A review of the activities of the industry’s regulator, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) is provided in the agency’s recently released 2005 annual report.

During fiscal year (FY) 2005, ATF processed 10,758 permanent and 6,464 temporary applications for the importation of firearms, ammunition, and implements of war.

During FY 2005, ATF industry operations investigators conducted 11,011 firearms compliance and application inspections. ATF conducted 3,083 inspections employing a streamlined inspection program designed to identify and examine FFLs that pose the most significant threat of being used by traffickers, as well as those FFLs that are “in violation of the law and responsible for the criminal diversion of firearms,” ATF says.

These inspections resulted in 1,110 law enforcement referrals; 493 prohibited sales violations (including sales to underage persons or prohibited categories of persons); 3,601 NICS violations; 1,663 unreported multiple sales violations; and 11,086 inventory discrepancies. Inspections resulted in over 700 firearms licensees having violations meriting serious administrative action. Referrals were also made to ATF law enforcement for criminal investigation.

ATF says its inspection efforts are resulting in FFLs coming into compliance with the law. Once ATF conducts a warning conference with a licensee relating to violations of the law or regulations, ATF performs a recall inspection the following year to ensure that the licensee is complying with federal laws and specific record keeping regulations.

In FY 2005, ATF conducted 558 recall inspections. A comparison of the previous inspection results with the recall inspection results showed a 90% reduction in inventory discrepancies, an 86% decrease in prohibited sales, and a 77% reduction in other types of violations.

During ATF’s firearms inspections, the Bureau found that 2,990 of the 3,083 federal firearms licensees had 12,274 missing or stolen firearms.

During FY 2005, ATF conducted over 260,000 firearms trace requests. Firearms tracing is the systematic tracking of the movement of a firearm recovered by law enforcement personnel from its first sale by the manufacturer or importer through the distribution chain to the first retail purchaser.

NFA Data

ATF processes all applications to manufacture, transfer and register NFA firearms. The registration information is captured in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

As of November 30, 2005, there were 1,762,948 firearms registered with the NFA branch. From January 1, 2005, through November 30, 2005, the branch processed 150,913 applications to make, register, or transfer NFA arms.

On the criminal side of its operations, ATF referred 3,253 defendants for prosecutions in firearms trafficking investigations, a 10% increase over FY 2004. There were 1,448 convictions of firearms traffickers in ATF cases in 2005, an increase of 14% over the previous fiscal year. ATF’s efforts resulted in the initiation of 28,526 total firearms investigations and 8,353 defendants were convicted for firearms-related offenses in FY 2005.

Forty-nine percent of the defendants convicted in 2005 were prohibited persons in possession of firearms. ATF had a 170% increase in the number of defendants referred for prosecution as prohibited persons from FY 2000 to FY 2005. Four percent of the firearms defendants convicted in 2005 were armed career criminals. Over the same 5 years, ATF also saw a 209% increase in the number of defendants referred for prosecution under 18 U.S.C. Section 924(e), the armed career criminal statute, which mandates a minimum mandatory 15-year sentence.

Meanwhile, reported firearm violent crime has decreased during the years 2000 through 2004. In 2000, there were 533,470 reported incidents, in 2001 524,030, in 2002 364,090, in 2003 366,840 and in 2004 280,890.

Homicides with firearms saw an increase during the years 2000 through 2003, before declining in 2004. In 2000, there were 8,661 homicides with firearms, in 2001 8,890, in 2002 9,528, in 2003 9,659, and in 2004 9,326.

ATF has also referred an increasing amount of previously convicted felons found in possession of firearms and armed career criminals for prosecution. In 2000, ATF referred 3,474 such persons for prosecution and 2,212 defendants were convicted. In 2001, 4,383 were referred for prosecution and 2,846 were convicted. In 2002, 5,456 were referred and 3,248 were convicted. In 2003, 8,034 were referred and 3,346 were convicted. In 2004, there were 8,944 referrals and 3,827 convictions. In 2005, there were 9,388 referrals and 4,076 convictions. Note: convictions may occur in a different year than referral.

In the year 2000, 252 referrals for prosecution were made of armed career criminals and 144 were convicted. In 2001, there were 321 referrals and 197 convictions. In 2002, there were 426 referrals and 255 convictions. In 2003, there were 638 referrals and 263 convictions. In 2004, there were 630 referrals and 276 convictions. In 2005, there were 779 referrals and 309 convictions. Over the past year, an average of ten defendants per field agent were referred for prosecution.

ATF Funding

For FY 2005, the U.S. Congress appropriated $882.5 million for ATF’s operations and an additional $53.5 million was made available from other sources. ATF incurred obligations of $923.9 million during the fiscal year.

The vast majority of ATF’s funds in FY 2005 were used for firearms enforcement; $591 million, representing 64% of its budget. Explosive enforcement consumed $119 million or 13% of the total. Firearms industry operations comprised 9% or $81 million of the funds. Arson work cost $64 million or 7% of the budget. Explosive industry operations ate up $48 million or 5% of the total and alcohol and tobacco absorbed $21 million or 2%.

As of Sept. 30, 2005, ATF had 4,921 employees. Of these, 2,441 are special agents who carry out investigative and law enforcement functions. Another 771 are industry operations investigators. The remaining 1,709 are administrative, professional and technical employees.

New ATF E-Mail Service for FFL Holders

ATF is offering Federal Firearms Licensees a new option to receive ATF information, such as open letters and notices by e-mail. This service will not replace traditional ATF postal mailings. Those licensees interested should e-mail their request to: FFLnewsletter@atf.gov. Include your name, business name, FFL number, and e-mail address. Only the licensee or a responsible person can request and receive information using the new e-mail service.

Proposed Bills Would Reform ATF

In the aftermath of the recent congressional hearings on ATF gun show practices in the Richmond, Virginia area, legislation has been proposed to change ATF procedures.

H. R. 5005, the “Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act,” by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) would (among other changes):

• Permanently ban taxes or “user fees” on background checks by the federal instant check system – fees that Congress has prohibited in appropriations amendments every year since 1998.
• Permanently ban electronic registries of dealers’ records – a threat to gun owners’ privacy that Congress has also banned through appropriations riders for a decade.
• Limit disclosure of firearms trace records – which Congress has already limited through a series of appropriations riders over the past few years, out of concern for gun owners’ privacy and the confidentiality of law enforcement records.
• Eliminate a provision of federal law that requires juveniles to have written permission to use a handgun for purposes such as competitive shooting or safety training – even when the parent or guardian is present.
• Allow possession and transfer of machine guns by firearm and ammunition manufacturers for use in research and development (for instance, to ensure that ammunition works reliably), and by federal contractors who provide national security services.

Another bill, H.R. 5092, totally revises the system of penalties for licensed dealers, manufacturers and importers of firearms. Under today’s system, ATF can only give an FFL holder a warning, or totally revoke the license. This bill would allow fines or license suspensions for less serious violations, while allowing license revocation for the kind of serious violations that would block an investigation or put guns in the hands of criminals. Among H.R. 5092’s other provisions, the bill:

• Allows penalties for intentional violations of the law, but not for simple paperwork mistakes. Congress thought it had fixed this problem when it passed the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act of 1986, but the government has argued in court that the 1986 changes were “without practical significance.”
• Provides a fair process for imposing penalties, by allowing FFLs to appeal ATF penalties to a neutral administrative law judge. (Currently FFLs appeal ATF decisions to another employee of ATF itself.)
• Requires a Department of Justice review of ATF gun show enforcement operations.
• Requires ATF to establish clear investigative guidelines.
• Focuses ATF’s efforts on violations of firearms, explosives, arson, alcohol and tobacco laws, rather than on broader gang, drug or terrorism investigations.

Slaying Prompts Calls for Controls in Switzerland

The recent murder of one of Switzerland’s most famous skiers has prompted the Swiss government to exercise great caution in the granting of permits to export small arms, a source within the country indicates.

Corinne Rey-Bellet was shot by her husband Gerold Stadler; just days after the couple had agreed to separate. Stadler also shot and killed Rey-Bellet’s brother Alain, and seriously wounded her mother, before finally killing himself. Stadler shot his famous wife with his Swiss Army officer’s pistol.

U.S. Bill Would Provide Machine Gun Amnesty

The “Veterans` Heritage Firearms Act of 2005,” (H.R. 2088) introduced by U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-Nev.), would provide a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their families could register NFA firearms acquired overseas between June 26, 1934 and Oct. 31, 1968, without fear of prosecution.

The proposed legislation would not apply to destructive devices. Congress granted a limited amnesty in 1968, but many veterans did not receive notice in time to participate.

H.R. 2088 states that “in the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary the Attorney General shall accept as true and accurate any affidavit, document, or other evidence submitted by an individual to establish that such firearm meets the requirements.”

This allows for the fact that veterans may have acquired war trophy firearms lawfully under military regulations, but without receiving official paperwork. Some veterans may also have lost such paperwork over the years.

Under the bill, the Attorney General would create and distribute clear printed notices providing information regarding the amnesty period and the requirements for registering a firearm.

Recognizing that veterans‘ trophies represent an important part of the nation’s history, H.R. 2088 would require the Attorney General to transfer each firearm that has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that submits a suitable request.

The Attorney General would be prohibited from destroying any forfeited firearm until the end of the 5-year period and the public would have to be informed of forfeitures.

Lastly, H.R. 2088 would amend federal law relating to machine guns, allowing their “transfer to or by, or possession by, a museum which is open to the public and incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under applicable State law.” Current law only allows transfer of machineguns to government museums.

Excise Tax Gain Indicates Production Increase

Federal excise tax collections on firearms and ammunition rose 2.6% percent in calendar year 2005, signaling a slight increase in production by manufacturers.

Firearm and ammunition manufacturers paid $224.3 million in excise taxes last year, an increase from the $218.6 million paid in 2004, according to figures released by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Last year’s excise tax totals point to an estimated $2.1 billion in sales for manufacturers, up from about $2 billion in 2004, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Total excise tax collections for the calendar year of 2005 were: long guns – $105.6 million (rising 1.8% from $103.8 million in 2004); ammunition – $71.3 million (moving up 3.5% from $68.9 million in 2004); and handguns, $47.3 million (up 3% from $45.9 million in 2004).

Business Process Automation Offered to Industry

Most businesses in the sporting goods industry operate on disparate types of software which results in time consuming inefficiencies, says William Sucher, a consultant with Visualnet Media, Inc., a 5-year-old business process automation firm.

William Sucher, the son of Michael Sucher, a principal at the noted importer, Century International Arms, Inc., says he has witnessed first-hand all the frustrations sporting goods firms face in managing their inventory. Visualnet Media, he says, offers an end solution that will convert businesses to an entirely paperless, secure web-based environment. The method employs the use of technology that is commonly referred to as “free form software.” The technology can be used to manage shipments, handle inventory control or in real-time offerings to customers.

In use, with the click of a mouse, users can track what shipment an individual firearm came in on, how long that same firearm stayed in inventory and to determine which customer ultimately purchased that same firearm.

For further information, Sucher may be contacted by using his e-mail at: wsucher@visualnetmedia.com or by telephoning (425) 822-9181.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. He also offers FFL-mailing lists to firms interested in direct marketing efforts to the industry. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

J&T Distributing Offers New Gas Block Option for AR’s 

J&T Distributing has introduced three new gas blocks, increasing the options AR shooters have in selecting a gas block to fit their particular shooting specifications. Designed for AR shooters who prefer removable front sights, the new gas blocks are available in three sizes: .937 for stainless steel bull barrels, .750 for H-Bar barrels and .625 for A-1 barrels. J&T Distributing is one of the few manufacturers of the A-1 size gas block machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and incorporating the 1913 Picatinny rail. J&T’s new gas blocks have a pleasing angular profile and an additional set screw on the top surface to insure a perfect gas seal. The blocks are hard coat anodized and are shipped with 3 set screws. With a retail price of $29.95, these low profile gas blocks allow AR shooters to also mount iron sights, flashlights or laser-aiming devices. This new family of gas blocks further expands J&T Distributing’s product line, which ranges from complete kits to specialized component pieces for military, law enforcement, competition or hobby shooters. For more information about J&T Distributing’s product line, please contact them at J&T Distributing, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 430, Winchester, KY 40392. Phone: (888) 736-7725. Fax: (853) 745-4638. They can be located on the internet at www.jtdistributing.com. 

Heavy Duty 7-Position CAR Stock from Ace Limited USA 

Ace Limited USA has introduced a new Heavy Duty 7-position stock for the AR-15/M16 series of rifles. The new stock is without a doubt the strongest MOD stock available for the AR rifle. Current issue CAR or M4 adjustable MOD stocks have one fatal design flaw. The receiver extension tube is weak. The exposed threads and keyway create stress risers that greatly reduce the strength of the GI receiver extension tube. If a fully loaded M4 or M16 is dropped at an angle and the receiver extension tube is bent even slightly, the bolt carrier will get stuck in the receiver extension tube when the first round is fired. Worse, the carrier will be stuck in such a way that the rifle cannot be field stripped to correct the malfunction. In a military or police situation this could be fatal. This new stock solves this inherent problem. This stock features the strongest receiver extension tube available and also includes features such as machine tapered gussets that reinforce the lower receiver, adjustable screw-in stops that allow repeat adjustment to the same position very time in any conditions and four sling positions. The stock also has laser etched delineation marks to ensure a visual confirmation of your stock’s adjustment. Adjustable shim screws in the receiver extension tube allow all slop and rattle to be eliminated from the stock. The heavy-duty receiver extension tube can also be ordered separately for use with your existing stock. This is also the perfect stock for the .308 guns out there. This is another “must have” item from the company that is known for their stocks and stock adapters. For more information, or to place on order, please contact ACE Limited USA, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 191, Chicago Park, CA 95712. Phone: (530) 346-2492. Fax: (530) 346-2582. You can find more information on their websites at www.aceltdusa.com or www.riflestocks.com. 

HALO Manufacturing Introduces the Stenstock 

HALO Manufacturing has now introduced a new product that will make Sten owners stand up and take notice. The new product is called the Stenstock and is an adapter that allows the Sten user to do away with his “T” or loop style stock and replace it with any stock that will attach to an AR-15/M16 style rifle. The adapter is made from aluminum and will be hard coat anodized to match the original weapon. The Stenstock also provides an attachment point for a standard AR-15 style pistol grip making the Sten even more ergonomic. For more information on this, as well as a full line of other firearm accessories, please contact HALO Manufacturing, Dept. SAR, 3980 Shenstone Drive, Suite A, Eugene, OR 97404. Phone/Fax: (541) 688-2645. Their website is www.halomfg.com. 

MD3 LaserLight from PentagonLight 

PentagonLight has just introduced their new MD3 LaserLight. The powerful light combines either a 135-lumen or a 75-lumen 5W LED light with a red laser all in one compact package. This compact integration of the light and laser with an ARMS throw lever mount easily engages and disengages both elements from the Picatinny rail at the same time, thus reducing preparation time for nighttime operations. The light source is protected by an anti-scratch tempered glass lens and is maximally focused for greatest distance and center brightness. The laser module is easily interchanged for an optional side mounted LED light for providing low visibility for reduced light signature. The MD3 LaserLight is pre-configured with a straight cord remote pressure pad switch or a push on/off tail-cap switch for the light. An independent push on/off tail-cap switch easily activates the offset laser. Several accessories are available for the light including a coil-cord remote pressure switch tail-cap, constant and momentary on/off tail-cap, gun barrel mounts and conversion heads for alternate light sources of the main light. For more information on this new light/laser combination, please contact PentagonLight, Dept. SAR, 826 Cowan Road, Burlingame, CA 94101. Phone: (650) 697-5505. Fax: (650) 259-1311. They can be found on the web at www.pentagonlight.com. 

Rapid Deployment Body Armor Bag 

A new company called Rapid Deployment Protection Systems has introduced a new product that combines two products in one. The Rapid Deployment Body Armor Bag is a soft body armor and weapon carrying case all rolled into one. The bag goes from a discrete carrying case holding a weapon to load-bearing vest-type body armor and a ready to use weapon in a matter of seconds. The new bag is made from heavy duty Cordura-type nylon and, by itself, offers no ballistic qualities. It features “Universal Plate Carrier Technology” pouches that can be outfitted with either ceramic or steel ballistic plates and when used in conjunction with soft body armor it will protect the wearer from most rifle ammunition. The Rapid Deployment Body Armor Bag can also be equipped with magazine pouches or pouches for lights, medical kit, gas masks, etc. They even have a place for flex cuffs. There are three versions available. Version 1 fits most submachine guns with folding stocks and short barreled rifles under 24 inches; Version 2 will accommodate weapons up to 39 inches, and Version 3 anything up to 45 inches. Other versions are currently being planned. No law enforcement or military professional should be without one of these bags. For more information, please contact Rapid Deployment Protection Systems Inc., Dept. SAR, 4008 Yarmouth Lane, Bowie MD, 20715. Phone: (301) 805-4830. Fax: (301) 805-4831. E-mail: support@rapiddeploymentinc.com. Their website is www.rapiddeploymentinc.com. 

KNS Precision Introduces the Lightning Link Re-enforcer 

KNS Precision, Inc. has just introduced their new Lightning Link Re-enforcer, a reinforcement piece made of stainless steel that prevents an AR-15 Lightning Link from cracking in the weak areas. Those who have invested in an ATF registered Lightning Link know how valuable they are and will want this added protection against breakage. Installation is simple and requires a minimal amount of fitting to the lower receiver. The new Re-Enforcer comes with full instructions along with helpful suggestions for proper maintenance. The Re-enforcer is guaranteed and sells for $129.95. For more information, or to place an order, please contact KNS Precision Inc., Dept. SAR, 3168 N. State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Phone: (830) 997-9391. Fax: (830) 997-2528. They can be found on the web at www.knsprecisioninc.com.

Q– I need some information about the Argentine FMK-3 9mm SMG. I have read that Uzi magazines can be used in this gun if the magazine catch is modified. If so, please show how this is done. Is it possible to modify the Uzi magazines and leave the mag catch of the FMK-3 unaltered?

A– The FMK-3 submachine gun is a standard tube gun, very reliable and robust. It is open bolt, and uses a 40 round magazine that is very similar to the standard Uzi submachine gun magazine which is generally 25 or 32-rounds capacity. Obviously the 40-round magazine has interested Uzi owners in the US.

The FMK-3 magazine is similar enough to convert over, and the accompanying pictures should help with understanding what is involved.

Q– In your Raffica column (June 2006) you mentioned having had a pair of VZ58’s from the Vietnam War. I was a crew chief/door gunner on a Huey during ’67-’68 and saw a number of interesting weapons floating around. There was a guy who had, what I now believe, was possibly a VZ26. I remember the Swedish K’s, “Greaseguns” and Thompsons, but this particular gun was new to me. Could it have been a VZ26? What was the production period of the VZ26’s?

A– The East Bloc supplied a lot of aid to the North Vietnamese through their affiliation with the USSR. I have had some very interesting conversations in formerly communist countries where men in my age group discuss how they gave blood or donated goods to help their communist brothers in North Vietnam. The same is true of the weaponry. Since that was the war that was in progress, different countries tried their weapons in combat from Uncle Ho’s side just as much as the West tried out their various weapons from the South’s side.

The VZ-58s that I had were brought back by a US soldier. I have never seen a bring back VZ23, 24, 25, or 26. It would be difficult to pin down the exact model you might have seen. The Model 23 and 25 were made from 1948 to 1952, when they were upgraded in production to the Model 24 and 26 respectively. Hard to tell the difference in the production runs, except the 23 and 25 had a folding stock, and the 24 and 26 had a fixed stock. The 23 and 25 were in 9mm Parabellum, and the 24 and 26 were in 7.62 TT. There are differences of course, but going back over 35 years in memory it is going to be tough for you to ID those mostly internal differences. In any event, it is quite possible from the hodgepodge of weapons in South East Asia that you saw one of the Czech subguns.

Q– Is the 14.5mm PTRG cartridge a Class3 round?

A– If you mean “does it require registration as a Destructive Device,” the simple answer is no. Even the rare “HEI” versions of 14.5mm ammo do not have enough explosive in them to qualify as a Destructive Device. Transportation and storage of the HE type rounds might bring in explosive regulatory issues if the quantity was large enough, but these rounds are generally restricted to single pieces in collections in the US. They are hoarded by those with the guns, since they can not be imported since the diameter of the projectile is over 1/2 inch.

There are two basic cartridges referred to as 14.5mm in the US. The 14.5x51R (or “14.5mm Spotter”) is a much shorter cartridge used in artillery training subcaliber devices. Frequently these projectiles are sold as pulled marking projectiles. They are definitely not compatible with the other type of ammunition which is the subject at hand, 14.5x114mm.

Remember that there are two basic weapon systems that use this cartridge; the PTRS41 and other 14.5mm anti tank rifles from the World War II era, and the modern 14.5mm KPV-T anti-aircraft systems (frequently used for anti-ground as well). Users of the early anti-tank rifles should note that while the cartridge case is the same, the KPV-T ammunition is significantly more powerful and will damage the early anti-tank rifles to the point of dangerous catastrophic failures. Just a word to the wise: pay attention to what you are putting in these old guns.

Q– I picked up a minty Colt M16A1 ser# 937xxxx that I think is in the 621 configuration. It is all ‘A1’ with the exception of a round hand guard and square front sight post. Barrel is 20” heavy with C MP B and a lug double pinned right behind the flash cage that looks to be for an M14 bipod. Is this really a 621 and what was it designed/intended for? What is the rarity? Anything else unique or significant?

A– The 9 million serial number range would be correct for the Colt Model 621, which is the true “H-Bar” most people think of. If it was, then the bipod would be for M60 legs as in the photo. The M14 bipod was first used on the Colt Model 606B (Referred to as the “06B”). To be correct as the Model 621, you would have forward assist, chromed bolt carrier, triangular fore end (not the round fore end), and the barrel would be heavy over the full contour. The Model 606B, which used the M14 bipod, would be marked Model 606B. I have seen what were supposedly original Model 621 H-Bars with an M14 bipod, but could not check the pedigree. I pulled the pictures here from the Colt M16 ID Guide we published early in Small Arms Review magazine’s first year, and the complete Guide is also in the Machine Gun Dealers Bible, 4th Edition.

Q– I picked up some 6.5 Italian ammunition in a brass stripper that has a handle on one end. There are twenty cartridges in the stripper, which has a brass sheath on each end. The guy who sold it said it was for the Breda 37 machine gun.

A– Close, but no cigar to your friend. This “charger” is for the Fucile Mitriagliatori Breda Modello 30, or the Breda Model 30 for short. This was a light machine gun that weighed about 23 pounds and it was basically the second model of LMG in the Italian arsenal in the Pre-World War II period. The Modello 1924 gave birth to the Modello 1930. The 1930 is an intriguing design, and it is much misaligned like the French Chauchat Mle 1915. Taken in context of a time when machine guns were all tripod mounted and frequently were water cooled, lightening a portable rifle caliber machine gun was a leap forward. Successful models like the 1918 BARs, the 1903 and 1914 Madsen LMGs, and the Hotchkiss guns of 1922 and 1926, were almost oddities themselves when compared to many of the attempts that were seen.

The Breda suffered from a number of deficiencies that should be pointed out to prospective owners. First is the very nice addition of a quick change barrel that somehow left out the idea of a carrying handle, leaving the A-gunner with a hot barrel to pull off of the bipod mounted gun. That was still easier than pulling off a standard M60 barrel with bipod on the barrel, though. The real issues arise around the magazine and the unlocking system. When the Breda unlocks, the barrel and bolt travel rearward together and unlock quite violently through a cam action. This puts undue stress on the spent cartridge, which means a lot of broken and stuck cartridge cases. To lessen the strain on this, the Breda has an oiler that squirts a shot of oil on each and every cartridge that feeds into the chamber. Thus, the bolt is lubricated as well. Hard experience taught the Italians that this system also quickly led to making either a slow down gunk or nice jewelers paste that either gummed up the system or wore down the parts depending on the size and composition of sand or particles that mixed with the oil. That is a “Bad” thing for a combat machine gunner.

The magazine appears to be either a sophisticated, modern designed piece of machinery, or a true Rube Goldberg invention; depending on your point of view. To load the magazine, a lever is pushed and the side mounted magazine flips forward. The operator then charges the magazine from the rear, using the pictured 20 round charger, and withdraws the empty charger. Since the actual feed guide lips are on the receiver, leaving the magazine forward is considered “Safing” the machine gun. Damage the magazine, and you are out of action. I have always liked them because they are so interesting, but really wouldn’t want my life to depend on a Breda Modello 30 functioning. –Dan

Send questions to: Raffica sareview@aol.com
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Small Arms Review gets an exclusive first look at Colt Defense’s three entries into the United States Special Operations Commands SCAR (Special operation forces Combat Assault Rifle) Program.

In Small Arms Review Vol. 8 No. 10, July 2005, SAR readers got the first in-depth look at the United States Special Operations Command new SCAR (Special operation forces Combat Assault Rifle) that is manufactured by FN Herstal, Belgium and soon to be produced in their Columbia, South Carolina facility. This weapon was but one of many that was tested in the competition. Some never made it through the minimum requirements and were eliminated prior to the first cartridge being fired.

The M4 has been, and remains to this day, the standard issue weapon for SOCOM. Complaints about the M4 surfaced within SOCOM and SOCOM conceded that they were using their M4s beyond the intent of the mil-standard, especially through extensive firing and lack of maintenance. Clearly these carbines were not meant to serve as a light machine gun or to have countless thousands of rounds fired through them without replacement of bolts and barrels. To complicate things further, the configuration of the M4A1 is controlled by the Army and not by SOCOM. This compromised the ability of Colt to make modifications to deal with SOCOM concerns due to the fact that the Army would have to authorize the changes. The Army was happy with the weapons and saw no need for changes. SOCOM clearly needed their own weapon where they were the customer and could modify and improve it at will at their own accord.

Solutions to the issues surrounding the alleged lack of lethality of the 5.56mm round include a heavier 5.56mm round or a new caliber. Whether in the M4A1 or SCAR (both have 14-1/2 inch barrels), the performance of the 5.56mm rounds will be the same. Reports indicate that the MK262 round is a significant improvement in accuracy and lethality over the M855 round, and, if adopted, would be a relatively easy fix and will function the same in either weapon.

As stated in the earlier article, SOCOM wanted an operator-envisioned weapon that would address these concerns. In September of 2003, an Operations Requirement Document was issued and the request was open to any contractor. In November the performance specifications were released by SOCOM. These called for two weapons. The first being the SCAR L (Light), a 5.56x45mm NATO caliber weapon and a SCAR H (Heavy), a 7.62x51mm weapon. Both models would have “future enhanced calibers” which would allow them to be adaptable to calibers such as 5.45x39mm, 7.62x39mm and possibly the 6.8 SPC, to just name a few.

Three of the finalists were submissions by Colt Defense. Information indicates that these weapons came in 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the competition. The reason(s) why one was picked over the others is unknown at this point due to SOCOM not publicly discussing other contractors’ weapons. SAR had the opportunity to visit Colt Defense and get a first hand look at their entries. The weapons observed were not museum grade weapons but the actual weapons used in testing. Traces of salt were visible from the salt water testing and the barrels were clearly worn. This in-depth look will be conducted in a two-part series. This first installment is on types A and B, Colt’s traditional direct gas impingement weapons. Part 2 will introduce Colt’s first piston driven weapon, the Type C.

Type A

The Type A SCAR rifle submitted by Colt utilized the traditional M16/M4 direct gas impingement operating system. Although it was pretty clear SOCOM was looking for a piston driven system, the combat proven direct gas system was a viable and reliable system for consideration.

The gas is tapped from the barrel under the front sight base and is bled off into a gas tube that runs back into the upper receiver directly into the bolt carrier. The expansion chamber is located in the rear of the bolt carrier between the rear of the bolt and the front of the inside of the carrier. This creates a hammer-like blow that drives the carrier rearward unlocking the bolt, extracting and ejecting the fired cartridge case. The spring loaded buffer is compressed on its rearward movement and then drives the bolt carrier group forward stripping a cartridge off the top of the magazine, feeding, chambering and finally locking the bolt into the barrel extension. This system lightens the weapon due to no heavy gas piston as well as increases the accuracy of the weapon by not impeding on the natural vibrations/harmonics of the barrel during firing. With the addition of a free-floating hand guard, the M16/M4 weapon systems are capable of match grade accuracy.

The Upper Receiver

The Type A rifle utilizes a Colt designed one-piece upper receiver. The Mil-Std 1913 rail runs from the rear of the receiver up to the front sight assembly. Additionally, rails run at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock on the hand guard. The barrel is left free floating to increase accuracy but, more importantly, to aid in cooling of the weapon. Accuracy is greatly improved due to nothing impeding on the barrel’s natural vibrations. During extensive fully automatic firing, the barrel is kept cooler longer and the use of vertical pistol grips and SOPMOD accessories such as optics will not put stress on the barrel causing it to droop or bend under extreme firing conditions. This one piece upper decreases the weight as well from using tradition rail systems such as the ARMS SIR system or the Knight Armament Company RAS systems and is also less bulky. The Colt upper receiver has a removable 6 o’clock rail for the installation of a grenade launcher and cleaning under the front of the upper receiver.

Both upper and lower receivers utilized a Kal-Guard finish in a “flat earth” or coyote brown finish as required in the specifications. The upper receiver utilizes the standard fired cartridge case deflector of the M16A2 and M4 family of weapons as well as the forward assist assembly. Also, the traditional ejection port dust cover is used to prevent unwanted dust and debris from entering the weapon.

The Backup Iron Sight

A universal component for Types A and C is the backup iron sight. This originally came from the M4 detachable carrying handle. The carrying handle is removed leaving only the rear sight. This sight looks similar to the Lewis Machine and Tool backup sight but is leaner and has less bulk. The backup iron sight has both windage and elevation adjustments. The elevation is adjustable from 3 to 600 meters. The flip-up “L” shaped aperture has two sights. One is for 0-200 meters and the other is for longer ranges.

The Folding Front Sight

The folding front sight assembly is mounted to the front sight base. This front sight assembly is universal on the Type A and B. Type C will utilize the same sight but a much different front sight base. The front sight is locked in place with a button on the left hand side. The front sight post is the standard square front sight that is adjustable for elevation only.

The Barrel

As per specification, two barrel lengths were required by SOCOM. The first is the standard 14-1/2 inch barrel and then a 10-1/2 inch CQC (Close Quarter Combat) barrel. Types A, B and C all came in two different barrel lengths. Due to the simplicity and cost, the Colt system changed barrels by simply popping open the rear and front takedown pins, pulling the complete upper receiver off and the replacing it with the other. This change is completed in seconds.

The barrels are both the mil-spec 1 turn in 7 inch twist button-rifled barrels. As per SCAR specs, the barrels all must be proof tested and then magnetic particle inspected for stress fractures and then marked accordingly on the barrel (C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7). Both barrels are heavy barrels all the way through. This was necessary to achieve the sustained fire rates requested by SOCOM and are very similar to the Rock Island designed M4A1 heavy barrel. The flash suppressor, as required by specification, is the Knight’s Armament Company Quick Detach compensator for the silencer. The barrels all have chrome lined bore and chambers. During the development stages, many barrel configurations were considered including stainless steel and hammer forged barrels. The barrels are finished in the same color as the receivers.

Modifications were made to the chamber to deal with the Over-The-Beach requirement. These were modifications that were proposed to the XM4 in the developing stages but not wanted by Rock Island Arsenal.

The Lower Receiver

The lower receiver assembly is the one component that is universal on Types A, B and C. There is no difference. The lower receiver, stock and buffer extension are painted in the required Flat Earth finish.

The chosen stock is manufactured by VLTOR and has two compartments, one on each side of the top of the stock that can hold batteries for optical sights. The standard buffer extension is used which allows four positions for the stock to extend. A sling mount plate is inserted between the buffer extension locking ring and the lower receiver, which allows a sling to be mounted to either the left or right side. The buffer utilized is Colt’s H2 buffer. This buffer contains one steel weight along with two tungsten weights. This was necessary due to the use of heavy barrels. This was a lesson learned when Rock Island Arsenal developed the heavy barrel for SOCOM and implemented the change without trial. The M4A1 carbines began malfunctioning in the field with light strikes caused by bolt carrier bounce. The change in the barrel affected the carbine’s dynamics and the solution was the replacement of one steel weight with one tungsten weight.

One of the most interesting changes to the lower receiver is the newly designed selector lever. Unlike the standard lever in which Safe is at 9 o’clock, Semi at 12 o’clock and Auto at 3 o’clock, the lever has been changed to where the Safe is at 5 o’clock, Semi at 3 o’clock and Auto at 1 o’clock. This was a change based on SOCOM’s requirement for the selector to operate over 90 degrees of travel (as opposed to the Colt standard of 180 degrees). In the end, this change was not liked. The selector lever is ambidextrous as per SOCOM specifications

The fire control selector is not the only ambidextrous part. The magazine release is the patented Norgon ambidextrous magazine release. Ambidextrous controls were required in the specifications. The charging handle in its original design is ambidextrous. The bolt catch remains on the left side only. Additional enhancement was that the hammer/trigger pins are made from stainless steel to increase service life.

The Bolt Carrier Group

The bolt carrier group on Type A and B are the same as the standard M4A1. As per SOCOM specification, the bolts were test fired with a 70,000 psi proof load and then magnetic particle inspected for stress fractures. The carriers are manganese phosphate finished and utilize the heavy extractor spring and buffer.

Type B

The Type B differs from Type A in two major ways. First, it uses a standard M4 upper receiver rather than the newly developed one-piece upper receiver. Second, is the addition of the ARMS, Inc. SIR (Selected Integrated Rail) system. The SIR system used was their #58-MOD.

The SIR system is a free-floating hand guard that attaches both to the barrel nut as well as the rail on top of the upper receiver. In essence, there is a protective sleeve that goes nearly all the way across the rail on the upper receiver. With nothing mounting to the barrel, the barrel is left to free float having the same effect in accuracy and heat control as the one-piece upper of Type A. This system provides a constant full-length rail from the rear of the receiver to the rear of the front sight assembly. Accessory rails may be mounted in various lengths to the left, right and bottom of the SIR system. The bottom grip of the SIR system may be removed for installation of a grenade launcher.

At the rear of the receiver is the ARMS, Inc. #40L back up sight which folds and has both long and short-range apertures. The sight is spring loaded and held closed by a lever. To engage the rear sight, one only need to pull rearward on the lever and the sight pops up and engages and immediately you are looking through the long-range sight. By flipping down the rear aperture, the larger short range aperture is engaged.

Due to the additional weight of the SIR system, the weight is slightly heavier on the Type B weighing in at 7.66 pounds in the carbine variation and 6.48 pounds in the CQC configuration.

Mechanical specifications are the same for Type A and B. The only departure was the use of the SIR system rather than a one-piece upper receiver. The only advantage to Type B is the ability to change out rail systems at will and parts commonality with the M4A1. The same front sight system is used as well as lower receiver and bolt group.

Conclusions

After careful inspection of both models in Colt’s model shop, Colt Product Development Engineer Art Daigle took me down to the engineering test range at Colt. Then he brought out a very large bin of loaded 30-round magazines. More than 500 rounds were fired between both models with no malfunctions of any sort encountered. The guns that were examined were guns that were actually tested by SOCOM during the trials. They were somewhat beat up and the remnants from the salt water testing was present. The rifling was quite worn and the guns were not clean nor was there any lubrication on them, due to Colt’s use of UCT Defense Ultra Chem. The ammunition used was Black Hills commercial 77-grain open tip match bullet; the commercial equivalent to the Mk262 MOD1 ammunition.

Coming up next month in Part 2 of the Colt SCAR program is Type C version. This is Colt’s submission of their own designed piston operated carbine. We will look closely at what might possibly become the next generation M4 carbine.

During the last several weeks we have been planning our first of a series of trips to ATF to visit the NFA Branch and the Firearms Technology Branch (FTB); both located in Martinsburg, West Virginia. I was amazed to find that the facility, only a two hour drive from Washington D.C., was an easy trip and an enjoyable drive. Still a long commute for any Branch employees who may still live in the DC area.

Getting inside the facility required special permission and there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this facility is especially sensitive to security measures. At every turn we were met by ATF security personnel in a professional and welcome fashion. The building offers many of the amenities you find in office buildings everywhere with the exception of one major thing: everyone was extremely friendly. I pinched myself and reminded everyone that this is West Virginia, not D.C., and that the State expression, “Almost Heaven” could be felt by everyone we met. I knew this pleasant attitude already existed with the examiners but the friendly atmosphere in that facility went way beyond the personnel that most of our community has the opportunity to deal with in the past. Everyone was a pleasure to be around.

We started our morning with a tour of the Firearms Technology Branch, hosted by Chief of the Branch Sterling Nixon and Assistant Branch Chief FTB, Rick Vasquez. We learned the different aspects of the Technology Branch and the many issues that they address in their work. Surprisingly, approving new designs make up a very small portion of what they are responsible for. Included in their pallet of tools are not only labs for firearms identification and assessment but a live indoor range for weapons testing. The depth and the knowledge of the staff was impressive and again extremely friendly.

The surprise that followed our meeting with the Technology Branch was a tour of the new Martinsburg vault. Firearms Technology Branch (FTB) has access to virtually every NFA weapon ever imported, manufactured, or designed from countries all over the world. The brief stay in the vault was enough to make the most spirited collector lapse into a semi comatose state. I was glad for the opportunity to know that the agency has such a prolific reference library of weapons to work with in their endeavors.

After leaving FTB we were escorted to a conference room where we met with all of the members of the NFA staff and the Chief of NFA Branch, Ken Houchens. NFA Branch is responsible for the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Registry (NFRTR) data pool, as well as processing all types of forms that we use in the NFA community. We focused on introducing ourselves and what the NFATCA was all about and quickly turned the meeting over to the examiners with our first question.

“If you had the Class 3 dealers here in front of you today and you had 30 minutes to tell them what frustrates you the most about processing their paperwork, what would you say to them?”

The discussion that ensued would fill the space of the entire magazine and the examiners had good advice for both the industry with government transfers and the collector community. The NFATCA will detail and summarize that discussion in the next issue. In the lengthy discussion that followed the meeting with the examiners we decided that a separate article that details how we in the NFA community could help the refreshingly fast transfer process get even better. There are many ways we can easily help a process that has been totally overhauled in the last eight months. You’ll not want to miss that article. It will change your life in terms of how you handle transfers in the future.

One example of what they shared with us was regarding incomplete Form 4s being sent in. The examiners all stated that this was one of the top time wasters for getting transfer times sped up. The NFATCA has suggested to its members before that experienced dealers should always control the transfers to their customers, ensuring all paperwork is correct before it goes to DC, but unfortunately inexperienced people seem to be giving “Internet Advice” to the contrary, saying that the individual should insist on sending his own Form 4 in. We could all benefit from more efficiency if this system of checks done by dealers were followed.

At the conclusion of that meeting we had the pleasure of having the entire team meet in the vault where we captured a picture of the team. We took this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to a very educational day and time with ATF. The visit is the first in series of events where we will begin working closely together on a number of issues, all of which we will try and address in the NFATCA articles. The entire staff at Martinsburg should be commended by everyone that has the opportunity to deal with them. They are a wonderful staff and I think I can say for our community that they are doing one heck of a job. Thank You!

www.nfatca.org

Operation Chilblain

On December 27, 1941 at 8:40 p.m., a Whitley with the identification number Z.9125 from the Royal Air Force took off from Stradishall airbase in England. It was piloted by Sgt. Jones and 2nd pilot Sgt. Gold. Apart from its payload of four 250 pound bombs, the plane carried a package in a parachute containing assorted equipment for the first Danish S.O.E. (Special Operation Executive) agent’s team (code named Chilblain I & II) to set foot on Danish soil. The agents were Carl Johan Bruhn and Mogens K. A. Hammer. The airdrop, which took place at Haslev in South Zealand, should have been the spearhead for S.O.E’s future operations in Denmark and was code named “Operation Chilblain.” Carl Johan Bruhn was selected as chief of S.O.E. in Denmark while Mogens Hammer, in his capacity of being a telegraph operator, would establish the communication line back to England.

At 9 p.m. that same night, 2 inches of snow covered the landscape. The temperature was about 18 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was North East at about 17 miles per hour. It was moonlit, but with clouds drifting across the sky, it made navigation difficult especially at altitudes below 2,000 feet. As a diversion they flew to Masnedø at Vordingborg but their first approach towards the target failed and Sgt. Jones decided to try once more. On their second approach they were successful in dropping four bombs from a height of 1,000 feet. One of the bombs detonated in a field and another impacted close to the railway tracks only 150 yards from the transformer station. Unfortunately, no significant damage occurred and the last two bombs failed to detonate. The rear gunner signed off by firing four bursts from his machine guns at the target and then the Whitley headed out for the primary objective of the mission: the drop zone North East of Haslev.

The plane circled a couple of times around the church in Freerslev approximately a mile south of the drop zone and then continued towards Torpeskov, to complete the mission. The drop, which took place from an altitude of only 500 feet, was “blind” which meant without a reception of Resistance fighters. Carl Johan Bruhn had expressly ordered a blind drop. His graduation in forestry in this particular area (Bregentved Gods) made him extremely familiar with the territory and he also had some personal friends that he could call upon.

According to Mogens Hammer’s personal account, told to his brother Svend Erik Hammer and in an interview with the Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende from 7 August 1945, Carl Johan Bruhn was the first to jump, followed by the package, and then Mogens Hammer. From that height the luxury of carrying a reserve chute was not an option.

Unfortunately, Carl Johan Bruhn’s parachute failed to open as the snap hook on his static line came away from its anchorage point inside the aircraft and instead followed him to the ground. It was known that cable static lines had a tendency to “whip” but it had never been foreseen that the result of that behaviour could possibly cause the static eye-splice to part from its anchorage point. As a direct consequence of this accident all snap hooks are to this day fitted with a locking device.

Carl Johan Bruhn was instantly killed when he hit the ground and, with that, the first attempt to establish an S.O.E. operation in Denmark. Mogens Hammer landed safely and found the body of Carl Johan Bruhn within an hour. Searching the body, he salvaged the papers and money required to proceed with the operation. The money was hidden in Bruhn’s boots and he had to cut these open to get to it. Needless to say it was a very unpleasant experience for Hammer, especially as they had become good friends during their training. Mogens Hammer managed to slip away unobserved.

The Remote Control Pistol

The next morning, December 28, 1941 at 10:00 a.m., the temperature was 8 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind calm. The purple parachute connected to a suitcase was soon found by local farmers at the field of Holtegaarden next to Hostentorp. Regrettably, they failed to keep the information to themselves but notified the Danish police. Close by, a little north of there, the body of Carl Johan Bruhn was found still wearing his unopened parachute with the yellow static line still attached to the chute. Carl Johan Bruhn’s wristwatch had stopped at the time of impact showing 02:05 a.m. Next to him was found a canvas packet with 12 automatic pistols (unfortunately the report fails to establish the type) inside along with ammunition and a folding spade. The suitcase contained a radio telegraph transmitter, a grey rucksack containing civilian clothes and a white rubber package with a most unusual agent “tool” never before seen.

Research has succeeded to find only one official document from the War Office that confirms its existence and in this particular document, dated 6 of March 1942, it is referred to as the “Remote Control Pistol.” Despite this apparently official name, in the following text we chose to call it the Cable-pistol.

Because of the Cable-pistol, the German Reichssicherheitshauptamt in Berlin compiled a report which was sent out to all Statspolizei departments notifying them of the danger involved in arresting enemy spies and agents. The report, signed by Herr Müller, was stamped SECRET and dated 19 of February 1942. What the Germans thought of such a contraption is clearly described in the report: “Es handelt sich um eine überaus gefährliche Gangsterwaffe, die – soweit bekant – erstmalig von feindlichen Nachrichtendienst eingesetzt worden ist.” (“What we are dealing with is an extremely dangerous gangster weapon, which – as far as we know – originates from an enemy intelligence service.”

According to Danish Police Intelligence from 7 January 1942, found in a report in the Danish National Archive, the Cable-pistol is described in the following manner: “A suitcase containing one radio telegraph transmitter, a grey rucksack containing civilian clothes and a white rubber package with an automatic pistol riveted to a metal plate on a belt and a special trigger device (a very dangerous weapon), a dagger etc. inside.” The report was the direct cause for changing the restraining procedure. The decision of declaring an arrest by laying a hand on the suspects shoulder was immediately repealed.

Description

The pistol used is a Colt 1903 in .32 ACP. The gun is bolted pointing in the facing direction of the wearer to a carrier plate made of metal bent to follow the curvature of the body. A cover plate is mounted to shield the trigger and grip area. A Bowden cable with a release switch attached to a “finger ring” runs from the operator’s hand through the jacket-sleeve and is connected to the trigger housing. The system allowed the agent to fire one or more shots remotely from the hip if he was about to be arrested. This even if he was ordered “Hände Hoch” (‘hands up’). The whole apparatus was attached to the waist with the standard English model 1937 army belt. A single suspender strap attached to the belt in front of the plate mount assists in keeping the muzzle of the pistol pointing horizontal.

Models

We are aware of two different versions, both using the Colt Hammerless 1903 .32 ACP caliber pistol subsequently referred to as Mk. I and Mk. II. The one found on Carl Johan Bruhn is the Mk. I and the one produced by John Wilkes from the Wilkes Bros. gun shop in Soho, London is the Mk.II.

On the Mk. I model, one will notice that the cover plate is carefully bent and shaped to follow the pistol’s contours. The platform to which the pistol is attached is small and handy and the corners are curved leaving the impression of a professional production.

On the Mk. II version the cover plate is flat, rectangular and disproportionately big, which leaves the impressions of a hasty production. However, we know that the Mk. I version was encumbered with problems. For instance, the platform carrying the pistol was too small causing the pistol rig to be unstable during recoil. And, if the cable twisted, the pistol would not fire.

John Wilkes corrected these defects, and the rig as a whole, by making the platform bigger and made a modification to the trigger unit on the finger which allowed the cable to rotate freely without locking the trigger cable. According to John Wilkes, only 40 to 50 Cable-pistols were produced.

Origin

The Mk. I model was, according to John Wilkes, brought to the Wilkes gun shop by Major Ridout and Lt. Col. Tomlinson who requested that the gun be produced by John Wilkes. This information is rather interesting seen in light of newly released documents from the Public Record Office (PRO) in England. The book, SOE The Scientific Secrets by Fredric Boyce and Douglas Everett, features a reprint of a document that was produced towards the end of the war to ensure that the right persons would be properly credited for their inventions.

Among the entries on the list can be found: “Remote Control Firing Mechanism For Pistol.” The inventors are listed as Lt. Col. J.R.V Dolphin and Mr. E. Norman respectively. We now know that Lt. Col. John Robert Vernon Dolphin was Commander of Station IX (The Frythe). Station IX busied itself with the research and development of weapons and gear to be distributed to the resistance movements in the occupied countries and Eric Norman was one of its foremost weapons experts. In that light it is tempting to draw the conclusion that the Cable-pistol was invented and further developed at Station IX, only later to be handed over to Station VI (Bride Hall) being the weapons section and, as such, responsible for the further production. This is where Lt. Col. Tomlinson enters the scene. As chief of Station VI, he approached John Wilkes with the aim of getting a proper production started, the result of which is the Mk. II as we know it today.

Distribution

No one knows for sure how many Cable-pistols were used on missions, but it is certain that Carl Johan Bruhn and Mogens Hammer were issued one each for the Chilblain operation besides the one found in the rubber packing. It is believed, though unverified, that two Czechoslovakian S.O.E. agents who, on 27 May 1942, assassinated Reinhard Heydrich in Prague (Operation Anthropoid) were issued at least one Cable-pistol. It is doubtful if the gun was used from the rig but empty shell casings from one of the two issued Colt 1903 pistols were found at the scene of the action. The pistols have serial numbers 539370 and 540416 and, according to Colt’s shipping lists, they are both nickel plated. The pistols are now on display in the Prague Memorial Crypt.

Status

It has turned out to be very difficult to find any reliable information or evidence to prove its existence and the only model in existence that we are aware of is in storage at SATIC (Small Arms Technical Information Centre) in Leeds, U.K. formerly known as the MOD Pattern Room in the Enfield Building in Nottingham, U.K. Unfortunately there is no access to the public.

In 1980, the Imperial War Museum and the Pattern Room asked John Wilkes if they could borrow his original blueprints of the Cable-pistol which regrettably they failed to return. We enquired with both museums but neither could claim possession of the drawings.

The biggest mystery is what actually happened to the Mk. Is carried by the agents Carl Johan Bruhn and Mogens Hammer and the one in his luggage. We know that the two were seized by the German authorities but we haven’t been able to find them in any museums or archives in Denmark. It is possible that they were sent to Germany along with Mr. Müller’s report. After all, this was a completely new weapon never seen before. The one carried by Mogens Hammer has never turned up either but witness reports reveals that he was wearing it in Copenhagen after his escape.

Acknowledgement

We owe the following museums special thanks for their help and interest in our project: The Museum of Danish Resistance 1940-1945, Denmark; The Imperial War Museum, UK; The Ministry of Defence/Pattern Room, UK and S.A.T.I.C. (Small Arms Technical Information Centre), UK. We also thank the following individuals for their assistance and correspondence: Fredric Boyce, UK; John W. Brunner, USA; Paul Cornish – Imperial War Museum, UK; Joe M. Ramos, Canada; Mark Seaman – Imperial War Museum UK; Robert A. Sharrock – Ministry of Defence/Pattern Room, UK; Ian D. Skennerton, Australia; J. David Truby, USA; Craig Whitsey – Wilkes Bros., UK and John Wilkes – Wilkes Bros., UK.

On May 19-21, 2006, the National Rifle Association held its 135th Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The three day event drew approximately 60,000 visitors to this lovely city on the shores of Lake Michigan. The convention center was packed as attendees attended numerous NRA seminars, visited commercial exhibitors and viewed rare, historic and unique educational firearms displays.

One of the favorite sections of the show was the aisles of firearms displays that are put up by the various NRA affiliated collectors groups. These groups display guns that represent the finest, rarest and most exceptional weapon types that are truly noteworthy.

The Thompson Collectors Association (TCA) and the Dallas Arms Collectors Association (DACA), both NRA affiliated collector organizations, joined together to sponsor an exhibit entitled Sir Hiram Maxim: Father of the Modern Machine Gun. Both groups are highly enthusiastic in advancing the legitimacy of collecting historic Class III weapons within the larger collecting community. In 1995, the Dallas Arms Collectors Association paved the way by sponsoring the first ever NRA Class III exhibit in conjunction with the Thompson Collectors Association with their highly acclaimed comprehensive and educational Thompson submachine gun display. Though a machine gun has been displayed at NRA shows on rare previous occasions, never before was there a specific display of NFA weapons.

Following up on that great achievement, the TCA and DACA pooled their resources and combined their allocated booths into one to enable a 10×20 foot exhibit of Maxim machine guns highlighting the genius of the prolific American-born inventor Hiram Maxim. Though Maxim invented many things, and held over 80 patents, his name will forever be associated with the machine gun and how his invention, at the peak of the Industrial Revolution at the end of the 19th century, forever changed warfare.

Putting the display together was no simple task. Planning the historic content and educational display took nearly a year to conceive and execute. Specific guns had to be selected for their historic importance, risers had to be developed for the proper display of the guns, and three large lighted wood display cabinets had to be designed and constructed. The display cabinets contained written historical information in a logical chronologic order along with displays of selected and appropriate accessories, artifacts and ephemera pertaining to Maxim and his guns. A large tri-fold handout had to be written with appropriate illustrations that outlined the biographical history of Hiram Maxim, the invention and application of his operating principle and thumbnail histories of each of the six guns selected for display. Forms for judging the exhibit by the NRA had to be produced and submitted.

A display of this magnitude required the help and assistance of many people but the main designer of the exhibit was Tracie Hill, who coordinated all the many details. Without his expert and experienced insight and dedication, this exhibit would not have happened.

Beyond merely sponsoring the exhibit, both the TCA and the DACA sent members to assist with the day-long set-up the day before the show officially opened, provided people to work shifts to staff the booth during show hours to answer questions, generally assist where and when needed and helped with the tear-down at the end of the show.

We all had hoped that the exhibit would be well received in the context in which it was intended. The rank and file NRA member is generally not a Class III enthusiast, but rather your typical hunter, sport shooter and outdoorsman. The Thompson exhibits of some years past were warmly accepted because there is an aura of mystique surrounding the Thompson. Everyone knew what it was and the historic importance from the dark days of prohibition and lawlessness, to its use by law enforcement agencies, G-Men and its tremendous contribution during World War II. But Maxim machine guns? They had only one purpose…

The response was truly astounding. The area in front of the booth was constantly four to six people deep. They had never seen anything like this before and were genuinely interested in learning more. Questions were constant, and a typical comment was, “I’ve only seen pictures of these guns in books. It is a treat to actually see them.” What was really surprising was the number of people who actually thanked us for putting on such an educational and historic display of machine guns.

The NRA acknowledges the importance of the gun collecting community within the NRA by awarding medals and plaques to those firearms and exhibits that deserve recognition. Thirty judges, consisting of NRA board members, museum curators and well-known collectors visit each booth to judge specific arms based upon their historic importance, condition and rarity. They also judge the educational value of the display as well as the display of non-firearm supporting material such as accessories and documents. They also determine a single Collectors Choice award for best display at the show.

A Clean Sweep

Ten firearms are selected by the judges to receive sterling silver NRA medals as best firearms of the show representing different categories and types of weapons. The medals are individually numbered and recorded with the NRA and the medal is always associated with that gun. If the gun is ever sold, the medal goes with it. The Colt Maxim Model of 1904 was judged to be one of the ten best guns at the 2006 show and was awarded silver medal number 440.

Plaques are awarded to those exhibits that showed the best historic display of supporting material that is not a firearm. This includes ephemera, accessories, memorabilia and related supporting documents. The Maxim exhibit received a plaque for this category as well.

Finally, there is the coveted silver bowl Collectors Choice award recognizing the best-of-the-best of all the displays. This award is a traveling award with the name of the winning collector’s group engraved upon it; meaning that the collector’s group that wins it has possession of it for a year and it is then returned to the NRA for awarding the following year. A smaller silver bowl is given along with the larger bowl so that the small bowl may be kept when the larger bowl is returned. The Maxim exhibit, under the auspices of the Thompson Collectors Association and the Dallas Arms Collectors Association, received this prestigious award.

The Maxim exhibit won all three award categories. While the awards are gratifying, the true significance is the continuing change in thinking concerning collecting and documenting historic automatic weapons. No longer viewed with a gasp and a shaking of the head, they are becoming recognized as the valuable significant component of firearms history that they always were; but are now just getting their due. Thanks to the dedication and foresight of organizations such as the Thompson Collectors Association and the Dallas Arms Collectors Association, the legitimacy of our chosen avocation is being recognized by not only the collecting community, but by common gun owners and august national organizations such as the NRA. This is, indeed, a giant leap forward and all machine gun owners can take pride in this accomplishment.

Because these guns are so large, and heavy, and the logistics were so complex, this was a one-time only display. This exhibit was never before seen at any other gun show, and it will not be repeated again. It was an incredible task requiring the help of many people and hundreds of man hours. However, never say never: as the idea was floated at the NRA show by a senior NRA official that perhaps this exhibit might be considered to be recreated for a run at the National Firearms Museum in Virginia so that an even wider public audience could be reached. A lot of stars, moons and planets would have to align for that to happen… but we will see.

“Training missions from Maritime Homeland Security and Defense to expeditionary warfare, SMTC has the ability to standardize tactics, techniques and procedures which equates to effective operations in the joint maritime environment.” Captain E. L. Alexander, Commanding Officer, USCG Special Missions Training Center

Dramatic video segments showing machine gun toting patrol boats roaring along waterways and ocean intercepts of drug smuggling “go-fast” boats are familiar to those of us who pay attention to news about military units involved in anti-terror and security activities at home and abroad.

Dedicated and hard working members of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps are out there every day of the year, around the clock, in all kinds of weather, all over the globe. They protect harbor facilities, escort high value assets like aircraft carriers, run waterborne patrols and raids along Iraq’s rivers, board and search commercial shipping, find and stop narcotics traffickers.

But few pause to wonder how the skilled sailors and others who perform these missions receive their specialized training. Where do coxswains go to learn to maneuver small, swift patrol craft and keep them from foundering in heavy seas? Who teaches all those gunners to hang on to free-swinging, boat mounted machine guns while bringing effective and accurate fire on a fast moving target across roller coaster waves? Where does one go to quickly learn from experts with years of real-world experience in maritime military operations?

The US Coast Guard’s Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) is a one-stop resource for a host of critical components in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Ideally located since 1998 as a major tenant activity aboard the sprawling US Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, on the Atlantic Ocean coastline of North Carolina, this little known but enormously valuable operation trains personnel and elite formations of three branches of the US Armed Forces. Moreover, its Testing and Evaluation branch conducts operational tests of new weapons and equipment – including non-lethal technologies – and its Doctrine branch standardizes GWOT tactics, techniques and procedures.

In addition to full spectrum training for the Coast Guard’s own Port Security Units, Maritime Safety and Security Teams, and Cutter Boat counter drug operators; SMTC trains Marine Corps small boat operators in Dam Security Units, as well as the Navy’s Inshore Boat Units and Mobile Security Force.

The center’s “can-do” curriculum includes everything from entry level field training to deep sea small boat operations. In between we find basic and advanced certification for coxswains, those “boat drivers” who skipper the small, fast but vulnerable tactical watercraft, as well as instruction in weapons and tactics from non-lethal devices to 40mm high explosive grenade machine guns.

Crew Served Weapons Course

It is, of course, the weapons set that is of greatest interest to SAR’s readers so we briefly joined a class in progress as a group of mostly Navy Mobile Security sailors were going through the Small Boat Crew Served Weapons Operations and Maintenance Course. This 13 day entry level program focuses on three of the most effective machine guns in the US Armed Forces; the 7.62mm M240, .50 caliber M2HB and the 40mm Mark 19. Along the way they would learn about and demonstrate mastery of a long list of the expected critical tasks; like operation, maintenance and tactical applications, as well as land and waterborne live fire by day and night.

Additionally, significant emphasis is given to other topics to minimize innocent civilian casualties as well as those among US forces inflicted by predatory lawyers and hostile news organizations. Let there be no doubt about the wisdom and necessity for thoroughly ingraining in these gunners the principles of restrained escalation of force, legal aspects in Status of Forces Agreements, and Rules of Engagement.

Our first encounter with the course in progress was a classroom session on disassembly and assembly of the .50 caliber M2HB machine gun. Instructor to student ratio was excellent as each of several tables with four to six youthful sailors had its own gun and a seasoned, knowledgeable staffer. In addition to the salty petty officers and chiefs who make up the bulk of the Weapons Division’s instructor staff, civilian contractors from L3/Titan Corp. – nearly all recently retired military with plenty of real world experience – round out the team. The training style observed was very matter-of-fact, with advice and corrections given in even tones and to the point.

The “Ma Deuce” fifties were all brand new off the General Dynamics production line in Saco, Maine, impressive evidence of the post 9/11 supply pipeline delivering guns and other gear to America’s warfighters. While new guns come with their own set of annoyances from stiff springs and tightly fitting parts, each of the men (and a couple of women sailors) managed to get their guns apart, back together, properly head spaced and timed. By the end of the day all had repeated the process several times, an essential foundation for the live fire exercises that would follow.

Landborne Weapons Proficiency

A couple of days later we rejoined the class assembled on Range K211, across the New River from mainside Lejeune, just a few miles north of the fabled Stone Bay marksmanship complex. Although a fairly typical coastal Carolina cold and damp December day, all were thankful that no rain was expected as this would by no means cancel the training.

Chief Engineman (SWCC/PJ) Michael “Sammy” Hager was unquestionably in charge as the lead instructor and range safety officer. Hager, a physically imposing and straight talking veteran of years in Special Warfare Combatant Craft, welcomed the opportunity to show off the young sailors in the class, along with his fellow instructors who he describes as “the best crew you’ll ever find.”

He explained that this first day of actual live fire is conducted on land in keeping with the prudent instructional concept of “crawl, walk, run.” It would be counter-productive at this point, he said, to add the distractions, uncertainties, discomfort, cramped quarters, and multiple dangers of small boat gunnery on the water. All that would come soon enough….

This was by no means a familiarization fun fire day. The course outline for the training mandates six diverse objectives that each student must meet for the two weapons that go beyond loading, firing, correcting stoppages, and clearing. Previous classroom instruction in traditional machine gun tactical principles were put into practice on this real terrain by gunners describing and demonstrating classes of fire like plunging, and grazing, traversing and searching.

Then, imagining the closest target hulks in the role of hostile boats, they got a simplistic taste of what was to come later in waterborne scenarios requiring free gun swinging traverse, frontal, flanking and oblique fires.

Two weapons were front and center; first the 40mm Mark 19 Mod 3, then the 7.62mm M240. The hefty 77 pound MK19 was cradled in the Mark 93 Mod 0 Mount on the distinctive Mark 16 Mod 2 Tripod and Mark 8 Stand, a combo that has long been found on most US military watercraft. Several were positioned on portable sections of heavy steel deck plate, high above the range’s staging area on a long berm with a commanding view of the impact zone.

Mark 19s are Vietnam era grenade chuckers that still do yeoman duty in all the US Armed Forces. From the well worn looks of these veteran Saco-made guns, a couple could have actually served with the Brown Water Navy way back when.

High explosive ammo was standing by in the truck but target practice loads were the first ammunition for the exercise. These blue tipped paint poppers gave students a relatively stress free introduction to real loading and firing. The “relatively” part comes from several instances of scarlet dye powder puking in the receivers from breaks in the plastic projectile ogives.

The theory among the instructors was this unsightly but essentially harmless inconvenience came from lowest-bidder ammo being shaken and cracked in the feed cycle from the heavy recoil that is characteristic of the MK19. Anyway, most everyone got plenty of experience in clearing the guns and brushing away dye powder.

As in the classroom, patient but stern instructors went through a basic safety and operation briefing with each student at his turn. Recognizing the stress that many must feel at their first time behind the big guns, the intent is obviously to put them more at ease as well as to quickly reinforce loading, firing, misfire procedures, and clearing drills practiced earlier in dry-fire exercises.

All this is particularly appreciated – and arguably necessary – with the MK19 as it has a two stage charging sequence that must be strictly attended to. Careless gunners who only charge it once (pull back the charging handles) will “no fire.” Worse, the doubly careless gunner who forgets he has already charged it twice will inadvertently fire the weapon while attempting a third cycle. Oops, sorry ‘bout that!

Phase two was fired with real M430 HEDP (high explosive dual purpose), a particularly effective combination warhead that will go through two inches of armor plate and also spray fragments in a five meter kill zone. The pucker factor is that it is known for occasionally detonating in the gun or – much worse – just a few meters from the muzzle. As such, Kevlar helmets and body armor plus thick ballistic goggles are always worn by all participants in live fire regardless of the type of ammunition.

Landlubber shooters have much to learn about small boat gunnery techniques. Instructors teach the students to firmly grasp the Mark 19’s spade grips and push the chest right into their fists. This, they explained, helps the gunner keep control of a free swinging weapon when the boat is underway in rough water.

The downside is this requires one hell of a lot of upper body strength and bicep endurance to do it for any period of time while actually underway. Plenty of pushups and pull-ups are in order as well as strengthening of the upper leg muscles that must constantly flex to cushion the gunner on a bouncing deck. There is no room for marginal physical fitness at these gun stations.

Reinforcement Training

With more shooters on site than guns, those waiting their turn were not idle. Instructors had them rotating through hands-on stations at wooden tables in front of the covered bleachers where each would once again go through stripping and assembly, loading, misfire procedures, and clearing. Sure, some grumbled that this was boring and repetitious, but that’s exactly what’s needed. Savvy instructors know that muscle memory and instinctive action are essential requirements for effective action under the stress of actual combat.

240 Time

After all students had the opportunity to live fire both practice and HE loads in the Mark 19, it was time to break out the 7.62mm M240s. Until recently, the Navy and Coast Guard have used veteran M60 machine guns in land, sea and air roles. But these Vietnam-era warhorses have seen better days and few tears are shed while they are being replaced as quickly as new shipments of M240 guns arrive, fresh off the production lines at FNMI in Columbia, South Carolina. This Belgian designed weapon has a well deserved reputation for being tough and reliable under the worst operational abuse and environmental extremes like salt spray, arctic cold and sandstorms.

The 24 pound M240N guns were secured atop the Mark 16 stand assembly in standard Mark 97 Mod 0 mounts, a single gun cradle with attached ammo cage for the usual 200 round steel boxes. A bigger one with 600 round capacity is also available as well as a Mark 99 Mod 0 twin gun mount. Stops on the Mark 16 Mod 8 Stand’s train (traversing) collar can be variously positioned to limit left-right swing as required for safety and a swing-up train lock adapter (travel lock) immobilizes everything when action is not imminent.

Countering the temptation to use the M240’s iron sights, gunners were encouraged to observe the tracer stream and impact signature to quickly bring the beaten zone onto designated targets. This would be a necessity when the training shifted to boats underway. Controlled bursts up to ten rounds conserved ammo while putting sufficient amounts of lead into the target for effective neutralization.

No Spin Zone

Our time on K211 was further enhanced by the opportunity to talk at length with Chief Hager, who spoke candidly on a number of subjects relevant to maritime gunnery that readers are invited to take note of:

• “On their first day in class, students see real-world video of a fast and furious attack by well trained terrorists in heavily armed small boats.” This dramatic and sobering eye-opener drives home the seriousness of the protective mission that gunners have.
• Numerous combat after-action reviews have influenced the course content. One result is that “more emphasis is now being placed on security zones and interlocking fields of fire.”
• The M240 is very reliable under most conditions but proper lubrication varies with environmental conditions. “A 50/50 mixture of CLP and diesel fuel has been giving good results” in SW Asia.
• Ammunition availability for gunnery training needs to increase – particularly in .50 caliber. Hager acknowledges that electronic simulators like FATS (Fire Arms Training Systems) can help take up the slack, but he emphasized that “there is no substitute for actually shooting live rounds.”

(SMTC’s leadership advises that they have sufficient funding for training ammunition but the recent shortfall in available rounds is due to significantly increased demand by operational units in forward deployed areas. Barring unforeseen circumstances, this strain on the output of DoD’s relatively few production sources is likely to ease in the near future. Meanwhile, a customized FATS system is nearing completion that will allow sophisticated maritime scenario training with all three crew served weapons – Editor)

We also talked a bit with one of Hager’s students, MA3 (Master At Arms Third Class) Tony Pittaluga, a 26 year old native of Cape May, New Jersey with two years in the Navy. Currently assigned as a coxswain with Navy Mobile Security Detachment 22 in Portsmouth, Virginia, he and his unit are recent returnees from a deployment to Iraq securing vital oil terminals against terrorist attack. Pittaluga makes some interesting points to ponder:

• “Smooth is fast – fast is smooth.” Don’t try to rush through mechanical tasks like loading, clearing jams or assembly/reassembly. Practice repeatedly and speed will come naturally.
• Physical stress adds a lot of realism to gunnery training that is needed to prepare for effectiveness under fire. “Run and do exercises before handling the guns so your heart rate is up, hands trembling and sweaty.”
• Training ammunition shortages affect his home unit and it is a disappointment that the amount of ammo this class at SMTC will get is a lot less than what shipmates reported firing in earlier classes.

Night Fire and More

The students and staffers were in for another long day with scheduled firing after sundown under parachute flare illumination popped from M203 grenade launchers. A special treat was to be the chance to spend some quality time with a starlight scope. Night vision devices are hard to come by due to urgent operational requirements so the instructors were pleased to be able to borrow a brand new Litton AN/PVS-5 Crew Served Weapons Night Vision Sight for this group of students.

In a few days, the class would move out by small boat onto designated waterway ranges nearby for gunnery training while underway. Again, under the principle of “crawl, walk, run,” this would carefully progress from shooting off a static boat, to dry runs at slow speeds, then live fire runs at 5 knots and 10. Safety precautions are strictly enforced and the whole exercise is made exponentially difficult by environmental factors like sea condition, speed and direction of boat, target and wind, as well as the usual winter weather miseries of freezing rain and fog.

SMTC Expansion

A multi-million dollar construction program is well underway at the center’s Courthouse Bay location with six components nearing completion. This new Joint Maritime Complex includes a headquarters, academic instruction facility, armory, maintenance building, warehouse, and training pool. Also, a ship-on-shore shoot house, that will facilitate live fire scenarios unique to those required in boarding and securing oceangoing vessels, is pending congressional approval and funding.

This physical expansion will also support a growing list of missions arising from GWOT operations such as more boat and weapons training.

Coast Guard on the Web

The official website for SMTC is www.uscg.mil/smtc. Go to the US Coast Guard’s home page at www.uscg.mil to access information on opportunities, benefits and qualifications for enlistment. Good men and women are needed for Port Security Units, Maritime Safety and Security Teams, Cutter Boats, Helicopter Interdiction, and much more.

By Jason Wong

In the history of modern small arms, the majority of small arms design has come at the hands of individuals working to create something unusual or fulfill a perceived or real need that is unavailable on the commercial or military market. Without individuals designing and building modern small arms, it is unlikely that the current diversity of small arms would be possible. As a small arms manufacturer, Mark Serbu owns and operates Serbu Firearms, Inc., a Class 2 manufacturer located in Tampa, Florida. Small Arms Review has followed the release of new and innovative products created by Serbu Firearms since 1998, and sought to gain insight into the business of designing and engineering small arms. They can be reached at Serbu Firearms, Inc., 6001 Johns Road, #144, Tampa, FL 33643. (813) 243, 8899 or at www.serbu.com.

SAR: What was the first gun you ever bought?

Serbu: It was a Marlin Model 60, a .22 caliber rifle with a tubular magazine. I bought it for sixty dollars when I was 18 years old.

SAR: What was the first gun you made?

Serbu: The first gun I made was a little single shot .22 caliber rifle that I made with a drill press and a welder. It was very light weight, but it worked.

SAR: Tell me briefly about your back ground.

Serbu: Growing up, I always played with mechanical projects, starting with go carts, working my way up to cars, and eventually into guns. As a kid, I would always make “inventions.”

I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida in 1990. After I graduated from college, I was lucky. The employment situation was bad, but I managed to get a job with a company that built flight simulators. I designed and built control systems – the hydraulic systems that provide feedback to the pedals and the yoke in the flight simulator. I enjoyed designing parts for the simulators, but as I got more seniority with the company, I spent less time in design. I started Serbu Firearms in 1995 and worked part time. In 1999, I quit the flight simulator job to run Serbu Firearms full time. At that time, I had a Bridgeport mill and a Clausing lathe in my garage.

SAR: How did you decide what your first product was going to be?

Serbu: As a new Class Two manufacturer, my first product was an integral .22 suppressor. It took the least amount of engineering and work to design and build. Once I decided to make a .22 suppressor, Joe Gaddini (of SWR) helped me design and build the suppressor baffles. At the time, I thought I’d give it a shot and go with the basic design that Joe and I worked on. I decided to add flutes to the suppressor tube to make it look nice, and started making them.

SAR: How do you decide on the design of the final product?

Serbu: I’m big on Computer Assisted Design (CAD). I’ll model the project in three dimensions within the computer and look at it before I ever cut metal. I like taking time to look at the product for aesthetics before making it, to make sure that it looks good from all angles. With the BFG 50 bolt action rifles, I modeled nine different variations within the computer before I found a barrel contour that I liked. The nice part was that it was modeled in the computer, so I was able to go through nine different variations without ever cutting metal.

SAR: How much does CAD play into your engineering and design?

Serbu: It’s huge. I consider CAD indispensable and use CAD in everything I design. Recently, I’ve starting using CAD and CAM (Computer Aided Machining) so that when I get something that I like, I am able to send the design program directly to the machine and have the part made.

SAR: When you entered the market in 1996, what was it like?

Serbu: It was a lot more laid back. I was still working for the flight simulator company, and working part time out of my house. I had little overhead, and made suppressors when an order would come in. Often I would work long nights building guns, but it wasn’t high pressure. I made just over a hundred suppressors over a two year period.

SAR: How did you make the decision to run Serbu Firearms full time?

Serbu: The business was growing. The Sirus pistols and 10/22 rifles were selling well, in addition to the Super Shorty Shotgun. With those, I was doing well enough to go full time.

SAR: Tell me more about the Super Shorty. How did that come about?

Serbu: I owed some money to a friend after sharing a hotel and car rental during a trip to Knob Creek. Instead of taking the money, he asked for a really short Mossberg shotgun registered as an AOW. I agreed, but I thought it was a dumb project. What he was proposing was so short; it needed a front grip in order to hold it. It seemed absurd.

It took abut a year to get the first one built. Once it was built, they sold like crazy. Since being introduced, I’ve sold them to police departments around the country, and the military. A few were recently purchased by the King of Jordan. Hollywood bought a couple, and the Super Shorty has been used in a few movies and on television.

We recently started making the Super Shorty on Remington 870 actions after fielding requests for the 870 action for years. I didn’t want to make the Super Shorty on an 870 action because it’s difficult. The magazine tube is silver soldered to the receiver and cannot easily be removed. In 2005, a SWAT team requested 870 actions and would not accept the Mossberg, so we started making the Super Shorty on the 870 action. We continue to sell the Super Shorty on Mossberg actions in addition to the Remington 870 actions.

SAR: How did you decide to build a fifty caliber rifle?

Serbu: I wanted a fifty caliber rifle, but was unable to find a rifle that was affordable, yet designed and engineered well. Many of the affordable rifles at the time looked like a piece of pipe. Anything that was engineered well cost in excess of $4,000. I wanted to design a rifle of my own that was built well and was still affordable.

I designed my first fifty caliber rifle on June 9th, 1999. At the time, Congress was discussing a proposed ban on fifty caliber rifles. I stayed up all night designing the BFG 50 so that I could try to get it out on the market before the ban could be passed. I recall the date because the proposed ban on fifty caliber rifles was introduced in Congress the following day. I knew that I had to get the BFG 50 on the market.

SAR: Tell me more about the BFG 50.

Serbu: I wanted to get the BFG 50 on the market for $995. I took deposits on the first 50 BFG rifles for that price and sold all 50 rifles very quickly. I raised the price to $1,250, and continued to get orders. I remember thinking, “Wow! I’m going to be rich! I’ve got $60,000.”

SAR: Recently, California decided to ban the fifty caliber. What happened?

Serbu: It was incredible. We were selling bare receivers, just to get them into California before the deadline. We had hundreds of orders and were limited only by the amount of time needed to build the receivers. In three months, we were able to get several hundred fifty caliber rifles into California to beat the pending ban. It was the hardest I had ever worked. I was working until 3 a.m., trying to finish the receivers in time.

SAR: Now that the California ban on fifty caliber rifles is in effect, what are you doing to get guns into California?

Serbu: We’ve started making rifles chambered in 50 DTC, a caliber designed in Europe that is California legal. The case is a tenth of an inch shorter, and has a slightly different profile. The powder, projectile, and powder charge is the same as the 50 BMG, giving very similar results as the 50 BMG that is disallowed.

SAR: How did you decide to build the carbine version of the BFG 50?

Serbu: It’s a regular BFG 50, but with a shorter hand guard and barrel. Customers requested something more compact and lighter, so we obliged. We reduced the barrel length to 21 inches and reduced the weight to 17 pounds. One customer requested a carbine with a 16 inch barrel, so we made it. I think it weighed about 14 pounds.

SAR: How did your semiautomatic fifty caliber rifle come about?

Serbu: I was never a single shot type of guy. I always wanted to make a semi auto, but with the pending ban in 1999, I didn’t think there was enough time to design a semi auto rifle before a ban could be put into effect. As a result, I designed the single shot version first.

The semi auto rifle is currently designed to use a 10 round box magazine, and utilize a quick change barrel. The rifle is gas operated, and uses a fixed barrel, which should result in sub-MOA accuracy. Because of the modularity, the rifle can be broken down to fit into a three foot gun case. It currently weighs 25 pounds, but when placed into full production, the weight will be reduced to approximately 22 pounds. Best of all, we expect retail price to be about $5,000.

SAR: What kind of advice would you give to individuals interested in firearms manufacturing?

Serbu: Don’t do it! It’s a lot harder than it seems. It’s a huge time commitment. I’ve pulled many all-nighters over the years and have neglected my family. Often, it’s difficult to realize how much money is going to be required. When I first started, I raided my retirement account and withdrew $80,000. I barely made it. I can’t imagine someone starting out today with nothing and relying upon deposit money paid for start up capital. If you are able to buy the equipment to make the parts yourself, you’re spending a lot of money on equipment. If you are forced to rely upon outside contractors to make your parts, you’ll be buying a lot of parts and will have huge inventory costs. It takes a lot more time and money than one would imagine.

Many times, people comment that they’d love to have an MP5 or an M16. I get to work with these all the time. It sounds great, but when you’re doing it daily, it loses the allure. It becomes mundane and gets old.

I’d also tell prospective businesses to expect the worst. When I first started the BFG project, I wasn’t working nearly as hard. When the initial orders came in, I didn’t think the project would be too difficult. We took the first deposits in August 1999, and we were not able to deliver until June 2000. At the time, all of the parts were being made by outside vendors because we didn’t have the CNC equipment to build the parts ourselves. The BFG was a simple gun requiring 37 parts, but the orders were delayed. We were told that the parts would be ready in three weeks, but it ended up taking three months to receive the parts. In the end, it took 9 months to build the first BFG.

I thought it would be much easier. Projects currently being developed by other gun manufacturers require hundred of parts. Managing production and manufacturing of all the parts is difficult. The delays compound each other, making the situation worse.

SAR: What’s the best aspect of your job?

Serbu: I get to do something that I really enjoy as a career. Growing up, I loved to design and build things, and now I get to design and build guns as a living. I get to play with cool guns. It’s fun.

SAR: What’s the worst aspect of your job?

Serbu: Find a job doing something you love, and you’ll grow to hate it, just like any other job. (Laughing)

If I had to do it over again, I think I would have read some business books a lot sooner. I didn’t think I would make a career out of this – I just wanted to make some cool stuff. Before long, other people liked the products, and it grew. Still, I didn’t really plan to build a business at all. I don’t hate my job, but it was a whole lot more fun when it wasn’t a business. Dealing with employees, taxes, and suppliers is not enjoyable.

SAR: What new products do you see coming from Serbu Firearms in the future?

Serbu: Probably more accessories for our existing products. We already make bipods for another manufacturer. I’d like to make a smaller gun; a rifle chambered in .338 Lapua or .308. I’ve got quite a few ideas that I’m working on. We’re building a 6,000 square foot building. Our current space is only about 2,000 square feet, so it will allow us some space to grow.

SAR: I’ve heard rumors that you plan on building a rifle chambered in 20mm Vulcan. True?

Serbu: I’ve wanted to build a 20mm rifle for some time. It’s already designed, but I haven’t had the time to get the project going. I’m not sure about the demand for a 20mm rifle, but I also can’t wait to shoot it.

By Christopher R. Bartocci

With the increase use of tactical carbines by law enforcement, a whole new breed of sights have been developed and employed for law enforcement applications. Many of the currently available sights began life as military sights and carried over to law enforcement.

In the U.S. Armed Forces, optics have only been used for special applications such as for snipers or sharpshooters. The standard combat rifle remains to have the mainstay with conventional iron sights. Combat rifles are subjected to the harshest environments including mud, dirt, snow and rain; all of which can render an optic useless. Without immediate accessibility to a backup iron sight the weapon will be ineffectual and may cost the soldier his life. Not to mention the issues of batteries dieing at the wrong time or the tritium lamp dieing at an inopportune moment.

However, for Special Operations use on the most advanced level, operators may be trained to deal with these downfalls and, once they have this new breed of tactical sight, they bring incredible advantages: in particular to the close quarter battle or CQB arena. This is also the arena that law enforcement most often encounters.

There are many sight options out in the market today and here we will look at a few of the most popular. All are excellent sight systems and have their own individual advantages and disadvantages. To begin with, the most popular sight used in Close Quarter Battle situations, both military and law enforcement, is the reflex sight.

Reflex sights differ from standard scopes in the fact they do not magnify in the normal way. They provide a large dot or sight inside a screen. The dot or hologram is adjusted just like a scope but designed for quick site acquisition when the operator has little time to react. Due to no magnification, the shooter will be able to fire with both eyes open increasing peripheral vision and speed. Among the most popular reflex sights in the marketplace are the Aimpoint M68 Comp 2, Trijicon ACOG and the EOTech Holographic sight.

The Aimpoint M68 CompM2

This is the most mass produced reflex sight made; adopted by U.S. Forces in 1997 as the M68 Reflex sight as well as SOPMOD Block 2. This uses 3-volt Lithium battery type 2L76 or DL1/3N batteries which may be its only negative aspect due to cold weather use. The sight has a red dot sight and is adjustable for brightness by a dial on the sight. This sight has become issue and may be seen on numerous M4 and M16A4 rifles in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The sight can be mounted many different ways with different mounts. One of the most popular is the ARMS/Swan throw lever mounts (#17). ARMS offers a spacer to raise the sight up about 1 inch. When the sight is mounted on the receiver with an ARMS #40L back up rear sight, it allows co-witness in case the battery was to die. By flipping up the back up sight, the shooter will be able to see both iron sights and engage the target. The other benefit to using the throw lever mounts is that if the optic was to become damaged, unusable or the batteries die out, under stress, the sight can be removed in seconds rather than having to unscrew one or two nuts.

No deficiencies were found during testing other than the use of a battery. If it should go out at an inopportune moment and the shooter does not have back-up sights it could be a problem. However, keeping fresh batteries on hand and replacing them before any mission, this is an excellent sight. Being able to adjust the brightness, the accuracy is increased. With use in short range the brighter the better but when engaging 100 yards and beyond it is more advisable for a dimmer setting causing the dot to become smaller and more defined.

Trijicon ACOG Reflex Sight

This sight has seen extensive use by USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) as part of their SOPMOD enhancement program. This is by far the most durable of all of the sights due to its 7075T6 aluminum body: the same as the M16-series/M4 receivers. Unlike the M68, the ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) uses a tritium lamp instead of batteries. That lamp has a 10-year life giving it an incredible boost in reliability and Tritium is not affected by any weather conditions. Additionally, the dot is amber in color instead of red as it is claimed by Trijicon that amber is more visible to the eye than red. Provided with the sight is a polarizing filter. There are several good mounts for this sight but the ARMS, Inc #15 throw lever mount is the most versatile of the lot.

Adjustments are made in point of impact with a screwdriver or the base of a 5.56x45mm cartridge. A collimator in the front of the sight adjusts the intensity of the dot by the amount of light outside the optic.

While it is comforting to know that no batteries are used, the sightscreen is dark and small compared to the M68 which gives a clearer sightscreen than the AGOG. In bright conditions the darker screen can be advantageous. Groups remained less than 3 inches at 100 yards with a Colt M4 carbine with Black Hills MK262 MOD 1 ammunition.

The Elcan Optical Sight

Perhaps the most manufactured combat sight of all time is the Elcan optical sight by Armament Technologies up in the Great White North in Canada. It was adopted for general use by the Canadian military and many of their foreign military customers. The U.S. military has adopted a customized Elcan scope for use on the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon).

While not necessarily a reflex sight, it is worth mentioning due to the way the sight can be utilized. There is a triangular shaped aperture in a spear form. The tip of the sight glows with Tritium so no batteries are required. The scope has a 4/20 magnification, which is optimal for a combat scope keeping extremely quick sight acquisition.

Due to the low power and the tritium lamp in the reticle, this sight may also be used as a close quarter battle reflex sight. Up close the picture will not be as clear, but clear enough to accomplish the job, with the additional advantage of engaging targets beyond 400 meters.

Shooting with this sight is very effective. The ability to engage accurately at longer ranges versus an iron sight is an incredible advantage. The glowing aiming point is truly there for close-up work due to the fact you will not see a target 400 meters away in the dark. Using the ELCAN in CQB conditions has proved to be effective and is an excellent choice for a combat scope with magnification. The durability and quality are second to none. This sight has an incredible service record being the most mass-produced combat scope in the world.

The EOTech Sight

It is suffice to say that the EOTech sight is the most high-tech of the lot. The development of the holographic sight can be traced back to the Rochester, New York based company LaserMax, Inc and their former CEO Will Houde-Walter. The EOTech sight has proven itself world over with many elite combat units and Police Department as well as Federal agencies. This is not a dot sight but a holographic sight. This by far has the largest screen giving the best overall peripheral vision to the shooter making it easy to fire with both eyes open. Due to no magnification this sight is ideal for any CQB environment.

This is a battery-operated sight (N or AA alkaline batteries) that has a hologram sight, which is an aiming dot with an outer circle around the point of aim dot. The intensity of the sight can be manipulated and adjusted by the user to suit the tactical lighting conditions. The sight has an automatic shut off. Models are also available for use with night vision scopes and glasses.

Due to this being a hologram, as long as the sight reticle can be seen in the screen regardless where, the rifle will shoot to point of adjustment aim of the sight. In other words, if the sight appears in the top right corner of the screen, that is where the bullet will go. The sight does not have to be centered in the screen. This means if the sight was covered partially in mud, snow or oil, as long as there was a small clean spot in which to view, the sight will still be usable.

Of all of the optics tested, this one was the easiest to see and use because of the combination of the shape of the reticle and the massive screen. The only draw back was the fact that the sight used batteries. Recently, ARMS, Inc. just released a throw lever (#54) mount for this sight. Accuracy was comparable to all others tested. Group shooting at 100 yards with Black Hills MK262 MOD 1 ammunition yielded groups just under 2 inches off a bench rest.

Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T

The Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T is a compromise between a scope and a reflex sight. The reticle may remain in a standard black recticle configuration or by clicking the dial it will light up from a dim to bright amber. What is unique about the CQ/T is the fact that the power can be turned down to 1x so that no magnification is made and the scope fills the role of a reflex sight. Then the power can be raised to the standard 2x and 3x magnification giving long-range capabilities. This is by far the largest and most cumbersome of all the scopes tested. However, it is very effective.

The sample sight took one AA battery – perhaps its largest draw back. This sight has Mil-Std-1913 rails at 3, 12 and 9 o’clock for mounting accessories. The reticle is an aiming point surrounded by a larger circle. Adjustments are made with a coin or a 5.56x45mm cartridge base. There are many different mounts available including the ARMS, Inc. (#12) throw lever mount.

This optic tested very well and is truly a well thought out design. Even if the battery was dead the standard black reticle is still there giving full use of the scope unlit. The low 2x to 3x power settings are ideal for a combat sight assuring quick target acquisition and follow up through recoil. The aiming reticle is small enough particularly with no illumination to do excellent long-range work. Only this sight and the Elcan sight are still useable without the illumination part of the sight.

Conclusions

Law Enforcement has certainly benefited from the research and development of military CQB optics. Military units both foreign and domestic have used all of the mentioned optics. These optics greatly enhance the speed in which targets can get spotted, identified and ultimately engaged. All have strengths and all have weaknesses. But with proper training these optics will serve the soldier/police officer well.

Aimpoint, Inc.
3989 Highway 62 West, Suite 1
Bernville, AR 72616
(877) 246-7646
A.R.M.S., Inc.
Atlantic Research and Marketing Systems, Inc.
230 West Center Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
(508) 584-7816
Black Hills Ammunition
3050 Eglin Street
Rapid City, SD 57709
(605) 348-5150
Colt Defence, LLC.
P.O. Box 1868
Hartford, CT 06144
(800) 962-COLT
EOTech, Inc.
Electro-Optics Technologies
3600 Green Court, Suite 400
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1570
(734)741-8868
Elcan/Armament Technology, Inc.
3045 Robie St. Suite 113
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 4P6
Canada
(902) 454-6384
Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
14400 Northwest Greenbrier Parkway
Beaverton, OR 97006
(503) 646-9171
Trijicon, Inc.
49385 Shafer Avenue
P.O. Box 930059
Wixom, MI 48393
(800) 338-0563