British De Lisle Carbine Bolt-Action Rifle

The De Lisle Carbine manually operated rifle was the brainchild of William Godfray de Lisle and was manufactured from 1943 by the well-known Sterling Arms Company. It is one of a number of near-legendary suppressed firearms that actually begins to approach the stereotypical Hollywood silencer sound effect in terms of actual report. It achieves this effect by addressing all three of the major aspects of firearms sound generation: the mechanical noise of the action; the sound generated by the sudden release of high pressure gases following the projectile; and, in some cases, the supersonic “crack” of the bullet as it breaks the sound barrier. The rear half of the weapon is a Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle converted to fire .45 ACP pistol cartridges, providing a manually operated mechanism that would not reciprocate and make noise. The .45 ACP cartridge is inherently subsonic, solving another challenge of suppressing firearm. The .303 magazine was replaced with a Colt 1911 pistol magazine, modified to fit the SMLE magazine catch. With a truly detachable magazine, the charger bridge was removed.

This arrangement addressed two out of the three factors. Taking care of the “uncorking” of propellant gasses was achieved by the total replacement of the front half of the gun. This now comprised two major assemblies. First, a very short (7-inch or 175mm) barrel was ported to bleed off propellant gases, and the muzzle was counter-bored into a flared internal profile. Both measures encouraged rapid reduction of gas pressure at the muzzle, greatly reducing report. Over this was fitted an integral suppressor of substantial length (longer than the barrel) and diameter, providing a large internal volume in which propellant gases expand and cool. The internal arrangement of the suppressor consists of the usual Maxim-style convoluted metal disc baffles. Open tangent style sights were installed on the suppressor tube, graduated from 50 to 200 yards. The front sight is very simple, with a U-shaped sheet metal protector. Some examples, including the production example shown in the video, were also fitted with small dampening pads under the bolt handle to eliminate the “clack” of the bolt stem contacting the metal of the action body.

A De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle with fixed stock (left-hand profile). (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

The majority of De Lisle Carbines (Dan’s Note: 550 were planned, but only 130 or so were known to have been made; although one with the serial number 209 has been recorded) were intended to be produced with their original fixed SMLE buttstocks. However, 50 were earmarked for a folding “para” stock. The sole surviving example of a folding stock De Lisle Carbine resides today at the Small Arms School Corps collection at Warminster, UK. The stock itself is of the same design as the Patchett Machine Carbine, which was in parallel development at Sterling at the time. As with the Patchett/Sterling, the stock is extremely solid when deployed but is not quick into action, requiring multiple steps to unfold and lock into place. However, in actual use there would be no need to keep the weapon folded if action were expected. As a strictly offensive weapon, the user is likely to know when he needs his stock.

Effectiveness

The end result of this effort was one of the quietest suppressed firearms ever developed. Suppressor technology may have improved since, but the overall De Lisle Carbine package remains close to the zenith of quiet operation in a shoulder arm (although this may be largely due to a lack of a stated requirement). The closest modern-day equivalent in a service weapon is probably seen in the integrally suppressed Ruger 10/22 rifles used by Israeli forces; of course, these weapons fire a much smaller projectile and are not used in the De Lisle’s intended role.

A second De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle with fixed stock (right-hand profile). (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

Eighteen prototype De Lisle Carbines were produced at Dagenham for testing, of which six were dispatched to Belgium; at least one survives there today. Period tests yielded 85.5 db. This was compared to a Sten submachine gun, suppressed (89.5 dB) and unsuppressed (125 dB). As with period figures for the Welrod, these are remarkably low by modern standards and cannot be compared with modern numbers for other weapons. Nonetheless, they do demonstrate the relative effectiveness of this legendary weapon.

Testing of a Valkyrie Arms reproduction produced 119 dB, which compared to 155 dB for an unsuppressed 10-inch barrel Marlin Camp Carbine. This really is very quiet, and despite the lack of a truly faithful De Lisle reproduction, it compares well with the period data. The author too has fired a modern reproduction, which subjectively possessed a report similar to a sub-12 ft/lbs air rifle. In his article, “De Lisle .45 ACP Silent Carbine,” Al Paulson, who also tried the Valkyrie repro, described it as being quieter than a “Crosman pellet pistol” (Special Weapons for Military & Police, pp. 56-61, 2004. valkyriearms.com/images/DeLisle_article.pdf). This is supported by a period memo titled, “Observations on the De Lisle Carbine and Its Probable Use in Malaya,” dated December 4, 1950 (UK National Archives reference WO 291/1651):

“During a talk given in the open to a number of visiting officers at the FARELF Training Centre, a De Lisle Carbine fired 5 rounds within 50 yards of the audience without any member of the audience realising that a rifle had been fired.”

This is the tactical context that must be borne in mind when weapons such as the De Lisle are claimed to be “silenced” or “silent.” This means only that an observer (i.e., the enemy) at 50 yards would not recognise the report as that of a rifle (or even a firearm). However, one period report (from a Major Mack, see below) actually did report that there was “no bang whatsoever.” This hardly seems possible but does in any case speak to the legendary reputation of the type and the scarcity of suppressed firearms at the time. Any suppressed firearm was impressive at the time—the De Lisle doubly so. Hence, we also encounter the almost certainly apocryphal story of informal testing against London’s pigeons which, while perfectly plausible given the weapon’s capabilities (and the noise of London’s streets even in the 1940s), is not supported by written sources. In reality, the infamous silent pigeon slaughter “meme” very likely originated with stories of actual urban testing. As Ian Skennerton relates, De Lisle himself reported that “imperceptible” shots were made at a Piccadilly chimney in the course of testing early prototypes. It is tempting to imagine that the prototype example now in the Royal Armouries collection, with its distinctive slim tube marked “The De Lisle Commando Carbine,” might have been the very “chimney” prototype in question, but of course there is no evidence for this.

A second De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle with fixed stock (left-hand profile). Note markings on suppressor. (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

In terms of reliability, limited use in the field makes it difficult to pass judgement. However, SMLE heritage and a suitably stout suppressor body would have made the weapon relatively robust. The only real identified issue is a rather anaemic ejector which requires positive operation of the bolt to throw an empty case properly clear of the action. An endurance trial by the Armaments Design Department, Small Arms, Cheshunt on July 15, 1944, reported that the weapon “suffered badly from coking” but only after several thousand rounds. The suppressed Sten and “Welsilencer” Sten apparently did better, although it could be argued that this is because the De Lisle was doing its job of capturing propellant gases better than the competition!

Usage

The De Lisle was designed for use by special operations forces, primarily the British Commando Brigades, rather than for dropping to partisans as in the case of the Welrod. However, SOE operatives received examples (see below), and the test and evaluation reports in the former Pattern Room archive make clear that the weapon was recommended by SOE as a sentry removal weapon for “bandit camps” in the far east. Successful testing resulted in an order of 550 being placed, with 500 of those to be fitted with a fixed wooden stock and 50 with a folding metal stock. However, as Ian notes in a video, the British military outlook had changed by the time that sufficient numbers of the De Lisle were available in 1943. The contract was cancelled, by which time only 130 or so had been made, including the sole folding stock example. A patent was applied for in May 1943 and granted in July 1946.

An excerpt from the De Lisle Carbine patent, showing a cross-section of the suppressor. (British De Lisle Carbine patent)

In 1957, the De Lisle was resurrected for service in Malaya. Strangely, some of these were supplied to British ex-pat planters, seemingly as personal/property defence weapons. These farmers frequently encountered local terrorists on their land, and the De Lisle offered a discreet way to combat them. It presumably acted as a deterrent in that terrorists could not know when (or from where) they were being engaged. Robert Rome’s article “WWII Silent Killer Still Lives” (Gung Ho magazine, pp. 26–32, June 1984) lists several instances of recorded usage, mostly post-Second World War. However, Mike Burke, former Jedburgh leader claimed “… two hits against field-grade Nazi officers early in 1944” using a De Lisle left behind by an SOE operative. Allen Knorrs claimed one was to be smuggled into Europe for assassination of “top level German officers and officials.” Rome quotes journalist Geoff Heath:

“It was not uncommon to venture into a club in Kuala Lumpur and see our chaps with silenced Stens and the De Lisle here and there.”… “Anywhere beyond your own fence and lights was terrorist country after dark. Our chaps used to stake out in those areas, like their old special mission days in the last war, and try to kill the terrorists with the silenced weapons—beat them at their own game of terror. Some of our people were SOE, you know, and had used the De Lisle before.”

A De Lisle Carbine with sectioned suppressor, held in a British reference collection. (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

Also from Rome we hear of former OSS Captain Mitchell L. WerBell’s activities in Burma, who would go on to become a famous designer of suppressors in his own right and invented the Vietnam-era “Destroyer” suppressed Carbine:

“We worked a couple against sentries before raids, and they were something else … better than the stuff we were issued. Both our people and the British used them in Indochina … Merrill’s boys used them to terrorize and scare the shit out of the Japs at night and in ambush.”

Ian Skennerton also reports an instance from Burma:

“An instance of such use, reported by a sniper, was when the carbine was used for picking off Japanese troops in open lorries behind the Japanese lines. The British snipers were laid up near the road, well camouflaged, and they silently dispatched a Japanese in each lorry that passed. In most cases the lorry would stop, but as no shot was heard, they found it hard to believe that they had been fired upon, or indeed, if they had from whence it came. In the reported case, there were two or three such snipers operating along the road, and they bagged three or four in each lorry.”

A prototype De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle with fixed stock (right-hand profile). (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

Finally, Major D. I. A. Mack, then a lieutenant platoon commander within the 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, deployed during the Malaya Emergency in 1955:

“Kroh, 13 Feb 55 [Sunday] I and my platoon tried out a new weapon today (new to us), the Delisle [sic] silent carbine. This is a very cut-down rifle adapted to fire .45-inch and fitted with a silencer. It looks like a rifle butt and breech joined on to a long cylinder, and it is meant for the silent knocking of bandit sentries or for any other occasion when one wants to run out a chap without warning his muckers of the wrath to come. It was the first time I have ever seen a silent weapon fired, and it was rather uncanny as there was no bang whatsoever—just the click of the released firing pin, the whiz of the bullet (not heard normally) and the thump as the bullet hits the stop-bank (or body). In the jungle most of the noises would be smothered and would pass unnoticed if not unheard.”

This seems to be where the De Lisle story ends, pending release of any relevant classified material. Unlike the longer-lived Welrod, there are no other documented post-war uses of the type, which is likely a result of a lack of tactical imperative and the scarcity of surviving (and serviceable) examples post the 1950s.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

With thanks to Mark Murray-Flutter (Royal Armouries Museum).

Special thanks to the National Firearms Centre at the Royal Armouries, who graciously allowed ARES access to their world-class collection for this and other videos and photos, as well as to another collection which has elected to remain confidential.

Markings on the top of the prototype De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle: The De Lisle “Commando” Carbine. (Royal Armouries)

British General Gerald Templer test firing a De Lisle Carbine, Perak, Malaya, 1952 (British National Army Museum Identification Code NAM 1981-04-77-1). (British National Army Museum)

A De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle with Patchett-type folding stock (left-hand profile, stock unfolded). (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

A De Lisle Carbine with sectioned suppressor, held in a British reference collection. (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

A De Lisle Carbine with sectioned suppressor, held in a British reference collection (forward detail). (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

A De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle with Patchett-type folding stock (left-hand profile, stock unfolded). (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

A De Lisle Carbine bolt-action rifle with Patchett-type folding stock (right-hand profile, stock folded). (N.R. Jenzen-Jones/ARES)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Converted Blank-Firing Firearms for Sale on Dark Web Seized in Spanish Raid
By the ARES Team

On September 27, 2017, the Spanish Guardia Civil launched key raids under Operation RUGER, executed in conjunction with EUROPOL and law enforcement and customs/border agencies from Cyprus, Germany, the UK and the U.S. Operation RUGER was initiated in March after the detection by Spanish postal services of various parcels destined for foreign addresses which contained carefully concealed firearms and ammunition.

A 24-year-old man from Pamplona was arrested along with five of his customers, taken into custody simultaneously in various European countries. Firearms, ammunition and components were recovered in various calibres: .25 ACP (6.35x16SRmm), .32 ACP (7.65x17mm), .357 Magnum (9.1x33Rmm) and 12-gauge (shotgun). The firearms the accused had allegedly been selling were converted from blank-firing and deactivated small arms, using a home workshop-type setup, before being sold on the Dark Web.

Blank-firing handguns, mostly Turkish in origin, seized during the Spanish raid. (Guardia Civil, Spain)

During the raids on multiple locations in Spain, the following items were recovered:

• 22x handguns (both semi-automatic models and revolvers)
• 1x sawed-off shotgun
• 1x concealed firearm contained in a lighter (chambered for .25 ACP)
• 15x handgun magazines
• Multiple barrels for handguns
• Multiple spare parts for handguns
• Ammunition (.357 Magnum, .25 ACP and 12-gauge cartridges)
• Over 500 cartridge cases (.25 ACP & .32 ACP)
• Over 500 projectiles (.25 ACP & .32 ACP)
• 1000x primers
• 1kg of propellant
• 1x reloading press and dies
• Workshop equipment for repairing and fabrication of new firearms components
• 7x steel barrel blanks.

During the course of the investigation it was determined that in 2017 alone, the arrested individual had sent more than 30 parcels to multiple customers in Europe, Latin America and Asia. In various cases, the recipients were involved in criminal activities, including homicides. In one case, the handgun sent from Spain was immediately used by the recipient to commit suicide.

This individual was very active on the Dark Web and a well-known seller on AlphaBay Market, a Dark Web marketplace shutdown by U.S. authorities. He employed multiple, active measures to conceal his activity, payments and shipments and encrypted his communications with customers. Additionally, the accused allegedly employed a “safehouse” (possibly a dead drop location) to receive blank firing and deactivated weapons.

A variety of materiel seized during the Spanish raid. (Guardia Civil, Spain)

These items were later converted and repaired in a workshop fitted with a “false floor,” under which he had apparently installed a clandestine workshop. In addition to workshop equipment suitable for conducting repairs (“reactivation”) to deactivated firearms and the conversion of blank-firing weapons via operations such as removing barrel/chamber occlusions, the accused also had possession of barrel blanks and the equipment necessary to fit these to converted handguns. The operation also included removing serial numbers and other markings and assembling ammunition for the weapons prior to their sale online. Payment was received in Bitcoin.

Blank-firing weapons, whether converted or not, have been used in crimes in Spain. On September 28, an altercation between two people on the Madrid Metro resulted in one man drawing and discharging a blank-firing handgun. Blank-firing guns are widely available in Spain and may be legally purchased upon presentation of government-issued identification.

Some of the models available in online stores based in and servicing Spain were examined by ARES researchers. Several of these have design features which are desirable for their conversion to lethal-purpose firearms. Amongst the recovered weapons are Turkish-made blank-firing handguns of makes and models often seen converted to lethal-purpose firearms. Such converted Turkish guns have been documented by ARES in numerous countries, including conflict and post-conflict zones such as the Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya and Yemen. Interestingly, when making a “clean” search in Spanish for one of these common Turkish models, the first autocomplete suggestion was “modificada” (Spanish for “modified;” a term used in Spanish to describe converted blank-firing guns and other modified firearms).

Components for producing handguns and ammunition seized during the Spanish raid. (Guardia Civil, Spain)

According to Spanish law enforcement sources, the investigation is “closely related” to the 2016 Munich attack in which an assailant opened fire outside a McDonald’s restaurant in the vicinity of the Olympia Shopping Mall, killing nine people and injuring 36, before committing suicide. Investigators indicated that the firearm used was a “reactivated” Glock handgun, believed to have been purchased on the Dark Web. It is not clear whether Spanish and German investigators believe the accused arrested in Pamplona to have supplied the firearm used in Munich, or whether the connection is broader, such as sharing an online sales platform.

A common story in Eastern European warfighting development—the GAU (the Main Artillery Department) in Moscow learned a harsh lesson from the devastating effectiveness of the German universal machine guns deployed against the Soviet forces during the Great Patriotic War. The bureau looked to their own wide variety of machine guns of different make, model and capabilities and examined their individual shortcomings in the fierce combat against the invading fascists. In 1946, the GAU approved and issued the new Tactical and Technical Requirements (TTT) No. 3230, a mandate to create its own “universal machine gun” or “the single machine gun,” later commonly called “general purpose machine gun.” The design was to replace the M1910/30, SG-43, and even the recently adopted RP-46, and consolidate the Soviet machine gun inventories into a single streamlined production, deployment and training regime.

In the immediate years, many designers could not get traction past failed shop-room prototypes, including noted designer Grigory Nikitin. However, in 1953, Nikitin began work again, this time in collaboration with Yuri Sokolov to design their own “single machine gun” answer to the TTT mandate. The TKB-521 single company and battalion machine gun passed the TTT requirements on December 31, 1955, on the authority of the State Automobile Inspectorate. Finally, with a competent design in the running for state adoption, Nikitin began production development in 1955 and was ready for factory tests as early as 1956. State authorities recommended that Nikitin further refine his design before submitting to state trials, but not to worry, the machine guns of his potential competitors were moving slowly and had not passed the prototype phase. Nikitin addressed these design concerns by 1958, and the machine gun passed tests and received positive evaluations. Nikitin was allowed to begin modest serial production of a factory sample for military testing at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant. Documents suggest that around 1000 units were manufactured. Despite showing initial promise, the Nikitin prototype revealed critical shortcomings when these units rolled into the hands of military testers. The components were less than durable, the gas system was difficult to disassemble, and the gun had reliability issues in combat conditions, especially after being submerged in water.

Enter Mikhail Kalashnikov. Alongside an extensive design team and with significant state resources and attention at the Izhevsk Machine Building Plant, Kalashnikov went to work on his own sample in 1958. The first prototype sample batch used a milled receiver and carried the relatively heavy weight of 35 pounds. A stamped version was made shortly after, though details of this switch are not noted in historic record. Kalashnikov played the balancing act between developing the PK alongside developing the AKM-Kalashnikov’s stamped and riveted construction for the modernized AK. The Kalashnikov factory sample, the E-2, did well in testing alongside the Nikitin factory sample, being nearly equivalent to each other. Both were directed for further refinement. Ultimately, the Kalashnikov design showed its advantages in operation in adverse conditions, with strong reliability, simplicity and rugged component design. Kalashnikov’s design philosophy for an assault rifle was well applied to the general purpose machine gun.

Carrier locked back, from here you can see the cartridge claw which pulls the rimmed cartridge out of the belt rearward. 

Kalashnikov’s final entry was constructed from a rivet stamped receiver and weighed 19.8 pounds, a drastic drop in weight from the first milled prototypes. The PK can be field-stripped into six major components: the receiver, barrel assembly, carrier, recoil assembly, bolt and firing pin. The PK adjusts head spacing between the barrel assembly and the receiver via the barrel locking block set screw to a limit of adjustment.

On October 20, 1961, the Council of Ministers of the USSR adopted the Kalashnikov machine gun for the Soviet Army. The PK and PKS (tripod-mounted version) were approved as Pulemyot Kalashnikova, Kalashnikov’s machine gun GRAU 6P6 and 6P3 on December 28, 1961. The PKT (tank-mounted version) GRAU 6P7 followed nearly a year later on December 2, 1962.

Like the AK, the PK used design elements from several other designers. The cartridge claw extractor taken from the Goryunov SG-43 was a crucial element needed for the use of the rimmed cartridges, a similar design seen on the RP-46. Another element was the “quick” change barrel mechanism design also taken from the Goryunov. Kalashnikov’s bolt carrier resembles the Nikitin TKB-251 prototype carrier. The Kalashnikov used the Nikitin TKB-251’s 100-round ammunition can, and the tripod from the Stepanov 6T5. Unlike in Western arms design, the intellectual property created in these development processes belonged to the state, not to the designers themselves. As all these production concerns were state projects, design elements could be used by all parties if they work toward the same goal.

In 1969 the PK machine gun was updated to the PK Modernized, PKM. Reinforced and weight reduced, the PKM carries a weight of 16.5 pounds down from the 19.8 pounds of the PK. This lightened the load of machine gunners while the strengthening increased the service life despite rough use. The PKM is the most produced and most common PK variant seen on the modern battlefield.

In 2001 the PKP Pecheneg machine gun entered Russian service, originally intended for Special Forces. At 19 pounds, the PKP was intended to uphold an increased sustained rate of fire. It was fitted with a heavy barrel, with fins under the barrel shroud, increasing surface area to improve cooling. Based on heat convection, the barrel shroud has ports on the bottom of the assembly to pull cool air up over the barrel and out ports at the 12 o’clock position. A carrying handle/ heat shield is also fitted. This added complexity means that the barrel is best not removed while in the field. Currently, the PKM and the PKP are deployed side by side by Russian forces.

The PK series of machine guns were almost entirely manufactured at the Degtyaryov Plant located in Kovrov. The PKM currently is one of the most widespread and most reliable machine guns in the world and arguably M.T. Kalashnikov’s best design. It not only upholds but advances the same principles of long service life, rugged design, simplicity and battle-readiness seen in his early 1940s projects. The PK’s success and mass production has created a situation in which it can be seen in the hands of friend and foe alike. It is at home mounted on the most contemporary fighting vehicles or on the top of a white pickup truck. Just as expected of Kalashnikov’s Avtomat, Kalashnikov’s Pulemyot will be present in global conflicts for decades to come.

PK machine Gun.

DX (Defense Expo) Korea is a defense exposition held bi-annually in South Korea. Originally, there was a single major international defense expo in South Korea—the ADEX (Aerospace & Defense Expo), but ADEX is basically an airshow plus a defense expo, so it couldn’t keep going every year because large airshows take considerable time and effort to prepare. Thus, it has been limited as bi-annual on odd-numbered years like 2015. Since air shows naturally emphasize aerospace products, in 2014 another bi-annual defense expo launched—this time mainly emphasizing ground forces. This ground force expo is DX Korea, which is usually held in KINTEX, a large convention center located in Ilsan city, which is on the northeast side of the Seoul suburbs.

This year, DX was held from September 12-16, with 30 countries’ 250 companies that occupied 1,200 booths to show their top-of-the-line defense products. While most companies were focused on selling their products to ROK Armed Forces, which still has 600,000 personnel and spends lucrative sums of money every year, the companies also tried to sell to other countries, especially Asian/Middle Eastern countries that sent many buyers or military attaches.

While the result of those sales varies, one can see many interesting things there—in addition to the static displays, there’s mobility demonstration of tanks and armored vehicles every day, and if you have enough time, you can be invited to see the live fire demonstration of Korean-made weapons.

Anyway, if you tracked what happened in the Korean small arms industry as well, you probably know the monopoly of S&T Motiv in Korean military small arms procurement had collapsed, at least on regulation. (Until recently, only S&T Motiv could do that, even guaranteed by regulation. Now it’s changed.) Now another Korean company, Dasan Machineries Company, can supply small arms to the Korean military. Until last year it was teamed with Caracal (UAE) and suggested CAR816 and its variants to the Korean military, but now it’s trying to sell its own piston-driven carbine, DAR-15P and its variants. Also, Dasan Machineries is trying to sell a new AR-based 9mm SMG, which has some potential as a replacement of assortments of SMGs in the Korean military such as MP5s and K7s.

While Dasan tries hard to get large contracts from the Korean military, S&T Motiv’s de-facto monopoly in this field is not easy to break. Selecting new rifles to replace the current K1/K2 will take some more time, and the army is buying considerable numbers of K2C1 as a stopgap, which is basically a flat-top, “railed” version of the K2 rifle. Also, the ROK Army’s new program of 5.56mm machine guns, which would replace K3s, concluded with S&T Motiv’s win—their version of an updated K3 won over Dasan’s license-built Shrike.

S&T Motiv announced two new weapons this year. One is an AR-based semi-auto DMR rifle that fires .308 Win. This is not a result from a direct ROK Army demand but S&T’s own initiative; however, there’s some talk over buying the semi-auto DMR rifle within the Korean military, so maybe it can be adopted within the near future.

Another firearm S&T Motiv developed was a 9mm revolver (6rds); it chambers 9mm Luger, with a full moon clip. It was developed by the Korean police force’s requirements (now under evaluation), which require 6-shot capacity with the same length and weight of a Smith & Wesson Model 60. It also will have some “smart” modules inside its grip, which can record the time and number of rounds fired. S&T even developed a new, less-lethal round for this revolver.

Korean-made K2 tank destroyed a car.

S&T Motiv’s new police revolver prototype. It is basically a 9mm DA revolver, based upon Smith & Wesson’s.

New ROK Army wheeled APC, made from Hyundai ROTEM (subsidiary of Hyundai Group), demonstrates its mobility.

S&T Motiv’s new DMR prototype. It’s based upon an AR-10 rather than S&T’s own K2 rifle. It uses .308 Win rounds and employs a short-stroke piston system.

XK9 9mm SMG from S&T Motiv. This is not a new gun: it’s a prototype developed around 2003-2004. They say they still can mass-produce this one if they receive orders.

K1A carbine, equipped with DI Optical’s MLAD-2 laser sight, 3XP magnifier and DCL23 reflex sight. While used only in some special units as a trial, they are potential candidates for the Korean Army’s next generation infantry equipment set, namely “Warrior Platform.”

DSAR-15P by Dasan Machineries. This is a piston-driven, AR-type carbine developed by Dasan. Dasan is trying to sell this one to the Korean Army as well as to other potential customers.

VR training system suggested to Korean Army. Like any other country, VR is one important area of interest in Korean industry and military.

DSMG9. Basically an AR-based blowback SMG from DASAN, with closed-bolt firing. As usual, this accepts a Glock magazine. This sample also features an MLOK handguard.

GunPower company’s GPR system vest and helmet. It is a training system similar to MILES, not using laser but using 6mm BB from airsoft.

GBLS company’s GDR-15 rifle and carbine. They are motor-driven airsoft, which is probably one of the most realistic ones in the market. They’re suggested as training weapons; the one above is similar to an M16A1 and has been suggested to the Korean reserve force, since it uses a large number of M16A1s as its main rifle.

Su Optics, a Korean optics company, showed its new AR7 Series rifle scope. Its 1-4 variable power scope for AR or other series of assault rifles.

DSP9A 9mm pistol from Dasan. This is a Glock-based pistol with a newly designed slide and full metal frame.

Police revolver prototype has this “smart” module, which is basically a shot counter. You can connect a USB cable and download the history of when and where your rounds were fired.

ROK Army’s next generation infantry equipment prototypes, part of its “Warrior Platform.” The ROK Army is now undergoing heavy reform of infantry weapons and equipment.

In a target rich environment, the sniper must develop the techniques that enhance his skill in being able to rapidly detect, acquire and identify a target and quickly compute a firing solution to engage the threat. The two biggest challenges to the sniper are establishing a range to the target and making an accurate wind call to successfully put a lethal shot onto the target.

A sniper team working together to quickly scan their area for targets of opportunity.

Max Point Blank Range

MPBZ (Max Point Blank Zero) is the zero range which allows the sniper to use a single Point of Aim (POA) at a known size target, and the trajectory of the round is such that it hits the target at all ranges from the muzzle out to where it drops below the target base.

To calculate MPBZ, the sniper can use a ballistic software tool. The sniper will need to input his gun profile data and the target height data that he wants to use to calculate MPBZ.

The first step is to change the zero on the ballistic software until Max Ordinate is as close as possible to 15 inches. Remember, Max Ordinate needs to be half the target size above the line of sight. Find the close zero to within 1 meter with a Max Ordinate not exceeding 15 inches. You must do this for your close zero and far zero.

For our example, 371 meters, the round is 13.21 inches above line of sight:

Close Zero: 19 meters
Far Zero: 371 meters
Hold for Far Zero (100m zero): 2.2 Mil

Therefore, the MPBZ for a 30.75-inch target is 19 meters / 371 meters.

Step two is to find the distance where the round will drop at the base of the target when aiming center of visible mass (CoVM). This will be the MPBR (Max Point Blank Range). Use the far zero range and find the DROP. Look for a target range that 15 inches is displayed and record the MPBR. For our example, our MPBR is 443 meters.

A sniper team maneuvers onto a rooftop during the Keep In Memory Shoot event at this year’s International Sniper Competition.

Target size in inches x 25.4 / range
30 x 25.4 / 443 = 1.72

So, to apply the GO/NO-GO range, anything Milled over 1.72 (vertical) for a 30-inch target, the sniper can engage with MPBZ dialed on and hold center of mass.

12-Inch Drill

The 12-inch drill is used to flash mil-read a target from the top of the head to the top of the shoulders, or from the bottom of the chin to the center of the chest.

Let’s say you flash mil-read a target from the top of head to top of shoulders (12 inches) at .7 mil. The rule of thumb for a 7.62 sniper rifle that has a muzzle velocity at around 2600 feet per second is mil-read the target and make 10.

An example is .7 + 3 = 10—the sniper would hold 3 mils to engage the target.

An example of what 12 inches looks like on a human-like silhouette target.

Before a mission, sniper teams need to apply modern methodology to building an appropriate data card to their respective sniper weapon system and ammunition. By preparing a ballistic card with elevation and wind holds, the sniper will have a more accurate means to reference “hard” data.

Knowing your target’s width in mph can assist snipers in making a more accurate wind call. By using your 1 mph wind value you can determine what the width of your target in mph is at that range (i.e., how much wind it would take to blow your round off-target). You measure your target at 800 meters to be 0.57 mils wide. At 800 meters your 1 mph wind value is 0.23 mils. If you divide your target’s mil reading by your 1 mph wind value you get 2.47.

This tells you that it would take 2.47 mph of wind (or error in wind velocity estimation) to blow your round off-target if aiming at the upwind side of the target. This means your target at 800 meters is 2.47 mph wide for M118LR ammunition fired at 2600 fps. You can calculate this for all ranges in order to build a chart for use in the field.

By using rapid engagement techniques and understanding the effect of wind, the sniper can maintain the leverage needed to sustain overmatch against the enemy.

A sniper sets up for his shot at the 2018 International Sniper Competition at Fort Benning, Georgia.

A sniper uses a ladder to infiltrate a structure to set up a final firing position inside the building.

A U.S. sniper maneuvers against robotic human targets manufactured by Marathon Targets at the 2018 International Sniper Competition at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Today’s battlefield requires the sniper to be able to maneuver quickly in his environment to obtain overmatch against the enemy.

The SIG SAUER P320 polymer-frame striker-fired handguns have quickly evolved into an industry leader for duty and personal defense handguns after arriving on the scene in 2014. The striker-fired polymer-framed P320 is a departure from traditional SIG SAUER handguns such as the P220 and P226 series, which are more traditional steel-framed hammer fired designs. The SIG P320 lineup of handguns has become the greatest market competitor for Mr. Gaston’s GLOCK here in the U.S., and SIG has decided to further enhance their offering via the X-VTAC model. After all, it would smack as arrogant to assume that feedback from customers about previous models would not merit refinements to the trigger, grip, sights and so on.

The SIG SAUER P320 model handgun has been prominent in firearm news. Its selection as the U.S. Army’s new sidearm via the MHS (Modular Handgun System) Program trials made headlines and certainly ruffled competitors’ feathers. On the other side of the spectrum, the P320 recently received negative attention due to drop test concerns raised by various groups. However, SIG SAUER was quick to respond with an upgrade program, recognizing this was only the right thing to do.

SIG SAUER P320 X-VTAC features a SIG X-Series straight trigger with a 90-degree break for better geometry, making it less likely to pull the sights to the right or left.

The P320 X-VTAC model is the subject of this article. The P320 X-VTAC brings a heightened level of performance to the P320 pistols via features that should be considered tactical enhancements. In fact, the X-VTAC does not resemble its P320 brethren, thanks to its own distinctive grip module, trigger shoe and FDE slide with lightening cuts and a different serration pattern to the front and rear.

X-VTAC day/night sights arrive with two different vials present in the sights... One tritium and the other fiber optic.

The SIG P320 X-VTAC features a trigger pull measuring approximately 6 pounds, which is the same as that of other P320s. Its SIG X-Series straight trigger offers a 90-degree break for better geometry and is less likely to pull sights to the right or left. A real asset of the P320 is the consistency of its trigger pull—it is the same every time. Anyone who familiarizes themselves with it will not be disappointed.

SIG’s vision for the X-VTAC centers on enhancing the handgun’s interaction with the user, especially in terms of placing multiple rounds on target accurately/efficiently/reliably. This offers a tactical advantage. The mass and shape of the X-VTAC’s lightened slide aid to increase muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire. In addition to the effect of the already-low bore axis, muzzle flip is further minimized by the extended beavertail and undercut trigger guard relative to the shooter’s hand, creating a very stable sight picture regardless of the number and frequency of shots fired. The SIG X-VTAC was put through beta testing by various members of the SIG SAUER competition teams and SIG Academy instructors. The aforementioned details evidence the input of these professionals.

The heart of all the SIG P320s is the fire-control mechanism or “chassis.” The chassis is the key component facilitating the SIG P320’s modularity and fits into different grip modules.

SIG SAUER Elite ammunition led the way in testing, with both FMJ and V-Crown JHP loads used. Hornady, Winchester, Federal and Black Hills ammunition was also utilized. T&E was conducted at Echo Valley Training Center, a private range located near Winchester, VA, where many local and federal law enforcement tactical team members train. Shooting from sandbags produced 2.75-inch groups at 25 yards. I quickly realized that the P320 X-VTAC possessed accuracy that exceeded my own abilities. That is a nice feeling, and it instills confidence in a handgun.

The X-VTAC slide’s mass and shape are engineered to aid in increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire.

Everyone surely agrees that a good trigger is a great aid to accurate shooting. The P320 X-VTAC’s straight trigger combined with improved ergonomics further enhances base P320 abilities. The X-VTAC’s combination of good sights and trigger along with SIG SAUER quality control produces a weapon that can run plate racks at 25 yards with monotony. Along these lines, the X-VTAC can deliver multiple hits on IPSC-style targets at close range using point shooting techniques within 3–7 yards. This is a compliment to its overall design.

With the X-VTAC, the SIG’s attention to detail is instantly sensed. Crucial items such grip texture, a consistent trigger and maximal approximation of the shooter’s hand to the bore axis seamlessly interface the handgun with the shooter. SIG’s years of experience allowed their engineers to take the nebulous concept of “feel” and embed it in one of the best-shooting pistols on the market right out of the box. Many may ask what the SIG X-VTAC offers to shooters compared to other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns already on the market. The answer lies in refining the striker-fired concept more than anything revolutionary. The SIG SAUER P320 X-VTAC arrives ready to go right out of the box. Kudos to SIG SAUER for including the right features for maximizing performance without turning the weapon into a finicky or fussy competition gun. The X-VTAC is a potent package due to its accuracy, reliability and capacity.

Grip modules are interchangeable between P320 models. For example, the same frames and slides can be used on both the P320 RX and P320 X-VTAC.

SIG SAUER
sigsauer.com

Black Hills Ammunition
black-hills.com

Hornady Mfg Inc.
hornady.com

Echo Valley Training Center
echovalleytraining.com

During the early spring of 1966, the U.S. Navy Department contacted Smith & Wesson representative Mr. George Ersham to inquire about the possibility of the U.S. Corporation designing and manufacturing a weapon that would be similar in concept and operation to the Swedish K. By the fall of 1966, the Development Section of Smith & Wesson received an official written request from the Department of the Navy for the development of a new 9mm submachine gun. Corporation officials met with SEAL Team One at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, California, to discuss the project. During the meeting Smith & Wesson officials were provided with a list of the characteristics desired in the proposed submachine gun:

• Need is urgent
• Reliable
• Rugged
• Select-fire operation
• Cost-effective
• Ease of maintenance
• Magazine capacity of 36 rounds
• Cyclic rate of 600-800 rounds per minute

Mr. Dwayne Charron of the Research and Development Section of Smith & Wesson was chosen to head up the project. Mr. Charron was well-qualified for the task, having a lot of experience with the development and design of many of the company’s firearms. S&W issued the number 76 as the model designation for the project, simply as a control number, having no other significance.

The S&W 9mm caseless round used a standard 9mm .355-inch diameter, 124-grain projectile with a stud at the base. The propellant was a solid mass that was attached to the base of the bullet. The propellant was covered with a protective coating for resilience to the elements. (Springfield Armory Historic Site)

Caseless Ammunition Program

The research and development for a suitable caseless cartridge has been ongoing for years. A successful design has yet to be developed. Several foreign and domestic cartridge and firearms manufacturers as well as the U.S. government have initiated programs to develop and perfect the caseless round, only to achieve limited success.

Prior to the caseless Model 76 program, Smith & Wesson experimented with an m/45 Swedish K submachine gun they converted to fire caseless ammunition. (Springfield Armory Historic Site)

The original caseless cartridge concept can be traced back to Smith & Wesson with their Volcanic Cartridge, patent number 14147, dated January 22, 1856. The cartridges consisted of a conical lead projectile with a hollow base. The base was filled with propellant, which was held in place by a cork or brass base. The mixture was ignited by a separate primer, propelling the projectile out of the barrel. Although the Volcanic Cartridge was not successful, it did eventually lead to the partnership of Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson. Since that era, there have numerous attempts to perfect a caseless cartridge. During World War II the Germans experimented with a caseless 7.92mm rifle and machine gun ammunition, but their attempts were largely unsuccessful. The U.S. Army had attempted to convert an M14 rifle to use a caseless 7.62mm NATO cartridge. Most of the work was carried out at the Frankford Arsenal. Insurmountable problems and lack of funds forced the Army to abandon the program.

It was not until 120 years after the Volcanic Cartridge that the engineers at Smith & Wesson would again attempt to perfect a caseless round. Development was initiated during November 1966. The key personnel assigned to the project were Chief of Research and Development, Dwayne Charron, Harold E. Sibley, a research engineer and an Austrian inventor, Hubert Usel. Mr. Usel ran an electro-chemical research laboratory in Inzing, Austria, where he had been developing caseless ammunition for several years. He was hired by Smith & Wesson in 1966 to assist in their caseless project.

(Springfield Armory Historic Site)

The first weapon for caseless ammunition experimentation by S&W was the venerable Swedish K 9mm submachine gun equipped with a battery box with a sliding on-off switch. Supplying electrical power from a magneto was attempted, but a battery had proven more reliable. More than 50,000 rounds were fired through the prototype without a battery replacement. Eventually, the emphasis was shifted to developing the Smith & Wesson Model 76 submachine gun to use caseless ammunition.

The S&W 9mm caseless round was slightly over an inch in length; it used a standard 9mm .355-inch diameter, 124-grain projectile with a stud at the base. The propellant was a solid mass that was attached to the base of the bullet. The stud that extended from the projectile’s base was designed to give additional mechanical strength to the propellant compound. The solid propellant was covered with a protective coating that served to provide some resilience to water and heat. Producing a suitable coating to effectively protect the propellant was one of the problems encountered during the caseless ammunition program. The Smith & Wesson caseless cartridge employed a primer that was activated by an electric charge. The small disk of priming composition was very thin and attached to the back of the solid propellant; the primer was insensitive to percussion. Upon firing, the primer and propellant were completely consumed. The muzzle velocity of the 9mm caseless round was the same as a conventional 9mm cartridge. The caseless round was 30-percent lighter than an equivalent conventional cartridge.

Smith & Wesson engineer with the caseless ammunition Swedish K.

The first public demonstration of the caseless Smith & Wesson Model 76 submachine gun was held on November 2, 1967, at a firing range near Lodi, New Jersey. The many newspaper reporters attending the demonstration were told by company representatives that the caseless ammunition concept was the biggest advance in firearms technology since the invention of metallic cartridges cases—which rendered previous muzzle-loaded weapons obsolete. Development of the new caseless rounds was the company’s first venture into the ammunition field.

Bolt in a partially retracted position. Note the long “nose” of the bolt that is necessary to provide a tight seal, giving the necessary obturation to allow the burning propellant to build sufficient pressure to launch the bullet. Upon firing, the primer and propellant are completely consumed.

Special thanks to Curator Alex MacKenzie and the entire staff at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.

Drawing and dimensions of the CBC bullet modified for S&W’s caseless ammunition project. (Celso Valente and John Moss)

Model 76 serial number X219 was one of several Model 76 submachine guns converted to fire caseless ammunition. The ammunition was fired electrically. Power was supplied by a 30-volt dry cell battery located in a compartment forward of the trigger guard. The magazine release lever was redesigned to clear the battery box. Note the on-off safety switch on the pistol grip. (Springfield Armory Historic Site)

Smith & Wesson President William G. Gunn firing a caseless Model 76 submachine gun. The ammunition proved to be fragile and the project was abandoned.

Established in Anaheim, California, in 1977 by founders Dave Sanderson and Steve Kottman, SKB first began manufacturing guitar cases. By 1987, the company was exceeding $200,000 per month in sales. SKB then had expanded out to include medical cases, computer cases, laser cases and military equipment, along with their initial products for music, audio, industrial and electronics protection.

Ten years later, SKB had grown to 500 employees and opened their fourth manufacturing shop in Orange, California. In 2002 the MIL-SPEC products became available. The waterproof iSeries cases followed in 2004.

SKB cases are MIL-STD for drop, immersion, corrosion, dust and fungus. Short of driving an M1A2 Abrams tank over them, they are virtually indestructible.

All SKB iSeries utility cases feature a waterproof and dustproof mating surface. They are submersible and conform to MIL-STD-810G resistance to corrosion and impact damage. They use a full-length hinge that is molded into the case itself. The snap-release latches can be retrofitted with TSA-compatible locks or keyed to an owner’s preference. In accordance to MIL-STD-648C, the cases have automatic ambient pressure valves fitted. The case hardware—latches, handle, wheels and hinges—can be quickly replaced in the field. Security is assured by reinforced padlock protector clips on all the padlock holes.

The waterproof/submersible test required that the case be submerged for over 40 hours between depths of 8 feet to 10 feet. No modifications were allowed. When the case was recovered, no water was found inside.

The impact test subjected the case to 7.44-ft-lb-per-inch loading with no observable damage.

The Cases

Four different cases were provided for our testing/examination. By model numbers, they were: 1610-10BC, 2011-7B-M, 2914-15BT and 3614 AR.

SKB’s largest case, the iSeries 6018-8 Waterproof Utility Case with layered foam, which is 36.50in.x14.50in.x6.00in., is the right answer for many problem firearms due to size. In this case, an MG42 and a Maxim MG08/15 both fit comfortably.

This case is 16in.x10in.x10in. with a ½-inch lid depth. It features four sheets of cubed “pull-and-pluck” foam that can be customized for any size handgun. It has two grip handles and one lid handle, all rubber over-molded. It’s solvent-, corrosion- and fungus-resistant. The ambient pressure equalization valve is MIL-STD compliant.

The model 2011-7B’s interior foam is cut to hold six handguns and 12 magazines. It has all the features of all the other iSeries SKB cases.

Interior case dimensions are 20.38in.x11.44in.x7.50in. with a 2-inch lid depth. It, like all the iSeries cases, has passed the certified waterproof and drop tests. It has the same trigger-release latch system and ambient pressure equalization valve as other SKB iSeries cases. Its interior foam is cut to hold up to six pistols and 12 magazines, plus other accessories.

2914-15BT

Interior case dimensions are 29in.x14in.x15in. with a 2-inch lid depth. Two 13.25in.x14in.x3.75in. removable trays fit in the top of the case. This case reminds me of nothing so much as my old Army footlocker—only about 10 times stronger. It has all the SKB features including multiple carry and tow handles and a pair of sturdy wheels. It has three reinforced padlock holes as well as the ability to accept locking latches.

3614 AR

The iSeries 3614 AR rifle case is an injection-molded watertight case fitted with heavy-duty, 2-pound density, closed-cell foam formed into six cavities that will accommodate shorter AR-type rifles with an overall length of 35 inches or less. The scope cavity has removable plugs to accept scopes of various lengths.

All iSeries cases are made in the USA, feature field-replaceable hardware and come standard with an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. SKB offers over 50 different case sizes and interior configurations (empty, cubed foam, layered foam, custom foam, dividers, etc.). Custom colors, foam and other options are available. Several new sizes are added every year. Contact SKB (skbcases.com) for additional information.

The SKB trigger-release latch can be configured to take TSA locks, or the reinforced padlock holes can utilize your personal padlocks.

SKB’s largest case, the iSeries 6018-8 Waterproof Utility Case with layered foam, which is 36.50in.x14.50in.x6.00in., is the right answer for many problem firearms due to size. In this case, an MG42 and a Maxim MG08/15 both fit comfortably.

The model 2011-7B’s interior foam is cut to hold six handguns and 12 magazines. It has all the features of all the other iSeries SKB cases.
The SKB trigger-release latch can be configured to take TSA locks, or the reinforced padlock holes can utilize your personal padlocks.

The Close Combat Symposium (CCS) was held at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom over July 9–11, 2018; historically, it has its origins in the Small Arms & Cannon Symposium held for many years at the same venue.

The three-day symposia opened for on-site registration at 0900 hours on the first day, followed by a full day of presentations. On the second day delegates were able to attend a manufacturers’ outdoor range day, where the opportunity to fire a number of different small arms types and view associated supporting equipment was provided. The final day’s presentations, again at the Defence Academy location, concluded in late afternoon.

The program’s format, which has a “themed” first and third day, traditionally consists of short presentations on various aspects of mounted and dismounted close combat together with coverage of infantry weapons and ammunition. The format allows maximum coverage of a diverse subject matter area to cater to the varied interests of those attending. Over the three days, the program offered 19 presentations, and the wide-ranging spectrum of the presentations, which included Panel Discussions after each segment, covered the following areas:

Making a connection at the Glenair Ltd booth.

Session 1

• The Future Requirement
• Keynote: On the Horns of a Dilemma (2025 vs. 2035) (Army HQ/DI Land)
• DI Land Update (Army HQ/DI Land)
• The Future Target Set (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL))
• The Evidence So Far: AWE Findings, Lessons from Urban Dawn and Agile Warrior (Infantry Trials & Development Unit (ITDU))
• Models for Development & Design—Soldier Lethality (ITDU)
• Future Individual Lethality System (Systems Engineering & Assessments Ltd (SEA Ltd))

Session 2

• The Defence-Industry Acquisition Relationship
• A Sense of the Acquisition Space (Army HQ/Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S))
• The Defence Prosperity Strategic Program (Army HQ)
• Industry Perspective—Forum contributions from:
  – The Prime
  – General Dynamics
  – MBDA
  – Ultra Electronics
• The SME—Delivering Better Outcomes (UK Defence Solutions Centre)
• Four Questions to Inform the 2025 vs. 2035 Debate—Audience Discussion

GMK Tactical Products booth in the exhibitor display area.

The Range Day was again held at the Cranfield Ordnance Test & Evaluation Centre (COTEC), West Lavington on the northwestern edge of the UK MoD, Salisbury Plain artillery and field-firing range. The range day this year, which provided delegates with the opportunity to view and fire selected infantry small arms, also included a demonstration arranged at very short notice of the SMASH Fire-Control System (FCS). The SMASH, which proved to be a centerpiece of the day, was developed by the Israeli company Smart Shooter Ltd at the request of the Israeli Defense Forces to provide a small, compact FCS suitable for mounting on a carbine- or rifle-size weapon for the direct engagement of targets out beyond100m in a three-dimensional space, being intended for engagement of moving targets with an >80% hit probability at ground level or of aerial targets such as mini-drones. A manufacturer demonstrator began by putting the SMASH FCS through its paces on a moving target consisting of a helium-filled balloon of around 40x60cm attached to the rear end of a model radio-controlled pick-up truck. Results were impressive; hits on the target—which was moving over undulating grass ridges at 60-80m—were usually achieved in one or two shots. Delegates were then offered the chance to demonstrate their shooting skills using the SMASH; again, a “strike” generally being achieved within two to three shots. The final demonstration was against a small (wing-span circa 30cm), radio-controlled drone flying around 80+m from the firing position. Examination of the recovered drone showed at least four solid strikes had been achieved.

After a BBQ lunch, demonstrations of equipment and opportunities to “live-fire” weapons were provided by:

• Beechwood Equipment Ltd
• FNH UK (formerly Manroy)
• GMK Tactical Products
• Instro
• KME
• Level Peaks Associates Ltd
• Qioptiq
• Viking Arms Ltd (Defence)
• UAS and Counter UAS demonstration (SMASH): Metis Aerospace/Cubic LVC

The Range Day was followed that evening by the now traditional Formal Dinner held at the Swindon Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway. Delegates were able to view historic steam locomotives and original railway transportation, such as an original 1 ton horse-drawn wagon pulled by a large shire horse—the impressively large wagon and horse appearing to have only a rudimentary braking facility by today’s standards! Pre-dinner drinks provided the opportunity for informal networking; the dinner itself being held within the precincts of the museum with musical entertainment being provided by a local brass ensemble.

Range Day—Firing point.

Session 3

• Addressing the Problem
• Modern Trends, Threats & Developments in Global Ordnance (Editor-in-Chief—Small Arms Defence Journal (SADJ))
• Sound Moderators & Small Arms: Issues in the Process of Specifications (Phillip H. Dater, MD)
• National Armed Policing and the Military Support Requirement (UK Police—National Armed Policing Group)
• Retro-Reflection in the Battlefield: Vulnerabilities, Threats and Countermeasures (Sensors Group, Cranfield University)
• Maritime Close Combat (UK—Royal Navy)
• Russian Approaches to Technology Development (Captain W. Shepherd (Ret’d)—USN)
• Moral Decision Making in Close Combat (University of Liverpool)
• Tactical Psychology and Infantry Manoeuvre (Wapentakes)
• The Cognitive Burden in Close Combat (University of Liverpool)

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Counter Terror (CT) Warfare School was founded in 1985 as an integral part of the newly formed Mitkan Adam—the IDF Special Training Facility located in Modi’in, Israel.

The Israeli Special Forces have always placed a considerable training focus on counterterrorism. In this respect, the establishment of a Counter Terrorism School was the climax of a massive reorganization process that took place in the Israeli Special Forces community. The Israeli Counter Terrorism reorganization began as result of the Ma’alot High School incident in 1974, where more than 20 civilian hostages were killed in a failed rescue attempt carried out by Sayeret Matkal.

Following the Ma’alot High School incident, the Israeli Special Forces leadership began an intense counterterrorism training progression to combat future threats that could bring harm to Israeli citizens. The formation of the school ensured that all units would receive the same unified training, which in turn would allow them to cooperate in a large-scale crisis that required the involvement of more than one unit. Moreover, the existence of the school prevented operational lessons from being kept within the units. Instead, such lessons would be shared to all units via the school staff.

Fast-forward to today and the Counter-Terrorism Branch continuously monitors tactics used by lone-wolf terrorists, as well as incidents along the Israeli border and abroad. The Special Forces that are trained by the Counter Terrorism Branch range from commando units to covert elite units. They also include reconnaissance units that are part of IDF Infantry brigades. After completing their lengthy, grueling training, the units go on standby, ready to move into action in several areas if called upon.

An IDF sniper team in position. The ease of use of the TSB and S.P.O.T. allows the sniper team to set up on a target and engage quickly.

The sniper department of the IDF serves as the leading professional body in the sniping community. The department benefits from continuous knowledge and operational experience from both the department and combat units from the field. The sniper department also networks with various allied nations to advance their training. The department certifies over 600 infantry snipers annually, maintains their professional abilities and leads and guides them throughout their operational service.

The IDF Sniper Branch conducts three sniper courses: the Basic Sniper Course, the Sniper Commanders Course and the Counter Terrorism Sniper course. All sniper training is conducted at Camp Adam and recertification training is conducted at regular intervals throughout the year. The Commander of the Sniper Branch is responsible for all snipers throughout the IDF and therefore conducts regular evaluations of the snipers in the field. In addition, all sniper instructors are active snipers themselves and work at Camp Adam, and they conduct combat operations if called upon. These practices allow for immediate feedback of lessons learned and take the burden off the Combatant Commanders in relation to sustainment training of their snipers.

The S.P.O.T. is a tactical spotter device aimed at simplifying the technical work at the designated position. Here you can see the spotter using a Leupold spotting scope and Vector in tandem.

For the IDF Infantry Sniper Course, most of the instructors are female soldiers. Females are drafted to be Infantry Instructors and complete a two-month training course which prepares them for service in an Infantry Unit. At the end of the course, based on performance and test results, females are embedded into various departments, one being the Sniper Department. From there, the females will complete a two-and-a-half-month-long course, in which they will become certified Infantry snipers and train to be Infantry Sniper Instructors. In addition to the female instructors, there are male combat soldiers who are also Infantry Sniper Instructors. For the male soldiers, these are soldiers who left their combat path for one reason or another and chose to become instructors in the Sniper Department. The instructors who are certified combat soldiers also participate in the department’s operational activity, which has been especially active in the past few months on the Gaza border.

As for the instructors’ daily routine, the courses are conducted year-round. Before a course begins, the team of instructors typically has one week to prepare. During this preparation week, the instructors will review course material, prepare lesson plans and evaluation tests and finalize the course schedule.

A sniper course consists of 12–21 soldiers, and the instructing team is typically made up of 2–6 instructors. Throughout the course, the instructors are with the soldiers at the shooting range from around 8 a.m. to 9:30–10 p.m. The instructors must teach all the material both theoretically and then practically. Some theoretical lessons are taught at the shooting range and in a classroom. The course also includes 4–6 mock operations, often involving the soldiers from the other two sniper courses, which allows representation of an enemy and a more realistic exercise for the snipers.

Once a sniper course is completed, the instructors either begin preparing for the next course or join existing sniper teams that have arrived at Adam Camp to train them and help them to maintain their professional readiness.

Counter Terror Sniper Course

The Counter Terror Sniper Course is three weeks long and must be successfully passed by all snipers who wish to serve in IDF CT units. The course is an advanced sniping course, and its students are all graduates of the IDF Snipers School’s Basic Sniper Course, which is seven weeks long.
The Counter Terror Sniper Course covers:

• Urban camouflage techniques
• Surgical acquiring and elimination of targets
• Real-time intelligence gathering, which will assist the entry elements to plan and later conduct their rescue raid.

The CT role of IDF units usually falls within the responsibility of the IDF Special Forces. In a CT formation, the sniper is part of an intervention team. This team comprises one commander, two to three marksmen, two breachers, one machine gunner, one dog handler, one medic, one sergeant, three riflemen and two snipers. The goal of the intervention team is to respond to a terror attack or high-profile situation and then isolate the area. The CT sniper is trained to take highly accurate incapacitation shots in order to free hostages or eliminate embedded hostiles. They carry an additional mission of protecting the borders in areas such as the West Bank. To accomplish that mission, they employ the Ruger 10/22, which is a .22 caliber rifle. This accurized “less lethal” weapon is designed for taking knee cap and below shots. The West Bank is a place of high contention, and taking lethal shots is less than desirable.

The Barrett MRAD is the IDF’s new sniper weapon system. Here it is being employed on a TSB. The stability of the TSB allows the IDF sniper to engage targets with relative ease in any position.

To gain a first-hand account of the equipment being used by IDF Infantry, Reconnaissance and Counter Terrorism snipers, I reached out to Vova, who operates Zikitec Ltd., an Israel-based company comprising IDF Special Forces veterans. With their rich operational experience, they understand the needs of operators. Their products are derived from years of training and combat operations.

Author: When was Zikitec Ltd. formed and what drove you to create your own company and design gear that was specific to sniper applications?

Vova: Zikitec Ltd. was founded in 2012, when I was discharged from my Army service.

The main motive was to produce equipment that will be suitable for challenges I faced and didn’t have a proper solution for when I was serving. Most of my activity in the Army involved sniping and military operations in areas like Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank. We were very busy, using equipment from different suppliers, both military equipment and equipment we got from the private sector, which asked us to field-test it. Some of this equipment was better than the military offerings and some wasn’t as good, but we always tested it and learned what worked, what didn’t work and why.

Vova: The conclusions were quite simple: Every piece of equipment has its purpose—if you try to use something for alternative purposes it will not work as well, and you would have to make compromises. If you need to walk 500 meters to an ambush point, you can carry the best and most comfortable equipment, even if it is big and heavy. But if your mission is going to be a long operation that includes long walks every night, then the equipment requirement will be different, and it must be small and lightweight. There is no such thing as equipment that suits every purpose. Each piece of equipment will help you to be the best at different situations.

The principles are always the same: efficiency, weight, capacity, simplicity of use and maintenance. However, as simple as it sounds, it may take years to develop a product. You can design a basic product in a few months, then take it to the field, learn new things, make adjustments, take it to the field again and learn more things. It is a fascinating process. A great example is the TSB (Tactical Sniper Bench). There were eight versions of the TSB by the time it was ready. You always aspire to make it better. Each final product is an outcome of many insights of highly experienced field operatives who provide us with the feedback that we need to make them the best product available. Such is the case with the Tactical Sniper Bench and Tactical Spotter Device.

Tactical Sniper Bench

The TSB is a combat-proven, comfortable and portable shooting bench that enables shooting in sitting and standing positions. The TSB facilitates a long stay, with support for the elbows, convenient arrangement of equipment and the use of rear bags and bipods for support and maximum stability, so that single shot will hit the mark. The TSB is manufactured in Israel by FAB-Defense.

Weight including tripod (Carbon / Aluminum): 5.1 / 6.4kg
Bench folded size: 7x 45x 28cm
Bench open size: 3.5 x 80 x 28cm
Assembly time: 1-2 minutes
Height (Min – Max): 50 – 180cm

Tactical Spotter Device

The S.P.O.T. is a tactical spotter device aimed at simplifying the technical work at the designated position. By allowing the coupling and calibration of the various devices used by the spotter, it reduces the target acquisition time, and simplifies the overall operation of the sniper team.

The product is suited for any spotter scope that have 1/4-inch screw in his base, mounting a laser RF, laser pointer, night vision devices, thermal devices etc. In addition, a ballistic calculator, camouflage, and additional devices have a designated compartment.

Weight: 0.5kg
Size: 23 X 10 x 28cm
Height: 50 – 180cm (affixed to tripod)
Assembly time: 1-2 minutes

Author: From your experiences as a Special Forces IDF Sniper, what is the greatest challenge that current IDF snipers face today on the battlefield?

Vova: Lately, IDF snipers have faced a new complex challenge that, as far as I know, we never had to deal with before. Everything is documented today, as everyone has some type of access to social media. Enemy combatants have been creating propaganda media to support their interests. In various incidents, they have taken footage and manipulated it to serve their purpose. This creates a situation in which the sniper must hit their target and must also be able to have the means to document their engagement to prove that it was justified. Our enemy uses morality in a cynical way, as they will send children to perform terrorism acts or dress up as women and try to hide weapons under their clothes. As a worst-case scenario, they will use civilians as human shields.

Our snipers need to hit the enemy with accurate shots as well as be able to document the incident, so they can later prove that they acted in the most ethical way. We equip our snipers with military sight cameras that we developed for these kinds of incidents. There have been incidents in which the enemy published propaganda videos, but we had the actual unedited documentation footage. Having this capability provided the military legal authorities with the necessary evidence to prove that the sniper acted in an ethical way.

The training and tools being employed by Israel’s elite will help the IDF soldier maintain the tactical advantage against those who wish to cause harm to the citizens of Israel. Vova and his team at Zikitec Ltd. will continue to push the boundaries in advancing the IDF’s greatest, all-weather, day and night firing platform: the sniper.

In modern combat the first challenge is usually finding the guy who is trying to kill you. While God gave us some remarkably effective tools to help us accomplish that mission, modern technology has now enhanced that capability substantially. To understand gunshot locating, however, we must first appreciate a spot of science.

A Quick Bit of Physics

All modern small arms accelerate a projectile to high velocity by means of an exothermic chemical reaction contained within a pressure vessel. Where the Terminator’s phased plasma rifle may indeed be just around the corner, for now it is still all just good old-fashioned guns and bullets. The detectable byproducts of this process can be broken down into three broad categories. The guns and their projectiles produce noise, there is typically some degree of muzzle flash, and the transiting bullet, if traveling faster than sound, creates a shockwave. All three of these signatures can be analyzed to localize the source of a gunshot.

The science of gunfire location was first used during World War I to identify the source of artillery fire based upon its unique sonic signature. Microphones arrayed kilometers apart would register the low-frequency report of artillery pieces firing and then, by applying a little acoustical science along with some 10th grade Euclidian geometry, estimate the location of the guns. The Germans used this technique throughout the war, while the Allies dismissed it as ineffective. A similar technique is used today, but the calculations are executed instantly by microprocessors. The end result is a remarkable new capability for civilian, corporate, law enforcement (LE) and military users.

The ShotSpotter system consists of a series of microphones arranged in a built-up area and connected to a manned network. Gunfire signatures are analyzed in near real time and reported to law enforcement authorities.

The ShotSpotter system is employed on a neighborhood scale. More than 90 American cities currently employ the ShotSpotter. Where roughly 80% of gunfire incidents typically go unreported via traditional law enforcement means, the ShotSpotter effectively and automatically detects and localizes 90% of the gunshots within a covered area. This service has been shown to decrease overall crime rates substantially in communities both large and small.

The ShotSpotter system follows a predictable process. When a gun is fired sensors detect the sound impulse. A computer instantly triangulates the source of the gunfire. Software in the system automatically confirms the sound as gunfire and identifies details like the round count and time since trigger pull. On-duty human acoustics experts review the incident and verify that the data appears reliable. The ShotSpotter system issues an alert that can be transmitted to dispatch centers, smartphones or mobile data terminals in law enforcement vehicles. The elapsed time between trigger pull and alert to dispatch is around 60 seconds. As a result LE officers can arrive at a crime scene quickly with significantly enhanced situational awareness.

The ShotSpotter consists of a series of rooftop microphones linked into a subscription service not conceptually dissimilar to a citywide home security system. The system is monitored 24 hours a day and provides LE officers with tactical gunshot information in near real time. This data can be used to enhance timely law enforcement response and assist in evidence gathering after an event. The sensors only detect impulsive noise so there are no privacy concerns. Historical data is wiped automatically every 72 hours regardless.

Sound suppressors will degrade the effectiveness of the ShotSpotter to a slight degree, but the system nonetheless remains effective. The ShotSpotter algorithm will still detect suppressed gunshots and differentiate them from background clutter like fireworks or mechanical automotive racket. ShotSpotter data can also be integrated into existing video surveillance systems to help direct and localize surveillance assets. shotspotter.com

AmberBox Gunshot Detection

The AmberBox system is designed to operate within a commercial building. Think of the AmberBox as a smoke detector for gunshots. The system requires nothing more than electrical power, and it can see through walls. The AmberBox system includes its own built-in wireless MESH network that does not rely upon or interfere with existing data systems or electronic devices. The individual AmberBox sensors communicate through a base gateway to a centralized monitoring center. The system supports itself as a subscription service.

AmberBox sensors detect percussion, infrared signatures and acoustic reports. Data is processed and an alert automatically issued within 3.6 seconds of a gunshot. The system is configured to notify law enforcement agencies automatically in the event of a gunshot within the protected area. Line of sight to the shooter is not required, and localization accuracy is within 60 feet. Because of the bi- and tri-modal method of detection there is near zero risk of false alarms.

There is no real-time audio transmitted, minimizing privacy concerns, and installation is simple and intuitive. The sensors are unobtrusive and look very similar to conventional smoke detectors. The AmberBox system offers peace of mind and potential liability mitigation for commercial businesses both large and small. amberbox.com

Shot Tracer - How it works

The Shot Tracer gunfire detection system operates either via a cellular telephone system or a conventional security array to provide gunshot detection on scales both large and small. Institutional Shot Tracer devices interface seamlessly within existing security systems. While the Shot Tracer system is designed to provide coverage in large corporate buildings, entertainment venues, airports, apartment complexes and schools, the Shot Tracer Falcon is a body-worn device that can substantially enhance officer survival.

The Shot Tracer Falcon rides on an officer’s duty belt and looks like a pager. The unit’s rechargeable battery charges from a charging station while off duty. The device has a 10-meter range and automatically detects gunfire from 9mm weapons on up. The Shot Tracer Falcon automatically reports an officer’s location, the number of shots fired and the time of discharge.

A manual panic button triggers an alert under circumstances wherein radio communication might not be practical. The system responds to both gunshots and explosions. The Shot Tracer Falcon can interface through a conventional cellular network or via the Iridium satellite system. The Shot Tracer Falcon allows the isolated law enforcement officer to focus on the gunfight rather than his or her radio. shottracer.com

The Shot Tracer Falcon is an officer-worn gunfire detection device that will summon help automatically when a law enforcement officer is exposed to gunfire.

Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) offers gunfire detection equipment for applications both indoors and out. The SDS Guardian is a fully automated gunshot reporting system that installs unobtrusively. Gunfire information is plotted on a building schematic for responding agencies. The system can be configured to produce instantaneous mass text alerts notifying employees of an active shooter situation. As there are no humans in the loop, response time from trigger pull is almost instantaneous. With 26 million operational hours logged, Shooter Detection Systems has maintained a perfect 100% detection rate along with zero false alerts.

The SDS Boomerang uses acoustic detection and computerized signal processing to instantly locate small arms fire and report the source to users or authorities. The Boomerang can be mounted on fixed structures like walls or poles, moving vehicles or even a human shoulder. Boomerang systems were designed from the outset to easily integrate into third-party systems to become an integral part of a comprehensive site security plan. shooterdetectionsystems.com

The Rifle-Mounted Gunfire Locator (RMGL) from Ultra Electronics weighs only a pound and provides an immediate counterfire solution for incoming small arms fire.

The Rifle-Mounted Gunfire Locator (RMGL) from Ultra Electronics seems the stuff of science fiction. This compact unit weighs 1 pound with batteries and mounts on the standard Picatinny rail of a host Infantry rifle. By analyzing the acoustic data of incoming small arms fire the RMGL instantly calculates the range, direction and elevation back to the source. Target data is displayed on a small OLED screen. An onboard inertial compensation system continually updates to track the movement of the host rifle. The system quickly and accurately directs the weapon back toward the source of the gunfire despite limited visibility or battlefield obscurants. Such capabilities were literally unimaginable a generation ago.

The RMGL is NVG compatible, and its intuitive control system consists of only two buttons. There are no loose cords to catch on things, and the unit is rugged and fully weatherproofed. Detection range is between 30 and 1,200 meters. The system filters out both false alarms and outgoing fire. The target position updates 10 times per second, and the RMGL operates seven hours on a standard pair of AA batteries. The system has been proven effective against everything from 5.56mm up to .50BMG.

The sighting unit offers a simple clock face pointer for coarse orientation as well as cross hairs for tweaking azimuth and elevation. The numbers of events detected and range to target are both displayed on the hardened screen. The system includes a self-test function and simple menu-driven options.

Like any military or law enforcement weapon, there is a learning curve to operate the RMGL, but it remains fairly shallow. From an idle position the display shows only a simple black screen with a dot in the center. When alerted to hostile fire the unit produces a large arrow that cycles around the display as the soldier or police officer indexes toward the threat. Once the weapon is grossly oriented toward the target the display shifts to a pair of perpendicular index lines. The operator then simply moves the weapon in both azimuth and elevation until the two lines are centered and squeezes the trigger. The system automatically calculates a return fire solution that is +/- 5 degrees in both azimuth and elevation and within a 15% error in range.

The RMGL can be used in static and forward operating bases, on naval craft both large and small, from within helicopters and mounted atop individual Infantry weapons. This technology substantially enhances situational awareness, facilitates threat neutralization and saves friendly lives. The RMGL is a proven system that takes up remarkably little space. The device looks a bit like a miniature Death Star perched atop a typical Infantry rifle. As a result, operational users have come to call the device the “Sniper’s Egg.” The RMGL is one of the most significant advances in military counter-sniper operations ever conceived. ultra-fei.com

Shooter Detection Systems sensors can be configured to alert both law enforcement and company or school personnel automatically in the event of a gunfire event.

The greatest benefit to the operational use of a sound suppressor on an individual combat weapon is not to make the weapon silent. It is to cause the firearm to sound like something other than a gun and mask the direction of fire. Supersonic bullets still produce a striking sonic crack, but it becomes literally impossible to localize the direction of the suppressed gunshot using nothing but a pair of human ears. These sundry high-tech devices change all that.

By analyzing the salient attributes of the sound, shock and flash produced by a firearm and its projectiles these systems will quickly identify the threat and plot its location. These devices operate much more quickly and accurately than human senses alone. These products can potentially identify the location and nature of the threat, summon help and even immediately direct suppressive fire. By harnessing the power of microelectronics along with instantaneous information management, these devices provide powerful new tools to the business leader, military commander, LE officer or individual grunt downrange. The end result is a populace that is safer, LE agencies that are more responsive, forces that are more survivable and individual combatants that project enhanced lethality.

Some of this tech is relatively cheap. Some of it is spendy. All of it is revolutionary. By applying the science of physical acoustics to the thorny problem of gunfire location we open a brave new world in tactical capabilities. The practical possibilities are spellbinding.

The AmberBox unit looks like a conventional smoke detector and is painless to install.