Gerd eee | GALIL SAR Ra BB 'HK-94 ; prethe supe THE ULTIMATEIREPOWER ‘THE MAGAZINE OF EXOTIC WEAPONRY MAY 1985 1985 by Vanguard Associates, Inc. All Rights Reserved Volume 2, Number 3 ‘ON OUR CovER ‘Althougn 9mm Parabellum is gen- erally considered to be the "stand ard” SNG cartridge of the Free World today, the .45 ACP is ob- iously allyeand wollin the form of the PAWS 27. Forturtherinfo on the ZX-7 and other 45 ACP sub guns, turn to page 20. TABLE OF CONTENTS .45 SUBMACHINE GUNS. By Nolan Wilson PANHARD ULTRAV-M11 Staff Report .357 MAGNUM DESERT EAGLE By Arnold Halsey THE GALIL SAR By Lee Upchurch FN MINIMI M249 By Jim Binder TRIGGER SPRINGS! By Dan C. Johnson HK91/G3 CONVERSION Statt Report AR-7 NIGHT STALKER By Staff REMINGTON ULTRA DUTY 870 Statt Report PLUS-P LOADS FOR THE .380 AUTO By DanC. Johneon FACELIFT FOR STAINLESS GUNS By Dan C. Johnson ... HK94 SELECTIVE FIRE CONVERSION By Gary Hil. UZI WOODEN sTOCK By Rolland Hutt... DEPARTMENTS MUZZLE FLASHES By Ev Moore ... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ‘THE FIRING LINE: New Products... INTELLIGENCE BRIEF: j00k Review... 32 a 50 258 10 18 PANHARD FIREPOWER/MAY 1985 5*. Poe é * GALIL . SAR By Lee Upchurch During the 1967 “Six-Day War,"Israel’s primary battle rifle, the FN FAL, was | fourdto be unreliable in the harshenviron- ment encountered on the battlefield. On. the other hand, the AK-47,an assault rifle used by Israel's enemies, the Arabs, proved to bea very popular weapon by both sides. Even under lesser levels of proper mainte- nance, the AK-47 could withstand the rigors and abuse associated with the geographical region and of war itself, The Israelis were evidently impressed by the performance of the AK-47, They ; supposedly discarded their FNs for AK-475 at every opportunity. This isnot to say that the FN FAL isa lessdesirable weapon. Itis still an excellent weapon as long as you properly maintain it After the war, the Israelis began searching for a new weapon system that could equal or better the performance of the AK-47 ‘They were reluctant to officially adopt the AK-47 forstandard issue. No doubt some. thing to do with their concern over getting emergency logistical support from their ccnemy’s suppliers. They conducted exten- sive evaluations on all major weapon systems ofthe time, fromaround the world (ie, the American MI6A1, the Stoner ‘weapon system, the Heckler and Koch HK33, the Russian AK-47, and many others). Among the weapons tested were some “original” Israeli weapon designs, mentary eet etree St erent Coe a ete) UnCut eon oe eres) CS abr teens Galil SAR Is shown above the “ull house” ARM model. While the ‘ARM is used In Israel, the shorter SAR Is basically an “export only” ‘model. Author prefers the shorter, lighter unit for police type work. 30 FIREPOWER/MAY 1985 One of these home-grown specimens was an assault rifle designed by Istael Galili and Yaacov Lior, It was appro- priately called the Galil — possibly an indication to whom was more dominant in the development of the rifle, The weapon was a basic Kalashnikov designed AK-47 modified according to Western standards (Youcould see it coming, couldn’ you!). It proved to be a very combat effective and feliable functioning weapon. It was tested under the most adverse conditions within the region and passed with flying colors, As a result, in 1972, the Galil weapon system was formally adopted by the Israeli, Defense Forees (IDF). However, it has turned out to bea slow integration process for the IDF. Israel Military Industries (IMD), a government-owned manufacturer of the il, has had to give priority to export contracts before filing IDF requirements, ‘This was reportedly to pay for the acqui- sition of Israel's Galils. The IDF is slowly, but surely, filling their active front line units’ inventories with Galil Furthermore, it stands to reason, why ‘worsen analready bad economy with more debt when Israel has tremendous quantities, ‘of small arms on hand. Thousands of American MI6Als have been supplied to Israel by the U.S. as militaryassistance and tens of thousands of Communist. Bloc AK-47sand AKMs have been taken as war booty in the previous decade and a half Now twelve years aiter its adoption, you may find Galils in most, if not all, of the active front line units, Being an ardent fan of the Kalashnikov ‘weapon system and respecting the combat experience of the Israelis, I believe the Galil rifle is one of the most impressive smallarms designs today. Even though the basic design has been around for almost four decades, ithas proved to beunequalled miler to the Valmet M76, which of course Is another version of the AK.Short overall length and excellent controllability make the SAR very desirable for close {quarter work. Shown here teamed up with an HK MP-S5, another vety desirable close quarter firearm. Insert: SAR Is shown here at the end ota four round burs, note lack of muzzle climb, in reliability, versatility, and simplicity The Israelis have gone to great lengths to maintain these attributes and even make it better. They have retained the old worthy features and implemented new ones to achieve maximum performance from a venerable weapon system. In the manu- facturing process of the Galil, extensive ‘Tho alll night sight system has been touted by many as the best In the world, close-up photo here shows the llp up front night ight which obscures the standard sight. machining of components from steel is performed, an expensive and time-con- suming process. This makes the Galil somewhat on the heavy side, but robust to say the least Al Galils come standard with @ folding stock and a set of mechanical night sights, These are options with other weapon systems. The cocking handle, magazine release tab, and selector levers are ambi- dextrous. A bayonet lugs provided for use of the American M7 bayonet. The sighting system appears to be a facsimile of the MIGAI's. The rearsight isan aperture, “L” flip type set for 300 and $00 meters. The front sight isa cylindrical post with a protective ring There are several pieces of optional accessories available, I folding stock is not desired, » fixed wooden stock ean be condered. A scope mount can beattached to the left side of the receiver. It should be available for commercial sale in early 1985 It is supposed to be an excellent mount, made in the U.S. and combined with an offset cheek piece offset because the scope is mounted offset, somewhat to the left of the receiver), some very accurate shooting should be attainable, ‘There are three types of magazines, of 12, 35, and 50 round capacity. The Galil sling is black, inch and one-half nylon which is almost as robust as the rifle. A real heavy-duty piece of equipment, The re- maining features and design are AK-47 — Finnish styl (Continued on page 55) ‘The rear aperture sight should be moved to the halfway position o properly use the rea night sight, shown extended in front of the night sight. FIREPOWER/MAY 1985. 31GALIL (Continued from page 31) ‘The rifle’s configuration resembles Finland's assault rifle design, the Valmet M62 and M76, also based on the Russian, AK-47, However, the Finns made modift- cations to the Kalashnikov sighting ar- rangements and gas cylinder to suit their needs for accuracy and improve reliability on an already very reliable system. A rumor is that the first 1000 receivers were produced by Valmet for Israel, Galil rifles are chambered for the SS6mm round (they took care of the logistical problem) and the 7.62mm NATO; the latter forexport sales only. In both ealibers, the Galil comes in four flavors: the AR, ARM, Sniping Rifle, and-a SAR. ‘The first model, the AR, probably represents the basic Galil configuration, As of to date, it is being produced for export sales only, in select-fire or semi- automatic models. It is distinguishable from the other variations by being a standard rifle, having no “fills,” and the forestock is made of reinforced plastic. The barrel is eighteen inches long when chai bered for5.56mm and twenty-one inchesin 7.6mm NATO. Next, the ARM is an AR with all the ils": wood forestock, acarrying handle, and a multifunctional bipod (cuts wire, opens bottle caps, ete), It was adopted as the standard assault rifle for the IDF AA sniping rifle version has been crested, tested, and adopted to replace current IDF sniper rifles. It is produced in 7.62mm NATO and semi-automatic only. It might beavailable for exportsalesometime in the distant future Last, the SAR is a particular version that requires a closer evaluation by all those interested in the concept of selective fire 5.56mm carbines. The combination of Cocking handleon all Galisis ambidextrous ‘and easy to use. ‘The SAR is a compromise in size between standard AR-15 shown above, and MP-5 ‘submachine gun shown below. the caliber and configuration makes it a very attractive weapon for tactical units The SAR is a cut-down version of the AR, also having no frills, hut handy. The gas system, the barrel, and naturally the Sight radius have been shortened, The bartelisa littl over thirteen inches (almost sixteen inches in 7.62mm NATO). The SAR has been adopted by the IDF, 100, but itis issued only to specialized units (e., paratroopers, mechanized forces, tc) Officers and NCOs of regular active units may also be issued the SAR, Upon examining the SAR, it appears to have a mixture of features that resemble the best of all worlds: folding stock from a Belgian FN FAL; a flash suppressor lip aperture sights, and ammunition from the American MI6AI: a pistol grip from the Hungarian AMD-65 — all of which are installed around an AK-47 receiverand ges system, However, notall features arecopied from other weapon systems. Some features are apparently original in design. A set of mechanical tritium night sights are positioned next to the front and rear sight. They are probably the greatest asset to the Galil weapon system other than its reliability and ambidexterity. The rear night sight is flip winged type with one tiny tritium ber mounted within a circular recess on each wing. The front night sight is a flip T-type post, also with the tritium bar mounted in a circular recess, These are superb sights. Israel has learned a very valuable lesson: to use every available deception before and during the attack, ineluding darkness, to gain the advantage In anticipation of fighting their enemy during the hours of darkness the Israelis developed these simple, but accurate aiming devices — reasonable accuracy can be expected up to 100 meters, ‘A Kalashnikoy selector lever has been retained on the usual right side of the receiver. It is to provide an ambidextrous capability anda simple method of protecting the interior of the receiver from foreign. matter (a dust cover) by moving the selector inthe safe mode. Bucas with the AK, when it is operated, you will hear a familiar “clack.” Evidently, a noise with which the Israelis can live. There is another selector lever positioned on the left side of the receiver located near the top of the pistol grip. Thisis one of the best locations for easy selector switch manipulation that Tye found. AAs with all weapon systems, it has its disadvantages other than the “clack.” They are: 1) A black paint type finish (with the exception of a few gray Parkerized parts, such as the barrel, front sight assembly, and the flash suppressor). Why the Israclis decided to primarily use the painted type of finish and not Parkerization is beyond reason, Especially when they went to great Tengths to build a top quality weapon. 2) Like many assault weapons, there is no bolt hold-open device. This is not a big hindrance and something that you could et used (0, with practice, 3) The worst disadvantage is its price. Compared to ‘other 5.6mm carbines, it’ usually two to tree hundred dollars more. That’s a lot of ‘money when you tryto get it from youreity ‘or county budget. You would think that with the dollar so valuable overseas, the worsening economy of Israel, and its need. for higher export sales, the pricing would (Continued on page 70) FIREPOWER/MAY 1985 55The DOUBLE FARFOON™ Distant Sound Detector n't Buy Any eal Sound erie ‘i et our prices. See COMPLETE We eof instruments pen the BIONIC EAR ae a ton illustrated Lowest prices. WRITE TODAY CANNON CO. NEVER BEFORE OFFERED! Drilling fixture for convertingthe AR-15 to select-fire M16 using an original M16 auto sear. ‘This fat, eay conversion works pst ke an inal Wie 1 Etba prot fatere shows ext pein of auto Sear pinhole and soifen cil fo a peso ey Bretton made Tom bigh quality ton aera ne Complete stein included. Used potessionalgunsiitis ig convet Inia oe, FREE! M16 auto sear and pin included w/ fixture Spetaiony $39.95 8 or more LOX discount. No FFL required ta Dpuchace ‘BATE appro) require ete toner Statin ted rn Tae Video cate showing al he ee Aindeasy ways ofeonertngare sob, ep 2 ois tay of weapon al au emopetations and more S38 98 ppd. VHS orBeial Send check MLO. (add3.50 for €.0.D, to: cATCO 316.catioris Ave. 4941 Reno. NV 89508, 707.280.8008 70 FIREPOWER/MAY 1985 GALIL (Continued from page $5) be more competitive, But then, they have been known to beas shrewd in business as they are in battle, Some may think the weight to be @ disadvantage. On the contrary. The SAR may seem a little heavy, at about $.5 pounds, but it actually weighs a little less than comparable units such as the West German HK33KAI and Italy’s Beretta SC70 short carbine, 1 found the SAR's weight to help stabilize it in the automatic fire mode and itis nicely balanced You would expect accuracy to be very inferior according 10 western standards because it isan AK-47 derivative. In reality, the SAR can compete with any MIG, HA&K, FN, orany other 5 S6mm chambered weapon when it comes to accuracy, if not everythingelse. The trigger pull is light and crisp alter you take up some slack. The SAR performed flawlessly on the range Two to three-inch groups were the norm at 100 meters, and, folks, that's nat bench resting. Not bad when you consider the configuration. There have been many articles on the outstanding accuracy of the Galils. My SAR has lived up to these AslIsaid before it balances nicely and is easy to pick up targets quickly. Muzzle climb is very controlled when firing three ‘A viow of the let side of the recelver shows the selector lever mounted above the pistol aripandthe ambidextrous magazinerelease, Slot for scope mount is shown above magazine well (arrow). HK91/G3 (Continued from page 41) control and accuracy past 50 to 100 yards unless itis fired from a bipod and/or the shooter uses very short bursts. When Bill does the conversion Work, full auto eyclic ratescan be tuned for any rate between 400 and 800 rpm, Needless to say, we asked for 400 rpm and hoped for even less because even 400 pmis still alittle on the fast side for really ‘2004 full auto contro) in a 7.62 weapon as lightas the G3. For converted HK93s and. to four round bursts and hit probability is excellent, Muzzle blast is amazingly toler- able, and less than expected. The brass did suffer minor deformation but not as serious as othershave reported, Shootingthe SAR is a very enjoyable experience. It handles superbly in both automatic and semi- automatic fire. When it comes to cleaning the SAR, disassembly is the same as the AK-47 except there isn't a gas cylinder lock to disengage before removing the gas tube. Like accuracy, there is enough reference ‘material around that most readers know the disassembly steps so I will not repeat the instructions. Besides the unequaled reliability factor ofthe SAR, the carbine-typeconfiguration offers excellent versatility for use in the police tactical environment. It has the ‘compactness of submachine gun and the power of an assault rifle. The SAR is only twenty-four inches long with the stock folded; thirty-three inches long when the stock is extended. The $,56mm round, although its effectiveness as a combat round is questioned by many, is an ideal police cartridge. It has fewer tendencies to richochet and the round does not have the high penetration of the larger calibers. In summary, the SAR, as well asallselect-fire Galils, can only be obtained by law enforcement agencies or Class II dealers. For individual police officers or civilians, the SAR is unobtainable, It would be nice if Magnum Research could persuade IMI to produce a legal carbine version of the SAR in semi-automatic and in both calibers. If priced right, it could have the potential of taking over a large percentage of the market At times, I find it hard to get excited about a short barreled carbine in 5.6mm, with the uncontrollable muzzle climb, ‘muzzle blast, and penetration power factor. But the SAR has impressed meas it should all police tactical units, [think i “experience” the SAR, you would find yourself on the bandwagon, too. It is a finely tuned fighting machine, 943, 500 and 650 rpm cyclic rates will produce reasonably good full auto control at distances past 50 10 100 yards, During preliminary testing, we found that the combination of the 91's reduced cyclic rate and the WTS Set Trigger’s very crisp 4 pound pullin full auto produced almost as much full auto accuracy and control as the highly regarded, but much heavier, BAR, In fact, even inexperienced shooters could “tap out” single shots or two and three shot bursts at will; and experienced full auto shooters had such precise control ‘over the timing and duration of their bursts