Ah… Guns. As an American, I have a distinct interest in firearms. After all, what’s the point in having a Right given to you by God if you don’t exercise it? Here, I’d like to share my thoughts on some of my dream weapons; my favorite firearms. No, I’m not talking about a “Phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range” that the Terminator was looking for. But rather some firearms that I have wanted for some time, but regrettably will probably never purchase.
So here’s my dream / wish list.
MP-40
Let me start with one of my long time yearnings…
The MP 40 (Maschinenpistole 40) was a submachine gun chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge. It was developed in Nazi Germany and used extensively by the Axis powers during the Second World War.
As I was growing up, all of the many, many war movies had actors fighting the Germans who utilized this weapon. They would burst into the room, spraying lead back and forth, back and forth, and the evil Nazi warriors would crumple to the ground. Yikes.
The MP-40 was designed in 1938 by Heinrich Vollmer with inspiration from its predecessor the MP 38. It was heavily used by German infantrymen (particularly platoon and squad leaders), and by paratroopers, on all of the fronts of World War II.
Its advanced and modern features made it a favorite among soldiers and popular in countries from various parts of the world after the war.
It was often erroneously called “Schmeisser” by the Allies, although Hugo Schmeisser was not involved in the design or production of the weapon. From 1940 to 1945, an estimated 1.1 million were produced by Erma Werke.
Now, I have read somewhere that there was a short limited edition manufacturing run of this weapon sometime in the 1990’s. I also understand that it was chambered in 10mm as well as 9mm calibers. However, I am at a loss as to the circumstances behind this model, or where you can get it. I sure would like to know more about it.
Comment from schurmann…
Small numbers of replica MP-40s were turned out before May 1986: modern-made receiver and original parts kits. Trade jargon for these: “tube guns.”
Further internet sleuthing found this…
Sport Systeme Dittrich in Germany is a manufacturer of a remarkably wide range of reproduction German World War Two small arms (including the FG42, StG-44, G43, MP-3008, MP-35, and VG1-5 as well as the MP-38). They have a mixed reputation, as they are magnificently accurate looking reproductions, but the Sturmgewehr in particular suffered from a great deal of parts breakage and reliability problems (in the US, these were imported as the PTR-44 many years ago).
For collectors and shooters in the United States, this is generally a moot point, because the Dittrich reproductions are too accurate mechanically to be allowable for import. The BD-38 semiauto copy of the MP-38, for instance, is an open-bolt carbine, which is deemed easily convertible to fully automatic under US law (a similar conclusion was reached by the RCMP in Canada). -Forgotten Weapons
And, another interesting comment from schurmann…
"The first photo purported to be an MP-40 shows an arm missing its folding stock, but the stock is present (folded) in the second image. There have been some latter-day semi-only replicas made without stocks, so they can be “pistols” in compliance with US regulations. Despite what one sees in films and on TV, the gun was rarely fired with its stock folded; as an open-bolt submachine gun, its accuracy was never great, and users needed every advantage they could get. While we’re addressing film/TV use, it must be stressed that movie guns seem to fire at almost twice the rate of a real MP-40, or perhaps it’s mere sound effects. The actual gun fired only about 450 rds/minute: “chug-chug” more than “rat-a-tat.”"
Regarding the MP40 comments…
Hollywood movies usually (not always, just usually) liked to portray the users of the MP-40 firing “at the hip”, spraying the room (and evil grinning Nazi warriors) indiscriminately. I would imagine that it would have been a terrible waste of bullets. How could you possibly hit anything without sighting your target first?
FG-42
Speaking of fine German weapons, one of my “Dark Horse” dream weapons is the FG-42. This is an interesting design and a very fine weapon. What attracts me to this weapon is the ability to utilize both box and belt feeds.
The FG 42 (German: Fallschirmjägergewehr 42, “paratrooper rifle 42”) is a selective-fire automatic rifle produced in Nazi Germany during World War II.
The weapon was developed specifically for the use of the Fallschirmjäger airborne infantry in 1942. Like the airborne infantry, it was used in very limited numbers.
It combined the characteristics and firepower of a light machine gun in a lightweight form. It was equipped with a bipedal stand, and was small. It was no larger than the standard-issue Kar 98k bolt-action rifle.
It is considered one of the most advanced weapon designs of World War II. In fact, the FG 42 influenced post-war small arms development. As a result, most of its design was copied by the US Army when they developed the M60 machine gun.
Of course, I would love to fire an MP-44. But these are really rare firearms and the ammo is not exactly common. I once saw a MP-44 on display in a museum when I was around 15 years old. I was amazed that it was so large. For some reason, I thought that it would be a little more compact.
Comment on the MP-44 from schurmann…
The MP-44 is indeed astonishingly weighty, and disappointingly unhandy to boot. Recoil is terrible: difficult to believe about such a tiny round fired from such a big gun. There have been recent production runs of ammunition, catering to the collector community.
Back to the FG-42. Here’s a FG-42 with a box magazine…
"metallicman had better hire a more-experienced technical editor before posting anything further, on this topic (though to judge by some earlier posts of his, he may be immune to embarrassment, and facts.) FG-42 used box magazines only, never belts. It did fire from a closed bolt on semi, and from an open bolt on full auto. The latter is common on air-cooled full-auto arms, to facilitate cooling, and to keep the ammunition out of contact with a hot barrel." -schurmann
To which, I must retort. This is my personal views on guns I like as a hobbyist. I am not an expert.
Now, with that being said…
Please note that the FG 42 belt fed that I know of is the Light Automatic Machine Gun T44. And that seems to have had a side feeding mechanism similar to the prototype belt fed Kalashnikov. In this case, the Johnson belt fed seems to have a bottom closing mechanism. This would be much like the mechanism used in the HK 21.
It must have been something as the FG42 eventually evolved into the M60 belt-fed LMG. As such the prototype M60 LMG’s were derived from the FG42.
Additionally, it is my understanding, faulted as it probably is, that the box and feeding mechanisms can be loaded from either the left or the right sides.
Note that the reader was correct. The German army fielded FG-42 was box fed. The belt-fed version was a prototype that eventually became the M60 LMG. History aside, this is an interesting little weapon, and I would not mind firing it.
Fabrique Nationale FN P90
Being a fan of weapons, and my love of science fiction, I was introduced to the P90 through television. Or more precisely the Stargate SG-1 television series. LOL. No kidding, but it is really true.
Though, I am sure that the weapons displayed were all prop replicas, it certainly piqued my interest.
The Fabrique Nationale FN P90 is a Belgian-originated “Personal Defense Weapon”. It’s sort of a cross between a submachine gun (SMG) and an assault rifle.
Apparently, the gun was originally developed to arm indirect auxiliary combat units such as vehicle crews, messengers and clerk-type elements outside of active fighting zones.
The P90 is arranged as a “bullpup” assault weapon where the action and magazine feed are concentrated aft of the trigger unit. This allows a full-length barrel to be used with a more compact package. The result of this mating is a fixed, slightly oversized stock with integrated pistol grip and carrying handle.
The P90 supports use of a sound suppressor and this can be coupled with subsonic ammunition for reduced-noise operation. This is a particularly useful feature for clandestine operatives. The weapon also features select-firing through single-shot and full-automatic fire. The including rail system can adapt a variety of optics and aimers as needed.
The P90 is engineered to fire the specialized, high-velocity 5.7x28mm cartridge (SS190 Ball). These cartridges certainly maintain a unique look when placed alongside 9mm and 5.56mm types.
Heckler & Koch HK MP5K (Kurz)
Now, what “red blooded” American man doesn’t want a “popper” when the going gets tough? It’s only slightly larger than a pistol, but packs the punch of a machine-pistol.
The Heckler & Koch HK MP5K (“K” = “Kurz” meaning “short”) was developed to specifically meet the needs of special forces, and law enforcement. The basic idea was to provide a compact and concealable firearm with a proven action and capable man-stopping qualities.
The German concern therefore developed the MP5K from its full-sized submachine gun; the ubiquitous HK MP5 series.
Steyr MP34
Getting back to my love of fine German weapons. Consider the Steyr MP34. A long-time old friend of mine had inherited one from his father. I think that he picked it out of a mail order catalog back in the 1960’s. It’s a nice and fine little machinegun.
It was great until he had a fight with his ex-wife and lost all of his firearms when she carted them out and dumped them in the middle of the street. When the police were called, they collected the weapons and wouldn’t give them back to him. So sad.
Anyways…
The history behind this gen is very interesting.
Restrictions in the 1919 Treaty of Versailles precluded the Germans from developing man-portable automatic weapons. Specifically, German martial firearms could not possess a barrel longer than 4 inches or a magazine capacity of more than eight rounds. This pretty much restricted the Germans of the Weimar Republic to P08 Parabellum pistols and little else. Eager to expand the state of the art while perhaps preparing for the coming next World War, Rheinmetall acquired the Swiss Solothurn weapons factory in 1929 and began developing the S1-100, which would later become the MP34. Although ill-suited for mass production, Solothurn did a crack job of developing and prototyping the gun. The MP34 is heavy, but its mass means the gun is remarkably controllable. It’s pretty easy to keep the gun on target even during long bursts of fire. Firing single shots, the gun remains delightfully accurate out to the effective range of the 9mm Parabellum cartridge.
Let’s talk pistols…
The Taurus Judge
Here is a great little revolver that can fire shotgun shells. Imagine that! The Taurus Judge is a unique revolver which can fire either a .45 Long Colt cartridge, or a .410 shotgun shell.
Loading birdshot in the Taurus Judge might be an acceptable choice for a self defense load. However I think these situations are indeed pretty limited. Birdshot lacks the ability to penetrate deeply enough to reach an attacker’s vital organs, which is the only reliable way of stopping the attacker before it is too late.
I have read that the 2 or 3 00 Buckshot pellets which would fit in a .410 shotgun shell, when fired out of the relatively short barrel of the Taurus Judge, will simply not penetrate the way that 00 Buckshot from a “normal” shotgun would.
I do not know what would be the better load for self defense purposes. The .45 long would have better penetration power, but in a panic high-stress situation, the .410 shotgun might be a better selection.
Ruger 22/45 Lite Pistol
I first came across this little beauty while I was looking for “gun porn” on Pinterest. A little sleuthing enabled me to identify it as a Ruger 22/45 Lite. Here we see it with a nice silencer, light, and sights. I would buy this beauty in a heartbeat. A great article on this pistol can be found HERE.
The 444 Marlin
This is a dream gun of mine. I had a few co-workers that told me that this little beast really was able to cut through the brush. I believe them, as this is a pretty substantial round.
Colt M-16A4
When I lived in California I had a collapsible stock AK that I used to cart with me and shoot in the desert. One day, I was introduced to an ArmaLite AR-15 and fell in love with it. It still remains on my wish list.
Historically, when this rifle was first fielded in Vietnam it kept on malfunctioning because it needed more maintenance than the M-14 that the soldiers were used to using. Over the years, training and improved design has resulted in a nice fine little weapon.
Beretta Px4 Storm Compact 9mm Pistol
For the need for everyday carry. Nothing beats a well manufactured subcompact that is easy to shoot, and fits the hand well.
The PX4 Storm SubCompact is among the smallest hi-capacity 9mm and .40 S&W polymer framed handguns in the world with 13+1 and 10+1 capacity. By using a polymer frame (like the Glock), the Px4 becomes one of the most manageable subcompact 9mm and .40 S&W pistols on the market.
It is adaptable to right- and left-handed users, has three interchangeable backstraps, a reversible magazine release button and an ambidextrous manual safety lever/decocker positioned on both sides of the slide. In the “safe” position, these also present additional gripping surface for drawing the very short side to the rear.
Walter P99
I always loved this pistol. My father thought that it looked ugly, but my brother, and our best friends all had this pistol and practiced relentlessly using it.
I do miss this little guy. I owned this gun for a spell when I was still living in the Untied States. It handled very well, and I was quite lethal with it. Photo is of the 380 not the 9mm version that I had.
Of course the pistol is chambered for different cartridges. I know that it is chambered for the 9mm, the 10mm, the .380, and the .22 cartridges.
ZH-05
Now, of course I’m very old-fashioned. I tend to be interested in weapons around 75 years old. But, you know, I like to keep up with the times. As such, there are some really spectacular designs out there.
Here in China, everyone (who loves firearms, that is) has been talking about the new ZH-05.
China has fielding its troops with the new ZH-05. It’s an interesting weapon that combines a 5.56mm assault rife with a computer controlled 20mm grenade launcher (with a max range of 700 meters).
The ZH-05 has been seen with Chinese marines sent abroad warships working with the Somali anti-piracy patrol. Chinese special operations troops have the ZH-05 and the army ordered several thousand of them so that each four man infantry fire-team will have one.
That puts China ahead of the other two countries (United States and South Korea) with similar weapons. The Chinese version is lighter, simpler and cheaper. Obviously, the Chinese feel the ZH-05 is worth buying and issuing to the troops.
The U.S. began working on this type of weapon back in the 1990s as the OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon) and that mutated into the XM25 (the “X” in XM25 designates a system that is still in development). The South Korean design is the K11. The three weapons are different in important ways. The American and South Korean weapons both have a magazine for the computer controlled grenades while the ZH-05 is a single shot weapon. Thus much cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to field.
Links
The Chinese weapons industry is an interesting one. They supply weapons around the world, and also manufacture for the Russian military. I would certainly like to get my hands on some of these beauts and have a go at them.
Conclusion
This is just a fun post chatting about my love for firearms. For a while, I actually worked as an engineer designing weapons, and thus it is both a professional and hobby interest of mine.
As I live in China, I don’t have the opportunity to shoot like I used to. I have to go to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand or Burma to go do my shooting.
The only consolation to this is that I can shoot fully automatic weapons, and many weapons not commonly available in the United States. Which really sucks, as the United States is supposed to be the bastion of freedom.
Maybe, one day, the Progressive left will be defeated by the Conservatives, and some semblance of freedom would start to undo over one hundred years of progressive meddling in the Constitution. One day.
But, I’m not gonna hold my breath. The conservative leadership in America are all dying out, and their current leadership is corrupted and weak. The strongest leader they had was traitor John McCain. Who wasn’t even a conservative, but a wolf in sheep’s clothing; a RINO.
Perhaps Trump might turn things around. However, he is a lone voice in government. He can’t do it all on his own, but that is exactly what it looks like is going on. Each time he trys to do something, a liberal judge reverses it. He says “Hello” and a liberal assault team tries to get him for perjury. It’s simply ridiculous.
I’ll tell you what, if things do not turn around soon, and quickly, there will be a nasty regime change in America. And it will be the progressive communists driving the armored vehicles, and conservatives scattering like rabbits with a handful of hunting rifles.
Sad. So sad.
Take Aways
- This is simply a post that describes my interests.
- It concerns firearms; the RIGHT that I have as an American, to own.
- They are on my dream (or bucket) list simply because ownership is restricted, access is difficult, or they are too expensive for my budget to afford.
Posts Regarding Life and Contentment
Here are some other similar posts on this venue. If you enjoyed this post, you might like these posts as well. These posts tend to discuss growing up in America. Often, I like to compare my life in America with the society within communist China. As there are some really stark differences between the two.
More Posts about Life
I have broken apart some other posts. They can best be classified about ones actions as they contribute to happiness and life. They are a little different, in subtle ways.
Stories that Inspired Me
Here are reprints in full text of stories that inspired me, but that are nearly impossible to find in China. I place them here as sort of a personal library that I can use for inspiration. The reader is welcome to come and enjoy a read or two as well.
Articles & Links
- You can start reading the articles by going HERE.
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Notes
- Composed 21NOV18.