World War I-era canteen with commercially made souvenir trench-art-style artwork. The canteen is made by the Worcester Pressed Aluminum Co., Worcester, Massachusetts, and is patent-dated May 4, 1915, with stopper. Highly detailed period artwork on both sides of the canteen commemorating the service of the 23rd Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Division. On one side in the center is the insignia of the 2nd Division of an Indian head within a star within a shield. Above the insignia are barbed wire and a shot-up German helmet with bullet holes. To the left and bottom reads: “23th [sic] Inf. Brig. 1918 and 2d Div.” To the right lists battle campaigns Verdun, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse–Argonne, Valmy and Beaumont-Hamel. The reverse reads: “Vive la France 1918” with images of a naked lady in stockings (ooh la la) holding a fan and a doughboy helmet with U.S. marked on the front, a shell burst over a couple of graves marked with crosses and a soldier in the prone position with hob-nail boots with a hand grenade and canteen on his belt firing a Lewis gun with spare pan magazine and spent cartridge cases laying nearby. All with excellent detail and superb artwork. 

Three spoons relating in theme to the Canadian Machine Gun Corps. The spoon on the left is an officer’s or NCO mess silver-plate spoon bearing the silver- and enamel-applied insignia of the Canadian Machine Gun Corps with the King’s crown atop crossed Vickers with an enameled banner below reading “C.M.G.C.” The rear is marked with a falcon head, EPNS and the maker’s name A.C. Brown. (EPNS stands for electroplated nickel silver. The flatware usually has a copper-zinc nickel alloy base that has a thin layer of silver plated to the top to yield a silver color making the spoon stylish and utilitarian.) The middle spoon is a sterling silver souvenir spoon with a sweetheart silver and enamel fitting to the top. The rear is hallmarked for Birmingham 1917 and maker-marked “J.A.R.” (J.A. Restall & Co.). The sterling silver teaspoon on the right shows the insignia of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa MG. The rear is maker-marked “A.C. Brown and Sterling.” 

U.S. veteran’s enameled lapel pin for the 7th Cavalry Machine Gun Company with the rare image of the Model 1909 Automatic Machine Rifle (Hotchkiss/ Benet-Mercie). The Model 1909 was used extensively along the Texas/Mexico border and in the Punitive Expedition in Mexico, 1916–1917, to chase Pancho Villa. The 7th Cavalry executed what is regarded as America’s last true Cavalry charge at the Battle of Guerrero in 1916. Button back. 

Russian headquarters banner for the 20th Automobile Machine Gun Platoon. This banner originates after the February 1917 revolution by the use of the red background. Made of thick red velvet material with white cotton stitching. The emblem of the Automobile Machine Guns was winged wheels with a horizontally mounted water-cooked Maxim machine gun above. Measures approximately 35×21 inches. 

Japanese commemorative discharge sake cup for a soldier in the 15th Infantry. The cup has gold kanji at the top denoting the 15th Infantry, the Imperial Army star and the image of the Type 11 light machine gun that was used extensively during the China campaign. Two raised pink cherry blossoms are below. The cup has a beautiful blue edging around the rim. 

Pre-World War I German Army reservist’s regimental porcelain stein. 0.5 liter standing approximately 11 inches tall. Named to reservist Private First Class Krieg. Marked along the bottom reads: “8.Bad.Inft.Regt.Nr. 169.Lahr. 1912–1914.” Along top of stein in large letters to the front reads in German, “Dauerfeur ist unser Gruls!” (“Full automatic fire is our greeting!”) Various markings around the side scenes translated from German read: “Whether on foot, whether on horse or behind cannon, we guard the home, hearth and the sovereign’s crown;” “The strongest of all armies can do nothing without us. The goddess of victory does not laugh until the machine guns roar;” “Where the machine guns crackle and sow death on death, we stand firm and watch the dawn of victory;” and “In remembrance of my service time.” The 8th Baden Infantry, Regiment No. 169, XIV Corps, 29th Division, 84th Brigade, was based in Lahr, Germany during this reservist’s time of service 1912–1914. 

Over the years, the Stoner military M16 rifle has evolved into many weapon configurations, more than any of the current military hardware in its class combined. A Personal Defence Weapon (PDW) is a unique breed of weapon that is both fascinating and intriguing. For decades, many of the leading AR weapon producers created countless variations of the AR in compact configurations, primarily of the CQB/SBR genre. This Personal Defence Weapon is smaller than the CQB type and definitely posed more challenge to the weapon engineer who has to extensively re-design the overall mechanics of the gun to create a functional pocket gun out of an AR platform. The main stumbling block in creating a true micro size AR is the recoil spring being housed inside the butt stock. This obstacle, however, was already solved a decade ago by ZM Weapons with their variation of the AR (LR300) featuring a metal folding stock and a shortened bolt carrier incorporating a forward extension that retains the recoil spring assembly, working in tandem with the original direct gas impingement system. The right to manufacture the LR-300 was acquired by Para-USA sometime in 2008 and lasted only for several years, with Para reverting back to making only their 1911 type pistol in 2013. Current AR PDW/CQB type models utilizing a short receiver extension are the Heckler & Koch 416C and Colt Sub Compact Weapon (SCW). H&K’s 416C stock pattern is reminiscent of the vintage M3 SMG dual metal telescoping stock design, while the Colt SCW has a more unique approach by combining a folding to a collapsible stock as a single unit. It is interesting to note that North Eastern Arms Group (NEAG), an AR manufacturer in Canada, also jumped onto the bandwagon in creating their own version of a telescoping style stock that appears to be strikingly similar to that of the H&K design, which they designated as the Compact Carbine Stock (CCS). The CSS stock is sold separately as an option. Ideally, creating a true mini AR-15 PDW would require a light compact folding stock (not telescoping) since you need at least 4 inches of receiver extension for the bolt carrier to recoil past the rear of the receiver. Another interesting recent development of a side folding AR is the Rock River Arms’ piston-driven system (PDS) model. The PDS features an ambidextrous cocking handle that is non- reciprocating. This particular design can be tailored to create a micro AR no longer than 16 inches overall with the stock folded with a six inch barrel. Although the Colt SCW stock design is a folding type in a sense, it still incorporated a receiver extension to accommodate the space required for bolt recoil and spring assembly, therefore; it is more likely that it is only about two inches shorter or less than a standard M4 stock when collapsed, really not much to gain.

The micro AR concept presented here is a PDW weapon system with emphasis on concealment, ergonomics and user friendliness. As a cal. .223 set-up, it can be employed as a very formidable personal defence weapon for undercover operatives, escorts for VIP’s or as a stake out gun for DEA agents. Although the AR platform and its mechanics are very suitable to handle smaller hi-velocity cartridges in the likes of 5.7×28 mm (FN-P90 PDW), 4.6mmx30 (H&K MP7A1 PDW), 6x35mm TSWG (KAC SR-635 PDW), it is best to stay with standard service ammo like the .223 for their accessibility and availability no matter where the mission in the world would be. The shortest .223 AR barrel that is readily available is somewhere between 7 and 7.5 inches and is offered by majority of AR-15 manufacturers. They vary in quality and prices. This also holds true with many brands of AR lower and upper receivers. To achieve the 15-16 inch overall length (stock folded) to fit in a standard size briefcase, a 6 inch barrel is ideal. Obviously, with the barrel being this short, there will be major drawbacks that must be addressed. This will include excessive muzzle blast, noise, flash and loss in velocity. However, this gun is not intended as a long range weapon but a pure close-range PDW. Having closely examined the advantages and disadvantages of the compact stock design features of H&K, Colt and NEAG, I feel that the original ZM Weapon and RRA PDS folding stock ARs still holds the edge when it comes to creating a super compact AR in PDW format in .223 caliber. Ultimately, the piston driven RRA with a 6 inch barrel utilizing an ACE folding mechanism mated to Mission First Tactical Minimalist polymer stock (to keep weight to bare minimum) is definitely as close to what my ideal full bore Micro AR should be. Back in the 70s and 80s, the most sought after battle rifle was not the AR but the M14 or the AK-47. I felt the same way after the M16 had earned a reputation as a jam-a-matic during parts of the Vietnam War. Although I have personally met its creator and almost became a part of ARES legacy, I never did any work on the AR or focused much attention to it, anticipating it would be replaced soon, that even Stoner himself was counting on his new FARC assault rifles as a possible replacement for the M16.

The AR is still here, better, more refined and sophisticated than ever before, thanks to all the gadgets and upgrades it has gone through over the years. As compared to decades ago, designing and building a prototype AR the way one would want it is not only a huge undertaking on the drawing board but a costly one trying to fabricate every part from scratch. Today, you can get virtually anything you need from the internet delivered right to your door step and all you have to do is put them together. If I have to create my ideal AR PDW, it will be extreme in size, really small. It must not exceed 16 inches with the stock folded with a 6 inch barrel. For mechanics, I highly favor the RRA PDS system. It has the AK-47 bolt carrier group working in harmony with the AR trigger group. I also like the ambidextrous side cocking handle that is non- reciprocating but will activate the carrier in the event of a misfire or ejection problem. Now, in order to keep the barrel length within my specs to meet the minimum OAL, the gas block must be made as an integral part of the muzzle device. The DPMS Levang linear compensator system can be incorporated here to address the muzzle blast concern from a very short barrel. This device directs all the noise away from the shooter through its front ports while its large expansion chamber helps control muzzle flip and felt recoil. Of course the choice between opting for the classic or flat top upper in this miniature gun is up to the builder. I choose the classic carry handle type for its originality and nostalgic appeal. Undoubtedly, the flat tops are more versatile with the capability to accommodate more sighting accessories than the vintage type. For the vintage upgrade, the YHM 4-rail mini-lightweight forearm with matching end cap is selected here. It’s well made, has a pretty matching end cap and priced accordingly. It’s perfect for mounting optics, laser, light and foregrip. The choice of BUIS and optics will depend on the operator and the amount of cash he or she is willing to spend.

Obviously, everyone has a different opinion when it comes to dressing up their favorite AR or AK. We all know the market is flooded with accessories when it comes to ARs, with no end in sight. A professional tactical gun builder has to have the vision on how to combine the right accessories for the type of weapon being built in order to be effective to the environment it is going to be deployed and must work in harmony with its operator. Prices of accessories always vary, depending on the maker and the quality of the product. Although many would say, the more expensive the part, the better it is. That is not necessarily true. Having seen and tested countless AR accessories over the years, made by some of the biggest names in the industry, I say there are quality products out there that are as good and less complicated than most of the super expensive weapon attire that are less bulky, lighter and simpler to install. I recently acquired several AR accessories from Mission First Tactical (MFT) after surfing the net trying to find other alternatives to the usual brands currently flooding the market. Needless to say, I am very pleased on how efficient and quick my order has arrived. The styling of MFT’s product line is quite original and distinctly space age in styling. They have heavy input from professional weapon operators from around the world. These superb accessories are designed and made in the USA. The company currently produces a wide array of accessories for the AR and AK. I picked their latest stock, the Minimalist, along with the MFT Engage pistol grip and React Torch Grip (RTG) for combined forward grip and illumination mount to outfit my PDW Extreme.

The Minimalist stock is being touted as the lightest stock in the market, weighing less than 6 ounces. When installed on the gun, you can hardly tell it’s there. The Minimalist is quite strong and can easily take a pounding and hard use. It is made of specially develop re-enforced super tough polyamide from DuPont’s military plastic division. The Minimalist is truly an outstanding design. I am particularly impressed with its simplicity, user-friendliness and fit to the extension tube – no rattle, no wiggle, just a perfect fit. Even the locking pin fits snug to the receiver extension index holes, something I found undersize on other brands causing excessive fore-and-aft play of the stock. This is as good as it will ever get, all without any extra fancy tightening gadget that may or may not work due to poor dimensional tolerance. The downward angle of the butt is so perfect that it works in harmony with the operator in super quick target acquisition once the gun is shouldered. The cheek weld is very comfortable with just the perfect width and angle that resulted in its streamlined format and good looks. Other brands with over-emphasized cheek welds are just too wide, bulky and heavy for my taste. Wide cheek welds sometimes can affect the natural aiming posture of the operator causing neck fatigue and slower reaction time aiming with BUIS. The Minimalist stock is available in both Mil-Spec and commercial sizes. The price of this stock is unbeatable at just $59.95 it’s a winner hands down. For those who prefer built-in compartment on their stocks, you may want to try their Battle Link Utility Stock (BUS).

The MFT AR-15/M16 pistol grip features a finger groove grip design that is complemented by an all-around textured surface with deep large serrations at the back assuring a very positive purchase with wet or gloved hands. Inside the grip is a water tight storage compartment with plug retention for one handed storage access. A customizable storage sled with quick access tab diminishes the rattle. The REACT Torch and vertical grip is another excellent innovation from MFT that really enhances the versatility of this micro AR in those shoot-no-shoot situations that may involve hostages being kept in dark rooms or poorly lit areas. I have tested similar accessories made by other big names in the industry that cost a lot more than the RTG but offer little real advantage. In fact, the RTG feels more comfortable in comparison because it is shaped more like a grip, not excessively long and not round like a post. Its front and back has deep groove textured gripping surface that helps eliminate hand slippage in wet conditions. The RTG can accommodate three sizes of light or laser with a diameter of .750, .825 and 1.000. An additional feature of the RTG included is a push button safety switch to prevent unintentional activation of the light source, a side mounted pressure pad well that allows activation for right handed shooters and a thumb activation switch for wireless operation. The quality and fit of these grips are superb and they fit to the gun and forearm perfectly. For those who prefer a folding type forward grip on their PDW, the Fab Defence FGGK-S is a very suitable alternate. It was developed primarily for the Glock pistol but adapts perfectly in this PDW set up. This two-position foregrip can be instantly transformed from vertical to horizontal with a push of a button.

Now, if I can only magically transform this concept gun into a lead breathing infidel tool to join the long list of Stoner inspired AR miniatures, I am quite sure it will serve well in the right hands. (WARNING: building this type of firearm in the United States will require registration as a Short-Barreled Rifle and payment of the $200 tax.)

For complete MFT product line, visit their website at (www.missionfirsttactical.com). Fab Defence products and other related accessories featured in the article are available from Brownell’s, Inc. (www.Brownells.com). In Canada from Wolverine Supplies (www.wolverinesupplies.com).

The story of the UTS 15 shotgun begins around 2006, when Smith & Wesson decided to explore expanding its line of shotguns with an unorthodox design based on improving the South African Neostead shotgun. At the time Smith & Wesson did not manufacture any of its shotguns in house; instead they utilized UTAS as an OEM and thus they turned to UTAS for the project as well. (As a sidenote, during this time, UTAS was also making shotguns for other U.S. brands like Savage-Stevens and Kimber.) UTAS obtained patent rights and samples of the Neostead shotgun from its designers. After initial evaluation UTAS decided to redesign the weapon completely, retaining its basic bullpup configuration and dual over-the-barrel magazines but create everything else from the ground up. All development work was carried out at the UTAS facility in Turkey. In 2008, Smith &Wesson withdrew from this project due to its internal problems while UTAS deciding to continue development of its new shotgun design under its own name.

Many would offer up the 12 gauge pump-action shotgun as the most utilitarian weapon option on the market. The operating standard for the tactical shotgun has been pump-action fed by a magazine tube located under the barrel since John Browning showed the way with the 1897. This is based on the 12 gauge pump-action shotgun’s simplicity, flexibility, reliability, price, and potency; especially considering ranges that typify law enforcement or home personal defense situations. Whatever the label, i.e. combat/tactical/self defense, shotguns can be had in various configurations ranging from double barrel, pump action, semiautomatic and for good measure even lever action. There have even been bolt action shotgun designs; none of these impinged on the pump action’s popularity based on reliability, ruggedness, able to handle a multitude of ammunition types, and ergonomics. The inherent flexibility of the shotgun, especially the pump-action, to digest a variety of cartridge types such as birdshot, slug, buckshot, non-lethal, low recoil or breaching is one of its greatest attributes.

The UTS 15’s bullpup profile immediately grabs one’s attention with its unique aesthetics. Attempts at finding the exact origin of the term Bullpup came up with nothing definitive with a favorite being that in British usage a “Bulldog” was a heavy caliber revolver firing a .45 caliber bullet from a snub nose barrel. They were based on the Webley Police Revolver for the Royal Irish Constabulary. As most know, British police did not normally carry guns. However, a British policeman in Ireland who did not have a gun was tempting fate, so they wanted a powerful, yet compact weapon they could fit under their uniform. It was called “Bulldog” because the archetypical British breed Bulldog has a snub nose, similar to a revolver with a short barrel. Therefore, the British who were early innovators of the modern form of the “Bullpup” rifle associated the earlier term “Bulldog” i.e. a shortened or abbreviated form of a handgun, with the same form for a rifle and thus the endearing term “Bullpup” is born. Or so the story goes…

Bullpup style weapons have always generated strong opinions both for and against with both sides putting forth a litany of reasons regarding the concept to support their position. Advocates claim that nothing more than pointless moribund traditionalism stifles Bullpup-style weapons from being adopted widespread with detractors denigrating Bullpup effectiveness to the point of challenging the basic raison d’être for the design. Bullpups are firearm configurations in which the action is located behind the trigger group in the space normally solely reserved for the stock. This permits at least 7 to 10 inch shorter firearm length for the same barrel length thus improving maneuverability, handling and reducing weight. The UTAS UTS 15 features a full length 18.5-inch barrel yet has an overall length less than 28 inches. The compact size disguises great capacity with two 7-round tube magazines nestled over the barrel offering 14+1 capacity with 2 3/4 inch shotgun shells. The UTS can also accommodate 3 inch 12 gauge shells.

We should guard against inherent conservatism that runs deep in the gun culture when first evaluating the UTS 15 and keep an open mind. While more familiar traditional pump-action manual of arms needs to be tweaked with the UTS 15, it is worth the training effort as it offers a significant increase in the shotgun’s capacity – always a knock against the design. A pivoting selector switch located behind the magazine tube’s loading area allows a user to select between left or right magazine tube. Each magazine contains up to 7 rounds and has its own loading port on the side of the gun, so each magazine can be loaded independently. The loading ports have covers offering generous access to load shotshells once pulled back. The UTS 15 is provided with a large hinged top opening cover, which also serves as a comb of the stock, to ensure fast and convenient access to the action to check if the chamber is loaded or to clear an occasional jam in case of a deformed round. The UTS 15 shotgun is fitted with a rubber buttplate and several sling attachment points. Since the UTS 15 has its magazines located on top of the barrel, there is plenty of space inside the sliding forend guide below the barrel. This space has been maximized by UTAS via proprietary laser/light combo unit. The laser offers point and shoot characteristics perfect for shotgun and the tactical light is crucial equipment for any tactical weapon.

UTAS’s decision to utilize the compact bullpup profile with the UTS 15 minimizes the expected front heavy feel when both magazine tubes are fully loaded as would be the case with a standard profile pump action shotgun. Loaded tube magazines located above the barrel aids in keeping the muzzle down during firing. Slots along the magazine tubes allow a user to visually inspect how many rounds are available. The UTS 15’s ejection port is located on the right side of the gun and has a hinged dust cover that opens up automatically when the action is cycled. Its barrel has a chrome-lined bore and is provided with internal removable chokes. An AR-15/M16 style manual safety is located on the left side of the pistol grip. The right side of the grip is reserved for controls for the optional built-in laser/light unit. Barrel locking is achieved by conventional rotary bolt with three lugs that lock directly into the barrel extension.

The UTS 15’s pump action proved smooth with a compact stroke. The pump release lever is located on the bottom of the buttstock and can be manipulated with either hand. A Picatinney rail runs along the top of the UTS 15 allowing for the mounting of a variety of sights. The AR style sights, especially with the large aperture selected, are similar to ghost ring sights commonly found on tactical shotguns. The sights proved proficient at placing slugs at a distance. Individual user preferences can be fully explored as to sight selection with red dot sight a consideration.

The eye opening and most unique feature of the UTAS UTS 15 is its compact Bullpup shape combined with two 7-round tube magazines above the barrel Range evaluations were twofold concentrating on determining if the dual tube magazines negatively impacted the UTS 15’s reliability in any way and if the Bullpup design magnified felt recoil. The UTS 15 weighs in at 7 pounds and has its own unique operational characteristics that need to be accepted for the most efficient use of the platform. The dual magazine tubes could be used to load certain types of shotgun ammunition in one side for breaching, for example, and then switch the selector to buckshot once through the door.

There is something re-assuring about the power of a shotgun for any close range engagement, which is what most civilians and LE face. The UTS 15 accentuates this feeling with its compact size yet higher than norm capacity. In terms of combat or personal defense, shotguns fire two primary types of shells – slugs or buckshot. This ability to handle different styles of projectiles is at the root of shotgun effectiveness and popularity with LE, military, and civilian users. (Many advocate the use of #7.5 or #8 birdshot in a shotgun for use in a home to limit any chance of over penetration. A column of birdshot at close range, such as across a room, is lethal due to not having time to disperse.)

The UTAS UTS 15 was tested with Hornady Critical Defense #00 buckshot (8-#00 pellets) and Federal Premium Personal Defense #00 buckshot (9 #00 pellets). Wolf and Winchester 1oz. slugs were utilized as well. Both slug loads were designed for hunting but work fine in any role including defense. Slugs leave the muzzle between 1,300-1,600 fps depending on particular manufacturer producing over 2,500 ft/lbs of energy and offer a ballistic track of +3 inches at 50 yards to give a 100 yard zero. The Hornady Critical Defense and Federal Premium buckshot loads utilize special wads for tighter buckshot patterns – thus longer effective range. Tighter patterns translate into more potent performance at ranges thought unrealistic for buckshot effectiveness. Low recoil Winchester and Federal buckshot and slug loads were also employed in testing the UTS 15. This is another advantage of the pump action in that a user or department does not have to worry about low recoil shotgun cartridges functioning with a pump action as compared to a semiautomatic action.

The UTS 15 generated a spread of 2-6 inches at 10 yards with the Federal and Hornady buckshot loads. This indicates that a shotgun must be aimed to ensure accurate shot placement. Both buckshot loads’ spread increased to 12-18 inches out to 30 yards. The UTS 15 with the Hornady Critical Defense 12 gauge #00 and Federal Personal Defense #00 was able to place four to five pellets on IPSC style silhouette targets out to 45yards. This is unheard of performance with standard buckshot loads.

Supplementing the standard slugs for testing with the UTS 15 was the innovative Winchester PDX 1 12ga loading combining a 1 ounce slug and three-#00 pellets. The Winchester PDX 1 12ga loads stretch preconceived 12ga lethality notions even further with its combination of slug and buckshot. Range testing of the Winchester PDX 1 raised eyebrows with its performance combining the best of both worlds for the combat shotgun – 100 yard slug single projectile performance and 15-20 inch buckshot pattern spread out to 30 yards with one of the holes being made by the 1oz slug. The Winchester PDX 1 had the same accuracy as dedicated slug only loads, 3 inch groups at 50 yards, with added benefit of three-#00 buckshot pellets allowing for shotgun multi-projectile performance. If only one load is possible for use in a combat shotgun, the Winchester PDX 1 may very well be it. It has the ability to eliminate the need for transitioning between buckshot and slug loads; thus eliminating the need for the infamous “switch to slug” drills employed in many training seminars.

The UTAS UTS 15 is all business with its matte black receiver, Bullpup rear stock, enlarged barrel with dual tube magazines resting above the barrel, and tactical light/laser the forend. The use of AR aperture sights take nothing away from the UTS 15’s pointability and quick shot placement required from a shotgun as numerous thrown clay targets were destroyed while testing at Echo Valley Training Center. The shotgun’s popularity is derived from the ability to hit targets at moderate ranges better than any other weapon with its cone of firepower via the numerous projectiles it can send downrange with a single trigger pull. The firing of 15 rounds of #00 buckshot translates into 135 projectiles sent downrange in a few seconds. The combat shotgun’s utility should not be doubted or held in disdain once its role is understood. Yes, the smaller individual buckshot pellets are comparable to a small caliber handgun in wounding potential, but multiple projectiles increase the likelihood of more hits and damage.

Typical of most pump-action shotguns, the UTS 15 proved simple, effective and reliable. The UTS 15 has received mixed reviews on the various internet forums and video channels. Near 250 rounds of various loads were fired in this T&E, including light birdshot, without issue. Range time consisted of the patterning described above along with other exercises trying to get a better appreciation of how the UTS 15 shotgun handles and performs. Drills involving moving between barricades engaging shoot and no-shoot targets were handled without issue. Yes, a shotgun can be viewed as limited in terms of range, but this is not necessarily a liability for civilians, LE and certain missions in the military where range is not an issue with a premium put on CQB stopping power. Range testing proved the UTAS UTS 15 is not a fad or conversation piece, but a workable solution to many of the negatives associated with the 12 gauge pump-action tactical shotgun.

UTAS USA

1247 Rand Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 768-1011
www.utas-usa.com

The PPSh 41 was an effective weapon well suited to the Soviet’s massed infantry assault tactics, but the submachine gun was heavy and although relatively simple in construction a new weapon was needed that could be produced faster and cheaper. The PPSh 41 was deemed satisfactory for the infantry, but a more compact design was needed for tank crewmen and troops whose function was to support the infantry. However, the primary consideration was for a weapon that required less raw materials and labor hours to manufacture. In 1942, as the German invasion troops were advancing across Russia, Soviet weapon designers were faced with developing a submachine gun that was lighter, had a slower cyclic rate than the PPSh 41, and was fabricated primarily from pressed sheet metal.

As early as February of 1942, several prototype submachine guns were submitted by Valsiliy Degtyarev, Georgiy Shpagin, Aleksey Sudaev, Sergey Korovin and Nikolay Rukavishnikov. Georgiy Shpagin, the designer of the PPSh 41, submitted an updated version of that weapon designated as the PPSh 42. Shpagin’s new weapon was a simplified version of his PPSh 41. A rectangular-shaped receiver was fabricated from pressed steel. Like Sudaev’s PPS-43 design, the recoil spring guide was used to eject spent cartridge cases. The PPSh 42 had a wooden or metal folding buttstock that was detachable and a rear pistol grip. A short sheet metal ventilated shroud covered a portion of the barrel to serve as a foregrip. The barrel was fitted with a protected front sight and muzzle compensator. Sling attachment points were spot-welded to the left side of the barrel shroud and receiver. The PPSh 42 submachine gun was fed from a 35 round box magazine and only capable of full-automatic fire with a cyclic rate of approximately 600 rounds per minute. During testing, the PPSh 42 was found to have many flaws: the method of attaching the stock was fragile, it had excessive weight, and the weapon had poor accuracy.

None of the designs submitted were acceptable. Work resumed and a second trial was scheduled for April. Of all the weapons tested, the Sudaev entry proved superior, although some improvements were necessary before the weapon could be considered for production. Another trial was scheduled for July 1942. Sudaev’s weapon successfully passed the testing and was ordered to be placed in series production immediately. On 28 July, Sudaev’s submachine gun was adopted as the PPS-42. The manufacture of the weapon required 13.7 pounds of steel and only 2.7 machine hours, less than half of that required for fabrication of the PPSh 41 submachine gun. Production was initially assigned to the Voskov Instrument Factory in Sestroretsk, using a double-diamond logo with a letter B in the center. As the German army was advancing, the plant was relocated to Leningrad. The situation was chaotic, Leningrad was under siege as the factory was being reorganized, and at the same time new tooling and gages were being designed and fabricated so production could begin. The Kulakov factory in Leningrad was another company that produced a large number of PPS-43 submachine guns. The Kulakov factory symbol was an upward pointing arrow with a horizontal line at the bottom, inside of a triangle. A third manufacturer was Scetmach in Moscow, marking their weapons with a letter C. Other factories contributing to production of the PPS-43 included: the Tbilisi Instrument Factory, the Tbilisi Train Factory, and Artel Primus, Leningrad. One known magazine manufacturer was the Leningrad Metal Factory. After an extraordinary effort working around the clock, the first PPS weapons were delivered in early 1943.

While often overshadowed by its predecessor, the iconic PPSh 41 submachine gun, the PPS-43 was considered a superior weapon by the Soviets. Primarily as a result of the rush into production, many problems were encountered with the manufacturing methods resulting in the PPS-42 weapon being less than reliable in the field. Sudaev went to work to further improve his original design, which was adopted and designated as the PPS-43 model. The PPS-43 was lighter and shorter in length.

After the adoption of the PPS-43, the PPSh 41 remained in production. Rather than waste time and resources to retool the factories for the PPS 43, the Soviets realized that more submachine guns could be produced if both weapons were produced simultaneously.

The Soviet PPS-43 is a 7.62x25mm, full-automatic only weapon that fires from an open bolt. The cyclic rate is approximately 600 rounds per minute, nearly half of that of its predecessor the PPSh 41. The safety lever was located inside the trigger guard on early models and could lock the bolt in a forward or rear position. On later production the safety lever was moved to the right side of the trigger guard. The bolt handle is a simple tab that is on the right side of the receiver. The recoil spring guide rod also serves as a spent case ejector. The 10-inch, 4-groove chromium lined barrel is pressed and pinned into the receiver. The barrel is enclosed in a shroud that is an integral part of the receiver. A muzzle compensator is riveted onto the end of the shroud. The metal stock is unlocked by depressing a button on top of the receiver. The buttplate is also hinged and is folded when the stock is positioned on top of the receiver. A pistol grip is fitted, which aids in controlling the weapon. The rear sight has two-leaves graduated for 100 and 200 meters; the sight is well protected from damage by side ears. The front sight is a protected post that can be adjusted for elevation and drifted left or right to adjust windage. The magazine release is at the rear of the magazine well, and is protected by a shroud to prevent accidental release of the magazine. Two sling attachment points are located on the left side. Many of the features of the PPS-43 were borrowed from the earlier submachine gun designs of I.K. Bezruchko-Vysotsky. Using many innovative features from other designs has always been a practice of weapon designers. One of the keys to designing a successful weapon is to study previous designs and learn what worked and what did not. The double stack, double feed 35-round magazine is an improvement over the single-feed PPSh design. The PPS magazine is much easier to load and more reliable. The PPS-43 was not designed for a drum magazine.

Although a number of Communist nations used the PPS-43, only the Soviet Union, China and Poland are known to have manufactured the weapon. There were very few deviations from the original Soviet pattern other than receiver markings and the pattern of the pistol grips. The Soviet made PPS-43 weapons generally can be identified by a Cyrillic letter C (representing a letter S) molded on the grips. Chinese plastic grips will have a diamond or letter K on their grip panels. Polish plastic grips have no markings. All of the plastic grip panels had a checkered surface to provide a slip-free surface.

Poland was licensed to manufacture the Soviet PPS-43 design in 1950 as the Pistolet Maszynowy wz.43. The submachine gun was a very close copy of the PPS-43, with the original Soviet pattern folding metal buttstock. Factory markings were on top of the receiver consisting of a number inside of an oval. Known manufacturers of the weapons were: HCP Hipolit Cegielski, in the city of Poznan; a few prototypes were marked with the HCP logo but switched over to an encircled number 6 logo during production. The HCP plant was briefly renamed as the Joseph Stalin Metal Works from 1953-56, before reverting back to its original name. Other manufacturers included the Zaklady Metalowe im. gen. Waltera, Radom, using an encircled number 11, and Huta Baildon, Katowice marked with an encircled number 12. PPS-43 submachine guns were also made at the Polish magazine factory Zaklady Metalowe Wifama in Lódz, marked with the encircled 53 factory code. In 1952, a new model, designated as the 43/52, was fitted with a fixed wooden buttstock. The 43/52 variation was only manufactured at the HCP plant.

The People’s Republic of China manufactured a copy of the PPS-43 from 1953 to 1956 designated as the Type 54. The Type 54 was manufactured in several Chinese arsenals. The receivers were marked “replica 43 model” in Chinese characters, date of manufacture and serial number.

Though production was limited, Hungary made a variant of the PPS-43 called the 53M.

The Soviet PPS-43 and copies manufactured in Communist countries were chambered for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge, which was originally developed in 1929 for the Tokarev pistol. The cartridge case is a bottleneck design with a bullet weight of approximately 85.8 grains. The lightweight bullet has a muzzle velocity of approximately 1,492 feet per second. Early Soviet production used brass cases, however because of brass being a critical material in wartime; around 1942 the case material was changed to steel with a painted or copper washed finish to protect the cases from corrosion. To conserve material the bullet was later redesigned with a mild steel core surrounded by a lead envelope, the bullet jackets were steel, clad with gilding metal.

Finland designed and adopted their M/44 submachine gun, which was a Sudaev PPS-43 copy chambered in 9mm, and able to accept the Finnish Suomi drum magazine, the 35-round box magazine and the 50-round duplex “coffin” magazine.

Another lesser known copy was the DUX 53 (Latin for leader) submachine gun manufactured in Spain. The DUX 53 was chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. The DUX 53 was an almost identical copy of the Finnish M/44, and used the same box and drum magazines. In 1954, the weapon was adopted by the West German Border Guards- the Bundesgrenzschutz BGS. The DUX 53 was followed by the DUX 59 model that was developed by Anschütz in Germany. The DUX 59 had a few changes and upgrades, most of which were copied from other designs. The recoil spring was changed to an enclosed telescoping configuration like that used in the German World War II MP40. The trigger frame of the DUX 59 was reinforced on the sides of the magazine well, preventing the use of the drum or duplex magazine. A sliding safety lever was relocated above the pistol grip on the left side, and the folding metal buttstock was reinforced. A new curved magazine was developed for improved feeding. The DUX 59 was under development for many years, but basically it was a World War II design. The weapon was evaluated, but not adopted by the German military.

PPS-43

Folding stock
Overall length: 32.25/24.25
Barrel length: 10-inches
4-groove barrel
Loaded weight: 8.65 pounds
Magazine capacity: 35 rounds
Cyclic rate: 600 rounds per minute
Full automatic only

Obama Bans Re-Import of U.S. Origin Firearms

The firearms industry has known for the last four years that an import ban was on the horizon, and now the first of what may be several has arrived as Obama issued an executive action banning almost all re-imports of military surplus firearms.

The move follows Obama’s largely tooth-less executive actions issued January 16th, during which the industry expected some sort of import ban, particularly on over 10-round capacity magazines to be issued. Obama takes credit for now doing “something,” as Congress has failed to pass new gun or magazine bans.

Additionally, seeking a weak spot domestically, Obama has placed new restrictions on the ability of some in acquiring National Firearms Act arms.

One big stumbling block for many unlicensed individuals to acquiring an NFA firearm has been to obtain a local chief law enforcement official’s (CLEO) signature on their federal acquisition/registration paperwork. This is a relic of the 1930s and asks the local CLEO to sign that he doesn’t know anything that would make the transfer illegal to the applicant. FFL’s can pay a Special Occupational Tax and thus avoid the need for a CLEO signature.

Seizing on the public and press confusion and lack of knowledge on the content of federal firearms law, along with ATF’s refusal to set the record straight about the on-going efforts they were involved in to end the antiquated CLEO requirement and replace it with modern checks, Obama is free to put over another con job. The White House issued its announcement that Obama has “closed a loophole to keep some of the most dangerous guns out of the wrong hands.”

“Current law places special restrictions on many of the most dangerous weapons, such as machine guns and short-barreled shotguns. These weapons must be registered, and in order to lawfully possess them, a prospective buyer must undergo a fingerprint-based background check,” the announcement correctly reads.

“However, felons, domestic abusers, and others prohibited from having guns can easily evade the required background check and gain access to machine guns or other particularly dangerous weapons by registering the weapon to a trust or corporation. At present, when the weapon is registered to a trust or corporation, no background check is run. ATF reports that last year alone, it received more than 39,000 requests for transfers of these restricted firearms to trusts or corporations.” the release reads.

However, it is unlikely that a hardened criminal is going to go through all that is required in setting up a trust or a corporation and then wait 3 to 6 months or more to acquire an outrageously expensive NFA firearm. This is political posturing at its worst, and simply impedes the transfer process.

The release continues, the “ATF is issuing a new proposed regulation to close this loophole. The proposed rule requires individuals associated with trusts or corporations that acquire these types of weapons to undergo background checks, just as these individuals would if the weapons were registered to them individually. By closing this loophole, the regulation will ensure that machine guns and other particularly dangerous weapons do not end up in the wrong hands.”

While at press time this proposed regulation had not yet been released, if trusts or corporations seeking to acquire these types of firearms must get a local CLEO signature on their paperwork, this will unnecessarily constrict civilian ownership of NFA arms in some areas, and unduly burden police departments liable for performing signature services. It is unknown at present what “background checks” actually will entail.

Import Gun Ban

When the United States provides military firearms to its allies, either as direct commercial sales or through the foreign military sales or military assistance programs, those firearms may not be imported back into the United States without U.S. government approval. Since 2005, the U.S. Government has authorized requests to re-import more than 250,000 of these firearms.

However, the Obama Administration has announced a new policy of denying requests to bring military-grade firearms back into the United States to private entities, with only a few exceptions such as for museums. The White House justifies this new policy by saying it “will help keep military-grade firearms off our streets.”

In regard to this new initiative, the F.A.I.R. Trade Group, which represents importers, noted, “Pursuant to this new policy, the State Department is denying the Korean request to retransfer M1 Garands to U.S. importers. Pay close attention to this, because the reason for denial is that M1 Garands are “military-grade” firearms.

“The White House’s careful word choice of “military grade” must not be overlooked. This is an undefined term, and as is evident with the M1 Garands, there could be no limit to what constitutes a “military-grade” firearm. Consequently, this is likely the first step in restricting importation of other firearms into the US.

This is a direct assault on the firearms import trade, collectors and enthusiasts, and it has nothing to do with curbing crime. We urge you to immediately contact your representatives in the House and the Senate and voice your opposition to this unilateral and unjustified action taken by the President.”

Background

As noted herein, this action will effectively ban the importation into the United States of all U.S.-origin curio and relic rifles. This ban will make it impossible to import historically relevant rifles such as the M1 Garand. This action reinstitutes a presumptive denial policy that was in effect during the Clinton Administration.

U.S. law generally prohibits the importation of U.S.-origin surplus military firearms. The law does, however, carve out an exception for those firearms that qualify as curios or relics. A firearm will qualify as a curio or relic if (1) it was manufactured at least 50 years earlier than the current date; (2) it was certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum that exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; or (3) it derives a substantial part of its monetary value because it is novel, rare, bizarre or associated with a historical figure, period, or event.

Following the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) through the early 1980s, the GCA did not permit the importation of historical military surplus firearms. In the 1980s, however, Congress enacted 18 USC § 925 (e) to permit the importation of curio or relic firearms. Despite the change in law, the Department of State continued to enforce a policy opposing the importation of U.S.-origin curios or relics. During the 1990s, the Clinton Administration continued the presumptive denial policy against the importation of U.S. origin curios or relics. Finally, in the early 2000s, an appropriations amendment passed that prohibited the use of any funds to pay expenses to deny any application what was submitted to ATF or import U.S.-origin curio or relic firearms. In 2005, during the Bush Administration, the Department of State advised ATF that it had changed its policy of presumptive denial to one of approval (which in practice has been selective approval). This announcement by the White House reverses that approval policy and reinstitutes the presumptive denial policy that plagued the importing and collecting community through 2005.

The announcement stifles the ability of licensed importers to import into the United States the M1 Garand rifles that had been approved at all levels in the Federal government for importation, but were awaiting the White House’s approval. Now we know the answer from the White House.

Double-Standard

In fact, the U.S. government, through a separate quasi-government program, known as the Civilian Marksmanship Program, is doing exactly what licensed importers are not allowed to do. How’s that for a double-standard?

Many of these firearms are obsolete, or antique, and are pieces of history that should not be treated as “crime guns.” In fact, they are not currently “military-grade” as described in the White House’s fact sheet. These guns are over 50 years old and are in no way a threat to the safety of the general public.

As stated herein, the Department of Defense already brings in large quantities of M1 Garand rifles for the Civilian Marksmanship Program, without obtaining any Department of State or ATF approval. This executive action threatens access to these firearms by the more than 60,000 federally licensed collectors, and millions of American consumers, who actively pursue these historic collectibles. Many of these individuals are World War II and Korean War veterans, for whom these firearms have significant sentimental and patriotic value. For little practical reason, this executive action would eliminate veterans’ access to these firearms.

However, a legislation fix is at hand. The Collectible Firearms Protection Act, H.R. 2247. This Act, reintroduced this year by Representative Cynthia Lummis (WY), would amend the Arms Export Control Act to permit curio and relic firearms to be imported into the United States by a licensed importer, without obtaining authorization from the Department of State or the Department of Defense.

Jones Sworn In As ATF Permanent Director

B. Todd Jones received the ceremonial oath–of–office as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) administered by Vice President Joe Biden August 29th, at the White House. With his confirmation, Jones becomes the agency’s first permanent director in seven years.

Jones has served as the acting ATF director since being appointed to the post on August 31, 2011. While serving as the acting director of ATF, Jones was also the United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota, a post he held since August 7, 2009. Jones served as both ATF Acting Director and U.S. Attorney until his confirmation as ATF Director.

In fiscal year 2012, ATF says it recommended 17,366 defendants for prosecution resulting in 7,210 convictions but these were not necessarily all firearms cases. However, as Jones himself has confirmed, the Justice Dept. rarely prosecutes straw buyers. Of 48,321 cases involving straw buyers, the Justice Dept. prosecuted only 44 of them — saying that “hard decisions” to prosecute were made based on “limited resources.” Jones has also acknowledged that as the U.S. attorney in Minnesota, he never prosecuted anyone accused of being a straw buyer.

Also in 2012, ATF industry operations investigators conducted 13,100 federal firearms licensee inspections and 5,390 federal explosives licensee inspections.

Democrats Propose Taxing Civil Right Out of Existence

A pair of Democratic lawmakers are proposing steep new taxes on handguns and ammunition, and tying the revenues to programs aimed at preventing gun violence.

Called the “Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act,” the bill sponsored by William Pascrell, D-N.J., and Danny Davis, D-Ill., would nearly double the current 11 % tax on handguns, while raising the levy on bullets and cartridges from 11 to 50 %.

“This bill represents a major investment in the protection of our children and our communities, and reflects the long-term societal costs of gun and ammunition purchases in our country,” Pascrell said.

The two say the bill would generate $600 million per year, which would be used to fund law-enforcement and gun violence prevention, the two say as they try to mask its true purpose – confiscatory taxation.

The bill would also increase the transfer tax on all weapons covered under the National Firearms Act (which excludes most common guns) from $200 to $500 and index to inflation and increase the transfer tax for any other weapons from $5 to $100.

Davis, who represents a portion of Chicago that has been ravaged by gun violence in recent years, said money raised from the new taxes will go to good use.

“This legislation is a pro-active approach to reducing gun violence by using proven preventive programs which have been starved for funds until now,” Davis said. “As part of a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy to reduce gun violence, this legislation closes major loopholes in tax law and lays out an equitable, long term, sustainable strategy to provide the requisite resources.”

ATF Authorizes Electronic Filing of AFMER Forms – ATF Rul. 2012 – 3

ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure to the requirement that licensees submit a form containing certain required record information. Specifically, licensed manufacturers may submit the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER) ATF Form 5300.11, electronically using ATF eForms, provided all conditions set forth in this ruling are met.

The manufacturer may now obtain through the Internet, electronic copies of submitted ATF Forms 5300.11, which can be printed and preserved as documentation of compliance with the filing requirement. FFL’s can register on the ATF website (atfonline.gov) to get access to the forms.

ATF Authorizes Electronic Filing of Forms 6 – Part 1 & Form 6a ATF Rul. 2013 – 1

To register to use the eForms system, licensees must access the ATF website at atfonline.gov and obtain a unique user ID and password. Applicants may also continue to use the paper forms.

CDC Report Finding Disputes Obama’s Rhetoric

Tasked by the Obama administration “to research the causes and prevention of gun violence,” the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) delivered a report in June that has been largely ignored by the media and certainly does not advance the president’s gun-control agenda. Coming as it does from the CDC, reading that, “Almost all national survey estimates indicate that defensive gun uses by victims are at least as common as offensive uses by criminals.”

In-Person Firearms Disposition to Foreign Purchasers In Airports

ATF advises that FFL arrangements of exportation of firearms and ammunition through an in-person disposition to foreign purchasers at the airline ticket counter of international airports violates the Gun Control Act.

The typical scenario involves an FFL bringing a firearm to the airport ticket counter where the foreign purchaser is waiting to check in baggage for an out-bound flight. The firearm is then either checked in its own shipping case or inserted by the FFL or an airline employee into the foreign purchaser’s baggage. The FFL has usually obtained the required export license and approval from the U.S. Dept of State. Neither a Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473, nor a NICS check is completed by the FFL in connection with the transaction.

Delivering and disposing of a firearm to a foreign purchaser at the airport without completing an ATF Form 4473 or conducting a NICS check would violate 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(3), (b)(5), (m), and (t), and 27 CFR. §§ 478.102, .121©, and .124(a). Because the purchaser has lawful authority and control over his/her baggage, it makes no difference whether the FFL enlists the aid of an airline employee to act as an intermediary in taking the firearm from the FFL without the foreign purchaser ever actually handling the firearm. Even after check-in, the foreign traveler may request and retrieve his or her baggage containing the firearm prior to a flight.

Circumstances may also arise preventing the purchaser from travelling, and the baggage holding the firearm would be returned to the foreign visitor. Likewise, it makes no difference whether the firearm is inserted into the purchaser’s baggage or kept in a separate container, because both would constitute baggage of the foreign purchaser.

Further, if the foreign purchaser is legally present in the U.S. on a tourist or other non-immigrant visa, the sale or disposition of the firearm and/or ammunition would be unlawful under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(5)(B), unless the person falls within one of the exceptions listed in 18 U.S.C. § 922(y)(2). Additionally, it is unlawful under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(9) for a non-licensee who does not reside in the U.S. to receive any firearms unless such receipt is for lawful sporting purposes.

Proper Procedure to Follow

However, an FFL acting as an exporter may lawfully complete an export transaction at the airport consistent with the GCA. The proper procedure would be for the FFL, consistent with the airline’s freight policy, to deliver the gun or ammo directly to the airline as freight to be sent by the FFL to the foreign purchaser. The airline would then ship or transport (i.e. export) the firearm on behalf of the FFL to the purchaser outside the U.S. Since the gun and/or ammo being sent would be under the exclusive direction and control of the FFL exporter, this procedure would not result in an unlawful disposition at the airport.

Kansas Gun Act Superseded by Federal Law

The passage of the Kansas Second Amendment Protection Act effective April 25, 2013 does not exempt Kansas licenses from fulfilling their federal obligations, notes Debra Satkowiak, chief, ATF Firearms & Explosives Industry Division.

The Act exempts personal firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition manufactured in the state of Kansas, and that remain in Kansas, from federal regulation.

ATF maintains that federal law supersedes the Act, and accordingly all provisions of the Gun Control Act and National Firearms Act, continue to apply.

In pertinent part, federal law requires a license to engage in the firearms or ammunition manufacturing business, or to deal in firearms, and the 4473 form must be filled out, the NICS check conducted, etc., etc. even if the firearms or ammunition remain within the same state.

These requirements, as well as other federal requirements and prohibitions, continue to apply whether or not the firearms or ammunition have crossed state lines.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

What long arm is typically found in the hands of civilian or even law enforcement in a potential personal defense encounter? Notice the use of the term “long arm” in the question. One would have to wager a shotgun is the most likely candidate. This is based on the shotgun’s simplicity, flexibility, reliability, price, and potency; especially considering ranges that typify personal defense situations. Yes, a shotgun can be viewed as limited in terms of range, but this is not necessarily a liability for civilians, LE and certain missions in the military where range is not an issue with a premium put on CQB stopping power.

The shotgun is a victim of its own reputation at times. Proponents speaking from what can be only labeled as ignorance would have you believe the shotgun is automatic death no matter the range with the weapon only needing pointing in the general direction of its intended target. Based on the above, gaining solid training and understanding it weaknesses and strengths is crucial. The misconceptions that the mere sound of a pump action’s slide being worked will send adversaries scurrying away needs dispelled. On the other side, detractors will label the shotgun as an outdated weapon that is only viable within 30 yards and has no ability to influence tactical situations beyond. The truth is somewhere in between as evident by the staying power of the shotgun in the law enforcement patrol cruiser and civilian go to weapon.

Recent attendance in a Graham Combat Shotgun course assisted in re-evaluating the shotgun. This was the third training experience with Matt Graham. It is rare indeed to attend numerous classes from the same trainer and yet feel like each is an entirely new experience. This is a credit to Graham’s method of instruction. Graham is imminently adaptable with total command of subject and breadth of experience to back it up. He does not impose a rigid syllabus on attendees playing only to his strengths; rather during his introduction he asks each student what they want out of the class. He then strives to provide this over a long day of training that spans 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. An important part of performing effectively in a tactical setting is an understanding of the basics of weapon manipulation and tactics. Graham goes to great lengths to explain this. Matt’s nuanced way of instruction extends all the way to the way he lists his courses on his website. He provides an overview of the course with little listed in terms of specific gear to use. This provides the student with an initial exercise of prioritizing what to bring to fulfill course. Graham thrives on adapting to environment and situation and wants to inculcate this as much as possible to his students.

Matt’s credentials, the ones he can report publically, lend legitimacy to his methods. Graham is a former police officer in Washington state and recipient of that state’s Medal of Honor. He served as a Federal Air Marshal being inspired to join the force after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Matt’s current “day job” is as a private contractor providing firearms and tactical instruction for the Department of Defense. He teaches many of the best operators in the world in small arms, tactics and combat mindset. Matt is not that well known outside of law enforcement and military training circles due to his 200 plus days of working for the Department of Defense. Thankfully, he has decided to expand into the private sector.

Graham Combat’s philosophy stresses the importance of mindset. Matt constantly emphasizes that an aggressive mindset supported by solid training is the key in surviving hostile encounters. Maxims such as shoot until the target is down illustrate this. Matt’s instruction technique is flexible allowing for analysis of a class’s strengths and weaknesses with extra attention to correcting weaknesses.

He treats each class as an opportunity to teach as much as possible to the attending students. Matt takes pride in addressing things that other courses overlook or assume as known. His demeanor of instantly embracing a class as a “band of brothers” puts everyone at ease allowing a smooth flow of information. This same demeanor hides an almost obsessive attention to detail methodology of instructing; this approach of building a solid skill set is so craftily done that the student is often unaware of it until a training exercise puts it to the test.

A word about gear used during the course. A fast paced course such as Graham Combat’s Shotgun Course is a great proving ground not only for the individual, but also for firearms and ancillary equipment. A failure with your weapon, shotgun in this case, only takes away from the learning experience. Based on this, it was chosen to bring a Mossberg 590A1 14 inch SBS and custom Saiga S12.

The Mossberg M590A1 is a pump-action 12 gauge combat shotgun with an alloy receiver, a bayonet lug and ghost-ring style sights on request. The 14-inch barrel Mossberg used in the Graham course did not possess the bayonet lug feature. The receiver of the M590A1 is of aircraft aluminum with the bolt locking into a steel barrel extension. The weapon is designed to facilitate maintenance under field conditions, with easy access to internal components. It has a removable end cap, spring and follower on the magazine for straight-through cleaning, and barrel removal is simple for detailed cleaning and maintenance. The receiver mounted safety is convenient for right or left-handed shooters; simply push the button forward and you’re ready to fire. In addition, the Mossberg 590A1 features an anti-jam elevator for reliable feeding and dual extractors for positive shot shell extraction/ejection.

The Mossberg 590A1 as it arrived had a generous recoil pad mounted on the “Speedfeed” stock. 12 gauge recoil is stout and anyone telling you different should be scrutinized. While recoil is not prohibitive and one gets accustomed to it, anything that reduces a combat shotgun’s recoil without effecting weapon handling should seriously be considered by anyone who spends time training or deploying the combat shotgun in the field. The BlackHawk’s Knoxx SpecOps recoil reducing stocks was chosen to mitigate recoil. It solves two of the biggest problems facing shotgun users – recoil and length-of-pull adjustability.

The Knoxx SpecOps incorporates two separate recoil-reduction devices. One system in the pistol grip that absorbs the majority of the recoil energy and a second one in the buttstock handles the rest. With the SpecOps stock the majority of the recoil is removed by the mechanism located inside the pistol grip, so there is no pain to the shooters hand or shoulder. BlackHawk literature states an 85% reduction in perceived felt recoil along with limiting muzzle climb allows faster follow-up shots if warranted or more than one adversary is encountered. The SpecOps is adjustable from a minimum of 11.25 inches to a maximum of 15.25 inches by pressing a lever and pulling or pushing the stock to the desired length a la the familiar AR-style collapsible buttstocks. This adjustability enables a better fit to individual shooters and adaptability if tactical vests or body armor are employed. The butt plate of the stock is highly textured to improve shooter control when the shotgun is mounted to the shoulder. The SpecOps stock comes with a sling swivel stud installed at the toe of the butt. In addition, there are two alternate sling mounting locations along with a slot through the stock to install a web sling. Only comment found worthy of making is that it would be nice if the Knoxx stock had provision for utilizing a single point sling in lieu of a two-point type.

Another modification made to the Mossberg 590A1 was the addition of a Surefire weapon light forend; specifically the 621LF model due to the shorter 14 inch barrel and resultant shorter forend tube. Beware to specify the Surefire single battery light module as the double battery light assembly protrudes past the Mossberg’s muzzle negating the purpose of going the 14-inch barrel SBS route. The Surefire forend improves upon the Mossberg’s utility. It features a high-efficiency LED emitter that is virtually immune to failure since there’s no filament to burn out or break. Maximum output is 80 lumens, and it continues producing tactical-level light for over three hours. There are two separate switches integrated into the forend: a momentary-on pressure pad switch on the right side and a constant-on rocker switch on the left side. A molded-in polymer high-friction pad enhances grip in wet or cold conditions. The Mossberg 590A1’s pump action is simple, effective, and reliable. The manual pump-action operation allows for use of any ammunition type spanning the gamut from low brass shotshells to specialty breaching rounds.

The second shotgun used at the Graham Shotgun course was a Saiga S12 shotgun. The Saiga shotgun is modified to meet import requirements via sporter stock with no pistol grip. The heart of the Saiga shotgun is an AK operating system. The process to modify the Saigas back into the more familiar AK profile, albeit with much larger hole in the barrel, is well known and relatively straight forward process involving moving trigger guard forward to make room for pistol grip, replacing fire control group, and installing AK-type stock of choice. The Saiga S12 is all business with its 18-inch barrel, foldable rear stock, SAW-type pistol grip, and black synthetic forearm giving an overall length of 40.5 inches weighing 7.5 pounds empty. A Krebs safety lever is fitted to the S12 that features a manual bolt hold open notch in an effort to provide one possible solution to the Saiga magazine change conundrum.

The Saiga S12 shotgun requires a total change in operating method versus a tube fed shotgun. The S12 is fed via 5, 8, 10, or 12 round stick magazines along with drum magazines with capacities as high as 30 rounds. The S12 was used in the Graham Course with 10-round AGP stick magazines combined with high capacity drums from MD Arms and Alliance Armaments. The drums represent performance enhancement in a big way. The Saiga S12 is closer to an assault rifle in its manual of arms versus a tube fed shotgun.

The Saiga S12 has its own unique characteristics that need to be accepted for the most efficient use of the platform. The Saiga S12 does not have a last round hold open feature which complicates reloads, especially if magazines are topped off to capacity. The size of the 12 gauge rounds make full capacity magazines problematic to lock in place with the bolt forward. Different methods can be employed such as downloading magazines making it easier to compress the magazine’s spring. This is not preferred by many considering limited capacity of the stick magazines to begin with. Magazine changes were definitely different in nature; even if you are already familiar with the AK “rocking” method via rifles. The girth and weight of the Saiga magazines take time to get used to when performing reloads under speed compounded by the need to keep the Saiga’s bolt open allowing for the magazine insertion. A Kreb’s safety with bolt hold open notch proved a worthy addition to the S12 in this regard.

The Graham class was conducted at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). We started with the basics of presentation, loading, and engaging multiple targets. As most know, basics are the foundation that all must return to in order to maintain effectiveness. After all, “advanced” shooting methods are the basics done faster and better. Matt’s gift of instruction brought home the importance of grip and shouldering the shotgun in the most efficient manner. Matt showed how important it was to mount the shotgun toward the centerline of one’s body to control recoil enabling accurate hits and fast follow up shots. The Graham shotgun course progressed quickly from static positional shooting into firing on the move. How to move dynamically while remaining safe around fellow students was introduced and illustrated how Matt followed a building block of skills approach.

The Graham Combat course’s goal was to give attendees the skills to operate and survive in real world situations. Matt introduced basic self care methods including tourniquet use. A large portion of the medical evolution detailed different tourniquets and how to affix on oneself properly before turning to doing so on training partner. It is quickly evident that the effective application of the tourniquet is a key part of managing a traumatic injury. The use of the tourniquet has evolved over the last couple of decades by receding from prominence to now re-emerging as a life saving tool. Field dressing and wound packing was demonstrated and practiced as well, which is an important skill applicable in areas that a tourniquet is or is not used.

Graham drilled how to better operate the shotgun without being confined by traditional firing positions. Matt’s building block method of instruction was most effective here as well. A drill that Matt labeled as “Crazy 8s” took a student from standing to kneeling to sitting, and then to sides and back as he called out positions while engaging threat targets. This drill proved a precursor to the next training evolution. Matt arranged for EVTC to bring in a vehicle for use during the course. Matt’s logic is that the majority of law enforcement and civilians spend a large proportion of time with cars and thus must be comfortable in such an environment. The maximum amount of cover was stressed to minimize the shooters profile while still effectively engaging the target.

The Graham Combat course pace never slowed down with several training evolutions keeping students moving briskly. Matt proved capable of taking a group of relative strangers with a variety of experience and backgrounds and had us moving as teams under control while engaging multiple target areas. His immersion training allowed for the square range to transform into realistic scenario driven exercises with clear objectives. The crucial importance of communication, sound tactics, weapon manipulation skills, and discipline learned during the training is hard to deny.

Graham’s approach at instruction has a nuanced way of incorporating all of the different drills and techniques into a comprehensive skill set. Each shooter progressed rapidly in skills and confidence during the course. Too many items were covered during the intense day of training to be fully explained in a space constricted article. Along this same line of reasoning, there are items in the Graham training that must be personally experienced to fully grasp. For as many items listed in this article, there are just as many not mentioned due to space limitations.

Sites of Interest:

Matt Graham
www.grahamcombat.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Today, there are a multitude of companies involved in producing ancillary personal protection items and accessories. This was not always the case with consumers paying the price both literally and figuratively. This business competition has not only spurred R&D, but also lowered the cost of items making them available to a wider range of clients. A case in point is the ability to maintain access to weapons in a residential setting with a modicum of security. Most individuals struggle with this balancing of weapon access versus security. Firearm security in a home setting is most associated with “hard” safes. Micro electronics have led to digital key locks that improve access by removing the need for turning a dial back and forth multiple times. While these types of “hard” safes are crucial for storing firearms with many also offering benefit of fire protection, many would agree more convenient access and discreteness would better serve in a personal defense situation. Armed home invasion is the worse case scenario and thus the benchmark for planning. A different form of security can be found in discrete camouflage versus a hard safe. Camouflage is the use of any combination of materials or coloration for concealment, either by making objects hard to see or by disguising them as something else. One such company offering unique “discrete” products that facilitate personal defense is Tactical Walls.

Tactical Walls is a family owned and operated business based out of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Tactical Walls founder, Tim Matter, is a husband and father and served in the USAF as an F-16 fighter crew chief. Tim’s wife is office manager as well as regular contributor with her background in graphic design. Tim received a bachelor’s degree in industrial design after leaving the service. Tim combines “membership” in the gun culture, industrial design skill set and a desire to give people usable defensive options in the form of Tactical Walls’ products. For clarification purposes, industrial design is the use of both applied art and applied science to improve the aesthetics, ergonomics, functionality, and/or usability of a product; it may also be used to improve the product’s marketability and even production. The objective of industrial design is to study both function and form, and the connection between product, the user and the environment. Anecdotally, Tim arrived at the Tactical Walls’ concept while trying to figure out where best to store firearms in a house without closets.

A visit to Tactical Walls’ facility showed a highly organized business with products in various degrees of the assembly process. Tactical Walls learned early the importance of controlling as much as possible of the production process. By keeping production “in house” and limiting outside contractors, Tactical Walls minimizes the chance of outside influences impacting component quality and availability. This allows for tight quality control and maintaining of production rates. Tactical Walls management team is hands on and motivated in all aspects of product development, manufacturing, quality control, shipping procedures and customer service. Prototypes were shown and discussed as a way to highlight the early evolution of the Tactical Walls inserts and covers. It was refreshing to visit a burgeoning rapidly expanding new business. Another integral part in the Tactical Walls’ business is Vice President Chris Wood. When asked for how long Tactical Walls has been operational, Chris replied, “Tim’s first prototype was in December 2011, I (Chris) got involved February 2012. The formal Tactical Walls LLC was formed April 2012, with first website sales in October 2012. The current product line has been operational since January 2013.” Chris further elaborated on Tactical Walls’ goals as a business by stating, “We are in the process of creating a national dealer and installer network. We are strong believers in the power of local businesses and their importance to the community. We are also working on new product lines for the rental market.”

Many can relate to stories of being “caught” by your better half trying to stash a small revolver or Glock in various locations around the home. A shake of the head combined with a “he/she is nuts” look dissuade most from converting the Grandfather clock into a hide area. There are various existing products such as hollowed out books, hinged clocks, etc. The presence of children in the home also serves to temper one’s zeal for locating weapons around the house. Tactical Walls and its varied product line immediately appeal to most as a worthy nuanced option; Tactical Walls provides the answer to the quest of access. A quick look at the Tactical Wall’s website combining informative videos, product information, and practical outlook further supports this assumption. Tactical Walls stressed during meetings and interviews when asked about access versus security, “We first want to stress that that Tactical Walls’ inserts and bundles are not intended to serve as a traditional safe. Tactical Walls’ products are tactical concealment of your firearms (or any other valuables you see fit to keep out of sight). The camouflage factor is the main security. There is a magnetic latch, but we again want to make it clear that we do not consider this to serve the same purpose as a safe.”

Over eight thousand home invasions occur each year in the United States. A home invasion will occur at the least expected time likely catching you completely off guard. Tactical Walls recognizes and addresses what a harrowing experience a home invasion can be. Certain questions need to be addressed ahead of time with a basic plan formulated. Examples of pertinent questions are: What do you do in this stressful situation in terms of accessing personal defense items? Do you have the fine motor skills necessary to open your gun safe? Can you even make it to where the gun safe is before yourself or a family member comes into contact with an intruder? The likelihood of you being full of adrenaline in a stressful situation is to be expected. These are very important questions that Tactical Walls’ inserts and bundles are designed to help answer. There is no one way to predict how your home will be broken into. There is no way to know the number of assailants ahead of time. Therefore the absolute necessity of having a plan and be prepared as much as possible for the unknown.

This is where Tactical Walls’ inserts and bundles come into play. The ability to custom tailor to your home and where to place personal defense items is crucial. There are so many variables to consider when it comes for planning for a home invasion. Flexibility is key and speed is paramount. This type of discussion and scenario based planning can be uncomfortable; it should be, as our minds do not work like the criminals who plan the heinous crimes. However, this should not prevent you for preparing to defend your family. You have to be able to consider the worst case scenarios in order to plan for them. The more options you allow yourself the better your odds for success will be.

Tactical Walls offer various sizes and will continue to add new products in the future. Currently, Tactical Walls makes the #1410 and #1440 inserts. The nomenclature indicates inside width and height of the inserts. The 1410 makes use of a 14 inch by 10 inch usable interior space. The #1440 makes a 14 inch by 40 inch of usable interior space. The inserts are designed to fit between standard 16 inch on center 2×4 framing of an interior home wall. The inserts are made of ABS plastic making them both very light and durable. The inserts are intended to accommodate rifles, handguns, or other personal defense items. Tactical Walls also markets accessories to hang handgun, lights, and ammunition inside the inserts. The empty Tactical Walls inserts are an open canvas that a user can customize and personalize the inside of. A variety of attachment points, hooks and straps are available. You could even use MOLLE inside if you wanted to.

A user can cover the inserts using their own items or take the easy road and utilize the Tactical Walls’1450 & 1410 Concealment Covers allowing the inserts to blend into the decorum of your home via mirrors, designer covers, etc. Tactical Walls reports that the #1450 bundle is their current best seller. The concealment covers included in the Tactical Walls bundle packages are the ideal companion to the inserts to effectively camouflage the inserts. Various designs are available such as mirrors and logos. The covers are designed to be inconspicuous while still providing a means to access the personal defense tools behind it. When closed, it is impossible to tell that it is anything other than a normal mirror. To open, simply slide it off to the side. The drawer slides provide for a smooth open and closing. The cover comes with a magnetic lock. The locking mechanism is completely inside the cover, so nobody can see that it is there. To open, you simply need to pass your magnetic key over the surface of the frame near the lock and it will click open. This design insures that nobody will be aware that your cover is anything but a standard framed mirror. Other locking methods are being designed for the concealment covers. The construction of the covers is robust and professionally done. The mirrors are backed with a security panel to prevent access into your wall insert and encased in a full frame for added rigidity and security. The magnetic locking mechanism is sturdy and well tested and protects your cover from being opened without a key. Think of the magnetic lock as a child proof mechanism – not as an all encompassing access prevention more associated with a hard safe.

Installation of the Tactical Walls’ inserts is simple and straightforward. First, after you’ve decided where to put your insert and/or cover, you hang the included instruction sheet on the wall and use it as a template to cut around. It is important to locate the studs on either side of the inserts. The inserts are designed to fit in between the 2×4 studs. Third, you will slide the insert into the hole and the 1-inch lip of the insert will hide any irregular edges from your cuts. Of course, one must be aware of any piping or wiring already located in the wall before choosing where to install the Tactical Walls inserts. After securing the inserts along with shelves and accessories, place your own cover or one purchased from Tactical Walls over the inserts achieving the discreteness and access that is a hallmark of the Tactical Walls product line. The Tactical Walls’ covers are made from hardwood; not substandard laminate or press board material with questionable longevity.

What you place inside the Tactical Walls’ inserts will be dictated by your own resources, training, and what you decide best serves your needs. The Tactical Walls’ #1450 bundle provides a good example of what Tactical Walls offers in terms of flexibility in terms of accommodating long guns, handguns, spare magazines, flashlights, knives, night vision i.e.; what ever you decide. Remember, the insert is not a safe, but rather an immediate action plan resource location. After installing the Tactical Walls’ inserts, you can add any hooks, shelves, or whatever else you can think of to make your insert right for you before you implant your goods. Also available from Tactical Walls as an option is Velcro backing instead of standard foam rubber backing. The Velcro backing allows you to put patches, storage pouches, etc., right onto the inside of your insert. It makes for added versatility and customization of your Tactical Walls insert. Various options are offered in terms of aesthetics and utility from Tactical Walls when ordering your items. Tactical Walls’ well done website is a great resource for exploring what is available and serves as a stimulus in terms of information and photos inspiring how best to set up your inserts. While many will decide to take advantage of Tactical Walls’ clever cover option in the form of a sliding mirror, those who are more creative can choose to forego the Tactical Walls’ cover and rely on their own imagination to disguise their wall insert. This is especially true when going with the #1410 insert that is more compatible with handgun applications. A bulletin board, small mirror, or photo frame is a simple cover option.

While this article focused on the camouflage security aspect of Tactical Walls inserts and cover bundles in the personal defense realm, other aspects of the insert use is possible such as actively and proudly displaying items of choice in more of a gun cabinet role. Imagine using a Tactical Walls Stow and Show Bundle to show off a prized hunting rifle next to a taxidermy mount for a unique presentation style. Another option for the Tactical Walls’ inserts is placing of electronics, camera equipment, jewelry etc when the need is discerned.

Tactical Wall inserts and covers are designed to give you a chance to respond to a home invasion. They allow you the flexibility to place the defensive tools necessary to protect your family wherever you feel they are most beneficial. Multiple insert sizes and bundle packages enhance your options in preparing to locate personal defense items. You may have only one location, or many throughout your home. Whatever works best for your situation is the key. One of the basic Tactical Walls’ templates a lot of people follow is a larger primary weapon insert in the bedroom containing long guns and handgun with smaller secondary weapons located near the front and rear entrance ways of the home. This set up affords options that can allow for speed and effectiveness needed to successfully defend your home. In addition to a weapon most folks feel it is beneficial to keep a reliable high intensity tactical flashlight handy and an edged weapon. What you choose to put in your inserts is entirely dependent on your plan for you and your home.

Tactical Walls
www.tacticalwalls.com
(858) 859-2557

A Brief History of the .22 Caliber Uzi Conversion Kits

In the past, .22 caliber conversion kits for the Uzi have been manufactured by Israeli Military Industries (IMI), Action Arms, Group Industries, Vector Arms and more recently, the Barrelxchange and Subgun Ordnance. Group and Vector made several variations of their full-auto kits, most having only moderate success. However, despite having a known reliability concern, today the kits, and their accompanying .22 caliber magazines, are sought after by collectors. One thing that most of the kits had in common was they required some tuning to be functional.

When the first semiautomatic Uzi carbines were imported into the U.S. during the 1980s by Action Arms, Ltd. of Philadelphia, one of the many accessories offered was a .22 caliber conversion kit made in Israel by IMI. The kits came with a two-piece .22 caliber steel bolt, a six-inch barrel liner for insertion into the 9mm barrel, and two steel .22 magazines. A .22 conversion kit was also offered for the Uzi submachine gun, but few kits were sold and are quite rare today. The bolt for the submachine gun kit was marked SMG, the bolt for the semiautomatic kit was marked carbine. Later Action Arms introduced their own .22 caliber conversion kits that had a steel bolt inside of a plastic housing, and came with a complete barrel, instead of a barrel liner. The kit came with two plastic magazines and a loading tool. The retail price of the kit was $159.

Group Industries was a well-known name among Uzi enthusiasts, first for their IMI Uzi carbine conversions to select-fire submachine guns, prior to May 1986, and for their conversion parts for the semiautomatic carbines, at a time long before “genuine” Israeli Uzi parts became common. Later, Group Industries began to manufacture their own “U.S. Made” Uzi receivers and parts. Unlike converted semiautomatic IMI Uzi carbines, the Group Uzis were made to submachine gun specs, with all parts: sears, barrels, trigger housings and bolts completely interchangeable with original factory IMI Uzi submachine guns. Group Industries also offered a .22 conversion kit for semiautomatic and select-fire Uzis.

The Group Industries early .22 conversion submachine gun kits were similar to IMI’s semiautomatic conversion kit, having two springs and a two-piece steel bolt. The two springs made the unit difficult to cock, and it had a very fast cyclic rate (when it worked). Group later modified the original design using an aluminum bolt, also having a separate firing pin that was actuated as the bolt closed on the chamber. The third Group conversion was further modified to be more reliable. This variation used a one-piece aluminum bolt with a fixed steel firing pin, a steel insert to contact the weapon’s sear surface and a single recoil spring. Group’s third .22 kit design, was far more reliable than the previous two. As production continued, the feed ramps on Group Industries’ barrels were reconfigured a few times for improved feeding. Barrels were configured to fit the semiautomatic carbine with restrictor rings or submachine gun receivers without them.

Vector Arms

After Group Industries went out of business, many of their unassembled Uzi semiautomatic and submachine gun receivers were procured by Vector Arms and eventually assembled into functional firearms. Vector also produced several variations of the .22 conversion kits for the Uzi. The early Vector conversion kits were similar in design to the late Group kits with an aluminum bolt and a fixed steel firing pin. Early kits sometimes experienced interference with the 9mm ejector, resulting in Vector including an instruction sheet on how to modify it. Later production Vector kits were upgraded by modifying the bolt to clear the ejector, and a new recoil spring. The instruction sheet also mentioned that the kit should work with the 9mm spring assembly, but a weaker spring was included if problems were encountered with the original spring. The instructions recommended the use of high-velocity Winchester or Remington .22 ammunition. The feed ramps on later production Vector barrels were widened to improve reliability.

Group Industries Magazines

The Group Industries .22 caliber magazines were fabricated using original Uzi 25-round magazines bodies. A two-piece aluminum insert and follower were used to adapt the Uzi 9mm magazines to accommodate the smaller .22 rounds. The follower used two springs to feed cartridges, a primary long spring and a stiffer short spring positioned underneath it. Several round “witness” holes were drilled into the body and inserts so the operator could see how many rounds were in the magazine. The feed lips were formed on the aluminum inserts. Later production magazines used the same aluminum inserts and follower with the dual-springs, but the feed lips were made of steel and welded onto the top of the magazine body. Later magazines only had one witness hole to indicate when the magazine was loaded to capacity.

Vector Arms .22 Magazines

The early Vector magazines, marketed in 20- or 28-round configurations, were similar to the later Group Industries design, using steel 9mm Uzi magazines with aluminum inserts and followers for the .22 cartridges. Later Vector Arms began to use plastic inserts and followers. Some of the later Uzi magazines offered by Vector were of unknown origin and had a slightly longer body length than the originals, were used for the conversions. Reportedly these magazines will not readily fit into some Uzi magazine wells.

With the Uzi submachine guns becoming increasing popular in the last few years, there has been similar interest in spare parts and accessories. The Group and Vector Arms .22 conversions and their steel magazines have become popular, particularly since the escalating cost of 9mm ammunition. Now out of production, and not especially common, the .22 conversion kits and their steel magazines have become sought after by collectors, and accordingly expensive.

There is little doubt that a market existed for a .22 conversion kit for the full-size Uzi SMG, and Subgun Ordnance of Racine, Wisconsin decided to fill the need, introducing their .22 conversion kit in 2009. Subgun Ordnance’s kit consists of a .22 caliber barrel, bolt and a plastic magazine manufactured by Black Dog Machine LLC. Like the Uzi was originally designed, the .22 kit fires from an open bolt, and functions in both semiautomatic and full-automatic modes of fire. The conversion kits are designed for select-fire Uzis only and will not fit or function in semiautomatic-only versions, or conversions that have the receiver-blocking bar in place.

The 32-round magazines that were chosen for inclusion with the Subgun Ordnance kit are an existing item being manufactured by Black Dog Machine LLC originally designed for the Vector manufactured .22 Uzi conversion kits. The magazines are a double stack, single feed design manufactured from polycarbonate to form the magazine body; they have a slight curve to compensate for the rimmed .22 cartridges. The follower and floor plate are made from plastic and have a steel coil-type follower spring. No magazine adapter is needed; they fit in the standard Uzi mag well. The magazines are inexpensive and readily available.

The Barrelxchange

Most of the .22 conversion kits for the Uzi are for the full-size model. However Troy Edhlund of the Barrelxchange has manufactured a conversion for the semiautomatic and select-fire Mini- Uzi and is introducing a new Universal Model that will fit the full size, mini or the Uzi pistol. The new kit is an updated/improved version based on the original IMI .22 conversion kit that is charged by the original top-cocking handle; the new kit comes with a modified Black Dog magazine. The Barrelxchange also makes .22 caliber replacement barrels for the IMI, Vector Arms and Subgun Ordnance kits, and offers a tune-up service for problematic .22 conversions and magazines.

The BWE .22-Uzi Slow-Fire Enhancement

BWE Firearms

Richard Hoffman of BWE Firearms specializes in the Uzi with a particular interest in the .22 conversion kits. One of his latest innovations is the slow-fire upgrade service for the .22 Uzi. The top of the customer’s .22 aluminum bolt is milled out and a steel weight inserted and attached by Allen screws. The increased mass of the bolt along with his custom-tuned spring assembly is able to closely duplicate the original cyclic rate of a 9mm Uzi with no loss of reliability. The service is currently offered only for existing customer’s conversion kits.

As designed, the Subgun Ordnance .22 conversion kits have a cyclic rate of 875 to 900 rounds per minute, rather fast, but many shooters feel it is ideal. Others have expressed a desire to have a slower cyclic rate similar to that of the standard 9mm Uzi, approximately 600 rounds per minute. There are several reasons for reducing the cyclic rate of the 22 kits, one is to experience the original feel of the 9mm Uzi, extend the length of time to “dump” a magazine on full-auto, and another is to conserve ammunition.

The Group Industries and Vector Arms .22 conversion magazines using original Uzi steel 9mm magazine bodies are highly desired items, but they were not manufactured in very large quantities. During Group Industries and Vector production, original Uzi 9mm magazines were not as prolific or inexpensive as they have become in recent years, which limited their use for conversion to .22 caliber. Today, the original steel conversion magazines are very hard to find and can be quite expensive.

Aware of a ready market for steel .22 magazines, BWE Firearms decided to develop and market new ones. The 28-round magazines are made from original Uzi magazine bodies modified for use with .22 caliber ammunition by the addition of a two-piece Acetal Copolymer (plastic) insert and follower. The feed lips are machined right into the inserts eliminating alignment issues. The inserts are fitted to each steel magazine body. The magazine’s steel bodies are Parkerized in a smooth gray-green finish, giving the magazines a factory new appearance. The completed magazines are then tested for proper function. Currently under development at BWE is a 12-round extension to increase magazine’s capacity to 40-rounds.

BWE also offers custom tuning of .22 conversion kits that may not function to the customer’s satisfaction, and offers a full line of parts and shop services for the Uzi.

One downside to .22 caliber full-automatic firearms is that it usually takes a lot longer to load the magazine than it does to empty it. To make the task of loading easier, Ken Christie of Christie Products, offers a magazine loader specifically designed for .22 Uzi magazines, and works with both the Black Dog plastic and BWE’s new steel magazines. The tool not only makes loading easier, using the loader stacks the cartridge orientating the rims of the .22 cases in the correct order. If the rim of the top cartridge gets loaded with its rim behind the rim of the round under it, a malfunction due to “rim-lock” is sure to occur. During initial testing of the Subgun Ordnance .22 conversion kits, it was discovered that loading the magazine with the aforementioned loader greatly enhancing the magazine’s feeding reliability.

Uzi online resources:

www.barrelxchange.com/
www.bwefirearms.com/
www.Uzitalk.com/forums/index.php
www.Subgun-ordnance.com/
www.Uziparts.com/

Belts Packings

The U.S. report dated January 1946 published by the Office of the Chief of Ordnance entitled The Record of Army Ordnance Research and Development contains the essential official information regarding the development of belt boxes during World War II.

Before the United States entered the war at the end of 1941, .50 caliber ammunitions were packed in metal lined wood crate M1917. Most of the ammunitions were packed in 10-round chipboard cartons, 35 boxes in the M1917 crate. During peacetime, most .50 belts were assembled by using units themselves both for ground, air or naval uses. Belts assembled just prior to use were placed in reusable containers considered as an accessory of the weapons.

For ground use, three main types of reusable belt chests were in service and considered as a weapon accessory: the aluminum Chest, Ammunition, Caliber .50, M3 with a theoretical capacity of a 120-round linked belt, the steel Chest, Ammunition, Caliber .50, M17 with a capacity of 100 cartridges and finally the large anti-aircraft Chest, Ammunition, Caliber .50, M2 with a capacity of 200 cartridges. For the feeding of .50 Browning machine guns mounted on tanks and armored vehicles, 50-round chests are also encountered.

For naval and airborne services, numerous belt containers were in use specifically designed for each weapon platform and mount.

For ground use, the development of an airtight disposable box for .50 linked belts only began in April 1942 after the development for the .30 cal. airtight disposable box was completed. Accordingly, difficulties encountered with the .30 disposable boxes had been avoided and developments of optimal solutions were considerably accelerated. The Armored Force Board at Fort Knox, Kentucky was charged with the evaluation of the prototypes proposed by three companies: model T12 by Owens-Illinois Can Co., Baltimore, Maryland, model T15 by C.E. Erickson Co., Des Moines, Iowa and the model by Modern Steel Equipment Co., Geneva, Illinois. Finally the model proposed by Modern Steel, incorporating some features of the other two competitors, was adopted as standard on 3 September 1942 as Box, Ammunition, Caliber .50, M2. The lid is secured by a lever system that is locked in place by means of a pin attached to a ring as found in hand grenades. On first models of boxes, this locking ring is permanently attached to the articulated lever in order not to loose it after first opening of the box. On later models, the locking ring is completely removable. The belt box M2 enables to simultaneously fulfill the requirements for storage in depots, for transport and finally for the direct feeding of the weapon during combat. The M2 boxes contain a 105-round linked belt pre-assembled in ammunition factories or more rarely in U.S. Ordnance plants.

Until end 1943, no markings were painted on the outer sides of the M2 boxes. Then all M2 boxes received markings in yellow stencils giving indication on the content. Different marking layouts were used to provide indications on the belting sequence, name and lot number of the organization having assembled the belt and sometimes year of repacking. Although the M2 boxes are in essence disposable, one might note the activities of U.S. Ordnance units deployed in combat theaters and referenced as “Ammunition Renovation Field Units.” These units were dedicated to renovate and repack munitions of all kinds in the field. They were also tasked to salvage, repair and refill with belts the disposable boxes both in .30 and .50 cal. This explains why some M2 boxes are observed bearing several layers of olive green paint over several different markings of successive contents.

At least 14 different WWII M2 box manufacturers are known from specimens: ACME, ARMSTRONG, ARTCRAFT, ASCO, BELMONT, BURROWES, GHW, H, J.B.S.CO, MODERN, NMPC, PALLEY, TBC, UNITED.

Since pre-filled ammunition belts could contain several types of ammunition, each one bearing its own production lot number, a unique repack lot number was assigned under the designation “Repacked Lot.” This operation of repacking consisted of assembling belts with different ammunition types delivered in 10-round cartons from the ammunition factories. This repacking operation was carried out directly in the ammunition factories or in U.S. Ordnance facilities. The repack lot number is painted on the outside of the wirebound crate containing two M2 disposable boxes and from the end 1943 on, also painted in yellow on the outside of the M2 boxes. A chipboard card named “Repack Reference Data Card” was also inserted inside each M2 box. This card bears indications on the content, the initials of the repacking facility, the repack lot number (with prefix “L” indicating metal link belts or prefix “B” indicating fabric belt), the lot number of each type of cartridges and sometimes the date of repacking. Surviving specimens of those Repack Reference Data Cards remain nowadays seldom seen.

At the beginning of the war, standard belting sequence for ground use was 4 Armor-Piercing (AP) M2 + 1 Tracer (TR) M1. In early 1943, another belting sequence was adopted with 2 Armor-Piercing (AP) M2 + 2 Incendiary (INC) M1 + 1 Tracer (TR) M1. At the end 1943, with the introduction of the Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) M8, the belting sequence became 4 Armor-Piercing Incendiary M8 + 1 Tracer M1. Finally, from mid-1945 until present day, the standard ground use belting sequence is 4 Armor Piercing Incendiary M8 + 1 Armor Piercing Incendiary Tracer M20.

Two metallic M2 boxes were are grouped for storage and transport in a lightweight wirebound crate.

The M7 fabric belts are exclusively intended to be delivered to using units pre-loaded with ammunition and shipped in the disposable M2 box. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the only industrial belting equipment dedicated to the loading of the M7 fabric belts was operated at the Curtis Bay Ordnance Depot, Baltimore.

A rare specimen of an M2 disposable box has been observed bearing the simplified stencils in yellow paint “REPACKED LOT CB-B76942”, the prefix letter “B” before the lot number indicating a fabric belt (the prefix letter “L” denoting metallic Links) and the loading facility is referenced to “CB” for Curtis Bay Ordnance Depot.

Like for pre-packed 105-round linked belts, a specific cardboard “Repack Reference Data Card” for the fabric belt is inserted into each M2 box. This repack data card bears the designation of the repacking facility (so far on “CB” for Curtis Bay Ordnance Depot has been observed), the repack lot number with the prefix B-, the individual lot numbers of each types of ammunition, the belting sequence and finally in full text the indication of the use of fabric belt “110 RD. AMMUNITION WEB BELT.”

Only two standard belting sequences have been identified with the M7 fabric belts: 4 AP M2 + 1 TR M1 and 2 AP M2 + 2 Inc M1 + 1 TR M1. An M2 box and a “Repack Reference Data Card” corresponding to an original loading with M7 fabric belt remain today extremely scarce collector’s items.

For use with airborne Brownings, the ammunition was prominently issued pre-packed on metallic belts. Belts for Air Service were essentially shipped in metal lined M1917 wood chest containing one single 265-round belt. Another standard packing for aircraft belts was an unlined wood chest with a total capacity of 240 rounds containing four 60-round belts packed individually in a chipboard carton wrapped in waterproof paper. From the end 1943 on, the typical chests for aircraft ammunition were painted earth brown and bear in yellow stencils the designation of the content, the type of belting sequence and a symbol indicating disintegrating metallic links.

Although it was always possible in the field to assemble the belts with any specific belting sequences, a few official belting sequences for airborne use were defined. Early in 1942, the standard belting sequence for the U.S. Army Air Corps was 3 Armor Piercing M2 + 2 Incendiaries M1 + 1 Tracer M1. From early 1943 on, the belting sequence was standardized with that for ground use with 2 Armor Piercing M2 + 2 Incendiaries M1 + 1 Tracer M1. At the end of 1943, in an attempt to fight against more heavily armored German planes, the belting sequence was modified to incorporate Armor Piercing Incendiary M8 while still keeping some Incendiary M1, which was better suited against fuel tanks. Belting sequence was then 1 Armor Piercing Incendiary M8 + 1 Incendiary M1 + 1 Armor Piercing Incendiary M8 + 1 Tracer M1. Early in 1944, for the feeding of the numerous Brownings onboard heavy bombers, the proportion of Incendiary M1 was increased with 1 Armor Piercing Incendiary M8 + 1 Incendiary M1 + 1 Armor Piercing Incendiary M8 + 1 Incendiary M1 + 1 Tracer M10. In July 1944, a specific belting sequence was adopted for ground strafing with 4 Armor Piercing Incendiary M8 + 1 tracer M21.

Belt Loading and Linking Machines

The earliest water-cooled M1921 Brownings for ground use produced by Colt were fed with a 100-round fabric belt. The filling of these fabric belts was conducted with a hand cranked machine type B70T of similar design to that for the .30 Browning belts. To date, only a handful of such surviving machines are known in collections.

Air-cooled aircraft .50 Brownings were exclusively fed with metallic links. The earliest linking machines offered by Colt were manufactured by Sargent & Co., New Haven, Connecticut. The design of that .50 linker was inspired from the linker for .30 caliber links used with the Marlin aircraft guns during WWI. The patent for that linker was filed on 23 November 1918 by John H. Shaw on behalf of the Sargent & Co., and patent was finally granted on 22 May 1923 with number 1,456,154. Whereas the original Shaw linker accommodates ten .30 links, the .50 version only accommodates six links. This is the reason why the early M1 links are packed in 6-link chipboard cartons. The linking machine offered for commercial sale by Colt is referenced L-56 and bears, cast in the base plate, the inventor’s reference “SHAW LOADING MACHINE” as well as the manufacturer “SARGENT & Co.”

In 1935, a new linking machine was adopted as standard under the designation M2 with U.S. Ordnance drawing number D8794 for the complete machine. The basic operating principle remains the same as that of the Shaw machine with a sliding bar pushing the cartridges into the links. The key difference is the way the sliding bar is put into translation. The M2 linker is designed to accommodate simultaneously 10 links. The sliding bar (made of bronze for earliest productions then replaced by cast iron) bears cast on top the designation of the machine, namely “LINK LOADING MACHINE CAL. .50 M2.” The bottom side of the base plate bears casted the drawing number D8795, corresponding to the base plate only, followed by a revision index.

The U.S. report dated January 1946 published by the Office of the Chief of Ordnance entitled The Record of Army Ordnance Research and Development provides essential background information on the modification of the M2 linker as excerpted in the following.

Reports by Army Air Force units in early 1942 attributed malfunctioning of caliber .50 weapons to corrosion and excess link pull encountered with link-belted ammunition. To overcome this difficulty, field units were required to delink completely belts of ammunition, clean cartridges, and relink ammunition. As there existed no available machine to accomplish the delinking, the Headquarters, Army Air Force suggested an attachment to the Link Loading Machine M2 as the simplest and quickest solution to the problem. Springfield Armory was requested in September 1942 to manufacture a sample delinking attachment for use with the M2 machine similar to that designed by the 4th Air Force. The sample attachment was shipped to the Office, Chief of Ordnance in December 1942. In April 1943, Rock Island Arsenal was requested to manufacture three sets of the delinking attachments of similar design to the Springfield Armory type and assemble them to M2 machines for experimental use. The attachment was designated, “Attachment, Delinking, Caliber .50, T6.” The modified M2 machine consisted first on steel pins inserted into the machine base, the links being then fitted between the pins and the front link stop bar. Second, an extractor bar was hinged to the cartridge insertion bar; the extractor element of the bar was perpendicular to the head of the cartridge and the bar edge fitted into the extractor groove of the cartridge. Extraction was accomplished by pulling rounds by the extractor bar from the belt links which were held by the pins in the machine base.

The Headquarters, Army Ground Forces stated that there was no interest in a delinking attachment for the M2 machines in Ground Forces use. However, as the delinking assembly did not interfere with the operation of the modified M2 machine for linking purposes, there was no objection by the Ground Forces to the modified machine as an article of issue.

An Ordnance Committee Action dated August 1943 recommended that the Link Loading Machine M2 be modified in future production to incorporate the delinking assembly. The modified M2 machine was standardized as “Machine, Linking-Delinking, Caliber .50, M7.” Orders were also issued to modify in the field all M2 machines in Air Force use to incorporate the delinking assembly.

Original M2 linkers modified to the M7 pattern can be readily recognized by the markings cast in sliding bar which originally was “LINK LOADING MACHINE CAL. .50 M2” and where the “2” was grounded off and a “7” stamped in place. These modified machines of course embed the added pins on tray and delinking bar assembly.

After August 1943, all new machines were manufactured according to the M7 pattern and can be readily recognized by the markings cast in the sliding bar which reads “MACHINE LINKING-DELINKING CALIBER 50 M7.”