Ultimate Ultimax? The Improved 2000 Model

In what some would say might be one of the best prototype versions put forth of the Ultimax yet, the 2000 model initially came into the United States for U.S. Military trials, specifically the Marine Corps. It is almost an “Americanized” version of the Singaporean invention (designed by James Sullivan) with larger grips to accommodate bigger hands of American shooters. Gone are the hole punched STANAG magazines and replaced with a standard STANAG magazine well, but also gone is the excellent 100 round drum that was specifically designed for the Mark II. A Picatinny optics rail was added to the receiver but because of the square-shaped design of the bolt, it had to be welded instead of riveted or bolted in place. Issues with the charging handle and buttstock were addressed, allowing for a much more reliable platform in both regards. However, a Paratrooper version was created with a shorter barrel and folding stock. Although this did make the platform much more compact, it took some away from the constant recoil system being fully taken advantage of.

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The HK PDW: The Origins Of The MP7

Though rare in the wild, mostly seeing use with special units and some police departments, is a favorite of Hollywood movie-makers and Triple-A video game developers, thanks to its compact size, striking looks, and fully automatic firepower. The gun itself, however, was originally intended to be an inexpensive, compact, and unobtrusive weapon that would be better for troops far from the front, the MP7 eventually became a weapon more commonly associated with the tip of the spear, direct action teams, and SWAT officers.

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