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Armalite AR-7 "Explorer" survival rifle (USA)

Type / action blowback operated, semi-automatic carbine

Caliber(s) 5,6x16R / .22LR
Weight unloaded 1,13 kg
Length 889 mm
Barrel length 406 mm
Magazine capacity 8, 10, 15 or 25 rounds

Ar-7 survival rifle was developed at American company Armalite (division of Fairchild
Aircraft) during late 1950s, with intent to provide suitable weapon for crash-landed or
parachuted aircrew members and others who might find themselves in a wilderness
survival situation. The basic idea was to design a lightweight weapon, suitable for
hunting a small game, which will be insensitive to elements and easily stored in a
compact package. It seems that Armalite team succeed in this task, as the Ar-7 rifle is still
in production after almost 50 years since its introduction, although now by different
company. During 1970s, manufacturing rights for Ar-7 rifle were purchased by Charter
Arms Co (USA), which produced Ar-7 until about 1990. Between 1990 and 1997 Ar-7
rifles were made by Survival Arms (USA), and today same rifles are produced in USA
by Henry Repeating Arms Co.

Original AR-7 "Explorer" survival rifle, manufactured by Armalite

Current production AR-7 rifle with optional telescope sight, as manufactured by Henry Repeating arms in
USA

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Ar-7 rifles are good wilderness companion guns, if you do not plan to face dangerous
animals such as wolves or bears. The key niche for Ar-7 is to bring a food to the table of
a backpacker or survivalist, through small game hunting. And while low-powered .22LR
ammunition is not the best choice for self-defense against human beings (criminals, etc),
it is still much better than a pocket knife, stone or bare knuckles - small .22Lr bullet is
certainly capable of doing lethal damage to human body. Ar-7 also is a good gun for
practice or recreactional shooting, as it is inexpensive, fires inexpensive ammunition and
can be carried in a compact package to a safe place to shoot withouth getting unnecessary
attention.

Original AR-7 "Explorer" survival rifle, disassembled to major components

Original AR-7 "Explorer" survival rifle, with parts partially inserted into the polymer stock. For compact
storage and transportation parts are fully inserted into appropriate compartments in the stock and then
closed by detachable rubber buttplate

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Ar-7 survival rifle is blowback operated, semi-automatic weapon which fires from closed
bolt. Its majost components, including receiver, barrel, bolt group and trigger unit are
made from stainless steel. Shoulder stock is made from polymer. Rifle is designed for
quick take-down: once gun is unloaded, barrel nut is unscrewed and barrel removed.
Receiver is then detached from stock by unscrewing the take-down screw located in the
base of the semi-pistol grip. Once major parts are separated, barrel, receiver and a spare
magazine can be stored inside the hollow buttstock, protected by removable rubber
buttplate. Feed is using detachable box magazines. Standard magazine capacity is 8
rounds, although magazines of large capacities are available as after-market options.
Standard sights include front blade, installed on the barrel, and diopter-type rear on
receiver. Current production models can be fitted with telescope sights using special
mount.

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Armalon pistol carbine (Great Britain)

Type / action bolt action repeating carbine

9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .45
Caliber(s)
ACP; also .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .50 AE
Weight unloaded 3,7 kg / 7,6 lbs
Length mm
Barrel length 406 mm / 16"
Magazine capacity 7 - 15 rounds, depending on caliber

Armalon PC carbine, developed in around 1997 by British company Armalon Ltd,

follows the general idea of the Spanish "Destroyer" carbine, which was developed
between two World wars for use by Spanish Guarda Civil. Basically, it was a shortened
and lightened conversion of the standard bolt-action rifle to significantly less powerful
pistol ammunition, which resulted in much shorter effective (and dangerous) range, as
well as in decreased recoil and noise. Armalon carbines also produced with idea of short-
range weapon which can be fired accurately at ranges beyond capabilities of most pistols.
these carbines are suitable for security, training and self-defense purposes. Being
manually operated, such weapons are more tolerant to variations in power of ammunition
used, but practical rate of fire will be of cause slower, compared to semi-automatic
carbines in same caliber, such as Ruger PC9 or others like that. On the other hand, in
some countries civilian ownership of semi-automatic weapons can be limited by law, and
bolt-operated pistol caliber carbine might be a good choice there.

Armalon PC carbine with iron sights

Armalon PC carbine is based on famous Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield No.4 (SMLE

No.4) rifle action, with manually operated rotary bolt. The basic action and bolt are
highly redesigned for better work with short pistol cartridges. Original barrel is replaced
with shorter one, in appropriate caliber. Original magazine is also discarded and a
magazine adapter is installed, which will then accept pistol magazines in appropriate
caliber. In "semiautomatic pistol" calibers, such as 9mm, 10mm or .45ACP, Armalon
carbines use Tanfoglio pistol magazines in respective calibers. In "revolver" calibers
(.357, .44) and in .50AE, these carbines use modified IMI Desert Eagle pistol magazines.

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Armalon carbines are produced in two basic versions, with adjustable iron sights or with
no iron sights and with proprietary scope rail, which is removably attached to the top of
receiver. Standard stock is three-part walnut, although an alternative polymer stock is
also available.

Armalon PC carbine with polymer stock and optical sights

Image: Armalon Ltd

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Australian International Arms M10 rifles (Australia)

M10A1 M10A2 M10B1 M10B2

Type / action manually operated bolt cation
Caliber 7.62x39 mm Russian 7.62x51 / .308 Win
Weight unloaded 3.8 kg 3.5 kg 4.1 kg 4.97 kg
Length 1048 mm 950 mm 1125 mm 1200 mm
Barrel length 508 mm 410 mm 560 mm 640 mm
Magazine capacity 10 rounds 10 rounds 10 rounds 10 rounds

The M10 line of bolt action rifles was developed in Australia by Australian International
Arms Pty, a small company dedicated to produce quality rifles for civilian use. Initial
intent was to produce bolt-action rifle with high capacity, detachable magazines. Starting
with time-proven design of the famous SMLE No.4 Mk.2 rifles of British origin, AIA
engineers developed new and improved version of the venerable "Rifle, Short, Magazine,
Lee-Enfield". The AIA rifles feature all-new components machined from modern steel
and quality wood. First prototypes of the AIA improved No.4 mk.2 rifles appeared in
1998-99, and since then company has produced several versions of the basic design, of
which most notable are M10 rifles and carbines, chambered for popular 7.62x39 M43
Russian and 7.62x51 NATO / .308 Win ammunition. The 5.56x45mm / .223 Rem version
of the same design was planned but apparently is still not in production at this time.

AIA M10A1 rifle, 7.62x39 caliber

AIA M10A2 rifle, 7.62x39 caliber

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AIA M10 rifles are manually operated, bolt action rifles with rotary bolt of Lee-Enfield
type. Bolt design is improved by utilizing only one size of non-rotating bolt head (as
opposed to original design that relied on several sizes of bolt heads to maintain proper
headspace on different rifles). Bolt is locked into newly manufactured receiver using dual
locking lugs at the rear of the bolt. Feed is from detachable box magazines, and, in
7.62x39 version, M10A1 / M10A2 rifles will accept high capacity AK / AKM type
magazines holding 20, 30 or even 40 (RPK-type) rounds. Manual safety is of lee-Enfield
type, located on the left side of the receiver. Standard sights include L-shaped flip-up
diopter rear sight, adjustable for windage and set for 100 / 300 (M10A 7.62x39) or 200 /
400 (M10B 7.62x51) meters range. Receivers are pre-machined to accept Picatinny type
rail which is used to install various telescope sights. Stocks are made from teak timber, in
variety of shapes and sizes.

AIA M10B1 rifle, 7.62x51 / .308 Win caliber

AIA M10B2 rifle, 7.62x51 / .308 Win caliber with optional bipod and Picatinny rail

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Benelli MR1 / Beretta RX4 Storm rifle (Italy)

Type / action gas operated, semi-automatic rifle

Caliber(s) 5,56x45mm / .223 Remington
Weight unloaded 3,18 kg / 7 lbs
Length 942 mm / 37,1"
Barrel length 406 mm / 16" (also 317 mm / 12,5")
Magazine capacity 10, 20 or 30 rounds

Beretta RX4 rifle, which was first announced in 2006, is quite unusual in that it is an
adaptation of a medium-caliber hunting rifle (Benelli R1 ARGO) to smaller-caliber
"home defense" weapon. The close relationships between Benelli and Beretta companies
must not surprise the reader, as Beretta holding owns the Benelli company, and thus has
direct access to all Benelli projects. Beretta RX4 looks like it was assembled from parts
of different guns, and actually it is. The receiver and gas system are based on Benelli R1
rifles, but with alternate polymer magazine housing attached below, which will accept
M16 / Ar-15 type magazines. Buttstock is apparently borrowed from Benelli's combat
shotguns such as M4 Super 90. Nevertheless it appears to be a practical weapon, suitable
for home defense, practical shooting, and security / police work.
For a variety of reasons, Beretta decided to change the brand name on this design, and
now it is manufactured and marketed under the "Benelli" brand, as Benelli MR1 semi-
automatic-rifle.

Beretta RX4 Storm rifle (pre-production version) with 10-round magazine, right side. Retractable butt
extended

Benelli R1 hunting rifle, a parent design for Beretta RX4.

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Beretta RX4 / Benelli MR1 rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic rifle. Benelli's patented
auto-regulating gas system (ARGO) consists of a gas block with dual short-stroke gas
pistons, located below the barrel and concealed under the forearm. Barrel is locked by
rotating bolt with three lugs. Gun is fed using any M16 / Ar-15 compatible magazines,
which is a plus. Since the return spring is located in the butt, Benelli MR1 cannot be
easily adapted for side-folding buttstock. As issued, Benelli MR1 rifle is equipped with
adjustable open sights, and a Piactinny type rail on the top of receiver. Additional
accessory rails can be installed by user on 3-, 6- and 9-o'clock positions of forearm.

Benelli MR1 rifle (previously known as Beretta RX-4) with 30-round magazine, right side

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Beretta CX4 Storm carbine (Italy)

Type / action semi-automatic, blowback operated carbine

9x19 Luger / Parabellum, 9x21 IMI, .40SW
Caliber(s)
and .45ACP
Weight unloaded 2,57 kg / 5,7 lbs
Length 755 mm / 29,7"
Barrel length 423 mm / 16,6"
Magazine capacity 10 -20 rounds, depending on caliber

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine is the first in the new line of Beretta's "xX4 Storm" firearms,
which now also include PX4 pistol and RX4 semi-automatic rifle in 5,56mm/.223 caliber.
CX4 carbine first appeared in 200x, with intent to provide civilian shooters with compact
and handy sporting and defensive weapon in all major pistol calibers. In developing this
weapon, Beretta's designers paid a great attention to both aesthetical and practical aspects
of weapon. CX4 Storm carbine has elegant appearance and is comfortable to use; it can
be easily adapted for right- or left-hand use (requires a disassembly and probably a visit
to gunsmith - at least it is recommended so by manufacturer). Beretta also provides a
number of useful accessories for this weapon, such as user-installable Picatinny rails,
stock extension pads, etc. Like any other pistol-caliber carbine, it can be fired accurately
to ranges of up to 100-150 meters, especially if fitted with low-magnification telescope or
red-dot sight. All in all, it is a versatile short-range carbine, with minimal recoil and
excellent handling characeristics.

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine in basic configuration, right side

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine is blowback-operated, semi-automatic weapon which fires

from closed bolt. Bolt is of wrap-around type, with most of its weight being located in
front of he beech face, around the barrel. Cocking handle can be installed on either side
of the gun and extractor and ejector can be set up for left- or right-side ejection (gun has
ejection ports on either side). Receiver halves (upper / front and lower / rear) are made
from impact-resistant polymer and assembled using one cross-pin, located in front of the
trigger guard. Trigger is of single action type, with internal hammer and a number of
integral automatic safeties which prevent firing if gun is bumped or otherwise handled
roughly. Manual safety is of cross-bolt, push button type, located above the trigger and

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can be set up for left- or right-side operation by any competent gunsmith. Gun is provided
with bolt hold-open device which can be engaged or disengaged manually through the
lever above the grip. Magazines are inserted into pistol grip, and magazine release button
also can be set up on either side of the weapon. Beretta CX4 Storm carbine uses Beretta
pistol magazines, either of Beretta 92 / 96 type (in 9mm and .40SW respectively) or
Beretta 8000 / 8040 / 8045 type (in 9mm, .40SW and .45ACP respectively). Type of
magazine used is determined by special grip inserts. Standard sights include front sight,
adjustable for elevation and windage (for zeroing) and flip-up rear sight of diopter type.
If user desires to install a telescope or red-dot sight, an optional Picatinny rail shall be
attached to the top of receiver. Up to three optional short accessory rails also can be
installed at the front of receiver, at 3, 6 and 9-o'clock positions. CX4 Storm carbine also
is provided with sling swivel studs.

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine in basic configuration, left side

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine accessorized with optional Picatinny rails, forward grip, red-dot sight and
tactical light

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Heckler-Koch SL-6 SL-7 rifles (Germany)

HK SL-6 HK SL-7
Type / action roller-delayed blowback
Caliber(s) 5.56x45 / .223 Rem 7.62x51 / .308 Win
Weight unloaded 3.6 kg 3.8 kg
Length 1010 mm 1010 mm
Barrel length 450 mm 450 mm
Magazine capacity 3 or 10 rounds 3 or 10 rounds

The SL-6 and SL-7 rifles were developed by German company Heckler & Koch during
early 1980s as a para-military weapons for training reservists and possibly arming police.
Those rifles, which differed only in calibers / ammunition used (5.56mm for SL-6 and
7.62mm for SL-7) were based on hunting rifles from the same company, the HK 660 and
HK 770 respectively, sharing same roller-delayed blowback action and general layout,
but featuring shorter barrels and military-type sights and furniture (sling swivels, steel
buttplates etc). Due to high price and German gun laws limitations, overall production of
SL-6 and SL-7 rifles was limited and now those weapons are collector's items.

7.62mm / .308 Heckler-Koch Model 770 hunting rifle

5.56mm / .223 Heckler-Koch SL-6 rifle with 10-round magazine

The HK SL-6 and SL-7 rifles use roller-delayed blowback action, similar to that used in
HK G3 rifle. Chamber is fluted to assist extraction. The cocking handle is located on the
right side of the receiver (as opposed to HK G3), and folds forward when not in use.
Manual safety is located on the left side of the stock, above and in the front of the trigger.

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Feed is from proprietary detachable box magazines, holding 3 (flush-fit) or 10 (extended)
rounds. Stock is made of wood, with additional wooden handguard (ventilated on SL-7)
and steel buttplate. Standard sights include hooded front post on the barrel and drum-type
diopter sight (similar to that used on HK G3), with settings from 100 to 400 meters in
100-meter increments. Receiver is fitted with mounting points for proprietary HK scope
mounts.

7.62mm / .308 Heckler-Koch SL-7 rifle with 3-round magazine

7.62mm / .308 Heckler-Koch SL-7 rifle with 10-round magazine and telescope sight

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Heckler-Koch HK SL-8 rifle (Germany)

Type / action semi-automatic, gas operated rifle

Caliber(s) 5,56x45mm / .223 Remington
Weight unloaded 4,1 kg / 9 lbs
Length 980 - 1030 mm / 38,6-40,5"
Barrel length 510 mm / 20,1"
Magazine capacity 10 or 30 rounds

The SL-8 rifle was first presented to the public at IWA-98 show, and manufacturing
commenced late in 1998. This rifle was designed by famous German arms-making
company Heckler und Koch GmbH on the basis of its 5,56mm NATO G36 assault rifle,
which is a standard issue rifle of German and Spanish armies. SL stands for (Self-
Loading in English or Selbst-Lade in German), 8 is the consecutive index of civilian
rifles made by HK. HK SL-8 rifle can be used for hunting small game, but it is also
suitable for para-military training, security and self-defense use, and practical sport
shooting. Because of modular design, SL-8 can be modified to a number of variations,
which will accept reduced 10-round capacity or standard 30-round capacity magazines,
various handguards, sighs etc. This rifle is accurate, comfortable to use and very reliable,
but also somewhat expensive, like most other products of Heckler und Koch.

HK SL-8 rifle with white stock and standard sight rail

Heckler-Koch SL-8 rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic weapon. It uses patented short-
stroke gas piston system, located above the barrel, which is very reliable and requires
minimal maintenance. Barrel locking is achieved by rotary bolt with seven radial lugs,
which engages barrel extension and thus relieves polymer receiver from most of the
firing stress. Cocking handle design is copied from G36 assault rifle, and when not in use,
folding cocking handle lies in line with the gun at the top of receiver. For cocking, it can
be swung to either side, and once released, it will straighten itself back automatically.
Feed system has bolt hold-open device. Polymer stock is of modular design, and forearm
and magazine housing can be easily replaced; basic disassembly requires no special tools.

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Manual safety is ambidextrous and is conveniently located above the grip. Shoulder stock
is of thumb-hole design, has adjustable cheek rest and can be adjusted for length of pull
using special rubber pads. Standard sighting equipment includes a detachable sight rail,
attached to the top of receiver. In basic configuration, this rail hosts protected front sight
and fully adjustable flip-up rear sight. A variety of optional optical sights can be installed
on the rail between front and rear open sights. Alternatively, a raised Picatinny-type rail
or G36 / G36E carrying handle with integral sights (red-dot, low-magnification telescope
or both) can be installed in place of standard sight rail. Feed is using detachable box
magazines. Because magazine housing is detachable, rifle can be easily adapted for a
variety of magazine types - proprietary 10-round magazines, G36-type 30-round
magazines or Ar-15 / M16 type 30-round magazines.

HK SL-8 rifle with black stock and raised sight rail

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Heckler-Koch HK USC carbine (Germany)

Type / action semi-automatic, blowback operated carbine

Caliber(s) .45 ACP
Weight unloaded 2,7 kg / 5,9 lbs
Length 900 mm / 35,4"
Barrel length 406 mm / 16"
Magazine capacity 10 rounds

Heckler-Koch HK USC carbine is a civilian adaptation of HK UMP-45 submachine gun,

developed by famous German company Heckler und Koch GmbH. USC stands for
Universal Self-loading Carbine. HK USC was designed mostly for American civilian
market, and thus it fires very popular "man-stopping" .45 ACP ammunition. Indeed, HK
USC is best suited for self- and home defense, as well as training and recreational
shooting. The main issue with this reliable weapon of high quality is that it is quite
expensive for such a simple design.

Heckler-Koch HK USC carbine, left side

Heckler-Koch HK USC carbine, right side

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HK USC carbine is semi-automatic weapon which uses simple blowback action and fires
from closed bolt. Receiver and stock are made from impact-resistant polymer. Gun is
fitted with magazine hold-open device, which can be manually disengaged through the
button on the left side of receiver, just behind magazine housing. Additionally, bolt can
be manually locked back for inspection or maintenance by its cocking handle, which is
located on the left side of the gun, above the forend. Manual safety is ambidextrous and
located above the pistol grip. Housing for polymer magazines of proprietary design is
located in front of trigger guard. Standard sights include open-type front and rear.
Additional scope rail (Picatinny type) can be installed on the top of receiver, and three
more accessory rails can be installed on forend at 3-, 6- and 9-o'clock positions.

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Hi-Point Model 995 carbine (USA)

Type / action semi-automatic, blowback operated carbine

Caliber(s) 9x19 Luger / Parabellum and .40SW
Weight unloaded 2,6 kg / 5,75 lbs
Length 825 mm / 32,5"
Barrel length 420 mm / 16,5"
Magazine capacity 10 rounds

Hi-Point model 995 carbine is one of the least expensive pistol carbines produced in
USA. Still, it is sufficiently reliable for purposes of training, plinking and self-defense,
and can be fired with reasonable accuracy out to 100-150 meters, especially if optical or
red-dot sight is used. Its appearance in standard configuration is somewhat ungainly, but
it can be improved with after-market polymer stock manufactured by ATI in USA.

Hi-Point model 995 carbine, with optional muzzle brake and laser aiming module

Hi-Point model 995 carbine with ATI stock, which is designed to mimic Beretta CX4 carbine

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Hi-Point model 995 carbine is blowback-operated weapon which fires from closed bolt.
Receiver is made from aluminum alloy, with stock (pistol grip, butt and forearm) being
made from polymer. Bolt is of wrap-around type, with most of its weight being placed
around the breech of the barrel. Cocking handle is located on the left side of the gun,
ejection is to the right side only. There is no bolt hold-open device, but bolt can be
manually locked back by pushing the cocking handle inwards once it is pulled all the way
to the rear. Manual safety is located on the left side of the gun, above the grip. Magazines
are inserted into pistol grip; only proprietary Hi-Point magazines (compatible with Hi-
Point pistols in respective calibers) can be used. Magazine release button is located at the
base of the trigger guard. Standard sights are of open type, adjustable for range and
windage. Optional Picatinny rail can be installed instead of the rear sight base; this will
accept any compatible sighting device (a red-dot sight is a preferred type for pistol-
caliber carbines).

Hi-Point model 995 carbine, with camo-painted stock and optional red-dot sight

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Kel-tec SU-16 rifle (USA)

Kel-tec SU-
Kel-tec SU-16A Kel-tec SU-16B Kel-tec SU-16C
16D
Type / action semi-automatic, gas operated
Caliber(s) 5,56x45 mm / .223 Remington
Weight
2,3 kg / 5 lbs 2,0 kg / 4,5 lbs 2,1 kg / 4,7 lbs 1,7 kg / 3,7 lbs
unloaded
950 mm / 37,4" 912 mm / 35,9" 901 mm / 35,5"
ready ready ready 823 mm ready
Length
670 mm / 26,4" 632 mm / 24,9" 648 mm / 25,5" 569 mm folded
folded folded folded
297 mm / 12"
Barrel length 467 mm / 18,4" 406 mm / 16" 406 mm / 16" (also 234 mm /
9,2")
Magazine
10, 20 or 30 rounds
capacity

The SU-16 rifle (SU stands for Sport Utility) was introduced by American company Kel-
Tec CNC Industries Inc in 2003, and today is available in several versions. From the start
this weapon was designed as all-around carbine for civilians who might need a compact
yet relatively powerful weapon for small game hunting and self-defense. This rifle /
carbine also can be used as a survival weapon for tourists, backpackers, pilots and
anybody else who might find himself or herself in a variety of 'unfriendly' situation. It
also can be used for practice, plinking or even as police weapon. SU-16 rifle has two
major features which distinguish it from other 5,56mm / .223 semiautomatic rifles - its
folding capability and light weight. A full-size Kel-tec SU-16A rifle can be easily folded
to package only 67 cm long, which will fit easily into backpack or automobile trunk. SU-
16A and more compact SU-16B rifles also have special storage compartments in
buttstock which will hold two spare 10-round magazines or one 20- or 30-round
magazine, which is a good feature for bug-out / survival weapon. SU-16C and SU-16D
rifles are oriented more toward "active" defense or police use, as those can be fired with
the stock folded; furthermore, SU-16D has very short barrels (2 versions available),
which makes it good CQB / urban weapon for police or security forces. It must be noted
that civilian circulation of such short-barreled weapons can be limited by laws; for
example, in USA rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches / 406 mm are subject to special
registration and approval for purchase under the BATF regulation (Class III weapon -
Short Barreled Rifle)

According to available information, Kel-tec SU-16 rifles provide adequate accuracy at all
practical ranges (up to 200-300 meters), and the most limiting factor in accuracy is that
factory sights are very basic in design. However, each SU-16 rifle is provided with
integral Picatinny style rail on the top of receiver, and thus it may benefit from the

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installation of low magnification telescope or red dot sight. Reliability is also quite
adequate for all intended purposes.

Kel-tec SU-16B rifle in various configurations

Kel-tec SU-16 rifles are gas operated, semi-automatic weapons which use well-proven
long stroke gas piston system, located above the barrel. Barrel locking is achieved by
multi-lug rotary bolt which engages the barrel extension, thus relieving polymer receiver
from most of the stress. Cocking handle is attached to the bolt carrier, reciprocates when
gun is fired and thus can be used as forward assist in the unlikely case of feeding
troubles. All Kel-tec SU-16 rifles use Ar-15 / M16 compatible magazines, which are
readily available in USA. There is no bolt hold-open device in SU-16 rifles. Manual
safety is of cross-bolt, push-button type and is located above the trigger guard; it can be
easily adapted either for right- or left-hand users. The key feature of Kel-tec SU-16 rifles
is the "break-open" design of the gun, with the trigger unit / buttstock being hinged to the
receiver just behind the magazine housing. In "ready to fire" position trigger unit is
rigidly held to the receiver by the cross-pin, which can be removed for folding or
disassembly by pushing it out with the tip of the bullet or any other pointed object. SU-
16A and SU-16B rifles have buttstocks integral to the trigger unit and thus cannot fire
when folded. SU-16C and SU-16D rifles have separated underfolding buttstocks which
do not interfere with rifle operations when folded. Kel-tec SU-16A and SU-16B
buttstocks are hollow at the bottom, and can store two 10-round or one 20- or 30-round
magazine. SU-16C and D buttstocks have no such compartments. Furthermore, forearms
of Kel-tec SU-16A, SU-16B and SU-16C rifles are designed to unfold into an integral
bipod, which might be useful for firing at extended ranges in the field, especially when
using a telescope sight. Forearms of Kel-tec SU-16D carbines are short and of solid
design. Standard sights include an adjustable front sight, installed either on the barrel
(SU-16A and B) or on gas block (SU-16C and D), and non-adjustable removable diopter-
type rear sight, which is installed on integral Picatinny rail.

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 Kel-tec SU-16A rifle in various configurations

Kel-tec SU-16C rifle in various configurations; note that unlike predecessors it can be fired with butt
folded

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Kel-tec SU-16D short-barreled rifles with 10- and 16-inch barrels

SPO-JGAS 2010

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 Kel-tec SUB 2000 carbine (USA)

Type / action semi-automatic carbine

Caliber(s) 9x19 Luger / Parabellum or .40S&W
Weight unloaded 1,8 kg / 4,0 lbs
749 mm / 29,5" ready to use
Length
406 mm / 16" folded
Barrel length 408 mm / 16,1"
Magazine capacity 10 - 17+ rounds, depending on grip version

Kel-tec SUB 2000 carbine was designed in around 2000 by George Kellgren, chief
designer and president of Kel-Tec CNC Inductries Inc, USA. This handy carbine was
based on earlier Kel-tec design, known as SUB9 carbine. Kel-tec SUB9 appeared in
around 1997 but turned out to be somewhat expensive to manufacture, so it was
completely redesigned to become SUB2000, which is currently in production. Kel-tec
SUB2000 carbine is a compact and simple weapon, which can provide accurate semi-
automatic fire out to 100-150 meters, using any standard pistol ammunition in respective
caliber. With minimal recoil and simple operation, as well as affordable price, it can be
used for firearms training, plinking, and home defense. To add to these features, Kel-tec
SUB2000 has some more to recommend it. First, it can be easily folded into a small
package about 476mm/180mm (16"x7") in size, so it can be carried and stored in a
briefcase, backpack or car trunk. When folded, it can be locked with integral lock,
providing for safe storage and access control. Once unlocked, it can be rapidly unfolded
and brought into action. Another useful feature is that Kel-tec SUB2000 carbine is
designed to use widely available pistol magazines, and can be had in several versions,
which will accept Glock 17, Glock 19, SIG-Sauer P226, Beretta 92 or S&W 59 / 659 /
5906 magazines in 9mm caliber or Glock 22, S&W 4006, Beretta 96, SIG-Sauer P226 in
.40SW. If you own one of these pistols, it is reasonable to buy a Kel-tec SUB2000
carbine that will use compatible magazines, for obvious purposes.

Kel-tec SUB2000 carbine, top in ready to fire position, bottom in folded (storage / transportation) position

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Kel-tec SUB 2000 carbine is blowback operated, semi-automatic carbine which fires
pistol ammunition. It fires from closed bolt and has a separate hammer, which operates
the firing pin once trigger is pressed. Receiver of Kel-tec SUB 2000 carbine is made from
Zytel polymer. Barrel is hinged to the receiver at the base of the rear sight, and can be
pivoted up and backwards for compact storage. In working position barrel is held in line
with the action by the positive lock, which is controlled by the pivoting trigger guard. To
disengage the barrel and fold it, you must first clear the gun (unload magazine and check
that chamber is empty), then pull the trigger guard down and fold the barrel up. It then
can be locked by the integral lock, located at the top edge of the buttstock. Gun controls
include cocking handle, that is located below the stock tube, the conventional single
action trigger, cross-bolt push-button type safety, and a magazine release. Magazines are
loaded into the pistol grip, and it is possible to use extended magazines compatible with
any particular version, i.e. 17-round Glock 17 or 33-round Glock 18 magazines in Kel-tec
SUB 2000 carbine with "Glock 19" grip. There is no automatic bolt catch feature in SUB
2000, but bolt can be manually locked back by pulling the cocking handle all the way
back and then turning it to the left. Standard sights include diopter-type non-adjustable
rear sight and fully adjustable front sight. Front sight is installed in well-protected base
on the barrel, and the rear sight folds and unfolds automatically if entire gun is folded or
unfolded. As issued, Kel-tec SUB 2000 carbine is zeroed for 100 yards (91 meters) range
but actual point of impact may vary with various types of ammunition.

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 KRISS Vector CRB/SO self-loading carbine (USA)

semi-automatic carbine, patented delayed

Type / action
blowback action
Caliber(s) .45ACP
Weight unloaded 2,27 kg (5 lbs)
Length (shoulder stock open/folded) 884 mm / 673 mm (34.8" / 26.5")
Barrel length 406 mm (16")
Magazine capacity 13 or 30 rounds

KRISS Vector CRB/SO self-loading (semi-automatic) carbine is a derivative of the Kriss

Super V™ submachine gun, which was recently developed in USA by Transformational
Defense Industries, Inc. (TDI). The key points of the KRISS Vector CRB/SO carbine is
its longer barrel (as required by US laws for unrestricted civilian guns) and redesigned,
semi-automatic only firing system. It is expected to hit the shelves in 2008.

KRISS Vector CRB/SO self-loading carbine, right side. Shoulder stock is collapsed, and an extended
magazine is inserted

KRISS Vector CRB/SO semi-automatic carbine utilizes patented Super V™ operating

system with light bolt that is connected to vertically sliding weight. According to the
manufacturer, this system decreases felt recoil and minimizes muzzle jump, thus allowing
for fast and accurate follow-up shots. Fire control group is situated above the barrel.
Folding cocking handle is located on the left side of the gun, and does not move when
gun is fired. Manual safety is ambidextrous and is located just above the pistol grip. Feed
is from 13-round Glock Model 21 magazines, but TDI company also designed an 17-
round extension for said magazines for full 30-round capacity. Magazine is inserted into a

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housing, located in front of the pistol grip. KRISS Vector CRB/SO semi-automatic
carbine is fitted with two Picatinny type rails, one above the receiver and another below
the barrel, and two additional rails can be installed on either side of the lower receiver,
providing ample mounting space for all necessary accessories, such as laser-aiming
modules or tactical flashlights. The upper rail can accept a variety of sighting devices,
such as open or red-dot sights; lower rail is usually fitted with vertical foregrip. The front
of the upper receiver / trigger housing above the barrel is hollow and shaped as to
accept tactical flashlight. A side-folding polymer buttstock is provided for more accurate
shooting.

KRISS Vector CRB/SO self-loading carbine, left side. Long barrel is encased into jacket that simulates a
sound moderator (silencer).

SPO-JGAS 2010

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