Designated Marksmen and Snipers

An infantry squad has traditionally had one man with a special role—to take out enemy targets at ranges up to 500 to 600 meters. He is the squad’s designated marksman, also called a “sharpshooter.” Designated marksmen are trained in quick and precise shooting and are expected to lay down accurate rapid fire at targets, extending the reach of the squad’s fire. He operates a rifle with a telescopic sight. The term sniper was used in the Soviet army for soldiers using a specifically designed rifle, the Dragunov SVD. A sniper is a specialized shooter who normally operates in a pair—shooter and spotter—or with a sniper team to maintain close visual contact with the enemy. Snipers shoot enemies from concealed positions or distances exceeding the detection capabilities of the enemy, and at a longer range than the squad’s designated marksman.

Lessons Learned

There is certainly something to learn from asymmetric warfare in Afghanistan, where U.S. forces and the International Security Assistance Force faced insurgents in vast open terrain and confined urban settings. The Taliban were adept at hiding themselves and their weapons, as well as blending into the local population. Since it was hard to differentiate the Taliban from the village’s general population, noncombatant civilians often became unwilling human shields.

The unique demands of this conflict environment had a major impact on the development and deployment of sniper equipment. A lot of lessons are learned in operations, including the distances in which the soldiers are engaging targets. Many Al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgents played hit-and-run tactics from mountain and ridgelines. The tactic was to deploy during the cover of night and be ready to ambush at first light.

The infantry squad’s marksman from the Norwegian Telemark Battalion operating his HK417 during live firing training at the 2015 NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF NRF) Exercise Noble Jump in Poland. Aleksander Hage/Norwegian Armed Forces

It was difficult to estimate the range due to the terrain—many areas were so open and there was no reference point to use the mil-dot reticle formula to get distance. A need for a new sniper rifle with increased firing range was clearly identified when Norwegian soldiers were engaged in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Shots from the enemy snipers firing from ranges around 800 meters were not exceptional. HK416 assault rifles with a caliber of 5.56mm were not capable of effectively firing against enemy targets at that range. The infantry squad marksman’s 7.62 x 51mm caliber HK417 rifle turned out to be somewhat short of range usually in Troops In Contact. The HK417 theoretically had the capacity to hit with accuracy at such ranges, but in practice a small or moving enemy at a distance of 800 meters is difficult to neutralize during a fire exchange. In many cases, the solution was to use the Barrett M107 .50 caliber (12.7mm) anti-materiel rifle. This became somewhat controversial when some nongovernment organizations claimed that using such a large caliber against personnel targets violates the Hague-Geneva Convention. Even though this discussion was soon extinguished, it was nevertheless a burden for the shooters to carry the Barrett up and down sand dunes and mountains. The signature of the weapon was also enormous—muzzle flash and bang generated airborne dust and debris. When the first shot was fired it was not wise to use the same firing position any longer.

Many NATO forces used the .338 caliber for some time with success. The .338 caliber’s range is approximately equal to a weapon in .50 calibers. A .338-caliber weapon with ammunition has a weight about half of a .50-caliber system. The .338-caliber bullet’s effect against personnel targets is impressive, even to ranges up to 2 kilometers. The experience using .338 caliber by NATO and Norwegian forces made it obvious that a new sniper rifle with a caliber between 7.62mm and 12.7mm would be the most appropriate solution.

A project group in the army, in cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), started work to determine what sniper rifle system would be best. Capt. Alan Jensen, a master sniper instructor with the Norwegian armed forces from the Land Warfare Center, said, (in communications with this article’s author) “At start, one thing was determined; we should have the best weapon, the best ammunition and the best optics available. If necessary, things should be made from scratch.”

Russian sniper operating a SVD Dragunov sniper rifle 7.62x54mmR caliber. The rifle has a sniper optical sight PSO-1M2. That sight is designed for aimed shooting with a SVD Dragunov sniper rifle and a VSS sniper special rifle on various target ranges. Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

FFI’s first step was to identify what bullet type could achieve the desired effect, then which cartridge and powder type would give the bullet the right velocity and, finally, what weapon was suitable for that cartridge. After a somewhat ambitious start, the conclusion was that the .338 caliber Lapua Magnum 300 grain—optimized for the longest shots with the heaviest and highest BC bullet in its class—would be the most optimal solution to maximize the range and minimize the effects of field uncertainties such as wind and range. This conclusion was not only for operational reasons, but also for practical ones—this caliber was already in use by several nations.

Weapon Selection

Testing of weapons involves a number of challenges. One is finding precision rifles. All serious suppliers of such rifles have precision rifles with the quality necessary to achieve accuracy, but would those rifles have accuracy with the chosen cartridge? The .338 caliber was chosen before the rifle, not the opposite, as is often the case when choosing a new weapon system. Some of the weapons tested did not meet the accuracy requirement set for the chosen caliber.

The selected weapons became more difficult to distinguish from one another. The criteria depended on weight, size, ergonomics and technical solutions. Some outside the process questioned why one of the most widely used weapons that were combat-proven in war zones for longer periods weren’t chosen. They often used Accuracy International and the Sako TRG. Why gamble on something like a prototype or untested weapon system like the Barrett’s new Multi Role Adaptive Design (MRAD)? What might not be obvious to those questioners was that the actual rifles tested were not of the same standard as those that most other nations had in their inventory. The manufacturers had to modify some of their weapon components or solutions in order to meet the requirements for the weapons to be tested. These specifications were, at that time, not a standard with any manufacturer. It can be said that small design changes did not have a substantial influence on accuracy. However, the total result of the weapon’s weight, size, accessories, robustness and function under extreme cold and heat can make the most obvious weapon not good simply because the design or the technical aspects do not meet the demand. After a testing period with weapons, ammunition, accessories and optics, three candidates were selected. While all weapon systems were very good solutions, one was outstanding: the Barrett MRAD. One of the observations made during testing was that all shooters that used the MRAD for the first time obtained very good shot groupings. Not necessarily the best, but well within the set requirements proving the accuracy of the MRAD. With other rifles, the shooters had to go through some testing rounds before they obtained good shot groupings. One of the reasons may be that the MRAD is designed as a military weapon, using the well-known assault-rifle design as a model. Anyone who has operated an HK416, M16 or AR-15 will immediately feel acquainted with a MRAD. Because of the similarity to the M4 and M16’s pistol grip, the thumb-operated safety configured for right- and left-handed operation, the ambidextrous magazine release, the upper receiver with M1913-length rail space and the bottom rails for accessories, the overall design is recognizable to most Western soldiers who have had experience with the weapon’s system. That experience has created some muscle memory for operating the weapon’s controls and made the ergonomics feel familiar.

Illustration by project manager soldier weapons briefing NDIA, May 2011, (then) Brig. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, program executive officer soldier and Col. Douglas A. Tamilio, project manager soldier weapons.

As Capt. Jensen put it, “If you have experience from the assault-rifle design, one can almost say that even if you never have fired an MRAD before, you will still feel that you have fired hundreds of thousands of rounds when shooting with it for the first time. In addition to the above, I think that one of MRAD’s success criteria is its slim profile. Barrel, upper receiver and stock provide a straight line towards the shoulder. That design results in a recoil with minimal jumps vertically and horizontally. This also makes it a very comfortable shooting weapon, especially when the signature damper is attached (other rifle designs where the buttstock is not in line with the barrel and upper receiver, tend to “jump” more during shooting). You also clearly experience its military DNA when you grip the MRAD on the handguard and pistol grip. My personal experience the first time I got hold of this weapon was that I’ve held this before. Unlike the other competitors as the new sniper rifle, which may have bulky hand guards and stocks, Barrett’s MRAD has a clean and a distinct military style. MRAD is not a competition or a hunting rifle; it’s designed for military use only. There is also nothing protruding on the weapon that conflict with the load-bearing equipment, tactical or ballistic vest the snipers normally are wearing. Typical protruding little things can be, for example, adjusting screws on the stock hooking up on the chest rig that has a variety of pouches and bags; or the magazine is unintentionally released because the magazine releaser is pressed against the belt buckle during carrying. That does not happen with the MRAD. It feels like a piece of equipment that enables the user to engage full capacity during combat. In addition, MRAD proved to be a very robust weapon. Even after several thousand rounds, there was no mechanical wear on parts that could indicate that this weapon had been fired with 100 or 2,000 rounds. The precision, range, ease of use and, not least of all, the psychological feeling of operating a weapon you know you can count on has made the MRAD a favorite of all of our shooters.”

Operational Use

The Barrett MRAD was introduced too late to be used by the regular Norwegian snipers’ involvement in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, the Norway shooting community welcomed the weapon. After more than two years of use in the Norwegian armed forces, the MRAD, along with training and education, resulted in the Norwegian Telemark Battalion becoming the winners of the 2016 NATO sniper team competition. And, the Panserbataljonen (the Armored Battalion in Brigade North) had the best foreign team in the 2017 Danish international sniper competition, thanks to the sniper’s best tool and training.

Afghanistan 2009, a Norwegian team is controlling the area. The sniper is using a Barrett M82 (M107), .50 caliber 12.7x99mm. Norwegian Ministry of Defense

Said Capt. Jensen: “The sharpshooters themselves refer to the weapon as ‘the laser rifle’ due to its unmatched accuracy and reliability. They know that if they miss the bull’s-eye, they cannot blame their MRAD! After being used throughout winter and spring conditions, there have been a few details that have had to be modified, something to expect when a new weapon system, for first time, is taken into use. But none of these have reduced the snipers’ enthusiasm for the weapon. It’s a weapon they proudly show off and always choose when the demands are greatest. The weapon’s capability has proved to work under all conditions. The technical solutions combined with the material quality have made this sniper rifle not just a solution for today’s needs, but also for the future. The MRAD’s design allows the rifle to be adapted to future needs and new requirements. This applies both to quick change of caliber and adding additional accessories that may be required.”

Barrett MRAD–Multi-Role Adaptive Design

The MRAD concept comes from an actual military program. They wanted a multi-role design, a multi-caliber rifle and an extended rail so they could mount thermal night vision and anything else in front of the sight along with a folding adjustable length stock and adjustable cheek piece. Multi-role means user-changeable caliber barrel system using the same chassis. Adaptive design means that it’s adjustable for anybody.

The MRAD delivered to the Norwegian armed forces has a precision-grade barrel that can be removed by simply unscrewing two bolts using a standard Torx wrench. The MRAD has Barrett’s new user-accessible, fully adjustable match-grade trigger module, which is drop fireproof and combat-ready. The safety can be configured on either side of the rifle. The ambidextrous magazine release can be used intuitively while retaining a firing grip and cheek weld. Integrated into the MRAD rifle’s 7000 series aluminum upper receiver is an M1913 with 20 MOA taper and 21.75 inches of rail space. This leaves plenty of room in front of the scope sight, on the side and bottom rails for accessories. The MRAD stock is foldable for enhanced portability and locks in as solid as a fixed-stock rifle, creating a rigid platform for consistent firing. The rifle’s length of pull can be set to five different positions with the push of a single button. During transport the stock folds and locks onto the bolt handle. The slender side-folder adds minimal bulk to the rifle, maintaining the same rifle width whether folded or extended. This rifle can be configured to the users’ requirements.

After a testing period with weapons, ammunition, accessories and optics, three candidates were selected. These weapon systems were very good solutions, but one was outstanding, the Barrett MRAD. The pictures are taken during some tests with the MRAD:

1) Lightweight folding stock with adjustable length, polymer cheek piece is height adjustable from either side, and ultra-absorbent Sorbothane recoil pad. Rear Picatinny rail for monopod installation.
(2) Mil-Spec Type 2. Class 3 hardcoat anodized Cerakote MRB, coyote tan/camouflage color.
(3) Polymer bolt guide acts as dust cover and provides smooth bolt cycling.
(4) Schmidt Bender 3-20×50 PMII.
(5) Integrated aluminum upper receiver has a 21.75in. M1913 rail with 20 MOA taper. The upper receiver is drilled and has accessory rails at the 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions.

Simen Rudi/NDMA

Simen Rudi/NDMA

Simen Rudi/NDMA

Precision Weapon Portfolio Engagement Ranges & Dispersion

The U.S. Army hopes to field a new precision sniper rifle by fiscal 2021. The PSR is a multi-caliber rifle that will enable sniper teams to engage man-sized targets out to 1,500m. The PSR is supposed to replace the army’s M2010 sniper rifle, chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum, and the M107 sniper rifle, chambered for .50 caliber meaning to divest of two existing sniper rifles if this comes to fruition, the M2010 and the M107. Source: Military.com/Army Maps Out Future Small-Arms Programs.

The U.S. Army is also searching for a new 7.62mm rifle to become its formal squad designated marksman rifle for combat platoons and squad. Source: Military.com /27 April 2017/by Matthew Cox

7.62x51mm rifles tend to be reasonably light and maneuverable for a squad’s marksman while providing a good mix of accuracy and penetration out to about 600m with conventional ammo.
The M2010 sniper rifle chambered for .300 Winchester Magnum, provides good performance out to about 1,200m.

The typical .338 Lapua Magnum rifle only weighs about 2 pounds (1 kg) more than a comparable .300 rifle. A .338 rifle is capable of placing reliable hits well beyond a kilometer (0.6 miles). Compared to the M107 sniper rifle chambered for .50 caliber the .338 Lapua Magnum rifle has considerably less muzzle blast and flash and is much more pleasant to shoot with. The ammunition provides a more cost-effective option for long-range military sniping.

NM149 [7.62x51mm] sniper rifle was fabricated based on the controlled feed bolt action from Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles left by German armed forces in Norway at the end of World War II in 1945. NM149 was used earlier by both the Norwegian military and police forces. Walter Christian Håland

An Experienced Sniper

A couple of years ago, a Norwegian Telemark Battalion soldier with professional sniper experience explained in an interview what he had experienced during five tours in Afghanistan. There, he had countered fire assaults with precision fire, killed the enemy and completed the job efficiently and with accuracy. Annually, he shoots around 10,000 to 15,000 training rounds with various weapons; 3,000 to 4,000 rounds are used for sniper shots training. Three things are important for him: being in the wilderness, hunting and shooting.
He started his military sharpshooter career with the NM149 sniper rifle, a converted Mauser rifle. Since then he has used G3, PSG, MSG, and later the HK417 and Barrett .50 caliber (12.7mm).

His favorite is the PSG. He found it interesting that the military was looking at sniper rifles in the .338 caliber Lapua. In his opinion, that type of rifle comes a bit late, but when it comes it is good.

He would have liked to have that kind of a rifle in Afghanistan, he said. “There they missed a medium caliber, particularly in the years when skirmishes began,” he said. “Sometimes the distances were a bit long for the HK417, while the 12.7mm Barrett was brutal to use. They used it because they had to.” He would not enter the number of “kills” or talk about details of what he had been through. He experienced skirmishes and returned precise fire. He had been in situations where tracer and grenades from shoulder launched anti-tank grenade launchers closely passed by, but it was important to stay calm in such situations. It was not the first time he was in skirmishes where he had to return fire. “Training made the difference,” he said. “It is clear we had reacted differently if we were younger, or it was the first time we were out there in the danger zone. But with some years in the Afghan fields and together with other experienced soldiers, combined with much realistic training, one is more prepared.”

PSG1A2 [7.62x51mm] is mechanically based on the G3 rifle and features a low-noise bolt-closing device. Its shot-to-shot variation is expected to be better than one minute of angle (MOA) with match ammunition. The level of accuracy is average compared to most modern sniper rifles, but is still exceptional for a semi-automatic rifle. Walter Christian Håland

MSG90 [7.62x51mm] is a militarized variant of the PSG1 and both strengthened and lightened. The PSG1 and MSG90 have different trigger packs. The MSG90 uses a modified version of the pushpin trigger packs of HK roller locked select-fire assault rifles. The MSG90 is smaller and lighter than the PSG1. The MSG90s have a slightly shorter contoured barrel instead of the PSG1’s heavy barrel, but remain free floating and capable of attaching a suppressor, which is an advantage over the PSG1. Walter Christian Håland

The sun rises over the white sun-bleached plains of La Mancha, Spain. Without casting a silhouette on the orange sky, a pair of snipers crawl, unhurried, on hands and knees to the crest of a hilltop. In the distance a faint humming emerges overhead in the cloudless Spanish sky.

“Stay still,” the American says.

“Si, il silenzio,” the Italian whispers.

The drone hovers over the sunburned hilltop scanning the ground beneath it—a minute passes and it ascends, continuing its flight into the valley below. The American and the Italian nod at each other and continue their crawl on the crest. Resting behind some low brush, the American rolls to his side, tugs at the buttons of his pants pocket and pulls out his SIG SAUER Kilo2400ABS Rangefinder.

“Look north of the road,” the Italian says.

“At the bend, I see it” the American says.

“Si. How far?”

“Wait one.” The American holds the Rangefinder steady.

“Six hundred and twenty-three meters.”

“Let us move closer—the shrubs to our right. We can shoot from there,” says the Italian as he gestures to the American.

In July 2017, 24 snipers from across the globe participated in the desert sniper course at the International Special Training Centre in Chinchilla, Spain. The best of the best from NATO attend; everything is on the line and failure is not an option.

The Centre is the only common training center used by NATO. Nine nations comprise ISTC: Germany, Belgium, Greece, the U.S., Norway, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark and Turkey. The Center began from the mind of German officer Maj. Konrad Rittmeyer and his acknowledgment of the German Army’s absence of a dedicated long-range reconnaissance unit. Rittmeyer passionately studied the Finnish army’s long-range patrol teams from World War II; teams which carried out reconnaissance and sabotage missions deep into Soviet territory. Maj. Rittmeyer also relied on the exceptional skills of the German Gebirgsjäger (mountain infantry), Fallschirmjäger (parachute infantry) and NATO allies.

Rittmeyer’s concept proved popular enough to allow the creation of a Fernspäher school in Weingarten, South Germany. This institution would reflag as the International Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol School and later move to Pfullendorf.

An American sniper lays low behind some brush, observing his target.

In May 2001, the ILRRPS became known as ISTC. Under the direction of the Joint Multinational Training Command, ISTC sets the example of NATO military training and collaboration with its ability to blend the tactics, techniques and procedures of multiple countries. ISTC creates a collective frame of reference among these nations. The result is improved interoperability during combat as observed in Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

The tactical branch of ISTC has four sniper courses: Basic, Urban, High Angle/Urban and the Desert Sniper Course. The desert sniper course is at the National Training Centers east of Albacete, Spain, in the neighboring town of Chinchilla de Montearagón.

That course teaches the skills necessary to deliver precision fire from concealment in a desert environment. The course has two phases—the first phase concentrates on long-range marksmanship, and the second phase focuses on the planning and execution of sniper missions in harsh desert conditions.

During the first week, the cadre of ISTC choose ranges that offered 180-degree firing points with targets at distances of up to 2,000 meters. Wind poses the greatest challenge to the snipers. The cadre instructs the snipers on how wind is affected by terrain by using smoke canisters to demonstrate prevailing winds. Instructors go into great detail on how the topography, or large vertical displacements of the ground surface, has a significant effect on wind speed. Wind flow in a realistic environment is not just over a single ground feature, such as ridges and hills, but over a combination of such terrain features. The sniper must envision the wind as water flowing over and across the terrain to be successful in hitting the target.

For the second week of the course, the sniper teams have to execute a 12-hour and 48-hour FTX (field training exercise) that consists of intensive planning, analysis and execution. The snipers break down into groups and are given an operations order that simulates a real-life mission, with OPFOR (opposing forces) roaming the backcountry of Chinchilla ready to act out their part. Equipped with weapons, radios and clothed in role-playing attire, the OPFOR replicate what these seasoned men have seen before in wars in Afghanistan, Africa and Iraq. But with rising threats materializing throughout the world, and the emergence of sensor technology used in Ukraine, Syria and Iraq, the cadre employ night vision, thermals and drones to add to the intensity of the training, and mimic the dangers that these men will face in the foreseeable future.

Like leaves rustling in the wind, the American and the Italian blend into the desert landscape with their ghillie suits—constructed of netting and jute, and with bits of shrub and long grass tied on—inconspicuous to those who hunt them.

“Pass me the shears,” the American says.
“Si,” the Italian replies.

The American hollows out a small shrub with the pruning shears, meticulously shaping a small hole in the brush that he and the Italian will shoot through.

“The tripod, let me see it,” the American says.

“Here,” the Italian says.

Slowly extending the legs of the Manfrotto tripod, leaving the brush undisturbed around them, the American sets each leg of the tripod to a sitting height. A hog saddle sits atop the tripod. The Italian pulls the Remington XM2010 from his drag bag and slides the front of his rifle over the saddle. The Italian scoots up to the tripod with the butt of the rifle pressed firmly in the pocket of his shoulder. He reaches up with his left hand, feeling for the knobs on his Leupold riflescope.

“Can you see the target?” the American asks.

“Si,” the Italian says. “But cut more; it’s still obscured.”

The American leans slightly forward and snips at two small branches in the hole.

“Now?” the American asks.

“Si,” the Italian says. “Better. I can see all of it.”

Through the riflescope, on the far side of the road bending through the valley below, the Italian sees a white, steel human-shaped figure hanging from a target stand. The American moves behind the Italian with his spotting scope.

“We’re at 602 meters,” the American says. “Put 3.4 millimeters on the gun.”

“Si,” the Italian says.

“Hold .6 millimeters right for the wind.”

The Italian faintly shifts the rifle, takes a deep breath and exhales. “Sniper up,” he says.

“Send it,” the American says.

The ringing of steel echoes in the valley.

No matter the environment or weather conditions, the sniper supports his unit with keen observation and reporting, and if presented with the opportunity, delivers a high percentage shot on target—without fail.

Author Christopher M. Rance participated in the desert sniper course at ISTC, July 9-22, 2017, in Chinchilla de Montearagón, Spain.

On January 19, 2017, it was announced that the SIG P320 version of the MX17 was chosen as the United States Military Modular Handgun System’s new generation pistol for the US Army.
In May 2017 the other services of the United States Armed Forces followed suit and will acquire the M17/18: Air Force 130,000; Navy 61,000 [M18 only]; and Marine Corps 35,000.

This article mainly describes the importance of sidearms, the “Global” Glock 17 pistol and the new M17/M18.

An Intense Fight Against Afghan Insurgents February 5, 2010

At 2 p.m. local time, a Norwegian force, a diverse group of less than 20 men consisting of a so-called MOT layer (Military Observation Team) which was reinforced by several other specialists, was attacked. The attackers, a numerically superior group of insurgents, opened fire on the Norwegians with both small arms and RPGs. The rebels behind the attack knew that the soldiers were on their way into the river valley in Ghowrmach district. There is no doubt that they were prepared for the Norwegians coming, but whether it was because they had seen them drive into the valley or whether they had been informed in advance is difficult to know for sure. It had been a long time since the Norwegians had experienced such a strong opposition. This was a powerful ambush.

The Norwegians quickly asked for medical evacuation assistance from the camp in Maymaneh and air support. A Forward Air Controller was with the Norwegian group. His responsibility was calling for close air support. It did not work this time. Twice there were fighter aircraft over the area, but it was found not advisable to use the aircraft in the valley for close support. The attackers were too close to the soldiers, and the enemy could therefore not be bombed. The soldiers were forced to retire while they returned fire. It was close combat, too close with fierce fighting, so the soldiers had to use their sidearm, the Glock 17 pistol.

A so-called “task unit,” consisting of 50-100 Norwegian soldiers with the heaviest equipment, was sent out to ensure that forces who were under fire could withdraw. Norwegian Armed Forces

Generally, pistols are most effective at a range of between 10 and 25 meters. The Glock 17 has an incapacitation effect, which is vital to stop an attacker. The soldiers were able to secure the area and respond to the fire until they got reinforcements. A so-called “task unit,” consisting of 50-100 Norwegian soldiers with the heaviest equipment, was sent out to ensure those under fire had a safe withdrawal. When the reinforcements reached the area at 8 PM, the attacked group had already managed to repel the insurgents, and the fighting had ended. A total of eight Norwegians were injured in the ambush. Several were hit by shots from the enemies’ assault rifles. The two most seriously injured Norwegians both had serious gunshot wounds. It was stated that there was a need for a rapid evacuation. When the helicopter landed, there were still firefights going on. The perilous landing and evacuation probably saved the lives of two badly wounded Norwegian soldiers. The personnel in the Norwegian ambulance helicopter and the medical expertise of the camp Maymaneh (within the “golden hour”) probably saved the lives of the soldiers who had very critical injuries. The most critically wounded soldier was later operated on again at the German military hospital in Mazar-e Sharif, and the condition was then described as stable. Had he not been treated so quickly by Medcoy in Maymaneh, it would have gone wrong. The other soldier, seriously injured, was stable after surgery.

The Attackers

The attackers may have been a criminal gang. The Norwegian military leadership at the HQ was not certain about the attackers’ identities and chose therefore to mention the enemy collectively as rebels. There were several criminals in the area who smuggled drugs from Afghanistan and took weapons back. The criminal gangs were also troublesome requiring a “tax” from residents.

The Norwegian Bell 412 helicopter armed with two M134 Miniguns. The perilous landing and evacuation probably saved the lives of two badly wounded Norwegian soldiers. Torbjørn Kjosvold, Norwegian Armed Forces

Tougher Conditions

The situation was becoming more and more challenging. The Norwegians have had several more skirmishes in Afghanistan after that attack than earlier due to changed tactics and the fact that the Norwegians actively searched out areas along with the Afghan Army where they previously had no control. With insider attacks in Afghanistan still a threat to western forces, personal protection remains essential.

US Army XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS)

The US Army first announced the competition for the XM17 MHS program back in 2011, but there were multiple delays [XM = Experimental Model]. In January 2013 the US Army issued a Request for Information for a new suitable service pistol. Among other demands, it should have higher reliability (2,000 rounds without interruption, 10,000 rounds without breakdown), accuracy (10cm at 50m with 90-percent hit probability), effective fire, modularity as well as possibility to adjust the handgrip to fit different shooter’s hand sizes. The lifespan should last up to 35,000 rounds. One of the major goals of the effort was to adopt a pistol chambered for a more potent round than the current 9mm. The US military replaced the .45 caliber 1911 pistol with the M9 Beretta, first issued in 1986, and began using the 9mm NATO round. Beretta has fought hard to remain the Army’s pistol maker. In December 2014, Beretta USA submitted its modernized M9A3 as a possible alternative to the Army’s MHS program. The M9A3 featured new sights, a rail for mounting lights and accessories, better ergonomics and improved reliability. But the Army rejected the improved M9A3. The company, however, developed a new striker-fired pistol, the APX, and entered it into the competition. In August 29, 2015, a more concrete Request for Proposal began. Among the competitors were Beretta (APX), CZ (CZ P-09 MHS), FN Herstal (FN509), Glock (19MHS and 23MHS), Kriss USA (Sphinx SDP), SIG SAUER (P320MHS), Smith & Wesson with General Dynamics (S&W M&P9) as well as STI and Detonics Systems (STX).

Here at MEDCOY the Norwegian soldiers are treated for their wounds they got in the fighting. The Norwegian Armed Forces

The most recent solicitation deadline was set at February 2016. The down select in August 2016 only comprised two offers within the competitive range: namely Glock 19 MHS and the SIG P320. All other candidates did not meet all thresholds and could not therefore be selected for PVT testing as “non-awardable” offerors. January 19, 2017, it was announced that the SIG SAUER P320 had won the United States Military XM17 HMS competition. A specialized P320 will be the new M17 pistol, and SIG SAUER was awarded an IDIQ contract with a maximum worth of $580 million (the total evaluated price of SIG’s offer was $170 Million thus far from the stipulated $580 Million). The decision formally ended Beretta’s 30-year hold on the Army’s sidearm market. Finally, the Army decided to down select to a single awardee without executing the important Product Verification Testing (PVT) that would have included amongst others: Endurance testing of 35,000 rds.; environmental testing; shooting by users in the loop, and so on. A bid protest filed by Glock, challenging the US Army’s new sidearm contract with SIG SAUER, was been denied by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), June 6, 2017.

The protest did not result in any change to the decision. It was decided that the contracting authorities have huge discretion in technical evaluation, which goes so far that it was decided not to rate the test results for the compact pistol reliability function after doing the actual testing. Ultimately, price, only the seventh most important criteria according to the RFP, was the decisive factor. Here, SIG SAUER apparently had the much better offer.

The IVECO Light Multirole Vehicle (front) after the attack. The small arms projectiles have not penetrated the ballistic glass. Lars Kroken, PRT/International Security Assistance Force

Deliveries

One aspect of the MHS that Army officials have been reluctant to talk about is the type of ammunition the service’s new sidearm will use, but the contract allows the government to buy SIG SAUER’s proposed XM1152 Full Metal Jacket and XM1153 Special Purpose ammunition and training rounds. Members of the 101st Airborne are scheduled to receive about 2,000 pistols in November 2017. The current plan is for the Army to buy 195,000 MHS pistols. Eventually, the Army will distribute the weapons to all units over a 10-year period. From November 2017 until September 2018, the new handguns will be fielded at a different post each month, except for March and April of 2018, according to the current plan. The 10-year agreement calls for SIG SAUER to supply the Army with full-size and compact versions of the gun. The firearms will be manufactured at the company’s facilities in New Hampshire. According to Army officials, the MHS quantities that the other US services intend to buy are: Air Force 130,000; Navy 61,000 (M18 only); and Marine Corps 35,000. The M17 (full-size) and M18 (compact) have different ammunition requirements than the commercial P320 pistol.

The P320 was released for commercial use three years ago. The specific performance improvements from MHS over the M9 are in the area of accuracy, dispersion and ergonomics. Testing of the MHS, Spring 2017 by Soldiers at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback: “The XM17 felt like an upgrade over the M9 with improved durability and adjustability, along with interchangeable grips that fit comfortably, instead of just making a one size fits all.” A handgrip that fits the shooter’s hand properly does a lot to improve accuracy, not only on the first shot but also on subsequent shots. The new handguns also have an external safety and self-illuminating sights for low-light conditions and can accept various attachments such as lights and optics. The M17 can be outfitted with suppressors and accommodate standard and extended-capacity magazines. The base configuration of the full-size M17 pistol will come with Tritium sights and three magazines, one standard 17-round magazine and two extended 21-round magazines. Army equipment officials are developing a holster for the MHS as well.

The vehicle is hit by heavy firing and RPG. The blast went through the equipment stowage room but not through the armor on the crew’s armored cell. Lars Kroken, PRT/International Security Assistance Force

M17 and M18 Modular Handgun System

The striker fired pistol M17/M18 has glass-reinforced, Polymer-grip-modules with high ergonomics and modularity. That’s thanks to the stainless-steel frame and fire control unit with ambidextrous slide and magazine release. It has a robust safety system. The M17 and M18 pistols are equipped with lightweight triggers and sears, as well as the standard striker safety that prevents the striker from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled. The M17 and M18 also incorporate the standard P320 internal disconnect safety that prevents the pistol from firing when out of battery. Additionally, an ambidextrous manual safety is included on all M17s/M18s. When moved upwards to the safe position, the trigger bar is mechanically blocked to prevent any rearward movement. To release it, the shooter pushes the lever towards the grip—this principle is well known from the “MHS- grandfather,” the Colt M1911A1. The extractor pin has a tamper-resistant design to prevent unauthorized modification. It can only be removed and replaced with special tools.

The pistol can be field stripped without tools and without need to pull the trigger to disassemble. The modular design of the grip modules—sizes medium and large—adapt the pistol to the individual user. Other calibers than the 9x19mm can be converted by the user or by gunsmith (with a caliber exchange kit). Thus, the pistol can be adapted to the purpose and fit for the user. Both versions can be operated by right- or left-handed shooters. The full-sized and the compact variant of the MHS-used test pistols had the designation “XM17” for Experimental Model. The serial, full-sized version will get the designation M17 and the compact will get M18. Both pistols come in caliber 9×19mm Parabellum and in color Flat Dark Earth. This earth color surface improves the camouflage and is suitable for most climate-regions. The M17 and M18 have a Picatinny-rail (MIL-STD 1913) at the lower forward edge of the module for mounting, for example a Laser-Light-Module.

The firing range A2 in Porsanger gave good conditions for arctic testing. Protection glasses and bullet-proof vests were used for extra protection if something unexpected should happen. Journalist Torbjørn Løvland, Forsvarets forum

Serial deliveries M17 and M18 will come with two different-sized grip modules and one standard magazine for 17 rounds and two reserve magazines with 21-rounds capacity. The serial versions M17 and M18 will have as standard Tritium-sights. A suitable holster for the pistols is under development.

The Best Handgun

But which one is the best handgun? That’s not simple to answer, but the one you have available at hand when it matters, is the best you can have. However, all technology will be useless if you avoid training before you come to action. Every experienced shooter knows this elementary idea: Training and drills are the key to being fast in a tense situation. The training of individual movements makes you fast and consistent, and the drills will get your body to store procedural memory about the weapon’s operation. Only through intensive training one can develop firepower and hit precisely when it counts. There is a lot written about how to practice drills with handguns—without training, knowledge is useless.

The soldiers from Royal Marines fired 14,000 rounds in the field, using 5 different pistols. The five pistols used, from the front, were the Smith & Wesson M&P, then Glock 17 Gen 4, Beretta Px4 Storm, Heckler & Koch P30 and SIG SAUER P226. All five candidates use standard 9mm ammunition, but the pistols’ weight ranges from ~600 grams (Glock) to ~950 grams (SIG). This testing can measure the safety, reliability and accuracy of the pistols in use while being fired by the warfighters. There had been one and another click during the test. Journalist Torbjørn Løvland, Forsvarets forum

Beretta M9A3 featured new sights, a rail for mounting lights and accessories, better ergonomics and improved reliability. Aud Håland

Beretta striker-fired pistol, the APX. Aud Håland

Glock’s version for the Army’s Modular Handgun System contract, Glock 19 HMS (pictured) and Glock 23 HMS, has a number of differences from their standard offerings. The MHS’s finish is Flat Dark Earth. It has a manual thumb safety. The grip has lack of finger grooves. At the bottom back end of the grip is a lanyard ring. It comes with extended magazines. GLOCK Inc.

Glock’s version for the Army’s Modular Handgun System contract, Glock 19 HMS and Glock 23 HMS (pictured), has a number of differences from their standard offerings. The MHS’s finish is Flat Dark Earth. It has a manual thumb safety. The grip has lack of finger grooves. At the bottom back end of the grip is a lanyard ring. It comes with extended magazines. GLOCK Inc.

The upgraded Glock P80 has the rail to mount on accessories like Tactical Laser Sight/Flashlight. Christian Nørstebø, Forsvarets forum

Glock 17 Gen 4 Cal. 9x19mm (Glock 19 Gen 5 at left). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has chosen the Glock as their new service handgun. The $85 million contract for a new duty pistol. Industry sources indicate that the contract will deliver the Glock 17 and 19 specifically modified for the FBI (G-17M and G-19M). Aud Håland

After several rounds of firearm legislation throughout the early 2000s, the European Parliament passed new restrictions on firearm ownership on March 17, 2017, stated to be in response to the deadly Paris attack in November 2015. Using weapons that had (at one time) been deactivated, the terrorists were able to reconfigure and rebuild the deactivated firearms into functioning weapons. The European Parliament’s response was to create even more draconian restrictions on legal civilian firearm ownership.

Although firearm ownership has been restricted in most of Western Europe for many years, firearm ownership in Eastern Europe has been lightly regulated. As a result, the laws governing firearm ownership and possession were a mix of strict and lenient laws throughout the European Union. The new EU regulations are wide reaching, impact the entire European Union and have large ramifications on European civilian firearm ownership in the future. Under the new restrictions, there are added limitations on semi-automatic firearms and magazines, significant changes to the current firearm licensing regime, the creation of additional qualifications to own and possess a firearm and the imposition of additional marking and registration requirements.

Changes to the Current Firearm Licensing Regime

Under the current regime, there are four classes of firearms–Categories A through D. Under the new UE Firearms Directive, the biggest changes are to Categories A and D. Category D formerly governed single shot shotguns; this category was not subject to any Government scrutiny. Under the new EU Firearms Directive, Category D has been eliminated, and single-shot shotguns are re-classified to Category C, creating a regulatory scheme under which all firearms are subject to some form of Government regulation.

Under the new EU Firearms Directive, Category A (Prohibited Firearms) has been expanded. The new list of prohibited firearms in the EU includes:

Explosive military missiles and launchers;
Automatic firearms;
Firearms disguised as other objects;
Ammunition and/or projectiles with penetrating, explosive, or incendiary properties;
Pistol and revolver ammunition and/or projectiles that expand, except in the case of hunting ammunition;
Automatic firearms converted to semiautomatic function
Centerfire semi-automatic pistols that allow more than 21 rounds, or rifles that allow more than 11 rounds of ammunition per magazine;
Short semi-automatic rifles that may be shortened to a length less than 60 centimeters (approximately 23.6 inches) in length through the use of a collapsible or folding stock.

There are two immediate issues with the new regulations. First, in some EU countries, civilian ownership of fully automatic firearms was expressly allowed. Under the new regulatory scheme, (with few exceptions) the transfer of fully automatic firearms lawfully possessed by a civilian after January 1, 2018, becomes illegal. Current owners of fully automatic firearms in the EU may either sell them to a qualified individual, or museum or have the firearm deactivated. As many collectors have spent large sums of money on their collections, the idea of deactivating a collectible firearm is not appealing.

Second, the new regulations do not specifically prohibit modern sporting rifles similar to the AR-15, but does create a situation in which an AR-15 type firearm must be heavily modified in order to remain compliant.

Semi-automatic Firearms and Magazines

Under the new EU Firearms Directive, the general consensus is that an individual is still permitted to possess a modern sporting rifle (like the AR-15 rifle), as long as the rifle is possessed in conjunction with a magazine that has a 10-round capacity or less. However, under a strict reading of the directive, that may not be entirely accurate. The Directive reads:

Semi-automatic long firearms … whose loading device and chamber cannot together hold more than three rounds, where the loading device is detachable or where it is not certain that the weapon cannot be converted, with ordinary tools, into a weapon whose loading device and chamber can together hold more than three rounds.

In order to remain legal, it appears that an AR-15 type rifle would need to be converted to only accept a special magazine that holds three rounds or less. An AR-15 rifle that could accept a standard magazine would appear to be subject to Category A classification, as a standard AR-15 rifle may be “readily converted” into accepting a magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds. Time will tell how this aspect of the Directive is upheld and interpreted.

Additional Qualifications to Own and Possess a Firearm

The EU Firearms Directive requires that EU member nations create a licensing system by which firearm owners are “authorized” to possess firearms. The Directive directs member nations to create “a monitoring system, which they may operate on a continuous or non-continuous basis, to ensure that the conditions of authorisation set by national law are met throughout the duration of the authorisation,” and further requires that “[w]here any of the conditions of authorisation [are] no longer met, Member States shall withdraw the respective authorisation.” Moreover, Member States have to ensure that in the authorization process “relevant medical and psychological information [are] assessed.” Member States are required to review authorizations for the possession of firearms, at minimum, once every 5 years.

What does this mean? Currently, it appears that sport shooters who seek to acquire and possess a semi-automatic firearm must undergo a medical and psychological exam, must provide proof of participation in a recognized shooting competition and must provide proof of membership in an officially recognized shooting sports organization with active participation within the past 12 months. Upon completion of the process, presumably authorization would be granted, subject to renewal within 5 years.

Additional Marking and Registration Requirements

The EU Firearms Directive creates significant new requirements for the marking of firearms. Currently, barrels and bolts are restricted, with little oversight into the sale and possession of frames, receivers or other parts. Under the new requirement, any “essential component,” to include “frames, upper and lower receivers, slides, cylinders, barrels, bolts and breech blocks,” must be marked in a clear, permanent and unique marking.

EU member nations are also required to create a national firearms database that “shall record all information relating to firearms which is needed in order to trace and identify those firearms.” In addition, individual EU member nations are required to “ensure that the record of firearms and the essential components, including the related personal data, is retained in the data-filing systems by the competent authorities for a period of 30 years after the destruction of the firearms or essential components in question.”

Exemptions

There are a few exemptions to the new Directive. The largest exemption probably applies to Switzerland and the exemption for Swiss Army reservists, who often possess their battle rifles outside of Army duty. Under the Swiss exemption, Swiss military members may keep their service rifles if the rifle has been converted to semi-automatic fire. Service pistols may also be possessed but are subject to the 10-round magazine restrictions.

There are also limited exemptions for museums, collectors and dealers to possess prohibited Category A firearms.

Challenges by the Czech Republic

On August 9, 2017, the Czech government challenged the implementation of the EU Firearms Directive, requesting the suspension of the national implementation for the duration of the legal action and complete dismissal of the firearms Directive. According to Czech Interior Minister Milan Chovanec, “[s]uch a massive punishment of decent arms holders is unacceptable, because banning legally-held weapons has no connection with the fight against terrorism. This is not only a nonsensical decision once again undermining people’s trust in the EU, but implementing the Directive could also have a negative impact on the internal security of the Czech Republic, because a large number of weapons could move to the black market.”

What does the future hold? It seems unlikely that terrorism throughout the European Union will abate, and restricting access to firearms has seemingly resulted in new forms of terror involving large vehicles and use of ordinary items as weapons in non-traditional means. The new restrictions probably seem fool hardy to most Americans and likely to many Europeans as well. Time will tell whether the good intentions of the legislation have an effect on gun violence in Europe.

Looking forward, those in the United States (and by default, other countries that allow civilian ownership of firearms) should expect increased difficultly in sourcing European-made firearms and/or increased costs for European-made firearms. As the United States is the largest single market for civilian-owned firearms, it is not surprising that the likes of Fabrique Nationale, Heckler and Koch and SIG SAUER have established manufacturing facilities within the United States, potentially in part to escape European regulations on manufacturing and export.

Mr. Wong is a Washington-licensed attorney. He regularly provides legal counsel to the firearm and defense industry via his law firm, The Firearms Law Group. Mr. Wong also manages Hurricane Butterfly, an import/export company that assists firearm manufacturers, resellers and collectors from around the world to wade through the regulatory quagmire of U.S. import/export regulations. He may be found online at FirearmsLawGroup.com.

The preceding article is not intended as legal advice and should not be taken as legal advice. If the reader has specific legal questions, seek competent legal counsel.

Century Arms’ RAS47 & C39V2 Face the Music and Perform Mightily!

One would be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of companies in the last half century that have had the impact which Century Arms International and its variants have had on the US firearms community. Remember that almost all of the big names in firearms manufacturing started in someone’s garage, small gun shop or in the barn; Winchester, Browning, Remington, all started with a small shop. However, the world of Century Arms is different from those; it was born in the world of surplus weapons and international arms deals, not new manufacturing.

It started in the early 1960s with a discovery by William Sucher that the customers of his typewriter repair business were a much smaller pool to sell to than the customers interested in a surplus rifle he had taken in trade. Having a keen sense for business, Sucher and his brother-in-law Manny Weigensberg saw a market and began making contacts around the world for military surplus firearms and ammunition.

Brass in the air and magazines flying as George Salg (Front) fires the RAS47 and Will Barbeau (Rear) performs a quick “Polish mag change” on the C39V2 during a “Mad Minute” of mag after mag, full-auto firing.

At the time in the US, there was a seemingly endless customer base for cheap military surplus rifles, handguns and ammunition. It’s not so different today; customers are eager for new surplus. Sucher’s new company, Century Arms, was ready to do what it took to fill that market with product—they traveled around the world, making deals and buying shiploads of surplus, bringing it to their facility in the old railroad building in St. Albans, Vermont, processing it and selling into their new network. There were a handful of competitors, but there was enough surplus to go around, and Century excelled at buying low and selling fast and high enough to build a powerhouse international arms business, all the while giving American and Canadian consumers a decent price on surplus. The company was formed in 1961 in St. Albans, Vermont, and there is a sister facility in Quebec (Century International Arms, Ltd).

In November 2000, Century moved to a new 100,000-square-foot warehouse/factory in an industrial park in Georgia, Vermont, where they are today. The headquarters was in Boca Raton, Florida, and moved to Delray Beach, Florida in 2004. As much of the military surplus around the world started drying up during the 1990s, more creativity was required to be a viable business, and Century began to manufacture US-made semi-automatic versions of many famous firearms. These included numerous rifle models including variants of the G3, HK33, FN FAL and a number AK clones in semi-automatic. These rifles, for the US civilian market, were legally manufactured with US receivers and foreign parts from surplus kits; then new regulations allowed for many new parts and receivers from the original factories. Many tens of thousands of rifles were made, and Century refined their engineering and manufacturing techniques.

Century also has had many deals with the US Government over the years, fulfilling non-standard firearms and ammunition requirements.

There were other considerations a military procurement person would need to take into account, which Century addresses professionally:

Fast availability of spare parts and service;
Convenient and direct access for inspection and communications;
Removal of cost and time for import/export permissions, international logistics and obtaining EUCs;
They are a prime manufacturer and can be quickly responsive to customer-specific requirements.

General Mikhail Kalashnikov

Century’s AKs coincided with a new “Made in the USA” requirement for military needs. The US military has many reasons for buying AK variants; much of it has to do with training, as well as supplying non-traditional forces with the AK, which may well be better suited for their use. When the US Government buys military items from another country, they have to comply with the non-transfer and End Use laws of the supplying country. That is just one more reason for the procurement to be from Made in the USA sources—there are no foreign obligations attached to these weapons, and they can be freely used for US interests. Even something as simple as using internal parts from a foreign country can call the non-transfer rules of that country into play, determining what the US Government can do with the firearm. That is too many strings for most procurements; almost impossible to track and comply with over the years.

It helps that Century has been so involved in US Government supply contracts in the past, and they were ready when SOCOM released an SBIR for “Foreign Like Weapon Production Capability.” That’s a “Small Business Innovation Research” program, regarding foreign weapons like the PKM, NSV and, of course, the AK.

But, which AK variants to offer? There are many designs to choose from, and Century has years of experience building these.

Disassembled RAS47

AK History and Types

With apologies to collectors everywhere for over-simplifying, there are two basic 7.62x39mm AK families—the AK-47 style made with a milled receiver, giving a more solid platform for the barrel and action; and the AKM style which is made with a stamped sheet metal receiver. If you require a true, in-depth understanding, we publish an 1100-page book called AK-47: The Grim Reaper which should satisfy any such need.

Century wisely decided to offer the C39V2 as a milled receiver AK-47 variant and the RAS47 with stamped receiver, so the customers can choose which features they desire most. We decided to run concurrent MIL-SPEC tests on both rifles.

Where did the AK come from? The stories have been told countless times, but there are two basic threads—ammunition for shorter, more realistic combat ranges and making a lighter weapon. During World War II, the Allies and the Axis weapon makers were noting that there was a need for an intermediate cartridge between the pistol rounds and the full bore rifle rounds—30-06 in the US forces, 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm) in much of Europe, 7.62x54R in Russia. Ammunition was effective, but heavy and was a frequent overmatch for a rifleman regarding the ranges encountered. The US worked with .30 carbine (7.62x33mm) in the M1/M2 Carbine series, the Germans developed 7.92x33mm (7.92 Kurz) for their MP44 “Sturmgewehrs,” and the Russians had the 7.62x39mm M43, which didn’t get fielded until after the war, for the new SKS rifles.

Disassembled C39V2

General Kalashnikov, at the time a Sergeant rehabilitating from wounds fighting the Germans in 1941, was made familiar with the German Sturmgewehr and the shorter cartridge 8mm Kurz in 1943, and he took the concept of an “Assault rifle” and applied new information gained and upgraded this design for the Russian M43 cartridge. In conversations with General Kalashnikov over dinners in Serbia with this author, interesting revelations came about—that the MP43 wasn’t at all involved in internal operations, he said to look to the Garand. Length and some general shape ideas came somewhat from the Germans. After approximately six prototypes, the AK-47 was born in 1947, with a hybrid stamped receiver and its milled receiver introduced shortly thereafter to reduce production problems with the original sheet metal receivers. In 1959, after all of the sheet metal receiver issues were resolved, the AKM was introduced. Over 100 million AK variants have been fielded from many countries. Thus, Century choosing the two basic models of milled receiver and stamped receiver, in the style of the original Russian designs, was a good place to start.

Interchangeability

“Interchangeability” is the seven-syllable word that means so much in a military firearm—and unfortunately, much of the world’s AK inventory does not have it. During the Afghanistan military police armory program, with almost 400,000 weapons at 69 armories, this author was asked to supply a parts list for repair. No quantities were specified, and there were at least 15 AK variants in inventory, but no list of manufacturers/models. When I asked for that information, I was told, “You know, AK-47 parts.” After a brief internal meltdown familiar to most weapons people when dealing with non-firearms people, it was determined that the repair parts couldn’t be supplied without further description/info. Unfortunately, most of the AK variants in the US and US military inventories suffer from the same logistical problem. Actually, many of the AK variants from Romania and some other countries require hand fitting and marking for their own guns. This is totally unacceptable in a military-issued firearm. Century has nailed the 100% made in the USA–100% interchangeable within models bullseye. We tested several guns changing parts in and out, and all were perfectly functional. In my interviews with Century personnel, both in the field and in the factory, this was something they were very proud of. Another reason to consider Century’s full-auto AKs for field use, as well as the longevity of the company, and repair and replacement parts availability is guaranteed.

Left: Will Barbeau with the C39V2. Right: George Salg with the RAS47 during the semi-automatic firing of the tests.

At the Factory

Rick Schomer, the COO of Century, came from the Detroit automotive manufacturing base and is half way to getting Century an ISO9000 rating in First Quarter 2018. This will be an added feather in the cap of Century’s manufacturing credentials, and we had a nice “Vision” discussion regarding future programs for Century. We were also able to meet with Operations Manager Jeremy Bates and Manufacturing Supervisor Jim Putnam on our tour through the facility. This author’s last tour through Century’s Vermont locations was during the First Gulf War at the old railroad building and … what a change. Century’s facility was modern and extremely well organized to the flow of production. The investments made in infrastructure and physical plant are amazing and are paying dividends in quality control and smoothness of production. The resulting products that we tested are a testament to the organization and workers at the factory.

After 4,000 rounds, both the RAS47 and C39V2 recoil springs show some permanent compression. Top is a new spring, bottom is from the RAS47 after completing the test. This is normal wear and not performance failure.

How the Test Was Designed—Cooling, etc.

When Century contacted SADJ to organize a MIL-SPEC test, the two-receiver model situation had to be taken into account. We were aware that these rifles had performed remarkably well in Century’s internal testing, but as almost all manufacturers will attest, there is that, “So, your factory did the test, and these were the fantastic results, huh,” which may come from many potential customers. The idea of the testing was to have SADJ design and perform one of our MIL-SPEC tests for them. We needed to not only show the endurance under heavy firing for the end users’ perspective, but provide quantifiable data that a procurement person could use. The logistics people who must prepare an inventory want to know all of the details. Our proposed test was for two rifles, one of each model, each firing 12,000 rounds. We wanted the following answers for Century’s customers:

Are these Century rifles up to a MIL-SPEC?
Will they perform through a US-style MIL-SPEC test?
Are the parts interchangeable for full-function testing?
What are the Mean Rounds Between Failures?
What is the barrel life, and how is the dispersion degradation?
Can we ascertain that both the logistics groups and the end users will be satisfied with the weapon system?

SADJ could ascertain the MIL-SPEC issues very easily with a properly designed test. Barrel life and dispersion are more related to how that test is performed, leading to the most crucial questions we had to design the test for, which are elaborated in number 6 above. Most end users intuitively consider the famous four qualities in firearms that the likes of Eugene Stoner, L. James Sullivan, C. Reed Knight, Jr. and many others have polished over the years: Is the weapon design Simple, Reliable, Robust and Accurate? If it doesn’t meet those requirements, it’s hard to get it accepted by the professionals who have to use it. Most end users will look at how reliable it is and ask whether it can withstand heavy use—long bursts while they provide cover, “mad minutes” in tough firefights? All questions that when answered, provide confidence and comfort for the warrior who has the weapon as a life-saving or life-taking tool.

Left: new Century bolt face. Right: Century bolt face after 12,000 rounds. There is a normal raising of the metal around the firing pin hole—this is in very good condition for the amount of rounds fired.

Logistics personnel have different requirements in mind—it’s not all combat, it’s mostly about training sessions, longevity, chain of supply and cost accounting. Can we get replacement parts? In this case, there is the added burden of knowing unskilled persons may be using these. The planned purchase of a new weapon system requires many factors be taken into account—and SADJ had to design a test that could answer these questions as well. The tests were designed to answer these questions in a proficient and comprehensive manner. We invite our readers to understand that while this type of test sounds like fun, it is in fact a grueling and demanding task—many hours and many people working to keep the details in order to not invalidate the terms of the test. Fortunately, the Century range crew was experienced in firing a lot of rounds and enjoy it while they are at it. There’s an old saying; “Any day at the range is better than a day at the office.”

It was decided that the best way to proceed was for the factory to provide the firearms, the ammunition, the shooters and technicians and the range, and this author would be in a supervisory capacity to ensure protocols and temperatures were adhered to and perhaps do some of the test firing. In order to speed up the testing time, and allow a natural test of barrel erosion and dispersion, Century designed a four rifle cooling tent. It’s important to “Rest” the barrels and return them to an agreed ambient temperature between each firing. For those who want to engage in this type of test, dropping weapons in water or using other methods that cool too rapidly are not effective in getting true results. That is a different type of element torture testing.

The need we had was to simulate years of training interspersed with long periods of no use, and not to wow a crowd with clouds of steam. Ambient temperature air sent through the barrels at perhaps 100psi will speed up the removal of heat and shorten the testing time without compromising the barrels. Century’s design of putting the air over the complete firearm worked very, very well. If you do this type of testing a lot, then remember that compressors mean moisture and add some condensing to the system. We utilized two shooters at a time. Some of the details of what we arranged for the initial test firing protocol changed as we discussed the on-going tests with Century and their engineers. Essentially, they were confident that the temperature on the barrels could go higher than our first recommendation of taking the temperature down to around 80° F before returning to firing.

Ejected cartridge cases do impact on the top cover rim; it’s just a normal AK issue. On Century’s top cover, damage was minimal. Top: New Century top cover; Bottom: Century top cover after 12,000 rounds fired.

To the Range—3 Days of Testing

On a beautiful June morning, we mustered at the Sportsman’s Club of Franklin County on Maquam Shore Road in St. Albans Bay, Vermont (www.scfcvt.org). We set up the loading stations, the firing line, received our Safety Briefing from Range Officer Maynard Pearo and performed our first testing regimen. Century Engineer Sam Gagnon and Century Director of Global Procurement Kevin Quirino were there to supervise the testing and fill in information for SADJ as we went.

Rate of Fire testing: Both the RAS47 and C39V2 had rates of fire from the factory between 550 and 600 RPM, until they were quickly broken in—this is normal as finishes wear enough to not impede action movement, and both rifles settled in at 700-720 RPM very quickly.

Century had chosen to use 100% made in the USA magazines, of course, so Magpul’s PMAG 30 AKMDE 30-round AK magazines were used—several hundred of them were lined up and filled (www.magpul.com). Through the course of the test, there were no problems at all with the magazines, and the magazines withstood the “Polish style” mag change—with full magazine in left hand, operator slaps through the flapper mag release and rocks the empty magazine forward, inserts the new full magazine, rotates the rifle to the left and charges over the rifle with the left hand.

Century’s shop decided to make a four-gun cooling fixture—using a 20-inch box fan and canvas pressure chamber, with four stovepipe rests for rifles. It worked very well as long as the canvas chamber was enlarged; when shortened it dumped electrics from back pressure. This was ingenious and cooled all parts of the rifles equally, shortening our time between firing.

The test itself was pretty basic—fire enough rounds to simulate a range visit by a soldier, then cool it down as if it were in the armory, then repeat the cycle. At certain intervals, cleaning and inspection were called for, and at other intervals, there were factory-mandated small parts and spring replacements. Accuracy was checked at intervals. This gives a special picture of performance over long periods to the logistics specialist.

The cycle of fire for both models was the same and was done concurrently:

Three 30-round magazines, total of 90 rounds, fired semi-automatic with approximately 1-2 seconds between rounds.
Two 30-round magazines, total of 60 rounds, fired full-automatic in 5-round bursts with approximately 3 seconds between bursts.
This was 150 rounds fired, a fairly typical range qualification.

Mike Wells and then Nate Stevens were on loading detail; George Salg and Will Barbeau, Century Mechanical Engineers, were the firers.

We started with rifles at an ambient temperature of around 90° F, and at the end of the firing cycles, the temperature was generally around 600° at the muzzle and 650° at the gas block. At this point, the rifles would go to the cooling rack. The cycle was then repeated.

At 1000 rounds, a standard cleaning was performed, with quick inspection.
At 2000 rounds, a standard cleaning was performed, with quick inspection.
At 3000 rounds, a standard cleaning was performed, with more in-depth inspection.
There were 4 cycles of the above per firearm until 12,000 rounds were reached.

Century had mandatory parts changes, but they were mostly for the springs. Their first-generation springs were a little weaker than engineering liked, and the second generation had been upgraded and ordered—we had not received these yet. So, the protocol was to change recoil and extractor springs at 4000-round intervals.

C39V2

C39V2

3450 rounds—broken extractor spring changed, stoppage
4800 rounds—during inspection, broken recoil spring changed, no stoppage
6750 rounds—changed broken extractor spring, stoppage
7050 rounds—changed recoil spring, no stoppage
8000 rounds—special gas port cleaning during maintenance, running a bit sluggish
10,500 rounds—changed broken extractor spring, no stoppage
12,000 rounds—changed broken extractor spring, on final inspection

The C39V2 experienced two stoppages that were not related to dud primers and two failures that required parts changing, which were the same events. This is an MRBS—Mean Rounds Between Stoppages of 4000 rounds and an MRBF—Mean Rounds Between Failures of 4000 rounds. Considering the accepted numbers for the US M16A2 are in the 3600 round area, this is an excellent performance.

RAS47

RAS47

3390 rounds—broken extractor spring, stoppage
4800 rounds—broken recoil spring, stoppage
6690 rounds—broken extractor spring, no stoppage
7290 rounds—spinback, stoppage
9000 rounds—changed broken hammer spring, no stoppage
9540 rounds—spinback, stoppage
9840 rounds—broken firing pin, stoppage
10,050 rounds—changed extractor spring, no stoppage
12,000 rounds—changed recoil and extractor springs, no stoppage

The RAS47 experienced five stoppages that were not related to dud primers and three failures that required parts changing. This is an MRBS—Mean Rounds Between Stoppages of 2400 rounds and an MRBF—Mean Rounds Between Failures of 4000 rounds. Considering the accepted numbers for the US M16A2 are in the 3600 round area, this is also an excellent performance.
I would like to note at this point that the required factory changes on the Gen 1 springs at 4000 rounds were pretty close to when these needed to be changed out, and the Gen 2 springs have much longer life cycles, addressing that issue.

Century Mechanical Engineer George Salg performing one of the specified cleaning and inspection programs on the RAS47.

7.62x39mm Ammo Choice

Both the RAS47 and C39V2 series are basic 7.62x39mm weapons. As such, they’re expected to function with any such round made to feed in the system. This can provide a withering variety of manufacturers and surplus, as well as some variants in projectile and powder. What would be the standard military load would be the (M43) 57-N-231, which has a steel core projectile and can no longer be imported to the US. Instead, we chose a generic 7.62x39mm round with 122gr Full Metal Jacket projectiles. Unfortunately, the rounds had a number of duds with fully struck primers and some inverted primers. These were deducted from stoppages; they’re ammo issues, not a problem with the rifles.

Accuracy Testing – All Firing Done Off Hand with Scope

The C39V2 was expected to be more accurate, due to the bedding of the barrel in a milled receiver. In the first photo, the first group shows a group of less than 1.5 inches, at 50 meters. The second photo shows the 6000-round group opening up a bit to around 3 inches, and the final 12,000-round group is tightened to under 2 inches. This is not a significant degradation in accuracy.

The RAS47 with its stamped receiver was expected to have a lower degree of accuracy, still very acceptable to AK variants in comparison. The first group is around 2.5 inches at 50 meters. The second group is at 6000 rounds and shows approximately 3 inches. The 12,000-round group has spread to around 5 inches.

Sound Suppressor?

Century went through their options for a company to do design work for a suppressor to issue with the RAS47 and C39V2 and chose Gemtech. This author did not have a chance to personally test the suppressor but obtained the following test chart from Dr. Philip H. Dater of Antares Technologies, one of the founders of Gemtech. AK variants are notoriously hard to suppress, due to the piston operation—Gas is vented after the piston leaves the port block and vents into the atmosphere. This is not conducive to suppression; the expanding hot gases here are not easily contained. Any suppressor, therefore, is dependent on what can be taken from the muzzle and will suffer a bit on suppression. Dr. Dater was using Wolf 7.62×39 in this test, and the Gemtech AK suppressor is the production version and is all titanium with Bi-Lock mounting. The original Russian suppressor, the PBS-1, utilizes a rubber wipe on the muzzle end, and the wipes are generally issued with the subsonic ammunition. The suppression tests were taken at the standard 1 meter 90° to the side of the muzzle, and then SLE—Shooter’s Left Ear. Obtaining a dB level below 140 is one aim of suppressor design; under that number OSHA considers hearing safe for the shooter. This is very important in training, as well as in the field.

C39V2 with Gemtech AK suppressor.

Century has evolved a very modern and efficient production facility. Every receiver is triple-checked, all assembly has fixtures that ensure quality of every part and installation, and here the barrel installation of a RAS47 is being critically checked.

Multiple-receiver fixture holding RAS47 receivers, ready to enter the CNC machine. Quality, modern equipment makes accurate, fast production possible, and Century’s Manufacturing Supervisor James Putnam has a very efficient and well laid-out production line.

Century reviewed many of the optics available on the market and decided on the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 optic mounted with a Midwest Industries Rail. This was an excellent choice for robust mounting, and the Vortex is a fine optic. The best optic mount on the AK system is still the side mount, which anchors the optic firmly to the receiver as shown. www.vortexoptics.com and www.midwestindustriesinc.com

One of many machines in Century’s production line is this HAAS VF1 Vertical CNC machine.

Aimpoint Announces the CompM5 Optic

Aimpoint has announced the addition of the new Aimpoint CompM5 sight to their professional product line. Powered by a single AAA battery, and weighing just 147 grams (5.19 ounces), the CompM5 takes its place as the most compact optic in the Aimpoint Comp Series family of sights.

Originally created to meet the needs of a specific official end user, the CompM5 is now being offered for sale worldwide as contract commitments and production levels permit. The compact size of the CompM5 was made possible by the sight being powered by a single AAA battery. These small and lightweight batteries are inexpensive and easy to find almost anywhere in the world. Readily available alkaline versions of the AAA simplify logistics and eliminate the potential shipping hazards inherent in lithium batteries. Like the other Comp Series sights, the CompM5 boasts an extremely long battery life–with over 5 years of constant-on use at intensity level seven.

The CompM5 is fully submersible up to 45 meters (150 feet) and is compatible with all generations of Night Vision Devices, as well as Aimpoint’s professional magnifier line. A military grade optical lens system gives the CompM5 exceptional light transmission and dot clarity, making the sight operationally parallax free and providing a crisp, clear dot even under magnification.

“The Aimpoint Comp Series has been established as the worldwide standard for military grade reflex sights for over 20 years. The new CompM5 sight provides professional end users the same levels of performance provided by our full-sized sights in a much more compact optic,” said Lennart Ljungfelt, President of Aimpoint AB. “This new product saves size and weight for the operator, with no sacrifice in overall performance.”

SIG Releases 6.5 Creedmore Match Ammunition

SIG announced the release of the 6.5 Creedmoor Open Tip Match (OTM) round. Featuring a 140gr Sierra MatchKing bullet, this new 6.5 Creedmoor load has a muzzle velocity of 2,625 fps with muzzle energy of 2,142 ft-lbs. “The 6.5 Creedmoor is one of today’s most popular cartridges with competition shooters and hunters alike,” said Dan Powers, President of the SIG SAUER Ammunition Division. “It is an impressive, flat-shooting round that delivers precision in challenging, windy conditions.”

New DoubleStar Rifle–ARC 300

DoubleStar expanded its popular Always Ready Carbine (ARC) line with the addition of a .300 Blackout caliber model; meeting the needs of shooters who wanted those larger 30-caliber bullets. This filled the gap in the ARC line for a suppressible caliber version as well.

The family-owned company, located in eastern Kentucky has generations of experience in the AR market place; they aren’t one of the recent startups. They have decades of face-to-face time with their users, they knew what the consumers were looking for, and they built it.

Troy Industries Introduces UK Compliant Rifle

At DSEI 2017, Troy Industries introduced a side-charging, single shot rifle chambered in .223. With a fixed charging handle and lack of a gas tube, the rifle should meet new stringent EU firearms regulations, while still allowing shooters to own and possess an AR-15 type rifle. The rifle should also meet the regulatory requirements of some US states with onerous firearm restrictions.

KRUŠIK HOLDING CORPORATION
Hand Grenades M-84 & M-75

M-84 Hand Grenade
Manufacturer: Krusik Holding Corporation
Model: M-84
Type: Hand Grenade
Discharge Time: 4 seconds
Overall Length: N/A
Diameter: 60x115mm
Weight: 355g
Arming Range: N/A
Casualty Radius: N/A
Kill Radius: N/A
Company Website: www.krusik.rs

M-75 Hand Grenade
Manufacturer: Krusik Holding Corporation
Model: M-75
Type: Hand Grenade
Discharge Time: 3-4 seconds
Overall Length: N/A
Diameter: 57x89mm
Weight: 480g
Arming Range: N/A
Casualty Radius: N/A
Kill Radius: N/A
Company Website: www.krusik.rs

Shock Bomb

KRUŠIK HOLDING CORPORATION
Shock Bomb

One of the new products in Krusik is the “Shock” Bomb used by special police forces. The Shock bomb has been developed for special purposes, i.e., when it is necessary to attack kidnappers or assassins, who hold hostages, in both open and closed space without causing injuries. The bomb has no particles but can disable with its sound and light effect. It is suitable for use in the means of public transport. It is possible to gain double or triple sound/light effect, when needed.

Shock Bomb
Manufacturer: Krusik Holding Corporation
Model: Hand Shock Bomb
Type: Hand Grenade
Discharge Time: 1.5 Seconds
Overall Length: N/A
Diameter: 585x340x75mm
Weight: .150kg
Arming Range: N/A
Casualty Radius: N/A
Kill Radius: N/A
Company Website: www.krusik.rs

SFG 87

ST KINETICS
SFG 87

ST Kinetics’ SFG 87 is a defensive hand grenade suitable for close combat. Designed to detonate 4 to 6 seconds after the release of its safety pin, the grenade projects high-velocity fragments along with the blast, making it an effective tool to incapacitate targets in close quarters.

SFG 87
Manufacturer: ST Kinetics
Model: SFG 87
Type: Fragmentation Hand Grenade
Discharge Time: 4-6 seconds
Overall Length: 96mm approx
Diameter: 54 mm approx
Weight: 300g approx
Arming Range: N/A
Casualty Radius: 20m
Kill Radius: 5m
Company Website: www.stengg.com/en/landsystems

In the course of World War II the German Reich supported its allies with weapons, ammunition and equipment of various types. Most of these weapons were put into service unchanged or with only slight modifications. Among these, there were also a total of 70,879 complete sets of Gewehrgranatgeräte (rifle grenade launchers). It cannot be established exactly to which countries these launchers had been delivered, but three allies–Finland, Italy and Japan– not only issued them to their troops, they even copied them.

At the time of Japan’s attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, the bolt-action rifle Arisaka Meiji 38 in caliber 6.5mm (introduced in 1905) was the standard weapon of the Japanese infantrymen. But it was already hopelessly out of date, and the ammunition no longer met the requirements. A lot of experimental work was done with various calibers and types of ammunition, and the result of this research, the bolt-action rifle M.99 in caliber 7.7mm, was officially introduced in 1939.

The cluster bomb, developed on the basis of the hollow-charge anti-tank rifle grenade, was dropped from containers with a capacity of 30 respectively 72 bombs.

In the same year a rifle grenade cup launcher called “Type 100” was adopted by the Army. Depending on the weapon, high-explosive grenades could be fired at distances between 75m and 100m. To avoid the introduction of a special propelling cartridge, the Japanese were looking for a way to launch grenades by use of standard combat cartridges. Thus, the model 100 was made of a kind of barrel extension with an overlying launcher cup. As soon as the bullet passes a gas port in the barrel extension, the gas pressure escapes into the cup and pushes the grenade out. An adjustment screw at the gas port could be used to vary the firing range. Although this system saved another type of ammunition, it was cumbersome in field use. Before fixing the launching cup, the bayonet had to be put on the rifle to give a firm hold to the launcher.

One main problem that arose when the Japanese met the first enemy tanks was the lack of effective ammunition to cope with them. The heavy Type 97 20-mm anti-tank rifle was no longer effective against modern tank armor, and the army did not have any armor-piercing rifle grenades. The development of hollow-charge ammunition was still in its infancy. Early attempts of the Navy with a hollow-charge warhead for torpedoes in the mid-1930s have aroused only little interest and were ignored by the Army.

As part of the mutual exchange of arms technology, in 1942 two German Heereswaffenamt officers were preparing a top secret mission: by direct order of Adolf Hitler, Colonel Paul Niemöller (graduated Dipl.-Ing chemist) and Major Walter Merkel should bring records and patterns of hollow-charge ammunition to Japan. Both men were part of the department Wa.Prüf.1 (ballistic and ammunition department) and were, according to U.S. interrogation records from the period of detention in Japan, already involved in the development of rifle grenades in Germany.

The hollow-charge anti-tank grenade could penetrate 40mm to 80mm or amour steel.

Not much was yet known about this secret mission, but the author has succeeded via long-time recherche in getting in contact with surviving descendants of both men. Unfortunately Colonel Niemöller’s family lost all their belongings during the bombing raids on Berlin, so that only the surviving seaman’s book provides an interesting insight into the secret operations. The descendants of Major Merkel are living in the U.S. today.

The Secret Mission

For reasons of secrecy, both officers were traveling at different times on different ships from Bordeaux in France to Yokohama in Japan. Colonel Niemöller embarked as a paymaster on the blockade runner and auxiliary cruiser “Tannenfels” that left the French harbor on 2 March 1942. Among other things the ship was loaded with machine parts, chemicals and ammunition and fuel to supply the three German auxiliary cruisers “Thor,” “Michel” and “Stier” on the high seas.

Soon after its departure the vessel was detected by a British reconnaissance aircraft. Captain Werner Hase ignored the explicit order of the Navy control center to abort the mission and continued the journey. Fortunately no attack took place. But in the wideness of the Atlantic there would have almost been a catastrophe: for unknown reasons, the stored chemicals in the cargo hold number 2 caught fire. The crew narrowly managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread to the hundreds of drums filled with ether and chloroform in the adjacent cargo hold. The war diary of the Navy later describes the fateful day as follows: “According to a message received from Tokyo, some days after departure from Bordeaux two large fires occurred on the ship and caused a desperate plight. For a while the captain considered the situation as hopeless. With full engagement of officers and crew the attempts to suppress the fire finally succeeded. The captain refers to sabotage as the cause for the fires. […] On board was Colonel Niemöller with an important arms-specific delivery, which was to be handed over to the Japanese Army on order of the Führer.”

Japanese 40mm hollow-charge anti-tank grenade. The Germans later used stems made of Bakelite, but the Japanese never used that material for this purpose.

As if that has not been enough, the ship was caught in a heavy storm in the South Atlantic causing severe damage to the ship’s body and some leaks in the hull. Seriously affected, the “Tannenfels” reached the harbor or Yokohama on 12 May 1942. Eventually Colonel Niemöller was back on firm ground–and was promptly arrested by the harbor police. The reason for this is not clear, and after a few hours he was allowed to leave.

A week later, on 19 May the Japanese Chief of the General Staff Colonel General Sugiyama held a welcome breakfast for Colonel Niemöller. Both Sugiyama and the Vice-Minister of War, Lieutenant General Kimura, thanked Hitler in a letter for sending an “officer on [a] difficult path with valuable material.” In the following time, Colonel Niemöller inter alia met Colonel Kobayashi, an expert on explosives of the Army arsenal No. 2 in Tokyo. Niemöller worked with both the Army and Navy. He was supported by a group of 30 German engineers and chemists who were already in the country and had worked for Japanese companies before the war.

Six weeks after Niemöller’s arrival Major Merkel also reached Yokohama. He had left Bordeaux on 12 December 1942 aboard the blockade runner “Regensburg”. The ship met with the “Dresden” on the high seas, and Merkel changed the vehicle. He arrived in Japan without any incident. The war diary of the Navy says: “Etappen-V Schiff (section support ship) Dresden met on the way from western France to Japan on 31 May 1942 with the Etappen-V Schiff Regensburg and passed over 200 cubic meters of diesel oil from its own storage to the Regensburg. Dresden was then released for Japan and arrived at Yokohama on 22 June 1942 after a successful blockade run. On board was Major Merkel with a second copy of the records that were already brought to Japan by Colonel Niemöller on the Etappen-V Schiff Tannenfels.” The official cargo list of the “Dresden” does not mention any unusual freight.

Disassembled Japanese grenade. The copy was very similarto the German pattern. The stem contains the ignition charge, the percussion fuse and is closed by a base plate.

There was enough to do in Japan. As written in secret reports about the Japanese industry, the German Reich was years ahead in all respects (what a contrast to today). On 11 December 1942 Niemöller sent a telegram to the Army General Staff: “Attempting […] to get something in return. I have doubts because there is little new. I think, as well as the military attaché, that we must be the donor and remain in this role. Strong support of the Japanese is necessary, since they are little inventive on their own. […] The visited companies show little achievement by high labour input. Remarkable is the lack of organizational and inventive talented people.”

Soon after Niemöller’s arrival, the Japanese busily began researching the hollow-charge anti-tank grenades (Gewehr-Panzergranate and Große Gewehr-Panzergranate). An extensive test program was initiated in June 1942 and already in July the first firing test with grenades from their own production was carried out. The German rifle grenade launcher was examined and modified (project “Tate”) and just a month later the production of Japan’s own model started. It was officially introduced as “ni shiki tekidanki” (Type 2). The earliest known launcher is dated August 1942 and was captured by the Americans on 15 October on the Solomon Islands. Also the first grenades from their own mass production were delivered to front troops in August 1942.

Markings on the base plate of the grenade, made by the Army Arsenal No. 1 in Tokyo.

The Rifle Grenade Launcher

In comparing the German rifle grenade launcher with its Japanese copy, the first thing to mention is the much shorter launcher tube. It is just long enough to keep the stem of the Japanese rifle grenade. The distance on which the grenade is forced to rotate is not shorter than on the German standard launcher tube, but even a little longer: The rifling of the tube reaches to the muzzle, while on the German model the last 5mm are smooth.

During the entire production, the Japanese used the same fine thread on the launcher tube, as it was used on the early German model that had been shipped to Japan. The clamp-mount is almost equal to the German model, only the clamps have a different shape corresponding to the Japanese service rifles. Inside the clamps the same mysterious spiral millings as on the early German launchers are present.

Although many Japanese rifle grenade launchers had been captured by the U.S. forces and these devices are also described in the American intelligence reports, it is not known what the launcher sight looked like. If it is mentioned at all, it is usually written that the Japanese sight is probably a copy of the German one, but none had been captured so far. Also in all the Japanese regulations and documents, no sight is described. This fact leads to the conclusion that the Japanese did not use a sight for rifle grenade firing, but aimed on the target by means of auxiliary points on the rifle’s standard rear sight–just as the German soldiers often did, since the launcher sight proved to be very weak in field use.

The officially issued accessories were a canvas carrying bag for 10 grenades with propelling cartridges, a handy wrench and a small canvas pouch for the rifle grenade launcher.

The markings in the first line mean “Type 2 rifle grenade launcher.” The line below shows the symbol of the Nagoya-arsenal and the Japanese year of manufacture “53” (that is 1943).

The Ammunition

For the rifle grenade launcher Type 2 there were only two anti-tank grenades, namely copies of the German early Gewehr-Panzergranate and the advanced Große Gewehr-Panzergranate. Their official Japanese designation translated means “30mm (or 40mm) Type 2 hollow charge rifle grenade.” High-explosive grenades or other types like flare or smoke were not developed.

The design of the rifle grenades corresponds to the German models with some slight variations. It is noteworthy that for the stems only aluminum was used and not Bakelite or other less scarce materials. The base screws have the same cross recess (Phillips) as it was only used on the very early German anti-tank grenades. The grenades were manufactured by two companies: Osaka Army Arsenal and Tokyo Army Arsenal No.1. The explosives for both manufacturers came from the Iju plant of the Tokyo Army Arsenal No. 2.

In order to achieve the best possible precision, all grenades were marked with a stamp consisting of plus and minus signs referring to over- or underweight so the shooter could bear it in mind when aiming on the target. The grenades were packed in simple metal tubes, sealed with cardboard discs.

American reports give data for the 40mm grenade (see chart).

Details of the grenades’ performances can be found in the report “Firing Tests of Japanese Anti-tank Weapons” dated April 1944. During test firing at an M3 Stuart tank the 40mm grenade smoothly penetrated even the 31.8mm thick armor of the turret. When shooting on several armor plates, multi-layered welded together, the grenades penetrated 40mm to 63.5mm. The 30mm grenade proved to be totally inadequate and was not tested any further.

Japanese rifle grenade launcher “ni shiki tekidanki” (Type 2) with opened clamp-mount. Note the large cut-out for the front sight of the Japanese rifles.

Development of a Cluster Bomb

Impressed by the performance of the 40mm hollow-charge grenade, the Japanese used it as a basis for developing a cluster bomb in 1942. There were two different sized containers, a small one for 30 and a large one for 72 cluster bombs. They should make anti-tank fighting from the air more successful, especially as most armored vehicles are less armored on their top side.

The bomb is composed of the body of a standard 40mm grenade, an elongated stem with a 3-fin tail and a sheet metal base plate acting as an air brake. At the height of the tail there is an air wheel attached to the side, which turns out in free fall and unlocks the fuse housed in the stem.

The manufactured bombs differed in some details during the production time. Different lengths of the hollow charge liner are known, from very short to reaching through almost the entire grenade body. Also the air brake metal disk was sometimes replaced by thin struts. On later made bombs the air wheel was put on a 3mm longer axle for a better position in the air stream. No records about the success of the cluster bombs in combat have been found.

On the basis of the rifle grenades it was also experimented with larger grenades in calibers from 57mm to 200mm. By Niemöller’s activity some blueprints of the German Panzerfaust and a wire-guided hollow-charge missile reached Japan. From the latter, the Japanese developed the large hollow-charge bombs “Sakura I” and “Sakura II” (Operation Cherry Blossom) before the war ended. They were to be used in kamikaze missions to sink enemy ships.

After the war, the two German officers were arrested in Tokyo by the Americans and interrogated. After a short time Colonel Niemöller was allowed to leave for Germany. Major Merkel lived in Paris before he returned to Germany in 1963.

The blockade runner and tender “Tannenfels” brought Colonel Niemöller on an adventurous way to Japan. The ship was later sunk on 12 December 1942 in the harbor of Bordeaux by magnetic mines attached to its hull by British frogmen.

Major Walter Merkel was awarded several medals, including the Blockade Runner badge, the War Merit Cross with swords second class and the Japanese Medal of the Rising Sun 4th class.

40MM Grenade Data

Designed in 2012, the Vortex Razor Micro Red Dot has been much emulated but remains a uniquely capable design. Unlike the visually similar knock-offs, it is both light enough and sufficiently robust to hold up to the recoil impact of pistol slide mounts. On the surface, it’s a conventional open-emitted Red Dot, albeit smaller than most. On the inside, it has unique features that make it tougher than the competition.

The sight is very small and light—1.4 ounces without the mount. A mount for a Glock slide, the same part as for the C-More STS, would add next to nothing. EGW makes a mount to replace the SIG P220 or M1911 rear sight with the Razor. Springer Precision makes the same for the Springfield XD and XDM series. A mostly similar Vortex Venom Red Dot may be used for pistols like the Smith & Wesson M&P. A low Picatinny mount—a very superior design in itself—adds 1.1 ounces to the package. A tall Picatinny mount for co-witnessing on the AR15 and other straight stock rifles adds just a little more. 45-degree and horizontally offset mounts are also available for backup use around magnified optics. The diminutive size and light weight make the Razor Micro Red Dot suitable for a variety of firearms with little effect on the balance or handling. The availability of low mounts makes this sight especially suitable for drop stock designs like the Ruger 10-22. Not surprisingly, it is very popular with rimfire challenge shooters. The low Picatinny mount is unusually robust, using a solid rectangular cross member instead of requiring the adjustment screw to do double duty as often happens on cheap knock-offs. Combined with the extreme recoil resistance of the optic, that makes it suitable even for slug shotguns and heavy caliber rifles. A low Weaver mount for various hunting rifles is also available.

Two reticles are available, 3MOA mainly meant for rifles and 6MOA for pistols and shotguns. 6MOA roughly corresponds to the width of a human head at 100 yards, so it can be used for finding range: for example, a Red Dot covering side to middle of face would mean the distance of 50 yards. The 3MOA reticle in the several samples I’ve used was crisp and evenly round. Brightness adjustment is manual using UP/DOWN membrane buttons on top of the optic, with nine distinct brightness levels. This adjustment method represents the sole down side to the small form factor: it is difficult to accomplish with large fingers and almost impossible with gloves on. I resorted to using an FMJ 9mm cartridge as a stylus for pressing the buttons. A total of 284MOA of vertical adjustment is built into the sight, permitting a wide range of zeroing. One-MOA adjustment increments are reasonable for the reticle resolution. The sight has a reticle adjustment lock on the back; backing off the set screw allows easy elevation and windage changes with no risk of accidental adjustment later.

The short sight radius of an AK pistol or SBR is no longer a problem with the Razor Red Dot in place. The Century M92 is equipped with Texas Weapon Systems dust cover with Picatinny rail.

The Razor features a flared protective hood that allows a relatively wide view for the size of the optic body. While tinted, the glass is clear enough to allow co-witnessing of iron sights. The open laser emitter is, in theory, susceptible to distortion or blocking of the beam by water droplets or dust, but this hasn’t happened during my entire five-year experience with Razor Red Dots. For protection from the elements, a plastic cap enclosing the entire unit is available. It may be tethered to the sight for retention, so a shooter would just swipe the cover off and not worry about it getting lost.

A single CR2032 battery fits into a slide-out tray on the right of the optic. Its power is sufficient for the maximum of 150 hours at full brightness and much longer at the lower settings. Battery swapping can be done without dismounting the sight. Just in case, the sight shuts off after six hours of inactivity, preserving battery power. In sum, Vortex Razor Red Dot has become very popular for good reasons. It’s a tough, durable and handy optic.

The short sight radius of an AK pistol or SBR is no longer a problem with the Razor Red Dot in place. The Century M92 is equipped with Texas Weapon Systems dust cover with Picatinny rail.

The Razor adds little weight or bulk to the Aklys Defense ZK22 bullpup conversion of 10-22 action.

Serbian M02 Coyote HMG and 120mm Mortar Projectiles in Syria
By Yuri Lyamin with N.R. Jenzen-Jones

In recent days, reports have emerged of opposition groups within Syria in possession of Serbian-made arms and munitions. M62P8 120mm high explosive (HE) mortar projectiles and an M02 Coyote 12.7x108mm heavy machine gun have been identified. Whilst various weapons manufactured in the former Yugoslavia have been documented in Syria, these two items of Serbian origin have only recently been sighted.

A video posted to YouTube on February 12, 2016, by the group Jabhat Ansar al-Din shows the emplacement, loading and firing of a 120mm mortar near Quneitra, in southwest Syria. Cyrillic inscriptions visible on the mortar projectiles and packaging indicate that the rounds being fired are M62P3 120mm HE projectiles, produced in the Former Yugoslavia (at Soko Vit d.o.o., in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina). These are still produced by Pretis d.d. in BiH, and they are exported from former Yugoslav states. The M62P3 projectile has a maximum range of some 6050 meters, and delivers a 2.25-kilogram charge of TNT.

On February 16, 2016, images posted to a Syrian rebel fighter’s Facebook account show a Serbian M02 Coyote 12.7x108mm heavy machine gun. The Coyote is a copy of the Soviet NSV and is produced by Zastava Arms, in Kragujevac. It is distinguished from the NSV by various cosmetic differences, most notably the distinctive stock, pistol grip and tripod. The rivet pattern is very similar to that of the NSV. The M02 is manufactured and offered for export in two versions, one chambered for 12.7x108mm (as seen here) and another in .50 Browning (12.7x99mm).

This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See www.armamentresearch.com for further original content.

PHOTO COURTESY ARES

Minimi-Type Light Machine Gun with Pro-Assad Group in Syria
By Jonathan Ferguson

Images posted to personal Facebook pages of members of the Syrian pro-government Suqur al-Sahara (“Desert Falcons”), non-state armed group prominently feature fighters posing with the Belgian-made FN “Minimi” 5.56x45mm light machine gun (LMG). Suqur al-Sahara has been described as an “elite” formation, primarily consisting of former soldiers.

The weapon in these images appears to be the same example (marked “2” on its lower receiver) in three images documented. It is fitted with the short “Para” barrel, but the conventional fixed stock more typically seen on the standard longer-barrelled variant. A modernised top cover with Picatinny rail is also fitted, but the fore-end is still furnished with the older-style plastic lower handguard and metal upper heat-shield arrangement of the original Minimi. While the significance of the white number 2 is unknown, it may serve as a rack number or similar.

The Minimi as a type has been documented previously in both Iraq and Syria, notably in the hands of Islamic State, as well as with Iraqi Shi’a militias, Syrian armed groups supported by the US and Kurdish forces. A true “Para” example with the original FN pattern collapsible stock, as well as an optical sight and combined flashlight/foregrip accessory, features prominently in the current issue of the IS newsletter “al-Naba.”

Regardless of which faction has access to this type, the propaganda messages are clear wherever they are prominently displayed in media: this apparently modern “Western” firearm suggests to the casual observer that a group is well-equipped, well-supplied and has a technological edge over the enemy. These Suqur al-Sahara photos mark the first known appearance of a Minimi-type light machine gun in service with a pro-Syrian government faction. In practical terms, the short barrel limits the effective range of the weapon, and although these examples retain their standard bipod, it has not been deployed in the image observed. Many non-state groups around the world typically employ belt-fed weapons from the hip or shoulder in any case, and a relatively lightweight, short-barrelled weapon like this is especially unlikely to be used as its designers intended. Essentially, such a weapon becomes a sustained-fire “assault” rifle.

The FN Minimi (“Mini Mi” being short for “Miniature Mitrailleuse”) entered production in 1982. Adopted soon thereafter by the US Army as the M249, it has become something of a benchmark for its class, being widely adopted as the standard LMG for armed forces including Belgium, the US, UK, Latvia and numerous other nations. It is unclear where or how the pictured example was obtained, but given the large numbers of US M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) variants that have seen service with US and Iraqi troops since 1990, an Iraqi source is one distinct possibility. However, there are other possible sources, with some US-backed armed groups in Syria equipped with M249 LMGs and Minimi-type weapons available on the illicit market in Lebanon and Libya, for example. Other users within the region include Turkey and the UAE.

This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See www.armamentresearch.com for further original content.

COURTESY IRAQI MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Bulgarian Arsenal MSGL Grenade Launcher in Syria & Iraq
By the ARES Team

Images and video of FSA-aligned Syrian rebel units fighting in the Aleppo area, shared on social media platforms, and images of weapons captured by Iraqi security forces during the advance to Fallujah, have shown the use of the Bulgarian Arsenal Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher (MSGL) by various groups in the region. In addition to the MSGL, Iraqi security forces also seized a Sterling type submachine gun (on the right in the above photo) in one recent incident. This is likely to be either a modified Mk.4 model or a craft-produced copy, and it is fitted with a large, craft-produced suppressor.

The Arsenal MSGL is a low-velocity, revolver-type grenade launcher feeding from a six-round cylinder, with an integrated ladder-style sight and removable front grip. With a weight of 6.53kg (unloaded) and an overall length of 764mm with the stock unfolded, the MSGL provides a relatively lightweight capability to rapidly employ multiple munitions of various types out to 400 meters. It is capable of firing a wide range of low-velocity 40 x 46SRmm ammunition up to 105mm in overall length, including high explosive, high explosive fragmentation, screening/marking smoke, riot control agents, sound/flash, less-lethal impact and more. The MSGL is packaged and shipped in boxes containing five units.
Arsenal also produces a variant of the MSGL, the MSGL-L, which has a longer chamber length and is thus capable of accepting 40 x 46SRmm cartridges with an overall length of up to 135mm. As a result, it is capable of firing specialized rounds, such as the Arsenal 40 x 46SRmm RLV-TB, which features a thermobaric projectile. While the perspective of some of the imagery makes positive identification of every example difficult, the models pictured in this post appear to be the standard MSGL.

It remains unclear how these weapons found their way into Syria and Iraq. The abundance of Bulgarian weapons in use by US-supported FSA units may suggest that the examples observed in Iraq were obtained by IS via battlefield capture from FSA forces in Aleppo and later transported to IS positions in Iraq. Arsenal 40x46SRmm fired cartridge cases—marked to indicate production in 2014—were documented by ARES in February 2016, which may further indicate that MSGL grenade launchers observed in Iraq originated in Syria.

This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See www.armamentresearch.com for further original content.

South Korean Daewoo K2 Rifle in Nigeria
By Jonathan Ferguson

Update: The belt-fed machine guns in the above image are in fact Czech Uk vz. 68 (7.62x51mm) models, a type notable for its use in the region.
A Nigerian newspaper website last week posted an article examining the ‘Niger Delta Avengers’ (NDA), a non-state armed group formed in early 2016 whose stated aims include the establishment of an independent state in the Niger Delta region. The NDA have been very active since their formation, striking a number of blows against oil distribution infrastructure, including wells and pipelines. A photograph (credited to the British Mail on Sunday) included with the article shows a group of militants displaying weapons in a show of force.

Most are armed with Soviet-era Russian small arms common to the region, including AKM pattern self-loading rifles and Uk vz. 59 or vz. 68 machine guns (many Czech weapons in the region arrived as a result of Czechoslovakia’s support for the short-lived Republic of Biafra; see the ZB 53 GPMG). However, one man on the right of the image is seen holding the more unusual South Korean Daewoo K2 self-loading rifle. This distinctive yet familiar-looking weapon borrows heavily from the design of the AR-15. Its receiver (especially the lower receiver) and rotating bolt are Stoner/Armalite designs and, like the AR-15, it too is chambered for the 5.56x45mm cartridge. This is one of several rifle calibers in service with the Nigerian armed forces. However, the two rifles feature only a small number of interchangeable components (primarily in the trigger group), and the Daewoo differs greatly from its predecessor, notably due to its long-stroke gas piston (integral to the bolt carrier, as in the AK design) and internal recoil spring in place of the pseudo-direct impingement and stock buffer tube system of the AR-15. The Daewoo K2 features a side-folding solid polymer buttstock and feeds from M16-type STANAG magazines.

The appearance of this rifle is not as surprising as it may seem. Between 1983 and 2006, the Nigerian government purchased more than 33,000 of these rifles. It is not clear how this particular militiaman has obtained his rifle, but it is likely to have been acquired from government ownership via battlefield capture, defection, theft or corruption.

Special thanks to Conway Waddington of African Defence Review. This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See www.armamentresearch.com for further original content.