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	<title>Soviet SVD Dragunov sniper rifle &#8211; Small Arms Review</title>
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		<title>CHINA’S NEW 5.8X42MM WEAPONS COMPLEX REVEALED</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Sep 2002 01:43:45 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[Above: For some time the question has been, “What have the Chinese been up to in small arms development on the other side of the Bamboo Curtain?” Here we have the answer as Chinese ceremonial troops show off the new Type 95 assault rifle on parade. By David M. Fortier Since the Communists came to [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Above: For some time the question has been, “What have the Chinese been up to in small arms development on the other side of the Bamboo Curtain?” Here we have the answer as Chinese ceremonial troops show off the new Type 95 assault rifle on parade.</em></p>



<p>By <strong>David M. Fortier</strong><br><br>Since the Communists came to power Chinese small arms development has always been “A riddle wrapped in a mystery behind the Bamboo Curtain”. All we in the West suspected was that the Chinese military was mostly armed with domestic copies of various obsolete Soviet designs. While there is truth in this, the rest of it may surprise you. The Chinese began extensive research and development on domestic designs as early as 1958. This led to the 1st (Type 63 and Type 74) and then 2nd (Type 81 and Type 87) generations of Chinese small arms. In the last 20 years, especially since the Open Door policy, China has made significant progress in small arms development. This has culminated in the design and adoption of their unique 5.8x42mm weapons complex. A system, they claim, that outperforms both the current NATO 5.56&#215;45 SS109 and Russian 5.45&#215;39 7N6 cartridges.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="700" height="455" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/002-40.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8629" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/002-40.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/002-40-300x195.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption><em>To convince the Chinese military of the effectiveness of the new 5.8x42mm round the Chinese Armament Bureau produced a quantity of transitional Type 81 rifles chambered for 5.8&#215;42. These were designated Type 87, shown in the center.</em></figcaption></figure></div>



<p>China historically had relied on foreign designed weapons to equip her vast armed forces. Germany in particular was a major player in China from the turn of the century until signing the Anti-Comintern Pact with Imperial Japan in 1937. After 1937 another country’s influence was strongly felt in China, that of the Soviet Union. As early as 1932 the Soviets began supplying weapons to the Communist forces in China. Over time this aid greatly expanded. However, relations began to sour between the Chinese and Soviets after the Korean War and took a nose dive after Khrushchev came to power.<br><br>Using their experience with the Soviet designs, the Chinese undertook extensive research and development work beginning in 1958 to improve their small arms. It was based on their combat experience with full power battle rifle cartridges, as well as the less powerful 6.5 Arisaka and 7.62&#215;25 sub-machineguns. They recognized the potential of the new intermediate 7.62&#215;39 cartridge and admired the reliability of the Kalashnikov design. However they were not impressed by the AK-47’s accuracy or ergonomics. To fit their tactical needs they wanted a rifle as reliable as the Kalashnikov but with increased accuracy. It was intended to be used primarily in the semi-automatic mode for ammunition conservation. They also felt it must be useful with a bayonet for hand to hand combat. This was due to their doctrine calling for fighting very close to an opponent to negate his superiority in artillery or air support.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="700" height="455" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/003-37.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8631" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/003-37.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/003-37-300x195.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption><em>The standard rifle in China’s new weapons complex is the Type 95 bullpup. With an overall length of only 29.3 inches and weighing only 7.16 lbs it is both short and handy.</em></figcaption></figure></div>



<p>The result of their efforts was a weapon that outwardly resembled the Soviet SKS-45 carbine. Internally however it was quite different from Simonov’s design. It was adopted for service in 1963 and designated simply Type 63. The Type 63 rifle (incorrectly identified in the West as the Type 68) and the Type 74 Squad Auto represent the First Generation of domestically designed Chinese small arms. Not a battle rifle nor true assault rifle, it was outclassed by the M-16 during combat operations in Vietnam. It remained in service up until approximately 1974.<br><br>Seeing the changes in modern warfare, the Chinese went back to the drawing board. The Second Generation of Chinese small arms is seen in the Type 81 weapons series. The goal of the design team of the Type 81 rifle was to provide a modern assault rifle with the reliability of the Kalashnikov but with superior accuracy and ergonomics. After studying in detail the Soviet SVD Dragunov sniper rifle (Chinese Type 79) the Chinese came away quite impressed with its system of operation. They eventually used a modified short stroke gas system and a bolt/carrier system gleaned from it. It should be remembered however that the bolt/carrier system of the SVD is itself derived from the Kalashnikov. The culmination of their work was a rugged and reliable rifle with a few features not offered on the Kalashnikov. Unlike the AK-47/AKM the Type 81 features a bolt holdopen, a selector lever accessible by the operator’s thumb, an integral capacity to launch rifle grenades, and an adjustable gas system. The Type 81 weapons series includes the standard rifle weighing 7.49 lbs, a 7.7 lbs folding stock model, and an 11.4-pound squad auto. These three weapons maintain a high degree of interchangability with 64 parts common between them. Overall they are a well thought out and reliable design chambered for the venerable 7.62&#215;39 cartridge.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="700" height="455" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/004-38.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8632" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/004-38.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/004-38-300x195.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption><em>Left side view of the Type 95 assault rifle with 35mm grenade launcher attached. The Type 95 is designed to easily mount both day and night optics as well as the grenade launcher.</em></figcaption></figure></div>



<p>However just as the Chinese were quick to appreciate the 7.62&#215;39 intermediate cartridge they were also quick to take notice of the 5.56&#215;45. As soon as the M-16 rifle appeared in Vietnam, the Chinese noted the advantages of the 5.56&#215;45 cartridge. They appreciated that it allowed a compact and lightweight weapon, produced a low recoil impulse, was controllable on full auto, and allowed a larger basic load of ammunition and supplementary equipment. This increased a soldier’s survivability on the battlefield. What the Chinese were not impressed with was the reliability of the M-16 rifle itself, compared to their experiences with the AK-47.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="455" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/005-27.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8633" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/005-27.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/005-27-300x195.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption><em>The Chinese 35mm grenade launcher intended for use with the Type 95 looks quite similar to the M203. It fires a 35mm grenade at 246 fps and is sighted to 350 meters.</em></figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Noting the advantages of the small, high velocity round, they began extensive research and theoretical studies based on their combat observations of the war in Vietnam. Their goal was no simple one. They desired to find the ideal caliber to satisfy the Chinese military requirements for use in assault rifles out to medium ranges (400m) as well as in the supporting role of a machinegun (up to 1000m). Their intention was not just to build a series of weapons based on an existing cartridge but rather to build a weapons complex using the ideal cartridge. This “Universal caliber” had always been a Holy Grail for which many have sought but none had found.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="455" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/006-16.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8634" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/006-16.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/006-16-300x195.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption><em>The QJY88 5.8x42mm GPMG is shown on its tripod with an NVD mounted. Hearkening back to the days of the M1910 Maxim gun a special heavy ball load has been developed for it. This load is claimed to give it an effective range of 1000 meters, although I would suspect drift in high winds at this distance would be hell!</em></figcaption></figure></div>



<p>After extensive calculations they concluded that the ideal caliber would be 5.8mm, 6mm, or 6.2mm. They then designed a vast assortment of prototype cartridges for use in comparison testing. This is similar to our own SAW project which tested over 1000 configurations in calibers ranging from 5.56 to 7.62. Our final result was the 6x45mm SAW round which was never adopted due to logistical reasons. This shows that the U.S. and Chinese designers came to a similar conclusion as to the ideal caliber. Based on their test results the Chinese came to the final conclusion that the 5.8mm best fit their needs. The result is their new small caliber, high velocity 5.8x42mm cartridge. Designed from the ground up to fit the needs of their weapons complex, this cartridge is produced in 3 different ball loadings: a standard loading for use in assault rifles, a heavy projectile loading for use in their GPMG, and a specialty loading for use in sniper rifles.</p>



<p>The standard loading features a 64-grain FMJBT projectile with a 22.6-grain AP core loaded into a copper washed steel case. The overall cartridge length is 58mm, case length is 42.2mm, and the projectile is 24.2mm long. The cartridge case somewhat resembles the Russian 5.45&#215;39 in that it is tapered; however, the case neck is shorter. It bears no outward resemblance to the 5.56&#215;45. While straightwall cases like the 5.56 are inherently more accurate, tapered cases aid feeding and extraction. The projectile also exhibits a substantial sectional density, although not as great as that of the 5.45&#215;39. Muzzle velocity from the Type 95’s 18.2-inch barrel is 3,050 fps. Out of the Type 95 Squad Auto’s 21.9-inch barrel it clocks 3,182 fps. The Chinese have tested their new cartridge extensively against both the 5.56&#215;45 SS109 and the Russian 5.45&#215;39 7N6. They claim their 5.8x42mm outperforms both cartridges with penetration superior to the SS109, a flatter trajectory, and a higher retained velocity and energy downrange.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="598" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/007-13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8635" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/007-13.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/007-13-300x256.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div>



<p>Although the Chinese had developed their ideal cartridge they still had one major hurdle to overcome, the Chinese military. During the last Sino-Japanese war the Chinese had made extensive use of captured 6.5 Arisaka rifles and machineguns. From their combat experience they felt that this cartridge performed poorly, lacking penetration and killing power. They felt this was especially true when it was used from machinguns firing at long range. Recent combat experience, on the other hand, had proven the effectiveness of 7.62&#215;39 assault rifles and 7.62x54R GPMG’s and sniper rifles. Due to this the Chinese military wanted nothing to do with a small caliber cartridge intended for use in machineguns as well as rifles.</p>



<p>So in order to convince the military, the Chinese Armament Bureau produced a quantity of transitional 5.8&#215;42 assault rifles. These were based upon the Type 81 and were designated the Type 87. They were then submitted to the military for extensive testing and field trials against the existing 7.62&#215;39 weapons. During these trials the 5.8&#215;42 weapons outperformed the 7.62&#215;39 weapons in every way. They proved superior enough for the Chinese military to adopt the new cartridge for use in the next generation of Chinese small arms.<br><br>With the problem of a suitable cartridge out of the way, during the late 1980’s the Chinese set to work designing the weapons to use it. The result of their work is not just a new assault rifle but an entire weapons complex. This includes an assault rifle (Type 95), Light Squad Auto (Type 95), Sniper rifle (Type KBU88), and surprisingly, a belt fed GPMG (Type QJY88). Obviously following the current trend in small arms development, they chose to use the bullpup configuration (except for the GPMG).</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="669" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/008-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8636" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/008-10.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/008-10-300x287.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 2.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>I was told that in designing the Type 95 they again took a long hard look at the SVD Dragunov design. This can be seen in the Type 95’s 3 lug rotating bolt, carrier, and adjustable short stroke piston gas system which is similar conceptually to the SVD’s. The main features of these new weapons are their extensive use of high tensile aluminum and modern high impact synthetic materials coupled with improved human engineering. In addition they feature cold hammer forged barrels for superior accuracy. The design emphasizes keeping as close as possible the distance between:<br><br>1. The center of gravity of the whole weapon and the center of gravity of the axis of the barrel.<br>2. The center of gravity of the bolt assembly and the axis of the gas piston.<br>3. The center of gravity of the barrel and the axis of the gas tube.<br>4. The center of gravity of the bolt carrier and the center of gravity of the whole gun.<br><br>They state, “This design brings a combined effect of compact structure, minimizing the supplementary force of inertia, ensuring a stable and smooth movement of the bolt carrier, minimizing the overall weight of the rifle, increasing shooting accuracy, and promoting reliability.” It is also interesting to note that they claim a reliability rate equal to that of the Kalashnikov. That in and of itself would be quite a feat.<br><br>These weapons were designed to use the following accessories:<br><br>1. Fixed or variable power telescopic sights with quick detachable mount.<br>2. Their latest star light night vision scope with quick detachable mount.<br>3. Quick detachable 35mm grenade launcher that mounts to the forend.<br>4. Multi-purpose bayonet which can be used as a bayonet, field knife, wire cutter, or a dagger.<br><br>While I personally do not care for bullpup style rifles, the Type 95 appears ergonomic and well balanced. The rear sight is mounted on an M-16 style carrying handle, which also accepts optical sights. The front sight assembly reminds one of the familiar AK unit. The charging handle is located inside the carrying handle, AR-10 style, and is ambidextrous. Feed is from 30 round synthetic magazines. The Type 95 Squad Auto shares the same bolt assembly, trigger assembly, upper and lower receiver, and magazines with the rifle. For its fire support role it’s equipped with a longer, heavier barrel to which a bipod is directly mounted. To increase its practical rate of fire, 75 round drum magazines are issued for it, although the standard 30 rounders will also work. In my experience Chinese drums are usually quite noisy though, as they allow the rounds to slap back and forth. Weighing in at just 8.7 lbs it is more of a machine-rifle, along the lines of the L86A1 British Light Support Weapon, rather than like our own M249 SAW.<br><br>For reaching out and touching someone, there is the KBU88 sniper rifle. It’s equipped with a 25.1” hammer forged barrel, and the carrying handle has been replaced with a 3-9x variable telescope. The optics feature an illuminated reticle with aiming holdover points in 100 meter increments. Fold down backup iron sights are also provided. An integral folding bipod, with legs individually adjustable for height, is attached to the barrel just in front of the handguard. Feed is from 20 or 30 round magazines. When tested against the Type 85 7.62x54R sniper rifle (SVD Dragunov) the KBU88 outperformed it in accuracy, higher hit probability at long range, was quicker to get into action, had less recoil, had a larger ammunition load capacity, and was lighter in weight -thus increasing the mobility of the sniper. We would consider it a Designated Marksman’s Rifle, rather than a true sniper rifle. In this role it would prove quite useful on the modern battlefield.<br><br>The latest member of the 5.8mm family is the QJY88 GPMG. This project began in July 1989 and after extensive testing in freezing cold, hot desert, windy, and sandy conditions to eliminate defects, it was formally adopted in July 1999. Feed is from 200 round belts. The feedway is equipped with 3 rollers, and the feeding pawl also has a roller, to minimize friction during feeding and to aid reliability. It’s equipped with a bipod for use in the LMG role but can also be tripod mounted for sustained fire use. The tripod is equipped with a recoil-absorbing device to enhance accuracy and quickly converts for A.A. use. For long service life the core of the barrel is hardened more than the rest during heat treating. Also a special pattern of rifling is used and the chrome plating carefully kept to .18-.28mm to increase barrel service life. The Chinese claim it to be very simple, reliable, and mobile due to its light weight, coupled with long range and a high hit probability.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="348" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/009-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8637" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/009-9.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/009-9-300x149.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 3.</figcaption></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="619" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/010-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8638" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/010-8.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/010-8-300x265.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 4.</figcaption></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="211" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/011-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8639" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/011-5.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/011-5-300x90.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 5.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>So the question is, exactly how well does this new Chinese 5.8&#215;42 round stack up against our 5.56&#215;45 and the Russian 5.45&#215;39? The Chinese have tested their new cartridge extensively against both the 5.56&#215;45 SS109 and the Russian 5.45&#215;39 7N6. They claim their 5.8x42mm outperforms both cartridges with penetration superior to the SS109, a flatter trajectory, and a higher retained velocity and energy downrange. I was recently able to get my hands on some documents containing some of their test results. Testing was conducted using a 5.45&#215;39 AK-74 and 7N6 ball ammunition, a 5.56&#215;45 FNC and SS109 ball and P112 AP, and a Type 95 with 5.8&#215;42 ball. Accuracy testing was conducted out to 600m between the three weapons. Projectile Time of Flight was recorded out to 800m. 3.5mm NATO spec hardened steel plates were shot at 640m and 700m. A 10mm hardened steel plate was shot at 310m. Finally, anesthetized livestock between the weight of 26-44 pounds were shot at a distance of 90m. All the information recorded from these tests is contained in the accompanying charts. For comparison I also included one chart on the performance of typical military rifles against NATO 3.5mm steel plate from tests performed by the USMC Firepower Division in Quantico, VA in the early 1980’s.<br><br>The Chinese test results indicate that their new 5.8x42mm cartridge is intended to provide an increase in effective range and penetration. The difference is that it is now possible for the high velocity small bore military cartridges to place fire at medium ranges without the weight and recoil penalties of the older full power cartridges. While obviously lacking the punch of a 7.62&#215;51 at long range the 5.56&#215;45 has none the less proven itself to be capable of superb accuracy at 600m. This has not been lost on the Chinese. Their 5.8&#215;42 ball round is designed to surpass the performance of the 5.56&#215;45 SS109, including at long range. That the Chinese wish to be able to extend the practical effective range of their small arms can also be seen in the Type 95’s ability to easily mount optical sights. While we don’t yet have any specifics on the dedicated sniper load for the KBU88 sniper rifle, that it outperformed the 7.62x54R SVD out to 1000m speaks for itself.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="143" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/012-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8640" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/012-5.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/012-5-300x61.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 6.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Against steel plate the 5.8 easily outperformed the 5.45 7N6 ball loading as well as the 5.56 SS109. It equaled the penetration of the 5.56 P112 AP loading while providing greater retained energy. It should be remembered though that the 5.45 7N6 loading has a mild steel core and a more even test would have been to use the newer 7N10 High Penetration round. While the 5.8 retained more energy and velocity downrange, there is a downside to a light weight, small diameter projectile with high penetration. Such rounds can zip right through a man without doing significant damage. This was first seen on the Italian Front during World War I when it was common for soldiers hit through the lungs at long range by 6.5mm rounds to recover in a matter of weeks. Recently American troops witnessed this first hand in Mogadishu when close range hits on rebels with SS109 ammunition produced no immediate visual results. This was verified in the livestock testing performed by the Chinese. Here the 5.45 7N6 load showed what it was designed to do and produced significantly larger wounds than either the 5.56 SS109 or the 5.8&#215;42. However the range here was short, only 90m. While the Chinese were impressed by, and commented on the tremendous close range wound capacity of the 5.45 7N6 loading, they also stated that by 600m its accuracy, penetration, and wound capability had dropped off significantly due to its lightweight 52 grain projectile. However they also felt the 5.45&#215;39 to be a very economical cartridge to manufacture. The Chinese were impressed by the 5.56&#215;45 SS109 and felt that it was effective up to 600m. However they felt that it had the disadvantages of high chamber pressures, and because it utilized brass cartridge cases, was not economical to produce.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="174" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/013-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8641" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/013-4.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/013-4-300x75.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 7.</figcaption></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="133" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/014-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8642" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/014-4.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/014-4-300x57.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 8.</figcaption></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="133" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/015-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8643" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/015-1.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/015-1-300x57.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Chart 9.</figcaption></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="661" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/016-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8644" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/016-1.jpg 661w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/016-1-283x300.jpg 283w" sizes="(max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px" /><figcaption>Chart 10.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>While the 5.8 was superior in penetration to the 5.56 SS109, the same was not true of accuracy. That the new Type 95/5.8x42mm combination was more accurate than the 70’s vintage Russian AK-74/5.45x39mm combo is really no great surprise. While the AK-74 is more accurate than the 7.62&#215;39 AKM, at the time of its design Soviet doctrine relied on massed automatic fire rather than accuracy. By switching to a short stroke gas system, the Chinese intended to gain an increase in accuracy over the Kalashnikov while maintaining the same level of reliability. It appears that they have accomplished this. However the FNC/5.56x45mm combo easily outshot the new Chinese system. Straightwall case designs, such as the 5.56&#215;45, tend to be more accurate than tapered case designs such as the 5.45&#215;39 and 5.8&#215;42. The trade-off being that tapered cases feed and extract easier. While troops complain about the M-16A2, it can not be faulted for its accuracy. Also keep in mind when looking at the Chinese data that the average muzzle velocity of an SS109 round out of an M-16A2 is higher than that listed for the test FNC. However they are within NATO SS109 spec’s which call for a 61.7 grain bullet at 3025fps 25m from the muzzle. While the 5.8 exhibits higher retained velocity and energy in their test results compared to the 5.56 SS109, the difference is small.<br><br>Why did the Chinese bother with developing an entirely new assault rifle cartridge when they could have simply adopted the 5.56&#215;45 is a question I’m sure many will ask. The only reason I’ve been given is that the PLA has a defensive doctrine and if China were invaded their unique caliber weapons would prohibit an attacking force from utilizing captured weapons against the PLA. I will let you decide for yourselves on the effectiveness of this new cartridge based on the accompanying data. How China’s new 5.8x42mm series of weapons fares in service or combat remains to be seen. One thing is certain though, the Kalashnikov’s service with the PLA appears to be coming to an end. While the Type 95 was officially adopted in 1995 and is standard issue with the Hong Kong garrison force, it will be some time before it is in wide spread issue simply due to the size of the PLA.<br><br><strong>Acknowledgments:</strong><br><br>Much thanks to Dave Brown at Sierra Bullets for his patience and help making sense of the ballistic data in its original form and to Mark Vorobiev for a Russian point of view.<br><br><strong>References:</strong><br><br>Bolotin, David. SOVIET SMALL ARMS AND AMMUNITION. Finnish Arms Museum Foundation, Hyvinka, Finland. 1995.<br>Cutshaw, Charlie. THE NEW WORLD OF RUSSIAN SMALL ARMS &amp; AMMO. Paladin Press, Boulder, CO. 1998.<br>Harris, C.E.. “The M-16A2: New World Standard For Infantry Rifles” GUN DIGEST, 40th Edition. DBI Books Inc, Northbrook, IL. 1986. SLIDE CAPTIONS</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V5N12 (September 2002)</em></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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		<title>Book Reviews: October 2000</title>
		<link>https://smallarmsreview.com/book-reviews-october-2000/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[SAR Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Oct 2000 20:27:31 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dev.smallarmsreview.com/?p=1816</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[By David Fortier THE OFFICIAL SOVIET SVD MANUALOperating Instructions of the 7.62mm Dragunov Sniper RifleTranslated By Maj. James F. Gebhardt,U.S. Army (Retired)Paladin PressP.O. Box 1307Boulder, CO 803061-800-392-2400ISBN 1-58160-032-1$15.00 plus S&#38;H112 pagesReview by David Fortier Major James Gebhardt does it again in this valuable translation of the Soviet manual on the SVD sniping rifle. Designed by Evgeniy [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<p>By <strong>David Fortier</strong><br><br><strong>THE OFFICIAL SOVIET SVD MANUAL</strong><br>Operating Instructions of the 7.62mm Dragunov Sniper Rifle<br>Translated By <strong>Maj. James F. Gebhardt,<br>U.S. Army (Retired)</strong><br>Paladin Press<br>P.O. Box 1307<br>Boulder, CO 80306<br>1-800-392-2400<br>ISBN 1-58160-032-1<br>$15.00 plus S&amp;H<br>112 pages<br>Review by David Fortier</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="555" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-42.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10491" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-42.jpg 555w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-42-238x300.jpg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px" /><figcaption><em>The Official Soviet SVD Manual</em></figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Major James Gebhardt does it again in this valuable translation of the Soviet manual on the SVD sniping rifle. Designed by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov and adopted by the Soviet Army as their standard sniping rifle in 1963, the SVD has been shrouded in mystery. The first rifle ever designed from the ground up specifically for the task of sniping, it is still standard issue in the Russian Army. Russia has a long tradition of employing snipers that dates all the way back to the Crimean War of 1854. Even the Germans played catch up to the Soviets throughout the Second World War when it came to sniping. Using this vast wealth of practical wartime experience, they designed the SVD Dragunov sniping rifle and PSO-1 scope.<br><br>While instantly recognizable, there has not been a lot of information on the Dragunov or its scope available, and some of what has been written is incorrect. With numbers of these rifles in the U.S. (and the Romanian FPK/PSL sniper rifle based upon the RPK but still utilizing the 7.62x54R cartridge), this manual will be of great interest and a great help. Not only does it teach stripping, maintenance, troubleshooting, and firing positions with the Dragunov, but also much more. All the little accessories for the rifle AND the scope are covered. Ammunition is covered, as well as using the PSO-1 scope, and there is a vast array of excellent ballistic charts for the 7.62x54R cartridge. From zeroing the weapon to leading parachutists, there is a lot of interesting and valuable information here.<br><br>This book also dispels some false information. It has been stated that the Russians never taught the use of the sling as a shooting support- incorrect. The same goes for the Russians never issuing special sniping ammunition. The manual not only talks about it, but also tells you how to identify it (I have fired some of this ammunition out of my SVD and it grouped into 2 3/4 inches at 300 yards). Anyone who has an SVD or Romanian FPK should have this manual- it will answer all your nagging questions.<br><br><strong>HANDGUN STOPPING POWER</strong><br>The Definitive Study<br>By <strong>Evan P. Marshall<br>Edwin J. Sanow</strong><br>Published by Paladin Press<br>P.O. Box 1307<br>Boulder, Colorado<br>80306<br>1-800-392-2400<br>$45.00 plus S&amp;H<br><strong>Reviewed by David Fortier</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="416" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-48.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10492" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-48.jpg 416w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-48-178x300.jpg 178w" sizes="(max-width: 416px) 100vw, 416px" /></figure></div>



<p>What actually happens when someone is shot with a handgun? Do hollowpoints work? Is it true that ‘they all fall to .45 ball’? What’s the best handgun load for self defense? What IS stopping power, how does it work, and how much is enough?<br><br>Only 12 or 15 years short years ago the above questions did nothing more than stimulate endless debate. There were lots of opinions, but little for hard facts. Evan Marshall and Edwin Sanow changed all that in this landmark book. For the first time the results of thousands of actual shootings were recorded and compiled by caliber and load. Years in the making, the author’s goal was to provide accurate unbiased wound ballistics and ammo information that street cops and civilians alike could use. The information gathered was compiled from police reports, autopsies, and victim statements. Through this information we can see how well individual loads actually worked in real life shootings. Or, how poorly they did.<br><br>For anyone who carries a handgun, this is a must read book. In 224 pages the authors explain the medical mechanisms of collapse, previous theories of stopping power, and why they don’t work, actual street shootings, tissue simulants, new ammo developments, predicting stopping power using street results, and more. This book contains a lot of information, and once you start reading you won’t want to stop. The chapter on actual street shootings that goes over actual incidents by caliber and load is impossible to put down. I loaned this book out and had a hard time getting it back.<br><br>For too long we guessed at what the best caliber and load for defensive use was. The arguments seemed endless and heated. Untold quantities of duct seal, phone books, paint cans, and even chickens were perforated in an attempt to ‘prove’ one theory or another. Those days are over. Now you can find out how well the load in your pistol actually works, or doesn’t. Read this book.<br><br><strong>Japanese Explosive Ordnance</strong><br>(Army Ammunition, Navy Ammunition)<br>TM 9-1985-5, Department<br>Of The Army<br>Reprinted And Published by<br>Julian Books,<br>5282 Ridan Way<br>Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418<br>Price $25.00 plus 4.50 S&amp;H<br>Review by Stephen Stuart</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="516" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/003-47.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10493" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/003-47.jpg 516w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/003-47-221x300.jpg 221w" sizes="(max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px" /><figcaption><em>Japanese Explosive Ordnance</em></figcaption></figure></div>



<p>While walking around the tables at Knob creek this past April, I noticed the immense amount of inert ordnance on the dealer’s tables. Everything from American practice hand grenades to Russian anti-tank rocket launcher tubes. The only thing missing were books detailing to ordnance collectors what exactly they were purchasing. Being a Japanese collector of militaria, I always wished I could find a good copy of the rare two-part U.S. training manuals describing Japanese ordnance published by the U.S. Army. As luck would have it, I found a copy of the second volume at a gun store the week I got back from Knob creek.<br><br>Volume two is now being offered by Julian books in Palm Beach Florida. The person reprinting the manual is none other than Fred Honeycutt, Jr. Mr. Honeycutt is well known in the Japanese military arms field with two small arms works under his belt, Military Rifles of Japan and Military Pistols of Japan.<br><br>The manual begins by covering the basic firearm cartridges of Japan; the 6.5mm, the 7.7mm rifle rounds, and the 9mm, 8mm Nambu handgun rounds. The text then goes on to describe rockets, mortars, and projectile fuses used by the Japanese Army and Navy. The reprint is clear with easy to understand text and line drawings. The ammunition is also shown in cross section, detailing the internal components. The only thing I can say about this book is, that it is excellent. If you like ordnance or Japanese ammunition, buy the book. And maybe, just maybe, if there is enough response, Mr. Honeycutt might decide to reprint volume one on mines, grenades, and sabotage devices.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V4N1 (October 2000)</em></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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		<title>Feeding the Dragon</title>
		<link>https://smallarmsreview.com/feeding-the-dragon/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[SAR Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Oct 2000 20:25:11 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dev.smallarmsreview.com/?p=1807</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[By David Fortier &#38; Donald Heald Military small arm collectors and users tend to be a pretty opinionated bunch. You have your .45 or Die crew. Your Big Bore Battle rifle bunch. Your 30 round burst solves most anything thinkers. Your Buckshot is best believers, and your, if half your pistol isn’t plastic it’s antiquated [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<p>By <strong>David Fortier &amp; Donald Heald</strong><br><br>Military small arm collectors and users tend to be a pretty opinionated bunch. You have your .45 or Die crew. Your Big Bore Battle rifle bunch. Your 30 round burst solves most anything thinkers. Your Buckshot is best believers, and your, if half your pistol isn’t plastic it’s antiquated junk preachers. One thing I have noticed though, is that most everybody will agree, sniping rifles are interesting. Few sniping rifles possess the animalistic sex appeal of the Soviet SVD Dragunov.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="425" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-44.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10509" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-44.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-44-300x182.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/001-44-600x364.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div>



<p>Known officially as the Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, the Dragunov is highly sought after by both shooters and collectors. Yet only a handful have come into the country from Red China, Russia, and now Romania. What most people don’t realize is that finding and buying a Dragunov is the easy, although expensive part. If your heart is set on rimmed cartridges, see-through stocks, and punching holes far, far away, then all you need to do is open your wallet, wide, real wide. The hard part is tracking down all the odds and ends you need to let the rifle perform to its full potential. This includes Match grade 7.62X54R ammunition (I’ve seen people feed Dragunov’s junk M.G. ball that would make a Mosin-Nagant puke, and wonder why it would only group into 2 MOA!), batteries for the illuminated scope (an easy one now that Kalashnikov USA has them in stock, call 1-800-784-5677), and ten round magazines. Magazine availability for Dragunovs has been on and off but always expensive.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-51-300x200.jpg" alt="" data-id="10511" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-51.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/002-51-5/#main" class="wp-image-10511" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-51-300x200.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-51-600x400.jpg 600w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/002-51.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>Comparison of Russian 5 round magazine, on left, to 10 round Romanian magazine. Rounds are yellow tipped 7.62X54R Heavy Ball.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="217" height="300" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/003-49-217x300.jpg" alt="" data-id="10512" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/003-49.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/003-49-5/#main" class="wp-image-10512" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/003-49-217x300.jpg 217w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/003-49.jpg 506w" sizes="(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px" /><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>Close up of differences between Russian rear lug, on left, and stock Romanian magazine on right. Below: Close up of differences between Russian front lug, on left, and stock Romanian magazine on right. Also notice the difference in height of their feed ramps.</em></figcaption></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>Recently, magazines for the Romanian FPK/PSL version of the Dragunov have come onto the market at a reasonable price, usually around $39.99. I ordered 5, danced a happy jig when the Brown truck of Happiness arrived and snapped one into my Soviet Tiger Dragunov. It locked right in and looked perfect. When I performed a function check with dummy rounds however, it refused to feed. Confused, I tried another, and another. None would work. Upon closer examination, the Romanian magazines proved to be close enough to the Soviet mags to lock into the weapon, but different enough not to work. Our happy jig turned to cursing and fist shaking. Why are they different? Who knows, but they are different.<br><br>So I sat down with one of my cohorts, Donald Heald, and we compared the Romanian magazines to Soviet built ones. We could make them work, we decided. If they were built like flimsy M-16 magazines we would have shipped them back. The Com-block countries generally made their magazines so incredibly tough though there was plenty of meat to work with. Modifying magazines is NOT something I recommend as all to often they simply won’t work. In this instance I was pleasantly surprised. The modified magazines lock in and out of the weapon properly, and they feed FLAWLESSLY!<br><br>So if you or one of your friends is wondering why those darn Romanian magazines don’t work, relax. All you need is access to a Mig welder and someone who can run it. Other than the Mig it’s just basic hand tools, and a little patience(a pizza helps too!). So follow along as we show you how to keep your Dragunov happy as we give it a taste of Romanian food it’s sure to like!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/004-45.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="487" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/004-45.jpg" alt="" data-id="10513" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/004-45.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/004-45-5/#main" class="wp-image-10513" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/004-45.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/004-45-300x209.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/004-45-600x417.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">1. <em>CAUTION: always wear required safety equipment! Step one, take a working magazine(in our case a 5 round Russian magazine) and do a direct side by side comparison with a Romanian magazine to notice differences in the front and rear locking lugs. Field-strip the Romanian magazine. Clean and prepare surfaces for welding. Additional material is added to the rear lug by Mig-welding. Take your time and build the surface one weld at a time.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/005-40.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="483" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/005-40.jpg" alt="" data-id="10514" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/005-40.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/005-40-4/#main" class="wp-image-10514" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/005-40.jpg 483w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/005-40-207x300.jpg 207w" sizes="(max-width: 483px) 100vw, 483px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>2. Benchgrind the rear lug to rough proportions once enough material has been added.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/006-28.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="483" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/006-28.jpg" alt="" data-id="10515" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/006-28.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/006-28-4/#main" class="wp-image-10515" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/006-28.jpg 483w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/006-28-207x300.jpg 207w" sizes="(max-width: 483px) 100vw, 483px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>3. Hand file with a flat Mill Bastard file.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/007-25.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/007-25.jpg" alt="" data-id="10516" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/007-25.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/007-25-3/#main" class="wp-image-10516" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/007-25.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/007-25-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/007-25-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>4. Sand the rear lug notch with a dremel tool equipped with a small sanding drum with a rough grit. This will create a hollow ground lug.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/008-23.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/008-23.jpg" alt="" data-id="10517" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/008-23.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/008-23-3/#main" class="wp-image-10517" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/008-23.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/008-23-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/008-23-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>5. Square the shoulder of the lug with a dremel tool equipped with a stone wheel. After this, compare lug and notch to the Soviet magazine and trial fit in weapon. Adjust fit by adding or removing material as required.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/009-17.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/009-17.jpg" alt="" data-id="10518" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/009-17.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/009-17-3/#main" class="wp-image-10518" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/009-17.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/009-17-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/009-17-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>6. Finish squaring the rear lug and notch with a fine tooth Rattail file. Trial fit in the weapon. Verify the magazine feed lip height is the same as with the Soviet magazine. At this point we discovered that the Romanian magazines were slightly  LONGER than their Soviet counter-parts! Undeterred, we scratched our heads, took a long haul off our Coca -Cola Classics and ventured forth.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/010-12.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/010-12.jpg" alt="" data-id="10519" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/010-12.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/010-12-4/#main" class="wp-image-10519" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/010-12.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/010-12-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/010-12-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>7. To fix this problem we used a dremel tool equipped with a fine cutting disk to cut a slot down the front corner of each side approximately one inch. Moving back 1/8 of an inch from the original top cut, we sliced a ‘V’ cut that ended where the original cut ended. Then we removed the wedge.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/011-9.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="490" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/011-9.jpg" alt="" data-id="10520" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/011-9.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/011-9-4/#main" class="wp-image-10520" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/011-9.jpg 490w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/011-9-210x300.jpg 210w" sizes="(max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>8. Place the functioning Soviet magazine and the Romanian project magazine side by side over the center of the vice with the rear locking lugs resting on top of vice jaws and the front lugs up against the inner face of the vice jaws. Draw the vice jaws closed until gently snug. This will set the distance for the length of the Romanian magazine. Gently slide Soviet magazine out without disturbing vice.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/012-6.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/012-6.jpg" alt="" data-id="10521" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/012-6.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/012-6-4/#main" class="wp-image-10521" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/012-6.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/012-6-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/012-6-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>9. Tack weld both sides of the magazine just below the height of the front lug. Carefully check the magazine&#8217;s fit in firearm.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/013-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/013-4.jpg" alt="" data-id="10522" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/013-4.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/013-4-4/#main" class="wp-image-10522" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/013-4.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/013-4-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/013-4-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>10. Place magazine back in the vice and carefully weld the seam closed. Beware of burn-through on the lower part of cut where the metal is the thinnest.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/014-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/014-4.jpg" alt="" data-id="10523" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/014-4.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/014-4-5/#main" class="wp-image-10523" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/014-4.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/014-4-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/014-4-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>11. Using a dremel tool with a sanding drum, blend in the corners until the desired shape is achieved. Examine the inner corners of your weld and remove any slag or burn-through that would interfere with the movement of the follower.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/015-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="624" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/015-4.jpg" alt="" data-id="10524" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/015-4.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/015-4-4/#main" class="wp-image-10524" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/015-4.jpg 624w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/015-4-267x300.jpg 267w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/015-4-600x673.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>12. It may be necessary to sand and polish the front strap of the follower. Check to make sure that the follower moves easily. Luckily, it seems that the Romanian followers are the same length as the Soviet followers, go figure.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/016-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="359" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/016-3.jpg" alt="" data-id="10525" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/016-3.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/016-3-5/#main" class="wp-image-10525" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/016-3.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/016-3-300x154.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/016-3-600x308.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>13. Using a benchgrinder remove the feed ramp to just above the forward sides of the magazine. Then use a small fine grit sanding drum to duplicate the feed notches in the front strap of the magazine. Magazines in photo are from left to right, Soviet 5 rounder, our modified Romanian magazine, and original Romanian magazine.</em></figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/017-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/017-2.jpg" alt="" data-id="10526" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/017-2.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/017-2-5/#main" class="wp-image-10526" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/017-2.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/017-2-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/017-2-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption">14. Prepare the front lug surface for welding. Then using the outlined for the rear lug, add material to the front lug and grind to shape. Trial fit in the firearm making sure to keep the feed ramp the same height as the Soviet magazine&#8217;s to ensure proper feeding. Also make sure that the front strap height is the same as the Soviet magazine&#8217;s.</figcaption></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/018-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="490" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/018-2.jpg" alt="" data-id="10527" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/018-2.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/index.php/2000/10/01/feeding-the-dragon/018-2-5/#main" class="wp-image-10527" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/018-2.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/018-2-300x210.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/018-2-600x420.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-item__caption"><em>15. Final fitting for front lug should be accomplished by hand as per rear lug.</em></figcaption></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>SOURCES<br><br>K-VAR<br>1-702-364-8880<br><br>KALASHNIKOV-USA-LTD<br>1-800-784-5677</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V4N1 (October 2000)</em></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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