Thanks
to The 'Widge (almost daily.)
All the information contained was obtained from "open source" and is not classified. This page is for general knowledge for those who may need this information, and those who are interested. This information was current at the time posted, although there may be some errors. With any weapon, always treat it as loaded and point in a safe direction. Some pics and such may be "borrowed". To report errors, please e-mail thewidge@attbi.com
This page will be added to periodically, so keep checking back.
M60 7.62mm Machine Gun (I carried this for over 3 years.- Joe)
Description: The M-60 series general purpose machine gun is a light weight, belt fed, gas operated, air cooled weapon with fixed headspace and timing to allow for the rapid exchange of barrels during sustained firing situations. The M-60 can be carried and operated by one individual, though it is common practice to assign the weapon to a fire team (gunner and assistant gunner, who carries an additional barrel and ammunition). The M-60 is equipped with an integral bipod assembly which can be used to stabilize the weapon during offensive operations. Optionally, the M-60 can be set up on a tripod for increased stability and long range accuracy. In addition to the basic M-60 there are two variant models; the M-60 C/D (for use on helicopters) and the M-60E3, a lighter version of the basic model used by the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Forces.
General Characteristics, M60 7.62mm Machine Gun
Length:
42.4 inches (107.70 centimeters)
Weight:
Weight: 18.75 pounds (8.51 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
3609.1 feet (1,100 meters)
Maximum Range:
2.3 miles (3725 meters)
Muzzle Velocity:
2,800 feet (853 meters) per second
Rates of Fire:
Cyclic: 550 rounds per minute Rapid: 100 rounds per minute* Sustained: 100 rounds per minute*
(* with barrel changes at each 100 rounds)
Unit Replacement Cost:
$6,000
Widge' Notes: This was not replaced by the Saw (M249)... this is the Platoon level support weapon. The SAW will be the next weapon covered... in a day or two. The M-60 and the SAW can be mounted on the same mounts for vehicle use etc. with the right adaptors. This weapon should have an assistant gunner who carries the spare barrel etc. If you change the barrels every 200 rounds and watch your rate of fire, you can shoot for hours. The barrel change does not have to be head spaced and you do not have to adjust the timing as on the M-2 .50 cal.
Today's equipment is Tact. Slings: (someone e-mailed me asking what a "Tact Sling" was.)
(I do not normally endorse any product, this is a sample. However, I am very happy with this product and it is much better than the military type if you can find one. -- Widge')
Sometimes you
just need your hands free 
Widge' Note: I've been using an AR-15 on police patrol of many years now. A tact sling is the most handy gadget you can have. There are several cheaper brands that also work OK. The M-16 type is about $30.00. If a couple of folks get together, you can talk a deal.
Today's weapon is the:
US M-4 Carbine.
Subject: M-4
To help clear up some confusion....
This is a M-16A2 that has been "compacted". The reason it's called the M-4 Carbine is because there was a M-1, M-2 and M-3. The M-1/2/3 were from WWII and all fired the .30 cal carbine round... which is not very effective at anything but close range.
The M-4 uses many of the M-16A2 parts. The upper and lower receiver are the same, the magazines are the same.
The changes are:
A 16 inch barrel with a shorter sight plain/ shorter hand guards.
A collospable stock (it does not fold-- due to the recoil buffer)
This weapon fires the same 5.56 MM NATO round as the M-16, SAW etc.
Advantages: A little easier for use in vehicles and close quarters.
Disadvantages: The round looses a little power at long ranges and you still have to qualify on the regular M-16 course with this weapon.
3 Point Sling or Tactical Sling:
This weapon is made to use a tactical type sling. That means when it hangs, it's upside right and quicker to grab and shoot.
BTR-50P Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier
The BTR-50P is based on the chassis of the PT-76 light amphibious tank with a new superstructure added to the front of the vehicle. The hull of the BTR-50P is made of all-welded steel with the crew compartment at the front, open-topped troop compartment in the centre and the engine compartment at the rear. The torsion bar suspension consists of six rubber-tired road wheels with the drive sprocket at the rear and the idler at the front. There are no track-return rollers. The first and last road wheel stations have a hydraulic shock absorber and the steel tracks each have 96 links when new. The 20 infantrymen sit on bench seats which run across the full width of the vehicle and enter and leave by climbing over the side of the hull. Armament consists of a pintle-mounted 7.62 mm SGMB machine gun. When the BTR-50P was originally introduced there were ramps at the rear of the hull to enable a 57 mm anti-tank gun M1943 (ZIS-2), 76 mm divisional gun M1943 (ZIS-3) or an 85 mm division gun D-44 to be carried and fired from the rear decking. The weapon could also be fired when the vehicle was afloat, but only when the water-jets were in operation. The engine used in the BTR-50P is one half of that fitted to the T-54 MBT. The vehicle has three fuel tanks, two in the right forward side of the engine compartment and one at the rear. The BTR-50P is fully amphibious and propelled in the water by two water-jets at the rear of the hull. The only preparation required before entering the water is to erect the trim vane at the front of the hull and switch on the two electric bilge pumps. There is a manual bilge pump for emergency use. Steering is accomplished by opening and closing the two doors over the rear water-jets: to go left the left water-jet is covered and to turn through 180ø the left water-jet sucks in water and the right water-jet pushes it out. The basic BTR-50P has no NBC system.
VARIANTS:
BTR-50PA: This model is almost identical to the BTR-50P but does not have the loading ramps at the rear of the hull. It is sometimes armed with a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun mounted over the commander's position. BTR-50PK This model has full overhead armor protection and NBC system with the troops entering and leaving the vehicle by two rectangular roof hatches that open either side. In each side of the hull there are two firing ports and in the roof at the front of the hull a single piece hatch cover that opens forwards. Two ventilators are fitted, one at the front of the troop compartment on the right side and one at the rear of the troop compartment on the right side. The BTR-50PK is normally armed with a 7.62 mm SGMB machine gun in an unprotected mount.
BTR-50PU (Command): There are at least two models of the BTR-50PU (Command), designated the models 1 and 2. The model 1 (early model, very rarely seen today) has one projecting bay whereas the model 2 has two. The right bay on the model 2 has three vision devices and no cover. The BTR-50PU has three compartments: engine, commander's and driver's. The last two are fitted with special equipment and a total of 10 seats, four for the commander and his staff, four for the radio operators and two for the vehicle commander and driver. In addition, the staff compartment accommodates a collapsible table for working the maps and documents, a small table for the commander, two hammocks for resting and three ladders. An emergency escape hatch is provided in the floor of the vehicle and the interior of the vehicle has thermal insulation. External equipment includes infra-red searchlight, four whip antennas, an 11 m telescopic mast, battery charger, armored box for a fuel drum and three stowage boxes. Extensive communications equipment is provided including radio, radio relay and wire equipment. This includes an R-112 radio, R-113 radio telephone, R-105U radio telephone, R-403BM two-channel radio relay telephone half set, 10-line field telephone switchboard, four telephone sets and four reels each with 600 m of two-wire cable. A gyro course indicator and course plotter are the basis of the navigation system with the former indicating the vehicle's course and the latter plotting it in a rectangular co-ordinate system.
BTR-50PU R-82, BTR-50PU-11, BTR-50PUM and BTR-50PUR: Different command and control variants with a variety of radio configurations and other communications equipment.
BTR-50PK(B) Amphibious Armored Recovery Vehicle: This is a specialized version of the BTR-50PK developed for the recovery of other vehicles at water obstacles. It has a combat weight of 14000 kg and normally has a crew of two: commander and driver, with seats for four auxiliary personnel, and during rescue operations the vehicle can accommodate up to eight rescued personnel. The BTR-50PK(B) is fitted with R 123M and R 124 radio sets, a rear-mounted towing coupling, towing gear and hook and two extra towing cables, two special quick-release shackles, standard shackles and snap hooks, searchlight, two lifebelts, life jackets and four fenders. A set of tools and fire extinguishers are also carried.
MTP Technical Support Vehicle: This is based on a BTR-50PK APC and is used for recovery and repair of armored personnel carriers and the BMP ICV. In addition it is used to deliver POL supplies to forward units which are difficult to reach with normal truck-mounted bowsers. A distinctive feature of the MTP is the raised workshop compartment which is high enough to allow the crew to work while standing as well as providing sleeping room for the crew of three.
MTK Mineclearing Vehicle: This is a BTR-50PK APC with a special launcher mounted on top of the hull to the rear of the troop compartment. It fires rockets to which are attached flexible tubes containing high explosives which fall to the ground on to the minefield and are then detonated from the vehicle. The former Soviet designation for the rocket system is UR-67. MTR-1 Repair version of BTR-50.
IzMash PM / PMM / Izh-71 (USSR/Russia)
Standard issue Pistolet Makarova (PM), made in Russia
Pistolet Makarova Modified (PMM) and its "hi-capacity" 12 rds magazine
Pistolet Makarova (PM) cut out drawing
Caliber: mm 9x18; 9x18 improved(PMM)
Type: Double action
Overall length: 161mm (165mm PMM)
Weight: unloaded 730g (760g PMM)
Barrel length: 93,5 mm
Magazine capacity: 8 rounds (12 rounds PMM)
This pistol was designed as a self-defence handgun for army officers and Soviet police. Equipped with lead-jacketed bullets (not a standart hardened steel core ones) this gun can provide good defence on short and medium distances, with usual high reliability of Soviet designs. However, while PM is the main army pistol in exUSSR/Russian army, it should be compared with guns like Walther PP or Walther P5 or something like, but not wit ones like Beretta 92 or SigSauer P226.
Originally PM was adopted by Soviet army and other law and military agencies in 1951, and replaced in service a TT semi-auto handgun. PM was developed as a "Walther PP style" firearm, as required by russian military. Its 9x18mm round obviopusly inspired by German pre-WW2 developed 9x18mm police/ultra cartridge, but these rounds are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE, because german one has bullet with diameter of 9.02 mm, and russian - with diameter 9.2mm.
Makarow is a blowback operated, double action handgun. It has manual slide mounted safety, slide stop, single stack magazine. Makarow is all-steel handgun and is exremely sturdy, simple to operate and maintain and wery reliable.
Despite many advantages, this gun has some drawbacks, at least as a military sidearm, and main two are low capacity and underpowered cartridge. In 1980s and early 1990s an upgrade of the PM was attempted under designation of the PMM (Pistolet Makarova Modified). Key changes were introduction of the dual-stack magazines for 12 rounds and the new, hottest version of the 9x18 PM round - 9x18mm PMM. The PMM round has a lighter bullet with more powerful powder charge, providing full 100m/s (915 fps) initial velocity increase. This round may be regarded as 9x18PM +P, and of course, cannot be used in the original PMs. To handle bigger recoil of the new round without big modification to the gun, was used the same blowback operated action with rifled grooves on the inner walls of the chamber. When cartridge walls are pushed outsside by burning powder gases, they increase the friction force and acting as a recoil brake. This design improvement helped to maintain the overall original design and PMM still could use original 9x18PM cartridges, but 9x18PMM brass is being deformed after the shot, so it cannot be reloaded. This is not an issue for the military firearm, however.
Being more powerful, PMM has greater felt recoil, and even new, improved shape grips could'nt help to maintain accuracy at acceptable level. So, idea of the adoption of the +P version of the PM for the Russian military was dropped, and Russian army turned to the "new" cartridge - 9x19mm, and to completely new design, designated by 'Grach' codename.
Export version of the original PM is markeded under IZh-71 designation, in both original 9x18mm PM and 9x17mm short/.380ACP chamberings.
Widge' notes: The best versions of these are the ones made in what used to be East Germany. They shoot and work well, but the round is very weak. These would make a good back up gun and would be better than not having any gun.
Today's weapon is from France. This is actually a well designed weapon. It will withstand being dropped while surrendering.
FAMAS (France)
FAMAS F1 (original version)
FAMAS G2 (latest version, with 30 rounds STANAG magazine)
Technical data (F1)
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO (.223rem)
Action: Delayed blowback
Overall length: 757 mm
Barrel length: 488 mm
Weigth: 3.41 kg w/o magazine, 4.59 kg with full magazine and sling
Magazine capacity: 25 rds (F1 and F2), 30 rds STANAG magazines (G2 only)
Muzzle velocity: 960 m/s
Rate of fire: 1000 rounds per minute
Effective range: 300 meters
FAMAS stands for Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de St-Etienne, Assault Rifle by St-Etienne Arms Factory (a member of the French govt. owned GIAT concern). This rifle was developed in 1972 and adopted by French military in 1978. Most noticeable features of this deign are not so common delayed blowback action, built-in folding bipods, lengthy integral carrying handle with sigths mounted on it an totally ambidextrous design - the cheekpiece may be installed on both sides of the buttstock, along with extractor group, to enable emty cases ejection to the rigth or left side of the rifle (however, this operation is not recommended under field or battle condition due of risk of loosing the small parts of the mechanism).
FAMAS is a select-fire firearm. Safety switch/selector is located inside the triggerguard and has 3 positions - "safe", "single shot" and "auto", auto fire mode selector (3 rounds or full-auto bursts) - beyond magazine well on the bottom side of the stock.
Latest variation of the FAMAS - G2, features following changes:
- bipods removed and replaced by conventional sling rings (bipod could be reinstalled)
- barrel grenade launcher removed
- trigger guard extended to cover whole grip
- magazine well changed to accept STANAG (NATO standard) M16-type box magazines, as well as original FAMAS magazines
- M203 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher could be installed
During the "Desert Storm" and other operations, FAMAS proved itself as a durable, reliable weapon.
Widge' notes: This is a "Bull-pup" design. This places the magazine towards the rear, and places the trigger group forward of the action. Although it looks weird, it makes the overall weapon much shorter.
T-72 Main Battle Tank
Function: Soviet and Warsaw Pact Cold War main battle tank (MBT).
Description: Where the T-64 was never exported from the Soviet Union the T-72 was a parallel design intended for distribution throughout the Soviet Bloc as well as exported through arms sales to other nations. Similar to the T-64, the T-72 has the low, round turret made from cast steel as well as the 2A46M 125mm smoothbore cannon, which, at the time, was the largest mounted on an MBT. In addition, the T-72 mounts a 12.7mm antiaircraft machine gun in the commander's station and a single 7.62mm machine-gun coaxial to the main gun. Though outclassed by the T-80 and T-90 tanks which followed it, the T-72 is currently still in service with the Russian army as well as being produced for export.
General Characteristics, T-72 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer:
Malyshev HMB Plant, Kharkov, Ukraine
UKBM Nizhny Tagil, Russian Federation
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
V-12 air cooled diesel producing 840 horsepower
Length. Gun Forward:
31.70 feet (9.66 meters)
Width:
11.75 feet (3.58 meters)
Height:
7.20 feet (2.19 meters)
Combat Weight:
44.5 metric tons
Cruising Range:
310 miles (500 kilometers); 403 miles (650 km) with additional fuel tanks
Speed:
Maximum: 37 mph (60 kph)
Cross Country: 21 mph (35 kph)
Obstacle Crossing:
Trench: 2.85 meters
Slope: 32 degrees
Fording:
Without preparation: 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
With Snorkel: 16.5 feet (5 meters)
Crew:
A three-man crew composed of a driver, gunner, and tank commander
Armament:
Main: 125mm 2A46M main gun
Secondary: One 12.7mm NSV antiaircraft machine gun (commander's station); one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun; 9K120 Svir (NATO designation AT-11 SNIPER) cannon launched, laser guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) (T-72S, SK, BM)
Ammunition:
45 125mm cannon rounds (combination of kinetic energy (SABOT), High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) shaped charge, High Explosive-Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cannon launched AT-11 ATGM)
300 12.7mm machine gun rounds
2,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds
Introduction Date:
1971
Variants:
T-72: Original production version from which all variants are derived. Fielded in 1971, equipped with 780 horsepower diesel V-12 engine. Tank is equipped with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun coaxially mounted on the right side of the cannon and a 12.7mm NSV machine gun mounted in the commander's cupola.
T-72A: Basic Russian model. Differs from basic T-72 in that it incorporates a laser rangefinder, track sideskirts, additional armor on the turret top and front, smoke grenade launchers and is slightly heavier. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72AV: A model equipped with first generation explosive reactive armor.
T-72B: Entered production in 1985. Incorporates increased frontal armor in the turret. Known in the U.S. as the "Dolly Parton" version. Additionally, engine output is improved to 840 horsepower. The T-72BK is the command variant of the T-72B with additional communications equipment.
T-72BV: T-72B model equipped with first generation ERA.
T-72BM: T-72 B model with Kontakt-5 second generation explosive reactive armor. All T-72s produced for export are currently being built to this standard.
T-72M: Polish-Czechoslovakian version of the basic T-72 tank. The T-72M differs from the T-72 in that the coincident rangefinder has been replaced with a laser rangefinder. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72M1: Export version of the T-72M. Equivalent to the Soviet built T-72A. Produced in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72M1V: M1 model equipped with reactive armor. Equivalent to the T-72AV.
T-72S: T-72A model upgraded to be on comparable with the T-72BM though lacking increased turret armor. May be equipped with first generation ERA. T-72SK is the command variant with additional communications equipment.
T-72CZ: Czechoslovakian M1 models upgraded with western automotive, fire control and weapon system components.
Widge' notes: On the above photo they have added a reactive armor. In GWI (Gulf War I) our M-1 had a big advantage over these. Tom Clancy's book on armor had a true story about how one of our disabled M-1s took out three T-72s.
Today's vehicle is the M-113...
M113A1 Armored Personnel Carrier
<--Click for even more info and
trivia.The M113A1, informally known as the Gavin, is a lightly armoured full tracked air transportable personnel carrier designed to carry personnel and certain types of cargo. The M113-family was developed from M59 and M75 by Ford and Kaiser Aluminium and Chemical Co. in the late 1950´s. The vehicle is capable of: amphibious operations in streams and lakes; extended cross country travel over rough terrain; and high speed operation on improved roads and highways.
The M113 Family includes approximately 12 variants of light armored tracked vehicles used in a variety of combat and combat support roles. Total density exceeds 28,000. Today's M113 Family of Vehicles is composed of a mix of derivative systems consisting of the A1, A2, and A3 configurations. The current fleet includes: M113A2; M113A3; M106A2; M1064; M1064A3; M548A1; M548A3; M577A2; M577A3; M730A2; M901A1; M981; M1068; M1068A3; M1059; and M1059A3. Over the next 10-15 years, the majority of these systems will be converted to the A3 configuration.
M58 Wolf Smoke Generator Carrier
M106 Self-propelled 107mm Mortar
M113 Armored Medical Evacuation Vehicle AMEV
M125 Self-propelled 81mm Mortar
M548 Cargo Carrier
M577 Command Post Carrier
M730 Guided Missile Equipment Carrier (Chaparral)
M901 Improved TOW Vehicle
M981 Fire Support Team Vehicle (FISTV)
M1059 Lynx Smoke Generator Carrier
M1064 Self-propelled 120mm Mortar
M1068 Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) Carrier
M1108 Universal Carrier
Since their initial introduction in 1960, M113-based systems have entered service in more than 50 countries. The systems have been modified into more than 40 identified specific variants, with many times that number of minor field modifications. Many of these modifications have been developed by foreign governments to meet their specific national requirements. While some older M113 derivatives are being retired and removed from selected inventories, other FOV members are being upgraded, reconfigured, and introduced as entirely new systems.
More than 80,000 M113 Family of Vehicle (FOV) systems have been produced. New M113 FOV systems are being built while existing chassis are being upgraded to modern configurations.
The M113 APC was the first modern "battle taxi"; developed to transport infantry forces on the mechanized battlefield. It is fitted with a 2 stroke six cylinder Detroit diesel providing power through a 3 speed automatic gearbox and steering differential. The main armament is a single .50 Cal heavy barrel machine gun, and the secondary armament is a single .30 Cal machine gun. The M113 is built of aircraft quality aluminum which allows it to possess some of the same strengths as steel at a much lighter weight. This distinct weight advantage allows the M113 to utilize a relatively small engine to power the vehicle, as well as carry a large payload cross-country. The vehicle is capable of "swimming" bodies of water.
The vehicle is not mission capable if any one track shoe is damaged. If the M113 loses a track, breaks a track shoe or the vehicle throws a track, extreme caution must be exercised in maintaining control. The driver must immediately release the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a stop. Applying braking action, i.e. brake pedal, laterals, pivot or any type of steering controls causes the vehicle to pull to the active or good track and could result in a roll-over. If it is absolutely necessary, the driver may apply braking action only, and only if the vehicle is approaching a ravine, a cliff, or if other catastrophic outcome, probably resulting in fatalities. When roll-over is imminent; it is safer to stay in the vehicle than to try to get out while the vehicle is still moving. Crew members may receive slight injuries from being thrown against metal parts, but if they try to leave the vehicle, it may roll over and crush them. Once the vehicle stops moving, the crew should get out as fast as possible because spilled fuel and oil may catch on fire. The first thing the driver should do in such an emergency is shut off the engine and turn off the master switch to minimize the fire hazard.
Today's weapon is made in the Czech Republic.
Background:
After World War II, Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Now a member of NATO, the Czech Republic has moved toward integration in world markets, a development that poses both opportunities and risks.
CZ 75 B 9mm
The CZ 75 pistol family are tilting barrel or lock breech style semi-automatic handguns.
CZ 75's are available in many versions.
The characteristic features of all versions are the following:
Large capacity double-column magazine
Comfortable grip in either hand
All steel (except PCR model)
Dual action mode of operation (double action or single action where applicable)
Highly accurate
Long service life
Highly reliable. Combat tested in inclement weather, desert operations and jungle conditions
The slide stays open after the last cartridge has been fired
The sights are outfitted with three-dot system for better aiming in poor visibility.
Suitable for combat shooting
Versions differ in the caliber, size, weight, magazine capacity, trigger mechanism operation, safety elements, surface finish, grip panel types and other specific modifications.
Specifications:
MSRP 494.00
Stock: Checkered plastic
Frame: Steel
Finish: Black Polycoat, Glossy Blue, Satin Nickel, Dual Tone
Ammo: 9 mm Luger /NATO
Mag./cap: 15
Overall length: 206 mm / 8.1 in.
Barrel length: 120 mm / 4.7 in.
Height: 138 mm / 5.4 in.
Width: 35 mm / 1.4 in.
Weight: 1000 g / 2.2 lbs.
Barrel: Hammer forged
Rifling: Conventional
Trigger mechanism: SA/DA
Sight: type fixed
Safety features:
- Manual Safety
- Safety stop on the hammer
- Firing pin block safety
Widge' notes: This is a very well made and copied pistol. For those of us who rode back on the bus from Camp Roberts in Jan, this is one of the weapons the bad guy had in the movie "Mission Impossible 2".
It's possible we'd see one of these on a deployment. There are several versions and calibers made. You can purchase one of these in the USA, but not in San Francisco.
Today's weapon is another history lesson... This is something the Germans developed prior to WWII and this is their improved model... kind of looks like the US M-60...
Machinengewehr 42
Type: short recoil-action machine-gun
Caliber: 7.92-mm (.312 inch)
Overall Length: 49 inches
Weight: 23.75 lbs (with bipod)
Feed: 50-round interconnectable metal-link belts
Rate of Fire: 1,400 rounds per minute cyclic; 500 r.p.m. practical
Ammunition: German 7.92-mm rimless small-arms ammunition
Today's weapon is for "Special Agents"....
"U.N.C.L.E. Special" Carbine
"The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
One of the most famous movie guns ever created for the screen, the carbine version of the "U.N.C.L.E. Special" is a basic Walther P-38, modified to accept multiple attachments: telescopic sight, barrel/silencer extension, shoulder stock and extended magazine.
This spy weapon was so popular among viewers of "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." TV series that producers at MGM received up to 400 letters a week about the exotic-looking prop-many of them specifically addressed to "The Gun." To this very day, the "U.N.C.L.E. Special" continues to serve as the model for movie guns and children's action toys, from England to Japan.
This particular propused primarily in stunt sequences by actors Robert Vaughn and David McCallum-bears the letter "K" on its grip, indicating that it belonged to U.N.C.L.E. agent Illya Kuryakin.
Widge' notes: I thought this would be cool to have for deployments. We'd have to make one on the M-9... I have some of the parts needed... need to work on the barrel thing.
Today's toy is not in current use, but is a history lesson...
Sturmgewehr 44
Type: gas-operated assault rifle
Caliber: 7.92-mm (.312 inch)
Overall Length: 37 inches
Weight: 11 lbs, 8 oz.
Feed: 30-round magazine; can be fitted with standard grenade launcher cup (Schiessbecher)
Muzzle Velocity: 2,200 feet per second
Ammunition: 7.92-mm short rifle calibre; standard rifle grenades
Widge' notes: The Germans came up with this "first assault" rifle in WWII. You can see how it looks kind of like the AK -47. The Germans took their 7.92 mm rifle round and made it shorter, then took some of the concepts from their machine pistols and came up with a weapon that really worked. If they had made these sooner, we would have had a harder time winning.
Today's vehicle is (a giant target!):
M577 Mobile Command Post
Function: Mobile command post.
Description: The M577 is very similar to the M113 in appearance. The driver is situated in the left front corner of the vehicle, while the powerpack is located in the right front corner. The M577 retains the M113's torsion bar suspension, utilizing five pairs of evenly spaced aluminum alloy cast road wheels with the drive sprocket in front, the idler wheel to the rear, and no track support return rollers. The track is a steel single pin variety with each track block riding on a replaceable rubber pad. As with the M113, the M577 is fully amphibious, and is equipped with a driver deployable trim vane mounted on the front slope of the hull. The M577 is propelled through the water and maneuvered by track manipulation.
History: Type classified in March 1963 as a mobile command post, the M577 has also been utilized as a mobile field aid station, artillery fire direction center, and communications vehicle. Essentially a vertically expanded M113 armored personnel carrier, the interior of the M577 has been reconfigured to accommodate additional communications equipment, map and tactical information boards, field desks or artillery plotting tables, and additional crewmembers. Each 577 is equipped with an externally mounted electric generator capable of powering the additional equipment to reduce loading on the vehicle's inherit electrical system. In addition, each M577 is equipped with an integral expandable shelter which can be deployed when the vehicle is stationary. In a tactical situation, multiple M577 shelters can be linked together to create an enclosed working space. Like the M113, the M577 is amphibious, and is equipped with a diagram for load equalization, necessary to counteract the M577s high center of gravity. The M577 is equipped with a standard M113 driver's hatch and a single vehicle commander's hatch centered in the roof of the vehicle. The commander's position is equipped with a pintle machine gun mount which may accommodate either an M2 HB caliber .50 machine gun, an M60 7.62mm machine gun, or a Mk19 40mm grenade launcher. The vehicle is equipped with an engine driven Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, filtration system which supplies the crew with purified air via a protective mask hose coupling, but does not over pressurize the crew compartment. Since it's introduction, over 4,000 M577, M577A1, and M577A2 command vehicles have been produced for the United States Army.
Widge' notes: We used to call these "RVs" because they had so many comfort items. They are a bitch to drive because the driver can't see anything to the right. The track commander (the person in the top hatch) really has to help the driver by telling him what is on the right side of the track etc. These are also bullet magnets and draw artillery from far away since the enemy knows the bosses are in these. They are also very under powered and slow.
Today's toy (as seen in "Black Hawk Down" and Joe's various travels to Iraq) is the:
RPG-7V Antitank Grenade Launcher
The RPG-7V is a recoilless, shoulder-fired, muzzle-loaded, reloadable, antitank grenade launcher. It fires an 85-mm (PG-7) or 70-mm (PG-7M) rocket-assisted HEAT grenade from a 40-mm smoothbore launcher tube. The launcher has two hand grips; a large optical sight; a thick, wooden heat guard around the middle; and a large, flared blast shield at the rear of the tube. The RPG-7V is light enough to be carried and fired by one person. However, an assistant grenadier normally deploys to the left of the gunner to protect him with small arms fire. The grenadier normally carries two rounds of ammunition, and the assistant grenadier carries three rounds. The internal rocket motor of the PG-7/7M grenade ignites after traveling approximately 11 meters; this gives the projectile higher velocity (sustained out to 500 meters), flatter trajectory, and better accuracy. Further enhancing accuracy are four large, knife-like fins at the rear of the projectile which unfold when the round leaves the tube, and smaller, offset fins at the very rear which produce a slow rotation. The maximum effective range is 500 meters for stationary targets and 300 meters for moving targets. Maximum range is 920 meters, at which point the projectile self-destructs approximately 4.5 seconds after launching. The PG-7/-7M grenade, with a shaped-charge warhead, has armor penetration of 330 millimeters. The current RPG-7V model can mount a telescope and both infrared and passive night sights. All RPG-7 models have optical sights which can be illuminated for night sighting. They have open sights for emergency use.
Widge' notes: This is still an effective weapon even though it's been around forever. It was sort of copied from the old German Panzer Faust (Tank Killer) but improved. This has taken out many of our vehicles, buildings and bunkers.
Today's toy is the:
MK19 40mm Machine Gun, MOD 3
Manufacturer: Saco Defense Industries
Length: 43.1 inches (109.47 centimeters)
Weight:
Gun: 72.5 pounds (32.92 kilograms)
Cradle: (MK64 Mod 5): 21.0 pounds (9.53 kilograms)
Tripod: 44.0 pounds (19.98 kilograms)
Total: 137.5 pounds (62.43 kilograms)
Muzzle velocity: 790 feet (240.69 meters) per second
Bore diameter: 40mm
Maximum range: 2200 meters
Maximum effective range: 1600 meters
Rates of fire:
Cyclic: 325-375 rounds per minute
Rapid: 60 rounds per minute
Sustained: 40 rounds per minute
Unit Replacement Cost: $13,758
Features: The MK19 40mm machine gun, MOD 3 is an air-cooled, disintegrating metallic link-belt fed, blowback operated, fully automatic weapon and is crew transportable over short distances with limited amounts of ammunition. It can fire a variety of 40mm grenades. The M430 HEDP 40mm grenade will pierce armor up to 2 inches thick, and will produce fragments to kill personnel within 5 meters and wound personnel within 15 meters of the point of impact. Associated components are: MK64 Cradle Mount, MOD 5; M3 Tripod Mount; and the AN/TVS-5 Night Vision Sight. The MK19 also mounts in the up-gunned weapons station of the LVTP7A1 model of the AAV and vehicle ring mounts.
Background: The MK19 was originally developed to provide the U.S. Navy with an effective riverine patrol weapon in Vietnam. A Product Improvement Program was initiated in the late 1970s resulting in the MK19 Mod 3.
Widge' notes: As with the 40 mm M-203 round, you have to be a min. distance to fire this weapon. These can be mounted on most vehicles and ground mounted on a tripod... don't try to shoot free hand.
Today's toy is known to the shooters who get this E-letter... but for those of you who are not here is the:
M1911A1 .45 Caliber Pistol
Function: Semiautomatic pistol.
Description: The .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol M1911A1 is a recoil-operated hand weapon. It is a magazine-fed semiautomatic weapon, which fires one round each time the trigger is squeezed once the hammer is cocked by prior action of the slide or thumb. This design is referred to as "single action only." The thumb safety may only be activated once the pistol is cocked. The hammer remains in the fully cocked position once the safety is activated. (Note: More modern pistol designs of the "double action" type will allow the hammer to move forward to an uncocked position when the thumb safety is activated.)
The M1911A1 was widely respected for its reliability and lethality. carrHowever, its single action/cocked and locked design required the user to be very familiar and well-trained to allowing the pistol in the "ready-to-fire" mode. Consequently, M1911A1s were often prescribed to be carried without a round in the chamber. Even with this restriction on the user, numerous unintentional discharges were documented yearly.
History: The M1911A1 had been the standard handgun issued to Marines for many decades. Selected weapons were modified in the 1980s to meet the requirements of the MEU(SOC) in lieu of arming them with the M9 9mm pistol.
General Characteristics, M1911A1 .45 Caliber Pistol
Length:
8.625 inches (21.91 centimeters)
Length of Barrel:
5.03 inches (12.78 centimeters)
Weight:
Magazine empty: 2.5 pounds (1.14 kilograms)
Magazine loaded: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
.45 caliber
Maximum Effective Range:
82.02 feet (25 meters)
Muzzle Velocity:
830 feet (253 meters) per second)
Magazine Capacity:
Seven rounds
Unit Replacement Cost:
$242
Widge' notes: I know this weapon very very well. I carried an Army issue one built by Remington Rand! (They made type writers.) Before the big switch to the 9MM pistol (M-9) the US Army had not purchased any new .45 pistols since 1945! They didn't have to, they had millions of them. During WWII many other companies built guns to help in the war effort, like Remington Rand. As a police officer, I carried a .45 auto for 10 years and felt glad to have it.
The whole pistol thing in the Army is getting me confused. In the 1980s the US Military came up with a plan for ONE PISTOL for everyone. This included the 5 branches and all units. That pistol was the M-9 9mm Beretta. Now we have some "Special" units packing M-11 9mm (Sigs), the above .45 auto and some very special people use the H&K USP .45 auto.
The advantage of the 9mm over the standard 19llA1 .45 --- it hold more bullets and is double action. The 1911A1 only holds 7 rounds, is single action only, but when you hit something with a .45 it's been hit.
Today's toy is the:
T-80 Main Battle Tank
Function: Current Russian front line main battle tank (MBT).
Description: The T-80 MBT is a continuation of the T-64/T-72 series, retaining many similar features of the previous tanks. It is similar to the T-72 in that it retains the low silhouette, centrally mounted round turret with the commander seated to the right of the main gun and the gunner on the left. As with the T-72 the T-80 retains the use of the automatic loader, feeding ammunition from a 27 round circular magazine around the turret ring. Attached to the hull below the front slope is a toothed dozer blade. Beneath the blade are attachment points for the KMT-6 mine plow. The T-80 is the first Soviet design to incorporate a laser rangefinder as well as a gas turbine engine for increased automotive performance. The T-80 is currently in service with the Russian army and is slowly being replaced by the T-90.
General Characteristics, T-80 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer:
KBTM, Omsk, Russian Federation
XKBM, Kharkov, Ukraine (T-80UD and T-84)
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
GTD-1250 gas turbine, 1250 horsepower (T-80U, T-80 originally equipped with the GTD-1000 delivering 1,100 horsepower)
Length. Gun Forward:
31.69 feet (9.66 meters)
Width:
12.00 feet (3.60 meters)
Height:
7.21 feet (2.20 meters)
Combat Weight:
46 tons
Cruising Range:
350 kilometers (600 kilometers with additional fuel tanks)
Speed:
Maximum: 43 mph (70 kph)
Cross Country: 30 mph (48 kph)
Obstacle Crossing:
Trench: 9.35 feet (2.85 meters)
Slope: 32 degrees
Fording:
Without preparation: 5.9 feet (1.8 meters)
With Snorkel: 16.4 feet (5 meters), or (39.4 feet (12 meters) with BROD-M system
Crew:
A three-man crew composed of a driver, gunner, and tank commander
Armament:
Main: 125mm 2A46M-1 main gun
Secondary: One 12.7mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun (commander's station), one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
Ammunition:
45 125mm Cannon rounds (combination of kinetic energy (SABOT), High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) shaped charge, High Explosive-Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cannon launched AT-8 ATGM)
450 12.7mm machine gun rounds
1,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds
Sensors:
Shtora-1 countermeasures suite (T-80UK, T-80UM1)
Arena active protection system (T-80UM1, T-84)
Introduction Date:
1978
Variants:
T-80: Original production version. Fielded in 1978, equipped with the GTD-1000 gas turbine engine delivering 1100 horsepower. Utilized the same 125mm smoothbore cannon (2A46M-1) as the T-72 series but capable of firing the cannon launched, 9M177 Kobra ATGM (NATO designation AT-8 SONGSTER.) Tank is equipped with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun coaxial mounted on the right side of the cannon and a 12.7mm NSV machine gun mounted in the commanders cupola.
T-80B: First upgrade. Incorporates composite K ceramic armor in turret design to improve defense against kinetic energy (KE) penetrators. T-80BK is the command variant of the B model and has increased communications equipment. T-80BV: B model equipped with first generation reactive armor. At the time of its introduction, the application of reactive armor made the T-80 immune to all NATO ATGMs in production. The T-80BVK was the command variant of the T-80BV.
T-80U: First observed in 1989. Designated the M1989 SMT (Soviet Medium Tank). Modifications include a new turret design with improved frontal armor as well as the application of second generation explosive reactive armor. The AT-8 has been replaced by the cannon launched, laser guided 9M119 Refleks ATGM (NATO designation AT-11 SNIPER). Engine has been upgraded to the more powerful GTD-1250 gas turbine producing 1250 horsepower. The commander's weapon station has been redesigned to allow the firing of the 12.7 NSVT machinegun from within the turret. The T-80UK is the command variant of the T-80U. In addition to additional communications equipment, the T-80UK also fields the Shtora-1 countermeasures suite, an automated system combining an infrared jammer, laser warning system, and grenade discharging system.
T-80UM1: Incorporates new gunner's thermal sight as well as the Shorta-1 countermeasures suite and new Arena active ATGM protection system. Use of the Arena system precludes the need for the Kontakt-5 second generation reactive armor and so it has been removed.
T-80UD: Esentially a Ukrainian built version of the Russian T-80U. Major differences include the replacement of the gas turbine engine with a GTF V-12 diesel engine producing 1000 horsepower and the use of first generation reactive armor in pmace of the second generation Kontakt-5 ERA.
T-84: An improved version of the Ukrainian T-80UD incorporating the 6TD-2 diesel engine generating 1200 horsepower. In addition, the T-84 fields the Shtora-1 countermeasures suite and the ARENA active antimissile defensive system as well as the Ukrainian produced KBA-3 125mm smoothbore cannon and 28 round autoloader.
