The Firearm Blog

Norinco is now producing clones of the H&K MP5A4 submachine gun. I cannot even recollect reading that China had purchased a license from H&K and I presume these are unlicensed clone. These guns are being exported to the Philippines and being sold for the equivalent of about $2,500.

I am not surprised that China is producing another clone, but I am surprised they chose to clone the MP5. Both POF (Pakistan) and MKE (Turkey) produce MP5s cheaply and legally on licensed machinery. The market for cheap MP5s seems more than a little crowded.

Is H&K going to sue the Chinese Government, who own Norinco, like they recently sued an American importer? Not a chance. China seems to find a new way to breach the WTO regulation each month and this is the least of their offenses. Unless the German government is willing to make this into a major diplomatic incident, Norinco is untouchable.

[ Many thanks to Curtis for the tip. ]

A UK firm is manufacturing boxers reinforced with double layers of Kevlar. Blast Boxers "helps prevents blast and fragment injuries to the groin".

They cost around $110. I would do some research before purchasing them. Kevlar is not magic and I am not sure how much flying debris will be stopped by two layers of knitted kevlar.

[ Many thanks to Mik for emailing me the info. ]

Photos have surfaced depicting Mexican Marines armed with the Colt IAR.

This makes sense. Mexico uses the Colt Automatic Rifle (the automatic rifle that has been marketed by Colt for many years) and they seem to be fond of high-capacity drum magazines like the Beta C-Mag.

The Colt IAR is the only IAR competition entrant I have personally shot. It shoots just like a normal AR-15, albeit a heavy one.

[ Many thanks to SpanishInquisition for posting the link. ]

A member of the Vintage Semi-Automatic Sporting Rifles Forum posted photos of his replica Lebman 1907.

Well it's been darn-near 8 months since I thought of it and decided that I wanted one but it's done. My replica of the Winchester 1907s prepared by Hyman Lebman of San Antonio for the Dillinger Gang (except not full auto), including Homer Van Meter and Baby Face Nelson. This is as close as I can come to the guns captured with Johnny D. and gang in Tucson - I sent every photo that I could find and a stock 1907 to Tom Wilkinson in Idaho (208-660-5135) and told him what I wanted - he came through beautifully cutting the barrel down to 16 inches and making a perfect replica of the comp and producing an unbreakable aluminum forearm for the vertical TSMG grip. I received the aluminum forearm raw and have been trying to paint it correctly - I'm still working on it but I can't wait any longer to share. I can't get to the range this weekend but I will be going next Friday to try her out - I've accumulated 6 of the 10-round mags and 350 rounds of 351 ammo.

[Hat Tip: Max Popenker]

Soldier Systems has posted many photos of the Colt CM901 on display at AUSA.

This promotional video from FNH-USA shows the FN HAMR in action (at 1:41).

[ Many thanks to Iroquois for posting the link. ]

Short Barrel + Rails + Drum Magazine + Red Dot = I Want.

UPDATE: Another photo of the gun taken by Szoeroes in 2007. It was made by a Mr. Szep (Bathory Epszol Kft.). As of 2009 the company is defunct.

[Hat Tip: Max Popenker]

Sig Sauer has unveiled their newest pistol: the Sig P290. It is significant (excuse the pun) because it is a whole new platform. The first P290 that will be available is chambered in 9mm Luger/Parabellum but I fully expect to see it chambered in other cartridges late next year.

One notable feature is that the side grip panels are removable. Sig plan on offering a range of aluminum, wood, and polymer grips that they will engrave with your initials, if you so wish.

A laser sight that fits in front of the trigger guard will also be offered (see below photo).

The company has not announced pricing or availability. Don't expect to see it until 2011.

[ Many thanks to John and Mik for emailing me the info. ]

Infanterist der Zukunft (IdZ) is the German Future Solider program. The program's modernized carbine is the G36K IdZ.

Photos from official Bundeswehr Flickr

Along with the previous G36K accessories it also features ...

• Low profile upper picatinny rail with integrated BUIS.
• XM8 style enlarged magazine release with drop-free capability.
• XM8 style bolt release inside the trigger guard.
• Flash hider for use with B&T suppressors.
• New stock that is collapsible, foldable and has an adjustable cheek riser.

On a side note, the German Army Special Forces (KSK) and Military Police (Feldjaeger) will be holding a competition for a new carbine that feed from M16/AR-15 magazines. According to REMOV, next year H&K will introduce a new magazine well for the G36 that accepts M16 magazines as well as a translucent M16 magazine.

A big thank you to Kratisto providing the information in this blog post.

Caleb has reviewed the the Ruger SR9C.

I have now been shooting the Ruger SR9c for over 4 months, and have several thousand rounds downrange through the gun in practice and competition. As I’ve mentioned, I’m quite fond of this gun – when I first started shooting it I didn’t know what to expect, having had negative experiences with similarly sized polymer 9mm pistols in the past. However, the SR9c has exceeded my expectations and proves to be an excellent carry gun, and even well suited for competition, with one caveat.

He also reviews the ammunition he is using through it ...

I really enjoy shooting 147gr 9mm ammo – most competitive shooters agree that it has a much softer recoil impulse than 115 grain 9mm ammo and it’s generally the preferred bullet weight for competitors. Knowing that I’ve been curious about Fiocchi’s 158 grain round in the past, and despite hearing mixed reviews, I decided to that we should take them and run them through the Ruger SR9c that is getting shot in the Quest for Master Class.