Tuesday, March 31, 2009

But I read it on the internet!

Caleb linked to The Firearm Blog who linked to Defense Review on this plastic Russkie cop gun.

Defense Review, long known for its accurate reporting on the gun front, had another head scratcher:
The GSh-18 also apparently utilizes double-column magazine that transitions to single-column feed at the top for more reliable feeding, just like the P7 M13 mag.
No, no, no, no.

A double column magazine that narrows to a single column at the top is less reliable than one that feeds left-right-left-right because the spring is having to squeeze two stacks of cartridges through one hole. The spring has to be stronger and the magazine is more sensitive to dirt and debris. The advantage you gain is that you can use a single feed ramp and don't need to make your pistol's slide as wide as, say, an Uzi to accommodate the double feed ramps. This is why weapons where narrowness is not important, like rifles and machine pistols, do not have magazines that narrow to a single column on top.

Remember: Pat Rogers calls it the "Errornet" for a reason.

6 comments:

karrde said...

Well, those plastic Russkie cops who get the gun will be happy to be set straight on this.

Jeff the Baptist said...

I'm glad the disdain for Defense Review is becoming more widespread, the website deserves it.

Anonymous said...

Shades of the M-3 Greasegun. Same problem.

And, for what it is worth, I don't have a clue what the difference is between the 40% or so of Greasegun mags that work well, and the 60% that are candlesticks in waiting. I've looked and measured and scratched my head, all to no avail.

Owen said...

and why reference the P7M13, when just about every double stack pistol on the market has a double to single magazine?

I think Defense Review has been snorting the HK Pixie dust.

(verification paninght: a late-night sandwich?)

Anonymous said...

Uh, my Uzi SMG has a single feed ramp. You made me go and check and all. So, the "wide as an UZI" comment doesn't work, unless you are just using the UZI as an example of a wide gun, even though it's width has nothing to do with the feed ramp.

Tam said...

"...using the UZI as an example of a wide gun..."

Yup. I could go pick on a different porker if you want.