Uzi Submachine Gun

by  Dr. EUGENE SOCKUT

     The 1956 Sinai Campaign established the reputation of an Israelidesigned and made 9mm Parabellum submachine gun called the “UZI” (pronounced OOO-zee). It was named after its designer, Maj. Uziel Gal, who had served time in jail under the British rule in Palestine for making submachine guns for the Jewish underground. Production of the weapon began in 1951.

      The Uzi has some very desirable characteristics. For example, the gripsafety acts on the sear, resembling that on the Clot 45 pistol, plus the usual trigger safety which also serves as the selector button. These help to prevent accidental discharge if the gun is dropped or jolted, features wery useful for paratroopers, “tankers,”or mobile infantry. It uses a grip magazine, again like the Colt 45, a convenience for night warfare, taking advantage of the “hand finds hand” concept. The grip also provides added protection for the 25,32 or 40-round magazine since a part of the latter is surrounded by metal. The Uzi has no external moving parts when the gun goes throgh the firing cycle, thus reducing the chances of jams if placed against an object.

      An unusual feature is the comparatively long barrel (10") in relation to the 25.2" over-all length of the weapon. This is achieved by machining a recess in the blot for the barrel. Thus bolt metal surrounds the barrel on three sides, helping to hold the weapon steady, damping upward climb during full automatic fire. The extensive use of metal stampings and heatresistant plastics insures ease of fabrication. Maintenance is relatively simple. For example, the barrel may be easily removed by unscrewing the barrel-locking nut by hand. The most widely-distributed SMG in the Western World, the Uzi is also, many experts say, one of the finest made anywhere.

       The Uzi is made in Israel by IMI(Israeli Military Industries) and in Belgium (under license) by FN. Because of its many excellent characteristics it is the standard NATO sbmachine gun, being in service in Belgium, West Germany and the Netherlands. It has also found acceptance in South America, Africa and the Far East.

photo by : word.guns.ru