Developing a grenade launcher was not a new idea for Ronnie Barrett, CEO of Barrett. Some years ago, when he saw the Russian AGS-17, he realized that the cartridge could be fired in a weapon similar in size to the .50 caliber M82A1 rifle. Unfortunately, there was no 30mm ammunition available for use in developing a rifle and so the project languished until recently, when the ammunition for the OCSW program proved to be an almost ideal size for such a rifle. Meantime, United States special operations elements were seeking an improved method to defeat lightly armored targets, such as light vehicles, communications facilities, crew served weapons and aircraft on the ground. This type of operation is typically conducted using a .50 caliber rifle similar to Barrett’s M82A1, but an explosive warhead would have vastly improved terminal ballistics, hence the need for what came to be called a “payload rifle.”

The 25x59Bmm OCSW round was chosen not only for its size, but because it represents the best tradeoff between lethality and the ability to be launched from a man-fired weapon, as opposed to a ground or vehicle mounted system like the OCSW itself. The 25x59Bmm cartridge is intended primarily to be an antipersonnel round in the OCSW, but in the “payload rifle,” its primary use is as an antimaterial round. In this role, it is virtually an ideal cartridge because its time of flight and trajectory to 2,000 meters is only marginally less than the .50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) round, while the 25mm round suffers no degradation of terminal effects, unlike the .50 BMG round which depends upon kinetic energy for its terminal effects.

There has been some debate regarding the terminal effectiveness of both the 20mm Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) rounds and the 25mm OCSW projectile, and it is not our purpose here to enter into the debate. Suffice it to say that with the latest developments in fuze miniaturization, there should be sufficient explosive/payload volume in the 25mm projectile for it to be more than adequate for its intended use in the Payload Rifle.

The requirement was passed to Barrett, who rather than designing a totally new rifle, began working on a conversion unit to fit the lower receiver of the company’s M82A1 with little or no modification. This was not as simple as it may sound. The recoil impulse of the 25x59Bmm round is significantly higher than the .50 Browning cartridge, necessitating either that there be internal changes to the M82’s lower receiver, or that the 25mm upper receiver itself somehow be redesigned to handle the added recoil.

The first question that may be asked is just what advantages a 25mm Payload Rifle offers over the current M82A1 chambered for the potent .50 BMG cartridge. This cartridge has been the premier round for antimaterial rifles worldwide and at first blush, it would seem that the proposed 25mm Payload Rifle offers little improvement over the existing weapon. This, of course, is far from reality. The 25mm round provides a lightweight system that can be carried by a single individual. The 25mm round also will carry a high explosive or shaped charge warhead, while the venerable .50 BMG is essentially limited to kinetic energy projectiles. While the 25mm has no greater range than the .50 BMG cartridge, it delivers a much more effective projectile to the target. Thus, it offers a significant improvement in lethality to the user without resort to a crew-served system like the Objective Crew Served Weapon. The Payload Rifle’s fire control is straightforward and consists of a MIL-STD-1913 rail mount. The current prototype is fitted with a proprietary Barrett 32mm diameter telescopic sight, but virtually any optic can be fitted, including night vision devices. Barrett’s 25mm Payload Rifle does not have the sophisticated fire control and is not intended for use with the programmable types of ammunition for the OCSW. This is intentional, to speed development and reduce costs.

Barrett decided to make as few changes as possible to the M82A1’s lower receiver and incorporate as much of the new weapon’s recoil management system as possible in the conversion unit itself. This was achieved in part by designing a new, more effective muzzle brake. This new brake is so effective in reducing recoil that the short recoil operated M82A1 rifle will not function properly with it installed. Since it is more effective than Barrett’s current brake, however, the new brake will probably be incorporated into Barrett’s bolt-action rifles. The new muzzle brake, however, is only part of the story. The bolt speed of any semiautomatic or automatic weapon is a critical element, as it affects every component of the recoil management system. Bolt speed of the M82A1 rifle is 250 inch/seconds and the M82A1’s recoil spring is designed to accommodate that velocity. Hence, the Payload Rifle’s bolt velocity had to be held to M82A1 levels. At the same time, bolt velocity affects extraction and ejection in several ways. Without entering into excessive technical detail, if velocity is too fast, extraction may be too sudden and case head separation may result. Barrett’s solution to the second aspect of recoil was two extra barrel return springs and two hydraulic buffers in the conversion unit. These impart motion into the receiver as soon as the barrel begins to move to the rear. The buffers reduce the bolt velocity to an acceptable level, although carrier velocity is still slightly higher than that of the M82A1. The barrel’s motion is also reduced to ensure a smooth extraction.

The Payload Rifle’s magazine body is carried over from the M82A1, with a front spacer to accommodate the shorter 25mm grenade cartridge. There is, of course, a new magazine spring and follower specifically for the new round. In theory, at least, existing M82A1 magazines could be modified using kits consisting of spacer, spring and follower.

Barrett’s Payload Rifle retains the short recoil operation of the M82A1. The lower receiver must be modified slightly to accommodate the 25mm upper, but the M82A1 upper receiver can be reinstalled after the modification, which can be carried out by depot level maintenance organizations. Thus, any military force that has a Barrett M82A1 can convert to the Payload Rifle by simply purchasing an upper receiver and magazines. The 25mm rifle will, of course, be available as a complete system in addition to a conversion unit.

The weapon, however, is only a part of the overall system, and at the moment the only ammunition available for the 25mm payload rifle is target practice (TP) ammunition. We have already discussed some aspects of the 25x59Bmm cartridge that the rifle fires, but the lack of an explosive projectile limits the utility of the payload rifle. Indeed, the solid 25mm projectile’s ballistics are actually inferior to those of the .50 caliber projectiles fired from current antimaterial rifles. OCSW ammunition is planned to be a remotely settable “smart” airbursting munition with point detonating (PD) backup, along with a shaped charge round. While the shaped charge round would have some utility in the payload rifle, a high explosive PD round would also be highly desirable. Moreover, the OCSW explosive ammunition is not due to enter production for several years. For purposes of Barrett’s payload Rifle, a simple point detonating (PD) fuze is all that is required for the high explosive variant along with a point initiating base detonating (PIBD) fuze for the shaped charge round. This round should cost significantly less than the “smart” 25mm rounds under development for the US Army’s OCSW. Barrett is currently exploring development and production of such rounds with an independent ammunition design and development corporation. If negotiations are successful and the design meets military specifications, the Barrett Payload Rifle could be in the hands of military forces within two years.

Shooting the Barrett Payload Rifle using TP ammunition was essentially uneventful. Since the TP round is ballistically matched to the HE cartridge, shooting TP is a close approximation of the actual service rounds. We fired the rifle at Barrett’s facility in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and at 100 yards; it was accurate to approximately 1 1/2 minute of angle. Recoil was, in a word, stout, but we did not find it excessive or unpleasant. In terms of felt recoil, the Payload Rifle approximated that of a 12-gauge 3.5-inch magnum shotgun. This is an admittedly subjective assessment. The author is over six feet (1.8 meters) tall and weighs some 200 pounds (91kg), which helps attenuate felt recoil. We fired the Payload Rifle from the prone position using Barrett’s standard bipod. The bipod mount also helps attenuate felt recoil, as does firing from the prone position. After firing five rounds, we experienced no perceptible aftereffects. The rifle did not leave bruises on our shoulder, but this is attributable as much to individual training as it is to the rifle’s recoil management. Despite this, the US Army states that the payload rifle’s recoil currently exceeds established limits. That said, the Army’s standards measure only the peak recoil impulse, not recoil as a function of time, which is a major component of felt recoil. Regardless, the excess recoil is not an insoluble problem and can be reduced by careful design.

All in all, Barrett’s Payload Rifle is a notable response to a priority military requirement. The design was consummated and a operational prototype manufactured in only two months, a tribute to Barrett’s responsiveness and ingenuity. The rifle itself is essentially finished and lacks only HE ammunition to be ready for fielding. Once the ammunition is developed for this innovative rifle, it will add a significant new capability to special operations and infantry forces. Moreover, for those armies that already use the Barrett M82A1, the Payload Rifle modular upgrade offers an inexpensive alternative to costly new systems.

Barrett 25x59Bmm Payload Rifle Specifications

Operation: Short Recoil

Magazine capacity: 4 rounds

Weight: 30.5 lbs

Length: 45.9 inches

Barrel length: 17.5 inches

Max Effective Range: 2,000 meters

SIGARMS’ SG551 and SG552 are made with emphasis on light weight and reliability. The design makes extensive use of plastic and alloys, while maintaining the rugged durability for which SIG manufactured firearms have always been noted. The folding stock is of plastic material and has an optional cheekrest for use with optical sights that necessitate a raised cheek weld for proper eye relief. Magazines are available in 5-, 20- and 30-round capacities. The magazines are of translucent plastic with built in clips and studs on each side to allow magazines to be locked together for quick reloads. Clipping more than three magazines together is not recommended. The “clip and stud” method of fastening magazines together is extremely simple and more positive than any “add on” mechanism. Clips are on one side of the magazine and studs on the other. To fasten two magazines together, magazines are held at 90 degrees, the top stud from one magazine snapped down into the top vertical clip of the other and then the magazines rotated to seat the stud into the lower horizontal clip. Once fastened together, magazines do not move or rattle. Magazines pivot into place in the magazine-well by hooking the magazine’s forward lip into the magazine-well and simply pulling to the rear. Although we had never before operated a SG551 or 552, we never had a misfeed with these magazines; insertion is much easier than either an AK or M14. Even with two or three magazines clipped together, changes were quick and simple.

The carbines we tested had a number of options. Both had optical sights. The SWAT Carbine was equipped with a Leupold CQT 1-3x variable, while the Commando subcarbine mounted a Trijicon ACOG Reflex II sight. Leupold’s CQT gives the user the benefit of both a 1x CQB sight with low power magnification for longer range work. The Trijicon ACOG Reflex II is one of the best available reflex sights, requires no batteries and is in widespread use by military and police forces. Both carbines also had Surefire WeaponLights(tm) Installed. The SWAT carbine was equipped with Surefire’s M500A which has a high intensity xenon light as an integral component of the handguard, while the Commando had a Surefire M952 Universal Tactical Light mounted on the front handguard. These lights offer superior brightness, beam focus and rugged reliability.

Both carbines had four fire control options: “Safe,” “1” (semiautomatic); “3” (three-round burst) and “20” (full auto). In the “3” mode, the burst selector resets, so that a burst is obtained each time the trigger is pulled, rather than an unpredictable number of rounds between one and three, like some burst control mechanisms. The SG551 is available in semiautomatic only for those agencies that do not desire a select-fire carbine, while the SG552 is available only in select-fire. If a department or organization wishes to block the full-auto function, limiting the carbine to burst fire, an integral block that prevents the selector from being placed into the full-auto position can be rotated and locked into place. The ambidextrous selector switch is large and easily manipulated by gloved hands. Also, the positioning of the selector is such that the natural downward movement of the thumb takes it from “safe” to semiautomatic. Pressing the switch forward a “click” selects “burst” and finally full-auto. The engagement of the selector at each point is positive and not subject to inadvertent movement from one position to another. As mentioned, the three-round burst resets to fire a full three rounds with each pull of the trigger.

The sights consist of a rear diopter rotating drum with markings from “1” through “4” equating to 100 through 400 meters. The 100-meter battlesight is a square notch with tritium dots on either side for night use. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a square post protected by a ring and has a folding tritium-illuminated night sight that remains in the “down” position until it is needed. The carbines tested, however, were equipped with optical sights and we did not require the use of the “iron sights.” That said, the open sights are standard for the Swiss military and since we have used such sights in the past, we expect that they are as good as, or better than, the “backup iron sights” used by some other manufacturers.

Fit and finish of these rifles is of the legendary SIGARMS quality. Although these are in essence military assault rifles in the true sense of the term, they exude quality throughout. There were no visible machining marks and the finish was an even matte green – grey. The polymer grip, stock and handguard mated to the metal components almost perfectly. The care that went into the manufacture of these carbines was obvious.

The carbines are gas-operated using a system similar to that of the Kalashnikov (AK). The SG551 and SG552, however, each use a slightly different system. The SG551 incorporates an operating rod that is retained in the bolt carrier by the operating handle, thus making the two essentially a single unit. The recoil spring surrounds the operating rod inside the gas tube. Thus, while the SG551 system is similar to the Kalashnikov, it is not identical. The SG552, on the other hand, is virtually identical to the AK system. All gas system components are made of stainless steel for ease of cleaning and longevity. The SG552’s bolt carrier and operating rod are integral, with the operating spring contained inside the operating rod and impinging against the rear of the receiver. This necessitates slightly different disassembly procedures for the two carbines.

The SG551 is disassembled for cleaning by first pressing the charging handle retaining clip and removing the charging handle. This frees the operating rod for removal. The gas regulator is twisted and removed to allow withdrawal of the operating rod, which is under slight spring pressure. The gas cylinder can then be twisted a quarter turn and removed. The rear receiver retaining pin is removed, freeing the rear of the upper receiver, which is then pivoted upward similar to the AR-15. If it desired, the front pin can be removed to completely separate the upper and lower receivers. This pin also retains the handguards. Once the pin is withdrawn, the bolt, bolt carrier and handguards can be removed and separated. No further disassembly is required for routine maintenance.

Field stripping the SG552 is slightly different due to its operating system. The bolt carrier and operating rod of the SG552 are unitary like those of the AK. The operator first presses in on a pin at the rear of the lower receiver that frees the upper receiver to be rotated upwards. As the upper receiver is rotated up, the recoil spring is controlled with the thumb and allowed to fully expand. It is then removed. The charging handle is then removed like that of the SG551. The unitary bolt carrier and operating rod can then be withdrawn. Gas valve and tube removal is the same as the SG551.

Optical sights are available for the rifles, but a production MIL-STD-1913 rail was not available at the time of testing, although a MIL-STD-1913 receiver rail should be available by the time this article goes to press. SIGARMS’ system is ingenious and ensures a return to zero when optics are changed, but it is not MIL standard and thus is being redesigned. The existing system consists of a forward receiver stud that engages a receptacle in the removable mount. The mount has a spring-loaded heavy pin that engages a receptacle in the rear sight base. To install optics, the spring loaded stud is pressed back into the sight base, rotated down and then allowed to move forward to engage the receiver stud. Removal is the reverse of installation. During our testing, which involved the use of several types of optical sights, this proved to be a very strong mount and satisfactory system. We changed optics several times and the SIGARMS system always returned to zero. SIGARMS realizes that the MIL-STD-1913 rail is the prevalent system in the United States and thus has designed a rail that is permanently attached to the upper receiver, with a backup rear sight for emergency use.

Shooting the SG551 and SG552 brought some surprises, primarily dealing with the carbines’ accuracy, which was better than we had any right to expect from such short-barreled carbines that are essentially close quarters battle (CQB) guns. (See Table 1 for accuracy results.) Handling was excellent; both carbines balanced and pointed well. Trigger pull weight was approximately 6 pounds and was the same in every fire control option. The trigger is typical “European military” with a relatively long takeup and then a crisp “break” as the sear releases the hammer. The optical sights enhanced accuracy and target acquisition, especially for individuals such as the author, whose middle-aged eyes have difficulty focusing on both front and rear sights and a target. We tested the SWAT Carbine with Leupold’s 1-3x CQT and the Commando with Trijicon’s ACOG Reflex II. SIGARMS’ optional cheekrest was a definite advantage for the author when using the CQT due to the height of the optic mount, which prevented a good cheek weld without the raised cheekrest. Functioning was typical SIGARMS – flawless. Spent cases were ejected very forcefully, which carried them about 10 yards to the right front of the shooter. Muzzle climb on full-auto was notable but manageable due to the light felt recoil inherent in the 5.56x45mm cartridge, the efficient muzzle brake/flash suppressor, and the overall design of both carbines, which places recoil forces low on the stock and in virtually direct alignment with the barrel. These factors also contribute to quick follow-up shots in semiautomatic fire.

In sum, these carbines arguably represent the highest quality weapons of their type. They incorporate excellent ergonomics, and include many features that are to be found in no other firearms. They are surprisingly accurate. From a shooter’s standpoint, these are outstanding firearms. The sole detriment is their price, which is almost twice that of some alternative 5.56mm carbines. There is an old saying, however, that “You get what you pay for.” The price of admission to the SIGARMS SG551 and SG552 is high, but for the department that can afford them and wants the best for their officers, there are few alternatives.

Note: These carbines are 5.56mm caliber, not .223 Remington. Chamber and cartridge dimensions are slightly different for 5.56mm and .223. 5.56mm is slightly longer in the leade, the unrifled portion of the bore just in front of the chamber. In practical terms, 5.56mm firearms will accept .223 ammunition, while guns chambered for .223 may not accept military 5.56mm cartridges.

SIGARMS, Inc.
18 Industrial Dr.
Exeter, NH 03833
Tel: 603-772-2302
www.sigarms.com

Leupold & Stevens, Inc
PO Box 688
Beaverton, OR 97075
Tel: 503-646-9171
www.leupold.com

Trijicon, Inc.
PO Box 930059
Wixom, MI 28393
Tel: 248-960-7700
www.trijicon-inc.com

Surefire
18300 Mt. Baldy Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Tel: 714-545-9444
www.surefire.com

Black Hills Ammunition
PO Box 3090
Rapid City, SD 57709-3090
Tel: 605-348-5150
Fax: 605-348-9827
Email: BHAmmo@rapidnet.com

Hornady Manufacturing
PO Box 1848
Grand Island, NE 68803
Tel: 308-382-1390
Fax: 308-382-5761
www.hornady.com

The buyer of an M48 may be misled by advertising to believe that he is purchasing a K98k “clone” that will accept all Mauser 98 components and can be “sporterized” using hardware designed for M98 rifles. This is not the case, as there are significant dimensional differences between the Yugoslav M48 and the German 98 series rifles. The most significant difference is the M48’s receiver, which is approximately 1/4 inch shorter than that of a K98k. The center to center measurement of the floorplate screws of the two rifles differs by some 5/16 inch, making it virtually impossible to install a M48 action into a stock intended for an M98. The M48’s bolt is almost exactly 1/4 inch shorter than the bolt of the 1943 German (Mauser) manufactured K98k we used for comparison. The M48 lacks the K98k’s stock cutout for access to the bent bolt handle, as well. The M48’s bolt handle is flattened on the bottom, which serves the same purpose as the K98k’s stock cutout. M48 sights are also placed and graduated differently than the K98. There are other detail differences as well, but the receiver dimensions are the most significant. We verified these differences by direct comparison and measurement between our M48 and a 1943 production Mauser K98k owned by a friend.

Regardless of the differences between the M48 and the true K98k, the Kragujevac rifles are, in fact, legitimate M98 variants. They simply are not exact K98k replicas. That said, these rifles are well made, if somewhat rough in certain areas, and should stand up to a lifetime of civilian service for the collector of military arms and military shooting enthusiast.

The rifle we received was new production, not one of the used or reconditioned M48 rifles that are also available at lower prices. Although new and unissued, our rifle had been in storage for approximately 50 years and was literally soaked in cosmoline! The heavy preservative grease had permeated every nook and cranny of the rifle. We had to detail strip the rifle to its least common denominator and put the metal components into a parts bath to get into all the interior crevices. Even then, there was residue that we had to work at with pipe cleaners and small brushes soaked in cleaning solvent. It was a time-consuming and messy job! The stock was likewise permeated with cosmoline and had to be treated, lest the stuff get into our clothes on the range. Needless to say, there was no rust on the rifle.

Besides being soaked in cosmoline, the M48’s stock apparently had never been sanded. We can only surmise that final finish was to be the responsibility of the soldier to whom the rifle would ultimately be issued. The stock on our rifle was the roughest this writer has ever seen. Although some advertising states that the stocks are made of teak, we question this. Our rifle’s stock was a dark blonde colored wood that did not appear like any teak that we have ever seen, but we have limited knowledge of wood. The stock was so rough that it actually had splinters in several places and the rough spots just aft of the forward band were so deep that we never could completely eliminate them without sanding recesses into the stock. In addition to having the rifle’s serial number stamped into it, the stock also had a penciled-in serial number that we wished to retain, so we did not sand the stock entirely smooth — just enough to remove the splinters and the worst of the rough spots. Interestingly, once we had sanded the stock and rubbed it with linseed oil, we found it to be virtually the same texture as the World War II vintage German stock on the K98k that we used for comparison. The overall result of our efforts on the stock were pleasing to us, giving the old M48 a patina of use despite the fact that it was a “new” rifle.

Other than the Cosmoline and rough stock, our M48 was fairly well finished – about as can be expected of a military rifle. The bluing was on generally on a par with wartime German K98k’s, although there were a few light spots. The overall fit of parts was good — again as good as other military issue rifle of the era. There were light machining marks on some of the components. All major parts are serially numbered in the European tradition. The M48’s action was not the “butter smooth” that one associates with commercial Mauser 98 rifles and well-worn World War II rifles, but then this rifle had never been fired, except in testing, until we received it. When we compared the action to that of the K98k, there was only a slight difference in “feel,” so we suspect that the action will improve with use, although it isn’t bad, as is. When the bolt is opened and the rifle is vertical with the butt down, the bolt will fall to the fully retracted position under its own weight, although there is some roughness. The M48’s trigger pull is two-stage military, with the first stage seven pounds and the second stage a whopping 9.5 pounds! The trigger pull is so heavy that it made the M48 difficult to shoot with any accuracy. If our rifle was truly representative of all M48s, any owner who wishes to shoot the rifle on a regular basis will have the trigger pull lightened.

The M48 is shipped with a number of accessories, including bayonet, cleaning kit, front sight guard, muzzle protector, oil/solvent bottle, leather ammunition pouches and sling. The leather sling we received, however, was so oil soaked and stretched that we simply threw it away and ordered a reproduction K98k sling. Otherwise, the accessories were all usable. Like the rifle, the M48’s bayonet was soaked in cosmoline and had to be thoroughly cleaned. The leather ammunition pouches were filthy and moldy, but turned out to be serviceable after having been cleaned and treated with neatsfoot oil.

Shooting the M48 brought no surprises. The rifle shot 3.5 inch groups at 100 yards at point of aim using surplus Ecuadorian ammunition. We believe that accuracy could be improved by lightening the trigger pull and using commercial ammunition. Although advertised as non-corrosive, the surplus ammunition we used proved to be mildly corrosive, if the rust that appeared in the bore of our M48 about three days after cleaning is any indication. We have been advised that there is no truly non-corrosive military 7.92x57mm ammunition available, so the shooter should be advised to clean his rifle on three consecutive days after shooting military surplus ammunition. All in all, the M48’s accuracy is satisfactory for a military rifle, despite the abysmal trigger pull. As stated, a lighter trigger and better ammunition should improve accuracy, as should continued shooting to break in the new rifle.

All in all, we consider the M48 Kragujevac Arsenal rifles to be a reasonable buy for the collector and shooter who desires a military Mauser bolt action rifle. Ammunition is plentiful and cheap, although most surplus ammunition is at least mildly corrosive. There are so many of these rifles available that the M48 probably has little potential for increasing in value, however. On the other hand, the rifles are relatively inexpensive and are sturdy and well made, except as noted above. The M48 is a true M98 Mauser variant, but we should reemphasize that it is most definitely NOT a K98k replica as is represented in much advertising. Moreover, as the reader can surmise by our comments, the M48 is most definitely not as well finished as an original German Mauser. In the final analysis, though, we believe that the M48 is an interesting M98 variant that can be fired and enjoyed strictly for what it is – a solid military rifle that represents one of the last production versions of the legendary Mauser 98.

Following is a list of sources for M48 Mauser rifles compiled from Shotgun News and several periodicals. We have made every effort to search out as many sources of M48 rifles as possible, but cannot guarantee that the following list represents all sources of M48 Mausers. The potential M48 purchaser should also be aware that while new M48s with accessories and all matching numbers are reasonably priced and probably most desirable, used rifles are available in very good to excellent condition, although most do not have all the accessories of the unissued rifles. Some used M48s are available with all matching numbers. The latter rifles are significantly less expensive than the new ones and may well be an alternative for the shooter who wishes to own an M48, but who does not wish to expend the cash for an unissued rifle.

Kragujevac Arsenal M48 Rifle Specifications *

Caliber 7.92x57mm (8mm)
Length 43.5 inches
Barrel length 23.25 inches
Weight 10.0 lbs.
Rifling 4 groove, rh twist
Feed 5 round magazine
Sights Tangent leaf, graduated to 2,000 meters

*Source: Ball, R.W.D., Mauser Military Rifles of the World.

M48 Kragujevac Mauser Sources
(New and used)

AIM (used)
PO Box 556
Springboro, OH 45066
Tel: 513-424-9960
Fax: 513-424-9970
www.aimsurplus.com

Classic Arms (used)
PO Box 125
Indian Trail, NC 28079
Tel: &04-238-1222
Fax: 704-238-9121
www.classicarms.org

J&G Sales (used)
PO Box 10400
Prescott Valley, AZ 86304
Tel: (928) 445-9650
Fax: (928) 445-9658
Email: jgsales@qwest.net

Mitchell’s Mausers (new)
PO Box 9295
Fountain Valley, CA 92728-9295
Tel: 714-899-3660
Fax: 714-899-8611
www.mitchellsales.com

SOG International (used)
PO Box 590
Lebanon, OH 45036
Tel: 800-944-4867
Fax: 513-932-8928
Email: soginc@go-concepts.com

Wholesale Guns & Ammo, Inc
(New & used)
232 Blydenburgh Rd
Central Islip, NY 11722
Tel: 631-234-7676
Fax: 631-234-7408
www.gunsnammo.com

Our AR-10A4 has always delivered approximately minute of angle accuracy, so our focus will be on the conversion into scout rifle configuration. The notion of AR-10A4 as scout rifle did not originate with this author. Indeed, Tom Newhall of GG&G proposed the idea some time ago and it was manifested in his AR-10 F.I.R.E System modification of the rail mounting system already in use by some units of the U.S. Marine Corps on their M-4 carbines. The F.I.R.E. acronym stands for “Fully Integrated Rifle Enhancement System” and consists of several components that enhance the utility of the AR-10A4 as a scout rifle. These include a scout length rail that projects approximately three inches forward of the receiver to allow mounting a long-relief optical sight, GG&G’s MAD (Multiple Aperture Device) backup rear sight, and flip up front sight. These components enable the owner to convert his AR-10A4 into a true scout rifle configuration.

The GG&G F.I.R.E. rail mount is a MIL-STD-1913 design made of aircraft grade aluminum. The rail that we installed is the standard mount for shooting out to 500 meters, or for the long-range shooter, a rail with 15 minutes of angle built in is available. The GG&G rail is hard anodized in gray that exactly matched the finish of our AR-10A4. Attaching the rail to the receiver of the AR-10A4 was as simple as placing it properly so as to mount the backup M.A.D. iron sight and obtain the proper relationship of the cantilevered scout mount with the rifle’s receiver. The rail is retained with hex-head screws that are threaded into stainless steel inserts so as to avoid stripping threads in the aluminum. The necessary wrench for installation is included with the rail kit. To ensure that the rail stays in place, we used “Gun Tite” on the threads. This is a low strength Lock Tight that ensures that screws do not loosen, but can be easily broken loose with a screwdriver or wrench without damage.

The MAD backup rear sight fits flush with the rail mount at the rear of the receiver and the sight itself folds flush with the rail’s top surface so that it does not interfere with the scout optics. This unit’s mounting block is of aircraft grade aluminum with stainless thread inserts, while the sight and aperture disc are of steel. The sight is also hard anodized with steel components phosphated. The steel components are a slightly lighter gray than the AR-10’s receiver. The MAD’s apertures are dimensionally identical to those of the M16A2, but unlike the M16’s, which flip back and forth between two apertures, the MAD has four alternating large and small apertures in a rotating disc that we found more convenient than the usual system. The edges of the disc are knurled for positive grip. The MAD sight is adjustable for windage, but not for elevation, which must be accomplished using the front sight. This was the original AR system and is acceptable in a backup sight, and although elevation adjustments can be accomplished using a bullet tip, the task is easier using a specialized tool.

The folding front sight simply clamps onto the gas block. Unlike the rear sight and rail, the front sight is of all steel construction. The front sight guard is serrated on its outer surface to provide a gripping surface. Having the front sight folded out of the way is a decided advantage when using optical sights because it does not interfere with the shooter’s line of vision, yet is instantly available when required. The optical sight is probably the most critical element of a scout rifle system. Typically, scout rifles use optics ranging from 1x to 2.5x. This is to ensure the speed of target acquisition and accuracy inherent in the scout concept. While any number of sights would have sufficed for our purposes, we installed one of EO Tech’s 1x second generation HoloSights on our AR-10A4. The HoloSight is one of the premier electronic optics available today. It is actually a hologram projected by a laser onto a piece of hardened glass. The HoloSight incorporates a 1 MOA center red dot surrounded by a 65 MOA circle. When used properly, i.e. with both eyes open and looking at the target, the 65 MOA circle automatically brings the center red dot onto the target as the rifle is brought up to a firing position. Unlike other red dots, that of the HoloSight does not obscure the target, nor does it seem to grow larger as intensity is increased to compensate for bright sunlight. The latest military and law enforcement versions of the HoloSight have ten levels of night vision built in, as compared to only two levels in competitive units. The current HoloSight is waterproof to only ten feet, but since we do not plan on using our rifle for deep-water swimmer deliveries, that is more than adequate. We understand that new versions of the HoloSight, to be introduced in the near future will be waterproof to 33 feet.

The final element of our FIRE’d AR-10A4 was one of Buffer Technologies’ Mag-Cinch dual magazine mounting systems. The Mag-Cinch is the only such system that locks a rifle’s magazines together in a virtually inseparable bond that gives, in the case of the AR-10, 40 rounds of instantly accessible ammunition “on the gun.” In everyday use, the added weight of a second magazine of 20 rounds of 7.62mm cartridges ready for instant insertion into the rifle’s magazine well is almost certainly overkill and probably unnecessary. On the other hand, having such “overkill” available just as certainly drives the likes of “Barbara Fineslime,” the “Violence Propaganda Center” and their ilk to distraction. For that reason alone, it is worth doing!

While the AR-10A4 is a fine rifle in its standard configuration, the enhanced scout configuration that GG&G’s F.I.R.E. system affords makes a good rifle even better. The components are manufactured to a high quality standard and fit the rifle perfectly. The added eye relief that GG&G’s F.I.R.E. system adds to the AR-10’s rail is ideal for a low power, long eye relief telescopic sight, or for a 1x optic such as the HoloSight. It is an accessory that we find particularly useful and we recommend it to those who wish to enhance the versatility of their AR-10A4 or AR-10(T) rifles.

Armalite
PO Box 299
Geneseo, IL 61254
Tel: 309-944-6939
Fax: 309-944-6949
www.armalite.com
email: info@armalite.com

Buffer Technologies
(Mag-Cinch)
PO Box 104903
Jefferson City, MO 65110
Tel: 573-634-8529
Fax: 573-634-8522
www.buffertech.com

EOTech, Inc.
3600 Green Court, Suite 400
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tel: 734-741-8868
Fax: 734-741-8221
www.eotech-inc.com

GG&G
3602 E. 42 Stravenue
Tucson, AZ 85763
Tel: 520-748-7167
Fax: 520—748-7583
www.GGGAZ.com
email: GGGAZ@aol.com

All Russian rifles in the AK-100 Series have folding stocks and are select fire. The US versions have neither of these features. Otherwise, though, the US versions of the AK-100s are virtually identical to their Russian counterparts and cannot be distinguished from them except under close inspection. All Kalashnikov USA rifles in the AK-100 Series have U.S. manufactured furniture of black polymer and are finished in black powder coat. Barrels are chrome lined with four grooves with right hand twist. While Russian rifles in the AK-100 series are shipped with four 30 round magazines and a bayonet, the American version is provided only with two five round magazines and no bayonet lug, much less the bayonet itself! The American AK-103 that we received for evaluation does, however, accept standard 30 round AK magazines.

Izhmash did not pick the AK-100 designation “out of the blue,” so to speak. Most readers are aware that “AK” stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova, while past practice generally has used a number indicating the year of classification for military service, as with the AK-47 and AK-74. The AK-100 designation, however, is derived from a Soviet-era code for the Izhmash Armory, Production Nr. 100. From the information at Table 1, the reader will note that there are a variety of rifles and carbines in the AK-100 series in not only 5.45x39mm, 7.62x39mm, but also in 5.56x45mm. The AK-107 and AK-108, while included in AK-100 series, are quite different rifles than any of the others in that they incorporate a “balanced” operating system derived from the experimental AL-7 rifle of the early 1970s. This operating system essentially eliminates felt recoil, but bears little resemblance to the original AK system.

Kalashnikov USA’s AK-103 begins life as a Saiga 7.62x39mm carbine. Saiga carbines are imported by Kalashnikov USA and then contracted out to a custom gun shop for conversion to AK-103 configuration. We actually were sent evaluation AK-103s from two different Kalashnikov USA contractors. The firm that converted our initial AK-103 will remain nameless for reasons that will soon become apparent. The rifles converted by this original shop did not meet quality standards and Saiga carbines are now being modified by DGS, Inc. of Fort Myers, Florida. The original Kalashnikov USA AK-103 rifle that we received for evaluation was disappointing in terms of overall fit and finish, which was rough and uneven. The powder-coated dust cover and receiver were different texture and shade and the overall finish felt like fine sandpaper to the touch. The finish was apparently not very resistant to abrasion, as there were several scuffs and scratches and the safety selector had already worn a deep scratch entirely through the receiver finish. This can be expected after lengthy use, but not in a new rifle. There were several significant assembly flaws, as well. For example, the AK103’s stock retaining screws both had “buggered” slots where the screwdriver had slipped, flared the edges and removed some of the finish. This usually is the result of using the incorrect size screwdriver or overtightening by an amateur gunsmith and we find it hard to accept in a new rifle, particularly one that has a suggested retail price of over $700. The cleaning rod retaining boss, part of the front sight base, did not properly retain the cleaning rod. The rod was loose, rattled and slid back and forth between the retaining boss and the guide on the barrel when the rifle was fired. The receiver cover was also extremely difficult to remove and replace. We have disassembled literally hundreds of AKs over the years, and this is the first instance we have encountered where the cover was difficult to remove. The disassembly button required two separate and distinct motions to free the cover. One first had to push in very hard and then down. Even after this, the cover was difficult to lift. Replacing the cover was slightly less difficult than removing it, but still was more difficult than any AK we have ever seen.

When we called Kalashnikov USA to advise them of our assessment, we were told that this was unfortunately typical of the original contractor’s rifles. Kalashnikov USA further advised us that they had switched to a new firm, DGS, for conversion. The first of the new rifles would be ready for shipment in approximately a week. We were offered a DGS converted AK-103 to replace the earlier rifle and upon receipt, found it to be significantly improved over the original. The powder coating was a slightly lustrous black and was applied uniformly to the all of the rifle’s surfaces. Disassembly of the replacement rifle was typical Kalashnikov, and should need no explanation to the readers of SAR. We should note that the DGS conversion had a 14.5-inch barrel, while the original rifle we received had a 16-inch barrel. The nondetachable muzzle brake of the 14.5-inch carbine brings the overall barrel length to legal specifications, but there is no 14.5-inch barrel in the AK-100 line offered by Izhmash, although a 12.5 inch version designated AK-104 is catalogued by the parent firm. Kalashnikov USA’s rifle retains the AK-103 designation, however, despite its shorter barrel length. We actually prefer the “look” of the rifle we evaluated to the longer barreled version, but a completely “proper” clone of an AK-103 would have a 16-inch barrel not including the muzzle brake.

The AK103 conversion is packed in a hard polymer padded case along with sling, soft canvas field carrying case, oil bottle, pouch for four high capacity magazines, cleaning kit, manual and two Saiga five round magazines. As mentioned, the rifle will also accept the widely available and inexpensive East German and Bulgarian 30 round magazines. Sufficient US manufactured components are included to make the AK-103 legal in its pistol grip configuration. These include pistol grip, stock, gas tube, fire control components and operating rod gas piston. The AK-74 style muzzle brake is fixed in place by drilling and welding. The small spot where this was accomplished is visible at the top of the brake and was the only flaw we noticed in the DGS rifle’s finish. Actual AK100 Series muzzle brakes are, of course, removable. The detent at the top of the brake that normally mates with a spring-loaded retaining pin in the front sight base is not present on the DGS rifle that we received. The AK-103’s muzzle brake is well known as one of the most efficient in the world, and although we did not directly compare it to one of our AKMs, felt recoil was approximately that of a 5.56x45mm rifle, although there was a notable increase in muzzle blast. The AK-103 type muzzle brake is also noted for reducing muzzle rise under full automatic fire.

We should note that conversion from the Saiga to AK103 lookalike did not consist of simply replacing the stock and adding a muzzle brake. The barrel had to be cut two inches, crowned, the front sight relocated and perfectly aligned and a muzzle brake adapter permanently fixed in place. Accommodation also had to be made for the pistol grip, which is not present in the Saiga carbine. This does not merely involve adding a pistol grip, but actually relocating the entire fire control mechanism because the trigger of the Saiga carbine is in the place normally occupied by the pistol grip on an AK carbine. All in all, the DGS conversion was well executed.

The AK103’s receiver is very well made, with heavy-duty rails and internal components and quality welds. Fit of bolt, bolt carrier and overall operation of the reciprocating components was excellent. The bolt carrier and bolt are serially numbered to match the rifle and moved smoothly back and forth with no binding. The two-stage trigger had an initial take-up pull of four pounds with release averaging seven pounds. There was a small amount of backlash, but it should be kept in mind that this is not a precision rifle, but a short to medium-range carbine derived from an assault rifle.

The AK103 functioned flawlessly. We tried the rifle with Wolf full metal jacket and hollow point ammunition, with “Tiger” FMJ and JHP and with Black Hills 123-grain soft point. Tula Arsenal manufactures Wolf, while Barnaul JSC produces Tiger ammunition. These represent two of the three major Russian small arms ammunition manufacturers. Kalashnikov USA is now importing Barnaul ammunition under the Tiger brand name. It is appropriate to note that some domestic producers have ceased manufacture of 7.62x39mm ammunition because of recent low cost imports like Tiger and Wolf. This is not to disparage Wolf or Tiger ammunition; we have found Wolf ammunition to be of excellent quality, reliability and highly accurate in every firearm in which we have used it. Although this was our first experience with Tiger cartridges, we found them to be every bit as accurate as their competitors. For a rifle like the AK103, Russian ammunition seems ideally suited, as both Wolf and Tiger are produced to Russian military standards.

The AK-103’s rear sight is carried over from the Saiga carbine and is graduated only to 300 meters, with range marks indicated by a “1,” “2” and “3.” The remainder of the sight where the longer-range graduations usually are found is simply blank, and while the notches for locking the elevation ramp for longer distances are present, the sight cannot be elevated beyond the 300 meter mark. While graduating the sights of the military version of the rifle to 1,000 meters is wildly optimistic, we believe that having original-type sights would be appropriate to a rifle such as this, as the blank spaces on the rear sight simply do not look “right.” Most purchasers of the AK-103 will probably replace the AK-103’s rear sight with one from an AKM, which we expect should work. The Saiga sight may also be responsible for the fact that the rifle shot extremely low at 100 yards, hitting in the dirt in front of the target frames. This ultimately required that the threaded front sight post be removed and cut off at the base so that it could be screwed down sufficiently to raise the point of aim and zero the rifle’s open sights at 100 yards. Using open sights at 100 yards, we shot groups of approximately three inches using Black Hills, Tiger and Wolf ammunition, perfectly acceptable for a rifle of this class. Using the optional “Cobra-3” reflex sight for rapid fire, squeezing off rounds as quickly as we could fire and reacquire the target, we placed 30 shots inside a 4.5 inch circle at 100 yards.

The AK-103 also came with two optional extras that transform the rifle in our estimation. One option was the venerable PSO-1 4×24 telescopic sight that has been in production for over 30 years and continues to soldier on in Russian service. The PSO-1 that came with our rifle was graduated to 400 meters to accommodate 7.62x39mm ballistics. The other was a “Cobra-3” reflex or “collimator” sight. Both sights are current Russian military issue. All recent Kalashnikov manufactured rifles and shotguns are shipped from the factory in Izhevsk with the Russian military type rail mounting system on the left side of the receiver. This system is quite different than the MIL-STD-1913 rail used by NATO, but functions extremely well. Accessories are attached via a lever and cam system that positively locks the optic in place and ensures return to zero each time the accessory is replaced.

Kalashnikov USA is presently offering a Russian-manufactured side rail that can be mounted to any AK-type rifle, regardless of receiver type. We recommend this type of rail mount for any individual who wishes to equip his AK-type rifle with optics. It is a positive mounting system, identical to the original, so it will accept any Russian manufactured optic. The rail must be precisely placed on the receiver, however, so we recommend that it be installed by a gunsmith.

The Cobra-3 reflex sight is powered by two “AA” batteries and is slightly larger in size than some similar Western sights, but it has capabilities that are not present in most such devices. First, the Cobra-3 returns to the last intensity setting when switched off and back on, rather than to a low or intermediate setting. The Cobra-3 also has four reticle patterns that can be instantly changed by the user by simply pressing a button. These are a “Open T,” inverted red chevron and dot, inverted red chevron only and red dot only. The red dot subsumes less than 1 MOA and is advertised as the smallest red dot available. The Cobra-3 has ten different intensity settings. While the version we received utilizes a Russian side rail mount, a MIL-STD-1913 mount version is also available. Like all such sights, the Cobra-3 is parallax free. For shooters whose eyes cannot focus well on open sights and those who are right handed, but left eye dominant, the Corba-3 is a godsend! We found that both sights hold zero when detached and remounted.

The AK-103’s PSO-1 4×24 telescopic sight is manufactured in Belarus to Russian military specifications, and includes the standard illuminated reticle for use in low light conditions. Unlike the Russian version of the PSO-1, this sight utilizes a single AA battery for power. As mentioned, this version is graduated only to 400 meters with a bullet drop compensator matched to 7.62x39mm ballistics. The PSO-1 sight makes shots at longer ranges much easier and as we mentioned, transforms the AK-103 by offering the shooter a much higher degree of flexibility with his carbine.

The AK-103 is the only true Russian AK available in the United States. While it is a converted Izhmash hunting carbine and not an actual AK103, it captures the essence of the original and is as close as the American shooter, collector and enthusiast can come to owning the real thing in today’s milieu. For that reason alone, it is a worthwhile and desirable firearm. Moreover, the little carbine is fun to shoot! The extremely effective muzzle brake reduces felt recoil to a negligible level and enhances the ability to shoot quickly and accurately. The AK-103 is also an “in your face” statement to the “Barbara Fineslimes” and “Chuckie Schumers” of the world, another cogent reason for owning the AK-103, or for that matter any AK-type rifle. At the same time, the AK-103 offers the traditional AK values of utter reliability, ruggedness and long service life, not to mention the AK’s panache. This replica is also the only such rifle at the moment that offers the Russian receiver side mount that will accept a variety of Russian optics and night vision devices, most of which are commercially available. In addition to the traditional AK merits, the AK103 also inherits all the AK’s disadvantages. These include noisy, cumbersome controls totally lacking in ergonomic design and a length of pull that is best suited for heavily clad short statured troops from one of Russia’s far eastern districts like the Yakut or Chukchi republics. And finally, one has to consider the rifle’s suggested retail price of over $700. Is the AK103 worth its price? That is something that the reader will have to decide, but the fact is that if one seeks a quality AK that was manufactured by the original manufacturer, Kalashnikov USA’s AK103 is the “only act in town!”

Kalashnikov USA
1019 Holbrook Ct, C-3
Port St Lucie, Florida 34952
Tel: (561) 337-3398
Fax: (561) 337-0258
www.weapons-russian.com

Conventional wisdom also has it that a precision rifle’s trigger guard must be a solid steel piece with a hinged steel floor plate to ensure accuracy. FN’s Special Police Rifle has a four round detachable box magazine and an aluminum trigger guard. We like the quick reload capability that the box magazine offers, despite the fact that it will be used only upon rare occasion. One can make the argument that in a rifle such as this one, a detachable box magazine really isn’t necessary, but if it doesn’t detract from accuracy, why not have the capability? Again, is 1/2 MOA 100 yard accuracy good enough? Of course, we have all heard the rumors of detachable box magazines of competitor’s rifles dropping out of the magazine well under recoil, but we experienced no such problem with the FN rifle The magazine release is a large spring loaded component that should hold the magazine in place regardless of recoil level.

When FN Manufacturing (FNMI) initially offered us the opportunity to visit their Columbia, South Carolina facility and fire several of their law enforcement and military products, we were skeptical as to the company’s capability to manufacture a precision rifle with so many unconventional features at such a low cost. We were especially leery of the claim that the rifle would deliver sub minute of angle accuracy “out of the box.” After firing the Special Police Rifle, however, we have become believers.

We were unable to evaluate the rifle using different brands of ammunition, so we fired several groups at 100 yards using only Federal Gold Medal 168 grain match ammunition. The results speak for themselves. Our three round groups averaged 0.75 MOA, with the best group through a warm barrel a solid 1/2 MOA.

How does FN accomplish their “magic” with this rifle? FN begins with a “pre 1964” type Winchester action, with Mauser type claw extractor. FN-owned Winchester is once again manufacturing this action due to popular demand. Many shooters feel that the “pre -64” Winchester action is the best available. While we do not wish to touch that “third rail” of shooting belief, the fact is that the “Pre-64” Winchester action has some very desirable features. First is the three-position safety that can be used to lock both the bolt and striker or only the striker, allowing the shooter to manipulate the bolt with the safety engaged. Second, we appreciate the ability to remove the striker mechanism from the bolt body for cleaning and maintenance without the use of tools. Whether or not the Winchester action is superior to its competitors, we will leave to the judgment of the reader, but the fact is that this rifle shoots, despite a factory trigger pull that is far too heavy, as we will presently see.

Although in an innovative way, FN does apply several traditional accuracy techniques to the Special Police Rifle. Barrel, bolt and receiver are hand fitted and individually numbered. Each action is trued to the breech face and chamber and the bolt face squared to the barrel axis. The barreled action is mounted in an H-S Precision Pro Series synthetic stock using aluminum bedding blocks. The barrel is free floated. The Mauser-type extractor is made of stainless steel and is Teflon(r) coated to ensure smooth operation and to prevent binding. This also assists in controlling the cartridge throughout the cycle of operation from feeding through ejecting. The rifle is finished in manganese phosphate.

We found the fit and finish of the Special Police Rifle to be essentially flawless. The rifle is not intended for esthetic good looks, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this rifle is a functional tool. There are no machining or tooling marks visible and the fit of all components is excellent. The muzzle is deeply crowned and recessed to protect it from inadvertent damage. The test rifle was fitted with an MWG long range MIL-STD-1913 rail mount, MWG military spec rings, a Leupold Mark III 10x fixed power telescope, and a Harris bipod.

Our sole complaint regarding this rifle is its trigger – the only element that detracts from an otherwise excellent rifle. The trigger comes from the factory set at 4 – 5 pounds, which is on the high side for a rifle such as this. The rifle’s trigger had no discernable creep or backlash, and the example that we fired had already been reset by FN’s gunsmiths to three pounds. Every Special Police Rifle purchaser will probably take the rifle to the nearest gunsmith before he ever heads to the range for the first time to have the trigger readjusted to a more realistic three or so pounds. We believe that manufacturers should provide their rifles with a trigger already set to precision tactical levels, rather than forcing the customer to take his new rifle to a gunsmith before he uses it. Indeed, we have been informed that all law enforcement purchasers of Special Police Rifles so far have done exactly what we have stated herein – reduced the trigger pull to three or 31/2 pounds. Why did FN opt for the heavy trigger? We were informed that it was due to liability considerations, but we believe that if small specialist manufacturers can manufacture their precision rifles with three-pound triggers, so can large manufacturers.

One of the best aspects of FN’s new Special Police Rifle is its price – $940 suggested retail, Law Enforcement Officers with Department letterhead $740. As with most rifles of this type, even those costing much more, the Special Police Rifle is sold without mounts or sights. Other than the trigger pull, we could find nothing to complain of on FN’s new rifle and can see no “cut corners” on it. Costs are reduced by using “off the shelf” components and by CNC controlled manufacturing processes at FN’s Columbia, South Carolina plant. It is difficult to believe that a rifle such as this can be made and sold at such a low price, but the proof is in the shooting, and this rifle shoots! The rifle has already been adopted by several South Carolina law enforcement organizations and if all Special Police Rifles perform up to the standard of the one we fired, it is going to be difficult to keep these rifles on dealer’s shelves. What is best is that the Special Police Rifle is available not only to law enforcement officers and agencies, but also to civilians, as its accuracy and rugged construction makes it an ideal competition or hunting rifle. Even when the cost of having a “trigger job” done by a qualified gunsmith is taken into account, FN’s Special Police Rifle is a bargain.

FN Special Police Rifle Specifications

Caliber: 0.308 Winchester (7.62x51mm)
Empty Weight: 9.88 lbs. (4.47 kg)
Overall length: 45.75 in. (1116 mm)
Barrel length: 26 in (660mm)
Twist rate: 1:12 in (305mm)
Magazine capacity: 4 (+1) rounds
Stock: H-S Precision Pro Series
Trigger pull: 4 -5 lbs. (1.8 – 2.2 kg)

It is impossible to accurately assess a firearm without actually firing it and SAAB Bofors unfortunately did not have any fully functional examples of their new PDW at the NDIA Small Arms Conference. Extensive “hands-on” examination of the CBJ MS while at the SAAB Bofors display booth, however, gave a favorable first impression of this latest PDW. Controls are well – placed and their use is obvious after a quick cursory examination of the weapon. We were able to operate the bolt, selector, magazine release and extend and retract the stock without coaching from SAAB Bofors representatives. The little PDW balances and points well, but only time and actually testing the CBJ MS on the range will tell if these general first impressions carry over into actual functional usage of the SAAB Bofors CBJ MS.

We found the H&K PDW to be very pleasant to shoot, despite the fact that the pistol grip is nearly vertical, which we thought would make the weapon awkward to handle, but this was not the case. The controls are well-placed, fully ambidextrous and intuitive to use. The sliding buttstock retracts easily into its fully extended position and the foregrip aids in maintaining control in fully automatic fire. Our only possible complaint about this little weapon is the fact that its barrel is so short that the potential exists for a user to place his or her hand over the muzzle under stress. We should note, however, that H&K has placed a “hook” at the forearm tip to prevent one’s hand from overriding it and inadvertently covering the muzzle with the hand. New prototypes will have threaded barrels to extend the muzzle by adding quick detachable flash suppressors, compensators, blank firing adaptors, or sound suppressors. That said, we preferred to shoot the little PDW using the folding foregrip. The PDW was easy to control both in rapid-fire semiautomatic and full automatic. Felt recoil was negligible and muzzle rise virtually nonexistent. We fired the weapon at ranges of 25 and 50 meters, the latter distance representing about the limit of the realistic effective range of such a weapon and found that we were able to place a high percentage of bullets in the center of mass of our silhouette target. The reader will note from our discussion of the 4.6x30mm cartridge below that the PDW can be used effectively to a range of at least 100 meters. Shooting H&K’s PDW can best be described as pleasant and uneventful, which is a tribute to the overall excellent design of the little weapon and its diminutive 4.6x30mm cartridge.

Field stripping the little PDW for cleaning and maintenance is simple and can be accomplished without tools, unless one counts a cartridge as a “tool.” The cartridge is used to press out pins that retain the upper and lower receiver sections and the buttstock assembly, which retains the recoil mechanism and bolt carrier assembly. The cartridge is also used to disassemble the bolt carrier assembly when required. The photo of the stripped PDW shows the simplicity of the little weapon.

A key element of H&K’s PDW design is the 4.6x30mm nontoxic cartridge, which has not been standardized by any NATO country as of the time of this writing. The cartridge fires a solid steel copper plated 24.7gr bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2379 fps, resulting in a muzzle energy of 312 ft-lb. For comparison, the standard British military 9x19mm cartridge has a muzzle velocity of 1299fps and a muzzle energy of 430 ft-lb. These simple numbers, however, are somewhat misleading and do not fully explain why a smaller, lighter projectile may prove superior to a larger, heavier one. The 4.6mm bullet has a high ballistic coefficient and is fired at a higher velocity than the 9mm, which gives it a flatter trajectory and greater range. The 9mm bullet, for example, will not defeat the standard NATO CRISAT target (1.6mm of titanium and 20 layers of Kevlar(r) at 50 meters. The 4.6mm bullet, on the other hand, will defeat it at over 100 meters, with sufficient velocity to transfer 85 ft-lb. of energy into and completely perforate a 150mm thick block of ordnance gelatine behind the armor barrier. This greater terminal performance also has to do with the fact that the 4.6mm bullet is copper plated solid steel while the 9mm bullet is copper with a lead core. We should note that H&K states that the PDW’s 4.6mm bullet will also penetrate NATO’s CRISAT armoured personnel target at 200 meters. Although we cannot dispute the claim, the ability of so light a bullet to inflict an incapacitating wound after having passed through 1.6mm of titanium and 20 layers of Kevlar(r) at 200 meters range is questionable. H&K and Radway Green are also developing tracer, frangible, JHP, training (Solid copper bullet), blank and plastic training ammunition for the PDW.

In sum, H&K’s new PDW is an excellent overall design. It is handy, lightweight and can be fired either as a carbine or a pistol. Despite the fact that the 4.6x30mm cartridge offers improved penetration in comparison to standard NATO 9mm pistol ammunition, some may object to the cartridge on the basis that adopting H&K’s PDW will force adoption of an additional small arms caliber into an already complex ammunition logistics system. Only time and the acceptance of PDWs as a class of weapons will tell whether H&K’s latest product will be a success.

G36C

H&K’s recently announced miniature assault rifle, the G36C (Commando) is based on the G36 assault rifle which IDR test-fired in late 1998, so we will not go into any great detail on the description and functioning of the rifle, as the principal features of the parent rifle are well-known. The basic G36 is a gas-operated select fire assault rifle for general issue to infantry soldiers. It is noted for its reliability under adverse conditions and its simplicity of operation. The G36C is intended primarily for special operations units that require an extremely compact carbine for close range engagement (CRE) ranges to 50 meters. (The G36C is truly a carbine in the classic sense because it is a short barreled version of a full-sized rifle.) Whatever it is termed, the G36C carries all of the best features of the G36 into an extremely compact package. Simply stated, we liked the original G36 and we like the G36C. It is comparable in size to a 9x19mm MP5A3 submachine gun (See accompanying photo.), yet fires a 5.56x45mm cartridge which totally outclasses any pistol caliber round (9x19mm, 10mm or .40 S&W) fired by the MP5. It is compact carbines like the G36C that are spelling the demise of the submachine gun in many military special operations units. Pistol-caliber submachine guns simply do not have the effective range, terminal ballistics, or versatility of compact carbines and so are beginning to be phased out of many major military special operations forces. The G36C is one of the best compact carbines we have encountered. It is lightweight, versatile, and easy to operate and like most H&K firearms that we have encountered, pleasant to shoot. If its parent G36 is any indication, the G36C will also prove to be extremely reliable.

The G36C incorporates MIL-STD-1913 rails on the upper carrying handle and lower forearm to mount optics and other accessories. The example we test fired was equipped with a Knight’s Armament foregrip that clamps to the adapter rail. This foregrip makes the weapon easier to control on full-automatic fire. The G36C is also equipped with an advanced design Vortex-type flash suppressor that virtually eliminates muzzle flash, which is always a problem with short-barreled carbines due to incomplete combustion of powder in the shortened barrel. Although the G36 has a short sight radius, we did not find that to be a problem in our shooting. Whether we fired semi- or full automatic, the little G36C was easy to control and keep on target. There was slight muzzle rise, but it was easily controllable.

Although it is commonly accepted that velocity loss in compact carbines such as the G36C reduces the muzzle velocity to approximately 1800 fps, we wish to emphasize that this is most definitely not the case either with the G36C or with any other compact carbine. Standard SS109 (M855) ammunition has a muzzle velocity of 3051 fps when fired from a 20 inch barrel. The same cartridge fired from the 8.9 inch barrel of the G36C has a muzzle velocity of 2369 fps – a loss of some 656 fps velocity. At close range engagement (CRE) ranges at which carbines such as these are intended to be used, there is more than sufficient velocity and energy to maintain desired levels of lethality.

In the final analysis, we found the G36C is a very satisfactory weapon, based on our brief experience with it. The reliability and ruggedness of the parent G36 rifle is well established. If this new addition to the G36 family approaches its parent rifle in these areas, it will appeal to any organization seeking a compact carbine for close range engagements. The G36C will enter full production and will be available in September 2000.