CENTURY ARMS 

VSKA 

The VSKA is 100% American-made and is re-engineered with critical components using machined S7 tool steel (used in jackhammer tips). The front trunnion and bolt are machined from a billet, a chrome-moly 4150 barrel and an RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group for an impressive trigger pull have made this rifle a mainstay for LE and military worldwide.  centuryarms.com 

CENTURY ARMS 

C39V2 

The C39V2, milled from 4140 ordnance steel, is the premier American-made, milled AK rifle available. Compatible with AKM features and aftermarket components, chrome-moly 4150 nitride-treated barrel featuring a 1:10 twist, RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group, this rifle has become the go-to firearm for LE and military forces worldwide. centuryarms.com 

KALASHNIKOV USA 

Komrad

The Komrad is a U.S.-manufactured 12GA semiautomatic, tactical, short-barreled firearm. The Komrad is designed to accept 2.75- inch and 3-inch shells and includes two 5-round magazines. Includes a pistol brace; adjustable pistol grip; tri-rail forend; vertical forward grip; standard side-mounted optics rail; and a threaded muzzle nut. kalashnikov-usa.com/product/komrad 

IMPERIAL ARMS 

Classic AKM & WARDOG 

Imperial Arms specializes in boutique AK-style rifles. They offer everything from the standard classic AK to modern tactical models. Imperial Arms uses quality ex-military parts and U.S. products to complete an AK that is “Fit for a King.” Every gun is hand-fitted and checked for perfectly formed rivets, tight head spacing, laser straight sights and butter smooth actions. The two most popular items are the Imperial Classic AKM and the Imperial WARDOG.  imperialarmsllc.com 

RILEY DEFENSE, INC. 

RAK-47-C-L Rifle 

Riley Defense, Inc. offers its laminate version of the American-made classical AK-47 rifle (7.62x39mm), measuring 35.25 inches in overall length. The semiautomatic RAK-47-C-L’s buttstock, upper and lower handguards are all laminate wood, and the grip is made in plastic Bakelite. The rifle also features a forged trunnion and a fully heat-treated, MIL-SPEC stamped receiver.  rileydefense.com 

RILEY DEFENSE, INC. 

RAK-47-Pistol 

This is our semiautomatic, closed-bolt action pistol version of the American-made AK-47 (7.62x39mm), measuring 21 inches in overall length. The RAK-47-Pistol features gas block/front sight combo; forged trunnion; a fully heat-treated, MIL-SPEC stamped receiver; modular rear trunnion; and MIL-SPEC upper and lower handguards with heat shield and pistol grip.  rileydefense.com 

KALASHNIKOV USA 

KR-9 

The KR-9 is a U.S.-manufactured 9mm semiautomatic AK-style rifle. It has a 16.25-inch barrel and accepts 30-round, double-stack Kalashnikov USA™ magazines. The rifle includes a skeletonized-style metal side folding stock, hinged top cover with attached Picatinny rail and a ½in-28 threaded flash suppressor. kalashnikov-usa.com/product/kr-9 

CHILDERS GUNS 

AK Blanks/ AKM-47, AKM-74 

Updated blanks are heat-treated to 40 HRC and CNC-machined for accuracy, now with center supports installed, rails welded, all trimming complete, everything but the fire control group holes machined. Blanks still come with the same multitude of customization options for stock cuts, markings, notches and engraving of all types.  childersguns.com 

CHILDERS GUNS 

PSL Receivers and Blanks 

U.S.-made receivers or 80% blanks are heat-treated to 40 HRC and are CNC-machined for accuracy, with customization such as custom serial numbers, curved or square-back stock cuts and an optional optics rail. childersguns.com 

RIFLE DYNAMICS 

RD704 Pistol 

The RD704 Pistol comes standard with an 11.5-inch U.S.- made nitrided barrel with a 1/10 twist. The button nitrided barrel offers a good balance of accuracy, corrosion resistance and life. For those with a higher firing schedule, there is an option to upgrade to a cold hammer-forged barrel. The standard muzzle device is the RD FSC flash comp, which offers both flash and muzzle rise compensation. Standard furniture includes a black polymer handguard with heat shield, Tango Down pistol grip and SBA3 arm brace.  rifledynamics.com

SureFire M600IB Intellibeam ScoutLight

SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of the world’s finest—and most innovative—illumination tools and tactical products, has launched their new M600IB Intellibeam ScoutLight. The revolutionary M600IB utilizes SureFire’s proprietary IntelliBeam Technology—an intelligent sensor and microprocessor-based system that continuously evaluates the environment where the beam is aimed—to automatically adjust the light output to the optimal level, anywhere between 100 and 600 lumens. So you always get just the right amount of light for the task at hand, based on your surroundings! Inside, in close quarters, you get less light, to eliminate light splashing back into your eyes. Outside, or with longer distances, you get maximum output. Find out more about this WeaponLight at www.SureFire.com.

CENTURY ARMS AK OPTIC MOUNTING SYSTEM

Century Arms, North America’s premier AK manufacturer, is proud to announce the introduction of the new addition to their AK-47 accessory line, the AK Micro Dot Side Mount. This solid and easy-to-install mount contains features that set it apart considerably from other side mounts currently available on the market. This AK receiver rail and side mount represent a true evolution of optics mounting systems for the AK platform. The AK Micro Dot Side Mount is machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and is hardcoat anodized per MIL-A-8625F Type III, Class 2 specifications, giving it superior overall strength. The AK Micro Dot Side Mount is the first AK side scope rail mount that has true return-to-zero capability. The mount offers four times the clamping engagement over traditional side scope rail mounts, improves sight acquisition for follow-up shots and allows for complete field stripping of the rifle without removal of the mount. It is compatible with most standard T1/H1 style optics and provides a modular mounting system to adjust the optic from front to back. All of Century Arms’ American Made AK47’s in the C39v2 and RAS47 product lines now come equipped with a new receiver side rail that is compatible with the AK Micro Dot Side Mount. This combination allows the modern shooting enthusiast the ability to customize their rifle and make it a more capable, flexible platform. The AK Micro Dot Side Mount includes all necessary hardware and has a suggested retail price of $119.99. You can find them at: www.centuryarms.com.

HARTMAN MHI SIGHT HAS LANDED IN THE US

Hartman Ltd., an optics company co-founded by Lt. Col. (Ret) Mikey Hartman of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and founder of the IDF Marksmanship and Sharpshooting School, is proud to announce the arrival of the MH1 reflex sight to retailers across the U.S. The game-changing features of the patent-pending MH1 sight have been specifically designed to meet and exceed the demands of military, law enforcement and sportsmen around the world. The Hartman MH1 reflex sight is distributed exclusively in the U.S. by CAA. The MH1, is an advanced tactical red dot sight, featuring multiple ground-breaking technologies, including: the largest field-of-view on the market, an optional customizable user interface and a USB charging port that allows the user to charge the sight via any mobile device, computer or wall socket (a single CR123 backup battery provides additional extended battery life). In addition, the sight is motion activated and will stay in battery saving mode until its dual 30° motion sensors perceive the firearm is being moved in a shooting position. The MH1’s rear panel and activation buttons are uniquely angled allowing the user to mount additional optics or night vision gear behind it without impeding access to the controls even when using gloves. Optionally, as part of the interface feature users can customize a variety of controls: PTT on or off, sleep mode duration, motion sensors enable/disable, low battery indicators and adjusting brightness levels. In addition, an optional remote control PTT strap allows the user to activate the sight as well as control brightness while maintaining two handed control of the firearm, useful when moving from low light to bright light conditions or vice versa. You can find out more at www.hartman-il.com.

FDE AND TACTICAL MODELS JOIN THE HK VP PRODUCT LINE

Two new models of Heckler & Koch’s VP striker fired pistol have been added to the company line-up. New Flat Dark Earth (FDE) colored frame variants and threaded barrel “Tactical models” join the renowned VP family of 9 mm and .40 caliber pistols. The new VP FDE models are manufactured using special colorants added to the frame during the molding process and are available in both 9 mm (VP9) and .40 caliber (VP40). The color frame cannot fade or chip and is unaffected by chemicals, sun, and exposure to the elements. FDE models have all of the highly regarded VP features-with the addition of their colored frames. Flat Dark Earth is a tan/brown color scheme that has gained favor among many military and security units in recent years. The VP Tactical models (available in both 9 mm and .40 S&W) are also identical to standard HK VP pistols, except for the addition of premium grade threaded barrels only their weights and lengths differ due to the longer and slightly heavier threaded barrel. The threaded barrels are manufactured at HK’s Oberndorf factory in southwest Germany, using the legendary Heckler & Koch cold-hammer forging process. HK cold hammer forged barrels, made from proprietary cannon grade steel, are well known for their long service life. Similar HK barrels on P30 models have fired more than 90,000 rounds in endurance tests. Both the VP FDE color frame models and the VP Tactical models are made completely in HK’s Oberndorf factory in southwest Germany using all of the company’s advanced technologies for barrel manufacturing, as well as production of the machined steel slide, polymer frame, and all internal components. HK VP pistols are competitively priced and covered by Heckler & Koch’s lifetime warranty. Learn more at www.hk-usa.com.

CCI AMMUNITION ADDS HANDGUN SHOTSHELL LINE-UP TO HANDGUN LOADS

CCI Ammunition, the only American manufacturer of handgun shotshells, introduces all-new handgun shotshells featuring larger shot for deeper penetration and extended range. They are available in four popular handgun calibers. Shipments of this new product are being delivered to dealers. Centerfire handgun shotshells have long proven themselves as highly practical options for close-range pests. CCI has added to its one-of-a-kind offering with exciting new CCI Big 4 loads to extend the range and capabilities of these downsized shotshells, thanks to a payload of No. 4 lead shot. The resulting energy and patterns enable Big 4 loads to take down larger pests at longer distances, making them even more useful. The new ammunition is packed in reusable 10-round boxes and is available in 9mm, .38 Special/.357 Magnum, .44 Special/.44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt. More information is available at www.cci-ammunition.com.

NEW CREEDMORE PTR AMMUNITION

Creedmoor Ammunition, a division of Creedmoor Sports, is now loading Creedmoor Precision Tactical Rifle (PTR) ammunition, made specifically with law enforcement in mind. Hard-hitting and extremely accurate, the new .223 caliber PTR round is loaded with a 55 grain Sierra HPBT bullet. The Sierra HPBT leaves the muzzle at a sizzling 3,200 feet per second, and generates 1,250 foot pounds of threat-stopping energy. When zeroed in at 100 yards, the bullet drops a scant 3.4 inches at 200 yards. The new PTR ammunition is loaded into Creedmoor’s own high-quality brass, sold in boxes of 20 in a MTM case, and is made in the USA at Creedmoor Sport’s Anniston, Alabama facility. Quantity discounts are available. Every round Creedmoor Sports produces is hand inspected, after being loaded in new state-of-the-art AmmoLoad machines. The PTR rounds–like all Creedmoor Ammunition–are offered at the lowest prices possible because Creedmoor sells directly to consumers-no distributors or middle-men to drive up prices! For more information, please visit www.creedmoorsports.com.

POLYCASE RELEASES NEW SPORT UTILITY AMMO

PolyCase Ammunition releases their new line of Sport Utility Ammo. PolyCase Ammunition has taken the industry by storm with their innovative copper-polymer projectiles, performing beyond expectations. The New Sport Utility line is range-friendly with its copper-polymer blend. Unlike other jacketed and frangible ammo, the Inceptor RNP Sport Utility Ammo can be shot on hardened steel with safe range distances being measured in feet, not yards, resulting in a safer and more realistic training experience. The Sport Utility Ammo is the perfect practice round for both indoor and outdoor shooting. This sport/training product is perfectly matched to the recoil and performance of the Inceptor Preferred Defense and Ruger Self-Defense lines of ammunition, making it the ideal practice ammo choice for users of Ruger or Inceptor-branded defense ammunition. The Inceptor RNP Sport Utility Ammo delivers high velocity and low recoil providing a comfortable day of shooting at the range while holding the accuracy and performance expected from PolyCase products. The Inceptor RNP Sport Utility Ammo line is available in .380 Auto, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 Auto and .38 Special. This flatter, faster and frangible ammo is now available in contemporary packaged and competitively priced 50-round count boxes, making it the obvious choice for today’s cost-conscious shooter. Contact them at www.polycaseammo.com.

Hitler’s Germany in 1941 was heady with success. The war was going well on all fronts and the German Wehrmacht was rolling across Europe, Asia, and Africa like a juggernaut. Faced with a military buildup unprecedented in the history of the planet, German industry responded with a combination of spectacular Teutonic engineering and frenetic enthusiasm.

For all their depraved politics and hopelessly corrupt morality, the Nazis exhibited a degree of military innovation the ramifications of which are still resonating today. Across the spectrum of battlespace the German war machine transformed the way war was fought. From combat aircraft and U-boats to armored vehicles and small arms the wartime German industrial complex taught the world how to think outside the box. Nowhere was this more typified than in their belt-fed machineguns.

The MG 34 was the world’s first truly general-purpose machine gun. Capable of being fired on the move during an assault and serviced in a pinch by a single soldier, the MG 34 was the world’s first effort at filling the need for an anti-aircraft weapon, a tripod-mounted crew served support gun, a tank MG, and a man-portable weapon capable of accompanying troops on an assault in a single small arms platform. While it came close to being all those things, the gun hearkened back to an interwar period when building guns out of big blocks of steel was still a luxury a modern military might enjoy. Faced with a demand that hopelessly outstripped supply, German industry went back to the drawing board.

The wartime firm of Johannes Grossfuss Metall Fabrik designed and produced the MG 42 as an eventual successor to the MG 34. Development began in early 1937 and eventually culminated in troop trials in 1941. Before the war ended 400,000 guns were produced. Curiously, Johannes Grossfuss Metall Fabrik had never designed a firearm before. As such, they started literally with a blank page and brought a fresh perspective to the art of gun design that many of their gun-building forebears lacked. The resulting delayed roller blowback action incorporated into a package comprised primarily of sheet metal stampings was both ingenious and ideally suited for mass production. In the MG 42, locking was accomplished by means of a pair of rollers that settled into a corresponding pair of recesses in the breech face. These rollers forced the bolt to remain in battery until chamber pressures had dropped to levels sufficiently benign to facilitate safe extraction. The resulting machine gun was reliable, supremely lethal, and relatively cheap. In the last months of the war German engineers began adapting this recoil system to a shoulder-fired, magazine-fed platform.

As the war wound to a close, the roller-locked assault rifle chambered for the then-revolutionary 7.92x33mm cartridge was in prototype stage. In the disorder and chaos that was post-war Europe the designers of this new weapon took their design to Spain. They subsequently perfected the system and produced the gun as the Spanish CETME battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm. In an odd turn of events, the design was then purchased and brought back to Germany where it was tweaked here and there and then mass-produced by Heckler and Koch as the G 3. The G 3 was successfully marketed and sold around the world.

As military technology advanced, the H&K engineers adapted their platform to new missions and applications. The MP 5 represented the basic G 3 action chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge while the HK 33 incorporated the same action chambered in 5.56x45mm. While relatively widely distributed, the HK 33 never quite found the commercial legs as did its larger and smaller brethren.

During the golden years of black rifle collecting in the late seventies and early eighties it was a buyer’s market. There were not very many commercial offerings and a relatively small pool of committed American enthusiasts willing to put money on semiautomatic versions of contemporary military small arms. The basic selection at the time consisted of the AR-15 (made at the time solely by Colt), the ArmaLite AR-180, the Israeli Galil, the Steyr AUG, a smattering of Valmet Kalashnikov clones, and the H&K 91, 93, and 94 in .308, .223, and 9mm respectively.

An HK 93 could be picked up in the early eighties for about $600. The import ban under the first President Bush restricted foreign made “assault weapons” and served to drive the prices of these early imports up to a point where it was just not fun to buy and shoot them any more.

Now fast forward twenty-five years and the most amazing thing has happened. A hybrid clone of that very HK 93 is back on the U.S. market and it sports about the same price tag it did a quarter century ago, not even adjusted for inflation.

Century Arms has carved out a niche market by taking de-milled military weapons from overseas stores and resurrecting them on U.S. made receivers. The list of guns of this sort that they offer is long and this author recently had opportunity to pick up one of their HK 93 clones and was very pleasantly surprised at the product.

There have been some legitimate concerns about the quality of domestically produced HK clones from a variety of manufacturers as well as some specific complaints about Century products in the past. While addressing those issues is beyond the scope of this article, rest assured that this author’s C93 clone is the cat’s pajamas.

The fit and finish are fairly nice. There is a set of markings on the side of the magazine well that looks like it was removed with a Dremel tool and my particular rifle has a tiny aesthetic welding flaw where the sight meets the receiver. There is also an equally esoteric nick in the sheet metal around the ejection port. That having been said, c’mon, I got an HK 93 clone for $600 bucks. So long at it is reliable and effective I’ll cut them some slack.

The guts and furniture are original H&K dated in the mid to late seventies and are in nicely serviceable condition with some scant finish wear. The magazine is of the lightweight aluminum forty-round variety and sports an ingenious dual spring design that gives the mag a little extra boost when fully loaded. After more than a thousand rounds I have yet to have a problem with mine.

The icing on the cake is that the rifle comes stock with an original factory full auto bolt carrier. What that means is that you can take this low-end $600 clone rifle, drop in a registered trigger pack, and enjoy some classic full auto sweetness without having to dump more than two grand on a new 5.56mm host. The cyclic rate on full auto is a sedate 600 rounds per minute or so right out of the box.

Accuracy in semiautomatic is about what you would expect. It’s based on an assault rifle. It carries a lot of rounds and hits reasonable-sized targets out to reasonable distances. If you want to hit a dime at a hundred meters, invest in a decent bolt action sniper system. If you want to while away an afternoon turning bulk .223 into noise, this is your plaything.

The basic H&K chassis is a generation behind the M4 as regards ergonomics. The sex appeal of jacking the bolt back via the left-sided charging handle for every single magazine change grows tiresome on about the third mag and you have my pity if you have to manage this task for any extended period left-handed. The stock C93 lacks the flapper magazine release but anyone who has managed an AR or M4 does just fine with the same right-sided button on the magazine well. Original magazines are spendy and at times tough to find. However, there are already aftermarket synthetic versions showing up that even sport those nifty locking lugs from the G 36 mags that allow you to hook multiple units together if desired. The U.S. gun market is awash in innovation and a little Google Fu will turn up more ditzels to hang onto your new C93 than any of us might ever seriously need.

The original H&K roller locked rifles are legacy systems these days. The guts are made of steel rather than aluminum or plastic and the practical tactical stuff is a little slower than what you might find with a tricked out M4. However, it is still a very cool black rifle currently available at a very reasonable price. If you are fortunate enough to own a registered sear or trigger pack and you want to add a whole new dimension to your full auto shooting experience without having to hock the car or sell a kidney, then the Century Arms C93 Sporter is the new black rifle toy for you. It is well worth the money.

With the increasingly uncertain supply of ammunition, not to mention ever rising price, especially for rifle calibers, it is prudent to diversify any collection of long arms. Most personal defense or military style collections include chambering such as 7.62x51mm (.308Win), 5.56mm (.223Rem), 7.62×39, and 5.45×39. An alternate caliber worthy of consideration is the ubiquitous 9mm pistol cartridge chambered in a semiautomatic carbine. Century International Arms’ recent introduction of their Uzi carbine, the UC-9, serves as further impetus to obtain a 9mm carbine. The advantage of choosing the Century UC-9 Centurion is twofold in that it allows one to explore the pistol chambered carbine concept along with the chance to experience a historical weapon design.

Uziel Gal designed the Uzi with a telescopic bolt. The bolt travels over and around the barrel during operation. This allows for a more compact weapon with the barrel moved back into the receiver and magazine well placed in the handgrip. The concept is first noticed on early Czech designs such as the ZK 476 and vz23. The Uzi is simple and economical to manufacture taking full advantage of stampings and plastics to create receiver, cover, trigger housing, and folding metal stock with only the bolt and barrel requiring machining. Uziel Gal began designing the Uzi in 1948 with a prototype finished in 1950. Israeli special force units began use of the Uzi in 1954 with general issue to other IDF units in 1956 including officers, rear echelon troops, artillery, tank, and elite light infantry assault units.

The square shaped bolt reciprocates in the sheet metal trough formed in the receiver. The top cover seals off the bolt pathway to minimize exposure to the elements. Tolerances are relatively loose for better reliability with grooves incorporated on both sides of the receiver to increase reliability in dirty environments. Any accumulated debris is given a path out of the way of the bolt. The bolt is operated via centrally located handle on top of the receiver; thus it is ambidextrous. One of the Uzi’s greatest qualities is its simple operation and maintenance. User friendliness was a high priority for a citizen army like the IDF. Field stripping procedures typifies this simplicity with no tools required. After double checking the weapon is empty, unscrew the barrel nut and remove the barrel, followed by removing the top cover allowing for the bolt and striker assembly to lift out of the receiver. The Uzi is now field stripped for easy cleaning.

For many, the first urge for a 9mm carbine is a short barreled rifle (SBR). The reasoning being if one must use a 16 inch barrel you might as well get a full-sized AR or AK. However, many will not want to undergo the paperwork and cost for a SBR or may live in jurisdictions that disallow such classified weapons. Another advantage enjoyed by the Century UC-9 Uzi is a price point well below the current AR 9mm platforms on the market. MSRP for the Century UC-9 will be in mid $700 range.

Century produces the Uzi carbine in house and is modified to fire from a closed bolt versus the open bolt design of the original select fire model. Century Arms is an innovator of adapting military select fire weapons to BATF standards enabling firearms that would normally be out the reach of civilians to be experienced. The Uzi is considered a premier example of a 3rd generation SMG utilizing blowback method of operation where cartridge pressure is used to overcome the bolt’s mass pushing it to the rear and action springs returning it into battery stripping a fresh round from the magazine to operate the weapon. The Century Uzi carbine variant uses a floating firing pin as opposed to a fixed firing pin found in the select fire version. Other changes consist of the receiver not allowing for the drop-in installation of a SMG fixed firing pin bolt as the firing pin of the semiautomatic only Century UC-9 is incorporated into the bolt group. The semiautomatic bolt group also features a different extractor design versus the SMG version. The fire control assembly is modified as well since three-positions are not necessary as with a select fire version. The sear on the UC-9 is smaller since it is not under the same stress as the SMG version. Top covers are different between the semiautomatic Uzi and SMG version. The SMG version is ratcheted in case the charging handle is inadvertently released before the bolt is fully locked open. Lastly, barrel installation methods are different as the original Uzi barrels will not work with semiautomatic weapons due to differences in welding patterns associated with the front trunnion.

The lack of automatic fire capability on any weapon originally designed for selective fire operation means less for most than the handling benefits lost when forced to employ 16 inch barrels to comply with Federal laws defining what a rifle is. Fortunately, the 16 inch barreled UC-9 Uzi still retains the handling characteristics of its military predecessor. The telescopic bolt design aids in minimizing the effect of equipping the Uzi with a 16 inch barrel compared to the standard 10 inch. The Century UC-9 is similar in overall length to a SBR 9mm AR with a 7 inch barrel due to the telescopic bolt permitting the barrel to be moved back into the receiver.

Many will question the utility of employing a pistol cartridge in a shoulder fired weapon. Others would argue that most engagements happen well within a 100yd range, especially in a civilian setting, and that handling and reliability play more of a factor in quick, reactive engagements than specific caliber used. However, less experienced shooters will find the lower recoil pulse and muzzle blast of a pistol caliber fired from the shoulder easier to manage, which often times will translate into better accuracy potential. Will a rifle hit with more authority than a 9mm? Yes. However, the advantage of carrying a handgun and carbine using the same, easy to acquire, and relatively inexpensive ammunition should not be underestimated.

The Uzi can be considered a niche weapon here in the U.S. with a devoted group of followers. This limited market has led to few aftermarket accessories being available. The Uzi design does not permit easy installation red dot style optics as it was designed in an era before red dot style optics were commonly used. While optic mounts are available, most users stay away from their use for a variety of reasons usually related to mounting methods. If a red dot or similar optic is considered a necessity then another weapon system will need to be consulted.

However, from the Uzi’s birthplace, comes an interesting forearm modification discovered via the Mako Group’s website. The U3R Tri-Rail manufactured by FAB Defense is designed to replace the Uzi’s forend with a Picatinny-style rail system. The U3R Tri-Rail is machined from solid billet aircraft aluminum and hard anodized for a durable surface. This is a unique solution to bring your Uzi up to speed tactically and take advantage of Picatinny rail accessories. The Mako Group’s Tri-Rail enhances the Uzi’s capability facilitating mounting of lights, lasers, and a vertical foregrip. Dimensionally, the Century UC-9 had no problems accommodating the Tri-Rail. A Crimson Trace MVF 515 Green Laser/Light combination vertical foregrip was mounted on the UC-9 Uzi. Some may doubt veracity of vertical foregrips in general and even more so on the Uzi Carbine. However, the Uzi is not light at 9 pounds with this accentuated by the 16 inch barrel; the increased leverage and control offered by the Crimson Trace MVF 515 is worth it; not to mention the integral high intensity tactical light and green laser that accompanies the vertical foregrip. Due to the distinct Uzi profile with magazine fitting in the grip housing, the Crimson Trace MVF 515 does not significantly impact its outline. Lower profile vertical grips are available, but few offer the multiple uses of the MVF 515.

The Uzi 9mm Sporter weighs approximately 9 pounds and features a 16 inch barrel giving the Uzi a length of 24 inches with stock folded and 31.5 inches with stock deployed. The barrel uses 1:10 twist rate that allows the user to utilize the full range of 9mm loads, including 147rg bullets. The double hinged rear stock folds neatly and securely under the weapon’s frame. While many consider the stock as overly complicated, it is simple to operate efficiently after a few tries. The sights on the Uzi were somewhat crude combining a rear aperture and front sight post each protected by metal ears. Nevertheless, the sights permitted head shots out to 35 yards with center body mass aiming used as distances stretched back to 100 yards or beyond. The Crimson Trace MVF 515’s green laser was clearly visible at 25 yards even during bright daylight conditions. The Uzi’s rear sight is a flip leaf aperture with 100 meter or 200 meter settings. The sights on the Century UC-9 are of Model A Uzi type with the both windage and elevation adjustment made with the front sight. Hits on large steel targets such as manhole covers were very possible with the Uzi out to 200 yards. Paper targets, plate racks and steel popper targets located at various locations and groupings were engaged with some drills conducted behind simulated cover and with mandatory magazine changes.

The Century UC-9’s non-discriminatory handling of several types of 9mm ammunition was a pleasant surprise. Winchester 9mm NATO loads were purchased based on experience with other 9mm SMG designs requiring the higher pressure NATO loads to operate reliably. The Uzi functioned flawlessly with not only the Winchester 9mm 124gr NATO FMJ loads, but also with Winchester 9mm 115gr FMJ, Wolf 115gr FMJ 9mm, CCI Speer Lawman 124gr TMJ, Black Hills 124gr and Winchester 147gr JHP 9mm. The ability to feed the JHPs was a totally unexpected bonus and a credit to the Uzi weapon design. The Century UC-9 had over 800 rounds fired through it for this T&E during several range visits to Echo Valley Training Center located near Winchester, VA. A handful of malfunctions were experienced during initial session. This problem was eliminated once two suspect magazines were indentified and culled. One positive of the faulty magazines was that malfunction drills were tested. The closed bolt UC-9 Uzi does not have a bolt hold open device, thus the most practical method discovered was to strip out the magazine and run the bolt a couple of times to clear the offending malfunction and then re-insert a fresh magazine. T&E was aided by acquiring several extra 32-round magazines via a kit that is offered by Century that comes with magazine pouch, sling, and cleaning kit. Five 32-round magazines come with the Century UC-9 Uzi. Extra Uzi magazines are currently plentiful and relatively inexpensive to purchase.

Magazine changes proved an awkward affair at first. This is more an indictment of previous experience manipulating AR or AK based weapon systems than a criticism of the Uzi. The magazine removal, replacement, and bolt manipulation must be done in a stout/firm manner. The Uzi’s blowback operating method translates into a stiff action spring. It is best not to rush manipulating the Uzi during reloads to ensure that your hand does not slip off the cocking handle or not bring the action back far enough to strip a fresh round from the magazine. The magazine well in the pistol grip allows for reloads without having to look. The magazine release is paddle-like and located at the bottom of the grip allowing for the offhand to depress and rip the empty magazine out in one movement making room for insertion of a fresh one. The safety selector switch is incorporated into the pistol grip and can be operated with the dominant hand’s thumb with minimal effort. The grip safety is an important feature further maximizing one hand use. The selector switch can be left on fire, yet removing the hand from the grip provides for a safe weapon if having to sling the weapon and perform other tasks. Range experience indicated that the “hand-to-hand” method works efficiently in getting a fresh magazine inserted into the weapon’s pistol grip, especially under pressure of time constraints and wanting to keep eyes downrange during the reload. The combination of the heavy bolt and magazine placement in the center of the weapon grip serves to balance the Uzi and minimize any recoil or muzzle climb. The 9 pound weight of the Uzi contributes here as well. Accurate strings of fire consisting of multiple rounds sent downrange had no problems keeping rounds smacking steel due to minimal muzzle climb and muzzle blast.

Some will be lured to the Century International Arms Uzi Carbine for its potential as a weapon, while others will find it the closest opportunity they will have to own a working replica of a historical firearm. Many will argue that there is no defensive value in any semiautomatic pistol caliber chambered carbine; just use a full size assault rifle. Would a Century UC-9 be a first choice of firearm for personal defense for most? No, but it in the same breath it would be far from the bottom of the list as well. The Uzi design would not have been used by agencies such as the Secret Service or over 90 countries if it did not perform better than most other available weapons. It is not being represented that this same performance is being offered in the UC-9 configuration, but nice to know what kind of heritage it is spawned from.

The pistol caliber carbine represented by the Century Uzi makes far more sense than relying strictly on a handgun for defense, especially in rural areas. Accurate hits are possible out to 100 yards after only minimal practice. Another benefit is round capacity as compared to handguns. Double column Uzi magazines can be found with 20, 25, and 32-round capacities. The 32-round Uzi magazine is the most commonly found. Many will find the UC-9 Uzi Carbine easier to shoot accurately than a shotgun or a rifle due to it compact nature and less recoil.

The Century UC-9 Uzi is an interesting new introduction of a weapon with lots of history attached to it. Century is planning on producing over 2,000 UC-9s. Is the UC-9 Uzi a weapon worthy of competing with other pistol caliber carbines such as the HK, Sten/Sterling, Kel-tecs, MAC, Beretta, and ARs or is it the closest thing many will get to a firing replica with design history dating back to 1950? The Century UC-9 did not handle or perform like a design that is over 50 years old. It is still a viable weapon. It will hold its own no matter what the individual decides to use it for.

Century International Arms
430 South Congress Ave. Suite 1
Delray Beach, FL 33445
(800) 527-1252
www.centuryarms.com

Mako Group
1 Lenox Ave
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(866) 753-9444
www.makosecurity.com

The AK SBR reviewed herein started as a Romanian 7.62×39 AK Draco pistol imported by Century International Arms. Certain weapons evolve over time as a user searches for best utility. Experience with a 5.45×39 Krinkov led to an appreciation of what a SBR offers in terms of portability and handling. Almost immediately after the economical Draco AK pistol was uncovered the quest to maximize it began.

The Draco SBR quest began in earnest upon reviewing a Suarez International Warrior Talk forum discussion about adding a rear sling point on a Draco AK pistol. The work involved with the rear sling attachment was not significantly less than what would be involved to just alter the existing rear trunnion of the Draco to accept a stock. Red Jacket Firearms was turned to in assisting with the Draco SBR project. 7.62×39 Krinkov style rifles or kits are currently scarce and the Draco SBR seemed a good alternative.

The Draco was fired in its original pistol configuration before converting it into a SBR. The Draco AK pistol, while interesting, lacked much in terms of accuracy past normal handgun ranges with added negatives of weighing 5.5 pounds and muzzle blast of a rifle round. Draco is the Latin word for dragon. The Draco AK certainly lived up to this vision of a fire breathing apparition with substantial amounts of muzzle blast and flash. While definitely categorized as a fun firearm, the Draco in its pistol form is limited in its effectiveness. A Krebs Custom Quad Rail was added to the Draco while still in its pistol form in an effort to increase its accuracy and effective range potential. An Insight Technology M6x laser/light and various red dot sights were utilized to no avail with the AK pistol. The results still were not satisfactory.

Century International Arms imports the Draco AK pistol. The Draco AK pistol utilizes the same forend length as a standard AK. This simplifies finding accessories for it compared to the more specialized Krinkov versions with reduced length forends. The piston length is not the same. Yes, the 11inch barrel length is longer compared to an 8.5inch barreled Krinkov, but this is a viable compromise considering alternatives are slim when searching for a 7.62×39 Krinkov kit. The Draco has a unique front gas block and sight compared to other full size AKs and the rear sight is modified for shorter ranges expected from a pistol.

Turning the Draco AK pistol into a SBR transforms it into a more serious firearm. Yes, the 11 inch barrel sacrifices some performance versus 16 inch barrels, but this is the price for any SBR. Increased handling and portability more than compensates for any velocity lost. The 7.62×39 is less affected in this regard than 5.56 or 7.62×51 chamberings. Lessons rediscovered in Iraq and Afghanistan about terminal ballistics further enhances 7.62×39 AK credentials. However, the lack of a rear stock nestled in your shoulder impacts effectiveness. This is based on multiple points of contact represented by a shoulder stock as compared to a handgun. This consists of shoulder, cheek, and hands spread further apart for more stability compared to a handgun.

Three performance upgrades were sought in converting the Draco AK pistol into the Draco SBR. The first, and most important, involved modifying the rear trunnion to add a stock. Second, based on previous experiences with a 5.45×39 AK SBR, was foregoing the standard wood forend by replacing it with a Krebs Custom Quad rail. Lastly, wanting to take advantage of the first two improvements, an Aimpoint T1 optic was added to the Krebs Quad rail, which is a vast improvement over the standard open sights. This only reinforced correctness of decision to add a stock to the Draco to better take advantage of 7.62×39 potential and AK handling characteristics.

This SBR project would not have been possible without the involvement of Red Jacket Firearms. Red Jacket has established itself as a major resource for U.S. AK devotees. A quick phone call to Red Jacket owner Will Hayden discussed expectations for the Draco. Red Jacket modified the rear trunnion and added a DPH folding stock with ACE folding hinge. The Draco was given the once over by the experienced Red Jacket gunsmiths while it was in Louisiana. It would have been foolish not to take advantage of Red Jacket’s experience with AKs while the Draco was there for the rear trunnion modification. Red Jacket tuning included checking magwell dimensions, function of action, polished and smoothed rails along with removing any machine marks from the bolt head and carrier. The front sight and gas block were checked for alignment, which is a common AK issue. During assembly after paint, Red Jacket noticed a discrepancy with the standard Romanian fire control group hammer and sear engagement. Red Jacket installed a G-2 unit which is a proven trigger group with Red Jacket projects. Further inspection revealed the safety lever barely caught the hammer and had the possibility of an accidental discharge. This was repaired by extending the contact point of the selector with a weld, shape to fit handwork and refinishing to match. The metal surfaces of the Draco received a Gunkote application. Upon the Draco’s return it measured 32.5 inches with the DPH stock deployed; 24 inches folded, and weighed slightly over 8 pounds. These measurements included Krebs Custom Quad rail, Aimpoint T1, offset Troy vertical grip, and YHM Phantom flash hider.

Red Jacket Firearms has been a Class 7 manufacturer for over a decade. What started out as private projects involving AK type of weapons quickly evolved into a main product line for the company. The ZK model and Saiga shotguns, including integral suppressed versions of the Saiga shotgun, being the most sought after firearms from Red Jacket along with a relatively new offering involving accuracy enhancements to Saiga rifles. Not wanting to oversimplify, Red Jacket is a true custom gunsmith with many types of weapons available. Will prides himself on producing weapons that are capable of hard use with a reputation for ruggedness, reliability, and accuracy.

The Krebs Quad Rail was simple to install securely to the Draco, thus multiplying potential options for adding accessories to the rifle. As expected from Krebs, the Quad Rail was well made and did not move once installed on the Draco SBR. Another benefit of the Krebs Quad Rail is that it allows for better ventilation around the barrel, thus cooling it down faster after long strings of fire. The Krebs Quad Rail could be considered just as essential to getting the most out of the Draco SBR as adding the rear stock; without the Krebs Quad Rail it would have been impossible to forward mount the Aimpoint T1 sight or any other optic for that matter.

Many will find the Krebs Custom Quad Rail as an invitation to accessorize the Draco with lights, lasers, vertical grips, etc. Individuals will have to judge for themselves what is necessary kit without compromising handling. A vertical forward grip was added to the Draco SBR via Kreb’s offset rail adaptor. The AK47 magazine’s curvature can interfere with a vertical forward grip during magazine changes impacting reloading efficiency. The Kreb’s offset rail adaptor eliminates this likelihood and allows for a vertical grip to be positioned per individual shooter preference. The vertical foregrip has fast become a standard accessory on any rifle or carbine equipped with a forward accessory rail. The increased leverage and control offered by the vertical foregrip aids in weapon manipulation and stability when firing. The vertical foregrip’s advantages are further magnified with the ever increasing amount of accessories being placed on weapons equipped with Picatinny 1913 or similar rail systems. Loading up a weapon’s forend will effect handling. An Insight Technology M6x tactical light/laser illuminator was chosen due to it combining both a high intensity light and laser aiming module in one compact housing. The Insight M6x was configured with the long arm remote pressure pad switch for activating the laser and/or light with the support hand without having to alter firing grip. Another vertical forward grip used with the Draco SBR was the Police Ordnance Company MTL 225 distributed by Century International Arms. The MTL-225 combines a vertical grip with a high intensity 225 lumen LED tactical light all in T6 aluminum housing weighing in at slightly less than 16 ounces. The MTL-225 requires mounting fully forward on the Draco SBR so as not to interfere with magazine changes. A review of weapons appearing in the hands of our troops fighting overseas or domestic LE tactical teams will confirm popularity, utility, and appeal related to vertical foregrips and tactical lights and lasers.

Range T&E followed established protocol for combat rifles. After a quick verification of 25 yard sight zero, evaluation commenced with a function test involving firing several magazines in rapid succession at various steel man targets and vehicles that dot the range. While not unique, this is a good way to establish a baseline for reliability. Let’s face it; if an AK-type weapon does not have pristine reliability, its major attribute is nullified. A vertical forward grip is perfect for keeping your hand away from a hot barrel. A more comprehensive 100 yard sight zero confirmation took place after functionality was established. The Krebs Quad rail allows for the open sights to be viewed down the recess between rails system if one chooses not to mount an optic. The Aimpoint T1red dot sight offered the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights. As many “maturing” shooters can attest to the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights.

Brass cased Egyptian and Yugoslavian 7.62×39 surplus ammunition was used for the bulk of the testing with Wolf Ammunition Polyformance 122 and Military Classic 124gr loads also used in conjunction with Barnaul and Golden Tiger 7.62×39 loadings. Accuracy was acceptable for an AK, or any other combat rifle using iron sights or non-magnified optics, at 3-4 inches at 100 yards. One downside to most surplus ammunition is that it does utilize corrosive primers. Something the Russians and other ex-Soviet bloc states or clients insisted on using due to concerns with cold weather ignition and long-term storage capabilities offered by corrosive primers. The Egyptian ammunition is labeled as non-corrosive, but was handled as if it was corrosive to take no chances. Corrosive ammunition is not the destroyer of rifles many will lead you to believe as long as proper cleaning methods are followed to remove elements left over from the primer residue. During several range visits in both its pistol and SBR form, the Draco fired several hundred rounds downrange. The weapon was cleaned between range visits due to the use of corrosive ammunition.

Further range testing of the Draco consisted of repeating numerous drills and exercises experienced via training with Suarez International, Storm Mountain, and Tactical Response. Firing while moving as well as behind cover, reloading drills, transitions between shoulders depending on cover orientation, and engaging multiple targets arranged around “no-shoot” targets all helped put the Draco SBR through its paces. While not as subtle or tame as an AR-15 or AK74, the Draco’s muzzle blast and recoil was not prohibitive allowing for fast double and triple taps on selected targets, especially at CQB distances. The welded muzzle nut that comes on the Draco pistol was removed allowing for access to the weapon’s M14x1LH muzzle threads. Initially, a typical AK slant style muzzle device was added. A Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) Phantom flash hider quickly replaced this. The Phantom flash hider is not only effective at reducing muzzle signature, but allows for the quick mounting of a YHM suppressor if desired. This was done occasionally with no detriment to the Draco’s accuracy or reliability. The Aimpoint T1assisted in engaging targets at close distances with the red dot easy to pick up rapidly, while at the same time allowing for more than enough accuracy out to a couple hundred yards due to the red dot’s superimposing an aim point on the target while not totally obscuring the target due to the dot’s not being oversized.

The Draco SBR handled as expected from a SBR AK benefitting from a shortened barrel combined with AK reliability. Red Jacket’s tuning could be detected in smoothness of manually operating action and slickness of magazine changes. Targets of opportunity located around the range such as car hulks, manhole covers, and steel MGM Precision Steel targets were engaged repeatedly outside of designated courses of fire.

Some will question why go through the hassle for an SBR. The answer, as with most things related to firearms, is personal preference. This review should encourage readers to look outside the box when making decisions concerning weapon choices. Did the Draco, with added enhancements, turn out to be a good investment of time and money? Yes, in all aspects, including shootability, reliability, functionality, and lethality. Not much more can be asked from a rifle.

SITES OF INTEREST

Aimpoint, Inc.
14103 Mariah Court
Chantilly, VA 20151
www.aimpoint.com

Century International Arms
430 South Congress Ave., Suite 1
Delray Beach, FL 33445
(800) 527-1252
www.centuryarms.com

Insight Technology
9 Akira Way
Londonderry, NH 03053
(866) 509-2040
www.InsightTechnology.com

Krebs Custom Inc.
1000 Rand Road
Wauconda, IL 60084
(847) 487-7776
www.krebscustom.com

Red Jacket Firearms
9643 Mammoth Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70714
(225) 448-3167
www.redstick-firearms.com

Stonewall Arms
2438 Valley Ave
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 535-2190
www.stonewallarms.com

Wolf Ammunition
PO Box 757
Placentia, CA 92871
(888) 757-9653
www.wolfammo.com

Small Arms Review is proud to announce several new product releases planned for the 2009 SHOT show, scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida from January 15-18, 2009. As the largest domestic firearm industry trade show, admission to the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade show is limited to those that work within the firearms industry.

Interordnance

Interordnance announced several new rifles for the U.S. civilian market. The STG-22 is a full sized .22 LR caliber AK-style rifle. Manufactured entirely in the U.S., (including the receiver and barrel) the fire control parts are identical to full sized AK rifles. With the increasing cost of 7.62×39 ammunition, the ability to fire cheap and available .22 LR from an AK platform should be welcome to many hard core shooters. The STG-22 uses a proprietary magazine that appears to be related to the East German .22 caliber magazines that are commonly available within the U.S. civilian market. A retail price has not been announced as of press time.

Small Arms Review previously reported the manufacture of semiautomatic MP40 carbines by Sport System Dittrich of Germany. Manufactured to the same original manufacturing dimensions and specifications as the originals, parts and magazines reportedly fit the Sport System Dittrich replicas. Interordnance announced that they have agreed to act as the exclusive U.S. importer for the semiautomatic MP40 carbine. Retail price is expected to be about $6,000.

Century Arms

Century Arms has several newly modified firearms available for the civilian market. The Goryunov SGM (SG43) belt-fed machine gun has been converted to semiautomatic function only using newly manufactured U.S. made receivers, barrels and Polish parts. A Russian designed machine gun chambered in 7.62x54R, the firearm is sold complete with caisson mount, and unique non-disintegrating belt. Century also has three semiautomatic light machine guns – the DP28, DPM, and DTM. Fed from a pan magazine similar to a Lewis gun, these three firearms are also manufactured with new U.S. made receivers, barrels and Polish parts and are chambered in 7.62×39.

The Sterling submachine gun was used with great success by the British Army. Until recently, there were no semiautomatic versions available for sale in the U.S. Century Arms designed and produced a semiautomatic Sterling that qualifies as a non-NFA firearm. Complete with a U.S. made 16-inch barrel and folding stock, the firearm is not an exact replica, but is very close in appearance. The Century Arms Sterling is compatible with existing Sterling magazines, and other accessories.

Adams Arms

Adams Arms revealed an AR-15/M16 piston system at the 2008 SHOT show. For 2009, Adams Arms has a new 7.5-inch AR-15/M16 upper receiver utilizing the gas piston system. Fans of short barreled M16 rifles know that 7.5-inch upper receivers are finicky, and difficult to make run properly. The Adams Arms team reports that their 7.5-inch upper receiver works flawlessly. Retail price for the complete upper was not available as of press time.

Fabrique Nationale

FN has two new rifles that will excite SAR readers. The first new rifle is the FN-AR. Based upon the Browning BAR system, the FN-AR is a .308 caliber, semiautomatic rifle available in a light or heavy barreled configuration. Representatives from FN indicate that law enforcement officers requested a semiautomatic .308 rifle that would fit within a patrol vehicle. With a 20-inch barrel, the FN-AR delivers as requested. FN makes two guarantees of the FN-AR: a 10,000 round barrel life (compared to the 3,500 round barrel life of the Browning BAR) and guaranteed MOA accuracy. The FN-AR utilizes a proprietary 20-round magazine. According to FN representatives, original BAR magazines will not function with the new FN-AR rifle. The FN-AR rifle also uses the ambidextrous magazine release designed for the SCAR rifle system. Retail price for the FN-AR rifle is expected to be $1,399.

Scheduled for public release in mid-December 2008, look for the civilian legal SCAR light rifles from FN. Frequent readers of SAR know that the SCAR rifle system has been under development by FN for several years for the U.S. military. According to FN representatives, the civilian version of the SCAR rifle will be virtually identical to the military version. Two obvious changes to the civilian SCAR rifle include semiautomatic only function and an 18-inch barrel with standard A2-type birdcage flash hider. Suggested retail price as of press time is $2,499.

Serbu Firearms Semiautomatic .50 BMG Rifle

The long anticipated Serbu semiautomatic rifle is reportedly in production. Featuring steel and aluminum construction, the rifle reportedly weighs 25 pounds making the Serbu rifle considerably lighter than many competing semiautomatic .50 caliber rifles. Overall length is reportedly 52.5 inches, with a 26-inch barrel. Utilizing a gas operated, three lug bolt with dual ejectors, the rifle uses standard M82 10-round magazines. Suggested retail is currently $6,700.

American Tactical Imports

Known for importing the GSG-5 carbine, look for the GSG-5 pistol to be on display at SHOT. Manufactured by German Sport Guns of Germany, the GSG-5 variants are near perfect replicas of the full scale 9mm Heckler and Koch versions. Look for a full review of the GSG-5 pistol in a future issue of Small Arms Review.

ATI is offering a dedicated .22 caliber M4 type AR-15/M16 upper receiver with a 16-inch barrel that utilizes Mad Dog .22 caliber magazines. Utilizing a modified bolt and recoil system based upon the Atchisson .22 LR system, the ATI upper receiver will reportedly retail for $300. Unlike other .22 caliber conversions, the ATI conversion utilizes a .22 caliber barrel and eliminates the .223 chamber spacer employed by caliber conversion kits. The kit is reportedly made and manufactured in Italy, and imported exclusively by ATI.

The firearms industry has recently seen many new modifications and caliber offerings in the AR-15 system. ATI has a new .410 caliber shotgun based upon the AR-15 design. Unlike the USAS-12 12-gauge shotgun, the T-14 shotgun is the same size as an AR-15, and makes use of the same fire control parts found on the AR-15. Equipped with a 10-round magazine, the T-14 has an MSRP of $799.

For Glock owners, ATI has secured newly manufactured after-market 15-round and 17-round 9mm Glock magazines. Identical in fit and finish to the original Glock 9mm magazines, a pair of magazines is sold with a magazine pouch for $39.99.

PTR-91, Inc.

PTR, long known for its Heckler and Koch type .308 rifles, has a new rifle available for the U.S. civilian market. The new G3 based rifle is chambered in 7.62×39. Designated the PTR-32, the rifle is available with a 16-inch barrel, Navy-type polymer trigger group, HK-type birdcage flash suppressor, and either a standard or collapsible stock. Most importantly, the rifle reportedly accepts AK-type 7.62mm magazines which are easy and inexpensive to obtain. Suggested retail is $1,240 for the standard stock model, and $1,355 for the collapsible stock model.

The SHOT show is the largest domestic firearm trade show of the year, and visitors can expect to find many new product releases during the show. Please bear in mind that while the information within this article was accurate as of press time, changes within the industry and political climate may result in changes to the final retail price, product offerings, and configurations.