By Tom Murphy –

The Galil family of small arms was designed by Yisrael Galil and Yaacov Lior in the late 1960s and produced by Israel Weapon Industries Ltd. (formerly Israel Military Industries Ltd.; now IMI Systems Ltd.) located in Ramat HaSharon, part of the Tel Aviv District. The Galil is basically a clone of the Finnish RK-62, a copy in itself of the ubiquitous AK-47. The weapons system is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO round or the 5.56x45mm NATO.

There are four variations of the Galil: Standard rifle with a 21.1-inch barrel, the SAR, a 13-inch barrel carbine, ARM light machine gun and the MAR, or compact carbine, also known as the Micro Galil. The MAR is a reduced- size version of the SAR. It is equipped with a folding tubular aluminum stock and can be easily fitted with a suppressor and still keep its overall length below that of the SAR. It was popular with the Israeli Police and Special Forces.

JAXX Industries, located in Henderson, NV, builds their own version of the MAR—the Micro Galil .300 AAC Blackout as a Short Barreled Rifle, or pistol. Basically, it’s the IMI Micro Galil with updates and is chambered for the .300 AAC cartridge. It’s built on a milled, not stamped, receiver and has a suppressor-ready 9.5-inch barrel. A very rare left-hand charging handle kit completes the picture.

The barrel is made from 41v50 steel which is 4145 steel with vanadium added to increase toughness (and that makes it harder to machine).

The JAXX Micro Galil is primarily intended to use a suppressor and may not cycle completely with subsonic ammunition if one is not fitted. It’s shipped with a 13×1 RH to 5/8-24 thread adaptor which will allow many different 30-caliber suppressors to be fitted. What would really set this SBR off visually would be a Russian PBS-1 suppressor screwed onto the end of the barrel. Dead Air Armament (deadairsilencers.com) manufactures the Wolverine PBS-1, a vastly improved copy of the Russian version.

JAXX builds all their Micro Galil SBRs using parts kits off of used weapons. The one tested here had very little evidence of prior use. Mostly what could be seen was some cosmetic wear. However, bear in mind, this rifle is JAXX’s test gun. I have no idea as to how many rounds have been down the barrel. IMI is known for building weapons slightly more reliable than anvils, so there’s no concern about operation, or longevity. This Micro Galil was finished in what JAXX calls Midnight Bronze which gave it the look of a battlefield implement—I found it pleasing.

JAXX offers an almost unlimited number of finishes, engravings and coatings on their products. Call them to discuss your wants and needs (jaxxindustries.com / 702-485-4722).

The Micro Galil comes with three different magazines: TAPCO, IMI and ProMag. Only the TAPCO and IMI magazines were used. Both functioned as expected. Personal opinion—the SBR looked better with the original 35-round IMI magazine.

The left-side cocking handle reciprocates when operated, and a spring-loaded dust cover keeps the larger bits and crud out. The right side of the receiver has the typical Kalashnikov-design safety that when in the “fire” position, leaves an opening about 3 inches long and 3/8 inch wide where the hammer and the back of the bolt are clearly visible. This doesn’t seem to be much of a problem with dirt accumulation in any of the multi-millions of AK-types floating around the world, so it’s good to go here.

Disassembly is similar to an AK platform. Remove the top cover by depressing the lever marked “B” on the rear of the operating spring carrier. Push the spring rod forward and lift out the spring and rod. Then the bolt can be withdrawn to the rear. Assembly is the reverse.

This prototype came with no selector markings. JAXX can replicate the Israeli selector markings on top of the button safety on the left side of the receiver to go along with the military style of the Micro Galil.

Anyone who has field stripped a Kalashnikov design rifle or pistol will have no trouble disassembling this Micro Galil. Pop off the receiver cover, remove the return spring and strip the bolt out of the milled receiver. This is as deep as you need to go for field cleaning. Assembly is the reverse.

This is an interesting rifle. With the stock folded, it and three magazines easily fit into a small backpack. Totally invisible. I’d probably get a backpack with some small rabbits on it, but I have a strange sense of humor.

As with all SBR weapons, all NFA laws must be followed. The lawful transfer of an NFA firearm generally requires the filing of an appropriate transfer form with ATF, payment of any transfer tax imposed, approval of the form by ATF and registration of the transferee. Approval must be obtained before a transfer may be made.

.300 Blackout Ammunition

The .300 AAC (Advanced Armament Corporation), also known as the 7.62x35mm, is a cartridge developed for use in the M4 carbine. The idea behind its inception was to develop a cartridge with ballistics similar to the Soviet 7.62x39mm in an AR platform and use the standard AR magazine at its normal capacity. It’s based on the .300 Whisper developed in the early ‘90s by J.D. Jones of SSK Industries. It was envisioned as a multi-purpose cartridge using both light bullets at supersonic velocities and heavier bullets over 200 grains at subsonic velocities.

AAC began development of the .300 Blackout in 2009 but completed most of the work in 2010. It was designed with a specific shorter range focus to equal or surpass the 7.62x39mm Soviet, while working through a suppressor. A standard AR-platform bolt will work; the only change needed is the barrel.

In late 2006, we ran an article on the then recent investigation that the Office of the Inspector General performed on the NFRTR. In that article we asked everyone to pay close attention to the forms and the information that is contained on those forms that anyone submits to the ATF. That one article didn’t seem to hit home with a lot of people, so we are going to hit some key points on the forms and make some suggestions that will make a lot of sense to most of you.

One of the age-old issues that we all have faced is to make certain that all of the information that you complete on a new form is identical to the information on the old. While sounding like a good idea, the real problem with this strategy is not only do we pass up an opportunity to correct old problems but we increase the odds of adding new problems. Just because a form has inaccurate information doesn’t give anyone an excuse to exacerbate the problem. If something is wrong, and you know it’s wrong, then correct it. Continuing to pass along mistakes only insures that someone else will come along in a year or two and inadvertently make another mistake making a bad situation even worse. What we want to do is correct anything and everything we possibly can at every opportunity that we have. In section 4, “Description of the Firearm,” all of the information that can make a major difference in helping to correct errors in the NFRTR is contained in sections “4.a” though “4.g.” In this section we want to take every opportunity to review and correct if necessary, any and all issues pertinent to the firearm.

Section 4.a: Name and Address of Manufacturer and/ or Importer of Firearm:

In this section the requirement is relatively simple. Make certain that you review the information on the old form, or the new form, and insure that all of the information is accurate and as detailed as possible. At this stage, please make certain that you correct any errors or omissions as possible.

Section 4.b: Type of Firearm

In many of the commercial off the shelf programs, users will generally find pull down menus allowing you to select whether this firearm is one of the following categories:

• Any other Weapon (AOW)
• Destructive Device (DD)
• Machine Gun
• Short Barreled Rifle (SBR)
• Short Barreled Shotgun (SBS)
• Silencer

Section 4.c: Caliber, Gauge, or Size

Check to make certain that all of the information required for this section is complete.

Section 4.d: Model

Make certain that all alpha and numeric characters that represent the model are accurately recorded in this section. Insure that as much information as possible from the receiver of the NFA weapon is accurately depicted in this section.

Section 4.e: Length of Barrel

In this section, please insure that the barrel length on your Form 4 matches the exact barrel length on the firearm you are either shipping or receiving. We will address the ton of questions that you have concerning this issue in another article.

Section 4.f: Length Overall

In this section you want to make certain that you take exacting measurements on the total length on the firearm you are either shipping or receiving.

Section 4.g: Serial Number

Obviously this section is absolutely critical. Please make certain that you examine the NFA item in question and validate each alpha or numeric character and validate that the serial number matches exactly.

The most important issue here is to make certain that we pay attention to the details on any of the forms that we provide the NFA Branch. Today, nearly 40% of the forms that are being handled by the Branch still contain some sort of error or omission that requires the form to be returned for correction. We can all spend a little more time and attention to the detail and get it right the first time.

In addition to the time and attention issue, every dealer and collector in our community should pay attention to the details of the weapon itself. In this process we recommend that you look closely at exactly what is happening with this transfer. Use a little common sense and ask for help when you need it when something is in question. If it doesn’t seem to be right you are probably correct. Check it out with another dealer or consult with the NFA Branch for help.

In summary, we all want to work together to help clean up the NFRTR. The NFRTR follows the old technology adage of “garbage in, garbage out.” Fortunately, the problems with the NFRTR can be straightened out, but only with the help of the industry and ATF. Let’s all work together to make that happen.

Help us make a better community for the entire industry today and join successes that we are creating together. Log on today at www.nfatca.org and join the only organization that has and continues to protect your NFA rights.

Instantly a crescendo of visceral terror – no cash! I was lucky though, a good friend did have the money and said one had my name on it. Thank God. These rifles were produced by Smith & Wesson for the British Government early in the Second World War. Contrary to popular belief, this is a semi/automatic open bolt arm and not fully automatic. The barrel is only nine and three quarter inches long, which technically classified it as a “firearm” that required the two hundred dollar transfer tax and licensing in compliance with the National Firearms Act. A “Short Barreled Rifle”, but they were removed from the National Firearms Act and listed as Curios and Relics not requiring registration. Some states have laws on barrel lengths, so be careful on these. These guns have since left Hawaii to the “Free zones”.

The initial shipment was made to the British in April 1941. But, the rifle failed to pass British endurance tests. Smith & Wesson agreed to a British request to redesign the rifle to accommodate a two-grain increase in the powder charge of the 9mm cartridge. This new design was called the MARK II, and incorporated a heavy corrugated sleeve over the bolt operating handle. This sleeve functioned as additional support against the frame and served as a rotating safety. When used with the two grain overloads, the rifles again failed to pass firing tests set up by the British. This is really amazing to me after you handle these rifles, for you must agree they are built like the proverbial brick outhouse. We’re talking battleship quality, drop forged manganese steel, chrome nickel steel lock-work, nickel steel bolt, and chrome barrel. They weigh almost ten pounds when loaded.

Serial records show only one thousand and ten of the Mark I’s were produced and shipped to the British. Legend has it that at the close of World War II, all 9mm light rifles owned by Britain were destroyed by cutting them in half and disposing of them in the English Channel. Five units were preserved and these are located in the tower of London, British Military Museum, MOD Pattern Room, and the Enfield Arsenal. The one in the MOD Pattern Room has the experimental aluminum stock.

Now, this is what legends are made of. In 1974, Smith & Wesson discovered a limited quantity of crated unfired 1940 light rifles. These were classified as Curios and Relics, and sold as collector’s items. In the group were 173 Mark I’s and 80 Mark II’s. These were finished in the factory by Smith & Wesson personnel, and sold to a Georgia dealer, who helped obtain the exception to the NFA. From this legendary stash of two hundred and seventeen rifles, to my knowledge, these four are the only ones to make it to the 50th state, safe and sound in the old whaling town of Lahaina.

According to Smith & Wesson, under no circumstances should these rifles be loaded or fired. When they were sold to the dealer, there were stickers applied to the buttstocks that stated that. It is suggested that anyone who does fire them use downloaded ammunition. My friend was so excited after taking possession; he immediately made his way to the Ukumehame firing range. Determined to defy logic, he shot a box of ammo through it without incident. The gun ran great- a real pleasure to shoot.

Aloha from Maui!

Mr. Craig Newman, AKA Captain Craig, passed away on June 12, 1999 while taking his morning walk along Kaanapali Beach. He was 53 years old. Craig was a wealth of knowledge especially when it came to Smith & Wesson firearms. He is deeply missed in the gun community on Maui.