If you travel to dangerous places you will meet a lot of people with guns. You should know what guns can and cannot do. But you should never carry or use one in a war zone. Television is not a good role model for those who want to learn about guns. On TV, puny handguns fire off hundreds of rounds without reloading, and bullets seem lethally attracted to bad guys. In reality guns are rather simple and deadly. Imagine throwing a pea-size pebble at someone. Now imagine using a slingshot, projecting that pea-size objective at 1200 feet per second. Ouch. Bullets are just heavy projectiles that puncture flesh, bounce off and shatter bone and turn people into trauma cases more efficiently than a club.
There are more than 200 million guns in the United States. It is estimated that firearm injuries in the States cost about $20 billion in medical costs and lost wages. Firearms send almost 40,000 Americans to their graves each year (19,000 Americans use guns to commit suicide each year, another 18,500 are murdered with a gun, and at least 1500 more are accidentally shot to death). Gun-related homicides rose 18 percent in the last decade-30 percent among people ages 15 to 24.
The most dangerous handheld weapons are rifles. Handguns require short ranges and careful aim to be lethal. Handguns tend to be the weapons of choice for domestic violence and robberies. Most handguns lose any effectiveness after 25 yards. In fact, the Western movies where men bang away from across the street without hitting anyone are not too far from reality.
On the other hand, if someone is shooting a rifle at you, you will probably end up dead.
In the 1850s, rifles were called muskets. They were smooth bore, and long barreled (about 4-5 feet in length) and could kill a man at 100 meters. Loading slowed down the killing process to about eight shots a minute.
In 1855, the Crimean War introduced the rifled bullet, a major advance that pushed the killing range out to 600 yards. The French invention meant that armies could now battle without the standard volley, advance and hand-to-hand combat. Armies were slow to adapt the deadly new MiniÈ ball, and the Civil War still saw armies facing each other 50 to 100 yards apart, firing at point-blank range and then charging.
The next big advances were in the late 1800s, when breech-loading weapons like the Mauser rifle and metal-cased bullets were introduced. The next step was the 1903 Springfield rifle and the later 1917 Enfield. These rifles were deadly out to 1200 yards and could be loaded and fired quickly.
WWI trenches were typically spaced 300 to 1200 feet apart and dictated rifle design. The ideal weapon was one that fired accurately, from rest with a minimum of maintenance and training. The focus was on careful killing of fleeting targets. When fighting got close, bayonets and pistols were the choice. Machine guns were heavy and water-cooled and used for withering fire during assaults or attacks. 1n 1917 came the introduction of the first semiautomatic weapon that could fire 20 rounds as fast as the trigger could be pulled. The simple Pedersen-device modification to the 1903 Springfield rifle was ordered too late to make a difference in the Great War but changed the use of rifles in warfare.
WWII introduced the idea of rapid-fire, portable weapons that could intimidate rather than kill. The M1 Garand (designed by John C. Garand) was a semiautomatic, gas-operated rifle that could fire 30.06 cartridges in eight-round clips. Later, it would be found that the number of rounds fired for every person actually killed was 15,000 rounds, even though the range of engagement closed to half WWI distances. Heavy bolt action rifles were still the infantry weapon of choice, but the Germans and Russians used machine guns and infantry attacks to good effect. The Germans were the first to create the Sturmgewehr (assault rifle), but the first successful version was the post-war Russian AK-47.
Assault weapons provide killing power out to about 600 meters, although battlefield results showed that 350 meters was the maximum practical range in combat. Most firefights occurred with opponents 200 to 300 yards apart.
Vietnam and a host of other dirty bush wars introduced the ambush concept of very high rates of fire, light ammunition and firepower. Ammunition had to be light, weapons cheap and easy to fix, and general tactics dictated spraying thousands of rounds during short firefights. The number of rounds per kill tripled from WWII levels to a staggering 50,000 rounds for each kill. In Vietnam, the light and deadly M-16 became the overwhelming choice of ground troops.
The future of rifle design is anyone's guess. Everything from all-plastic bullets to nonlethal ammunition is being developed. In the meantime, it seems to take a major war to change the face of battle and eventually the use of weapons.
Here's a quick primer on things that go bang:
Small weapons with 2"-8" barrels designed for personal protection and intimidating people at close range. Typically, the number of bullets is five-20. Average is about eight-13. Lethal range is from up close to about 50 meters when fired at rest. In combat or tense, moving situations, they are deadly out to about 25 meters. Most people miss when they use handguns as a defensive weapon and hit people when they use them as offensive weapons. Consistent training, long barrel length and small caliber play a big part in attaining accuracy. Dale Towert gathers real life information that shows calibre and bullet selection make a bif difference. His tables show that.22's have a 21-34 percent chance of stopping people and 357 Magnums do a much better job at 68-98 percent. It all depends on your ammo, the range and most importantly where you shoot the perpetrator. Rifle calibres like.223 Remington and.308 Winchester deliver 93-100 percent. Twelve gauges hover at around 98 percent stopping power effectiveness. Remember the classic words of Robert Ruark. Use enough gun.
Modern military rifles are usually fully automatic. They can be fired in single shots or on full automatic. Full automatic is the least accurate but most intimidating. If a soldier is careful when squeezing off single shots, he is probably trying to kill you. If soldiers are using full automatic (common at night and in attacks), it means you have scared the shit out of them. Sniper rifles are the world's most dangerous weapons, simply because they are only used to kill. Rifles are issued to most troops, however bullets are sometimes not issued to some African troops (or Iraqis). Submachine guns like the MAC-10 and Uzi were designed for spraying fast bursts of pistol-sized (9mm and smaller) bullets in close quarters. Assault rifles like the AK-47 and AK-74 have high burst rates but longer barrels and better accuracy. Most terrorist or liberation movements carry AK-47 assault rifles because they are cheap, easy to fix and accurate.
Most Asian and African soldiers tend to fire fast and aim high under stress. Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan breed deadly shots, since they grow up using guns for hunting and engage in warfare at long distances. Jungle fighters like to spray bullets.
Machine guns hold about 20-70 bullets and go through them pretty quickly at full auto. An Uzi kicks out 600 rounds per minute but has a maximum clip of 40 rounds. About 10 bullets a second gives you exactly four seconds of looking good until you have to reload. Killing range can extend to 1400 meters (over a mile with tripod-mounted sniper rifles with scopes) and are effective between 400 and 600 meters. Assault rifles (the ones with large clips and short barrels) are designed to kill between 20 and 200 meters.
If there is one visual symbol or prop that symbolizes the Soviet/revolutionary influence, it is the unmistakable profile of the AK-47. Once it was the hammer and sickle; now it is the banana-shaped clip and pointed barrel of the world's most dangerous rifle.
These weapons are cheap (between $50 and $350), available around the world, rock-hard reliable, and in use from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. It is estimated that there are about 30 to 50 million copies of the rugged rifle in existence. They can pour out 600 rounds a minute and are designed to be manufactured and repaired in primitive conditions. They use a chromed barrel and the only major defect is the loud click when you change firing rate.
In 1941, the 23-year-old tank commander Mikhail T. Kalishnikov was wounded in the battle of Bryansk by the German invaders. While recuperating, he listened to the complaints of Russian soldiers about their archaic bolt-action rifles. Kalishnikov made use of his downtime to copy the current German machine pistol. His pistol never made it into the arsenal of the Russian army, but in 1943 it got him an entry to compete with other Russian gun designers to create the first Soviet assault rifle. An assault rifle is designed to be light, possess high rates of fire, and do double-duty as an accurate defensive rifle.
His design was chosen based on its durability and simplicity. The AK-47 and variants thereof have been manufactured in 12 countries from Bulgaria to Yugoslavia. The AK-47 and the AKM (a simpler-to-make variant) are sighted in to about 1000 meters, field-strip down to six parts, fire 30 rounds of the 7.62 X 39 mm cartridge and will deliver three-inch patterns at 25 meters. The rifle is accurate to about 200 meters when fired from the shoulder at rest, and accurate to about 50 yards fired from the hip. The newest version of the classic assault rifle is the AK-74 (adopted in 1974 by the Soviets), which uses a lighter but more accurate 5.45 X 39mm cartridge.
Kalishnikov was born in the Siberian town of Izhevsk, west of the Ural mountains. Today, Izhevsk is home to Izhmash, a former major arms manufacturing company that exports hunting rifles under the name, The Kalishnikov Joint Stock Co.
Kalishnikov still designs hunting rifles and has never received a royalty for his innovative design, though he has received many medals for it.
The M-16, or the civilian version called the AR-15, was introduced in 1965. By this time, the light and powerful AK-47 was the best weapon available. In Vietnam, the light and deadly M-16 suffered initially because of ammunition that caused fouling. And the lighter bullet was deflected by brush. After the problem was sorted out, it became the standard issue for all ground troops (replacing the M-14). The M-16 used a lighter (5.56) bullet compared to the Viet Cong 7.62 used in the AK-47. The M-16 round had just as much impact at 200 yards as the AK-47 round.
The M-16 lays down 700 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 3250 feet per second. It comes with 20 or 30 round clips. With a weight of 6.6 pounds, it has been adopted by Asian armies as the weapon of choice.
Heckler & Koch are known for high-precision German weapons. A relative newcomer to the arms trade, they were formed in 1949 by three partners; Seidel is the modest one. Originally, the postwar German army used old M1 Garands and the FAL rifle. The G3 was adopted in 1959 and was the first entirely German designed and made rifle (based on the Spanish CETME). The G3 used the standard 7.62 X51 NATO cartridge, and its accuracy and durability led it to being adopted by more than 50 other countries. The basic rifle design was made in everything from sniper to.22 calibre versions.
The ultimate H&K version is the PSG1, a $5000 sniper version for military and police use.
The UZI is the brainchild of Israeli designer Major Uziel Gal, borrowing heavily from Czech models 23 and 25. The Uzi is designed to spray a room with bullets or be used as an infantry weapon. The 9mm version has a rate of fire of 10 bullets per second. The magazine inserts through the pistol grip, and the UZI comes in 16"-long barrel or ultra-compact machine pistol size. The UZI is also a favorite of the U.S. Secret Service because of its small size and high rate of fire. Originally designed for 9mm NATO standard ammunition, the UZI was manufactured in a more powerful.45-calibre format for the U.S. market. Magazines come in 20-, 25- and 32-round capacity (the.45-calibre version comes in a meager 16-round capacity).
When bullets just won't communicate how much you hate people, the military can whip out some other gizmos. Mortars look like tubes with legs on three plates. They are designed to throw shells short distances in a high trajectory. The soldier drops the hand-sized missile down the tube and it fires. When it lands, it spreads shrapnel in a 20- to 60-yard perimeter, depending on the shell. The only good thing about mortars is that you can tell where they come from and they tend to target specific areas.
Artillery is another matter. Artillery sends medium to large shells screaming in waves. The shells are used either to demoralize troops or create havoc before an attack. Artillery kills more people than bullets. If you come under artillery attack, it is not a good sign. You should try to change your travel plans in a direction other than towards the guns.
Those funny-looking green things on the end of long sticks are RPG, or Rocket Propelled Grenades. There are also LAW's or Light Anti-Tank Weapons. They don't actually blow up tanks like they do in the movies, but they might blow a track if you are within 25 meters. More than likely it will piss off the tank driver long enough to direct his gunner's attention towards the rather obvious backblast. Then expect to be vaporized by the shock wave from the tank's shell. LAWS and RPGs give significant range (for the classic guerilla hit and run attack) and cause widespread damage in crowded troop convoys or Sunday Schools. RPGs are very much in vogue in Afghanistan and West Africa because they were shipped in by the container and create mayhem for pennies. RPGs are used to attack small to medium-sized groups of men, trucks and sometimes armored vehicles. They usually signal the start of an attack and kill with concussion and shrapnel.
Machine guns were put to good use in the trenches of World War I, where a team of two men with a Maxim could mow down hundreds of attacking troops. The only limitation was how much ammunition they had and if the gun would jam due to the barrel overheating. Travelers will only see the big machine guns at checkpoints and on top of tanks and bunkers. They are used to pin down or decimate large groups of attacking soldiers. They are also mounted on the back of trucks in places like Somalia. Machine guns fire belt-fed ammunition (great for wearing in bandoliers and posing for bad guy pictures) and require a tripod (unless you are Arnold Schwarzenegger) for accuracy. They are loud and require someone to make sure the bullets are feeding properly. They are deadly out to 2500 meters and can also fire armor-piercing bullets. If you are in an area that has a preponderance of these weapons, you can safely assume you are in an active war zone.
Those of you who were lucky enough to see our $5 million cruise missiles go streaking overhead understand why war sucks. Today, there are so many exotic weapons delivery systems that they fill their own Jane's book. Travelers won't come across too many of these weapons, unless they are on the wrong side of Uncle Sam. Some groups like to use Stinger surface to air missiles like the Chechens, the Afghans and the Hutus, but they are lethal and unexpected and there is no advice one can give on avoidance except take the train.
WARNING: Many of the companies do not deal with the public. Sales of weapons are regulated by state and federal law These are listings are for informational purposes.
Assault Rifles, Rifles, Combat Shotguns (including Sniping Rifles) by John A. Norris $29.95 (ISBN 1-85753-214-7) Brassey's
400 Biltmore Drive, Suite 530S
Fenton, Missouri 63026
(314) 343-7547
Makers of Mr. DP's favorite pack, loadbearing vests and also other military, swat gear.
7750 9th Street S.W.
Vero Beach, Florida 32968
Manufacturer and designer of weapons systems including suppressed 50cal. sniper rifles.
8700 Commerce Street
Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
(407) 868-2200
Manufacturer of sound suppressed firearms and conversion kits.
12400 Blue Ridge
Grandview Missouri 64030
(816) 765-2539
Manufacturers of silencers.
P.O. Box 41938
Phoenix, Arizona 85080
http://www.awcsystech.com
Manufacturer of sniper rifles and silenced weapons.
R.R. 1
Salmon, Idaho 83467
(208) 756-6819
Dealer in large caliber guns, mortars, old military weapons, even gatling guns.
5444 Corteen Place
North Hollywood, California 91607
(818) 759-8059, FAX (818) 763-4663
Manufacturers of the remote video sighting system that lets you shoot around corners.
2536 NE Loop 820
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
(817) 625-7557
Catalog of discounted sporting goods, ammo, holsters, night vision and even a cool night writing pen for $11.97.
1025 Cobb International Boulevard
Kennesaw Georgia 30152
(770)428-1248
www.actiongear.com
Safari, hunting shooting, and military wear.
P.O Box 2408
Kennesaw Georgia 30144
(800) 554-1445
Hunting, military surplus, books and even bullet proof vests.
P.O. Box 700 Paulden, Arizona 86334
(520) 636-4565
16835 Algonquin Street, Suite 120
Huntington Beach, California 92649
(714) 846-8065
P.O. Box 122 Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 224-6814
P.O. Box 12111
Prescott, Arizona 86304
P.O. Box 53
Mountain Home, Texas 78058
(210) 640-3138, FAX (210) 640-3183
21480 Pacific Boulevard
Sterling, Virginia 20166
(703) 450-1900 #293
Twenty Five different professional training are offered by Heckler & Koch.
P.O. Box 27290
Prescott Valley, Arizona
(520) 772-8262
P. O. Box 2619,
Aptos, California 95001
(800) 987-7719
FAX: (408) 684-2137
http://www.frontsight.com/
One of the best training schools for shooters. For about $300 ($400 for 4 day) they offer 2 day handgun, shotgun or rifle courses that focus not only on skills but law, reactions (shoot or don't shoot), mental conditioning and how to deal with the aftermath of a shooting.
e-mail: aglock45@erols.com
http://www.erols.com/aglock45/
http://www.worldmedia.com:80/caq/
(805) 242-6904
For those who have an aversion to guns, James Zoppe teaches 12th century style jousting, sword fighting and other totally archaic and non-mechanized forms of recreation.
Another day in Tomislavgrad, much like any other. Two troops are standing at the bar in one of the numerous little Kaffee-Bar establishments and arguing loudly. One is bouncing an old U.S. Army "steel pot" helmet on the bar and shaking his head negatively while the other shakes his head positively and crosses his arms. Now a couple of their buddies are getting into it. Just when it looks like there is going to be real trouble, the guy with the crossed arms who's been nodding his head "yes, yes," decides to limber up a little by drawing his Tokarev. Uh-oh. Screw real trouble, this was a situation. But wait, amongst all the screaming in Croat, the drunks start to slam wads of dinars down on the bar. Translation: the guy with the Tokarev says the.30 caliber Tokarev pistol bullet will not penetrate his U.S. Army steel pot. Okay, I've seen discussions like this beforeargue, make some bets, throw the helmet, flak jacket, etc. in the alley and fire it up. Come back inside. Have some more drinks. No problem. Standard scenario, I muse. More bets are made. Then the guy with the Tokarev cocks the pistol, grabs the helmet, and plomps it on his head, andOh Shit!Ka-Blam! Redecorates the wall with his brains. Instant Jackson Pollock canvas.
If only he'd asked me, I could've told him.
Some of these Croat civilians, turned defenders of the homeland, have a strange attitude toward firearms. The fact that some of them are even carrying weapons scares the hell out of me. The Muslim and Serb yahoos are no different. Ignorant slivvovitz-swilling pig farmer gets automatic weapon. Yippee!
Ever wonder what became of the banjo boy in Deliverance? They gave him an AK and sent him to Bosnia.
####
One of the kids in Tomislavgrad had an uncle or third cousin six generations removed or some damn thing in New York, Chicago or Toronto (take your pick). Anyway he writes a letter begging for a bulletproof vest. So in the mail comes a Second Chance ballistic vest. Good quality stuff. Probably about $600 worth of Kevlar. He's so proud of his "bulletproof vest" that he wears it around town. Outside of his shirt. Shiny, bright white cover and all. But of course a few of the boys, jealous no doubt, have been making comments to the effect that it might not be as good as he thinks. This starts to gnaw at the sensibilities, limited as they may be, of our combat fashion victim. One day he's at home sitting in the kitchen showing off the vest to grandma. She thinks it's so nice that her boy Damir or Vlad or Stefan (take your pick) has this nice vest. So attractive too! He takes it off and says, "Here, grannie, you try it on." So the sweet little old 90-some pound Croatian baka tries on the vest. (Know where this is going, already, huh?) Grandson has a bright idea as grannie pirouettes, so he draws his Tokarev. Bang! Bang! Bang! Hits grannie three times-point blank. She lives. A couple of broken ribs... no problem. Grandson then shows the vest around town to all his buddies. Hey, it worked, and what the hell, the bullet holes weren't a problem. They were in the back.
####
Tom Myers and I roomed next door to each other for six months at Fort Benning in 1985. We were students in the same Infantry Officer Basic Course. After three years in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant he got out and joined the French Foreign Legion for a standard five year contract. When he was discharged he went to Bosnia and eventually ended up in Tomislavgrad, just after I'd left. There he met Dave, a Rhodesian war veteran, who had left after the political sell-out and went to South Africa where he served in the Recces. As Tom somewhat understatedly said, "He was a bit psycho." Probably because he used to play Russian roulette with a.357. You know, go into a bar, get everybody's attention, whip out a revolver, load one round, spin the cylinder, snap the weapon shut, put it to your head and then: Click! A real macho stunt. Mercenary theatre. Always a winner. Tough way to earn a free drink. According to Myers, "He finally lost one day, in a hotel in Split sitting there at the bar in front of God and everybody." Fred Verduin, another American "volunteer," occasionally hung out with the Russian roulette player who wanted Fred to try the game. Fred was tempted, he thought there had to be a trick to it. He found out this was not the case as he was sitting next to Dave that day in the bar in Split.
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