The M60 is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed, automatic machine gun that fires from the open-bolt position and is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It has a cyclic rate of fire of around 500–650 rounds per minute (RPM). The design drew on many common concepts in firearms manufacture of the period, such as stamped sheet metal construction, belt feed (a modified mechanism for belt feed from the MG42 with a single pawl), quick barrel replacement, a pistol grip and stock, and a Semi bullpup design similar to the FG 42. The M60’s operating system of an operating rod turning a rotating bolt was inspired by the FG 42, which was based on the much earlier Lewis Gun. The M60 was even constructed with a secondary assisting firing pin spring that is used in the FG 42 in semi-automatic mode even though it is unnecessary in the M60, which operates only in fully automatic mode. The M60 was designed for mass production, just like the MG42 it was based on. While the M1919
required much machining for its large, recoil operated internal mechanisms, the M60’s stamped sheet receiver had a gas operated, carrier-cammed bolt mechanism; the same type of mechanism was used on the Lewis machine gun. The straight-line layout allowed the operating rod and buffer to run directly back into the buttstock and reduce the overall length of the weapon.
The FN P90, also known as the FN Project 1990 PDWS, is a compact personal defense weapon (PDW)
designed and manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium. Created in response to NATO requests for a
replacement for 9×19mm Parabellum firearms, the P90 was designed as a compact but powerful firearm for vehicle crews, operators of crew-served weapons, support personnel, special forces, and counterterrorist groups. Featuring a compact bullpup design with an integrated reflex sight and fully ambidextrous controls, the P90 is an unconventional weapon with a futuristic appearance. It’s design incorporates several innovations such as a unique top-mounted magazine and FN’s small-caliber, high-velocity 5.7×28mm ammunition.
The P90 is currently in service with military and police forces in over 40 nations, such as Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Greece, India, Malaysia, Poland, and the United States. In the United States, the P90 is in use with over 200 law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service.
The B&T TP9 is a Swiss-engineered 9×19mm pistol originally developed as a law enforcement variant of the Steyr TMP (Tactical Machine Pistol), which B\&T acquired the design rights to in the early 2000s. Manufactured by Brugger & Thomet (now B\&T AG), the TP9 evolved from the TMP’s compact and lightweight design, maintaining its core blowback-operated mechanism while improving ergonomics and accessory compatibility. It features a polymer frame, ambidextrous controls, and a tri-lug barrel system that allows for quick attachment of suppressors, making it ideal for discreet tactical operations and personal defense. Renowned for its high quality and precision, the TP9 reflects Swiss attention to detail and is often praised for its suppressed performance and compact size.
Probably the most popular series of submachine guns in the world, it functions according to the proven roller-delayed blowback principle. Tremendously reliable, with maximum safety for the user, easy to handle, modular, extremely accurate and extraordinarily easy to control when firing – HK features that are particularly appreciated by security forces and military users worldwide. The MP5K is the ultimate close-quarters weapon. Created for use in very confined spaces, it is optimally suited both for active engagement of individual targets, and for personal defense. With its low weight
and compact size, it offers a decisive advantage: The weapon can be carried concealed on the person without limiting the carrier ‘s freedom of movement.
When originally designed, the M1 carbine was intended to have only selective-fire capabilities. When actual production on the gun began, the decision was made to not include that feature. Full automatic fire capabilities were included in the design of the M2 carbine, an upgraded selective-fire version of the M1 released in 1944. The M2 included improvements to the rear sight, the addition of a bayonet lug and other improvements off of the M1 design. This is a late WWII M1 Carbine as manufactured by Winchester that was subsequently converted to the fully automatic M2 configuration. The upgrade was considered a success, however, there were tradeoffs. The M2 included a heavier 30-round magazine which put greater strain on the magazine catch. This necessitated the development of a studier catch. This further required a modification on the slide, sear and stock. When engaged in full automatic fire, the T4 model could shoot off 750 rounds a minute while generating a manageable recoil. While many carbines were manufactured as M2s the only real difference between the M1 and M2s was the fire control group they belonged to. The military issued soldiers field conversion kits (T17 and T18) to easily convert M1s into serviceable M2s. History looks back upon the M2 carbine as an anomaly of sorts. Historians to this day debate and struggle as to how best categorize the M2 carbine. More powerful than a submachine gun, it can be considered an assault rifle.
