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Uzi and Silencer...

...a de-activated example
Uzi_Silencer (25).JPG

The Uzi is one of the most well known submachine guns, an Israeli design of the late 1940's, it was in widespread service by the mid-1950s and sold to dozens of countries around the world, for both military and police forces.  Made in Israel, they have also been made under licence by FN Herstal in Belgium.  It uses an open-bolt, blowback-operated design and uses a telescoping bolt that allows the barrel to be moved far back into the receiver and the magazine to be housed in the pistol grip, providing a well-balanced weapon.  A 9mm weapon, the standard magazine holds 25 rounds.

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In addition to a safety/fire selector switch, it also has a safety switch on the back of the grip, so if it is not being held it should prevent it going off if it is dropped for example.  This particular example has the metal, folding stock, though an alternative wooden stock was used more on the earlier models.  It also has an example of a silencer (suppressor) which screws onto the front as well.  This in itself is quite heavy and does cause quite a difference to the balance of the weapon.

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As a note on de-activated weapons, they are quite readily available and do not require a Firearms license.  The current specification for a de-activated weapon means that as well as the barrel being fixed so you cannot change it and it is welded blocked, and the bolt is welded in place as well so it is impossible to return it to firing condition.  You must not carry them openly in public, they must be wrapped or carried in a gun bag.  To do otherwise invites being reported to the police, clearly disturbing members of the public and hence may find yourself the target for a police firearms unit.  You do get, and need to keep, the proof-house de-activation certificate for the weapon and they can only be purchased by persons over the age of 18.  It is good advice to keep them secure in your home, and personally I use a proper gun cabinet.  There are a number of dealers who sell these all perfectly legally.  Prices vary enormously depending on the type of weapon you are interested in but it is worth shopping around to find the best price.  Do note that these are sold within the UK and cannot be shipped overseas.

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Robin

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