor which draws the weapon off target. Light, miniature full autos like the SCAMP magnify this tendency. Eliminating that problem was a major accomplishment of the Colt engineering team, that sought minimal group dispersion in burst mode, according to Into, who also wrote Colt’s official proposal for the weapon to the military in 1971.

“Rather than build-in additional bulk and weight to control climb and recoil, we decided to create a compact compensator and a burst control mode, both of which would add to the inherent accuracy of the weapon by defeating the inaccuracies usually found in the smaller automatic weapons. The concept worked well,” he added.

Into added, “We used the burst control method because it is far easier for operators to keep their weapon under control that way, which also increases the potential for better aimed shots and a higher hit-per-shot ratio. This is especially true under stress situations, which is when this weapon would be used.”

The Colt prototype was 11.6 inches long, 1.4 inches wide and 6.8 inches in height. It weighed 3.25 pounds with a magazine capacity of 27 rounds. In a futuristic design, ahead of the times, the receiver housing was glass-reinforced, high impact plastic and contained the moving parts, all of which were made of stainless steel. The cylic-firing rate varied between 1,200 and 1,500 rpm

Another factor in the control and accuracy problem was that the cartridge originally suggested for the SCAMP was the .223 round, far too hot for an ordinary handgun, much less a machine pistol.

The SCAMP’s .22-centerfire cartridge fired a 40-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,100 fps. Colt officials developed the round specifically for the new weapon. The world standard and popular 9mm round was rejected because of its relatively heavy recoil signature. The designers also rejected the rimfire .22 long rifle because of its inadequate ballistics.

Into’s later research rejected the .22 Winchester Magnum and the 5mm Remington cartridges. The .22 Hornet cartridge was studied for modification, as well. However, the Remington .221 Fireball cartridge was used as the starting point for the new Colt cartridge. In their benchmark book on submachine guns , Nelson and Musgrave explain the design capability of the new Colt cartridge, writing, “Should a substantially different type of ammunition than ball be desired, the general design is capable of further modification…a multiple flechette round, for example.”

Testing showed that the new round shot flat and accurate out to about 125 meters, far superior to most military pistols, plus it had the full-auto and burst control capability of the SCAMP pushing it. By the way, this .22-centerfire Colt round developed for the SCAMP was later redesigned as a rimmed cartridge for revolvers, to be used primarily by security forces. This effort met with about the same level of contractual success as the original SCAMP design.

The SCAMP’s grip design was fashioned after the thumb-rest grips of target pistols and the bore was located low to the firer’s hand with the firing mechanism above the bore to lower the center of gravity and improve balance.

The sights were open partridge, adjustable for windage on the front, plus rear sights with ear protectors and windage adjustment. According to Into, “We also designed a quick-point aiming rib into the housing design for combat shooting, plus the weapon was balanced for natural pointing characteristic along the shooter’s forearm.”

Fieldstripping was simple and required no tools. A major part of Into’s design requirement was “for simple maintenance and a high degree of insensitivity to environmental harshness,” he explained.

The SCAMP was designed for performance under poor environmental conditions and with ease in maintenance. Into noted, “Face it, we do not fight wars in hospitable locales and you want a survival weapon that’s going to work each time and every time, no matter the field conditions.”

Thus, all metal parts were built of stainless steel, while the housing was fabricated from fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The front sight was anodized aluminum. Field stripping was designed to be easy and is component based so as not to lose small parts in the field. Colt also proposed several ways of storing and carrying the weapon; including two new holster designs and a Velcro-based hook and loop fastener for wear on the uniform. This design was offered for aircrew use.

Although only one prototype SCAMP was built, it was tested both by Colt and military officials. According to Into, “We were highly pleased with the operation and performance of the weapon…it was all we had hoped it would be.”

The Army said it had evaluated the weapon only on an unofficial basis and one ordnance NCO with whom I spoke said he shot it at the factory. Retired M/Sgt Fred White had been at the Army’s Rock Island Arsenal facility after two tours in Vietnam and was at Colt to do some work on what eventually became the M16A2.

“They asked me to try this experimental pistol back in 1974, said it was one of a kind,” M/Sgt White explained. “I recognized it was bigger than the old Colt auto, but the old one didn’t have three-round burst or the flat accuracy this gun had. I liked it a lot. Show me any other solid, working machine pistol that was smaller than 12 inches and weighed 3 pounds. That one was it, too bad it didn’t cut the grade.”

Of course, part of the original design thought for the SCAMP was as a survival gun for the Air Force.

According to Robert Ormann, who was with the USAF developmental command at the time, one of the Air Commando people had seen the SCAMP at the Colt plant and tried to interest his service in a modified version of it. Ormann says, “We were looking for a personal defense weapon that was fast, accurate and small enough to stow in the tight confines of our aircraft. We looked at the Colt design, but, only unofficially; there were no trials or other tests that I know of.

“As I recall, it looked somewhat like that later Steyr TMP with that grip magazine and the low-mount compensated barrel. The one we had had an 18-round magazine and fired a bottlenecked .22-centerfire cartridge. It was a fairly high velocity round, compared to the .38, 9mm and .45 pistols our people had in those days.”

He says the SCAMP shown to the air force personnel was in competition with the design known as the Davis Gun, after Dale M. Davis of the USAF Armament Laboratory at Eglin AFB. The Davis Gun, which rested along the firer’s arm, rather than a traditional stock, later evolved into the Bushmaster design, which was subsequently developed into a series of military and civilian firearms. Ironically, too, Colt’s designers developed their own version of an arm gun known as the Lightweight Rifle/Submachine Gun, known as the IMP because it used the .221 IMP cartridge.

Unhappily, though, for Colt, M/Sgt White, and the USAF, the official military line was that the SCAMP was not the answer to that better “man trap” handgun they had been trying to build since 1911. Thus, the SCAMP project did not evolve beyond the original prototype, so that no cost estimates were even generated.

Happily for ordnance historians, though, veteran Colt engineer, Ed Zalewa kept track of that SCAMP prototype, insuring its safekeeping in the company’s archive vault. He told me, “the firearms industry is not real good about retaining historical records and valuable prototypes. We are in our department, and that is why you can see this one-of-its-kind SCAMP today.”

SMALL ARMS REVIEW magazine is proud to present LAND WARRIOR, the first of a three-part series on the evolution of the American infantry soldier in the 21st Century.

Sergeant Petree’s comments were not made lightly. He and some fellow paratroopers of the Army’s tough and highly trained “All American Division” were taking part in more field-testing of the LAND WARRIOR concept. Rigged up in high-tech gear including body armor fitted with a small computer, helmet with two-way radio and tiny monitor, plus night vision equipment linked to his M4 carbine, the sergeant and his squad were apparently impressed by how much better they were able to move, communicate and shoot in a series of typical infantry missions.

LAND WARRIOR is the first of three phases in programs underway in the US military to make damn sure the American fighting man will be able to dominate any potential enemy soldier for the next twenty years. LW will be followed by OBJECTIVE FORCE WARRIOR in 2010 and then FUTURE WARRIOR in 2020. Each step will take advantage of existing and emerging technologies to continually upgrade his lethality, survivability and multi-mission effectiveness against any threat, day and night, on any terrain and in all weather conditions.

This is already a formidable task at a time when even the smallest and poorest nations have easy access to chemical, biological and laser weapons, cheap and plentiful night vision equipment, as well as increasingly lethal conventional arms and munitions. We are up against adversaries with no regard for human life – theirs or others – who don’t hesitate to mount suicide attacks and who cynically use innocent civilians as shields. America’s infantrymen are fighting in this world right now with no end in sight and in full view of television news organizations that seek to sensationalize every misstep.

The United States has a clear technological edge built into our ships, aircraft and fighting vehicles that enables an astonishing degree of coordination and precision in target engagement. The Digital Battlefield is a reality today with networked tactical computers; secure multi-channel communication, exact navigation with Global Positioning satellites, sensor systems unlimited by darkness, clouds or smoke, and “smart” munitions that need no human guidance.

But these advantages are not fully available to the Grunt on the ground; the foot soldier who must operate with only what he can carry. Sure, there are “manportable” versions of all this whiz-bang hardware but no way in hell can one GI hump it all. Until now….

The Five-Fingered Fist

The LAND WARRIOR (LW) system is five major components that work together to make one super soldier. Since personally putting holes in bad guys is perhaps the most elemental infantry task, let’s start with a look at the weapon subsystem.

Right now the main “lethality component” is a 5.56x45mm M4 Modular Weapon System, a chopped M16 with wrap-around mounting rails. These allow an almost endless variety of accessories to be clamped on including an underslung 40mm M203 grenade launcher. So far this is pretty conventional as all this stuff has been around for thirty years since the Vietnam War.

But then you start adding some electronics and things get really interesting. A Multifunction Laser combines functions from six separate devices to provide range and direction finding, aiming light, IR illuminator, bore scope, combat interrogator, and MILES trainer. Then, a Thermal Sight and a Day Video Sight provide 24-hour, all-weather target identification and engagement, cleverly feeding into LW’s helmet display monitor.

This last is the often-misunderstood “shoot-around-corners” capability. No, the rifle doesn’t fire curveball ammunition; the soldier can stay behind cover while lifting the weapon overhead or around a corner for a look-see through the helmet sight. If the enemy is close enough and standing still, it is theoretically possible to whack him one-handed.

Now, for many reasons the M4 is not an ideal weapon and recent experience in Afghanistan has intensified criticism. LW’s lethality will be significantly upgraded in the next few years with fielding of the OICW – Objective Individual Combat Weapon – a combination assault carbine and semiautomatic grenade launcher firing “smart” 20mm airburst projectiles. We’ll look much closer at this exciting weapon in next month’s feature.

But maybe soldiers won’t have to wait that long to get a better carbine. Uncle Sam has just given ATK, the OICW’s lead contractor, about $5 million to detach that weapon’s “kinetic energy” component for use as LW’s baseline weapon. This should be no sweat because it’s a modified 5.56x45mm HK G36, one of the best assault rifles of recent times with an increasingly favorable combat reputation.

Triple Threat

The next three subsystems – helmet, computer and software – are so closely integrated that we’ll examine them together. The computer is modularized for efficient placement on the soldier’s body and hardened against the rigors of combat. It rolls up several functions including navigation plus secure voice and digital radio communication. It works with the weapon-mounted laser to automate indirect fire support requests. A small hand-held flat panel display provides better resolution for digital maps.

Its current software provides a common tactical picture including location of friendly and enemy forces, video image capture and transmission, graphics, and system status reports such as battery reserve. Capabilities can be changed, upgraded, or added with ease as technology evolves.

The Integrated Helmet is the third leg of this tripod, bringing information from the weapon and computer right to LW’s eyes and ears. Familiar lines of the current PASGT Kevlar helmet are maintained, but cut a bit shorter in the neck area so it won’t wedge against the high collar of the new body armor. Hard points are built in to allow sturdy attachment of the color display mini-monitor, radio mike and headphones, and a PVS-14 night vision monocular.

Body Armor

Point Blank’s excellent INTERCEPTOR body armor is the basis for LW’s enhanced ballistic protection. The basic outer vest weighs a relatively modest 8.5 pounds and will stop 7.62x51mm ball rounds with the addition of “chicken plates” front and back, weighing 4 pounds each. Sturdy nylon straps are sewn all over for customized attachment of computer-related modules and all sorts of gear from magazine pouches to water bladders.

The new MOLLE rucksack works well with all this and removable compartments are used to tailor it to situation and mission. Quick-release shoulder straps let LW drop it instantly if needed.

Current chemical warfare protective masks and suits are said to be compatible. However, anybody who has had to stay inside this stuff for a couple of hours knows that it’s bad enough by itself – let alone when worn with all that other LW gear.

Coming Soon

RDT&E (Research, Development, Testing and Engineering) is effectively completed and the Army is scheduled to begin fielding the first of some 34,000 LW systems in fiscal year 2005. Insiders say that it is likely this will be accelerated in view of the situation in Iraq. Meanwhile, defense giant General Dynamics has recently gotten almost $60 million to enhance LW’s capabilities as a key component of the highly digitized and integrated Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

LAND WARRIOR on the Web: www.tradoc.army.mil/pao/landwarrior.htm Next Month Improvements to LAND WARRIOR and exciting new technological advances will lead to the Army’s next program, OBJECTIVE FORCE WARRIOR. Read about how scientists expect to solve problems with fighting in extreme heat and cold, chemical warfare, protection against directed energy weapons, and how to increase the lethality of hand-held weapons.

by Robert Segel

HISTORY

The Japanese recognized the value of automatic weapons and their tactical use almost from their inception in the late 1890s. From 1900 through 1945, they constantly sought examples of machine guns from manufacturers worldwide for testing and evaluation, resulting in Japan successfully manufacturing heavy and light machine guns based upon the designs of Hotchkiss, Brno, Lewis, and even Browning. It is surprising then that their recognition, evaluation, development, manufacture and use of submachine guns had such a low priority until the mid 1930s.

From the 1920s through 1930s Japan imported two types of submachine guns for limited special naval marine service units use. They were primarily the Bergmann SIG M1920, imported from Switzerland (a licensed copy of the MP18/I), and secondarily the MP34/I imported from Germany. Both of these guns were chambered for the 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge. The Bergmann guns (as they were collectively known) employed a removable barrel jacket collar of Japanese manufacture – added after importation – that acted as a bayonet attachment point. These heavy, wood-stocked, yet well made and reliable submachine guns proved useful in the Sino-Japanese War. In particular, their effective use during the attack on Shanghai caught the attention of Japanese commanders. This success resulted in the Imperial Japanese Army finally requesting development of its own submachine gun in the late 1930s.

DEVELOPMENT

In their initial development, there were two basic models, roughly continuing the blowback operating principles of the Bergmann. The first was simply referred to as the Model I. This was in 8mm Nambu, with a 50-round box magazine. The second was referred to as Model II and was built around a new 6.5mm cartridge and utilized a 30-round box magazine. Tests were conducted in 1936 and 1937 on the Model I. It was found to be generally satisfactory but modifications were recommended. Tests in June of 1937 on the Model II were canceled due to severe functioning problems using the new 6.5mm cartridge. As a result of the initial tests on the Model I, in April of 1937 an improved Model I was provided to the Cavalry School for testing. Once again, recommendations came back requesting changes and modifications in construction, operation and reliability. As a result of this test and other ordnance priorities, further development was shelved. It wasn’t until April, 1939 that the Nambu factory then produced a Model III submachine gun still based upon the original design of the Model I. Tests were conducted on the Model III and further modifications were recommended resulting in the Model III-B. A few minor changes were requested resulting in the Model III-C which was finally accepted and adopted in 1940 for standard service as the Type 100 (1940) submachine gun.

DESCRIPTION: TYPE 100 (1940)

The Type 100 submachine gun was ultimately produced in three variants. The first two were the Type 100 (1940) with slight variations for infantry and paratroop use and the third was the Type 100 (1944). The Type 100 (1940) was well made, but generally unremarkable although they did have several unique design features. Both of the 1940 versions of the Type 100 were identical except the paratrooper model had a hinged folding stock immediately behind the receiver that allowed the wooden stock to be folded 180 degrees forward along the right side of the gun. This provided a more compact envelope during paratroop drops but also was a source of weakness in the overall strength of the weapon. Both guns were chambered for the bottle-necked and underpowered 8mm Nambu pistol cartridge. The barrel was chrome lined to help retard wear and corrosion. There was a cylinder below the barrel jacket that served as an attachment point for the Model 30 (1897) bayonet. The magazine was a 30-round staggered-column stamped sheet metal box-type, curved to accommodate the bottlenecked 8mm Nambu round. When inserted into the magazine-well, located on the left side of the weapon, the curve faced forward. This forward-curving magazine proved to be a great liability, particularly in jungle environments, where it caught on branches and vines, often causing accidental discharge that resulted in friendly fire casualties. The rate of fire was a manageable 450 rpm and was full automatic only. A light metal bipod was available, but was not widely deployed. The firing pin was fixed, but instead of being milled into the breechface, it screwed in, making replacement easier and more cost-effective. Additionally, a moveable L-shaped bar was incorporated into the breechface to cover the firing pin during the feeding cycle to inhibit premature ignition. The bar then cammed upward and out of the way as the cartridge entered the chamber. Sights consisted of a blade-type front sight and tangent-type rear sight with an adjustable aperture from 100 to 1,500 meters. The one-piece, wood-stocked infantry version of the Type 100 (1940) was produced at the Kokura Arsenal and the folding two-piece wood-stocked paratroop version was produced at Nagoya. Though approved for use in 1940, these two versions of the Type 100 (1940) didn’t start coming off the production line until late in 1942. It is estimated that the Kokura Arsenal only produced approximately 7,000 of the infantry version and Nagoya only produced approximately 3,000 of the paratroop version. Issued to special marine landing forces and paratroopers, the Type 100 (1940) saw combat service in Palembang, Sumatra; Leyte, Philippines and Okinawa.

DESCRIPTION: TYPE 100 (1944)

By 1944, Japanese commanders in all areas of operations were demanding submachine guns and in mid 1944 the Atsuta Arsenal in Nagoya started producing the third and final variant of the Type 100. It was recognized that further modifications and simpler production methods were needed to attempt to mass produce the Type 100 to meet the increased demand. The Type 100 (1944) version used the same action and is constructed in a similar manner as the Type 100 (1940), but numerous manufacturing shortcuts were employed to simplify production. The operating spring was strengthened and elongated, resulting in an increased rate of fire of 800 rpm, almost doubling that of the earlier 1940 version. As the 8mm Nambu cartridge was acknowledged to be of low power, it was thought that increasing the cyclic rate would, in turn, increase the hit probability with an accompanying synergistic effect. The bayonet cylinder was removed and a simple single bayonet lug was attached to the barrel jacket to accommodate a shorter style bayonet. A compensator was permanently affixed at the end of the barrel jacket extension. The compensator had two holes, the one on the right being over twice as large as the one on the top left. This was designed to compensate for the gun’s tendency to move up and to the right as a consequence of the increased rate of fire. The rear sight was simplified to a single fixed aperture realistically set for 100 meters. A wooden butt plate was utilized and simply nailed on. The replaceable firing pin that screws on to the face of the bolt was retained but the L-shaped masking bar was eliminated. Additionally, spot welding was used to a great extent, in emulation of the British Sten Mk II and the US M3 submachine guns. This method of construction can be readily seen on the front sight, bayonet lug, magazine housing, barrel lock, operating spring guide and trigger guard. Markings were simplified to “100 SHIKI” (read right to left “Type 100”) and located at the top of the rear of the receiver tube, with the serial number and Nagoya arsenal stamp on the left rear end of the receiver tube. It is estimated that with only approximately one full year of production from mid 1944 to mid 1945, only 7,000 to 8,000 of the improved type 100 (1944) were produced, as Japan was suffering from severe materiel shortages and the factories were under constant B-29 bombing attacks. Sources indicate that the Type 100 (1944) was never distributed to active combat troops in the final year of the war but held in reserve for the expected Battle of Japan. There are, however, examples of the Type 100 (1944) in the United States, that were registered in the 1968 Amnesty by veterans of the island fighting, who mentioned these as captured in combat.

CONCLUSION

In all, less than 30,000 Type 100 submachine guns were built of all variants and was the only submachine gun actually manufactured in Japan. This is a relatively small number compared to the millions of submachine guns produced by the United States (M1928 and M3), England (Sten), Russia (PPSh-41) and Germany (MP40) in a war during which the pistol-caliber submachine gun reached its zenith. Why Japan was so slow to recognize the value of such a weapon remains a mystery. Had they adequately armed themselves with weapons of this type, the result of certain closely attested battles with the Allies could well have turned out differently. The Type 100 is relatively rare in the US collectors market, although a small number were brought home by G.I.s as war trophies. It is interesting to note that while G.I.s were allowed to bring back a submachine gun war trophy they were generally not allowed to bring back magazines. Thus, an original Type 100 submachine gun magazine is far rarer than the gun itself.