“Born from the iconic roots of the game changing P365, the true crossover handgun has finally arrived; the P365-FUSE is the ultimate in full-size capability and micro-compact concealment for unmatched versatility,” said Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, SIG SAUER, Inc.  “With an optics-ready slide and barrel longer than any other compact in its class, combined with the ultra-thin LXG grip, the P365-FUSE delivers on accuracy, performance, and reliability.”

The SIG SAUER P365-FUSE is a striker-fired, 9mm pistol with the polymer laser engraved LXG grip module, 1913 accessory rail, removable magwell, interchangeable small, medium, and large backstraps, and a nickel-plated flat-faced trigger.  The optics-ready stainless steel slide features aggressive serrations with fiber optic front sight and with black serrated rear sight and houses a 4.3” carbon steel, DLC finished barrel.  The P365-FUSE ships with (2) 21-round and (1) 17-round magazines; in states with magazine capacity requirements the P365-FUSE ships with (3) 10-round magazines.

The SIG SAUER P365-FUSE ROMEO-X features a factory installed ROMEO-X compact sight crafted from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, machined anti-reflection grooves on shooter-facing surfaces, distortion-free aspheric glass, with a patent-pending Beryllium Copper flexure-arm adjustment system.  ROMEO-X series optics incorporate a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter with 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle reticle, side independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness settings including night vision settings, and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes.  Additionally, the ROMEO-X offers a low deck height for standard-height iron sight co-witness, has a minimum continuous runtime of 20,000 hours at medium brightness setting and utilizes MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation), and D.A.R.C™ (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings) technologies. 

SPECIFICATIONS

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 21 / 17 / 10
• Overall length: 7.2 inches
• Overall height: 5.1 inches
• Overall width:  1.1 inches
• Barrel length: 4.3 inches
• Sight Radius: 6.0 inches
• Optics Slide Cut: Compact
• Weight (w/magazine): 23.1 ounces
• SKU: 365XF-9-BFO
• SKU (State compliant): 365XF-9-BFO-10

P365-FUSE ROMEO-X:

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 21 / 17
• Overall length: 7.2 inches
• Overall height: 5.7 inches
• Overall width:  1.1 inches
• Barrel length: 4.3 inches
• Sight Radius: 6.0 inches
• Optics Slide Cut: Compact
• Weight (w/magazine): 24.8 ounces
• SKU: 365XF-9-BFO-RXX

ROMEO-X Compact:

• Footprint: P365 and Compact
• Magnification: 1x
• Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
• Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
• Illumination Settings: 12 Daytime, 3 Night Vision

The P365-FUSE is now shipping and available at retailers.  To learn more about the P365-FUSE and ROMEO-X optics visit sigsauer.com.

The Kentucky rifles took this to the extreme, and soon the American frontiersmen using them shot out a place in history with them. During the American Revolution, Daniel Boone shot the renegade slave Pompey at extreme long range during the siege of Boonesboro. Pompey climbed a tree at what should have been safely out of range of return fire and had begun a harassing fire campaign aiming at the general interior of Fort Boonesboro. Eventually, one of those bullets was liable to hit someone. So, Daniel Boone took him out with one carefully aimed long-range shot. The British soon learned that anyone within 200 yards of a frontier rifleman was an easy target, while the British troopers’ Brown Bess musket was, at best, a 100-yard weapon and many were so badly bored that a hit at even that short range was considered lucky.

In the War of 1812, at the battle of New Orleans, one frontiersman systematically picked off the British officers who thought they were out of range thereby destroying the British command and control of their troops. This resulted in them being unable to call their men back when the musket, rifle, and cannon fire from General Jackson’s defensive line began decimating the attacking British formations. By the time they were able to recall their Redcoats, the battle had become a massacre with huge British losses and the Chalmette Battlefield was red with the blood of the dead British.

TRAINING

Why is this history important? Because the same truths hold true today. First, the frontiersmen practiced shooting offhand. Skill at this takes practice and it requires training the muscles to hold steady. I don’t care how strong you are, your muscles are not going to hold that rifle steady naturally. I have a scoped 12-pound rifle that I hold on a mark without firing every day until the rifle gets shaky. I do this several times a day. Even though I have used dumbbells up to 110 pounds for decades, I still have to do this if I am going to get maximum accuracy. It is an old tradition dating back to before the days of the Kentucky rifle that, sadly, seems to have been forgotten in modern times.

These days, far too many hunters sight in their rifle from a rest and then strike out hunting. I have nothing against shooting from a rest. I just wish I had a rest to shoot from when I need one. In my long life, I have never been able find the time or a place to rest a rifle for an important shot. Other folks may have, but perhaps I am just unlucky that way… So, I practice shooting offhand and, preferably, at moving targets because that is the way I always end up shooting in the field. A lot of shots are not taken or if taken they are missed because men do not practice shooting offhand sufficiently, if at all.

Remember, there are only 3 ways to learn to shoot. Shooting, shooting, and more shooting. The need for practice is why I tell people to hunt with common calibers like 308 Winchester and 30-06 which are relatively inexpensive and readily available instead of the latest super expensive magnums. Unless you are very wealthy, you will not be able to practice enough with the expensive ammo to get any benefit out of whatever slight performance advantage it may offer. The difference between an exhibition shooter’s skill and the average shooter’s skill is the mountains of ammunition the exhibition shooter goes through in practice. The average person won’t shoot that much ammo for that long, even if he has the money to do it.

Offhand shooting also requires RECENT practice for best results. Some people think they can hang their gun up at the end of the hunting season and not shoot it again until next hunting season with no loss of ability. Only if that ability is low, my friends, and going hunting with low level shooting skills is inhumane to the game.

RIFLES

With some rare exceptions like the U.S. M1 carbine it is difficult to get the best results with a light rifle. This is taken to the extreme if you are tired. In the old days of African hunting when you had to feed your safari with what you shot it was not uncommon to have to run after your game before shooting it on the Veldt. This is why the older rifles made for African use were often made heavier than they needed to be for recoil mitigation. You just can’t hold a light rifle still when you are sweating and out of breath in Africa’s infernal heat. 10 or 11 pounds is about as light as you can afford to go in that situation, and 12 to 15 pounds is much steadier.

A long barrel like a Kentucky rifle has leverage to give the effect of more weight without weighing more. I have been able to put the first two shots fired offhand in one inch at 100 yards with both a mint, previously unfired, M1873 Trapdoor Springfield 45-70 and a long barreled, unaltered, 6.5 Swedish M96 Mauser with a slightly rough bore. In both cases the long barrel was a major factor in holding the gun steady enough.

After the first two shots, the groups widen with each succeeding shot as almost imperceptible fatigue sets in. I, for one, have no hesitation about hunting with a long-barreled, full-stocked rifle no matter how antiquated. Beauty is as beauty does, and all I care about is results. Why should I care about the latest styles and fads when I am out in the woods trying to put meat on the table? I want results. I want my dinner. I can’t get those results with the latest bolt action magnum sporting rifles, so I don’t hunt with them.

Whatever you shoot at or with if you are serious about bringing home the bacon, you should practice shooting offhand like Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett did. In their day no one was considered a competent shot unless he could shoot offhand accurately. That still holds true.

This is yet another fine book from Mowbray Publishing. This title follows other similar soft cover gun books such as The UZI Submachine Gun Examined, The Italian Vetterli Rifle, The Complete Book of Tokarev Pistols, and Communist Bloc Handguns.

With many, many SKS rifles having been imported into the U.S. (the book says “over 4 million”) from various countries and factories in recent years, a well researched book is most welcomed.

This book was written by George Layman, in cooperation with Adrian Van Dyk. Many of the rifles shown in this book are from Van Dyk’s personal collection of SKS rifles. He owns examples from every country that ever made the SKS. Layman and Van Dyk also cooperated on the above-mentioned work, Communist Bloc Handguns. Many of Van Dyk’s Tokarevs also appeared in that book. (Reviewed by this reviewer several years ago.)

The “Acknowledgements” section names a large number of people that assisted Layman. He was part of the military intelligence machine for 21 years, and several of these individuals were from the “other side”.

A two-page “Foreword” by fellow ComBloc collector Cameron S. White follows, and then a “NOTE OF CAUTION” regarding the potential danger of a free-floating firing pin and old, crusty Cosmoline preservative. If the firing pin is stuck in the forward position, the gun can slam fire as soon as the bolt closes. Note that this occurs without squeezing the trigger or having the hammer drop. This could result in a very unexpected 10-round burst of full-auto fire.

The book is divided into 13 chapters, plus a “Conclusion” and a detailed “Serial Number Appendices”. The first chapter covers the development of the SKS. Following this is a country-by-country study of the many variants of the SKS. As might be expected, the first country profiled is the USSR.

With over 800 color photos contained within the 264 pages, it certainly is well illustrated. The majority of these photos are close-up, detail photos, noting crests, receiver markings, and serial numbers found on various parts. Also, many drawings and renderings of the various factory codes are illustrated. China has a huge number of such codes listed here.

Also covered are rifles similar to the SKS, but not actually so. Specifically, these are the Czech-made VZ-52 and VZ-52/57, the Egyptian Rashid, and the extremely rare and nearly unknown Iraqi built Baghdad rifle (a copy of the Rashid, built on surplus Egyptian machines and tooling.)

The final chapter, “XIII Collecting The SKS”, is a guide for the novice collector. With the fall of the Iron Curtain, the 1990s saw many previously rare variants of Soviet firearms available to the American collector. This chapter helps to sort it all out.

The Conclusion is an interesting bit about Layman’s time serving in military intelligence, and how sources he came in contact with then became friends and provided previously classified information for this book now.

The book ends with “SKS Serial Numbers”, a list of numbers compiled Howard A. Bearse. These systems were meant to confuse western militaries from learning how many firearms in total were produced, and in which factories. It seems to have worked, as there are still questions unanswered… This part mainly deals with Soviet USSR and Chinese numbers, but also touches on North Vietnam, North Korea, and East Germany.

Recommended.

The Tisas slide and frame are made of 4140 steel forgings and the barrel is cold hammer forged. This fact alone makes this gun superior to most of its competitors, as they tend to use milled parts or investment castings which lack the strength of forgings. If an airplane or a bridge is found to not use forgings in a part where a forged part is specified, the government will condemn that airplane or bridge. That’s how serious a matter this is. When lives depend on a part not failing then you need a forging.

The finish is WWII magnesium phosphate Parkerizing. There are no tool marks, and everything is properly polished before Parkerizing. The fit of the parts is as it should be. Not too tight where it needs room for dust, sand, and mud yet just tight enough where it’s important for accuracy without being too tight. These guns shoot 2-inch groups from a Ransom Rest at 35-40 yards, yet they are loose enough to handle sand and mud without malfunctioning. The trigger pull is a crisp, but heavy, 8 pounds. Thanks to this combination of American know-how and cheap foreign skilled labor, the MSRP is $480… and some dealers offer it for as low as $379. The Civilian Marksmanship Program has also bought these to sell at their outlets. These guns are marked CMP. That’s a hefty stamp of approval.

I had 100 rounds of Black Hills 230-grain FMJ, 100 rounds of Black Hills 230-grain JHP, and 40 rounds of Steinel Ammunition 230-grain SCHP (solid copper hollow point) for a total of 240 rounds to test fire in this pistol. They all ran through the pistol perfectly.

ORIGINAL G.I. VERSION

The M1911A1 I tested is the old faithful G.I. version of the gun. The M1911A1 is a combat gun designed to work in the sand and mud of the battlefield. Attempts to improve it with so-called “combat accuracy jobs” and every bell and whistle a conniving marketer can think of just take it that much further from what it was meant to be. A gun that you can stake your life on in the worst battlefield conditions. A good example of how far a match gun is from the original was a top pistol match shooter who told me that he regarded his National Match .45 as a precision target tool and not as a practical gun for the real world. So-called “combat” matches are very far removed from the realities of brutally intense combat where you and your pistol may end up crawling in the sand and muck while having the same stuff blown onto you at high velocity by exploding shells. This is no place for a gun tricked out for combat matches. This is the real world of combat, and it’s down and dirty. Yet, the G.I. M1911A1 takes it in stride and excels when lesser pistols quit functioning. For 113 years, the M1911 has forged a reputation as the most reliable military pistol there is.

WHY THE M1911A1 IS THE MOST RELIABLE PISTOL IN THE WORLD

A gun made from robust parts it is easily rebuilt when it ages and normally lasts 250,000 rounds. This is in sharp contrast to many of the most famous newer pistols which often are reduced to junk after a tenth of that round count. Plastic and sheet metal guns do not lend themselves to rebuilding easily, as well. It’s often cheaper to buy a new gun than rebuild one of the newer models. If your modern, short-lived gun comes to its end in battle and decides to quit on you, then you are screwed. Normal service testing in WWII was to choose a random 1911 from a new production lot and fire 10,000 to 15,000 rounds through it and expect no malfunctions with all the parts still in good serviceable condition at the conclusion of the firing schedule. It was then cleaned and shipped off for issue with the rest of the lot.

Key to the M1911A1’s reliability is the fact that it’s one of few guns that’s really good at throwing sand and dirt out of the mechanism as it fires. There are also places where dirt can be shoved aside within the gun without causing malfunctions, such as the Browning toggle (where the swinging link accommodates more dirt than the sliding cam of later pistols.) The swinging link toggle also serves as a bridge, keying the separate ramps of the barrel and receiver together and positioning the barrel at the best angle for cartridge feeding during the cycling of the gun.

The 1911A1’s extractor is similar to the famed Mauser 98 extractor, where the cartridge comes up under the extractor instead of having the extractor snap over the rim.

There is only the recoil spring guide and plug with the recoil spring on a M1911A1 instead of the modern guide rod which can bend and jam the gun if dropped.

The receiver is solid on the M1911A1, and broken grips do not disable, it as they do with some guns where the grips form part of the structure.

The cycling energy of the 45 ACP is much higher than the 9mm round so popular today and it does this with a mere 12,000 PSI chamber pressure instead of the 32,000 PSI of the 9mm. If a 9mm bullet gets forced back in its case, that pressure can skyrocket to 40,000 PSI or more. Some guns can’t take that. The 45 ACP’s straight-walled case pushes dirt ahead of it instead of giving it a chance to jam in the chamber like the tapered case of the 9mm. The 9mm cannot function reliably with a rough or dirty chamber but the .45 ACP can. That straight case also delivers a consistent recoil impulse where, in the tapered case of the 9mm, the bullet is smaller than the base and results in a tendency to push the gun forward which can produce an uneven recoil impulse instead of the steady push of the 45 ACP. This can cause problems with reliable functioning.

The locking system of the M1911A1 is far stronger than most would make one. When some of the hot 9mm SMG ammo was used in pistols in South America, the only ones that stood up to this were the M1911A1’s that had been made in 9mm.

The single stack magazine works reliably, even in sand. The double-stack single-position feed magazines so popular today have inherent flaws that can get you killed in a gunfight. When a partially empty magazine is dropped, the cartridges can be jarred out of position and jam in the tube, resulting in a failure to feed. The magazine spring needs to be stronger for the double-column magazines, but that makes them hard to load so they are generally left weaker than is desirable for reliable functioning in all conditions. While the magazines for the M1911A1 can be left loaded indefinitely, you cannot leave the double-column magazines loaded like that without risking problems.

The M1911A1 has few parts, and those are heavy duty. When it comes to maintenance, the 1911A1 is very easy to field strip or even to detail strip.

ERGONOMICS

Unlike many of the current pistols, which look like an obese hippopotamus, the M1911A1 is the optimum size for the round fired. Any bigger or heavier and it would be hard to carry open or concealed. Any smaller and recoil would start to be a problem, eliminating the possibility of true rapid fire.

The safety is in the best possible position for quick use. It’s worth noting that while the gun was intended to be carried cocked-and-locked, the designer, John Browning, thought the grip safety was all that was needed — only adding the manual safety at Army Ordnance’s insistence. His belief was proven true by the Shanghai Police Department before WWII when they pinned the safety in the off position on their hammerless Colt pocket automatics.

The grip angle suits most people and the gun points accurately and easily. Recoil is more of the gun bouncing in your hand than kick. The gun’s size and weight are more than sufficient to tame any recoil forces that might be objectionable.

HOLSTERS

A pistol needs its holster and the M1916 holster issued with the M1911A1 is as perfect as an open carry holster can get. It’s comfortable, protects the gun, and nothing is faster to draw from. There is a leather-covered wood block spacer to position the grip of the gun out where the hand can grab it quickly. To draw quickly, take your thumb and flip the cover flap up then start wrapping your fingers around the grip as you draw, starting with the little finger. When the gun is at the halfway point between the holster and the target, wipe the safety off. It is important to have the tie down thongs fastened before doing this.

For drawing while driving a vehicle or from a seated position, the military M1942 Tanker holster works well, holding the gun securely while still permitting a fast draw.

For civilian open or concealed carry, the pancake holster can’t be beat. It carries the gun tightly against the body with a quick release thumb-break snap for security. This holster is so comfortable that you can sleep with a M1911A1 in it and even roll over on it without waking. There are times when this is vital.

All of the above holsters can be had from El Paso Saddlery in El Paso, Texas.

POWER AND UTILITY

The 45 ACP cartridge has been a proven threat-stopper on the most fanatical foes on the planet for 113 years. It worked on the Moros in the Philippines and when the mercenaries in the Congo discovered that they could not reliably stop a panga-wielding native with a whole magazine from their 9mm Browning Hi Power pistols, they found that one 45 ACP round would do the job. I have a WWII army training manual that states flatly that the 45 ACP has more power than the 30-06. As for game shooting the old 44-40 killed more game of all types in North America than any other cartridge thanks to the timing of its appearance. The 45ACP is a better killer than the 44-40. Just remember to use FMJ ammo on big bear and moose. You already have a big enough hole, and you need the penetration of a FMJ bullet. The M1911A1 will do any normal job required of a handgun.

CONCLUSION

The Tisas M1911 A1 “ASF” U.S. Army 45 is a fine current production M1911A1 that delivers an impressive amount of quality for a very low price. It’s the best post-war .45 I’ve seen since the Norinco 1911A1 (which the government banned when they forbade Norinco guns being imported so many years ago due to import law violations.) I highly recommend the Tisas, and I prefer it to its higher priced competitors. Not only is it made of forgings that are properly fitted and finished, but it’s also patterned more truly to the original WWII guns which established the G.I. 45’s reputation. This is a contrast to the many modern variations of that design that often look increasingly bizarre. Many of the current crop are also too tightly fitted to be trusted in the gritty world of combat. The M1911A1 is the ultimate handgun, and if I could only have one gun it would be the M1911A1 because unlike a rifle or shotgun, I can always have the pistol on me.

SPECIFICATIONS

In 1909, further trials were announced. Fedorov would re-submit his 1906 model which was received with great acclaim from the military, for it was the only rifle that passed all endurance and shooting trials. This design would receive further development up to 1913, when Fedorov would also introduce a non-rimmed cartridge to pair with his rifle, 6x57mm. This 1913 rifle went as far as being ordered for field trials, 150 to be exact. However, due to the declaration of war in the following year, all developmental work was ordered to immediately cease.

A year passes, and the threat of a central power’s invasion dwindles and interest in automatic weapons picks up again, both in aviation and in the trenches. Fedorov is sent to France as an observer and there he examines the Chauchat automatic rifle and its deployment as a light machine gun. His findings inspire the Russian authorities to create an experimental battalion, the 189th Izmail division, to be armed with automatic weaponry, including C96 pistols, and most importantly, Fedorov M1913 rifles, some having been adapted to use Madsen magazines. This is one of the major myths permeating the Fedorov lineage, as the later 1919 rifle is often associated as being the version fielded during the Great War.

However, there was an actual model of 1916 Fedorov rifle which resembled, in part, the later 1919, being carbine length, using the 6.5mm Arisaka ammunition, and being fully automatic; These were designated for the air force, which received them with great enthusiasm, to the point where 25,000 automatic rifles, or “Avtomats” as they were now being called (to differentiate them from the infantry version) were considered to be necessary for the war. Obviously, for a country like Russia that lacked the manufacturing capacity to produce even bolt action rifles for their regular infantry, producing this number of complex automatic rifles was unfeasible. Even with this caveat, production of the Fedorov was deemed to be of great importance, leading to major factories like Putilov and Izhevsk to be built to produce parts for the Fedorov, which they allegedly did. By the end of 1917, the Kovrov Arsenal was also instructed to start production of the Avtomat. Although, this wouldn’t last long, for the Russian Revolution would temporarily halt any development or production of this new automatic rifle.

The Kovrov Arsenal, when originally built, was partially funded by the D.R.S. (Dansk Rekylriffel Syndikat) company to produce the Madsen light machine gun to the Russian forces, who were one of the first countries to field it in the Russo-Japanese war. When the Russian Civil War broke out, the Kovrov region fell into Soviet control and they confiscated all production of firearms from there, including the very few Fedorovs that had been produced to that point. These few guns captured did impress the recently created Soviet Army which contacted Fedorov to work as the main director of the plant. The Soviets also requested a further 15,000 Madsen rifles and 9,000 Fedorov rifles to be manufactured as soon as possible, investing heavily into the plant, with a new design bureau and manufacturing buildings.

For this effort, the Fedorov rifle was simplified to ease production, which resulted in the version that we identify as the Fedorov nowadays, the model of 1919. With a newly designed 25-round magazine, the iconic wooden front grip Even then, the task of manufacturing this order stalled quickly; supplies were hard to come by due to the Russian Civil War and lack of organization and manufacturing sophistication further killed the idea of producing the Fedorov in any significant quantity. Only about 100 guns were produced in the first year; peak production was in October 1923, with 822 guns.

Nevertheless, the Russians couldn’t let the opportunity of having such an innovative concept and (a genius firearms designer at their disposal) pass. Many prototypes and developmental models appeared in the early 1920s in an attempt to broaden the Fedorov system’s potential usage. Shpagin, famous for his WWII era submachinegun, collaborated with Fedorov in such an attempt. They worked to make an armored vehicle adaptation of the system, double-barreled, and with a ball mount. It was installed on early Soviet armor, such as the MS-1 tank and BA-27 armored car. Meanwhile, Degtyarev worked on a light machine gun version of the Fedorov, both a water-cooled and air-cooled, Lewis-style variant was tested with bipods and extended magazines. However, in 1925 the Soviet army canceled all firearm projects that used foreign calibers. As the Fedorov was still using the 6.5mm Arisaka cartridge, it was caught in the crossfire of the ban. Some projects would crop up later, but none would go past prototype stages. The remaining Fedorovs would end up being sent to depots.

An example of Shpagins and Degtyarevs modifications of the Fedorov, one porting a double barrel design, with inverted receivers and the other with a water-cooled jacket and bipod retrofitted.

Although it was such an innovative firearm, the Fedorov would not see much service along its troubled life. Around 120 rifles were used during the first world war, mostly converted semi-automatic M1913 rifles with extended magazines that were fielded by the 189th Izmail detachment in Romania, and a few others which were given to aviators. After that, it saw some use in the early history of the Soviet Union, but its main debut would be in the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland, where supply-starved Soviet troops were reissued with older surplus rifles, including Fedorovs. However, due to lack of maintenance of the somewhat complex mechanism and lack of spare parts, they were very quickly abandoned. For this reason, Finland has one of the biggest collections of Fedorov rifles.

To summarize, the history of the Fedorov has become quite murky due to the problems and conflicts that affected most, if not all, of this firearm’s history. From its humble beginnings as a semi-automatic Mosin conversion, to what some consider to be the first assault rifle ever fielded and made.
 

The most successful way to bridge the gap between pistol and carbine is the shoulder-stocked pistol, and Mauser lit the path, presaging the development of the sub-guns genre which saw the development of the legendary M3 Grease Gun, the BSA Sten, the HK MP5, and many others. Although the concept of a personal defense weapon went unnamed at the dawn of the 20^th Century, its value was recognized, and the new Mauser pistol became a worldwide best seller. Like Mauser rifles, it loaded from a stripper clip and the bolt could also be held open by an empty stripper clip, allowing the cartridges to be loaded individually by hand.

The ability to hit targets easily with a reliable weapon was the virtue that sold most people on the new pistol. Despite appearing clumsy in the hand, the pistol is easy to handle. Since most folks aren’t dedicated pistol shooters, having a pistol that makes up for some of their lack of expertise is a blessing. Firing with the C96 one-handed easily produces a ¾-inch group at 25 yards. A lot of revolvers won’t even do that from a Ransom Rest fixture. Due to its forward position of the magazine, those who want to use a two-handed grip should put the second hand around the front of the magazine. This gun is shaped differently than other guns and that becomes an advantage for precision shooting.

The pistol also came with a shoulder stock that doubled as a holster. Most small, light, guns are hard to hit with. Not this one. In addition to being about the smallest and lightest gun practical, the stocked Mauser Military Pistol locks-in solidly for accurate firing. Put your second hand around the front of the magazine well and it becomes rock steady. Hits at ong-range (200 meters and beyond) are easily attained. Exactly why this gun is so easy to shoot (both with and without its holster stock) is a mystery. Everyone has a pat answer, but none of them hold up under intense scrutiny. It just is.

Due to its compact size, you could effectively use the stocked Mauser pistol with one hand while still holding the reins of a galloping horse with the other. Of course, steadiness on a galloping horse is relative, but some cavalrymen of the day used it that way while others used it just as a pistol. The ability to go back and forth between being a pistol and a compact carbine sets the stocked Mauser Military Pistol ahead of the “modern” PDWs that are too big to fill the role of a pistol.

The stocked Mauser Military Pistol was very compact. Fitted with a holster harness, it was often worn on the belt and, sometimes, a sling was used. The rig also fits nicely in a briefcase. Without the stock, you have a very thin pistol that lends itself to concealment. In one instance between WWI and WWII, when it was common for Europeans to carry pistols, a group of men sharing a train compartment decided to compare pistols to help pass the time. The first three produced various .25 automatics but the fourth pulled out a full-size Mauser Military Pistol. There was a surprised silence as they beheld this comparative behemoth then one of the men said, “you’re in the military, aren’t you?” The fourth man smiled and nodded as he holstered his Mauser pistol.

Easy handling and concealability weren’t the new automatic pistol’s only virtues. In all its long history, no one has ever been able to fault its reliability under the worst combat conditions. When you drew this pistol, you could be sure that it would work. Screws are often a source of trouble in pistols as they loosen and back out. The only screw in this pistol is the one holding the grips on. Power was another virtue. The pistol was originally chambered for the flat-shooting .30 Mauser cartridge which launched an 86-grain bullet at 1410 FPS, easily penetrating 11 standard 7/8-inch boards and equaling the penetration of a .357 magnum armor piercing round. Penetration on the battlefield (where the enemy is constantly trying to hide behind cover) is paramount. Due to the light bullet weight, there was very little recoil, and this came to the forefront between the wars when the select-fire Mauser Military Pistol Model 711 came out. Despite a very high cyclic rate, the pistol was controllable in full-auto, so long as the holster stock was attached. If a close-range emergency dictated full-auto fire without the stock, you would turn the pistol on its right side and let it arc to the right without climbing. In WWII, German dispatch riders often carried this pistol, as did some members of the Nazi SS.

While less common than the original .30 Mauser chambering, the pistol was also made in the powerful 9mm Mauser. It fired a 128-grain bullet at 1362 FPS. In China, they made a copy in .45 ACP.

For those wanting the most compact survival rifle practical, the stocked Mauser Military Pistol has no competitors. Certainly not the current Air Force “survival” rifles”. These skeletonized abominations are glorified zip guns and the hardest things to shoot accurately that I have ever encountered. Not to mention, they also lack the power to deal with large game or to stop a determined attack by man or beast.

THE STORY OF TWO PISTOLS

There are two different Mauser Military Pistols shown in the photos. The near mint example was brought back as a war trophy by an officer in the 24^th Infantry Division in the Philippine Campaign of WWII which saw some of the hardest and most intense fighting of the war. He was issued a M1911A1 pistol and an M1 carbine, but used the pistol for most of the fighting, and using the carbine only for long range shots. He had grown up using his father’s pistols killing snakes and was quite adept with them. Whether the Japanese who had originally owned this Mauser Pistol had gotten it as a private purchase pistol, which was common, or had taken it as a war trophy in China is unknown.

The second pistol in the photos is a stocked Mauser Military Pistol that was loaned to me by Hunter’s Lodge in Ethridge, Tennessee. They have a number of them in inventory. This one is a well-worn WWI 9mm version but without the red “9” on the grips that these models are known for. It functioned flawlessly and despite the well-worn barrel, it still shot accurately. The holster stock was a bit longer than normal, which suited me as I take a 15 9/16-inch length of pull if a stock is being made to fit me. One of the photos shows the now rare stock sling for this gun.

TIPS FOR USERS

The Mauser Military Pistol has a heavy metal bolt stop to prevent the slide from coming out of the gun. It’s a good idea to check this part for cracks and replace it if need be.

If you want to be sure that the locking lugs are working properly, there is a simple test for that. Knowing that the barrel must recoil slightly to initiate the unlocking process, hold the pistol by the barrel and try to pull the bolt back. If the locking lugs won’t let it move, the test is passed.

This pistol is very fast and easy to take apart and put back together, but one thing that none of the manuals tell you is that these guns usually need a sharp tap from a block of wood to snap together in the last assembly step. Just make sure that the lug on the right side is aligned with the notch on the frame.

The number of pristine condition Mauser Military Pistols is small, and their collector value is high. Do not despair, though, if all you can get is a worn out, beat up one. Eugene Golubstov at Lugerman.com is one of the few total restoration gunsmiths in the world. He can take any junk Mauser pistol and refurbish it, inside and out, so that it’s indistinguishable from one that has just left the Mauser Factory 100 years ago. He can also do major and minor repairs and re-barreling on these guns.

CONCLUSION

It is a testimony to the genius that went into this pistol that, today, 128 years since it first came out, there is still no other weapon that precisely fills the niche of the Mauser Military Pistol.

Before it ceased operations on a fateful February day in 2017, Olympic Arms, Inc.—headquartered in Olympia, WA—was known as a prime manufacturer of AR-15 variants for the civilian and law enforcement markets. Established in 1982 as the brand under which Robert C. Schuetz of SGW (Schuetzen Gun Works) manufactured and sold AR-15 derivatives, Olympic Arms established itself as an innovator. It was the first to offer free-floating aluminum handguards or pistol caliber conversions for America’s rifle; they were also the first company to experiment successfully with a redesigned upper receiver that would integrate a recoil buffer over the bolt carrier group and barrel, allowing an AR-15 to be equipped with a side-folding stock — or none at all.

Olympic Arms was also one of the first-ever manufacturers of AR-15 pistols: indeed, the aforementioned top recoil buffer allowed its OA-93, OA-96, and OA-98 pistols to do without a buffer tube behind the lower receiver. While that system did provide the basis for a good, super-compact, short-barrel rifle (the OA-93 TCP, with a side-folding stock and a 6.5-inch barrel), Olympic Arms would indeed go on to develop an SBR based on a standard AR-15 layout.

ENTER THE “STUBBY”

The reason why Olympic Arms decided to follow that road when they had a bufferless design (arguably better, albeit with room for improvement) already in production; given the short barrel length, which would make it subject to the provisions of the National Firearms Act, the 1994 assault weapons ban that was in effect back in the day was likely not a factor in the decision.

It’s more likely that the company decided to market a product that would be more appealing to military, law enforcement, and government customers by providing prompt drop-in compatibility with pre-existing, select-fire M16 or semi-automatic AR-15 lower receivers for entry/CQB operations or for close protection details. And indeed, Olympic Arms was offering 6.5-inch BBL drop-in uppers to MIL/LE customers as early as 1998.

The first factory complete SBRs based on those uppers would be launched circa 1999, dubbed the K23B “Stubby”. Built around an Olympic Arms MFR lower receiver with standard controls and chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, the Stubby was by no means the first “micro M16” to hit the global markets – products such as the La France Specialties M16K and the M2 Corp. M16C, M16X, and M16SP had been around for a while, and that’s not mentioning Colt’s early Model 607 carbines dating as far back as 1965 – but it was definitely one of the shortest-barreled to be produced in quantities that could be considered “significant” by any standard, and was very shortly followed by other very similar competitors such as the DPMS “Kitty Kat.” For all intents and purposes, the K23B Stubby did pave the way.

SHORT AND BRUTAL

The Stubby featured an A2 upper receiver with a 6.5-inch cold-hammer forged barrel, a Smith Enterprises Vortex flash hider, an A2-style front sight equipped with a front sling swivel but no bayonet lug, and a free-float cylindrical aluminum handguard that was a short version of the version used by Olympic Arms on their line of match-grade AR-15 variants. As such, the K23B does not feature a delta ring, nor a handguard cap.

It’s worth noting that Olympic Arms was the first company to introduce a free-float handguard for the AR-15. A new flat-top version would be launched around 2004. It would come with an M4A1-type removable carry handle mounted on a top Picatinny rail and a quad-rail machined aluminum handguard, making it more compatible with the many accessories that were becoming increasingly popular back in the day… and that today we just can’t seem to do without. This last version was in production — or at least available — all the way until Olympic Arms ceased operations.

The carry handle on the Stubby was fixed and featured a familiar, A2 fully adjustable rear sight. The bolt and bolt carrier group were, likewise, standard for an A2 variant, and as such the Stubby came with a standard recoil buffer, buffer tube, and six-position collapsing stock. Manufactured out of black polymer, the stock of the Stubby was more akin in design to that of the M16A1 carbine, M733, or early the Colt Commando (XM177), but all the standard A2 features were otherwise there (including a brass deflector in front of the forward assist and some major fencing around the magazine catch.)

Of course, such a small carbine (barely 20 inches long with the stock collapsed) would suffer severe overgassing problems and timing issues without a properly tuned gas system. Olympic Arms went solved this problem with a pigtail gas tube: essentially a carbine-length gas tube shortened to PDW length by wrapping it in at least two loops around the barrel. The length that the gas has to travel to reach the gas key and push the bolt back is the same as on an 11.5-inch or 14.5-inch carbine, ideally reducing pressures to levels that guarantee sufficient reliability.

From direct experience, and experience of other users, that’s actually easier said than done. Firing a 5.56mm firearm with a 6.5-inch barrel is truly brutal in terms of concussion and muzzle blast, even outdoors, becoming particularly uncomfortable for the shooter after just a few rounds in rapid fire. Shooting it in low-light conditions or indoors will quickly become taxing to the shooter’s eyes and ears. Owners of the rare K23Bs in Italy, where this article was written, were quick to nickname it the “portable flashbang dispenser.”

Additionally, such a short barrel does not do a proper job at stabilizing ball ammo for engaging targets farther than thirty feet or so away – but that’s par for the course, the K23B was always meant for extreme CQB. Simply put, the Stubby barrel is just too short, not allowing enough time for the propellant to burn properly and for gases to reach optimal pressure levels. Trying to hit anything at 50 meters, or approximately 55 yards, is essentially a coin toss.

Finally, the pigtail gas tube is an excellent solution that reduces recoil in semi-automatic rifles and the cyclic rate of fully-automatic rifles when the barrel is at least 11.5 inches long… but on a 6.5-inch barrel, the levels of torque can easily become too high for the gas tube to bear. As such, the most commonly reported issue with the K23B is the rupture of the retaining pin, causing the gas tube to come out of the gas block and make the gun completely useless until it could be repaired.

A system such as the TwinTube, patented by Tim LaFrance for his M16K, would have been a better solution. But then again, back when the K23B came out, Olympic Arms was focusing on bufferless AR designs, and their first SBR had been such a design, with the K23B being more of an afterthought for compatibility with pre-existing M16 lowers. Something’s always gotta give.

AN OBJECT OF DESIRE

It’s quite clear that the Stubby was never a key product for Olympic Arms, but more like a footnote in their MIL/LE catalog; a version for the U.S. civilian market, dubbed the K23P and featuring a pistol-length recoil buffer and buffer tube, came to be without much success at a time when arm braces were still a long time from appearing. However, there is at least one place where the K23B has risen to an almost cult status among shooters and firearms enthusiasts: Italy. And that’s where we found the sample pictured in this article, at the Armeria Red Point gun store in Ostia, just outside of Rome.

The Stubby was approved for import and distribution on the Italian civilian market in March 2001, and it is considered a handgun by Italian law, which does not distinguish pistols from rifles by the presence of components like a buttstock or the intended shooting stance, but rather by the overall length vs. barrel length ratio (“intended to be fired from the shoulder” isn’t a thing, here.)

The Italian gun laws have been significantly improved from the year 2011 onwards, with some hiccups following the 2015 wave of terror attacks in Europe. However, back in 2001, the law (passed in 1975) assigned oversight on the Italian civilian firearm market to a central commission composed of “experts” (mostly from the military and law enforcement) with regulatory powers similar to that of the ATF in the United States and full freedom of interpretation as of what constituted a “common” firearm and what was a banned “weapon of war”, albeit somewhat tied to the National Proofing House.

The history of such a commission would warrant an article on its own. But, right now it’s sufficient to say that if it was for the mindset of the members of such commission (dissolved in 2011), the Olympic Arms Stubby would have never made it to the Italian market. As the (quite reliable) rumors have it, however, politicians entered the chat, or to be more specific, one politician, very prominent in Italy and extremely controversial, who held the office of Prime Minister four times from 1994 to 2011.

This specific politician, who passed away in 2023, relied on his personal private security detail even when he was Prime Minister and would have had the right to a state security detail; as such, he wanted his private security to have the closest thing available to the Colt Commando, Heckler & Koch MP5 (later MP7), and a G36C that were standard for that kind of close protection duties in Europe.

The Italian importer for Olympic Arms – the now long defunct ATP (Action Tactical Products), headquartered in the northern town of Lesa – imported an unknown “minimum quantity order” of K23Bs, anywhere between ten and twenty samples, almost all of those immediately purchased privately by the personal bodyguards of the aforementioned politician, the others all sold on the civilian market and becoming the first “super-short” AR-15 on sale in the country. Many others would follow.

Back in the day, the Stubby was marketed in Italy chiefly towards private security guards – particularly those employed in cash-in-transit duties – but the extremly high price made it largely unattainable on a security guard paycheck, and all samples ended up in the ownership of private collectors with extremely deep pockets. Even nowadays, on the Italian second-hand gun market, the Stubby does not command any less than 3,800 euros, or just over $4,000 U.S. dollars.

Guaranteed, they’ll all be in essentially mint, as-new condition, but with the high number of better alternatives currently available to Italian shooters, including locally made models, you would need to see the K23B Stubby as a grail gun to spend so much money on one.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

That’s right—SIG has introduced the single stack 45ACP 1911 platform to the red dot age. One has to wonder why it’s taken so long. Could it be that manufacturers mistakenly labeled single stack 45ACP 1911 owners as not appreciative of red dot benefits? Anyone clinging to their single stack 1911 isn’t progressive enough to adapt to the times? That’s doubtful, I’m just trying to stir you up. Let’s just say SIG was taking its time, exploring the best way to make the 1911 red-dot-compatible, and the long-awaited result is the 1911-XFULL.

SIG invested the time and brain power to figure out the best way to mount a red dot to the slim 1911 slide, then committed the necessary resources in terms of machines and personnel to make it happen. The 1911-XFULL arrives with an ultra-low-profile, direct-mount optic slide cut in front of the rear sight. The SIG ROMEO-X Compact red dot is ideal for use with the XFULL thanks to its low deck height which allows standard-height iron sights to co-witness. A Shield RMS-c footprint is used.

The 1911 platform is still very popular with consumers. This is confirmed by the number of 1911 models on the market… with new 1911 models still being introduced. Major firearm manufacturers know having a 1911 in their catalog is a must. 1911 performance justifies it still being a valid choice for use albeit personal defense or duty. The SIG 1911-XFULL demonstrates the 1911’s versatility and potential.

MR. BROWNING STILL RULES

For many, there’s no debate over choosing a personal defense handgun. Any discussion starts and stops with John Browning’s 45 ACP 1911. The association between the 45 ACP cartridge and the 1911 platform is seamless. Browning was not only the architect of what many feel is the ideal handgun form—the 1911—but also the originator of the perfect personal defense handgun cartridge—the 45 ACP. SIG only builds upon these bulwark 1911 characteristics with its new pistol.

In this day and age of polymer, high-capacity handguns, the 1911 has turned into an aficionado’s weapon that attracts users with its natural handling, great trigger, and potent 45 ACP chambering. Yes, higher capacity, polymer-framed, striker-fired weapons have supplanted it in terms of general use. This is due to a variety of reasons outside the purview of this article. However, when you put a full-size 1911 in your hand, you quickly realize there’s nothing like it in the polymer world we live in. The allure of a well-put-together 1911 single-action semi-automatic handgun is hard to deny. No substitute for the confident heft of a steel frame with “cocked and locked” trigger begging to be set free.

Is the 45 ACP 1911 a prime weapon of choice for all situations or users? Of course not. However, no one can argue that there is a more instinctive handling weapon than the 1911. The trigger and grip size and angle cause it to be most accurate handgun in most arsenals. Why do you think hostage rescue units and other special purpose military and law enforcement teams still hold onto using it? It is accurate and conducive to precise shot placement. Along these same lines, no one can argue that the 45 ACP does not deliver the terminal ballistic payload. Many scoff at its limited single-stack capacity—8-rounds with the SIG 1911-XFULL. Practically speaking, eight rounds of 45 ACP will solve most problems. 10-round magazines mitigate some of this criticism. Chip McCormick Custom 10-round magazines supplemented the eight rounders that arrived with the 1911-XFULL for this article. This is not an attempt to start a 9mm versus 45 ACP debate. Modern 9mm loads have ended the banter of 9mm not being worthy of consideration. With that said, there is no denying the sensation of touching off a 230-grain full-power 45 ACP load even in a steel handgun weighing 42 ounces.

SPICING THINGS UP

In the spirit of the SIG 1911-XFULL giving off connoisseur vibes, I decided to separate it even further from the polymer frame striker fired horde by switching out the standard barrel for a threaded one. Fortunately, SIG offers a threaded barrel as an accessory. The SIG 45ACP threaded barrel proved drop-in compatible with the 1911-XFULL. This was a pleasant surprise, as many times a replacement anything with a 1911, let alone a barrel, will require fitting. The threaded barrel was added to enable the use of a SIG SRD45 suppressor. This suppressor was acquired several years back and has been replaced by the SIG MODX-45 model in SIG’s current lineup. The Chip McCormick 10-rounders protruding from the magwell seemed to balance out the suppressor, feel-wise and aesthetically.

The ROMEO-X Compact red dot proved the optimum way to operate the 1911-XFULL with a mounted suppressor, both eyes open with the red dot hovering above the SRD45 can. The ROMEO-X Compact offers a variety of built in red dot reticle patterns. I decided to use the circle/dot for this evaluation. The ROMEO-X red dot assisted in engaging targets at close distances with the red dot easy to pick up rapidly. Point shooting with the 1911-XFULL is still very feasible when using the ROMEO-X’s window as a ghost ring if forced to react spontaneously to a threat.

The SIG ROMEO-X Compact is a red dot offering 20,000 hours of runtime at its medium brightness setting and uses MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination). The housing is made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum featuring machined, anti-reflection grooves on shooter-facing surfaces with distortion-free aspheric glass and a patent-pending beryllium copper flexure-arm adjustment system. The ROMEO-X incorporates a point source red LED emitter with a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle reticle with side-mounted independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness setting (including night vision settings) and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes.

FEEL THE POWER

While the bulk of firing was with 230-grain FMJ ammunition, an assortment of premium ammunition was proofed through the SIG 1911-XFULL, such as Hornady Custom XTP, Winchester PDX-1, Black Hills Ammunition 230-grain FMJ and JHP, Federal HST, and SIG Sauer V-Crown with 185-grain, 200-grain and 230-grain JHPs to verify reliability regardless of bullet profile or weight.

Initial evaluation with the 1911-XFULL as it arrived from SIG (sans threaded barrel) was all positive and exhibited excellent accuracy. The first order of business after adding the threaded barrel and suppressor was to verify that they caused no reliability issues with the pistol. As mentioned earlier, the threaded barrel had no issues after being dropped in. The suppressor also caused no problems with reliability. I was surprised by how much of a re-zero adjustment was necessary with the threaded barrel compared to the original barrel. 4-inches low and left at only 15 yards! Thankfully, accuracy was maintained—just not same place on target, thus requiring adjustment of the optic. The mounted suppressor also caused a slight shift of the point of aim versus the point of impact compared to the bare threaded barrel. While not as severe as changing barrels, the shift in POI was noted.

PERFORMANCE

230-grain 45 ACP loads are subsonic and an obvious choice for use with a suppressor. The 230-grain loads’ ability to reliably function in the 1911-XFULL, while still being subsonic, is one of the reasons why 45 ACP handguns are a favorite suppressor host. The SIG SRD45 proved effective at taming the muzzle blast of even 185-grain and 200-grain supersonic loads. All loads could be comfortably fired without the use of ear protection with the SRD45 installed, even in an indoor environment.

Various scenarios engaging targets from behind cover or on the move were run. The natural pointability of the 1911-XFULL comes into its own in this realm with the ROMEO-X Compact doing its part, as well. The ROMEO-X’s rectangular lens offers a superior field of view compared to other red dot options. The ROMEO-X’s minimal frame “disappears” when focusing on the target with the red dot. The reticle is crisp with no halos or disfiguration. The red dot was “there” and seamlessly located at first draw. This is a benefit of SIG choosing a direct mount method versus plates, allowing the ROMEO-X to sit as low as possible in the slide.

Magazine change drills were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel for manipulating the 1911-XFULL with the ROMEO-X Compact installed while making sure the red dot was seamlessly picked up after reloads and placed back on target. The combo performed way better than expected. Here was a weapon designed in the 1900’s, combined with red dot, more than holding its own in 2024.

OBSERVATIONS

A full-length guide rod is NOT employed in the SIG 1911-XFULL, but rather a plug bushing and spring as designed by Browning. This will warm the heart of many 1911 purists who deride the use of full-length guide rods as a solution to a problem that does not exist with the 1911; not to mention the full-length guide rod contributes to “over tightness” in the 1911 design that may cause finicky behavior in the reliability department. This is not the case with the 1911-XFULL. In fact, you can field strip the 1911-XFULL without having to resort to using a bushing wrench.

Here’s an interesting thing about the two 8-round magazines that arrive with the pistol. While function was no issue, I found that closing a locked rearward slide on an empty magazine was damn near impossible using the slide release lever. The same magazine when loaded posed no problem. Other magazine types used during my test and evaluation didn’t interfere when closing the slide with an empty magazine. Whether or not this is a real-world problem is up for the user to decide.

You have to wonder how many hours of engineering (and then analyzing best build practices) were required to find the proper balance between accuracy and reliability? Whatever it was, SIG pulled it off. Shooting five-shot groups from sandbags regularly produced a jagged single hole at 12 yards with the SIG 1911-XFULL ROMEO-X Compact duo. The pistol chugged thru round after round of 45 ACP during high volume drills.

The SIG 1911-XFULL serves as reminder as to why the classic design still holds a prominent place in the world. Users and manufacturers are keeping the 1911 going strong and the SIG Sauer 1911-XFULL certainly doing its part in that regard. The SIG duo I tested here is a solid combination, functionally speaking. It takes a backseat to nothing in terms of lethality, while still allowing a user to indulge by not having something so typical.

SPECIFICATIONS

Just about every military small arms enthusiast is familiar with the U.S. M3 and M3A1 submachine guns, better known by the nickname bestowed upon them by GIs during World War II, the “grease gun.”

The .45 caliber M3 was conceived as a less expensive alternative to the Thompson submachine gun, which at the time the U.S. entered World War II in 1941, the Thompson design was 20 years old. The M3 was patterned after the British Sten and German MP40 sub-machine guns, both constructed from sheet metal stampings—a far cry from the Thompson forged and machined receiver and parts. In addition to being less expensive, weapons stamped from sheet metal can be produced faster, an essential advantage in wartime.

Mk II

The Mk II was the most prolific model of the British Sten. The receiver was fabricated from pre-formed metal tubing. The German MP40 receiver was made from a flat piece of sheet metal that was rolled into a tube. The receiver of the U.S. M3 submachine gun was far more complicated to produce. The M3 receiver and most of its other parts were stamped from cold rolled sheet metal, requiring a factory equipped with a battery of large hydraulic stamping presses. The receiver was made of two separate stamped pieces that were then welded together. When production began, it was discovered that it was difficult to accurately weld the two receiver halves together. In addition, the heat from the gas welding process was warping the thin metal, and it took some time to perfect the process. During production, the time allotted for welding the two receiver halves together was 12.11 minutes. The M3 design had an advantage over other submachine guns of the day, with its ingenious guide rod-bolt system. The bolt of the M3 rode on two guide rods, never touching the inside of the receiver. The unique system made the M3 impervious from malfunctions caused by mud, sand or other debris, making it one of the few weapons to successfully pass all the Ordnance Department’s requirements.

The Guide Lamp Division of General Motors Corporation

The Guide Lamp production plant was located in Anderson, Indiana, and in 1943 it had over half a million square feet of production floor space in 18 separate buildings. The Guide Lamp Division of the General Motors Corporation was a peacetime manufacturer of automobile lamps, headlight buckets, hub-caps and bumper guards. Guide Lamp had a lot of expertise and experience in sheet metal stampings and was an excellent choice for the manufacturing of the M3. By May 1943, the first M3 submachine guns were finally rolling off the assembly lines at Guide. Production had fallen far behind projected figures by the unforeseen welding problems encountered with the receiver. However, by June 1944, 1,000 M3s were being manufactured every 24 hours.

The Guide Lamp contract price for the M3 was $17.92 per unit less the bolt assembly. The initial price was later amended to $18.36 per unit to cover the cost of minor production changes and the packing and shipping of the completed units. The M3 bolt assembly manufacture was subcontracted to the Buffalo Arms Company at a cost of $2.58 per piece.

The following quote is from the second summary of the tests at Aberdeen Proving Ground upon adoption of the M3 Submachine Gun. “Although it would be dangerous to state that further improvements and developments are unlikely, the ultimate has been reached in this type of weapon for the time being and production may begin without fear of immediate change.”

The above statement was premature, because as the M3 was pressed into service, problems began to arise. The M3 was not yet “GI Proof.”
One of the primary problems was with the cocking handle and its internal parts. A second problem was magazines were dropping out of the weapon, by the accidental pressing of the exposed magazine catch. Deterioration of the bolt face and barrel chamber was found to be caused by soldiers using the overly long wire butt stock as a cleaning rod. These problems and a few others would be addressed in an upgrade of the weapon.

M3E1 Submachine Guns

The M3 was thought to be as simple and reliable as possible; however; the Ordnance Department felt that the weapon could be simplified even further. Six pilot models were built, incorporating several recommended changes that were designated as the M3E1 submachine gun. Two of the completed weapons were sent to the Infantry Board at Fort Benning, Georgia, for informal testing, and two were demonstrated at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Since none of the changes incorporated in the M3E1 design had any adverse effect upon the reliability of the weapons’ functioning, no formal testing was undertaken by the Ordnance Department. Sufficient firing of the new weapons was conducted to satisfy concerned personnel as to the desirability of the changes incorporated. Some of the firing demonstrations were witnessed by representatives of the Army Ground Forces and by the director of the Infantry Board who expressed his approval of the M3E1.

The U.S. M3A1 Submachine Gun

The experimental M3E1 was recommended for adoption on November 2, 1944, by OCM 25593. On December 21, 1944, the M3E1 Sub-machine Gun was approved and officially adopted as: Submachine Gun, Caliber .45 M3A1, thus reclassifying the M3 as Limited Standard.

M3A1 Changes

• Ejection port increased in size
• Cocking handle assembly eliminated, fin-ger hole added to bolt for cocking
• Disassembly groove the length of the bolt
• Stronger cover spring
• Larger oil can located inside the grip
• Stop plate and magazine loader added to the stock
• Guard for the magazine catch

9mm M3 and M3A1 Submachine Guns

Among the original specifications desired in the T-20 (M3) submachine gun was a kit to change the caliber to 9mm. The conversion kits were originally planned for allied use in the European Theater; none were ever issued to U.S. troops. The 9mm cartridge was common in Europe during World War II. It was the standard pistol and submachine gun cartridge of both the British and the Germans. Ammunition would be easier to obtain by resistance groups that the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was planning to supply with the M3. The conversion kits could also make the M3 readily adaptable for use by the British especially when using a Sten magazine. The conversion kits consisted of a Bolt assembly C153425, Barrel Assembly C153435 and magazine Adapter C153430. In December 1943, the Ordnance Committee recommended that 500 of the 9mm conversion kits for the M3 be obtained as a limited procurement item. In February 1944, procurement was authorized. The parts were manufactured by the Rock Island Arsenal and Saginaw Steering Gear. The 32-round Sten magazines would be obtained from the British government.

In addition to M3 and M3A1 conversion kits, there were a small number of grease guns produced that were marked 9mm, in place of .45 caliber, on their magazine housings. Those observed were the same configuration as the .45 caliber model but fitted with Sten magazine adapters, 9mm bolts and barrels.

Curved Barrels

Due to its compact size, the M3 submachine gun was ideal for issue as a defensive weapon for armored vehicle crews. The weapons could be easily stored in the cramped space inside a tank. Tanks in the field were usually accompanied by infantry troops for protection from the enemy. Without infantry protection, the enemy could climb onto the tanks and drop grenades or spray machine gun fire into the inside of the hull, killing the trapped crews. To avert such situations, the Ordnance Department engineers came up with several curved barrel designs for the M3. The idea was the crew could extend the curved barrel out of the tank and spray enemy soldiers on their vehicle with fire, without exposing themselves. The issue of the curved barrels was limited. The Germans had also experimented with curved barrels for a number of their small arms.

The .30 Caliber T29 Submachine Gun

The German Sturmgewehr mid-range assault rifle was an entirely new concept in World War II. The weapon had the full-au-tomatic capability of the submachine gun but fired a more potent cartridge, giving the enemy far more range. After U.S. troops began to encounter the Sturmgewehr in the field, requests were made for a similar weapon. The most expedient method to get such a weapon to the troops was to modify an existing model. The M3A1 was chosen as the best candidate. The concept was given considerable study by the design section of the Guide Lamp Division of the General Motors Corporation, which was manufacturing the M3A1 submachine gun. There were three M3A1 submachine guns made, designated as the T29, chambered for the .30 caliber carbine round. The weapon was basically an M3A1 with a larger magazine well to accept carbine magazines, a modified bolt, a spring-loaded case ejector and a 14-inch long barrel. Initial testing revealed more development would be required. Development efforts of the T29 ceased with the adoption of the select-fire caliber .30 M2 carbine.

The Suppressed M3

The U.S. Ordnance department developed a special interest in suppressed or silenced weapons after learning of the British Special Operations Executive (also known as the SOE) commandos’ successful use of their silenced Sten Mark II S model. The weapon proved to be an invaluable asset for special operations where surprise and concealment were paramount to a successful mission. The SOE was the British counterpart of the United States’ OSS organization.

It was held that the U.S. M3 submachine gun would be ideally suited for adaptation of a suppressor because of its inherently subsonic .45 ACP cartridge.

The M3 suppressor research was conducted at the Infantry Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. There was an interest in supplying Army Rang-ers and other troops with a silenced weapon for special assignments. The earliest silencers were based on the Hiram Maxim baffle system. These proved to be heavy and cumbersome. None of the Fort Benning designs went past the prototype stage, and the project was canceled.

The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was established in June 1942. The OSS organization was engaged in various types of covert and unconventional activities during World War II. The OSS had requested from the Army Ord-nance Department suppressed submachine guns for their special mission and operational needs. By late 1943, the OSS was directly supporting resistance groups in Europe and the South Pacific. The U.S. Ordnance Department contracted Bell Laboratories to develop a new suppressor for the M3 submachine gun. Guide Lamp was subcontracted to manufacture drilled barrels and special barrel nuts for the project. The High Standard Company was engaged to produce the components and assemble the unit. The contract called for 1,000 suppressor units to be built. The barrels made by Guide were identical to the standard production barrels except the face of the barrel nut was machined to form a seat for the expansion chamber. The barrel was also a standard item modified by drilling 48 one-quarter-inch diameter holes, arranged in a straight-line pattern of 12 on each quarter section of the length of the barrel. The muzzle end of the barrel was threaded for a length of one-half of an inch to enable the front end of the suppressor can to screw onto it.

The suppressor itself consisted of two sleeves. The rear sleeve is the expansion chamber. It is 7.5 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter. The front sleeve is the silencer housing and is 7 inches long and 1.125 inches in diameter. The expansion chamber is connected to the silencer housing by a metal connector. External threads on the front portion of the unit were screwed into the connector. The connector was screwed on the muzzle of the barrel and holds the rear part of the suppressor in place by seating on the modified barrel nut. The rear expansion chamber contained a coil of stainless steel mesh. The front section of the suppressor housings contained approximately 230 steel mesh discs. An end cap secured the discs in place. As the bullet travels down the barrel some of the propellant gases escape through the 48 holes drilled into the sides of the barrel.

The total of submachine guns manufactured from 1943 to 1945 by Guide Lamp was 606,694 M3 models and 82,281 M3A1 models, for a combined total of 688,975 weapons. The entire World War II production of the M3 and the M3A1 would total only a little more than one-third of the Thompsons produced during the war.

During the Korean War, the Ithaca Gun Company was contracted through the Roch-ester, New York Ordnance District to fabricate 70,000 new M3A1 submachine guns. The manufacturing was authorized under contract number DA 19-058-ORD-7894. Preparation for the manufacturing would be assisted by the data package documented by Guide Lamp during its manufacture of the weapon.
Delays in getting production started resulted in the Ithaca M3A1s being manufactured in 1955–1956 after the war in Korea had ended. The contract was canceled after 33,227 guns were manufactured; primarily due to the Korean conflict ending and the anticipated adoption of the M14 rifle.

The Colonel Hamilton M3 Submachine Gun

Sometime in the post-World War II era, an experimental weapon was constructed by a Lt Colonel Hamilton while he was stationed in Panama. An obvious attempt was to modernize a M3 submachine gun. The front part of an M3 was welded to a steel frame with a removable side plate, secured with machine screws to remove the bolt assembly. Other upgrades include: a wooden buttstock, fore-grip and pistol grip, side cocking handle, adjustable flip-up rear sight and a perforated barrel jacket. The overall length is 30 inches, barrel length is 8-inches, and the weight is 11 pounds. The weapon was procured by the Rock Island Arsenal Museum in 1948 and is currently on display there.

Rare M3A1 Magazines

During World War II, M3 magazines were made by Sparks-Withington (SPW) and Kesler Brass (KL). The magazines made by those companies are still common even today. During subsequent conflicts, in Korea and Vietnam, there were small production runs of magazines for the M3 and M3A1 submachine guns.

In addition to M3A1 submachine guns, Ithaca also made a small number of magazines for the M3A1, marked with a new drawing number C565427 and “ITG.”

Magazines were also produced during the Vietnam conflict by Jahn Manufacturing. These were marked with a letter “J” and drawing number C-565427. OKAY Industries purchased Jahn Manufacturing around 1970.

The Adoption of the U.S. M14 Rifle

Substitute Standard after the adoption of the M14 rifle, which (in theory) was replacing the M1 rifle, the carbine and the submachine gun. M3A1 submachine guns continued to be issued to Army Reserve armored units as late as 1999. Modern mid-range assault rifles like the M16 and M4 have rendered the military use of the submachine gun obsolete.

SETTING THE STAGE

The SPR was tentatively explored in the 1990s within certain SOCOM units. What started as a simple upper receiver group upgrade quickly turned into complete rifle program. The SPR originated as a stopgap measure, filling the void between the M4 carbine and the M24 bolt-action sniper rifle roles. The 9/11 attack, resulting in our constant engagement around the world, brought the SPR program quickly to fruition. The SPR became the weapon of choice when dealing with threats at ranges beyond the capability of the M4.

The movie “Lone Survivor”, in which Mark Wahlberg portrays U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, shows the main character using a Mk 12 rifle. The SPR/Mk 12 found favor with SOCOM forces for a multitude of reasons such as its high degree of accuracy, versatility, portability, increased firepower when compared to pure sniper rifles, optics package, suppressor compatibility, more ammunition carried per pound than 7.62 NATO, etc. The Marines eventually started using the SPR, as well, in a DMR role. Examples of military SPR use include by a spotter on a two-man sniper team or as the primary sniping weapon where larger caliber heavy bolt action sniper rifle is not practical, for instance, in a target rich environment where engagement range is between 300-700 yards. Imagine Iraqi urban environments where snipers would hole up in a house, blocks away, to provide cover for clearing troops. The SPR can place rapid precision fire on multiple targets out to 800 yards while still being able to cope with CQB, if required. This firepower capability is grounded in the SPR’s minimal recoil and smooth operation thanks to rifle length gas system coupled with 5.56mm ammunition.

Phased out of production in 2017 by the MK17 (SCAR-H) and MK110A1, the SPR is still used by SOCOM units hoarding the ones left in inventory. Navy SEAL armorers reportedly still produce Mk12s for its teams thanks to their access to discretionary funds. This is a strong supporting statement of the Mk12’s performance.

AMMUNITION SUPPORT

The SPR’s sub-MOA accuracy is an important part of its appeal. This is thanks to the 5.56mm load specifically developed for it by Black Hills Ammunition, the Mk 262 round. Like the SPR rifle, the Black Hills Mk 262 ammunition has been tweaked since its introduction. Updates include a cannelured 77-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet, low flash propellant blend, 5.56mm brass and other un-disclosed proprietary improvements. The Mk 262’s most important characteristic is repeatable accuracy. Black Hills indicates ammunition lot accuracy test consists of 10 groups of 10 shots at 300 yards. No lot ships unless it shoots sub-2-inch groups at 300 yards.

Interestingly, the Mk 262 has unexpected qualities beyond long range accuracy. Mk 262’s terminal performance soon had other SOCOM team members stuffing it into their magazines. Often liberating it from their snipers. How did the 77-grain Sierra MatchKing do this in M4 14.5-inch and Mk18 10.3-inch barrels? The MatchKing’s open tip hollow cavity puts the majority of weight towards the projectile’s rear so that it is more stable in-flight, increasing accuracy. However, when the bullet strikes soft tissue, the heavier base comes around and causes the bullet to tumble. The hollow nose cone breaks off and often the bullet fragments at the cannelure. This happens across a wide range of the velocity spectrum, which is why Mk 262 ammunition proved effective in SBRs in addition to the longer-barreled SPRs.

MODERN RENDITION

As is prone to happen with a rifle requested and proofed by the USSOCOM operators, as word got out about the SPR/Mk 12, civilians wanted it. The SPR was viewed as a multi-purpose weapon. SPR-type ARs can be found overlooking prairie dog towns, predator hunting, as well as in 3-Gun and PRS competitions. Various manufacturers have produced their versions of the SPR. These rifles span the gamut from exact clones to shadowing noteworthy characteristics such as 18-inch match barrel, upgraded trigger, free floated rail, and other accuracy maximizing features.

The SPR that recently caught my eye is the IWI Zion-15 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR). For me the SPR’s most salient features consist of accurate reliable firepower in an easily portable platform. The Zion-15 SPR delivers. The IWI SPR weighs only 7.6 pounds with 18-inch barrel. This is important as an SPR is required to be able to deal with CQB encounters with distances measured in feet while still offering precision fire capability out to 800+ yards.

The IWI SPR is manufactured and assembled at the IWI U.S. facility in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Conversation with IWI U.S. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jeremy Gresham confirmed certain nuanced attention to detail features in the IWI SPR. For example, IWI makes their own barrels at the Pennsylvania facility with a special 18-inch 5R 1:8-twist, nitride-treated, chrome moly vanadium barrel for the IWI SPR. A collaboration with Timney Triggers finds an IWI-specified two-stage match flat trigger installed in the IWI SPR. The importance of a quality trigger cannot be overemphasized when trying to produce sub-MOA accuracy. A rifle length adjustable gas systems provides the IWI SPR with smooth operation. The adjustable gas block allows for easy adaptation to suppressor use. The IWI website does not mention this important IWI SPR feature. The adjustable gas block was a pleasant surprise when inspecting the rifle upon arrival considering suppressor use is almost standard procedure anymore along with historical precedent of military SPR best practices.

Other thoughtful IWI touches are the built-in full-length ARCA rail on the bottom of the 17-inch MLOK forend. A steel barrel nut is another accuracy enhancing upgrade. A quality barrel nut is a vital component, providing a solid connection and proper alignment between barrel and upper receiver which ultimately contributes to consistent accuracy. B5 Systems adjustable Enhanced SOPMOD buttstock and Type 23 P-Grip finishes off IWI SPR furniture. The B5 pistol grip has a steeper vertical angle than standard pistol grips and an extended tang to improve ergonomics and ensure proper trigger finger index.

SUPPORT COMPONENTS

The versatility of the original SPR platform is indicated by the different optics end users equipped it with, such as 3.5-10x, 2.5-8x, and 3-9x optics. I considered mounting a Trijicon VCOG 1-8x but went with the higher magnification Trijicon Ten Mile 3-18×44. I really wanted to accentuate the precision component of the rifle. I am glad I did once the first range session showed what the IWI SPR could do in the accuracy department. An offset mount featuring a red dot will quell any concerns of the Trijicon Ten Mile 3-18×44, if the IWI SPR is pressed into a close-range affair. The offset optic mount allows a quick rotation of the rifle in the shoulder pocket to access the red dot optic with minimal effort or disturbance of handling.

The SPR was intended to be used primarily suppressed. This was the best way to conceal the origination point of shots taken with it. A lightweight Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360 was an easy choice to mount on the IWI SPR. A Rugged Suppressors 2-port 5.56mm muzzle brake replaced the birdcage flash hider that arrived with the IWI SPR. The Rugged Suppressors brake makes for easy removal and attachment of the Alaskan360 suppressor.

Ammunition tested with the IWI SPR was a combination of Black Hills Ammunition loads—the Mk 262 and civilian version 77-grain OTM, multiple Hornady loads—75-grain BTHP and 55-grain VMAX, SIG Sauer 77-grain OTM and Federal 62-grain FMJ-BT. The IWI SPR rifle kept all loads tested at 1.25-inches or better at 100 yards. Mostly better. The Black Hills loads—Mk 262 and 77grain OTM—SIG Sauer 77-grain and Hornady 75-grain and 55-grain loads produced sub-MOA groups. Some of these groups were in the ½-inch range. Impressive performance. Groups at 200 and 300 yards confirmed 100-yard findings. This is a compliment to IWI SPR’s barrel and trigger, Trijicon optic, and ammunition. At times it felt like the I was letting the IWI SPR down. After firmly establishing what it could do, when a group opens up to an inch or more, you know who the weak link is. The IWI SPR produces accuracy that fully supports the original SPR intended role. Velocity figures ranged from 2700 to 3000 feet per second over a Caldwell chronograph.

FIELD EVALUATION

Real proficiency begins with realistic training scenarios. Range evaluation at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) consisted of taking advantage of the recently added 3-gun rifle range with multiple plates set up at four different distances stretching out past 400 yards down a ravine following natural contours. Multiple sizes and shapes of steel plates occupy each station. A Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85mm proved handy for spotting purposes.

The IWI SPR/Trijicon/Rugged Suppressors combo was used in the prone, sitting, kneeling, standing positions, or shooting from a BOG Infinite Deathgrip tripod. The IWI SPR’s ARCA railed forend proved handy for securing into the BOG tripod. The IWI SPR proved to “hang” well from less well supported positions and was very manageable in getting into and out of shooting positions. Another twist is to have a companion pick the target and shooting position for the shooter to engage as quickly as possible.

PERFORMANCE

Clay pigeons were sniped with regularity at 475 yards from the supported prone position and off the BOG tripod. Felt recoil was minimal (as expected) with a suppressed 5.56mm. With the Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360 attached it was no problem to spot a miss and have another round on the way from the IWI SPR before the spotter could even relay the information.

TWO CENTS

While I appreciated IWI’s choice of a B5 stock and pistol grip, some end users may consider a fixed, precision-oriented buttstock. I will stay with the B5 as I favor the ability to reduce stock length. A gas buster-type charging handle is recommended if firing multiple rounds from one position when suppressed. An extended charging handle is another recommendation, especially with an optic mounted for easier manual operation. Lastly, ambidextrous controls would also have been a nice touch.

IWI indicated that “user subjective” items like charging handle, safety, and muzzle device was left as mil-spec standard so that the end user could build from there. Along these lines I have no issue with bird cage flash hider. With suppressors becoming so popular, its best to allow the end user to choose their muzzle device or just direct thread it onto the barrel. Frankly, IWI’s decisions in this regard make sense when the shockingly low MSRP of $1299 for the IWI SPR is revealed. $1299 for the kind of accuracy exhibited along with an adjustable gas block, ARCA rail forend, and B5 furniture is a great value.

MULTI-PURPOSE

The inherent adaptability of the AR platform is one its greatest attributes. The ability to send bullets downrange accurately, whether for competition, target shooting, military, law enforcement, or personal defense, ensures its place in the rifle marketplace. There is minimal difference between AR labels such as Recon, Recce, SPR, DMR, Mk12, Competition, etc. These ARs are required to be equally at home with close-range hose downs and long-range precision shooting. The IWI SPR rifle is an excellent example of this. The IWI SPR’s handling with superior accuracy is hard to deny. It’s smooth, easy, and accurate. And, best of all, it’s a great value.

SPECIFICATIONS