Firearms - An Illustrated History

["S H O W C A S E A K 4 7 \u2022 249 AK47 The AK47 has earned a reputation for being a near- Ejection port Date 1954 perfect military weapon due to its low cost of is closed Origin Soviet Union production, durability, and simplicity. More AK47s Barrel 12in (30.5cm) have been produced than any other assault rifle.The FULL VIEW Caliber 7.62mm rifle entered service in 1949 and was used extensively by Soviet forces from the 1950s, gaining significant Piston rings popularity during the conflicts of the ColdWar.The unit seen here was manufactured in 1954. \u25c0 ACTION COVER \u25bc GAS CYLINDER To prevent dirt from getting into Some of the exploding gases released on the moving parts of the rifle\u2019s firing a cartridge are vented from the barrel, mechanism (bolt, mainspring, and through the gas port, into the gas cylinder, trigger assembly), the uppermost which contains the piston.The pressure of part of the receiver is fitted with the exploding gases drives the piston and the a removable pressed steel cover. bolt backward against the mainspring.This It is held in place by spring tension withdraws the empty case from the chamber from the mainspring.When the and ejects it, cocking the weapon ready safety lever is in the uppermost for the next round to be fired.When the position, the action cover blocks bolt begins to advance again, driven by dirt from entering the rear part the mainspring, it feeds a new cartridge of the action. into the chamber from the magazine. Front guide retainer Hand Rear face of guard latch the piston tube 1 Ejection port Piston tube houses Upper Lower hand gas cylinder hand guard guard band Gas port is housed inside here Cleaning rod Barrel Lower hand guard Curved magazine 1 \u25c0 EJECTION PORT carries 30 rounds (OPEN) The ejection port \u25c0 MAGAZINE is the cutaway part The AK47 uses a relatively short of the action cover cartridge.The cartridges, when stacked, positioned above the lower receiver. It form a tight curve, resulting in the remains closed during pronounced curve of the magazine. firing. After firing, The magazine-release catch is a simple when the bolt moves rearward, the ejection pressed steel lever, easy to operate port opens to eject the when wearing gloves, and situated spent cartridge case. just in front of the trigger guard.","250 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) ASSAULT RIFLES \u25bc STEYR AUG Dating back to the 1970s, the (1976\u2013PRESENT) Date 1978 futuristic and highly successful Origin Austria AUG was among the first assault During the final quarter of the 20th century, Barrel 20in (50.8cm) rifles to combine an integral optical assault rifles increasingly utilized what is known as Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO sight, plastic components, and the \u201cbullpup\u201d configuration.This involved placing the a bullpup configuration. bolt and the recoil mechanism in the butt so that the magazine could be Flash hider placed behind the trigger. In addition to reducing the overall length of the Carrying handle firearm, this design also reduced muzzle rise containing sights considerably since the force of recoil was more fully absorbed by the shooter\u2019s shoulder.As with other arms of the period, these new designs utilized plastics to a greater degree than ever before. \u25b6 FAMAS F1 Ejection port Flash hider Date 1978 25-round detachable box magazine Bipod Origin France (folded) Barrel 19\u00bcin (48.8cm) Front grip Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm Optical sight with \u25bc L85A1 The L85A1 was the last weapon system NATO low-light capability Date 1985 to be developed and produced at the and 4\u00d7 magnification Origin UK Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, UK, A bullpup design, the Barrel 20\u00bdin (51.8cm) before it closed in 1988. It was dogged FAMAS F1 is a very Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO with problems during the development compact weapon and has stage, and trials continued even after its been used by the French adoption in 1985. It was designed from armed forces since the late the start to use an optical sight.The body 1970s. Like many modern and many other parts are steel stampings. assault rifles, it makes use All the furniture is high-impact plastic. of plastics and stamped metal components. Eyepiece with protective rubber shroud Release catch for dismounting action Stamped Large trigger guard steel body for gloved hand Detachable 30-round Pistol grip with high- magazine compatible with impact plastic molding other NATO weapons","A S S A U L T R I F L E S ( 1 9 7 6 \u2013 P R E S E N T ) \u2022 251 Optical sight 1.5\u00d7 magnification Receiver\/ adjustment knob optical sight butt Ejection port Trigger Magazine catch Detachable 42-round Rear sling box magazine swivel Optical sight Picatinny rail (a rail Flash for mounting accessories hider Butt on the gun) plate Foresight \u25c0 SA80 Developed at the Royal Small Arms Date 1985\u20131994 Factory, Enfield, UK, until 1988 and Forward Origin UK then British Aerospace (BAE) until vertical Barrel 20\u00bdin (51.8cm) 1994, the SA80 represented the Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO culmination of a design program that hand grip had begun in the late 1940s. Aside from its use of plastic, the SA80 is also notable for its incorporation of Flash sheet metal parts. hider Plastic Detachable 30-round pistol grip Rear aperture Forward opening box magazine of sight cover of sight cover \u25b6 FN2000 BULLPUP RIFLE The FN2000 is undoubtedly one of the Barrel Date 2001 most futuristic-looking weapons to have Origin Belgium been developed. Of modular construction, Barrel 16in (40.6cm) it consists of a barrel\/receiver unit attached Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO to a frame by a single pin.The rifle is fitted with an optical sight and has a chromed barrel to resist wear and corrosion. Trigger Receiver Detachable assembly box magazine","252 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) SNIPER RIFLES Optical sight (BOLT ACTION) \u25b2 M40 SNIPER RIFLE Unsupported barrel Whether used by military forces or the police, Date 1966 allows firing vibrations to bolt-action sniper rifles represent the epitome of Origin US dissipate without restriction accuracy.Though some, such as the US M40, are quite Barrel 24in (61cm) plain and closely resemble sporting arms, others are equipped Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO A military version of the Remington with stocks that can be adjusted to the personal preferences of 700 sporting rifle, the M40 was first their users and bipods to provide steady support. For normal used by the US Marine Corps in the field use, they are chambered for standard-issue cartridges that Vietnam War. Subsequent models are loaded to precise specifications, including weight of charge, were equipped with a fiberglass stock. and bullet type and weight. Long-range sniper rifles are normally chambered for .50in 6x Kahles ZF69 BMG cartridges, first optical sight developed for the Browning machine-gun Magazine is Synthetic stock in the late 1910s. housed here Optical sight \u25b2 STEYR SSG-69 Developed for the Austrian army, Date 1969 the SSG also proved popular with Raised Origin Austria police organizations.The SSG-69 comb stock Barrel 25\u00bdin (65cm) was unusual in its use of a five-round Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO rotating spool magazine housed within the rifle body. Heavy barrel \u25b2 ENFIELD L42A1 The L42A1 was a British Army sniper rifle Date 1970 in production between 1970 and 1985, but Origin UK still in use well into the 1990s. It was Barrel 27\u00bdin (70cm) built using the standard Lee-Enfield action, Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO but was fitted with a heavy barrel chambered for the 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO cartridge. Saddle cheek piece helps the user to brace the gun against his cheek Polymer stock Bolt handle Five-round detachable magazine","S N I P E R R I F L E S ( B O L T A C T I O N ) \u2022 253 6x optical sight Unsupported stainless-steel barrel Ten-round Attachment \u25b2 L96A1 Bipod in folded position detachable point for sling Date 1986 box magazine Origin UK The British Army\u2019s L96A1 sniper rifle, Polymer Hooded Barrel 25\u00bein (65.5cm) in service since 1986, was the first to stock foresight Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO be developed specifically for sniping; earlier versions had been based on Heavy barrel 10x optical sight various models of the Lee-Enfield. It has an aluminum frame to which its components are attached. Each rifle is individually fitted with a Schmidt and Bender six-power optical sight. Muzzle brake Rear Bipod leg \u25b2 HECATE II SNIPER RIFLE monopod Optical sight Date 1993 Origin France Barrel 27\u00bdin (70cm) Caliber .50in BMG As with otherWestern long-range sniper rifles, the Hecate II fires the .50in BMG (12.7 \u00d7 99mm NATO) round. It is based around a skeleton stock developed by PGM, France, and has a high-efficiency muzzle brake. Weight-reducing helically fluted barrel FULL VIEW \u25b2 C14 TIMBERWOLF Bipod leg Date 2005 Origin Canada Barrel 26in (66cm) Caliber .338in Lapua Magnum The C14 began as a hunting rifle, but was then developed for sniper use because of its accuracy. In sniper use, it is chambered for the powerful .338in Lapua Magnum antipersonnel round, which extends the rifle\u2019s effective range to more than 1,300 yards (1,200m).","254 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) PSO-1 optical sight SNIPER RIFLES (SELF-LOADING) Battery In common with their single-shot counterparts, self-loading compartment sniper rifles are designed to provide accurate fire at long distances\u2014up to 1,000 yards (900m) in the hands of a well-trained marksman. Sniper rifles are identifiable by their optical sights and a butt with adjustable cheek rests. Self-loaders have, in addition, a cycling action that autoloads ammunition from a magazine. Such rifles are capable of firing multiple rounds in quick succession, and on the battlefield they can be used to disrupt enemy command posts at long range. Cheek pad helps user to brace the gun against his cheek Skeleton wooden butt Wooden Adjustable Magnification Safety catch butt comb selector Nimrod Pistol grip optical sight \u25b2 GALIL 7.62MM SNIPER The semiautomatic Galil Sniper Detachable 25-round Forestock RIFLE Rifle features a folding butt with an steel box magazine Date 1960s adjustable comb, as well as a folding Bipod Origin Israel bipod and a 25-round box magazine. leg Barrel 20in (50.8cm) The example illustrated is equipped Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO with a six-power Nimrod optical sight.","S N I P E R R I F L E S ( S E L F - L O A D I N G ) \u2022 255 Shielded cover over objective lens \u25bc DRAGUNOV SVD The SVD came to be used as a Gas cylinder Gas Date 1963 sharpshooter platoon-support regulator Origin Soviet Union weapon byWarsaw Pact armies Barrel 24in (61cm) in the 1960s. Its four-power FULL VIEW Muzzle brake Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 54mm PSO-1 optical sight has limited and flash hider infrared capability. Cocking Magnification Windage Perforated barrel shroud for air-cooling handle selector, adjustment barrel and insulating user\u2019s hands 2.5\u201310x 10-round detachable Shielded cover box magazine over objective lens Bipod in folded position Ejection port Six-round \u25b2 WALTHER WA2000 Developed primarily for police use, detachable box Date 1978 theWA2000 employed a \u201cbullpup\u201d Origin Germany configuration (see p.250) and a magazine Barrel 25\u00bdin (65cm) semiautomatic action fed by a six-round Caliber .300inWin Mag\/7.62 \u00d7 magazine. High manufacturing costs Barrel Thumb 51mm NATO ended its production in 1988. hole \u25bc HECKLER AND KOCH PSG-1 Intended as a sniper rifle for the German Hensoldt 6x Elevation Date 1985 police, the Heckler and Koch PSG-1 employed optical sight adjustment Origin Germany a semiautomatic action and was fitted with an Barrel 25\u00bdin (65cm) unsupported hexagonal rifled barrel, an adjustable Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO butt, and a six-power optical sight. Cheek pad Unsupported hexagonal rifled barrel Polymer Five-round Pistol grip forestock detachable box magazine Pommel locates the hand on the pistol grip","256 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) GREAT GUNSMITHS HECKLER AND KOCH Rooted in the long tradition of German firearms manufacture, THEODOR Heckler and Koch was founded by three former Mauser engineers after KOCH World War II. A major contract to provide a rifle for the German Federal Army brought the company early success, and it has been a significant force in weapons production ever since. Products such as the G3 and HK33 rifles have sold very widely and spawned numerous variants, making the Heckler and Koch brand one of the most familiar in the world of weapons. In the years following World War II, the \u201cThe MP5 deserves its reputation for excellence.\u201d Allied forces (UK, US, and others) put severe restrictions on industry in Germany and, CHRIS MCNAB, THE SAS TRAINING MANUAL although some of these curbs were soon lifted, the ban on arms production remained well IN THE BEGINNING still further by Heckler and Koch.The army into the 1950s.The Mauser weapons factory When Germany began to reconstruct its preferred their design to the competitors\u2019 on at Oberndorf was shut down by the French economy after the war, there was a large offer at that time\u2014one rifle from America occupying forces, but three former Mauser demand for the items originally produced and another from Switzerland\u2014and in 1959, employees, Edmund Heckler,Theodor by Heckler and Koch. But the founders\u2019 Heckler and Koch were awarded a contract Koch, and Alex Seidel, salvaged some of the roots were in the firearms business and they to produce the rifle, which became known as machinery. All three were seasoned engineers waited patiently for a chance to return to the the G3 (see p.243).The G3 was based on a with experience in firearms manufacture and industry in which they had once flourished. roller-delayed recoil action developed by the the metalworking industry, and they needed The opening did not come until the mid- engineer LudwigVorgrimler.The weapon has all their skill and adaptability in the tough 1950s, when the ban on weapons production a modular design, allowing the user to swap economic conditions of postwar Germany. was finally lifted.The big opportunity for parts at speed to reconfigure the rifle. In Their new business\u2014originally named after Heckler and Koch arrived in 1956, when addition, Heckler and Koch made a host of Heckler, but renamed Heckler and Koch\u2014 tenders were invited to produce a new variants on the basic design.Versions with began as a manufacturer of bicycles, machine assault rifle for the infantry of the German different trigger groups, sights, stocks, tools, and precision parts for items such Federal Army.The successful weapon was deflectors, and other parts have been as sewing machines. Many of their workers based on a rifle that had been developed at produced, making the G3 highly versatile had formerly been Mauser employees. the old Mauser factory in the 1940s, before and helping it to become widely used. being modified by the Spanish design and \u25bc OBERNDORF FACTORY development agency CETME and then refined ADVANCES IN Part of the Heckler and Koch factory at Oberndorf, TECHNOLOGY Germany, consisted of low-rise prefabricated buildings The G3 provided Heckler and put up in the period after the end of World War II. Koch with a hugely successful start in firearms manufacturing. Armed forces from Norway to South Africa have bought it, the weapon has seen service all over the world, and some models remain in production today. It also provided the basis for further firearms that proved highly successful for Heckler and Koch.There are four main groups of these, each sharing the G3\u2019s roller-delayed action, but each chambered for a different cartridge and consisting of a large subfamily of weapons. A prime example is the MP5 submachine-","G R E A T G U N S M I T H S H E C K L E R A N D K O C H \u2022 257 HECKLER AND KOCH G3A3, 1964 HECKLER AND KOCH MP5A5, 1966 HECKLER AND KOCH G41, 1981 1945 Occupying French forces dismantle the Mauser 1966 The MP5 is developed. The MP5A5 ammunition, is canceled due to political weapons factory at Oberndorf, Germany. (see p.292) follows. changes surrounding Germany\u2019s reunification. 1991 The British company Royal Ordnance 1949 Heckler and Koch begins to manufacture items 1968 The HK33 assault rifle is launched. It is a purchases Heckler and Koch. for non-military use, such as components for 5.56mm weapon intended for the export market. 2002 Heckler and Koch is sold to private domestic appliances and bicycles. investors and receives substantial orders 1981 The G41 rifle (see p.243), originally designed for the British SA80 assault rifle (see p.251) 1959 The contract for the new infantry rifle for the as a replacement for the HK33, is introduced. and other firearms. West German army is awarded to the company. The G3 follows, and later, the G3A3 (see p.243). 1990 The company\u2019s long-running project to develop the G11 assault rifle, with high-velocity caseless gun, which, like the G3, is a modular design been used for nonstructural parts such as Heckler and Koch applied it to modern so that the user can adapt it with ease; grips, Heckler and Koch (as well as companies weapons, replacing the traditional it has spawned many variants.The MP5 has such as Glock) pioneered their use for gun grooved barrel with a rounded polygonal been bought by military and law-enforcement frames, making huge weight savings, and internal surface to give a better gas seal customers all over the world and is one of once the precision molds for the parts had around the projectile. Heckler and Koch the most ubiquitous submachine-guns. been made, savings in manufacturing costs, have successfully tethered these technological too. Polygonal rifling is another technology ideas to the development of versatile families The company also worked with materials in which Heckler and Koch have expertise. of weapons, making them one of the leading which were new and unusual for firearms, This old idea had fallen out of favor, but firearms manufacturers of the 21st century. such as polymers.While these materials had \u25b6 MP5 IN USE Members of the US Special Operations Response Team (SORT), who operate in prisons and are specialists in handling tense and dangerous situations among the inmates, were frequent users of the MP5 between 2000 and 2010.","258 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) LIGHT MACHINE- Hinged shoulder Recoil spring Rate-of-fire selector Ammunition GUNS (1945\u201365) rest in open position housing and safety catch belt feedway The development of light machine-guns Laminated \u25b2 DEGTYAREV RP46 in the years following World War II drew heavily wooden butt on designs that had been created during the war, Date 1946 particularly in Germany.This is most evident Ammunition Rear in the US M60 and the Mauser-CETME arms, belt sight Origin Soviet Union which parallel the wartime German MG42 (see p.193), StG44 (see p.177), and StG45.These Barrel 23\u00bein (60.5cm) light machine-guns also began to use sheet metal stampings and light-weight metal Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 54mm alloys extensively in their construction. The Red Army adopted the Degtyarev DP in 1928. It was modified in 1945, and the following year, it received a heavier barrel and was adapted to take belts as well as drum magazines, evolving into the RP46. It was still not entirely satisfactory, however, and was soon replaced by the RPD. \u25b6 FN MAG Gas Pistol grip cylinder Date 1958 Butt plate Origin Belgium Tripod leg Elevation Barrel 21\u00bdin (55cm) gears Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO Ammunition box The MAG (Mitrailleuse \u00e0 Gaz, meaning gas-operated machine- gun), produced by FN, used a modified form of the locking system developed by John Browning for his Automatic Rifle (see p.194); this was married to the feed mechanism of the MG42.This gun could fire 650\u20131,000 rounds per minute and was adopted by the British Army as their General-Purpose Machine-Gun (GPMG). Receiver Rear sight Butt-receiver attachment sleeve pin Butt-receiver attachment sleeve plate Rear sling Ammunition attachment feed aperture Selector switch","L I G H T M A C H I N E - G U N S ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 6 5 ) \u2022 259 Barrel jacket Flash hider Ammunition Gas tube belt feedway Foresight Butt plate Butt release \u25b2 L7A2 LIGHT The British L7A2 light machine-gun Bipod pin catch MACHINE-GUN is essentially a copy of the Belgian leg Date 1960 FN MAG (far left) made under Origin UK license in Britain. It is a platoon Foresight Barrel 27\u00bdin (70cm) support weapon of considerable Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO versatility since it can also be used with fixed mounts on vehicles. Receiver cover Ammunition Carrying handle belt feedway Heat shield Bipod foot Bipod (folded) Receiver \u25b2 M60 LIGHT MACHINE-GUN In the early 1960s, the US Army replaced its Browning M1917 (see Date 1963 p.188) derivatives with a new, gas-operated GPMG whose rate of Pistol grip Origin US fire are 500\u2013600 rounds per minute.The M60 used the feed system Barrel 23\u00bdin (59.9cm) of the MG42 (see p.193) and the locking system of the German Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO FG42 assault rifle (see p.215). It was unsatisfactory to begin with, because it was heavy, bulky, had poor balance and a complex barrel changing system. In early versions, some components, such as the bolt, experienced failure due to wear. Modifications were carried out over the next two decades to correct most of the gun\u2019s faults. Gas tube Foresight Gas tap-off point Fore \u25b2 MAUSER-CETME LMG The Mauser\u2013CETME light machine-gun was a joint hand grip Date 1960s German-Spanish development of the German MG42, Origin Spain\/Germany although chambered for the 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO round. Barrel 23\u00bcin (59cm) The gun was not a success with this chambering, because the Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO fluted chamber caused spent cartridge cases to stick\u2014in some instances, the extractor would pull the base of a spent case off its body\u2014a major problem in the field. CETME later achieved a good workable design in their 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO Ameli machine-gun.","260 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) LIGHT MACHINE-GUNS Ammunition \u25b2 GATLING MINIGUN M134 (1966\u2013PRESENT) feed Date 1960s Modern light machine-guns are either gas- or Optical sight recoil-operated.They continue to be characterized Origin US by their extensive use of plastic or resin-impregnated components, stamped parts, and light weight.With Barrel 22in (56cm) a few exceptions, they are designed for individual use to provide squad support fire. Increasingly Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 51mm NATO they have been fitted with optical sights to improve their effectiveness in the field.While The M134 is a Gatling-type rotary the Gatling Minigun was intended for use weapon that is powered by an electric from a fixed mount, its short overall length motor to achieve extremely high qualifies it as a light machine-gun. rates of fire\u2014up to 6,000 rounds per minute, although typically the rate is limited to around 4,000 rounds per minute.The weight and bulk of the external power source mean that the gun is usually used in helicopters, on armored vehicles, or on boats. Trigger guard Ammunition belt Pistol grip Butt plate Folding shoulder support Secondary grip \u25b2 PKM A General-Purpose Machine-Gun Date 1969 (GPMG), the PKM is gas-operated, Carrying handle Origin Soviet Union belt-fed, and air-cooled. Its rate of Barrel 25\u00bcin (64cm) fire is around 650\u2013750 rounds per Detachable 30-round Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 54mm minute. It is an improved variant of box magazine the Mikhail Kalashnikov-designed PK. Its butt plate is hinged. Tubular butt \u25b6 FN MINIMI An outstanding gas- Mounting fixture Flash hider Date 1975 operated, air-cooled light Bipod leg Origin Belgium machine-gun, the Minimi Ammunition Barrel 18\u00bcin (46.5cm) has a rate of fire of around belt container Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO 700\u20131,150 rounds per minute. It was adopted by the British Army and the US Army, among others. In the US Army, it was designated the M249 Squad AutomaticWeapon (SAW).","L I G H T M A C H I N E - G U N S ( 1 9 6 6 \u2013 P R E S E N T ) \u2022 261 Composite shoulder stock \u25b2 RPK74 45-round \u25bc STEYR AUG LMG Bipod (folded) Date 1976 box magazine Date 1980 Origin Soviet Union Origin Austria By fitting a bipod and a heavy barrel, Steyr produced a Barrel 23\u00bcin (59cm) The light machine-gun version Barrel 24\u00bdin (62cm) light machine-gun from its AUG assault rifle (see p.250). Caliber 5.45 \u00d7 39mm of the infantryman\u2019s AK74 assault Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO The AUG LMG can be fitted either with the AUG\u2019s rifle (see p.246), this weapon standard optical sight\/carrying handle combination (as features a heavier barrel, which seen here) or without the handle for fitting of a different is chrome-lined like the band of sight on a rail. It fires around 680\u2013750 rounds per minute. the AK74. It also has a modified receiver, a bipod, and an extended Ejection port magazine. It fires up to 650 rounds per minute. Bipod Barrel support Front grip \u25c0 L86A1 LIGHT The L86A1 has a heavier and larger barrel than the SUPPORT WEAPON earlier L85A1 (see p.250), and a rear grip to aid Date 1986 sustained firing.There is no quick-change barrel, Origin UK so the gun must be fired in short, controlled bursts Barrel 25\u00bdin (64.5cm) to prevent overheating. It fires around 610\u2013775 Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO rounds in one minute. Foresight Flash hider \u25b2 NEGEV Pistol grip \u25bc MG43 A rival to the FN Minimi (left), the Date 2001 MG43 is a belt-fed light machine- Date 1988 Optical sight with 4x magnification Origin Germany gun that features a foldable butt and and low-light capability Barrel 18\u00bein (48cm) a quick-change barrel. Its rate of fire Origin Israel Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO is about 880 rounds per minute. A slightly modified form was Barrel 18in (46cm) adopted by the German Army in 2001 and renamed MG4. Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm NATO Israel Military Industries\u2019 Negev is one of the breed of lightweight automatic weapons that has blurred the distinction between LMG and GPMG. Chambered for the SS109 NATO round in 5.56mm caliber, it can deliver automatic fire at 700 or 900 rounds per minute. Foldable butt Flash hider Trigger Molded plastic guard pistol grip Plastic forestock","262 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) MODERN REVOLVERS Five- chambered Despite the fact that their basic lock work \u25b6 SMITH AND WESSON cylinder was designed in the 19th century, revolvers remain .38 CHIEF\u2019S SPECIAL extremely popular to this day.The reasons for this Date 1950 Model name are their dependability, the ease with which they can Origin US inscribed on barrel be loaded, and their compact size. As self-defense Barrel 2in (5cm) weapons, their major assets are their light weight Caliber .38in Special Gold and the fact that they can be readily concealed. In inlays addition, their construction allows them to use powerful cartridges that would place unacceptable strains on semiautomatic arms. Undoubtedly one of the US\u2019s most popular small revolvers is the Smith andWesson Chief\u2019s Special that was Foresight Rear sight introduced and named at the 1950 Cylinder International Association of Chiefs axis rod of Police Convention.Although its \u25b2 SMITH AND WESSON AIRWEIGHT cylinder holds only five cartridges, Date 1952 Origin US rather than the more usual six, its Barrel 2in (5cm) Caliber .38in Special small frame and short barrel Ventilated Most gunmakers produced makes it ideal for carrying in barrel rib \u201cpocket\u201d revolvers.These either a pocket or handbag. were lighter in weight than Muzzle brake semiautomatic pistols chambered diverts combustion for the same ammunition, and to ensure easy concealment, they were fitted with an extremely gases sideways to short barrel. Smith andWesson\u2019s Centennial reduce recoil range, which included the Airweight, carried five rounds and had shrouded hammers. One version of the Airweight was made with an aluminum frame to reduce its weight. Adjustable rear sight Hammer \u25b2 COLT PYTHON Introduced in 1953, Date 1953 the Python was Colt\u2019s Origin US first Magnum revolver Barrel 8in (20.3cm) driven by double action\u2014its Caliber .357in Magnum hammer could be cocked manually or by pulling the trigger.Though initially designed primarily for target shooting, Checkered and therefore equipped with a ventilated grip sighting rib, the model was also made with short barrels to be issued to police. \u25b6 CHARTER ARMS Five-chambered Trigger POLICE BULLDOG cylinder rotates guard clockwise Date 1971 Silver decoration Ergonomically designed on grip Origin US molded-rubber grip Barrel 4in (10.1cm) Caliber .357in Magnum Built on a heavy frame, this gun was also available with a 2in (6.5cm) barrel. Revolvers of either barrel length were chambered for .357in Magnum or .44in Special ammunition.The molded rubber grip reduced the amount of recoil transferred to the user\u2019s hand.","Adjustable M O D E R N R E V O L V E R S \u2022 263 rear sight Foresight \u25b2 SMITH AND WESSON MODEL 29 \u25bc RUGER GP-100 Sturm, Ruger and Co. was a latecomer to Date 1987 the world of gun manufacture, opening Date 1980s Origin US for business in 1949.The double-action Barrel 4in (10.2cm) GP-100 is a well-built revolver that Origin US Caliber .357in Magnum incorporates an automatic hammer safety to prevent accidental discharges and an Trigger Barrel 8\u00bein (22cm) ergonomic grip that makes it easier to hold. guard Caliber .44in Magnum Cylinder- Checkered grip locking Introduced in 1955, the Model 29 was one bolt recess of Smith andWesson\u2019s N-frame revolvers, specially designed for shooting heavy Six-chambered cylinder loads. It came with a variety of barrel lengths, from 4in (10cm) up to 10\u00bdin (27cm), and all featured adjustable rear sights since the .44in Magnum cartridge was accurate at ranges well beyond those of standard pistol cartridges. Pistol grip Cylinder release catch \u25b2 SMITH AND WESSON Five-chambered This massive five-shot TIFFANY MAGNUM cylinder revolver is the largest commercially made Date 1989 Trigger guard handgun in the world. Weighing 72\u00bdoz (2kg) Origin US \u25b2 MODEL 500 X-FRAME unloaded, it fires a bullet Date 2003 weighing \u00beoz (22.7g), Barrel 6in (15cm) Origin US designed for use against the Barrel 8\u00bein (22cm) heaviest of game.The barrel is Caliber .44in Magnum Caliber .500in Smith and equipped with a muzzle brake Wesson Magnum to reduce recoil. Smith and Wesson has produced various decorated \u201cTiffany-style\u201d revolvers.This gun, based on a .44in Magnum Model 29 (above), features a grip decorated in silver, and a gold-inlaid barrel. Gold-plated Gold-plated hammer cylinder \u25b2 SMITH AND WESSON This Smith andWesson revolver has, Pistol grip .357 MAGNUM apart from exquisite grip decoration, a Trigger Date 2000 gold-plated cylinder, trigger, and hammer. Origin US The barrel and much of the frame remain Barrel 4\u00bein (12 cm) conventional, undecorated Smith andWesson Caliber .357in Magnum parts.As with most Smith andWesson special editions, the revolver is fully functional.","264 Magazine base Slide SELF-LOADING \u25b2 M20 SILENCED PISTOLS (1946\u201380) Date 1950s Origin China In the years following World War II, the design of Barrel 9in (23cm) (including silencer) self-loading handguns more or less followed the patterns Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 25mm set down earlier. By the 1970s, however, these pistols began to take on more streamlined profiles such as those seen in The M20 was a Chinese copy of the Heckler and Koch\u2019s VP70M. At the same time, components Soviet 7.62 \u00d7 25mmTokarevTT Model made from investment castings\u2014wax models placed in 1933 (see p.174). It differed from molds so that finely detailed castings can be produced the original in having more slide in metal\u2014began to appear. Concurrently, plastic became grip cuts.The model here features the material of choice for pistol grips due to its stability a suppressor (silencer). in all weather conditions. Safety catch \u25c0 MAKAROV PM TheTokarevTT Model 33 (see p.174) was Muzzle Date 1950s replaced by this copy of theWalther PP as Butt houses detachable Origin Soviet Union the Red Army\u2019s standard sidearm. It was a eight-round box magazine Barrel 3\u00bein (9.7cm) double-action weapon and had a two-stage Caliber 9mm Makarov safety device. Its ammunition was about as powerful as could safely be used in a recoil design at that time. Serial number \u25b2 HELWAN The Helwan is an Egyptian Date 1965 licensed version of the Beretta Origin Egypt Model 1951 Brigadier, a single- Barrel 4\u00bcin (11cm) action (the hammer has to be Caliber 9mm Parabellum cocked manually) 9mm automatic handgun with an eight-round magazine capacity. \u25b2 TYPE 67 Integral silencer Date 1968 Origin China The Type 67 was a recoil pistol Barrel 3\u00bdin (8.9cm) with an integral suppressor, or Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 17mm silencer. It featured a manual slide locking system, which Magazine stopped ejection of the spent inserted cartridge after firing, making the into grip pistol quieter during operation.","External 265 silencer Burst-fire Enclosed selector hammer \u25b6 HECKLER AND KOCH The VP70M, the first pistol to VP70M make extensive use of plastic, Date 1970s was an attempt to produce a fully Origin Germany automatic handgun, although limited Barrel 4\u00bdin (11.6cm) to firing three-round bursts.The Caliber 9mm Parabellum mechanism that controlled this was housed in the detachable butt; when it was removed, the pistol reverted to normal semiautomatic operation. FULL VIEW Fiber-reinforced Push-button polymer butt safety catch Slide Butt houses 18-round magazine Slide stop \u25b6 CZ75 Cutaway slide top Date 1975 Origin Czechoslovakia Barrel 4\u00bein (12cm) Caliber 9mm Parabellum The CZ75 had several derivatives, such as the CZ97 in .45in caliber and the CZ75 P-07 featuring a polymer frame rather than a steel one.These models quickly established reputations for reliability, and they were adopted by a number of military and police forces. Barrel (visible) Muzzle \u25b6 BERETTA MODEL 92FS Recurved trigger Butt houses Date 1976 guard to facilitate detachable Origin Italy two-handed grip 13-round box Barrel 4\u00bcin (10.9cm) magazine Caliber 9mm Parabellum The Beretta 92 was chosen as the US military\u2019s official sidearm to replace the Colt M1911A1 (see p.169) in the 1980s. Its frame was forged from aluminum to reduce weight.The slide top was cut away to allow single rounds to be loaded manually.","266 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) SELF-LOADING Housing for recoil spring PISTOLS (1981\u201390) and laser target indicator Self-loading pistols from this period \u25b6 GLOCK 17 Enlarged Butt houses all display the squared profile that has become Date 1982 trigger guard for 17-round the accepted norm for these weapons. Origin Austria detachable Structurally, they increasingly incorporated Barrel 4\u00bdin (11.4cm) gloved hands box magazine components made of lightweight metal alloys Caliber 9mm Parabellum or synthetic polymers.The use of the latter Elevation initially caused unease among both users and law Designed by Gaston Glock, this pistol adjustment enforcement officials. Users feared that parts utilized a polymer frame and had metal made entirely of polymers would not withstand parts treated with a proprietary the stresses generated during firing, while the formula finish that prevented surface police were worried that such arms would be oxidation. It also had three independent invisible to metal detectors. But these concerns safety locking systems, including the proved to be unfounded\u2014the so-called Browning locking system (see p. 270), \u201cplastic pistols\u201d were here to stay. that prevented accidental firing. Though treated with skepticism when Muzzle brake introduced, the Glock is now used worldwide by police forces and military personnel. Interchangeable Optical barrel sight Foresight Stamped Grooves allow Decocking slide slide to be gripped device Internal \u25b2 IMI DESERT EAGLE barrel bushing Date 1983 Magazine catch Origin Israel Barrel 10in (25.4cm) Caliber .44in Magnum (as shown here) Unlike almost all other self-loading pistols, the Desert Eagle, made by Israel Military Industries (IMI), was gas-operated (see p.305), and of modular design. Its standard frame was able to accept sets of components for different ammunition, from .357in Magnum to .5in Action Express (AE), and barrels of different lengths. \u25b6 SIG-SAUER 9MM P226 Developed in Switzerland by SIG, the Butt houses detachable Date 1984 SIG-Sauer is manufactured by J. P. Sauer box magazine Origin Switzerland and Sohn in Germany and in the US. Early Barrel 4\u00bcin (11cm) versions had stamped slides but later Caliber 9mm Parabellum production examples have slides milled from steel billets. It features a decocking device that allows the hammer to be safely lowered with a loaded cartridge in the chamber for carrying, so that the pistol is ready for immediate use when it is loaded.","S E L F - L O A D I N G P I S T O L S ( 1 9 8 1 \u2013 9 0 ) \u2022 267 Adjustable rear sight Hammer Extended The LAR Grizzly handgun was developed barrel as a high-power hunting or target shooting weapon. It is based upon the classic Colt \u25b2 LAR GRIZZLY MK IV M1911 (see pp.178\u201379), most of the Date 1985 differences being related to size and minor Origin US external features (such as the form of the Barrel 6\u00bdin (16.5cm) trigger guard, the spur on the rear grip strap, Caliber .44in Magnum and the forward grip strap).The Mk 1 came with caliber conversion kits; the Mk IV, by contrast, is available only in .44in Magnum. Magazine release catch Adjustable Checkered eyepiece front grip Safety Adjustable catch rear sight Slide Hammer Milled \u25b2 BERETTA 89 TARGET Removable cocking grip Date 1989 barrel weight Origin Italy Foresight Barrel 6in (15cm) The Beretta 89 is an automatic Caliber .22in recoil-powered handgun designed for competitive target shooting. It is a single-action gun (its hammer must be cocked manually) and is built for high accuracy, with a heavy barrel and an adjustable rear sight. Slide catch\/release Recurved trigger guard to facilitate two-handed grip Recoil spring housing Butt houses \u25b6 IMI JERICHO 941 The Jericho 941 entered production nine-round Date 1990 with IMI in 1990.The \u201c941\u201d designation removable magazine Origin Israel refers to the way it was originally supplied Barrel 4\u00bein (12cm) with interchangeable barrels, magazines, Caliber 9mm\/.41in AE and recoil springs to swap between 9mm and .41in AE cartridges.","AMPHIBIOUS FIREARMS The creation of the ADS Amphibious Rifle by Russian engineers was made public in 2009. Amazingly, this assault rifle for combat divers can fire under water\u2014by using a special cartridge filled with a powder that releases oxygen on ignition, allowing the powder to burn.","","270 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) SELF-LOADING PISTOLS The SIG-Sauer P226 is a development (1991\u2013PRESENT) of the SIG P220, one of the postwar period\u2019s finest semiautomatic handguns. Modern self-loading pistols differ little from their The P226\u2019s higher-capacity magazines predecessors visually. However, their construction now store up to 20 9mm Parabellum involves an increased use of carbon composites, plastics, and cartridges in a staggered column.This lightweight metal alloys. Another key development is that example is decorated with white gold, their grips are designed to allow the use of high-capacity blue enamel, and 1,517 diamonds. magazines capable of holding up to 20 rounds.The profile of the forward trigger guard bow has also become more Vertical forward bow of vertical and grooved, a configuration that allows shooters trigger guard facilitates to hold a pistol securely with both hands. two-handed shooting \u25b2 SIG-SAUER P226 Ejector Date 1991 Origin Switzerland Barrel 4\u00bdin (11.5cm) Caliber 9mm Parabellum Forward portion of slide houses end of mainspring \u25b2 COLT ALL AMERICAN 2000 Rear sight Date 1991 Double- action Origin US trigger Barrel 4\u00bdin (11cm) Butt houses 15-round box Caliber 9mm Parabellum magazine The All-American emerged from Frame-mounted Colt in 1991, the brainchild of safety catch Reed Knight Jr. and Eugene Stoner. It was a 9mm gun with a frame made of either polymer or aluminum, hence it was extremely light. Colt ceased production of the gun in 1994. Enlarged Butt houses \u25b2 SMITH AND WESSON SIGMA trigger guard 10-round box magazine Date 1994 \u25b2 HECKLER AND KOCH USP Date 1993 Butt houses Origin US Origin Germany 17-round box magazine Barrel 4\u00bcin (10.7cm) Barrel 4in (10cm) Caliber 9mm Parabellum Caliber .40in Smith andWesson The Universal Service Pistol (USP) was Heckler and Koch\u2019s answer to the Glock 17 (see p.266), and Smith and Wesson developed its it, too, was largely made of plastic and employed Sigma pistol during 1993 and 1994. the tried-and-tested Browning locking system. It features a frame made from a The USP could be configured in nine different high-strength polymer and has an ways\u2014for instance, the trigger assemblies ergonomic grip containing a 17-round and magazines could be changed quickly. magazine. In common with some modern pistols, the frame has an integral accessory rail.","S E L F - L O A D I N G P I S T O L S ( 1 9 9 1 \u2013 P R E S E N T ) \u2022 271 Diamond-encrusted slide Hammer \u25bc STEYR SPP A cut-down version of Steyr\u2019s Date 1993 TMP submachine-gun, the Origin Austria SPP\u2014or Special Purpose Barrel 5in (13cm) Pistol\u2014fires on semiautomatic Caliber 9mm Parabellum only, and can take either a 15- or 30-round box magazine housed in the pistol grip. Flash hider Trigger Gold-plated trigger Foresight Box magazine is housed Thumb inside the grip rest Slide Accessory rail Accessory can be used to rail attach laser sights or a flashlight Ejection \u25b2 GLOCK 19 GEN 4 9MM Finger port Date 2000s grooves Fire selector Origin Austria on grip Butt houses Barrel 4in (10.2cm) 10-round Caliber 9mm Parabellum box magazine Diamond-edged The fourth generation series Base of pistol grip of Glock pistols is identifiable 15-round box by the thumb rest on the The Beretta 9000S is a 9mm or upper part of the grip, the magazine .40in Smith andWesson semiautomatic finger grooves on the forward \u25b2 BERETTA 9000S handgun with a polymer frame and a edge of the grip strap, and the Date 2001 10-shot magazine. It is both single- and pattern of roughening cast Origin Italy double-action (its hammer must be into the grip plates themselves. Barrel 3\u00bcin (8cm) cocked either manually or by pulling The most distinctive feature, Caliber .40in Smith and the trigger), and it has good safety however, is the accessory rail Wesson\/9mm Parabellum features, such as an automatic firing pin forward of the trigger guard block alongside a manual safety switch. for installing a laser sight.","272 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) Ejection port SUBMACHINE-GUNS Receiver (1946\u201365) Trigger In the years following World War II, submachine-gun design was focused on Rear the reduction of weight through the use of pistol grip stampings, normally reinforced by ribbing.The French MAT 49, with its pivoting magazine, is an excellent example of this idea in use.Though most submachine-guns were chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, police versions, such as the Czech Skorpion, were usually designed for use with the less powerful 7.65mm pistol round. One of the more unusual designs was the Russian Stechkin APS, which, due to its modest weight, proved to be almost uncontrollable during use. Retractable While the original version of the UZI (right) skeleton butt was fitted with a conventional wooden butt, this proved unwieldy in confined quarters, such as Rear aircraft or armored vehicles. Consequently, sight a modified model was designed that had a collapsible metal butt that greatly reduced \u25bc UZI 9MM STEEL STOCK the firearm\u2019s overall length when folded. Date 1950 Origin Israel Barrel 10\u00bcin (26cm) Caliber 9mm Parabellum FULL VIEW Trigger guard Collapsible metal butt","S U B M A C H I N E - G U N S ( 1 9 4 6 \u2013 6 5 ) \u2022 273 Perforated barrel shroud Foresight for air-cooling barrel and shroud insulating user\u2019s hands 32-round \u25c0 MANUFACTURE NATIONALE Pivoting magazine box magazine D\u2019ARMES DE TULLE (MAT) 49 housing doubles as fore grip Date 1950s Origin France Barrel 9in (23cm) Caliber 9mm Parabellum The MAT 49\u2019s distinctive feature is its pivoting magazine housing; in addition to making the weapon easier to conceal, it\u2019s a very positive safety device because it takes the magazine out of the firing position.The gun saw widespread combat use during the First Indochina War (1946\u201354) and the Algerian War (1954\u201362), as well as in the 1956 Suez Crisis. Cocking handle Pressed-steel receiver Rear sight in protective shroud Replaceable Barrel- barrel locking nut Molded-plastic Forward \u25b2 UZI fore grip sling swivel Date 1950s Cocking handle Origin Israel Foresight Barrel 10\u00bcin (26cm) Caliber 9mm Parabellum Rigid wooden butt The secret of the UZI\u2019s legendary stability lies in its bolt being wrapped around its barrel; this brings the center of gravity forward and helps to cure the tendency for the barrel to rise during automatic fire. Heavy moving parts keep its rate of fire to a manageable 600 rounds per minute. Barrel extension for use Combined safety and with sound suppressor rate-of-fire selector Skeleton stock folded forward \u25b6 SKORPION VZ61 Trigger 10-round or 20-round \u25b2 STECHKIN APS Pistol grip double-column box Date 1959 magazine in butt Date 1960s Origin Czechoslovakia Origin USSR 20-round double-column Barrel 4\u00bdin (11.43cm) Barrel 5in (12.7cm) box magazine Caliber 7.65mm Caliber 9mm Makarov in butt The VZ61, or Skorpion, submachine- The Stechkin was an unsuccessful attempt gun was designed by Miroslav Rybar. to produce a fully automatic pistol for use It was intended for use by security by security forces. Like the Makarov (see personnel and police. By incorporating p.264), it was an unlocked recoil design a telescoping bolt, Rybar was able based on the AmericanWalther PP. In to produce a weapon that was short automatic mode, firing 750 rounds per overall, so it was ideal for use in minute, it was virtually uncontrollable. cramped spaces or for carrying beneath clothing. Its vertically folding stock further minimized its length.","274 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) SUBMACHINE-GUNS \u25b2 SKORPION VZ83 Foldable (1966\u2013PRESENT) Date 1990s skeleton stock Origin Czechoslovakia In this period, some of the guns took on a futuristic look that Barrel 4\u00bdin (11.5cm) Pistol grip almost masked their real purpose.The ability to conceal a gun became Caliber 9mm Kurz a prime factor in their construction. Consequently, many submachine- The SkorpionVZ61 (see p.273) was guns were little larger than pistols so that police SWAT and military modified following its introduction personnel could carry them beneath civilian clothing. Heckler and to accept larger cartridges, including Koch\u2019s MP5 (see p.257) is probably one of the most iconic 9mm Kurz and 9mm Parabellum, but submachine-guns produced at this time, and it has been employed did not go into production. In the in more than 40 countries. It gave way to the MP7 seen here. 1990s, the rechambered versions were introduced officially.The version using the 9mm Kurz cartridge was called the VZ83. Trigger Rear sight guard Picatinny rail (a rail for mounting 25- or 30-round accessories on the gun) detachable box magazine Sling \u25b2 STEYR MPI 81 Date 1990s Origin Austria Barrel 10\u00bcin (26cm) Caliber 9mm Parabellum The MPi 81 has a conventional cocking handle that allows the bolt to be manually drawn rearward to cock the gun.This gun is a 9mm recoil-operated weapon with fire selection via trigger pressure\u2014light pressure fires single shots while heavy pressure produces automatic fire, shooting 700 rounds per minute. Retractable butt Pistol grip","S U B M A C H I N E - G U N S ( 1 9 6 6 \u2013 P R E S E N T ) \u2022 275 Optical sight Transparent 50-round Injection-molded plastic detachable box magazine butt contains receiver, bolt, and lock Muzzle Trigger \u25b2 FN P90 A ground-breaking personal defense Foresight Date 1990 weapon (PDW), the FN P90\u2019s non- Advanced collimator Origin Belgium mechanical body components are (red-dot) sight Barrel 10\u00bcin (26.3cm) all molded from plastic, and its unique Caliber 5.7 \u00d7 28mm horizontal ammunition feed allows the magazine to be incorporated within the receiver. End of action body Ambidextrous Flash control hider Folding vertical fore grip \u25b2 HECKLER AND KOCH MP7 Similar in concept to the FN P90 (above), the MP7 FULL VIEW Date 2001 is a \u201cpersonal defense weapon\u201d that fires one of the Origin Germany new-generation reduced caliber, high-velocity rounds, Barrel 7in (18cm) in this case the 4.6 x 30mm cartridge, which it can Caliber 4.6 \u00d7 30mm fire 950 times a minute. It has a fully ambidextrous design\u2014having controls, such as the safety switch and decocking device, on both sides, accommodating both Finger left-and right-handed operators. grooves","276 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) S H OWC A S E MAC M-10 Manufactured by the Military Armaments Corporation, the M-10 submachine-gun was designed by Gordon Ingram in 1964. Although it was only in production from 1970 to 1973, its stamped steel components, compact design, and two-stage sound suppressor provided a successful blueprint for future arms design.This weapon was extensively used by military special forces because of its light weight and highly effective sound suppressor\u2014features that made it a perfect fit for clandestine operations. FULL VIEW MAC M-10 This weapon is officially called the M-10, but \u25b6 UPPER RECEIVER AND (RIGHT SIDE) Date 1970\u20131973 since many gun collectors and writers used BARREL ASSEMBLY Origin US the name \u201cMac-10,\u201d this designation has The upper receiver contains Barrel 2in (5cm) become more common.The reason for the the cocking handle, bolt Caliber 9mm Parabellum gun\u2019s popularity lay in its sound suppressor, housing, and recoil spring. which made it so quiet that the bolt could be It also houses the ejection heard functioning.The gun was widely used port along the right side, by US special forces and CIA agents during corresponding to the theVietnamWar (1955\u201375). placement of the magazine beneath it. Mounted on the upper receiver is an unusual threaded barrel.The thread supports the sound suppressor, which can be easily screwed on to reduce the sound of firing without affecting the velocity of a bullet. Recoil spring \u25b6 SHOULDER Rear sight Bolt guide STOCK FOLDED AND UNFOLDED 1 Recoil spring and guide The M-10 is fitted with attachment plate a hinged tubular steel 2 shoulder stock that slides into the lower receiver assembly.The stock can be pulled out by pressing the release button at the bottom of the assembly, and it can be folded downward to act as a shoulder support, steadying the gun during firing. Shoulder stock release button 12 Shoulder stock attaches here Detachable 32-round box magazine","3 Notch S H O W C A S E M A C M - 1 0 \u2022 277 \u25b6 COCKING HANDLE \u25c0 SOUND SUPPRESSOR The cocking handle is situated along the top of the receiver. The sound suppressor is fitted onto the barrel and A notch cut through the handle ensures an unobstructed has a two-stage design.The first stage consists of a line of sight between the user and his target.The user pulls the large cylinder that is fed into the second stage, which cocking handle backward to ready the gun for firing the first is a longer, slimmer cylinder.This two-stage design time.The handle can be turned through 90-degrees to lock baffles the air from rushing into the barrel directly, the bolt when the weapon is not in use. which greatly reduces the sound emitted on firing a cartridge.The sound suppressor does not add much to the weight of the gun, allowing it to be fired single-handed. Foresight 3 Sound suppressor fits onto the threaded barrel Ejection port Bracket for attachment of sling strap, which Housing helps to control contains bolt muzzle rise during fully automatic fire Safety switch Trigger guard \u25c0 LOWER \u25c0 BOLT AND RECOIL SPRING RECEIVER This is an \u201copen-bolt\u201d recoil-action gun, in which the ASSEMBLY bolt is held at the rear when the gun is not firing. Made from steel The bolt is driven to the rear by moving the cocking stampings, the lower handle backward. On pulling the trigger, the recoil receiver assembly spring drives the bolt forward. As it advances, the incorporates the bolt strips a cartridge, chambers it, and fires it, then magazine as part of flies back, ejecting the spent cartridge.This cycle is the grip. A simple rear repeated automatically during fully automatic fire sight is attached to the (when the trigger is kept pulled).When firing from uppermost rear part an open bolt, the ejection port is left open to release of the assembly. gases during the firing process.This prevents the breech chamber from overheating. Open-bolt guns, however, are not as accurate as closed-bolt guns, in which the bolt is closed and chambered at rest. As in the case of most automatic guns, this weapon relies more on rate of fire (1,090 rounds per minute in this case) than accuracy. It was originally designed for covert operations, especially during theVietnamWar.","278 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) HUNTING RIFLES (BOLT ACTION) Although bolt-action sporting rifles have changed little since they were introduced in the 19th century, they continue to be extremely popular.This is primarily because these guns are very dependable and rarely malfunction, a consideration of some importance when hunting dangerous game. Cosmetically, some modern sporting rifles differ from their predecessors in the use of synthetic materials for their stocks.This eliminates any possibility of breakage, which is sometimes encountered with wood. FULL VIEW Trigger guard Bolt handle \u25b2 WINCHESTER MODEL 70 Date 1936 Origin US Barrel 24in (61cm) Caliber .30in-60 The Model 70 suffered from weak sales during the Great Depression of the 1930s, and production was halted temporarily duringWorldWar II.After the war, however, sales surged as sportsmen discovered its versatility and rugged construction. It earned the name \u201cThe Rifleman\u2019s Rifle,\u201d thereby ensuring its popularity to this day. Rear swivel attachment \u25b2 FN MODEL 1950 Made both in Belgium and Finland, FN\u2019s Date 1948 bolt-action rifles were renowned for their Origin Belgium accuracy and the variety of cartridges Barrel 23\u00bdin (59.7cm) they could use while employed in hunting Caliber .30in-06 all types of game, up to and including elephants.The model 1950 was built to chamber the .30in-06 cartridge. Sling Bolt Polymer butt Bolt handle Trigger guard","Optical sight H U N T I N G R I F L E S ( B O L T A C T I O N ) \u2022 279 Checkered forestock Optical sight Front swivel attachment Abbreviated forestock Double Detachable \u25b2 BRNO MODEL 465 This bolt-action, Mauser-style rifle, which derives its action set trigger magazine Date 1949 from the Mauser Model 1898 (see p.153), was designed Origin Czechoslovakia for hunting light game or vermin with either open or Barrel 23in (58.4cm) telescopic sights. Its lightweight and attractive profile made Caliber .22in Hornet it a favorite weapon among hunters. Featuring a detachable magazine, it could be loaded and fired with considerable Foresight speed. It had a double set trigger.This system increased accuracy by minimizing physical movement at the time Elevation of firing. Pulling the rear trigger held the sear, following adjustment which the slightest pressure on the forward trigger caused the sear to disengage, releasing the firing pin. Fixed rear sight Checkered semi- \u25b2 RUGER 77 The Sturm, Ruger, and Company Model 77 is truly pistol grip Date 1983 a product of modern technology. It is built using Origin US wax investment castings that require a minimum Barrel 22in (55.8cm) amount of machining. More importantly, the barrel Caliber 7 \u00d7 57mm is rifled using a proprietary process that makes the rifle very accurate. Fluted barrel Front sling \u25b2 REMINGTON MODEL The Model 700 Etron-X features electric swivel 700 ETRON-X primer ignition. Pulling the trigger sends a Date 2005 pulse of electricity that ignites the cartridge\u2019s Origin US electric-sensitive primer.This essentially Barrel 26in (66cm) eliminates any movement during the firing Caliber .243inWinchester process, significantly increasing the gun\u2019s accuracy as well as its lock time.","280 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) HUNTING RIFLES (OTHER TYPES) Wooden butt Repeating rifles employing bolt action are commonly used by hunters. Other kinds of hunting rifles include repeaters operated by lever action (see pp.114\u201315), Loading port self-loading rifles (see pp.176\u201377), and even some that fire only single shots. Some rifles, such as the venerableWinchester Model 94, continue to be extremely popular despite having been in production for over a century. Others, the Sturm Ruger No. 1 being a prime example, incorporate designs that reflect new methods of construction and manufacture. Some recent rifles have been built using nylon components or operating systems developed in the late 1900s. \u25bc WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 The durability of this deer-hunting rifle has been appreciated Hammer Date 1945 by hunters since its introduction in 1894. Since then, very few Origin US changes have been made to its design aside from cosmetic Barrel 20in (50.8cm) modifications, such as its finish.This particular unit was produced Caliber .30inWCF in 1945. Easy to use and lightweight, this gun has proven its worth in the forests of North America, the African veldt, and even the vastness of Siberia. Loaded by a swift movement of the wrist to lower and then raise the operating lever, the Model 1894 can be fired quickly if the need arises. Receiver Under-lever Safety catch Trigger guard Recoil pad fitted to butt Synthetic butt","Optical H U N T I N G R I F L E S ( O T H E R T Y P E S ) \u2022 281 sight Foresight Detachable Checkered \u25b2 WINCHESTER MODEL 100 Fed by a detachable box magazine, the box magazine forestock Date 1961 Model 100 was one of the first successful Origin US self-loading sporting rifles. Chambered for the Trigger guard Barrel band Barrel 22in (55.8cm) .308inWinchester cartridge, it has proved to Caliber .308inWinchester be a very popular rifle for deer hunting in some parts of North America. Magazine tube FULL VIEW \u25bc REMINGTON NYLON 66 In 1959, the Remington Arms Company broke with Adjustable rear sight Date 1959 tradition and introduced a self-loading rifle with a Origin US stock made entirely from the Dupont Chemical Barrel 19\u00bdin (49.5cm) Corporation\u2019s Zytel-101 nylon. Offered in three Caliber .22in colors (Mohawk Brown, Apache Black, and Seneca Green), the new firearm weighed just 4lb (1.8kg). It ushered in a new era in gunmaking because of its light weight and use of new materials. Zytel-101 nylon stock Optical sight Blued barrel Foresight Hammer Forestock \u25b2 STURM RUGER NO. 1 This gun was designed by William B. Ruger. Built using wax Under-lever Date c.1999 investment castings (see p.264), the No. 1 had improved lock- Origin US work and a safety meeting the more stringent requirements Lever Barrel 24in (61cm) of today\u2019s regulations, such as the presence of two concurrent latch Caliber .375in Magnum safety mechanisms\u2014one preventing the hammer from moving and the second blocking trigger movement.This weapon incorporates blocks for the hammer and trigger. Older arms usually had one or the other.","282 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) DOUBLE-BARRELED When pushed, lever rotates breechblock SHOTGUNS and gives access to the chamber Since the 18th century, double-barreled Twin triggers, one Abbreviated shotguns have been characterized by a pair for each barrel forestock of barrels placed horizontally next to each other. By aligning them carefully, the shot Cross-bolt safety patterns created during firing can be made (trigger-block to to converge at some specific point forward of prevent accidental firing) the muzzle, such as 50 yards (46m). Recently, over-and-under guns (shotguns having their \u25b2 DARNE ROTARY-BREECH SHOTGUN Rear sling barrels set vertically one above the other) attachment have gained popularity, especially among Date 1965 trapshooters and skeet shooters.The shot patterns of over-and-under guns can be made to Origin France converge as well, albeit vertically, thus allowing shooters used to rifles more opportunities of Barrel 25\u00bdin (65cm) hitting a clay pigeon or a live bird. Caliber 16-gauge (.66in\/16.76mm) Made by Darne, this side-by-side shotgun has a patented breech action. Freed by means of the lever on top of the butt behind the breech, the entire lock rotates through a quarter turn to expose the chambers. Returning it to battery (the state of the gun\u2019s action when it is ready to fire) cocks the gun.The lever on the side of the breechblock is a cross-bolt safety. Gold game bird inlays Trigger guard Checkered Breech-locking pistol grip lever Barrel pivot pin Straight-grained butt \u25b2 BERETTA MODEL S-686 Beretta\u2019s over-and-under double-barreled Date 1982 shotguns, like this Model S-686, have Origin Italy been the most popular configuration for Barrel 28in (71cm) both hunting and trapshooting. Over- Caliber 12-gauge (.73in\/18.54m) and-under guns have the advantage of a single sight line. Most are equipped with Butt plate single-trigger locks.","D O U B L E - B A R R E L E D S H O T G U N S \u2022 283 Right barrel Ventilated barrel rib (for air-cooling the barrel) Breech-locking lever One barrel on top of the other Checkered \u25b2 ANSCHUTZ-MIROKU To reduce manufacturing costs, a number of forestock OVER\/UNDER SHOTGUN Western arms companies partnered with the Date 1998 Miroku Corporation of Nankoku, Kochi Trigger guard Origin Japan Prefecture in Japan, to produce rifles and Checkered forestock Barrel 28in (71cm) shotguns bearing their names. One such Caliber 12-gauge cooperative product is the Anschutz-Miroku (.73in\/18.54mm) shotgun.This moderately priced sporting arm is highly regarded because of its solid Ventilated construction and ease of maintenance. barrel rib FULL VIEW \u25b2 BERETTA ULTRA This attractive gun was designed for shooting LIGHT DELUXE upland birds, such as pheasants and quail. It has an aluminum frame that makes the gun light Date 1998 enough for hunters to carry around all day. The strength of the action, however, is not Origin Italy compromised because the breech face and shoulders are made of titanium.To increase Barrel 28in (71cm) demand for the gun, it features machine-cut engraving and gold inlays. Caliber 12-gauge (.73in\/18.54mm) Ventilated barrel rib Incised checkering on abbreviated forestock Trigger Checkered \u25b2 BERETTA 686 ONYX PRO This shotgun features laser-cut checkering on guard forestock Date 2003 the pistol grip and forestock.Although Origin Italy designed for hunting, its barrels are equipped Checkered Barrel 26in (66cm) with screw-in chokes that modify the bore pistol grip Caliber 12-gauge (.73in\/18.54mm) diameter to change shot patterns, which makes the gun fit for other purposes, too, such as trapshooting or skeet shooting.","284 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) SHOTGUNS (REPEATING Foldable Pistol grip AND SELF-LOADING) butt Repeating shotguns, usually equipped with tubular magazines \u25b2 REMINGTON WINGMASTER Fitted with a folding stock and rear carrying 3\u201311 cartridges, can fire several rounds in quick succession.The PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN pistol grip, this shotgun epitomizes repeating action is commonly a slide, or a pump\u2014a slide bar attached to Date 1951 the American police shotgun. the forestock which moves the breechblock back and forth. Some shotguns Origin US Compact and easily stored, it can are self-loading, driving their autoloading cycle by gas or recoil operation. Barrel 20in (51cm) be quickly brought into service if Repeating and self-loading shotguns have several applications. For sporting Caliber 13-gauge (.748in\/19mm) needed. Its extended magazine also purposes, they allow a hunter to fire several rounds in quick succession at allows it to be loaded with about rising birds.This feature also makes them ideal for military or police use, 4\u20135 more cartridges than similar when multiple attackers might be met at close quarters. sporting versions. \u25b2 WINCHESTER Designed jointly by J. L. Lochhead and Ventilated barrel rib MODEL 50 David M.Williams, theWinchester Model (for air-cooling the barrel) Date 1954 50 was a recoil-operated weapon.The gun Origin US harnessed the recoil energy of the fired Ejection port Barrel 30in (76.2cm) round to power its self-loading cycle. Wooden Caliber 13-gauge (.748in\/19mm) butt Recoil pad Recoil pad \u25b2 STEVENS MODEL 77E The Stevens 77E was a popular combat Date 1960s shotgun during theVietnamWar. It was Origin US a 12-gauge weapon, and its robust pump Barrel 20in (51cm) action could withstand the worst of the Caliber 12-gauge jungle environment. In total, 69,700 (.73in\/18.5mm) 77Es were produced for military use in Southeast Asia during the 1960s. Rear sling Slide handle\/forestock Foresight attachment Bolt Stock folds upward through 180 degrees Section of stock folds down \u25b2 FRANCHI SPAS 12 Tubular eight- to become a shoulder piece Date 1978 round magazine Origin Italy Barrel 21\u00bdin (54.5cm) Developed as a close-combat weapon for both police and Caliber 12-gauge military, the Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun (SPAS) is a (.73in\/18.5mm) gas-operated, semiautomatic (with an optional pump mode) and holds eight rounds in an under-barrel tubular magazine. Military or police guns frequently had folding stocks, which allowed the guns to be stored in confined spaces, such as armored vehicles or squad cars.","S H O T G U N S ( R E P E A T I N G A N D S E L F - L O A D I N G ) \u2022 285 Slide handle\/ Extended tubular Muzzle \u25bc BENELLI M1 Benelli produces some of the world\u2019s finest forestock magazine Cocking handle Date 1980s semiautomatic shotguns, such as the early version Origin Italy of the M1 seen here.This self-loading shotgun Wooden Barrel 20in (51cm) utilizes recoil energy stored in a short, powerful butt Caliber 12-gauge spring to provide power for the reloading cycle. (.73in\/18.5mm) Forestock Tubular magazine Cocking handle Ventilated barrel rib Press-button \u25b2 REMINGTON 1100 Magazine cap safety catch SEMIAUTOMATIC SHOTGUN John Browning produced the first design for a Decorated gas-operated, self-loading shotgun while working checkering on the Date 1985 forWinchester between 1902\u201304, but it was not put into production.This Remington 1100 is a modern semi-pistol grip Origin US example of a gas-operated shotgun, and was produced in a variety of barrel lengths and calibers. Barrel 28in (71cm) Caliber 12-gauge (.73in\/18.5mm) Slide handle\/forestock Ventilated barrel rib Magazine cap Ejection port Slide handle\/ \u25b2 REMINGTON One of the most popular slide-action shotguns forestock MODEL 870 in the US, the Remington Model 870 is made in Date 1985 a number of types designed for upland bird or Trigger guard Combined rear Origin US waterfowl hunting. Differences between them Sling swivel sight\/carrying handle Barrel 25\u00bdin (64.7cm) involve various barrel lengths and types of choke Caliber 13-gauge (constrictions in the barrel near the muzzle for (.748in\/19mm) creating shot patterns). Over the years, the Model 870 has earned a well-deserved reputation Pressed steel for reliability in all weather conditions. barrel shroud Fire mode \u25b2 DAEWOO USAS-12 Muzzle selector switch Date 1992 Origin US\/South Korea Designed in the US and manufactured in South Korea 20-round Barrel 18in (46cm) by Daewoo, the gas-driven USAS-12 is unusual in at drum magazine Caliber 12-gauge least two respects. First, it is a selective-fire weapon, (.73in\/18.5mm) with the option for single-shot or automatic operation (using a drum magazine for continuous fire); second, it can be set up for either right- or left-handed users.","","MODERN SHOTGUNS Established in 1835 in London, Holland and Holland produces some of the most coveted modern sporting rifles and shotguns. It is known for the restrained elegance of its arms, whether gold inlaid or engraved, as seen on this shotgun.","288 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) Trigger Bolt handle IMPROVISED ARMS During insurgencies and revolutions, some combatants may not have production arms at their disposal.They may use handmade arms that have been produced based on necessity.These firearms vary enormously in their quality and performance\u2014from crude guns made of metal pipes to sophisticated submachine-guns.These weapons are often poor in construction and are generally unable to withstand the pressure developed during the ignition of a cartridge. This makes them likely to blow up when in operation. Cartridge case from Stock reminiscent Muzzle 20mm cannon shell of a Lee-Enfield serves as barrel Hole used to ignite charge Wire wrapping secures barrel to stock Perforated barrel shroud serves as the fore grip \u25b6 EOKA PISTOL The Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston, or National Organization Date 1950s Origin Cyprus of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA), fought a guerrilla campaign Barrel 4\u00bcin (11cm) Caliber 12-gauge against British colonial rule on the Mediterranean island of Smoothbore Foresight (.73in\/18.54mm) barrel Cyprus from 1955 to 1959. During that time, they created small numbers of crude guns.This pistol is so crudely fashioned that it barely qualifies for the name.The barrel is a spent 20mm caliber cartridge case, secured to a rough-hewn wooden frame. Since it had no rifling, the most effective way of firing would have been by putting the \u201cmuzzle\u201d up against the Roughly carved wooden grip enemy\u2019s body before the gun was discharged. Trigger Rear sight Cocking handle Barrel \u25c0 EOKA SHOTPISTOL Eoka built this weapon in the Date 1950s 1950s. Made from iron piping, Break-open Origin Cyprus it has a simple break-open hinge Barrel 4\u00bcin (11cm) action. It fires a shotgun Caliber 12-gauge cartridge by means of a (.73in\/18.54mm) spring-loaded plunger. Pistol grip","Barrel band I M P R O V I S E D A R M S \u2022 289 and rear sight Unrifled barrel FULL VIEW \u25b2 MAU-MAU CARBINE Sling Date 1950s Origin Kenya Barrel 20\u00bcin (51.2cm) Caliber .303in Somewhat more sophisticated than many of its type, this short-barreled, bolt-action, single-shot carbine was made in Kenya during the time of the Mau-Mau insurrection against British rule in the 1950s. Most of the improvised weapons made by the rebels, the majority of whom were from the Kikuyu people, exploded when they were fired. Magazine Magazine Square-section port release catch receiver Safety catch \u25b2 LOYALIST SUBMACHINE-GUN Barrel-retaining Rear sight Pistol grip Date 1970s band Origin UK Hammer Barrel 7\u00bein (20cm) Trigger Caliber 9mm Parabellum Modeled on the vintage Sten gun from World War II, this homemade machine-pistol was produced by a loyalist paramilitary group in Northern Ireland.The barrel shroud and receiver have been fashioned from square-framed tubing.This gun uses a magazine from an L2 Stirling submachine-gun. Retaining Trigger \u25c0 SOUTH AFRICAN PISTOL This homemade pistol, recovered in South bolt Date 1980s Africa, is rather more sophisticated than Origin South Africa it appears at first sight. It has a simple, Barrel 8\u00bein (22cm) single-action lock linking trigger and Caliber Not known hammer, perhaps derived from a child\u2019s toy pistol, and can be used single-handedly. It would have been so inaccurate as to render the rudimentary sights redundant.","290 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) FERDINAND GREAT GUNSMITHS RITTER VON MANNLICHER ST E Y R- M A N N L IC H E R Steyr-Mannlicher, a celebrated Austrian firearms manufacturer, began as a very traditional maker of weapons, but has also embraced innovation and change.The company\u2019s founder, Josef Werndl, came from a family of metalworkers, so he could draw on experience stretching back over many generations. However, his company made rapid progress in the 1860s, when Werndl began to collaborate with Austrian designer Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher, especially on innovative rifle designs. The city of Steyr, near the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers in Upper Austria, has been a metalworking center since at least the 13th century.Weapons manufacture became a major industry in the area around the time of theThirtyYears\u2019War (1618\u201348), when the region supplied muskets and pistols to the Hapsburg Army. During the 19th century, this tradition continued, and one Steyr metalworker, Leopold Werndl, sent his son Josef to the US to learn about the latest ideas in firearms production. By the late 1860s, Josef was in control of the family firm and was delivering thousands of breech-loading rifles to the Austro-Hungarian Army. ROOTS IN TRADITION of the company. By this time, the company \u25b2 QUALITY CONTROL Josef Werndl\u2019s company, the \u00d6sterreichische had established a prime position in both Careful quality control is at the heart of successful Waffenfabriksgesellschaft (AustrianWeapons sporting and military markets. firearms production. Here a worker undertakes a manual Manufacturing Company), prospered in the check on a gun barrel at the Steyr-Mannlicher factory. second half of the 19th century, combining Mannlicher died in 1904, but the modern production methods with a traditional company continued to build on its tradition soon employed around 15,000 people and use of craft skills.A turning point came in 1885, and introduced new models, notably pistols, even branched out into products such as when the Austro-Hungarian Army adopted including the self-loading M1912, and also bicycles and aircraft engines. However, the its new bolt-action rifle, which was the built a new factory, much larger than its postwar treaty signed by Austria severely brainchild of Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher. predecessor and with the latest machinery. diminished the country and imposed Mannlicher, who also invented the en bloc This new plant enabled the company to turn economic limitations on it.The size of its clip for loading cartridges, eventually became out firearms in large numbers, and was in army and the production of weapons were the company\u2019s chief designer, and the firm\u2019s place just in time to fulfill the huge surge in restricted. As a result, Steyr-Mannlicher faced name changed to Steyr-Mannlicher. He was demand triggered byWorldWar I.The firm difficulties. It only staved off bankruptcy by successful again with the Mannlicher Sch\u00f6nauer concentrating on products other than weapons, full-stock rifle, a hunting weapon that he particularly bicycles and cars, which it had designed with Otto Sch\u00f6nauer, the director begun to manufacture during the war. \u201cThere is no figure in the history of firearms THE MODERN COMPANY who can approach the great Austrian inventor, Large-volume production of firearms began Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher \u2026\u201d again at Steyr duringWorldWar II, but the factory suffered damage from Allied bombing. ATTRIBUTED TO W. H. B. SMITH, AUTHOR OF \u201cSMALL ARMS OF THE WORLD\u201d After the war, the production of weapons was","G R E A T G U N S M I T H S S T E Y R - M A N N L I C H E R \u2022 291 M1905 SSG-69, 1969 AUG, 1978 1864 Josef Werndl and his brother Franz found 1905 The M1905 (see p.168) is popular with 1969 The SSG-69 (see p.252) sniper rifle features their first company (\u00d6sterreichische Austro-Hungarian army officers, who buy the a cold hammer-forged barrel and rotary Waffenfabriksgesellschaft), which later weapon privately and use it during World War I. five-round magazine. becomes Steyr-Mannlicher. 1914 On the eve of World War I, Steyr-Mannlicher 1978 The Steyr AUG assault rifle (see p.250) is 1867 The Austro-Hungarian Army begins to take completes its large new factory building. launched; it will spawn a huge number of delivery of Werndl\u2019s breech-loading rifles. variants and see very wide service. 1915 In a move toward diversification, Steyr begins 1885 Mannlicher\u2019s bolt-action rifle is accepted by to manufacture automobiles. the Austro-Hungarian Army. curtailed, but in 1950, the company received reentered the field of military weapons, it pistols such as the Steyr SPP (see p.271).To the go-ahead for the manufacture of hunting produced a new assault rifle\u2014a \u201cbullpup\u201d take full commercial advantage of these rifles. Since then, it has built up an impressive design making extensive use of synthetic products, Steyr-Mannlicher adapted to the range of weapons for hunters, together with a materials. In Austria, this model became known business conditions of the late-20th century by number of sporting rifles and pistols.When it as the StG 77, while in foreign markets it is the adopting an international approach\u2014licensing AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr) (see p.250).The production overseas (for example, to Australia \u25bc MILITARY USE company has produced this firearm in a range and Malaysia) and exporting widely.As a result, Some militaries in Southeast Asia use Steyr rifles.Women of models, along with sniper rifles such as the the company continues to be a prominent members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force can be seen Steyr SSG-69 (see p.252); submachine-guns player in the 21st-century firearms market. marching with Steyr AUG assault rifles during the 48th such as the Steyr MPI 81 (see p.274); and Malaysian Independence Day celebrations in 2005.","292 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) SPECIALIZED AND Receiver MULTIPURPOSE ARMS Multipurpose firearms have existed since the 17th century, when pistols and long arms were used for launching grenades for the first time.What has 10-round magazine changed over the intervening centuries is the lethality \u25b2 M59\/66 WITH GRENADE-LAUNCHER This was the Red Army\u2019s standard of those projectiles and the need to launch them farther antitank grenade launcher during the 1950s. Mounted on the self- to protect the firer. Other specialized arms were built Date 1949 loading M59\/66 assault rifle, it employed an overpowered blank ruggedly for survival in the event of aircraft crashes, or Origin Soviet Union cartridge to launch a grenade.While other similar incidents where a virtually indestructible Barrel 20in (50.8cm) effective, it proved unpopular due firearm might be needed. Precision target shooting Caliber 7.62 \u00d7 39mm to the disastrous effect of mistakenly also demands arms specifically designed for that Grenade range 330ft (100m) chambering a regular live round Grenade type Antitank while the grenade is still attached. purpose, and often they bear little resemblance to other firearms. One example of such a weapon Rear Skeleton is the Hammerli 162, which is fired by an aperture sight stock electronic trigger. Bolt handle Barrel unit Magazine \u25b2 AR7 EXPLORER The AR7 was designed by Eugene Stoner ARMALITE SURVIVAL RIFLE in 1959 as a survival rifle for USAF Date 1958 aircrew.A semiautomatic .22in weapon, Origin US it ingeniously breaks down into four Barrel 16in (40cm) main parts\u2014the barrel, action, magazine, Caliber .22in and water-resistant stock (which can float in water). Hollow butt Butt Receiver cover Foresight in Mounting for standard Rifle annular shroud NATO sights trigger 30-round magazine \u25c0 HECKLER AND KOCH MP5A5 The MP5A5 is a plastic- Date 1966 stock version of the MP5 Origin Germany (see p.257). Here the Barrel 8\u00bein (22.5cm) multipurpose arm is featured Caliber 9mm Parabellum in combination with a mounted Grenade range 450ft (137m) grenade-launcher built by the Grenade type Antipersonnel British company ISTEC. Grenade-launcher Safety catch and safety catch rate-of-fire selector","S P E C I A L I Z E D A N D M U L T I P U R P O S E A R M S \u2022 293 Stabilizing Shaped-charge \u25bc ITHACA M6 The Ithaca M6 survival rifle combines a rifled .22in tail fins warhead SURVIVAL RIFLE upper barrel with a lower .410in shotgun barrel, the Date 1975 stock having storage capacity for 15 .22in cartridges Simonov Origin US and four shotgun shells.The gun originally had a folding grenade Barrel 14in (35.5cm) design, while current models break down into two Padded cheek rest Caliber .22in\/.410in pieces.This rifle typifies survival arms in its extremely simple construction and collapsible form, which minimizes weight as well as storage size. Upper Lower barrel barrel Stock\/action hinge Forestock with Launcher Foresight launcher mounted foresight in the on underside folded position Rifled grenade- launcher tube Pistol grip Rifle \u25b2 M16A1 WITH M203A2 This version of the M16 (see pp.244\u201345) is trigger GRENADE-LAUNCHER equipped with an M203A2 grenade-launcher. By Upper hand Date 1990s fitting a standard infantry rifle with a grenade- guard Magazine Origin US launcher, a two-fold purpose is served\u2014 Barrel 12in (30.5cm) providing direct fire (as a rifle) and allowing Gas tube Caliber 5.56 \u00d7 45mm projectiles to be fired over long range (via Grenade range 500ft (150m) the grenade-launcher). Grenade type Antipersonnel Muzzle brake for venting propellant gas emitted by firing of cartridge Grenade-launcher Rifled grenade- GP25 GRENADE trigger launcher tube Contoured \u25b2 AK74 WITH GP25 GRENADE-LAUNCHER Match grade grip Date 1978 foresight Origin Soviet Union Rear sight Barrel 16\u00bcin (41.5cm) Caliber 5.45 \u00d7 39mm \u25b2 HAMMERLI 162 TARGET Trigger Grenade range 500ft (150m) Date 1992 guard Grenade type Antipersonnel Origin Switzerland Barrel 11in (28cm) Hammerli make a range of high-accuracy The AK74 (see p.246) is an improved version Caliber .22in .22in target pistols.The 162 features of the AK47, rechambered for the high-velocity an electronic trigger system with a intermediate 5.45 \u00d7 39mm cartridge.The example hair-trigger adjustment, and is powered shown here has been equipped with a GP25 by batteries that hold enough power grenade-launcher.Aside from being an infantry for around 10,000 discharges. arm, the AK74 with the GP25 is a multipurpose weapon designed for defensive and offensive actions.","294 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) GRENADE-LAUNCHERS M79 40MM GRENADE Leaf sight, graduated to 383 yards (350m), The highly fluid character of modern warfare has necessitated mortars that are portable or even folds down handheld infantry weapons. More often termed grenade-launchers, these mortars are designed to Barrel provide immediate support fire.The simplest are release catch the American M79 and the South African Mechem. In contrast, the Russian AGS-17 almost enters the \u25b2 M79 \u201cBLOOPER\u201d Nicknamed the \u201cBlooper\u201d because of the distinctive artillery class with its heavy fixed mount.The Rocket Date 1961 sound it makes when fired, the M79 grenade-launcher Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher is now the most Origin US bridged the gap between short-range hand grenades common launcher due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Barrel 12in (30.5cm) and the long-range mortar. In addition to firing Its shaped-charge projectiles allow a single combatant Caliber 40mm high-explosive grenades, the M79 could fire to disable or destroy armored vehicles and fixed Grenade range 328 yards (300m) antipersonnel, smoke, and illuminating rounds. positions such as buildings. During the Vietnam War, two M79s were issued to each US infantry squad consisting of nine men. Rifle barrel has cooling fins FULL VIEW \u25bc RPG-7V The RPG-7V can be used with a variety of Drum contains 29 Date 1961 grenades, including antipersonnel, fuel-air 30mm grenades in a Origin Soviet Union explosive, and high-explosive antitank ones. non-disintegrating belt Barrel 37\u00bdin (95cm) Regardless of the grenade type, the projectiles Caliber 40mm have two propelling charges, one for launching Exhaust gas Grenade range 547 yards (500m) and the other for flight. collector\/diffuser Barrel contains tail of Optical sight graduated missile, with launching to 547 yards (500m) cartridge and stabilizing fins folded Muzzle, Wooden heat shield to in which protect operator\u2019s shoulder projectile is loaded Trigger","G R E N A D E - L A U N C H E R S \u2022 295 Laser designator FULL VIEW \u25b2 MECHEM MGL MK 1 A scaled-up version of a shotgun of Date 1990 similar design, the MGL MK 1 is a six-shot Origin South Africa revolver grenade-launcher. Rotation of the Barrel 12in (30.5cm) cylinder is performed by a spring, wound Caliber 40mm by rotating the cylinder manually when it Grenade range 383 yards (350m) is swung out of the frame for loading. Cylinder holds six 40mm grenades Optical sight graduated \u25c0 AGS-17 \u201cPLAMYA\u201d to 1 mile (1.7km) Date 1975 Cocking handle has toggle attached Origin Soviet Union Horizontal grips on Barrel 11\u00bein (30cm) both sides of receiver Caliber 30mm Grenade range 1 mile (1.7km) This recoil-operated gun is the Soviet equivalent of the American 40mm M19 that was first used in the Vietnam War. Like the M19, the AGS-17 is a belt-fed, air-cooled launcher. Such weapons are commonly mounted in ground vehicles, boats, and hovercraft, and aboard helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Elevating quadrant Elevation screw Tripod leg clamp","296 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) RECOIL-LESS ANTITANK WEAPONS \u25bc MILAN ANTITANK The Missile d\u00b4Infanterie L\u00e9ger MISSILE LAUNCHER Antichar, or MILAN, is an Antitank weapons have diversified since the World Wars. Developed in antitank guided missile that the 1930s, the recoil-less rifle has evolved into the towed and handheld types Date 1972 is directed to its target via seen today. It is a lightweight artillery weapon that diverts the exhaust gases signals sent along wires that of the propellant backward to counteract the recoil of a gun. Gun carriages Origin France,West reel out behind it as it flies. for it were designed to face forward, toward the barrel.The next major Germany Seen here is its launcher. development after the recoil-less rifle has been the creation of portable Although many MILANs are guided missile systems in the latter half of the 20th century.These can be Length 4ft (1.2m) vehicle-mounted, they can launched by a single operator, often firing from mounts in helicopters. be deployed by a two-man Caliber 125mm infantry crew. Range 1\u00bc miles (1.95km) Firing tube Muzzle Chassis Sight Firing grip monocle Handle for manual \u25b2 L4 MOBAT The 1950s saw the creation of theWOMBAT positioning Date 1950s (Weapon of Magnesium Battalion,AntiTank), Origin UK a British recoil-less rifle operated by a crew of Towing Length 8\u00beft (2.7m) three.The L6WOMBAT\u2019s shield was removed eye Caliber 120mm to produce the L4 MOBAT (Mobile Battalion, Range \u00bd mile (800m) AntiTank).This weapon was much lighter, and it was designed to be towed by a specially FULL VIEW adapted Land Rover. Carriage with split trails","R E C O I L - L E S S A N T I T A N K W E A P O N S \u2022 297 \u25b6 CARL GUSTAV The Carl Gustav is a man-portable multirole RECOIL-LESS RIFLE recoil-less rifle produced in Sweden by Saab Bofors Date 1946 Dynamics. It was first tested in 1946, and different Origin Sweden versions have been adopted by armies all over the Length 3\u00bdft (1.1m) world. It is usually operated by a two-man crew, Caliber 84mm one for carrying the weapon and another for Range \u00bd mile (700m) carrying high-explosive (HE) rounds. Carrying handle Vent for propellant exhaust gases Trigger Optical sight Bipod leg Missile Bren machine-gun exhaust tube (see p.205) added as a spotting weapon (for accurate ranging of the target) Pneumatic Vents push some of tire the reaction gases backward HESH (HIGH-EXPLOSIVE SQUASH HEAD) ROUND","298 \u2022 T H E M O D E R N E R A ( 1 9 4 5 \u2013 P R E S E N T D A Y ) MODERN ARTILLERY \u25bc D20 Soviet-made artillery is (1946\u2013PRESENT) Date 1950s commonly used in conflicts Origin Soviet Union around the world.The rugged SinceWorldWar II, artillery in fixed positions has Length 28\u00bdft (8.7m) D20 is a manually loaded towed died out due to the threat of being destroyed from Caliber 152mm howitzer.The gun\u2019s barrel is the air. Modern artillery is mobile\u2014either towed, self- Range 15 miles (24km) with mounted on a cradle,which propelled, or even air-portable by helicopter, as in the case of rocket-assisted projectile houses a recoil system.This the lightweight M777. Conventional artillery (that firing shells rather includes a recuperator, which than rockets) includes howitzers and field guns.Towed artillery is generally Cradle enables the gun\u2019s barrel to 4.13\u20136.10in (105\u2013155mm) in caliber and has become ever more precise return to its firing position in its targeting, using indirect fire\u2014where the target cannot be seen\u2014and after recoil. benefitting from technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS).This is especially useful for longer guns, which can now achieve ranges of up to 30 miles (50km). Despite these advances, most artillery weapons used in conflicts today are designs that originated in the Soviet Union. Examples such as the D20 are simple, robust, and reliable. \u25bc M109 HOWITZER The term howiter is now used for a Date 1963 range of different artillery weapons.The Origin US M109 Howitzer is the main self-propelled Length 29\u00beft (9.1m) howitzer of the US Army and is in use in Caliber 155mm many other countries. Self-propelled Range 18\u00bd miles (30km) with artillery can be activated more quickly in rocket-assisted projectile battle than towed artillery. Commander\u2019s Fume extractor cupola Barrel mounted on armored vehicle Muzzle brake Elevation handwheel Trunnion to elevate or lower barrel Caterpillar Assistant tracks gunner\u2019s Trail display Trail spade"]