JSSAP, the Joint Service Small Arms Program, has helped the process of innovation in small arms technology in the past- notably the M16A2 improvements. They work on many projects, and one project that is on the current menu is the OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon). Both contractor groups that are bidding on the project have been showing off mock-ups at military shows for the last couple of years. At the Modern Day Marine Expo (Quantico, VA) in September 1997, Alliant Tech and FN unveiled their real entrant for the first time. This generated quite a “Buzz” through the industry. SAR thought that the readers would like to see a comparison of the two contenders- most of the details are secret, but we did manage to get exterior photos of each unit.

The OICW concept is to expand the capability of the individual soldier- it is the logical outgrowth of the M-16 / M-203 system. Since the beginning of the use of grenadiers, the problem of what to do for a weapon after you have thrown your grenade has been evident. During the Vietnam war, numerous after action reports included stories of highly qualified and courageous M79 grenadiers finding themselves in relatively close quarter battles, having only a .45 pistol for fighting with. The advent of the M-16 / M-203 combination gave each grenadier the additional position of rifleman (This was a very comforting change in the eyes of most grenadiers).

With the advent of modern technology, and “Smart” munitions, changes are again inevitable. The new OICW concept is for a 20mm HE Bursting munition to be part of the rifleman’s inventory. The trajectory is much more direct than the 40mm low pressure system. The “Over-under” concept, pioneered with the M-203 system, has now advanced to the following scenario:

The Optical system includes a special laser range finder that is exceedingly accurate. Once the target has been lazed, the operator can add or subtract distance by single meters. If his target is a soldier hiding behind a rock wall at 850 meters, he lazes, adds 2 meters to the fuzing, and takes aim directly over the rock wall and fires on HE setting. The projectile will explode at 852 meters, directly over, or slightly to the rear of the targeted soldiers. He has a 5.56 mm weapon under the 20mm, which can be used as a regular rifle or a machine gun. The upper and lower sections are separable, but only the AAI / HK offering is planned to be used as modular. If the sophisticated sighting system is knocked out of service, it can be removed, and there are iron sights that can be utilized. The munition is now point detonating.

This writer had some concerns about the effectiveness of the bursting munition being a 20mm. Could the size be a negative? After numerous discussions with both design teams, any hesitation has been negated. The brissance of the explosive used, the quantity used, and the pre-fragmented material used, indicate that almost all soft targets will be vulnerable, and PASGT body armor will not protect against the shrapnel- in a similar radius to the presently used 40mm M203 system. This is very encouraging. Munitions are planned for utilizing a timer that keeps expended cartridges from being left around on the battlefield- reducing risk to civilians as well as friendly troops

Both offerings seem to be extremely well thought out, and ergonomically designed (comfortable to the user). Both teams are in relatively early phases of development, with targets for production around the year 2005- however; live test firing is scheduled to begin early next year.

The SABR team is led by the prime contractor; Alliant Tech Systems, and is composed of HK, Contraves, and Dynamite Nobel.

AAI is the prime contractor on the OICW team, composed of Dyna East, FN, Omega, Hughes, and Olin.

Several fellow shooters within my circle of friends are connoisseurs of the .22 caliber suppressor. They like quiet guns. And the ability to discretely target shoot between trips out with the machine guns helps quench that need to shoot on a daily or weekly basis. With fewer and fewer areas available for shooting these days, a quiet .22 allows one to shoot in areas that would otherwise be unavailable. Most folks I know shoot removable muzzle cans on their rifles, while others utilize a permanently attached suppressor to the barrel as offered by several suppressor manufacturers. One of the major benefits of the screw-on muzzle can over the integral type is that the barrel produces higher velocities than are produced by a ported barrel, utilizing the same type of ammo. Additionally, the muzzle can is adaptable to both a rifle and a pistol, which gives the shooter twice the capability for the $200 tax paid on the suppressor. A disadvantage of a muzzle can (if there is one) is that the user must select the optimal ammunition to be suited to the particular task at hand. If one utilizes an integral type of suppressor, higher velocity ammunition can be used, since its velocity will be bled-off to subsonic levels to achieve quiet operation. This project started out as our own “need to know” type of endeavor for the muzzle can user. It soon expanded into an exhaustive evaluation. With all the different ammunition out there, we wanted to optimize our firearm to one or two particular rounds. This article will give an account of what we discovered.

Learning to master the discipline of superior marksmanship, and determining what the maximum performance that your firearm is capable of, can be a very satisfying avocation, which may take a lifetime attempting to master. The use of a suppressor can help in allowing one to safely and economically fire thousands of rounds a year. You can target shoot and practice often, without traveling to distant ranges or hunting grounds. Whether used for target shooting, pest elimination, hunting (where allowed by law), or general skill improvement, the suppressor and an accurate .22 rifle is a versatile tool. The low discharge sound and negligible recoil makes shooting a flinch-free endeavor. All sports require frequent practice, and the suppressed gun can be used to teach the elements of marksmanship which carry over to almost all firearms shooting. The rigors of special licensing, fingerprinting, background checks, and a one time $200 tax payment is usually enough to keep many folks from obtaining a suppressor, but it is possible for those who qualify. The use of a suppressor for hunting is illegal in most states. However, it is legal for pest elimination and target shooting. With less area available for shooting these days, a “quieter” .22 allows one to shoot in areas which would otherwise be unavailable.

Once the muzzle-can suppressed rifle is obtained, those interested in both accuracy and silence will need to confine their ammunition selection to target or subsonic rounds. Most accurate .22LR subsonic ammunition is usually loaded to provide a bullet velocity of around 1040-1050 fps, when fired from a rifle. This particular loading allows accurate performance, and is usually subsonic unless one is shooting in extremely cold weather. Hypersonic, or high velocity rimfire rounds will have a velocity from 1200-1600 fps, which is faster than the speed of sound, hence producing a ballistic crack. The bullet’s ballistic crack is similar to the sonic boom produced by an airplane as it flies faster than the speed of sound. The measured speed of sound in air at 32(F is around 1087 fps. At 68(F, the speed of sound increases to around 1126 fps. Atmospheric pressure, altitude, and humidity play very minor parts in the equation. Temperature is the primary factor in determining the speed of sound. Mathematically speaking, the speed of sound in air (feet per second) at atmospheric temperature is defined in Table 1.

Since the speed of sound increases with higher temperatures, this phenomenon may allow the shooter to “get away with” shooting higher velocity rounds in warm weather without the bullet breaking the sound barrier. The speed of sound is slower in cold weather, however bullets usually exit faster, because warmer powder burns faster. My experience has shown that as long as the bullet’s muzzle velocity is less than 97% of the speed of sound at any given temperature, it’ll be completely subsonic, and the report will be quiet. Supersonic ammo fired from a suppressed rifle will literally “wake the dead” in comparison. Consequently, firing a supersonic projectile from a muzzle can suppressed rifle will negate most of the benefits of the suppressor, as the ballistic crack from the bullet flight will be heard.

The test platform for our evaluation was a Ruger 77/22 rifle which was modified with a sound suppressor manufactured by Mark White of Sound Technology (P.O. Box 391, Pelham, AL 35124 – phone 205-664-5860). With the exception of the suppressor and a Volquartzen target sear, the 77/22 was stock. Velocities were measured using a ProChrono chronograph with the start screen placed 6 feet in front of the muzzle. Each brand of ammunition was evaluated for accuracy, velocity, extreme spread, cost, and bullet weight. Accuracy results were based on five, five-shot groupings at 50 yards. The same type of target was utilized for all testing with accuracy data based on center-to-center measurements using a digital caliper.

Our search for accurate and quiet .22 LR ammo started with the economically priced Russian Jr-Brass and CCI Standard Velocity. It soon escalated up the price range to the Federal Ultra Match which run somewhere around 20 cents/round. I personally find it very difficult to pay a lot for 22 ammo. I’ve spent too many years shooting for around a penny or two a round, and it really gets to me to have to pay the high price for match-grade ammo. If it was not for my desire to “know how much you get for what you pay for”, and for the benefit of completing this article, I would not get caught dead paying 20 cents/round for 22 LR ammo. I know there are those who pay for this kind of performance, so some of these rounds are included in the evaluation. The extreme spread (lowest velocity subtracted from the highest) is also important and must be consistent for maximum accuracy at longer distances as it will affect bullet drop and trajectory.

On the subject of having fewer places to shoot these days, if one’s back yard is wooded and happens to be in a moderately unpopulated area, one can set up a “quiet” shooting range. Use earthen backstops behind targets to allow the bullets to be captured for obvious safety reasons. This cuts down on the bullets impact noise which can be very loud when compared to the report of the weapon. A small shooting bench can also be constructed for a few dollars, and in conjunction with either sandbags or a rifle holding device, will help you to extract decent accuracy out of your particular firearm. The target holders should be able to hold paper targets at the top and bottom to cut down on the bullets impact noise. We tried cardboard and plastic type materials to attach our targets to, and they always added to the noise levels due to the bullet’s impact on the surface of the target holder. Of course, the usual fun targets associated with plinking (rocks, tin cans, water, etc.) all negate the quietness of the suppressor as the bullets impact on these is far noisier than the report of the firearm itself. For the pest eliminator though, the quiet “thud” of the round hitting the varmint is all that is heard.

The goal was to decide which particular ammo brand would be best suited for the suppressed rifle. Of course, our data should be used only as a guide as other firearms may perform better or worse than ours did. Topped off with a Tasco 3-9x40TR scope, previous experience with the 77/22’s baseline accuracy proved that the gun was capable of averaging 3/4-inch groups at 50 yards. After being modified with the sound suppressor, the smallest 50 yard grouping came in at .28 inches with RWS subsonic. Other small groups were generated by Lapua Pistol King (.29 inches), Eley Bench Rest Gold (.32 inches) and Fiocchi 300 (.32 inches). The ultra match type ammo cost is a little high for most 22 shooters, but some of this ammo was very accurate. CCI Pistol Match was the overall winner in the more moderately priced category. At around 3 cents/round, Jr-Brass and CCI Standard are pretty tough to beat. Jr-Brass sometimes went supersonic during our colder weather testing. The ballistic crack of the projectile breaking the sound barrier really woke us up. The best overall average accuracy results went to Lapua Pistol King, with Eley Bench Rest Gold, Federal Ultra Match, and Eley Tenex close behind. Overall, there were no losers in this exercise, with the exception of Remington Subsonic. This particular round failed to achieve acceptable results in our testing. Lapua Scoremax delivered very good results with the 48 grain bullet weight. Apparently, the 77/22 testbed really liked this heavier bullet, as it delivered an accuracy average of .57 inches at 50 yards.CCI (Blount), Keng’s Firearms (Lapua), and Federal graciously provided us with some sample ammunition and technical support for this article. CCI provided us with a special Subsonic HP round which is not available here in the United States. Being designated only for export to European countries at this time (where the use of sound suppressors is more widespread), this was a good performer in our tests. Utilizing a 36 grain hollow point bullet, it was both accurate and quiet. I liked the hollow point design, and would recommend that all who are interested contact the folks at CCI and ask that their marketing people provide this round to American shooters.

I’m sure this round would be comparable in price to their other offerings. Federal UltraMatch (1000B) was also provided for our testing endeavors. The 1000B is loaded similarly to the Federal round which won the gold and silver medals in the 1992 Olympics, held in Barcelona, Spain. Utilizing a 40 grain solid bullet, the 1000B is loaded for a velocity of 1080 fps, but our measured velocities were a little higher than that. The largest .22LR weight bullet available is the 48 grain Lapua Scoremax. Most of the .22LR bullets weighed in at 40 grains.

In flight, the subsonic projectile has a tremendous arc in its trajectory. This arc makes it critical to correctly measure or estimate distance to the target. At the longer ranges, a small miscalculation of distance of only a few yards can result in a miss. Once you zero in on the particular round which best suits your requirements, a good way to compensate for bullet drop at different differences is to utilize a good scope with a bullet drop compensator elevation ring. The typical elevation ring will need to be dialed to the correct distance, especially with subsonic ammo. To accomplish this with the slower moving subsonic ammo, my procedure involves placing white tape around the elevation ring and marking the tape after zeroing the scope to each distance. This involves placing your zeroing targets at the various distances you want to shoot, and then dialing in your scope at those distances and marking the tape so you can return to the correct position depending upon what distance you’re shooting at. This procedure also helps one estimate target distances more accurately. I usually zero my scope at 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 yards and place a mark on the elevation ring for each of these distances. It’s best to use the same type of ammo to alleviate the differences due to changes in velocity and brands, as it has a tremendous impact on bullet drop at the longer ranges. The results of our testing has proven my particular 77/22 to be most accurate with the Lapua Pistol King subsonic ammunition. My favorite pick for precision work on varmints with this gun is the RWS Subsonic for its quiet delivery and hollow point design. For economical plinking, the CCI Standard velocity is my favorite for its price, cleanliness, and performance. Hopefully the manufacturers will continue to produce good quality subsonic ammunition for a long time. The heavier Lapua Scoremax also rates up there with my favorites and should provide maximum terminal ballistics, due to its larger mass.

Every shooter should obtain a brick or two of ultra-accurate rounds to help determine just what their gun is capable of. Use the cheaper mid-grade rounds for practice. Always use the most accurate rounds you can afford for hunting or pest elimination. After running around the woods for 2 hours, and stalking for 30 minutes, you won’t believe it’s cost effective if your target is spooked by a single missed shot, caused by a cheaper bullet. I shoot into various targets at different ranges to learn how well different brands penetrate and expand. There is no substitute for this type of personal testing. It will quickly lead to the selection of the most effective round for your own particular use, and will allow you the opportunity to develop the shooting discipline discussed earlier. Hopefully the results of our testing will allow you to select the best combination of ammunition for your particular needs. While not as important for the casual plinker, the animal control officer, competition target shooter, and serious varmint hunter needs to select the best ammunition for the job at hand.

An acquaintance of mine has a vast collection of high quality and expensive rifles he never shoots. Many of them have never been fired at all. He researches and carefully selects his firearms for his perceived needs. However, I know he will probably never get out into the field and shoot these fine guns and determine which ammo works best, or even find out if the guns work at all. As Mr.Kokalis said in a previous interview: “Number one, because to be proficient in anything, including shooting, you have to practice.” Although for different subject matter, this point was also addressed by Carlos Hathcock: “Discipline and training are the keys, and you have to keep shooting and practicing all the time, or you will loose the skills that you need, the ones that will keep you alive.” In other words, keep practicing to stay proficient with your shooting skills. Mental discipline is also required to make that accurate shot. A good friend of mine is a sniper on my local Sheriff’s Office Tactical Team. He trains constantly developing his shooting skills and mental discipline. His departments budget does not allow him to shoot Federal Premium .308 ammo all day long, but he shoots weekly with a muzzle can attached to his favorite .22 rifle to help develop the mental discipline for accurate shooting. If called to carry out his duty as a sniper, its the first shot that must count. If that first shot fails to hit its mark, the results can cost the lives of others. That’s the bottom line.

I routinely shoot around 50 rounds per day off the back porch to stay proficient. As for my neighbors, they never hear a thing. I’ll set a few eggs off to the side of the barn on mornings after raiding the hen house. They make excellent targets at 100 yards with RWS Subsonic ammunition and the quiet .22 rifle. I’ll also set empty 12 gage shotgun shells on the sloped side behind the barn and pick them off at a distance of 100-125 yards. Since modifying the 77/22, I’ve never heard a word of complaint from my neighbors.

Sources:

Lapua
Imported by: Keng’s Fire-
arms Specialty
875 Wharton Drive
Atlanta, GA 30336

CCI
Blount, Inc.
2299 Snake River Avenue
PO Box 856
Lewiston, ID 83501

Federal Cartridge Company
900 Ehlen Drive
Anoka, Minnesota 55303

Fiocchi USA
5030 Fremont Road
Ozark, MO

Eley
Imported by: Tomart Inc.
122 Lafayette Avenue
Laurel, MD 20725

RWS
Dynamit Nobel-RWS, Inc.
81 Ruckman Road
Closter, New Jersey 07624

Remington Arms Company
Ilion, New York 13357

Commercialization of the Russian Ammunition Industry

The Tula Cartridge Works in Russia’s State Arsenal is the leading engineering enterprise in Russia’s defense complex. They have recently made some exclusive arrangements with the Prineas Group for exporting to the United States, among other end users. Tula considers that ordering through Prineas is ordering direct from the factory, and they want the customers to understand their commitment to quality and consistency in the ammunition products they offer.

The 7.62 x 39mm being offered is new manufacture, not surplus. Distributors can order bullet configurations in hollow point, FMJ, or soft point. Tula uses a special non-aging steel to increase strength with the use of a hot drying varnish (Lacquer) to seal the joints between the cartridge case, bullet and primer. This insures that the cartridge performance characteristics after prolonged storage, or during operation in adverse weather conditions, are optimum. This method is exclusive to Tula’s products, and is evident by the red-water mark seals. Tula also uses a non-corrosive, environmentally friendly primer that reduces any atmospheric contamination. (SAR’s editors applaud this effort, and sincerely hope that Greenpeace, etc, are paying attention to this effort). Tula’s manufacturing facility utilizes a state of the art high capacity transfer line system with built in checking devices to ensure the best quality control available today.

The packaging has been changed from the 1440 round wooden crate system to 1000 round cardboard (200#) cases. This reduces the case shipping by 26 pounds per case, and puts the ammunition in units that are easily shipped in the US, in a quantity that the end user prefers. Bar coding will soon be added to the shipping system as well, making an even more distributor friendly package.

The desirable “Western” cartridges; 9x19mm, 45 acp, .30 carbine, 5.56x 45mm, and 7.62 x 51mm (.308) will also be available in the user friendly packaging, with the same high quality manufacturing procedures being used.

The Prineas Group and Tula Arsenal have designed this program with the idea of forming a satisfying working relationship with the distribution system, and providing a top-level product for the consumer.

Further assistance or questions can be directed to the importer: Mr. Stacy Prineas, Tel: (206)-882-1161 Fax: (206)-882-0487

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In 1961, the Soviet Red Army took a major step in small-arms deployment by replacing the belt-fed 7.62x39mm RPD (Ruchnoy Pulemet Degtyareva) light machine gun with a magazine-fed RPK (Ruchnoy Pulemet Kalashnikova) LMG, also firing the 7.62mm M43 intermediate round. While the Soviets viewed this as a step forward, many small-arms authorities viewed this decision as a step backwards since the new weapon was neither as robust nor as well suited to delivering sustained fire as its predecessor. As its external appearance suggests, the RPK is a spin-off of the AKM assault rifle that is fitted with a heavier barrel and a light bipod. The first RPK prototypes were built on machined AK-47 receivers in the mid-1950s, but when the RPK went into production in 1961, the receiver was switched to the stamped AKM-pattern. The AKM had been adopted two years earlier, in 1959.

Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, the RPK appeared in public for the first time in the 1966 May Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square, but Western intelligence agencies were aware of its existence before then. Like most other small arms manufactured by the Soviet Union and its allies, the RPKs were distributed to many countries under Soviet influence as well as to communist insurgents conducting their so-called wars of liberation. RPKs have, therefore, seen action in most conflicts throughout Southeast Asia, Central America, the Middle East and Africa since the 1960s.

Thanks to the prolific distribution of Soviet small arms to friendly countries and groups, there are probably more RPKs around the world than any other magazine-fed LMG. The RPK and RPK-style guns were manufactured at least in China, Finland (Valmet LMG 76 and LMG 78), Iraq (Al-Quds), North Vietnam (TUL-1), and Rumania and Yugoslavia (M65, M72, M77, M82). Some of these weapons can be called RPK-style guns because they are based on a milled AK-47 receiver rather than on a stamped AKM receiver. Certain RPK variants are semiautomatic-only guns aimed at the civilian marketplace. Not all RPK variants were designed for the role of squad automatic weapon, however. The RPK has also served as the basis for several sniping rifles. Perhaps the best known RPK-based sniping rifle is the Rumanian FPK, which is chambered for the full-powered 7.62x54R round. Valmet also made a 7.62x51mm sniping variant of the LMG 78 for a short time. The Iraqis fielded a semiautomatic sniping variant of the Al-Quds chambered for the unsuitable 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge. The RPK family’s complete caliber selection includes chamberings in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm for the Western marketplace.

While a fixed-stock RPK is the most commonly encountered variant, a folding stock version chambered for the 7.62mm M43 cartridge, called the RPKS, can also be encountered. In 1974, introduction of the AK-74 assault rifle chambered for the 5.45x39mm M74 cartridge was followed by the introduction of a 5.45x39mm light machine gun, the RPK-74, and a folding stock variant, the RPKS-74.

At this point, one might wonder if the RPK or any other weapon of similar pattern is really a light machine gun or simply an assault rifle with a heavier barrel and bipod. After all, virtually all members of the RPK family lack a quick-change barrel and fire from a closed bolt. Therefore, such a weapon can only deliver limited sustained-fire capability. Guns of this type are called machine guns because they are put in a role of the machine gun, not because they incorporate all desirable MG or LMG features. Back in the era of semiautomatic and bolt-action battle rifles, such designs were simply called automatic rifles. Modern designations like the light support weapon (LSW) more accurately describe their role. There are other machine gun definitions, too. To the anti-gun media, every small arm is a machine gun or assault weapon. Remarkably, the average sportsman buys into this errant terminology, as long as his side-by-side shotgun or pre-64 Winchester is not criticized by the media.

From a technical viewpoint, the RPK is pretty much an AKM fitted with a longer and heavier barrel and bipod. Yet some of it’s details are in fact borrowed from the AK-47 and RPD. Most RPK parts and components are interchangeable with the AKM assault rifles. Interchangeability simplifies both production and usage. This is likely the main reason why the belt-fed RPD was not replaced by another belt-fed design, but rather by a magazine-fed pseudo-machine gun, the RPK. Fielding a light machine gun very similar to an assault rifle simplifies the training of infantrymen as well as armorers, which is a particular advantage if it is employed by an army based on large reserves. This is the real genius behind the design of the Ruchnoy Pulemet Kalashnikova.

While the first RPK prototypes were built on AK-47 machined receivers, production models have stamped receivers. The receiver sub-components are stamped from sheet steel and assembled by spot welding. The barrel extension, which is machined from solid steel, is mated to the receiver by rivets. The most visible difference between the RPK and the AKM receiver is the RPK’s more massive barrel extension, which requires an enlarged frontal section of the receiver. The difference is clearly visible. The RPK’s receiver cover is similar to the AK-47 without the reinforcing ribs typical of the AKM.

The RPK’s breech block and gas system are identical to the AKM. The AK-type action is neither ammunition nor moisture sensitive and will provide reliable functioning under the most adverse conditions. Like its assault rifle counterpart, the RPK fires from a closed bolt, which is not the best method for weapons shooting continuous full-auto fire. Prolonged firing can heat the chamber to the point that cook-offs can occur, and the barrel rifling can be damaged by sustained firing.

The RPK does have a longer and heavier barrel than standard AK-47 or AKM assault rifles, which does improve heat dissipation to some degree. Barrel length is 23.3 inches (59.1 cm). The bore has four grooves with a right hand twist of 1 turn in 9.25 inches (21.0 cm). Like most military small arms of Warsaw Pact origin, the bore and chamber are chrome lined. Chrome lining provides better durability and corrosion resistance against powder and primer residues. Many people seem to have the wrong idea about wear resistance. It doesn’t mean that the bore will better resist wear from friction generated by steel-jacketed bullets. A different process is at work. Steel-jacketed bullets have a poor ability to conform to rifling and thus seal the combustion gases behind the projectile. Chrome is not as reactive as steel, so chrome plating is eroded less by the blow-by of hot combustion gases.

The RPK is poorly suited to the machine gun role, where long bursts or sustained firing are required. For that purpose, the barrel is too light and has no proper cooling system. Furthermore, the RPK barrel is not a quick-change design; instead, the barrel mounts permanently on the barrel extension by means of threads like the AKM barrel. However, at least one RPK variant—the Yugoslavian M65B—features a quick-change barrel.

Like the AK-47 and AKM assault rifles, the RPK muzzle has a left-handed metric M14x1 thread. It was originally intended for mounting a blank-firing adapter, but the threads have been subsequently used to accept various grenade launchers and sound suppressors. There is no compensator after the AKM fashion, but threads are protected with an AK-type nut. Fortunately, the RPK has no bayonet lug, unlike most other Soviet small arms including sniper rifles.

The RPK has a selective fire trigger mechanism similar to the AKM. It has a single trigger sear (instead of twin trigger sears used with the AK-47) and a rate reducer which delays backward movement of the hammer. However, the value of the rate reducer is doubtful. Both the AKM with rate reducer and the AK-47 without a rate reducer produce an equal rate of fire: 600 rpm. Because its longer barrel increases the amount and pressure of gas available to piston, the RPK has a slightly higher rate of fire: 660 rpm. Bear in mind, however, that these rates of fire are theoretical and depend greatly on ammunition.

The Soviet-made RPKs usually have furniture made from laminated wood. The fore-end has no longitudinal swells typical to the AKM, but otherwise the fore-end as well as the hand guard and pistol grip are patterned after Kalashnikov assault rifles. RPD stocks are made from various materials, and different shapes can be encountered. The sling swivels are mounted on the left side of the gun, and they accept an AK-type sling with a leather loop on one end and a metal hook on the other.

The shape of the butt stock reveals that the RPK should be fired from a bipod rest. The butt stock is patterned after the RPD, and it allows a support hand to grasp underneath the stock. This style of marksmanship could be referred to as “European,” while the practice of grasping the top of the stock with the nonfiring hand could be termed the “American” style of firing an LMG. Like most other small arms produced in the Eastern Bloc, the RPK has a remarkably short length of pull. The distance from the trigger to the butt plate is only 12 inches (30.0 cm). The short butt stocks are well suited for operators of somewhat smaller stature than the average American or operators wearing heavy winter clothing.

The Russian-made RPKS features a side-folding butt stock made from laminated wood and patterned after standard-issue RPK fixed stock. Yugoslavian variants have the same MP38/MP40-style stock folding underneath the receiver as used with AK-47 and AKM rifles.

Like most AKM rifles of Soviet and other Eastern European origin, the RPK usually features a painted black finish. However, blued and parkerized (manganese phosphate) guns can also be encountered.

The cleaning rod is located beneath the barrel. Other cleaning gear and a general purpose tool is carried in a stamped steel capsule placed in a compartment located in the butt stock.

The RPK bipod appears to be a simplified variation of the RPD bipod. It is mounted permanently near the muzzle. This arrangement provides maximum accuracy when engaging a stationary target but inhibits the gunner’s ability to traverse for engaging moving targets. The bipod’s hinge and mounting piece are machined from solid steel, and its legs are stamped from sheet steel. The bipod does not feature a provision for height adjustment. Despite its simple design, the bipod is rugged. Finally, there is no provision to fasten the weapon to other mounts.

All 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov magazines are interchangeable. The magazines especially designed for the RPK are a 40-round curved box magazine and a 75-round drum.

The 40-round magazine is similar to a standard issue 30-round staggered row box magazine, but it is longer and slightly more curved. While the longer magazine provides an additional 10 rounds, it seriously handicaps the maneuverability of the whole system. A 40-rounder works fine at the shooting range, but in rough terrain, the long magazine can interfere with firing the weapon from the bipod. In the field, it is much better to use a standard 30-round magazine or a 75-round drum.

The Soviet-made drum is completely different from the more frequently distributed Chinese design. The Soviet drum has no openable back cover, but it is loaded with loose rounds (or with a clip guide and stripper clips, if there is one available) from the top. The Soviet-made 75-round drum magazine is reliable, and it provides a lower profile than a 30-round magazine.

The Soviet RPK’s front sight is similar to the AK-47 or AKM rifles; it is a rectangular post with protective ears, not a hood as used with Chinese variations. A tangent-type rear sight has a U-shaped notch. In addition to its basic Kalashnikov design, the RPK rear sight is fully adjustable for both windage and elevation. The range scale is optimistically graduated to 1,000 meters. However, due to physical limitations and moderate external ballistics, the RPK’s effective range is no more than 400 meters.

Some RPKs have a rail-type scope mounting bracket on the left of the receiver. It is presumably intended for mounting an infrared or passive night sight, but not an ordinary rifle scope. There is no specific nightscope intended for the RPK. But according to the new Russian classification method, all current-issue small arms have an “N” suffix in their names if they have scope-mounting capability. For example, the scope-fitted (either 4 power 1P29 scope or passive night sight) 5.45x39mm RPK-74 is called as the RPK-74N.

Handling and disassembly procedures for the RPK follow the familiar Kalashnikov pattern. If you can handle and fire any AK-47 or AKM variant, you can fire the RPK. There are thousands and thousands of people who can’t read or write, but are nevertheless experts at handling and firing the Kalashnikov family of weapons.

The RPK in all its guises is the most widely distributed—but certainly not the best—LMG available in the world today. It is too light to provide good controllability for full-auto firing, and it’s closed bolt operation limits it’s ability to deliver sustained fire. On the other hand, the RPK is light and maneuverable, so it can be easily carried in difficult terrain. Fitted with a full 40-round magazine, the RPK weighs just 13.4 pounds (6.1 kg). The RPK’s similarity to the AK-47 and AKM facilitates the training of troops who must use and maintain these weapons. This similarity also lowers the cost of production, enabling the fielding of this LMG in greater numbers. While the RPK may not have the quality of the RPD it replaced, the deployment of the RPK brings to mind Stalin’s comment to Churchill that “quantity has its own quality.” Clearly, deployment of the RPK and its variants remains quite logical from a certain point of view. Nevertheless, perhaps the Ruchnoy Pulemet Kalashnikova should be viewed as an assault rifle on steroids rather than as a true light machine gun.

Quantico, VA 23-25 September 1997

It has been 80 years since the Marine Corps opened its base at Quantico Virginia in 1917. The Great War was on, and the United States was gearing up to help our allies in Europe. As the training sessions wore down, Quantico was dedicated as a “University for the Marine Corps”. Since 1920, it has served that purpose, and is generally referred to as the Crossroads of the Marine Corps. This is a fitting site for the Modern Day Marine Military Exposition to be held. It is sponsored by the Marine Corps League, a worthy organization that is very active in helping retired and active duty Marines and their families, and they are well known for sponsoring activities related to military education.

The Modern Day Marine Exposition is an amazing trade show. Everything from the newest 155mm to a Harrier Jet was there, and the 200+ exhibitors filled 3 aircraft hangers and quite a bit of the surrounding tarmac. Exhibitors included just about every supplier of warfighting technologies that one could imagine, from training simulation systems to the most modern computer tracking and aiming systems. SAR stayed to the small arms displays, and one of the most interesting things was the undercurrent of competition of the contractors bidding on the new OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon) for the JSSAP program. (See page 22 for the OICW story).

The manufacturers were there to talk with the end users and the procurement personnel, and the questions that they were getting asked were very evident of that. The real users were here at the show. One could learn a lot about the concerns of the men who use the equipment just by listening to them, and the manufacturers were paying attention.

FNMI fielded the new M249 Paratroop model, as well as the new suppressed version of the P90. The DORA sight mount for the M240B (see photo), was a welcome addition. The FiveseveN pistol garnered a lot of attention with it’s new, very impressive ballistics.

HK had the G36 variants that were prepared for the US market- with the single optic in the handle. One of the most interesting products they had on display was the night vision scope that mounted on the carrying handle of the G36, and utilized the G36 scope via a “Periscope” type arrangement. (See photo). There has been a lot of industry “Buzz” about this system, and it was good to see it in person. The scope allows a quick detach without changing zero- a very effective system.

Awards were given out in various ceremonies, honoring past and current accomplishments. Each day the Marine Corps League sponsored a different ceremony, and the pageantry was most impressive.

For more information on future Modern Day Marine Shows:

Marine Corps League is a quarterly publication- subscriptions are $15 per year, $4- per issue, or are free with membership in the MCL.

Marine Corps League, Inc.
PO Box 3070
Merrifield, VA 22116
Tel: (703)-207-9588
Email: mcl@mcleague.org
Website: http://www.mcleague.org

Located on the bank of the Rhein Falls, SIG (Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft) is situated in the picturesque town of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Headquarters to an international industrial organization, it’s subsidiaries includes SIG-Sauer & Sons in Germany, Hammerli in Lenzberg, and partnership with SIGARMS Inc. of Exeter, New Hampshire. In addition to firearms, SIG is a major supplier of canning and food packaging machinery, as well as railroad locomotives and equipment. In fact, the main building had once been a wagon wheel factory, obtaining its primitive power source directly from the mighty Rhein Falls. Today, SIG represents one of the foremost industrial enterprises and employs many thousands of people. Their future success is assured by both recreational and police firearms business as well as from government sales in supplying and maintains the Swiss Army with its current battle rifle, the Strumgewehr model 90.

The production facilities at the Schaffhausen factory are state of the art. During a tour of the manufacturing floor, I was able to see firsthand many of the procedures utilized in the assembly of the Stgw 90, as well as various other accessories manufactured in house. Not only were the most modern standards met in both the layout and design of the assemblyline, but all machinery was first rate. For obvious reason, photographing the assembly line was not permissible. But I was shown all facets of Stgw 90 productions, from laser cutting of the receiver, to the phosphate and electrocoating of the firearms major parts. All throughout the factory tour, my guide was Marta Pfleger. She exhibited a vast knowledge of all aspects involved in the production of the Stwg 90. Something that immediately became recognizable was the employee interaction among all levels of personnel. Marta explained that Swiss people do not have the separation of management and labor as we do in America. All of the employees showed a genuine concern in their various duties, and were more than happy to explain what the job at hand entailed (using Marta as a translator for my poor German). The pride of the finished product showed up in every workstation. I even had a few laughs with the woman who’s job it was to apply the red and white paints into the rifles selector markings and sights adjustments. She has only been doing the job for twenty or so years and still enjoyed working!

Next was the actual test firing and computer sight-in of the assembled rifles. This is done in one of SIG’s underground firing ranges at 100 meters. The process involved a static rifle rest with the employee firing different shot groups to establish the correct zero. A laser was then attached to the rifle and a computer-generated image displayed the exact shot pattern onto the screen. The final string of bullets fired verified the correct sight settings, and the front sight was then stamped with its proper alignment indentation marks. I am not aware of any other firearm manufacturer going through that exact of a process to guarantee their rifle leaves the factory sighted in and functioning properly. Again, the quality of SIG comes through!

The remainder of the testing facilities utilized an underground 300-meter firing tunnel and an indoor pistol firing range. Again, computers and state-of-the-art equipment are used in testing the many firearms produced there. On display was the new SIG Sauer Model 205 rifle, which set the standards for modern 300-meter target shooting. Also seen were racks of privately owned civilian’s rifles which had been sent back to SIG to have new barrels installed. These were to be test fired and sighted in at 300 meters, which is the normal Swiss shooting distance used on all of the nation’s rifle ranges. Shooting is the national sport of Switzerland and all males are being issued the select fire Stgw 90 for their active military careers which lasts until they are 42 years old. Most Swiss continue shooting well beyond that age and are allowed to purchase their own military rifle from the government.

We then visited the SIG museum located within the factory itself. Here I was free to photograph and inspect the entire SIG product line from the very first flintlock rifles and sword bayonets, right up to the most recent pistol designs and military battle rifles. On display were many one off prototypes and trials weapons, as well as factory cutaway examples and rare accessories. Special commissioned firearms were also displayed and could best be described as absolute works of art such as the P-210 Seven Hundred Year Jubilee Pistol. Also exhibited was an exact replica of the last military issue battle rifle in 1/5 scale! Only about 12 inches overall, this model was an exact duplicate of the full auto Sturmgewehr 57. Many on the company’s successful assault rifle designs were displayed, from tool room mockups right through to the actual issued weapon. Also on display were completely dressed and outfitted mannequins wearing battle uniforms from many eras of Switzerland’s armed neutrality. Many tripod mounted, beltfed machine guns and dual magazine fed designs were presented as issued, with battle optics and ancillary gear.

All too soon my visit with SIG was over. Indeed it was a rare opportunity to see firsthand how one of the world’s best firearms manufacturers has stayed at the top of the list. Never said to be inexpensive or poorly made, the designs of Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft remain much in demand throughout the world. Their reputation of quality and modern design suits them well.

13 ARRESTED IN MILITARY WEAPONS THEFTS AND SALES

CHARLOTTE, NC (Thursday 16 October 1997)- Thirteen people were arrested after an 18 month undercover operation ended today. Agents of the FBI, ATF, and Naval Criminal Investigation Service had coordinated their efforts after discovering individuals selling stolen military ordnance. “Operation Longfuse” led to the arrest of six marines and seven civilians.

Private sales, as well as gun show sales of contraband, have been alleged in court affidavits. Contraband items included: M-79 40mm grenade launchers, Rocket launchers, land mines, grenades, C-4 plastic explosives, mortars, and fifty caliber machine guns. Charges include theft of government property, possession and sale of stolen government property, unlicensed possession, transportation and sale of explosives, possession and sale of unregistered Title II firearms (Machine guns, Destructive Devices).

The six Marines were listed as: Captain Thomas Crawford of Worcester Mass, and the following five Marines stationed in North Carolina- Staff Sgt. Timothy Witham, Master Gunnery Sgt. Alfred Gerich, Gunnery Sgt. James Sanders, Sgt. Ronald Moerbe, and Sgt. Darius Hill.

Two of the civilians arrested were identified as FFL dealers: Alton Laverne Sharpe Jr. manager of the Coach & Sons Military Surplus Store in Raeford, NC, and the manager of Classic Arms in Mount Pleasant, NC. No other names were available at presstime.

Defense Secretary William Cohen has announced a review of all US military security procedures regarding the storage and disposition of weapons, ammunition, parts, and munitions, requiring a report from each service branch in 30 days.

Surplus industry leaders feel that while this incident may inspire the US military to tighten up it’s security in an appropriate manner, stopping criminal activity, it will also be used as an excuse to further restrict the legitimate surplus sales of excess government property.

LEGAL ALERT TO CLASS 3 INTERESTED PEOPLE

SAR has been following an interesting series of events. The National Firearms Act Registry (NFRTR), which records the disposition of Title II firearms, is a mess. Many of our readers are aware of the Busey transcript, where the former Chief of the NFA Branch, BATF, was taped discussing how far off the records were. Since American citizens are prosecuted for having unregistered (Un-taxed) machine guns, and this Registry is the only record, it would stand to reason that the Registry must be impeccably kept.

Apparently this has not been the case. Allegations that the records are up to 40% inaccurate have been made, and have been demonstrated to this writer by Class 3 dealers who had undergone compliance inspections where their business records were perfect, but the printout from NFA Branch was way off base.

Eric Larson, a writer and investigator in regards to NFA firearms, has been hot on the trail of the imperfections in the Registry. In April of 1997, he testified before the House Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations (Which funds the ATF). (His testimony is available for $20 from the US Government Printing Office, Congressional Sales Office, Washington, DC 20515 Tel (202)-512-1808, Stock No, 552-070-20810-1). In his testimony, he reveals many discrepancies in the Registry, and calls for a full investigation. This investigation is in process right now. Allegations of destruction of records, as well as the documented testimony of one of the NFA Branch’s Specialists that several incidents had recently occurred where the transfer forms had been willfully shredded by ATF employees, were included in the testimony.

If you are interested in helping Congress dig deeper into this, in the interest of clarifying the status of the NFRTR, or you have information regarding discrepancies in the NFRTR, you can contact: The Honorable Dan Burton, Chairman, House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, 2157 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515. Tel (202)-225-5074 Fax (202)-225-3974.