A company that reproduces semi-automatic copies of SMGs?

[leadcounsel]

Anyone know of a company that reproduces semi-automatic copies of the worlds best or most famous SMGs?

What a GREAT idea for a company, if someone hasn't already strarted it.

The engineering is already there. Make it in the US so the parts aren't imported. The demand would definately be there, and the machining processes wouldn't be much more than for handguns, particularly because the R&D is pretty much done. And the material costs would likely be less because of stronger and cheaper materials.

I can't imagine that the weapons of WWII are copyrighted. One could probably find design plans or reverse engineer these weapons quite easily. And as long as the weapon is designed semi-auto only, the ATF isn't an issue.

 

[Cannonball888]

Here are a few:
Military Gun Supply (by Wise Lite Arms)
IOINC

 

[CBS220]

Many companies already do this.

 

[El Tejon]

Anyone know of a company that reproduces semi-automatic copies of the worlds best or most famous SMGs?

Yes, there are many:

IMI
Heckler und Koch
Polytech/Norinco
OOW, Inc.
Noble, Inc.: http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_15&products_id=383
und so weiter.

Just Google away, lead. You'll find a bunch of them. Can you get a copy of Shotgun News out there? If not give me your APO and I'll send a copy out. They always run Title I "smg" copy ads in SGN.

 

[Picard]

There's GSG (German Sport Guns), but it's not American. I recently found out about the GSG-5, a near perfect MP5 clone in .22 cal. It definitely looks like something that I might pick up in the future as a really neat plinker.

 

[blackcash88]

Don't forget Kahr as they produce a semi-auto Thompson.

 

[dfariswheel]

Kahr Arms/Auto Ordnance produce various versions of the Thompson SMG.
Valkyrie Arms makes an M3 Greasegun.
There was the Israeli semi-auto Uzi, and a Chinese produced copy of it.

 

[bannockburn]

leadcounsel

Try http://www.marstar.ca/ for some really nice German imports of semi-auto versions of WWII weapons. I believe there's a company here in the U.S. importing a pistol only version of the BD-38 (MP-38), with the folding stock permanently fixed in the folded position. Of course, after that, all it takes is money.

 

[Auburn1992]

CZ makes the vz61 Skorpion... I am pretty sure

 

[Leif Runenritzer]

Is this idea gaining momentum, lately? I hope so. I only wish more were configured as rifles and still looked right. And still worked, for that matter.

 

[Wise Lite Arms]

For the manufacturers these conversions present a number of challenges. Since the ban on importing barrels has been in place for over a year most of what we see available in quantity needs a barrel. That along with the other 922(r) compliance parts adds to the cost. Supplies of new made barrels has NOT been consistent. Part set availability is significantly less than prior to the barrel ban. Why? Because the importers know they can't sell SMG kits without barrels, so they don't bid on them. De-milling the barrel adds to the overhead cost to the importer. So, they have more dollars into the landed cost of a SMG kit that will retail for less due to not having a barrel.

AS to engineering of the existing F/A firearm. Most of it is useless because of "open bolt" designs and operating principles like "Blowback with advanced primer ignition". It is a lot of work/time spent to get these firearms running properly as closed bolt semi-auto's.
You also discover that some "famous" SMG's actually had a lot of problems that history and Hollywood overlooked!
Mostly it is simpler to design a firearm from nothing than to have to engineer so many alterations, yet keep those changes contained withing the "envelope" of the existing "shell" of the SMG you are working with.

AR's and AK's are relatively easy because they fired from a closed bolt and used a hammer for cartridge ignition. Most everything else has been a real effort to get into production.

Richard C. Hamer (mention code S303 on any correspondence)
Factory Representative
Wise Lite Arms
Class II Manufacturer
Boyd, Texas
07 FFL SOT
FAX: (940) 433-8096
WEBSITE: http://www.wlarms.com/
SALES: [email protected]
INFORMATION: [email protected]