Modern Malaysia is a beautiful country, rich in agriculture and history, with a growing industrial base. It was born from the ashes of the Japanese occupation during World War II- famine, along with the war, killed many and left a void in the country which was filled by Commonwealth (British) organization. The Malaysian Communist Party, supported by the Soviets, worked towards removing the British- who it was felt had not really made life better after the Japanese left. Chaos ruled in many areas and the entire series of skirmishes and wars are worth studying, but beyond the scope of this article. The name “Malaysian Emergency” was bestowed on the wars there because the European landowners/farmers who were insured by Lloyds of London could not be covered if it was a “War.” The name “Emergency” stuck and it is generally considered to have been from 1947 through 1960. The problems reemerged in the 1980s.

The Royal Malaysian Police Museum presents the story of the police all through the Emergency with a very factual, even hand. The diorama of the Bukit Kepong Incident, a tragedy on 23 February 1950, provides excellent insight into what the Malaysian Police had to contend with. Early on that morning, approximately 180 heavily armed members of the Malayan Communist Party attacked the Federation of Malaya Police station at Bukit Kepong. The attackers thought this would be a swift victory. Five hours later, the battle still raged. In the end, the communists killed 14 policemen, 5 auxiliary Police, and 6 civilians- including wives and children of the police. While this was a loss for the government, the true story of the bravery of the police and how their wives came and took up arms, and it ended as their building burned and the last 4 policemen charged the communist position. It is compared to the Battle of the Alamo in U.S. legend, and the even energized the people against the communists.

The Royal Malaysian Police Museum was founded in Kuala Lumpur in 1961. It went through a variety of buildings and leadership, built again in 1983, then the current museum was opened to the public on 2 October 1998.

We found the museum to have excellent displays- there were so many varieties of firearms it was intriguing to consider the sources- a melting pot of armies and insurgents. There were many displays indoors and outdoors, and SADJ recommends that while you’re in Kuala Lumpur, if you can find the time, pay the museum a visit.

Royal Malaysia Police Museum

No. 5 Jalan Perdana
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.muziumpolis.com
email: muziumpolis@yahoo.com
Tel: +03-22725689
Admission: Free
Visiting Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday
10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday 10:00am –12:30pm & 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Closed Mondays

An Oerlikon MK4 20x110RB cannon on s2ingle naval mount, with 60 round right hand drum, looks over the museum grounds.

An Oerlikon MK4 20x110RB cannon on s2ingle naval mount, with 60 round right hand drum, looks over the museum grounds.

Ford Lynx Scout Car (BB 8128)- this armored car was introduced in the Police Force on 24 July 1952, and was given to the Kelanian Contingent. It is a two man vehicle, one driver, and one to man the machine gun. During The Emergency this armored car was always used at the head of an escort convoy in every operation. Armored cars of this type were last seen in use at the parade to mark the end of The Emergency on 1 August, 12960.

Top to bottom: 37mm gas launcher; M79 40x46mm grenade launcher with jungle stock and finish; SMLE rifle modified to launch tear gas grenades from the cup (Forend is wire bound); 5 shot 37mm launcher; Steyr AUG (F88) 5.56x45mm; Australian F1 9x19mm submachine gun; Sten MKII 9x19mm submachine gun with loop stock; Ingram M10 9x19mm submachine gun.

Top to bottom: Johnson M1941 light machine gun in 30.06 caliber; HK21E in the HK11E configuration with G3 magazine in 7.62x51mm; British L4A1 Bren light machine gun in 7.62x51mm; US M60 GPMG in 7.62x51mm.

Top to bottom: HK MP5 9x19mm submachine gun with collapsible stock and S-E-F trigger group; Spanish Z-84 9x19mm submachine gun; Beretta PM12S 9x19mm submachine gun.

A variety of assault rifles, featuring FAL variants but on the very top is a Portuguese Model AR-10 rifle in 7.62x51mm (Note bayonet lug on top of grenade launcher on barrel).

Many of the weapons on display were modified and in various stages of repair. The second rifle down appears to be an M2 carbine with added custom pistol grip.

A very popular weapon with insurgents was taking a semi-automatic handgun and embedding it into a rifle stock, while extending a link to the stock trigger. This made for an early “Roni” type system- stabilizing the handgun for longer distance shooting. The displays had a number of examples.

The top firearm shows the pistol mounted into a carbine stock, but the bottom weapon is much more interesting. A 1928A1 Thompson SMG in .45acp with a homemade buttstock.

In this display, the top 3 Derringers are described as “Colt Lady Derringer.” The pistol on the left is not described, but it is clearly a home workshop piece mimicking a Walther P38, with “Carl Walther” engraved on the slide. The bottom piece marked “24” is a cigar lighter made to look like a pistol. One of the most intriguing pieces in the museum was the small boxlike pistol on the right, marked “23.” The description is as follows: King Cobra type based on Pasir Putih- On 24 December 1980 at 0900 hours, acting on information received from the public, a group of policemen under the command of Inspt. Kasdiran Bin Kasban made an ambush at Pasir Putih town in Kelantan. At 0930 hours the police officers arrested two Malay males as they left a taxi. One of them was holding a plastic bag containing 3 pairs of shoes, a pistol “King Cobra” type in the shape of a lighter was found hidden in the heal of his shoe, and 493 sticks of cannabis (ganja) was found under the soles of the shoes. The two males were appropriately punished by the court.

Ten barreled 1881 model Gatling Gun on “Camel” tripod. The Bruce Feed is not installed.

Smooth jacketed British Vickers Mk I water cooled machine gun in .303 caliber, on improvised mount.

Global Security Asia has been held in Singapore since 2005, and the show has continued to grow and gain favor with attendees and exhibitors alike. The goal of bringing the world to Asia for a special security show is resulting in a show that is not just maturing, but growing every year. The international delegations continue to be a feature that the exhibitors appreciate, as GSA brings in high-quality attendees.

Global Security Asia is now part of the Milipol network and, starting with the 2017 edition, will be renamed as Milipol Asia-Pacific. This is a biennial show, so the next show is in 2017 and they expect over 200 exhibiting companies and 7,300 attendees. The 2015 edition was held in March at the Suntec Singapore convention center, but in 2017 the exhibition will return to the Marina Bay Sands.

Milipol Asia-Pacific 2017 will continue to serve the ASEAN region and retain its 3-day format showcasing the latest technology solutions in the Defense and Security environment. The Show will address the fundamental issues of global terrorism and internal state security, which will present opportunities for specialists and engineers in the vitally important areas of internal state security and counter terrorism to share their experience and expertise regarding the sophisticated threats currently facing governments in the region.

Post-show, Trijicon, Inc. delivered 1,973 TA02-RM06 optics to the Singapore police in April 2015. Photo: SADJ Staff

Regional Sales Manager, Yotam Gal, emphasized that CAA is concentrating on bringing their signature RONI to Southeast Asia. TAR Ideal Concepts promoted their “one stop shop” for military and police equipment, as well as training. Photo: SADJ Staff

Marketing Supervisor José Kalil of Brazilian company Condor Non-Lethal Technologies promoted the Spark for the Singaporean market. Released in 2011, the Spark is the first 100% Brazilian electronic control device. Photo: SADJ Staff

Condor Non-Lethal Technologies offers tactical kits for a variety of needs. Photo: SADJ Staff

Imperium Global Partners displayed a variety of equipment including products from Ohio Ordnance Works, such as their M2HB-QCB and 240B. Christian Olson, Managing Director, emphasized Imperium’s commitment to the exploration of markets in Southeast Asia. Photo: SADJ Staff

Colt - New rifle based on the R0977. Photo: SADJ Staff

Nathan Grove and Ben Grainger, International Sales Managers of Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC highlighted a new 5.56mm rifle based on the R0977. Photo: SADJ Staff

Newly rebranded in 2015, Steiner eOptics (formerly Laser Devices) is a Beretta Holding company. Senior Sales & Business Development Manager, Michael Keegan, demonstrates the DBAL-PL (Dual Beam Aiming Laser Pistol Light). Photo: SADJ Staff

Steiner eOptics DBAL-PL. Photo: SADJ Staff

An assortment of non-lethal ammunition, tear gas and grenades from Condor Non-Lethal Technologies. Photo: SADJ Staff

The 2015 AUSA Expo premiered a number of exciting new firearm technology advances. We have chosen some we consider exemplary from various offerings in assault rifles, pistols, sights and ammunition.

SIG Sauer displayed their short-stroke gas piston SIG MCX mission-adaptable weapon system. The engineering modifications SIG has made to the existing AR design are truly noteworthy because they accomplish two premier goals demanded by everyone – increased weapon reliability and extending weapon life. First, it is important to understand the AR’s operating system design beginning with the AR upper receiver.

The steel bolt carrier rides on a cam path (two aluminum rails) located internally on either side of upper. When the weapon is fired, gas pushes the bolt-operating rod backward, driving the bolt rearward along the cam path where several mechanical events occur almost simultaneously. The bolt runs rearward out of battery, extracting (dragging) the swollen spent brass from the chamber. The force required to release the swollen spent brass from the chamber walls involves a degree of torque being applied to the bolt during the first inch or so of the backstroke. The cam path on which the bolt rides maintains the bolt’s travel alignment throughout the spent brass extraction, ejection and full backstroke, and again during the forward stroke as a new cartridge is skimmed from the magazine, pushed forward into the chamber, and the bolt locked back in battery for firing. This process is repeated every time the gun fires.

The bolt carrier group’s left side guide rail on an average AR aluminum upper receiver begins to show significant wear around the 30-40 thousand round mark (sooner if the gun isn’t maintained) from the back stroke’s extraction torque. No matter how well the gun is lubricated and maintained the AR will wear at that point and the result is the BCG gets “sloppy.” In turn, this causes ejection and/or feed malfunctions. The government’s answer is to replace the AR’s upper receiver. SIG’s solution (and it is brilliant engineering) on the MCX is to mill a precision slot through the upper receiver’s left side and replace about the first inch of the receiver’s cam path (guide rail area that experiences the most wear during the backstroke) with a fitted flush steel piece that is held in place by two countersunk machine screws. This replaces the aluminum rail’s wear point with steel. This one improvement will double, if not triple, the upper receiver’s life expectancy while also immeasurably increasing operational reliability.

A second improvement seen on SIG’s MCX upper involves the charging handle latching point. ARs have historically experienced malfunctions when the charging handle latch (made of steel) wears down the aluminum indents cast into the upper that the latch locks onto. When this occurs the charging handle will first become sloppy and then finally come loose during firing and bolt stroking operation, causing operating malfunctions (usually on the forward stroke). SIG’s solution was to simply replace the aluminum upper latch points (indents) with two small replaceable steel dowels about the diameter of a No. 2 pencil lead. The charging handle latch closes around the steel dowels and the wear (steel on steel) is insignificant. More engineering brilliance!

Offering sub-MOA perfection, FN nailed it with their new CSR-20 Compact Semi-automatic Sniper Rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO.

Based upon the combat-proven attributes of the SCAR 17, FN’s new CSR-20 Compact, Semi-automatic Sniper Rife has been a long awaited addition to FN’s product offering. Attached to a monolithic aluminum alloy receiver, its 16 inch chrome-lined cold hammer-forged barrel chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO claims sub-MOA accuracy. With a fully adjustable stock providing SCAR-like ergonomics and a full length Mil-STD 1913 rail that will accommodate both scope and in-line night vision optics, this highly reliable advanced combat sniper rifle is lightweight, man-portable and user-maintenance friendly. Its superb accuracy and handling ease will make it a favorite for military, law enforcement and sporting applications.

LWRC International manufactures the Compact Semi Automatic Sniper System (CSASS 20) chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and it’s a tack driver.

Headquartered in Cambridge, MD, LWRC International, LLC, manufactures a complete military-grade line of AR-style short-stroke gas piston assault rifles. Their latest is their C.S.A.S.S. 20 chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO with a unique 20-position adjustable gas block. Weighing in at 10 ¾ pounds this precision sniper rifle has a spiral fluted hammer forged barrel mounted on a monoforge upper receiver that utilizes an AR-style charging handle. Its fully ambidextrous lower receiver reflects AR ergonomics and employs a Geissele SSA trigger with a Magpul PRS fully adjustable stock on its recoil end. This striking sub-MOA precision rifle portrays exactness and scrupulous purpose-driven engineering. Better still, it will reliably reach out and touch somebody.

ST9 by Sarsilmaz Firearms is a quality pistol available in 9mm, 40,S&W and .45 ACP

From Istanbul, Sarsilmaz Firearms, Inc. has brought us a work of art in the form of a superbly well-engineered pistol they call the ST9. This pistol has numerous beautifully engineered features that reflect Turkish design and manufacturing elegance. The ST9 is offered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Its overall ergonomics are thoughtful with three changeable back straps to fit any hand geometry. Its snag proof dovetail-mounted front and rear combat sights can be easily replaced if user upgrades are desired. The forged steel slide and barrel ride above a composite polymer lower that has aggressive non-slip checkering and it’s offered in seven colors options. The operating buttons and levers are ambidextrous with a well-placed thumb operated mag release button located at the rear of the trigger guard. The ST9’s double stack high capacity dishwasher-safe magazines are made of clear high-strength polymer with a firm installed fit and solid lock-up. This is a gunfighter’s pistol you can bet your life on.

The shoulder-fired PGL6-40LR built by Penn Arms is a potent 40mm low velocity grenade launcher that will get the attention of the receiving end.

Penn Arms of Jamestown, PA showed its 10½ pound PGL6-40IR pump action 40x46mm HE/HEDP compatible low velocity shoulder-fired grenade launcher. The six barrel revolving cylinder advances with each pump, achieving positive barrel alignment with a locking pin. Uniquely, the cylinder chambers and barrel both have right hand 6 grove rifling with a 1:47 twist, making this launcher as accurate as the sight placed upon its top receiver 1913 Picatinny rail – and most rail-mounted sights are compatible. It further sports a length-adjustable composite polymer stock. This is an all American solidly built gun that will reliably perform under all field conditions imaginable.

Aim point has greatly improved their Micro T-2 now in use by the FBI’s HRT and SOF.

Aimpoint, with headquarters in Chantilly, VA, has greatly improved their Micro T-2 with a redesigned extruded high strength aluminum housing, improved lens and crisper dot. Even under magnification, the dot is now perfectly round. T-2’s operating range goes from -50° to +160° F and it’s submersible to 25 m (82 ft). It’s powered by one CR2032 3v lithium battery that provides 50,000 hours of run time between battery changes – and no radioactive signature. With integrated rail mount and flip-covers it weighs a mere 4.9 ounces. It has undergone rigorous operational testing with the FBI and is now in use by their famed Hostage Recuse Team.  The Micro T-2 is likewise in use with U.S. Special Operations Forces.

Schmidt &Bender’s new PM II ultra short sniper scope is a prefect fit for in-line night vision on rifles with limited top rail length.

When it comes to high-end optics, Germany’s Schmidt and Bender has proven that bigger isn’t necessarily better. They recently debuted their PM ll – an ultra short sniper scope not short in capability. Less than a foot long, with a robust 34mm diameter tube, this 5-20×50 full metal rugged military design shorty even has a 4x zoom. It also has an ultra low profile double turn locking elevation turret and a capped windage turret. Better, it’s completely waterproof to a depth of 25m (82ft). Schmidt and Bender designed this potent little scope for use on small caliber and/or short barrel sniper rifles where full size scopes and limited rail space prevents the use of in-line night vision devices. The PM ll is the solution. The PM ll is available in a number of colors, illuminated and non-illuminated versions, turret configurations and several types of reticles.

Nammo’s new .50 cal Reduced Range cartridge exhibits exceptional accuracy typical .50 cal energy out to 800 Yards but beyond that it drops off significantly allowing it to be used for practice on ranges approved for 7.62 weapons and operationally where using a standard .50 cal is out of the question for risk of down range collateral damage.

With headquarters in Raufoss, Norway, Nammo has developed and qualified a new .50 cal Reduced Range cartridge for training on smaller ranges and to reduce the danger area downrange of the shooter. While not designed as a training round, it absolutely provides affordable training options never before available. The safety template of the cartridge is the same as standard 7.62mm NATO rounds, so warfighters and law enforcement snipers can train with .50 caliber weapons at ranges previously approved for 7.62mm and below, or by carving up an existing .50 caliber range into several smaller sites. Some users are also interested in the RR Cartridge for combat in urban operations where line of sight is limited and there is high concern about collateral damage. The Nammo round has the same ballistics as NATO standard .50 cal ammo to about 800m (875 yards) and accuracy has been shown to be better than standard .50cal Ball/AP ammo within this range. The Nammo .50 Cal Reduced Range ammunition is qualified in accordance with NATO specifications and already fielded by several countries for use in both machine guns and rifles.

DARPA’s EXACTO program seeks to provide guided .50 cal rounds that can be fired from any standard .50 cal MG or sniper rifle. 

What is the EXACTO Program you might ask? Teledyne and Orbital ATK’s Armament Systems Division have the answer but remain very tight lipped about any details – and for good reason, EXACTO is ITAR protected. EXACTO is the research and development (R&D) program headed by DARPA for round guidance technology involving a combination of “fire and forget” technologies currently applied to guided .50 cal rounds. That’s right – guided .50 cal rounds that can make course corrections in mid flight.

DARPA’s official description goes like this: EXACTO’s specially designed ammunition and real-time optical guidance system help track and direct projectiles to their targets by compensating for weather, wind, target movement and other factors that can impede successful hits. “True to DARPA’s mission, EXACTO has demonstrated what was once thought impossible: the continuous guidance of a small-caliber bullet to target,” said Jerome Dunn, DARPA program manager. “This live-fire demonstration from a standard rifle showed that EXACTO is able to hit moving and evading targets with extreme accuracy at sniper ranges unachievable with traditional rounds. Fitting EXACTO’s guidance capabilities into a small .50-caliber size is a major breakthrough and opens the door to what could be possible in future guided projectiles across all calibers.”

The EXACTO program developed new approaches and advanced capabilities to improve the range and accuracy of sniper systems beyond the current state of the art. The program seeks to improve sniper effectiveness and enhance troop safety by allowing greater shooter standoff range and reduction in target engagement timelines.

The above statement translated: DARPA is developing the technology to create command-guided ammunition for military applications in a variety of direct fire systems – primarily medium-caliber at this time. EXACTO models on existing .50 BMG ammunition and rifles instead of needing new hardware. How they’re achieving this quantum advancement using a fin-stabilized projectile, or spin-stabilized projectile, internal and/or external aero-actuation control methods, projectile guidance technologies, tamper proofing, macro-power supplies, advanced sighting, optical resolution and clarity technologies is up to the imagination. An educated guess could be hazarded but we might be right and compromise things that should not be revealed. More to follow when known – maybe at the 2016 AUSA Expo.

The First Ever Large Scale Sale of a 6.8x43mm Caliber Rifle to a Military

Back in 2001 a new cartridge concept was thought up by 5th Special Forces Group MSG Steve Holland. He wished to increase the firepower of the Special Operations soldier by providing a much more effective round than the 5.56mm. He felt it lacked the stopping and penetration power needed by a battle rifle. Starting with a .30 Rem cartridge cases, MSG Holland created a wildcat cartridge that would function in an AR/M16 platform rifle and would only require changing of the barrel, bolt and magazine. This prototype cartridge was handed over to the United States Army Marksmanship Unit headed by Troy Lawton. This product would be funded by Remington’s Sean Dwyer, who claimed Remington wanted to do their part in the Global War on Terrorism. Remington began final development of the cartridge in the fall of 2001 using the concept wildcat cartridges made up by MSG Holland which were in effect shortened .30 Rem brass. Auto CAD drawings of the cartridge case were prepared by Cris Murray of the Army Marksmanship Unit. Remington’s final task was to standardize the dimensions. The first production of the new 6.8x43mm Rem SPC cartridge was in 2002 with full production beginning in 2003. Right up to the 2004 time period this cartridge was kept very secretive by all the companies involved. Some of the first rifles were manufactured by David Dunlap of Precision Reflex, Inc. At SHOT Show 2005, many manufactures were quick to produce rifles chambered for the new cartridge before ammunition was even available. However, even after initial release the cartridge was still under development to maximize its potential. SAAMI accepted the new cartridge and some other manufacturers got on board with manufacturing. The finalized 6.8x43mm Rem SPC required a slightly modified chamber than the original, hence the Spec 2 chamber. It was found with the fully optimized ammunition, it was not safe to load it in the original Spec 1 chamber. The primary load was a 115gr Sierra open tip match projectile at a velocity of around 2,650 feet per second. Loads available are from 77 to 135 grains in weight.

Many manufacturers decided to stay with the SAAMI spec chamber which was the original Spec 1. Others went ahead and upgraded to the Spec 2. Ammunition manufacturers did not really want to make a cartridge that would not be safe in some guns that were out there so they mostly stayed with the SAAMI Spec 1 chamber. They could be sure that their ammunition would be safe to shoot in all existing rifles. One company did take on the Spec 2 load and that was Silver State Armory. It would be safe to say that Silver State Armory has done more product development of 6.8x43mm ammunition than anyone out there other than Remington. Their Spec 2 chamber ammo is specifically marked.

Shown is the complete left side of the SIX8-UCIW. Notice the Magpul pistol grip and 6.8x43mm magazine. The rifle is equipped with LWRCK Skirmish folding backup sights.

The path of the 6.8x43mm Rem SPC cartridge is quite disappointing to say the least. USSOCOM looked at it and they were less than thrilled, more than likely not due to its performance capabilities but due to ammunition compatibility. This would also be the introduction of a non-NATO standardized cartridge. Feeding was an issue. Designing a magazine that would fit an M16/M4 lower receiver proved to be a difficult task. The cartridge did get a following in the commercial market. Several companies manufacture rifles in this caliber. The cartridge is ideal for medium game hunting and is quite popular for deer and hog. Few ammunition companies really took it on. Of course Remington offers a good line of ammo. As previously stated Silver State Armory specializes in the 6.8x43mm Rem SPR cartridge offering more loads than any other company. Ammunition is also offered by Hornady, Corbon, Federal, Seller &Bellot, Double Tap and Barrett.

Shown is the right side of the M6 PSD rifle chambered in 6.8mm SPC. This is the configuration of the rifle that went to the Mid-East special operations unit. The only thing missing is the EOTech sight. Notice the ambidextrous bolt catch and selector lever.

Of all the manufacturers of modern military arms, LWRCI has come to be best known for producing military grade rifles chambered in the 6.8x43mm Rem SPR cartridge, releasing their rifle in 2007. The company is known for producing rifles with their proprietary short stroke tapped piston 2that adapted a 6.8 barrel, modified bolt and magazine. Magazines are produced mostly by CProducts Defense and Precision Reflex, Inc. They are now also made by D&H Tactical. In an industry that had pretty much given up on the caliber, LWRCI always believed in its potential and continued to improve their rifles. LWRCI is also in the international market and sells arms throughout the world. Of course their primary sales are all 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm. However in 2010, LWRCI met with a special operations group from a Middle Eastern country. Due to contractual agreements they are not at liberty to divulge the name of this unit. This group was looking for a short barreled rifle that packed a heavy punch. LWRCI looked at their requirements and though that this would be ideal for the 6.8x43mm Rem SPC. It was the same size for the most part as a short 5.56mm rifle but packed a lot more punch. The customer was quite interested. LWRCI imported some of their 6.8x43mm rifles in country to do demos. During negotiations LWRCI was told the order would be more than 30,000 weapons. With that kind of number they decided to make a real bold move. They understood the potential feeding issues and the sandy environment could complicate things, so they decided to team up with Magpul and create a proper magazine that would be optimized for the 6.8x43mm Rem SPC cartridge. Logically this means the magazine well must be made wider, which they did. The magazine looks like the familiar PMAG with Maglevel windows and holds 30 rounds.

Shown is the complete left side of the commercially produced SIX8-UCIW . Notice the Magpul pistol grip and 6.8x43mm magazine. The rifle is equipped with LWRCK Skirmish folding backup sights as well as a EOTech holographic sight.

The rifle presented to the Middle Eastern Special Operations unit was the PSD MKII. The rifle has a short telescopic stock which is of LWRCI design. With the stock extended the overall length is 26.73 inches and with the stock closed it is 23.97 inches. The weight of the rifle without a magazine is 6.39 pounds and fully loaded with 30 rounds 7.71 pounds. The barrel is 8.5 inches in length with a flash hider installed to the end. The rifle is selective-fire (Semi- and fully-automatic) and magazine fed. The rifle has quad Mil-Std-1913 rails and comes with LWRCI folding Skirmish back up sights. The rifle is fully ambidextrous with ambi selector, magazine release and bolt catch. Without suppressor the cyclic rate is roughly 700 rounds per minute and with suppressor roughly 1,000 rounds per minute.

Before we delve into the specific features of the rifle there is one very important component to this particular weapon system, the ammunition. Due to the short 8.5 inch barrel there were issues with reliability in adverse conditions. In normal 6.8 loads the port pressure is not at its peak until it is around 8 or so inches. This means the 8.5 inch barrel has low port pressure using standard ammunition. Also the current ammunition is commercial grade, lacking the flash inhibitors in the powder of military grade ammunition. So LWRCI in partnership with ATK Federal went on to develop a round that would be optimal for use in an 8.5 inch barrel. Basically a propellant that was faster burning that would get the port pressures back up to where they would need to be to cycle the rifle reliably. In testing the PSD MKII, this author tested more than 9 different loads. The rifle would only function properly with the specified load. All commercial off the shelf ammunition caused the rifle to short stroke. The load used is called XM68GD. The projectile is a 90 grain Speer Gold Dot projectile with an approximate muzzle velocity of 2420 feet per second and with a muzzle energy of 1181.6 ft lbs. Impressively, the maximum range of the rifle is 500 meters at a point target. Currently all ammunition made for the Middle East customer is ATK. LWRCI ammo has been sourced and tested by Seller & Bellot, Hornady, ATK and Silver State Armory. The PSD MKII is the only rifle that requires this ammunition. The Six8-UCIW which is the current commercial off the shelf rifle will work with standard ammunition. Modifications have been made to the gas system for it to run reliably.

Examining the weapon system the only differentiation between the military PSD MKII and the SIX8-UCIW will be the ammunition compatibility. All other features are the same.

The proprietary Magpul magazine is designed for this weapon system. This magazine was specifically designed to feed the 6.8x43mm cartridge properly and reliably.

Starting with the lower receiver assembly, the rifle is equipped with the LWRCI produced short stock. There are 4 positions. There are two quick-detach mount sockets on the stock, one on each side. The buffer and spring are designed specifically for the 6.8x43mm Rem SPC cartridge. The lower receiver itself is proprietary and not compatible with industry standard receivers. It is manufactured from a 7075-T-6 aircraft grade aluminum forging. The receiver is hard coat anodized as per Mil-Spec to a flat black color. Primary difference is as we mentioned, the magazine. The joint effort LWRCI and Magpul magazine looks like a standard PMag but on steroids. It holds a full 30 rounds and has high visibility orange magazine follower and lock plate. The geometry of the magazine is optimal for this cartridge. So the magazine is wider than the standard magazine. Therefore the receiver is wider. The selector lever is ambidextrous and also made by LWRCI. The lever is easy to grab and manipulate even with gloves. The pistol grip is the very comfortable Magpul MOE. The lower receiver is fully ambidextrous. On the right side, right above the trigger is the ambi bolt catch. It looks the same as the one on the left side and is actuated in the same manner. The magazine catch is in the normal location on the right side of the receiver. On the left side the ambi mag catch is located right behind the catch and is easily manipulated by either a left or right handed shooter. The hammer, trigger, disconnector and automatic sear are all nickel boron coated. The trigger pull is the Mil-Spec 5.5 to 8.5 pounds.

The upper receiver is also manufactured from a 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum forging and is proprietary to the PSD MKII 6.8x43mm SPC lower receiver. It has the traditional forward bolt assist, fired cartridge case deflector and ejection port. The handguards have quad Mil-Std-1913 rails. The bottom handguard is held on by a collet over the barrel nut. The top handguard is removed for maintenance of the gas system by two pusher screws. The locking nut itself is non-indexing. The barrel nut is self-locating and guides the operating rod through the upper receiver.

The 8.5 inch barrel is cold hammer forged right at LWRCI. Just at the time the PSD MKII went into production, LWRCI bough their own hammer forge machine. LWRCI has always been very convinced of the benefits offered by the hammer forging process. 41V45 steel-alloy and then treated with NiCorr™ surface conversion technology. This process is deemed superior to using standard chrome plating. The barrel has a 1 turn in 10 inch right hand twist.

The process of drilling and pinning of the gas blocks onto the barrels. LWRCI makes extensive use of custom assembly fixtures throughout their production lines of rifles.

The bolt carrier is a one piece carrier with a machined “tombstone” which is the impact area of the operating rod. The rear of the bolt carrier is flutes which accomplishes two things. One, it deals with and eliminates bolt carrier tilt caused by the off center movement of the bolt carrier in turn caused by the operating rod striking the top of the tombstone. The second is with egression of dirt, fouling and whatever else may find its way into the mechanism. It is nickel boron coated.

The bolt has enhancements over the standard. The extractor, similar to that of the LMT Enhanced bolt has a whale-tale shaped extractor utilizing dual extractor spring with a more aggressive extractor claw. The extractor claw engages more of the surface area of the rim of the cartridge case than the norm. The bolt face fully supports the rear of the cartridge case. This helps prevent case head failure unlike the standard M16/M4 bolt which has a large cutout to allow for insertion of the extractor. This helps to prevent case head failures from high-pressure situations like firing with water in the barrel. The geometry of lugs 1 and 7 has been redesigned to make these lugs much stronger and stress relieved, preventing breakage. Also the face of the bolt has a “crud” groove cut around the perimeter of the inside of the bolt face. This permits crud such as brass shavings, carbon and primer sealant a place to go that will not affect the function of the rifle.

The gas system is made of 4 components. Pinned to the barrel is the gas block/nozzle, then the intermediate rod, piston cup and operating rod are installed. Once the projectile passes the gas port, gas goes up the gas port and into the nozzle, pushing the piston cup, intermediate rod and operating rod rearward. The operating rod gives a hammer-like blow to the tombstone on the bolt carrier driving the bolt carrier to the rear. The bolt unlocks and the extraction and ejection process commence. The spring on the operating rod returns the operating rod, intermediate rod and piston cup forward ready for the next shot. Hot gasses escape at the front of the gas system. This eliminates hot and dirty fouling entering the carrier group. The bolt carrier remains cool as well.

A box of receivers ready to assemble into PSD MKII carbines for the Middle Eastern customer. Notice the use of UID code labeling. These receivers are fully ambidextrous.

For the Middle East contract the PSD MK11 was put through a gamut of testing. This includes mud, sand, water, salt spray and temperature extremes. The gun was tested up to 40,000 rounds. Keep in mind the Mil-Spec acceptance testing for the M4 carbine is but 6,000 rounds. The first rifles were delivered in 2012/13. This sale is a landmark in the history of the 6.8x43mm SPC cartridge. It documented the first large sale order (30,000+ rifles) in the industry. The cartridge was designed by MSG Holland as a Special Forces cartridge. Although it never saw US military service, it was adopted abroad. The customer appears to be very pleased with the performance of the rifle. They possess the most firepower of any military for a rifle that size. For the desert environment, the 500 yard range is also a plus. Part of the rifle’s requirement is that it shoots sub MOA at 100 meters. This is an excellent example of quality of the system (rifle and ammunition), especially for an 8.5 inch barrel. Every rifle sold to the customer is ready to install a sound suppressor as well.

The author was provided with 500 rounds of the Federal XM68 ammunition from LWRCI along with one PSD MK11 and one SIX8 with a 16 inch barrel. Also brought to the range was 6.8mm Rem SPC ammunition manufactured by Silver State Armory, Remington and Hornady. Projectile ranged from 90 to 115gr. The range was limited to 25 yards so accuracy testing was limited. The optic chosen was the EOTech holographic sight which is the one provided with the PSD MKII to the middle eastern customer. With the PSD MKII, the accuracy was clover-leafed at 25 yards which was expected with the XM68 ammunition. All other ammunition tested in the PSD MKII did not cycle properly. The rifle would continuously short stroke. This was expected due to the entire reasoning around the development of the XM68 ammunition in that short 8.5 inch barrel. When the 16 inch Six8 barrel was installed on the lower, all ammunition brought functioned flawlessly including the XM68. Between the 8.5 and 16 inch barrels more than 800 rounds were fired. I have to say, this author has tested 6.8x43mm SPC rifles in the past and has never experienced this type of reliability. With all the standard mags tested they just never were combat reliable. The LWRCI rifle using the proper designed PMag for this cartridge worked without issues. LWRCI really took a gamble on designing a “Not industry standard” receiver platform to optimize the use of this caliber and it certainly paid off. This author is quite surprised the industry has not followed in building rifles in this caliber.

The LWRCI sale to the Middle East is a true milestone in the book of the 6.8x43mm SPC cartridge. Is this the ideal military caliber? Could be. NATO standardization will always be a major factor in anything adopted. This may always have and continue to prevent this cartridge from ever going prime time. Sometimes being better is just not good enough. You always have the politics that get in the way. For special operations units who can request and purchase their own gear, this is a very viable option for a high performance firearm. This sale to this undisclosed Middle East country is a perfect example of this. American hunter, target shooter and enthusiasts use this caliber every day. No question that the caliber has its following.

Assembly of the barrel, flash suppressor and piston system.

The bolt of the PSD MKII chambered in 6.8x45mm Rem SPC. Notice the whale tail shaped enhanced extractor as well as the two extractor springs.

The nickel boron coated bolt carrier group of the PSD MKII chambered in 6.8x45mm Rem SPC. Notice the carrier itself is one piece and the flutes on the rear of the carrier.

This 6is how each and every of the rifles shipped to the Middle Eastern customer was packed. Over this station was a video camera which took a photo of each completed box. This was if something was missing in the box, LWRCI could look up the serial number and pull up the picture to verify if the product was missing at the time packing.

Amongst arms and equipment inspected by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, one suppressed rifle stands out. The display of military hardware took place at a National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) training centre outside of Kiev in 2014, and displayed predominantly Ukrainian-produced armoured vehicles, small arms and light weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles.

In a line of small arms and light weapons on display shown above, the second-from-left rifle, with what appears to be an integral suppressor and bipod , is unfamiliar. A media release from the NGU sheds further light, listing among the arms displayed the ?????-61, or ‘Hopak-61’. A machine-translation of its description reads “operational portable rifle, based on AK/AKM”. While the Hopak-61 appears to have a wholly conventional AKM-style receiver, complete with gas block, no gas tube is visible. This could indicate that the rifle is blowback operated, likely chambered for a pistol calibre cartridge, or that it is manually operated.

Another weapon of note is seen on the far right, more easily identifiable in the photograph below. The UAG-40 automatic grenade launcher (AGL) is tripod-mounted, belt-fed, and capable of a 2200 metre maximum range. It is chambered for the 40 x 43SR mm cartridge, common amongst NATO and allied nations’ AGLs, and weighs less than 30 kg complete with tripod. The UAG-40 is manufactured by the Leninska Kuznya plant in Kiev. Previously only the AGS-17 AGL has been documented in service with Ukrainian security forces, as noted in ARES Research Report 3, Raising Red Flags on arms, munitions and equipment of the Ukrainian conflict.

This article is courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES) –
www.armamentresearch.com

The phrase auto-ametralladora in Spanish does not refers to the obvious automatic machine gun, but it is a direct translation of the French “Auto Mitrailleuse Légère”, translated to “Light Machine Gun Car” (LMGC), and referring to a light-armored machine-gun carrier. The French denomination was actually applied to their AML (for short) Type-245, a vehicle designed and developed to replace the Daimler Ferret, for service mainly in Africa. In Spanish, the term is broader, and usually refers to any compact lightly armored “self-propelled” machine gun platform. The Daimler Ferret had been developed itself as a replacement of the WW-II Dingo, and both British-designed vehicles fit the original concept of the LMGC.

However, the term in Central America represents more a concept than a reality since the local armies have lacked a truly compact mobile lightly armored machine gun platform, other than using armored personnel carriers in this form. Actually, none of the countries in Central America really counted with a light machine gun car as such until the British deployed Daimler Ferrets to Belize in 1973.

The British Army had a presence in that Central American nation from the late 1940s until 1994. The old British-Honduras colony had been formally and permanently established in the late 1870s, after the British Honduras Company became the predominant landowner and emerged as the Belize Estate and Produce Company, cementing its dependency with Britain. Although independence finally came in 1981, Belize was at the time facing a potential invasion from its northern neighboring country. Guatemala claimed the entire territory (since 1859), and repeatedly threatened to use force to take over the British enclave. In the 1945 Constitution, Guatemala claimed the territory as the 23rd department, and three years later it deployed troops along the border. The UK responded by deploying two companies from the 2nd Gloucestershire Regiment. Nine years later, a company from the Worcesteshire Regiment was moved to the border, but again, the Guatemalans did not invade. Several months later, a British platoon exchanged gunfire with a group calling themselves the Belize Liberation Army, and managing to capture 20 suspects. In 1972, Guatemala threatened to invade once again, so the British garrison was beefed up, deploying 8000 troops, and several ships, to include an aircraft carrier. When talks broke off again in 1975, tension flared and the UK deployed troops, a battery of 105mm field guns, a few 40mm Bofors, and Rapier missiles systems, six Harriers, and a frigate. Among the reinforcements came several Ferrets to provide for airport perimeter defense, security and patrol.

Salvadorian APV have been issued to the EMCFA (Armed Forces HQ) Security Battalions, and they could be carrying USOR M60DE4 with enhanced features (J. Montes)

The UK had relinquished most political control to the locals from 1964, and retained only defense, foreign affairs, internal security and some other internal affairs. In June 1973 the colony became known as Belize, and in 1975 it moved to grant independence, only to be prevented by Guatemalan gestures and treats. Tension flared once again two years later. Belize finally became independent in 1981, but the British Forces in Belize remained until 1994.

Between 1977 until the departure of the UK forces, the British Army deployed in two infantry battle groups (South and North)(1). The main barracks, and home of the Headquarters British Forces Belize, was located at Airport Camp (APC), adjacent to the International Airport. Here, the UK maintained the Harriers, and a flight of Puma helicopters, while rotating squadrons from 3 RAF Regiment provided for defense, manning the Rapier systems and L40/70 Bofors. Elements of the Royal Armored Corps (RAC) and Royal Artillery Regiment (RAR) were based at Holdfast Camp, near Cayo district, capital of San Ignacio (2). It is understood that the RAC deployed only tracked Scimitar/ Scorpion CVR(T), so the Daimler Ferrets observed guarding Airport Camp appear to have come with 3 RAF Regiment; these were likely to be Mk 2/3 models, sporting the typical hand-operated turret. This sported a Browning L3A2 machine gun (Commonwealth designation for the M1919A4), with 2,500 rounds of ammunition. The weapon could be elevated between -15 degrees and +45 degrees and the turret having a full 360 degree traverse.

The tiny FV701 (Ferret) was a 4×4 compact armored light gun car, measuring a mere 3.835metres in length, 1.905m in width and 1.448m in height, and with a combat weight of just 4,210kg (in its Mk1/1 variant). The first prototype was produced in 1949 by the Coventry-based Daimler Company, and production started in 1952. Its all-welded armored shell protected against small arms fire and splinters, and it mounted a Rolls-Royce B60 Mk6A, six-cylinder in-line water-cooled gas engine. This engine developed 130hp, providing for a speed of up to 93km per hour. The mentioned Mk1/1 was open-topped design, usually armed with a Bren light machine gun, with 450 rounds. The Mk1/2 variant (FV704) was somewhat heavier, and the vehicle evolved up to the Mk5 variant, armed with the Swingfire wire-guided anti-tank missiles. The Ferret was fast and small, appropriate for urban environment, and also strong to operate off road, having a combat weigh of some 3.7 tons, and an armored hull with a thickness between 6 mm to 30 mm.

Learning how to use the J8 APV in Guatemala (US DoD Kaye Richey)

AML with British Legacy

After the 1969 war, the Salvadorian Army had been preparing to fight a conventional war with Honduras. Therefore, around 1979, it received some 12 vehículos ligeros auto-ametralladoras, in the form of the Panhard AML-245. Unfortunately, these were of the H-90 variant, which do not really fit the definition of machine gun carriers since they are equipped with the GIAT Industries’ smoothbore, low-velocity 90 mm D 921 F1 gun. The cannon fires HEAT, HE, smoke and canister rounds. There is also a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun to the left of the main armament. The turret has a full 360 degree traverse, and the gun can be elevated between -8 to +15 degrees, but has space for only twenty 90mm projectiles, compared to 56 mortar rounds that could had been accommodated in the 60H/HE variant. In El Salvador it was relegated to perform security escort to artillery units, with an UR-416 travelling alongside — not with mechanized infantry, but with additional rounds, and providing additional security with its machine gun. Mechanically, the AML-H90 proved difficult to maintain, and at least six were out of service by 1988. It was fitted with coil spring suspension and drum brakes, lacking hydraulic assist on either brakes or steering. Its Panhard Model 4 HD air-cooled 90hp gas engine proved weak, and was a constant concern. When actually working, the vehicle could develop up to 90 Km/h, and had a range of 600km. Its combat weight was 5.5 tons. Its hull was all-welded armor, with a thickness between 8 mm and 12 mm. Two were destroyed by the FMLN guerrillas, one with RPG fire and another one with an IED that pulverized it.

The AML was produced with a turret equipped with a 60 mm breech loading mortar and 7.62 mm and/or 12.7 mm machine guns (AML-60 and 60HE), and two 20 mm cannons (AML 60 S530). The 90 mm gun had been chosen to fight the Honduras’ Saladins, not to fight a counter-insurgency war developing in El Salvador. As it came to be, a machine gun armed AML would had been a lot more useful than the H90 variant to operate in the narrow urban streets or the narrow roads of the Salvadorian environment, where the length of the cannon proved a disadvantage, and where a solid shot of its gun proved of little use against elusive guerrillas. The Salvadorian Army would realize that what it needed was a vehicle capable to fight short and sharp skirmishes, fast and agile –and more in line of the Light Gun Car concept–than the clumsy and unreliable gun carrier.

The tiny Ferret, as those deployed in Belize by the British, with its small turret equipped with a Browning L3A2 machine gun (J.Montes)

Ironically, the AML has its origins in the mentioned Ferret. As it happens, the French Army had also found the FV701 a useful tool in Africa as a liaison, reconnaissance, patrol and support vehicle. They had employed some 200 Ferrets in Algeria, and wanted to place the British design in production under license. However, the French industry lobbied to build its own version of the Ferret, with superior firepower. Panhard built a prototype in 1959 and entered in production in 1960, and with the first models, equipped with a breech loaded 60mm Brandt mortar and two MAS AA-52 NF-1 machine guns, reaching troops in Algiers a year later.

The RPG damaged AML is preserved at the Salvadorian Military Museum. The Army CIDET (Research and Development center) has introduced an upgrade program, adapting Nissan diesel engines, but mentioning that there are only 9 hulls available to the upgrade, to include the hull at the Military Museum. This would indicate that there are two hulls unaccounted for. In any case, ideally, the H90 would be replaced with a turret similar to the one developed by the CIDET VCTA2, with a combination of machine guns and HS-404 20mm cannon(s). The redundant H90 turrets, and any other that can be obtained, could then be place2d on the VCTA2. This would bring back the Panhard H90 more in line with the light machine
gun car concept.

Another alternative would be to seek excess stocks from the Irish AML fleet, which was retired in 2013. The Irish incorporated 20 AML-H90 and 16 AML H60-7HB in 1975, followed by another 16 AML H60-7CS. In 1999 all 20 H90 and 16 H60-7 were overhauled and repowered with turbocharged diesel engines. Those H60-7 had their turret replaced by the two-man Ratel-20 turret. This is equipped with a South African made GI-2 (licensed GIAT) 20 mm cannon with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. The 20mm cannon has an effective range of 1,500 m. These vehicles are designated AML-20.

Firing a M1919A6 from the J8 APV in Guatemala (U.S. Army photo by Kaye Richey)

The APV arrives

The Salvadorian Maestranza (Military Workshop) did modified a CJ-8 jeep in the mid-1980s. The prototype was used as a test bed before production could be implemented. A turret was placed on the bed. This was a one-man mechanically assisted model, equipped with a M2HB machine gun. Front, rear and side plates were mounted on a lightly modified Jeep. The turret was later used as basis for the Cashuat APC, but the vehicle proved unreliable, and it constantly overheated. Only a prototype was ever built which was later transferred to the DM-1 in Chalatenango to be used for short distance road patrol. Ideally, the Salvadorian military could had acquired surplus Ferrets to upgrade and deploy.

In 2013, the US announced the supply of 42 J8 APVs to equip a new armored battalion assigned to the Tecún Uman Task Force. Another 8 APVs arrived in 2014 to supply the FIAAT (Fuerza de Tarea de Interdicción Aérea, Antinarcótica y Antiterrorista), another Guatemalan Task Force composed of Huey-II helicopters, soldiers, police and a token armored platoon. Even more followed to equip other forces, and the US delivered additional APVs to El Salvador, to the Honduras’ new Public Order Military Police (PMOP), and the Panamanian Border National Service (SENAFRONT).

The APV variant refers to the armored patrol vehicle equipped with a hot formed ballistic steel body into a J8 frame. Actually, according to JGMS, the original J8 body is replaced with an armored cell, which level of protection is certified by Germany’s Beschussamt to BRV 2009/VR7 (ballistic) and ERV 2010 (blast). The armored cell provides ballistic protection to the underbody, roof and side blast.  The overtly armored variant is ideal for military and peacekeeping missions. JGMS indicates that the entire body of the J8 is replaced with hot-formed ballistic steel shaped to the precise contours of the original vehicle. The vehicle has a VM 2.8 L (2,766 cc) V4, direct injection, common rail, turbo-charged, intercooled diesel engine Bore and Stroke 94 x 100 Max Power 145 kw (194 bhp) @ 3,800 rpm. The APV fills exactly the concept of the machine gun armored patrol carrier.

The GIAT turret from the Salvadorian AML-H90 could be replaced with a CIDET VCTA2 variant - with a combination of machine guns and HS-404 20mm cannon(s) – to bring it back to the light machine gun car concept. (J. Montes)

Finally the Central Americans can fill the requirement for a fast, agile, and lightly armored vehicle that can provide liaison, reconnaissance, patrol, and security. The Guatemalan APV mounts a M1919 machine gun. The most common Browning observed in the new APVs has been the elderly, but superb, M1919A6 model, without the stock, and with its typical muzzle booster; those mounted on the APVs have their bipod removed. It is a heavy weapon (32 lbs – 15Kg), but highly reliable. Other models have been observed with the M1919A4 version, distinguished by the lighter barrel (as the M1919A6), but without the muzzle break. The Guatemalan Brownings are said to have been converted to 7.62×51 mm, either by the local War Material Service, with kits provided by Israel, or are actually modified Mk 21 Mod2 0 (ex-U Navy) models. The Mk 21 Mod 0 have the barrel, bolt, and feed cover are replaced and a chamber bushing, a link-stripper, and a second belt-holding pawl are added. However, the Guatemalan variants lack the six-inch flash hider typical of these variants.

The Salvadorian APV sports a M60D, which is the basic M60 GPMG, modified with spade grips. It is mounted on a pintle mount found on the ring base of a basic turret. The gunner can swivel the gun in a front arc of fire, and a 50-round ammo can is normally mounted with it. The gun is fired manually at up to 550 rounds per minute. US Ordnance offers an enhanced model, brought up to M60E4/Mk43 standards. USORD indicates that the M60D Enhanced “features a redesigned machined aluminum feed cover with integrated M1913 Picatinny rail for mounting optics aiming lasers and accessories. Another forward M1913 Picatinny rail allow additional accessories. It comes with ambidextrous safety features, and all major components directly interchange with other M60 configurations.” It is known that the US has supplied new M2HB models to the Salvadorian Army, but it is unknown if M60D Enhanced models have been supplied as well. On this mark, the Salvadorian military suffered a setback in June 2014, when four M60Ds were stolen from the Cavalry Regiment armory.

Honduras has supplied its APV to the new Public Order Military Police. They normally mount a MAG-58 on the APV, although M60 GPMGs are also available. The Panamanian SENAFRONT, the border police, uses an RPD to arm its APVs. This is a 7.62 x 39 mm light machine gun, normally used as squad automatic weapon. It uses a long stroke piston system and locking system proper of the Degtyaryov. It has a fixed barrel, and folding bipod. It feeds from the left-hand, and it normally is equipped with a 100-round drum magazine.

The J8 APV in detail. (J. Montes)

Need for light machine gun car patrols

In May 2011 Guatemala was shaken by the discovery of 26 decapitated bodies on a cattle ranch in the northern Petén region. The reports spoke of dozens of armed commandos storming the ranch, looking for owner Otto Salguero. These were elements of Mexican drugs cartels who searched for Salguero to seek revenge. Before this, the government acknowledged finding the chopped body of Allan Stowlinsky, Assistant District Attorney, assassinated for his participation in seizing 500 kg of cocaine in Alta Verapaz, a stronghold of the Sinaloa Cartel in Guatemala. A year earlier, Los Zetas had invaded in force Peten, when some 80 elements of the Mexican drug cartel, riding on armored pickups and SUVs entered the villages of El Chal, Sabanetas, and Grano de Oro; from there, they moved to Caoba, a crossroad with the Tikal Highway, where they clashed with a police roadblock, injuring a soldier and destroying five police cruisers and a military vehicle. As the narcos retreated, Army patrols found a Toyota pickup and an armored Mitsubishi abandoned about 1 Km from the first encounter, along with assault rifles, ammunition and communication gear. Within days, authorities had seized 6 vehicles. The narcos had come from Belize all the way to El Naranjo, towards México manning some 15 vehicles.

Los Zetas had moved deep into Guatemala since 2007, establishing strongholds in Nentón, San Mateo Ixtatán, and Coatán Barillas. Then into Cobán, Alta Verapaz. A year later they had strongholds in Guatemala City and Chiquimula and Zacapa, where they clashed with los Lorenzana, associated with the Sinaloa Cartel. They have been known to operate from Huehuetenango, with a stronghold at La Democracia, south from Santa Ana Huista. In 2009, a military training camp was discovered in Quiché, followed by the discovery of a drug warehouse in Amatitlán. The breakup between the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas in 2010 shows the path to the cartel conquering Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras (3). After the gruesome findings, the Guatemalan government ordered the State of Siege, and the Army moved into Alta and Baja Verapaz. Pictures of the confiscated arsenal included dozens MG 34 machine guns. In Coban City alone, the seizures netted 45 vehicles, 35 pistols, 39 assault rifles, and 23 MG 34 (4). Yes, the legendary Mashinengewehr 34 from WWII. Guatemala received hundreds of these weapons in the 1950s from then Czechoslovakia.

The J8 APV has been supplied to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Panama (J. Montes)

In June 2012, the Army deployed a new Jungle Special Ops Brigade in Peten, and US military aid poured in to establish Inter-agency Task Forces along the borders, in addition to some 200 US Marines. The Jungle Brigade started operations from Subín, at La Libertad municipality, Petén, and was tasked with the patrol of the 345 kms border with Mexico. The Brigade nucleus is a 500-strong Jungle battalion operating specifically from San Andrés, San Francisco, La Libertad, Las Cruces and Sayaxché, along with being tasked with the protection of the Tigre Lagoon Park. The remaining two 500-strong battalions are formed with Kaibiles, and additional support comes from the 1400-strong 1st Infantry Brigade, and so the Guatemalan Army increased from some 16,000 soldiers to 23,000. In El Salvador, 6500 soldiers deployed to internal security duties, and in Honduras, the new 5000-strong Public Order Military Police has been organizing and deploying.

In June 2014, Guatemalan authorities confiscated in a single raid USD $1.8 million and 22 Kgs of cocaine, at San Pedro, municipality of El Naranjo, Petén. These overtly open and daring confrontations explain the need for the light armored machine gun carriers. The fight against the drug trade is far from over.

Way back in the early 20th Century, the world’s armies were generally equipped with bolt-action rifles in calibers of around .30 in — exemplified by rounds such as the U.S. .30-06, the British .303 and the German 7.92x57mm – which offered a range (effective or so) of around 1,000 meters. This remained virtually unchanged during WWI, but rifleman theory began to be modified in WWII. Not only were semi-automatic rifles introduced by the U.S. (the M1 Garand), the Soviet Union (SVT-40), and Germany (G43), but the German Wehrmacht later also broke new ground with the service introduction of its new family of MP-44/StG-44 assault rifles and the corresponding 7.92x33mm “KurzPatrone” round. The Russians soon followed suit with their AK-47/AKM rifles in 7.62x39mm caliber. Post WWII rifle cartridge evolution included the NATO adoption of the 7.62x51mm round in the mid-1950s, followed by the U.S. choice of the smaller 5.56x45mm M193 cartridge for the AR-15/M16 rifle which debuted in combat a decade later during the Vietnam War. The early 1980s saw NATO adopting the slightly-modified SS109 (M855) 5.56x45mm round it had chosen as standard for rifle use. Then, the “five-five-six” quickly became the caliber of choice of almost every military force in countries outside the Soviet
area of influence.

Pretty much like a great number of the world’s armies, the Exército Brasileiro (Brazilian Army) was widely equipped with 7x57mm bolt-action Mauser rifles of different origins (CZ, DWM, FN, Mauser, Oviedo) during the earlier periods of the 20th Century. In the mid-1930s, the service’s Fábrica de Itajubá (Itajubá Factory), located in the city of the same name in the Minas Gerais State, started the local manufacture of the Mauser M1908/34 rifle, a 200 mm shorter variant of the omnipresent 1908 model that was locally called the “Mosquetão” (Musketoon). While fighting alongside U.S. 5th Army forces in the Italian front in World War II, however, troops of the Força Expedicionária Brasileira (Brazilian Expeditionary Force) were armed with M1903 Springfield and M1 Garand rifles, plus M1918 BARs and Browning M1917/M1919 machine guns. Following the conflict, the Army not only kept all those weapons but immense supplies of .30-06 ammo as well, which prompted it to decide to abandon the older 7x57mm cartridge as its standard round. Local rifle production followed suit, and Fábrica de Itajubá soon introduced its Mq .30 M1949 and a later Mq .30 M954 bolt-action rifles, both in .30-06.

This 1984-85 prototype marked the shift to the FAL tilting-block breech locking system for the IMBEL 5.56x45mm rifle venture and the use of the characteristic tubular folding stock of the larger-caliber gun. Note the short wooden handguard and the unprotected gas cylinder.

In the early 1950s, an attempt was made at the Itajubá facilities to make a Brazilian variant of the German G43 semi-automatic rifle chambered to the U.S. round, this resulting in a very small batch of the so-called Mosquetão Semi/Automático .30 Modelo 1954 (Mq S/Aut. .30 M954) for test purposes, the guns apparently employing a BAR-type 20-round detachable box magazine. Another similar G43 conversion, which received no designation, was also made by the Army’s Arsenal de Guerra do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro War Arsenal), but both ventures were unsuccessful for reasons never clearly explained.

The official adoption of the 7.62x51mm cartridge by NATO in 1954 was a clear indication of what would happen in most Western nations in the decades to come. Exactly ten years later, in 1964, the Brazilian Army announced not only its shift to that round but also the choice of the FN FAL rifle to equip its troops, and this would include full local manufacture of the Belgian gun. This, of course, would be carried out by Fábrica de Itajubá, and activities began in August of that year to get the program started. This involved the acceptance of an initial batch of 48,000 complete FALs, 2,000 units in KDCs (Knocked Down Components), and 2,000 FAPs (Fuzis Autmáticos Pesados, Heavy Automatic Rifles), the heavy-barrel SAW model), plus ammunition, rifle grenades, production tooling, technical drawings, etc. On May 5, 1977, State-owned IMBEL – Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil was created, and two months later the Itajubá Factory was incorporated to the new company as Filial Número 5 – Fábrica de Itajubá. Full nationalization of the Fz 7,62 M964 (fixed stock) and Fz 7,62 M964A1 (foldable stock) FALs had been achieved in 1973, the type also having been adopted by the Marinha do Brasil (Brazilian Navy) and its Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais (Marine Corps) in 1978 as a replacement of their FN SAFN-49s in .30-06 caliber that had been in service since 1957. For the record, the Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force) adopted the 5.45x45mm Hecker & Koch HK33 in rifle and carbine variants in the very early 1970s, becoming one of the first international users of this German weapon.

The 1983 Fz 5.56 IMBEL MD1 compared to a standard fixed-stock FAL.

Mention should also be made of the Mq 7.62 M968, the so-called Mosque-FAL, a Fábrica de Itajubá conversion of the local Mausers to the 7.62x51mm caliber that also incorporated modified sights (FAL-type, rear; G3-type, front), a standard FAL 22-mm flash hider fitted to the 415 mm barrel, a folded-down bolt handle, and a rubber buttplate. Thousands of those rifles were made in Itajubá, and found their way into Brazilian Army second-line units, mainly those involved in training.

The first move towards a Fábrica de Itajubá-made 5.56×45 mm rifle materialized in mid-1983, when the company completed the prototype of a selective-fire rifle chambered to that round, the Fz 5.56 IMBEL MD1, that had been designed and built by the company’s Oficina de Protótipos (Prototypes Workshop). Not surprisingly, it incorporated more than a few FAL components, the fixed stock and grip/trigger group being the more evident. However, the gas-operated piston system parted from the Belgian rifle’s tilting breechblock component, and employed a rotary bolt with multiple locking lugs, the 20-round steel magazine being a proprietary type. The gun featured a redesigned lower receiver fitted with a stamped magazine housing, as well as a perforated jacket that involved both the gas tube and part of the 464 mm-long barrel, which was fitted with a NATO-standard 22mm flash hider. Loaded weight was about 4 kg, heavy all right, but weight reduction along the development phase was a goal of the small design team. The author had a chance to fire that single prototype at the factory range in June 1983, and pretty much liked how it handled and worked. Its moderate cyclic rate of fire of roughly 700 rounds per minute plus the relatively high weight (for the caliber at hand) was a plus when it came to controllability in full auto.

This FIL-97 rifle, while introducing a polymer-made foldable stock, still retained typical FAL components, such as the pistol grip/trigger assembly and the synthetic handguard. The FILC-97 carbine, on the other hand, broke new ground in the general configuration department.

It should be pointed out that the initial development of this weapon did not come as a result of a possible local army intention of a general move to the smaller caliber, but rather of an in-house study that showed that this might be a trend in the future. Official interest eventually came in the form of a Brazilian Army Staff document of 1986 (Objetivos Básicos Operacionais 39/86, Basic Operational Targets 39/86) which stated that a 5.56x45mm rifle would be needed as the basic weapon for the 1 Batalhão de Operações Especiais (1st Special Operations Battalion) that had been created three years earlier. However, the unit’s reduced size of about 600 men at that time meant that a possible Army purchase would be comparatively small and would not justify the considerable R&D costs involved in creating an entirely new weapon.

With the obvious goal of reducing development time and costs, however, IMBEL’s management later modified its objective. Instead of developing a rifle using some M964/M964A1 components, it was decided to go ahead and build a whole FAL in 5.56x45mm, and this included the use of the original tilting block breech locking system. In fact, virtually all tooling and basic reference drawings for the 7.62x51mm model could be used with little or no changes. A prototype of the new rifle was completed in 1985, and this employed the well-known tubular folding stock the of the so-called “PARA” version of the FAL. No thermal protection was provided for the gas cylinder nor for most of the weapon’s barrel, but a short wooden handguard taken from the heavy-barrel version (squad automatic weapon) of the Belgian gun was fitted. The dedicated 20-round magazine was kept, and this appeared to be the general way that the factory had chosen for the weapon’s evolution.

A major evolutionary step came in the form of the MD97 models which featured a rotary-bolt breech locking system and a light-allow receiver. The selective-fire MD97L rifle (437 mm barrel) was supplied in limited numbers to the Brazilian Army for field evaluation purposes, while the semi-auto MD97LC carbine (330 mm barrel) was adopted by some state police agencies, including the Brasília-based Força Nacional de Segurança Pública (National Public Security Force).

Still keeping the original Fz 5.56 IMBEL MD1 designation, the gun was certified in April 1989 and cleared for production by the Brazilian Army as the M989, but it was not, in fact, officially adopted. Very small batches for demonstration and evaluation purposes were made, and these hardly differed from a PARA-FAL, featuring the very same foldable stock, synthetic handguard, pistol grip, trigger guard, knob-type cocking handle, sights, fire selector lever, flash hider, etc. With an optional foldable bipod fitted and a full 20-round magazine in place, the MD1 weighed 4.9 kg. One helluva heavyweight for a five-five-six!

The next evolutionary step took form in the early 1990s with the MD2/MD2A1 models (foldable stock, selective fire/semi-auto only) and the MD3/MD3A1 variants (fixed stock, selective fire/semi-auto only), but the initial market response made the FAL-type tubular folding stock the usual choice of operators. A rifle in this configuration was officially tested at the Campo de Provas da Marambaia (Marambaia Proving Grounds), in Rio de Janeiro, receiving its ReTEx – Relatório Técnico Experimental (Experimental Technical Report) No. 1364/91 on March 13, 1991, which cleared the way to production and sales. Following some local and foreign demonstrations, the MD2 received a number of orders, this including batches for some Brazilian Army BILs – Batalhões de Infantaria Leve (Light Infantry Battalions), while the semi-auto MD2A1 found its way into the armories of several state LE agencies, the Rio de Janeiro Public Security Department (Civil and Military Police) having purchased 1,050 examples in 1995, for example. As delivered, the rifles had a 453 mm barrel, an overall length of 1030 mm (764 mm, with the stock folded), and a loaded (30 rounds) weight of 4.85 kg, still a hefty gun for the caliber. At this point, however, STANAG-compatible magazines were used rather than the earlier dedicated type.

In 1995, the Brazilian Army issued Requisitos Operacionais Básicos (Basic Operational Requirements) No. 06/95 in which new parameters for a 5.56x45mm rifle were established, which included a 3.8 kg weight limit and a three-round burst facility. And things began to get better that year, when a young and enthusiastic Brazilian Army engineering officer, Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel) Paulo Augusto Capetti Porto, joined IMBEL. Some of his ideas began to take shape in the so-called MD97 family, with members available both in rifle (MD97L) and semi-auto carbine (MD97LC) versions. The latter eventually received a substantial order for 3,000+ copies to equip the Força Nacional de Segurança Pública (National Public Security Force), a nationwide LE agency with headquarters in Brasília, the nation’s capital, which deploys whenever and wherever an emergency situation arises in any state. Series manufacture of the MD97LC carbine began in 2004, while a small batch of selective-fire MD97L rifles was handed over to the Brazilian Army for troop evaluation. This was carried out by the CAEx – Centro de Avaliação do Exército (Army Evaluation Center) and by some units, such as the Bda Op Esp – Brigada de Operações Especiais (Special Operations Brigade). Evaluation tests were also carried out by the Air Force and the Navy/Marine Corps, but no orders were received.

This particular example of the semi-auto IA2, photographed in April 2015, displays a number of changes, such as a much-redesigned foldable buttstock (adjustable in length), a hand support forward of the magazine housing, and a duplicated fire-selector lever on the right side.

The main design improvement in the MD97s was the use of a rotary bolt whose radial lugs locked directly to a barrel extension rather than to the lower receiver, as required by the FAL tilting block, permitting the use of light alloy materials in the somewhat redesigned lower. This resulted in some weight saving, the MD97LC carbine coming down to reasonable 3.3 kg, empty, while the rifle was 0.3 kg heavier. The cold-hammered, chrome-plated 330 mm (440 mm, for the MD97L rifle) barrel was rifled with a 1:10 in (1:254 mm) pitch so that both M193 and SS109 rounds could be fired with adequate ballistic performance. Respective muzzle velocities were 840 and 920 m/s. Barrel life was officially quoted as being over 5,000 rounds fired, but some prototypes eventually passed the 8,500 mark. Characteristic FAL components were still to be found here and there, including the pistol grip/trigger assembly, the foldable stock, and the handguard (shortened in LC carbine). Picatinny rails began to find their way to the top cover of the gun’s receiver, some of full length but most in the form of two in-line short units.

However, the MD97 family was still far from being what the Brazilian Army, the main potential client in view, wanted. While series production was under way to meet the Força Nacional and a few other local police forces orders, the design minds at the Itajubá Factory were not idle. Still under the strong leadership and personal participation of the head of the R&D Office, Captain Capetti, some interesting ideas turned into several working prototypes in 1997. They were generally designated FIL-97 (Fuzil Imbel Leve, Light Imbel Rifle) and FILC-97 (Fuzil Imbel Leve Curto, Short Light Imbel Rifle), a carbine-type variant.

This short foldable-stock FILC-97 prototype features a trigger guard for all the fingers of the firing hand, a short cylindrical handguard and a raised structure for, say, electro-optical sights. The weapon’s iron sights were used through openings in the so-called carry handle.

The initial selective-fire FIL-97 rifle, while keeping a FAL pistol grip/trigger assembly and the same handguard, introduced a new synthetic foldable stock, while a Picatinny rail was added to the top of the gun, which kept the original iron sights. More radical changes were found in a FILC-97 carbine variant of the same period. Although it presented a similar polymer right-side folding stock, a redesigned handguard of the same material was fitted, and this incorporated a rearward-folding foregrip. In addition to that, the gun featured a raised metal structure to accept optional optical sights, but the iron sights could still be used all the time thanks to the openings that existed on the front and rear ends of the, well, “carry handle”. Another distinguishing feature of that carbine was the pistol grip design that incorporated a full-size trigger guard that protected all the fingers of the firing hand.

Several other prototypes of both FIL and FILC variants incorporating varied ergonomic characteristics were made and tested at that time, and some are depicted in the accompanying photos. However, R&D funds were pretty much limited and did not allow full in-house development of a genuine IMBEL 5.56×45 assault rifle, a situation that was to persist for ten more years or so. In fact, it was only in 2008-2009 that the company appeared to seriously commit itself to the rifle program by adequately investing in personnel qualification and modernization of its production equipment. Emphasis was also placed on establishing comprehensive in-house test facilities, including environmental (sand, mud, water, hot/cold weather) conditions. All that had the aim of allowing the development and series manufacture of a rifle that would, at the very last, meet Brazilian Army’s ROB – Requisitos Operacionais Básicos (Basic Operational Requirements) and, at a later stage, Ministry of Defense’s ROC – Requisitos Operacionais Conjuntos (Joint Operational Requirements) for the three services, Army, Navy, and Air Force.

To all intents and purposes, the semi-auto IA2 seen here is the same selective-fire rifle called a “carbine” by IMBEL for internal marketing reasons. The all-black finish is typical for the weapons delivered to and in use by Brazilian LE agencies.

In mid-2010, some prototype photos and computer-generated images of the officially-called Fuzil de Assalto 5.56 IA2 began to emerge, complemented by the news that small batches were being completed for preliminary demonstrations and trials with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Pre-productions examples were fully displayed in April of the following year during the LAAD 2011 defense exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, these already incorporating visible modifications (notably, in the foldable polymer stock) from the earlier prototypes. On December 15, 2011, the Ministry of Defense issued Rule No. 3885-MD establishing the joint operational requirements for a common Fz Lv Cal 5.56 mm (Fuzil Leve Calibre 5.56 mm, or Light Rifle Caliber 5.56 mm) for the Brazilian Armed Forces. In 2012, extensive demonstrations of the semi-auto-only version of the rifle were carried out aiming at local police forces, while an initial production batch of 1,500 guns began to be delivered to the Brazilian Army for more comprehensive evaluation tests with 15 units in 11 different states. In October of that year, twenty IA2s were handed over to the Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais (Marine Corps) for the same purpose. A major breakthrough in the IMBEL rifle program was reached on October 23, 2013, when the Army issued Document No. 211-EME announcing the official adoption of the selective-fire rifle. Two thousand additional guns were delivered to the Army in 2014. In additional to these, the semi-auto IA2 has been adopted by a number of civil and military police forces, including those of the states of Bahia, Ceará, Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraíba, Piaui, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sergipe, and São Paulo. In all, about 6,000 copies of both models had been made and delivered by December, 2014.

In its current form, the Fuzil de Assalto 5.56 IA2 operates with a pretty conventional gas piston/seven-lug rotary bolt system offering selective fire (semi-auto and full-auto, only) capability. For the record, the earliest versions were fitted with a three-round burst mechanism, but this was eventually omitted from the design as a result of extensive troop trials in the Amazon region having shown that this mechanical device was prone to malfunctions when used in severe environmental conditions. So, it seems that adequate troop fire training will prevail over extra gears, springs, and cams fitted inside the gun. Although featuring the same barrel length of 330 mm (350 mm, flash hider included), the semi-auto-only LE model is called by IMBEL Carabina 5.56 IA2, both models sharing the same dimensions and weights. The explanation appears to be that the local military authorities, whom the LE agencies depend on to get a green light for armament purchases, used to be somewhat reluctant to allow the police to buy “rifles”, but would generally agree to let them have “carbines”… The cold-forged steel barrel has four RH grooves and is rifled to 1:254mm (1:10 in). Overall and folded stock lengths are 850 and 600 mm, while the empty weight with the factory-made steel 30-round STANAG magazine is 3.6 kg (3.4 kg, no magazine fitted).

This FILC-97 light carbine prototype is fitted with the same folding stock of the rifle, but other details depart broadly from the FAL, as in the case of the pistol grip with a full-size trigger guard, the short handguard, the foldable vertical grip, and the raised structure for the fitting of optical/electronic sights.

As expected from any current weapon of its class, extensive use of polymers is found in the IA2, such as in the non-adjustable, right-side-folding stock, the pistol grip, and the three-piece handguard, where Picatinny rails can be added in the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o’clock positions, in addition to the top receiver’s rail. The more-inclined FAL pistol grip for long used in all the earlier IMBEL 5.56×45 mm rifle attempts has given way to a redesigned model, its hollow being used for the storage of a cleaning kit. For the rifles being delivered to the Brazilian Army the polymer parts come in green, while those aimed at the local LE market are black. In fact, any color specified by a client can be provided by the manufacturer. Special attention was given to provide the handguard with adequate thermal protection, a problem that characterized the earlier MD97s which became very uncomfortable to hold after consecutively firing about six 30-round magazines in full-auto, when the hand contact zone reached about 54 degrees Celsius. New heat insulation materials used in the IA2 have reduced this to reasonable 38 degrees Celsius, with a slight temperature increase after firing 240 rounds in rock-and-roll. Water immersion tests have also shown the weapon to possess satisfactory functioning under most conditions, even being fired immediately after emerging, although at least five seconds of water drainage is recommended. Comprehensive environmental tests at extreme low (-40 degrees Celsius during four hours) and high temperatures, in addition to sand and mud exposure, have been successfully carried out. Preliminary rifle certification for the pilot batch was obtained on October 1, 2013, while that for the full technical and operational evaluation aspects, completed in December, 2014, are expected for early-2015.

Firing procedures with the IA2 are pretty straightforward. IMBEL has opted to supply the rifle with 30-round steel magazines of its manufacture for higher resistance and reliability, although any STANAG (AR-15/M16) model can be used. Magazine release from its well is achieved either by pressing inwards a protected button located on the right side at the junction of the upper and lower receivers or by pressing forward a lever at the rear of the magazine housing. The cocking knob, an FAL type, is on the left side and does not reciprocate when the gun is fired. If you are a right-handed shooter, you’ll find the fire selector lever conveniently located on the left side within easy reach of your thumb, immediately above the pistol grip. Some guns, however, have been fitted with a selector lever duplicated on the right side, apparently, a Brazilian Navy/Marine Corps requirement for a future purchase. Settings are “S” (Safety), up; “I” (Intermittent, or Semi-auto), slightly down; and, not available in the LE carbine, “A” (Automatic), slightly under 180 degrees, forward. Cyclic rate of fire is around 750 rounds per minute. The rifle version comes with a bayonet lug where IMBEL’s FC-IA2 (178 mm blade) or FC-Amz (247 mm blade) bayonet knives can be attached.

Seen here in the hands of Rio de Janeiro Military Police troopers in training, the MD2A1 shifted to the use of STANAG-type 30-round magazines, while still keeping the FAL tilting-block breech locking system.

A brand-new IMBEL IA2 rifle in the hands of a Brazilian Army Parachutist Infantry Brigade officer, the weapon’s polymer components green color having been a choice of that service.

Barrett has taken its vision of the AR rifle another step forward with its new direct impingement AR. Interestingly, the REC 7 DI is Barrett’s fourth AR pattern rifle; the first being the Barrett M468 rifle, which also employed a direct gas-impingement system. The M468 was subsequently discontinued from production. The second Barrett AR was the piston driven REC 7 in 2007. The Barrett REC 7 II, which tweaked the original REC 7, can be considered the third Barrett AR variant. Barrett will continue to produce the piston driven REC 7 alongside the DI variant; the best of both worlds for the AR user.

It is not unusual to see military pattern weapons embraced by civilian shooters outside of the armed services. This pattern can be discerned even before the AR rifle arrived on the scene à la the Trapdoor, Springfield, M1 Garand etc. Why not take advantage of the time and effort expended by various nations’ armed forces in doing the initial leg work of what works in terms of reliability and effectiveness. This is not to say military weapons are to be blindly followed; just that millions of dollars and countless hours of research & development should not be ignored as a starting place. The AR’s modular nature combined with advances in CNC machine technology allows for enhancements beyond what could have been imagined 50+ years ago. This same concept can be applied to cartridges chambered in the AR.

.300BLK provides superior barrier penetration compared to standard 5.56MM cartridge.

Of late, much attention seems to be on “improving” the AR platform via cartridge enhancement. The .300 Blackout (.300BLK) is emerging as one of the most successful alternate AR chamberings. Reports from our ongoing war against terror combined with near constant operational tempo in Afghanistan and Iraq have re-exposed 5.56MM poor performance in putting an adversary down quickly with minimal rounds fired. While the basic AR15/M16 design is hard to improve upon when it comes to reliably launching bullets downrange accurately, many lament the 5.56MM caliber. Though the 7.62x51MM/ .308Win AR10 has been around for quite some time, the .308Win AR’s increase in size and weight in terms of necessary AR receiver size, ammunition, and other accessories to accommodate the larger cartridge is a draw back to many. The last frontier with the AR is caliber expansion that fits within a standard 5.56MM lower receiver. Combine this with the increasing use of suppressors and the stage is set for an AR chambered in a cartridge capable of supersonic and subsonic factory loadings. This is where an AR chambered in the .300 Blackout (.300BLK) comes into the story.

The .300BLK (7.62x35MM) was introduced by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in cooperation with Remington Defense in response to the US special operation military forces discussions. Literature illuminates their goal with the .300BLK as being the ability to launch .30 caliber projectiles from the AR platform from existing 5.56MM magazines without a reduction in magazine capacity or reliable functioning. Another notable characteristic of the .300BLK is its compatibility with the AR standard bolt; thus only a barrel change is necessary. Anecdotal information compares standard velocity .300BLK 115-125 grain ammunition as matching the ballistics of the 7.62x39MM AK and eclipses 5.56MM both in ballistics and terminal punch. At 300 meters, the .300BLK has approximately 17 percent more energy than the 7.62x39MM. The .300BLK from a 9 inch barrel has the same energy at the muzzle as a 14.5 inch barrel 5.56MM M4 and surpasses it as ranges extend. One interesting twist with the .300BLK, obvious considering AAC is in the suppressor business, is the ability to choose subsonic loads for optimal use with a sound suppressor. The ability to access either supersonic or subsonic factory ammunition offers great flexibility to the .300BLK AR user; especially considering the special attention paid to its compatibility with the AR platform.

American Eagle Suppressor 220 grain OTM ammunition produced tight 50 yard grouping when fired with or without Barrett suppressor attached.

The REC 7 DI evaluated herein is chambered in .300 Blackout (.300BLK). 5.56MM and 6.8 SPC are other cartridge options. Talks with Barrett’s Director of US Commercial Sales, Jeff Burch, indicated that the 5.56MM and 6.8 SPC REC 7 DI rifles will have either 16 inch or 18 inch barrels with a DMR model in the works. The .300BLK DI will be offered with 16 inch or 10 inch barrels. Barrett’s AM30 suppressor was used in conjunction with the REC7 DI to fully explore what the .300BLK Barrett REC 7 DI offers. The Barrett suppressor is made from titanium alloys and measures 8.3 inches with 1.5 inch diameter. Weight is 12.4 ounces. Sound reduction is rated at -25-30dB.

The same Barrett quality and attention to detail in providing accurate, rugged, and reliable weapons such as the MRAD and 98B, both examples of other Chris Barrett designs, was turned toward the AR. For example, the Barrett Enhanced Bolt is made from high-strength 9310 steel. Every bolt is proofed and magnetic-particle inspected to guarantee reliable performance. The REC 7 DI upper and lower receivers are forged from 7075 aluminum upper and then hardcoat anodized. An ALG ACT trigger is standard with the REC 7 DI. A proprietary Barrett muzzle brake of Chris Barrett’s design is threaded to the 16 inch free-floated, Match stainless barrel with M4 feed ramps machined into the receiver and the barrel extension. Barrett is profiling and chambering barrel blanks for the REC 7 DI barrel enabling tighter quality control and smoother supply chain. Magpul MOE adjustable buttstock is fitted to the REC 7 DI. The REC 7 DI weighs 6.5 pounds and measures 32.5 inches with stock collapsed and 35.75 inches extended. The REC 7 DI features Cerakote finish. Available colors are ODG, tungsten gray, tan, and black. The rifle evaluated herein features a custom paint job.

Suppressor use dominated testing with the Barrett REC 7 DI. Suppressor use is often the bane of direct impingement ARs due to the increase in fouling caused. The Barrett never faltered no matter type of ammunition used.

The REC 7 DI tested arrived with Barrett’s new BRS (Barrett Rail System) forend. It is a free-float hand guard that helps trim 4 to 7 ounces of weight of the rifle. The BRS is available as a stand alone accessory from Barrett. The REC 7 DI is one of lighter AR versions on the market, especially considering that it features a full length rail and 16 inch barrel, weighing less than 7 pounds. The low profile gas block found on the Barrett REC 7 DI is machined from heat-treated tool steel and is lighter than standard gas blocks. The Barrett REC 7 DI shows versatility in satisfying customer needs by not using full length quad rails, but instead a lower profile handguard. The BRS handguard minimizes weight and contributes to the excellent balance of the REC 7 DI. Some full length rails cause a front heavy feel. Side benefits of the BRS consist of effective cooling of the barrel, secure mounting of sling swivels and other accessories deemed necessary. The minimalist approach of the BRS still allows plenty of room for VFG, bipod and lights/lasers if so needed. Barrett’s decision to produce its own forward rail system for the REC 7 DI in lieu of using one from another manufacturer is a further commitment of ensuring production capability and quality.

Chris Barrett decided to include several nuances with the REC 7 DI to separate it from other rifles on the market. A BCM Gunfighter charging handle shows Barrett’s effort in improving user manipulation of the rifle. Inexpensive charging handles tend to twist and bend when put under stress as expected with a rifle designed for hard use either in training or deployment. Along these same lines Barrett has chosen to nickel boron the bolt carrier to further enhance the reliability of the REC 7 DI.

EVTC’s “jungle walk” firing venues allowed for a variety of supported firing positions.

Ammunition tested with the Barrett REC 7 DI Ammunition was Hornady supersonic 110 grain VMax and subsonic 208 grain AMax. American Eagle Suppressor 220 grain OTM ammunition was also used. While the Hornady ammunition is listed as .300Whisper on their webpage, a notation on the box clearly states it is usable in a .300BLK. In fact, Hornady utilizes .300WSPR/BLK labeling on its boxes. The .300Whisper predates the .300BLK and is dimensionally very similar. However, prudence dictates caution of any interchangeability unless clearly noted as with the Hornady loads. The .300Whisper is a J.D. Jones trademarked round dating back to 1992. A whole article can be dedicated to discussing the .300BLK and .300Whisper. In short, the .300BLK is a SAAMI standard cartridge and the .300Whisper is not.

The Hornady and American Eagle loads were chronographed. The Hornady 110 grain averaged 2315 fps and 208 grain 1010 fps from the Barrett 16 inch barrel. American Eagle Suppressor measured 1020 fps. A Leupold Mk 4 1.5-5x optic was mounted. Accuracy from a “bench” position with the Barrett REC7 DI measured slightly over 1 inch at 100 yards. The American Eagle Suppressor brand ammo produced tight clusters at 50 yards. This accuracy level justifies considering leaving a magnified optic such as the versatile Leupold Mk 4 1.5-5x mounted on the REC 7 DI. Several magazines’ worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets with the Barrett REC7 DI. Drills quickly moved past stand and deliver drills to more dynamic drills involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. The Barrett DC30 suppressor was used frequently during the drills. After all that is the point AR rifle chambered in .300BLK—suppressor use.

Barrett’s thought process with the REC 7 DI was to create a lightweight, simple to operate AR rifle similar to Eugene Stoner’s original concept. The flexibility to also chamber it in 6.8SPC and .300BLK is a nod to realism that 5.56 MM is not the only viable option for entities with the option/motivation to choose other wise. All Barrett REC 7 DI features are intended for maximizing effectiveness during a fight or realistic training on the range. The key component in a fighting rifle is reliability. No matter how accurate or powerful chambering a rifle is if it does not work 100% of the time it is a liability. Selection of a fighting rifle is as personal as it gets. The Barrett REC 7 DI is intended for serious practitioners who plan on using it for patrolling, training, or defense. A return to AR basics such as lightweight, great handling with potent firepower is often the answer. Barrett offers such a platform with its REC 7 DI.

SITES OF INTEREST

Barrett Manufacturing Inc.
www.barrett.net

Leupold
www.leupold.com

Federal Cartridge Company
www.federalpremium.com

Hornady Mfg.Inc.
www.hornady.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytraining.com

Working around barricade with Barrett REC 7 DI with Barrett suppressor mounted.

Hornady Ammunition is available in both supersonic and subsonic loadings.

A BCM Gunfighter charging handle and nickel boron coated bolt shows Barrett’s approach to provide a rifle ready for hard use with the REC 7 DI.

Untrained observers frequently confuse superficially similar small arms and light weapon (SALW) systems, particularly with the pressure of covering a current conflict. These mistakes can act as a red herring for those seeking to establish the objective reality on the ground, or at worst, incorrectly act as evidence of involvement by external parties.

The Ukraine conflict is a great example of such a situation, with many subtle variants of former Soviet and Russian weapon types employed by both sides. A report from June 2014 as well as subsequent reports claimed to have identified the relatively modern ‘Kord’ heavy machine gun (HMG), ostensibly in Russian service only, in the hands of pro-Russian separatists. Needless to say, the presence of this weapon would be a significant indicator with regards to the supply of SALW to separatists in eastern Ukraine. However, as was briefly mentioned in ARES report No. 3: “Raising Red Flags: An Examination of Arms & Munitions in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine, 2014?, this particular identification proved to be in error. The HMG in question was actually the rather more innocuous 1970s vintage NSV, which is in service with both Ukrainian and Russian armed forces (and several others around the world). This mistake was an easy one to make, because the two weapons are, externally at least, remarkably similar and difficult to tell apart without access to internal components or visible designation markings. They are also both still in production; the NSV in Kazakhstan, Poland, and elsewhere, and the Kord in Russia. ARES has not seen evidence of Kord HMGs in eastern Ukraine, although other recently-produced Russian arms and munitions were identified. Research for this report found no published method for differentially identifying the NSV and Kord, in the Anglophone world at least. We therefore present our findings in hope that they will aid other researchers in the field.

Right side view of the same NSV. Photo credit: Vitaly V. Kuzmin

NSV

The design of the NSV Utes (????; ‘Cliff’) dates back to 1969 and the weapon is named for inventors: Nikitin, Sokolov, and Volkov. It has traditionally seen service as an armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) machine gun, but can also be tripod mounted, in which role it is more properly designated NSVS-12.7 or NSVS-N3. It is noteworthy for employing an unusual manifold breech block design containing three side-folding ‘sub-blocks’ (see Jane’s 2014 for details of operation). The older of the two designs, it is currently known to be manufactured by Metallist JSC and Kaspex, both based in Kazakhstan.

Left side view of a NSV HMG on a tripod mount. Note in particular the riveting down the side of the receiver. Photo credit: Vitaly V. Kuzmin

Kord

The location of NSV production, in Kazakhstan, presented a problem for the Russian armed forces following the break-up of the Soviet Union. A replacement was commissioned, apparently with some leeway in design specification, because the entirely new team (Obidin, Bogdanov, and Zhiryokin) created a rather different design retaining little of the original weapon’s internal workings. The detachable barrel system was retained, but much of the mechanical design was abandoned. A new rotating bolt operating system was designed, resulting in reduced recoil and increased accuracy (and probably increased reliability) over its predecessor. The Kord entered service in 1998 alongside existing examples of the original NSV. It is produced in Russia by V.A. Degtyarev Plant JSC, Kovrov.

Left side view of a Kord HMG on tripod mount. Note in particular the forward portion of the receiver, with less rivets and a different rivet pattern when compared with the NSV. Also note the attached bipod. Photo credit: Zonawar

Differential Identification

A number of differences are apparent from examination of photographs, yet some of the more obvious are not actually definitive and may result in misidentification. This is a particularly easy mistake to make if the two weapons are not compared to one another. Black polyamide furniture may be more advanced than wood or Bakelite, but it is to be found on both types depending upon date of production, and could conceivably be retrofitted to older receivers. Whilst the traditional conical flash-hider of the NSV is not likely to be seen on the Kord, some examples of the NSV feature one of two Kord-style muzzle brakes, an earlier cylindrical pattern, and the flat, chambered design in production currently. Additionally, the Kord is fitted with the 6T19 bipod as standard, and this remains in place when the weapon is also tripod mounted, acting as another identifying feature of the type. By contrast, no bipod appears to have been designed for use with the older NSV; instead, it uses heavier mounting systems like the 6T7 tripod. Anecdotally, this is due to the reduced recoil of the Kord’s new operating system.

These features may or may not appear on a given example, or be visible from a given photographic angle. However, there are diagnostic features of these types that should be visible either to first-hand observers, or indeed in a variety of photographic angles. The Kord is, by design, a product-improved NSV. However, the changes made were far more extensive than the better-documented alterations of, say, PK to PKM, or even AK to AKM. These fundamental design changes resulted in a very different receiver that retains common external features only where necessary for compatibility with existing NSV mounts and accessories.

The true diagnostic features of the Kord are in the receiver, most evidently its left side, where there is a marked absence of rivets on the forward portion (see the image below). The right side is likewise considerably less cluttered on the more modern Kord. These features should prove diagnostic in most situations.

Right side view of a Kord on a bipod mount. Photo credit: Zonawar

Side-by-side comparison of NSV (top) and Kord (bottom) receivers. Note differing rivet patterns. Photo credit: Vitaly V. Kuzmin & Zonawar (composite image).

In a militia-controlled garage in Misrata, Libya, workers service and refurbish weapons for fighters from different Misrata brigades. Free services provided range from fixing and servicing small arms and light weapons (SALW) to mounting multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), anti-aircraft guns, and various machine guns on militia vehicles.

A woodworking area within the garage produces furniture for various SALW. For PKT and PKMT machine guns, for example, wooden butt-stocks, grips, fore ends, and makeshift triggers are produced. These weapons, removed from tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, are typically solenoid-operated, and lack a hand-held firing mechanism.

With damaged weapons provided to the workshop by the Misrata fighters, a variety of craft-produced components are made, enabling weapons to be reissued. The PKMT has been particularly prolific recently due to clashes with rival Zintan militias in Tripoli, resulting in many such recovered items. An estimated 600 PKT and PKMT machine guns have been converted by the workshop. Belt-fed machine guns are favoured amongst the Libyan fighters, and their relative scarcity makes this recovery and conversion attractive.

Hassan Morajea (Armament Research Services)

Other weapons, such as the AKM type rifle pictured above, also receive newly produced stocks and fore ends, have spares taken from unserviceable rifles, or are repaired. The example above had been recovered from a burnt out weapons storage facility. The FN Herstal FAL seen below received a similar treatment, being fitted with a new pistol grip and butt-stock after recovery from the same facility.

This process of repairing and re-purposing available arms is essential to these fighters, and significantly increases the militias’ stockpiles of serviceable arms. According to one of the workers at the garage: “you can never have enough weapons”. Given the fractious nature of the ongoing conflict in Libya, there remains the distinct possibility that these weapons could proliferate within the broader sub-region, and an understanding of these makeshift factories may prove valuable to future identification and tracing efforts.

It should be noted that weapons recovered from badly damaged buildings or vehicles, especially those exposed to significant thermal or mechanical stresses or very high pressure, may not be safe to operate.

This article is courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES) –
www.armamentresearch.com

Hassan Morajea (Armament Research Services)