BXP
Summary
| Country | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Category | Submachine gun |
| Manufacturer | Armscor |
Technical specifications
| BXP | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 1000 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 9 x 19 mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 22 - 32 rounds |
| Length | 607 mm (23.9 in) |
| Weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) |
| Range | 100 m (328 ft) |
Description
Developed in South Africa, amidst an international arms embargo, the BXP 9×19mm submachine gun represents the culmination of a line of indigenous hand machine carbines. The fully automatic version, designed by Andries Piek, was finalized in 1978. The project was conceived in response to civil security challenges in Southern Africa during the 1970s, where compact, Uzi-like firearms were sought for home defense and security forces. Originally produced by Milkor (Pty) Ltd, the name 'BXP' is stated to stand for 'Blowback eXperimental Parabellum', indicating its operating mechanism and caliber. The semi-automatic version, intended for civilian ownership, followed in 1984, due to South African firearm regulations regarding automatic weapons.
The BXP features a T-shape configuration reminiscent of submachine guns like the Uzi, and is blowback operated. The automatic version fires from an open bolt, while the semi-automatic version fires from a closed bolt. A feature of the design is the bolt wrapping around the rear of the barrel when closed, contributing to a shorter overall length. It is equipped with an ambidextrous safety lever and a fire mode selector integrated into the trigger on the automatic model, allowing for single shots with a partial press and full-auto fire with a full press. An interceptor notch is included to catch the bolt during cocking if the sear is not engaged. The BXP utilizes a rust-resistant coating that also functions as a dry lubricant. It features an under-folding buttstock made from stamped steel and typically features open sights, although it can be fitted with accessories like laser aiming modules. It uses a magazine physically similar to that of the Walther MPK, but with a different retention notch position.
The BXP:
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Barrel length is 208 mm (8.2 in)
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Cyclic rate is approximately 800 rounds per minute
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Effective range is considered to be about 100 meters.
The BXP can also employ various muzzle devices, including silencers or flash hiders, and fire non-lethal or explosive projectiles using blank cartridges.
Production of the BXP involved several manufacturers after Milkor ceased production in 1991. Supreme Technologies manufactured additional semi-automatic BXPs between 1992 and 1993, maintaining the original design. Tressitu then produced both automatic and semi-automatic variants from 1994 to 1998, introducing minor cosmetic changes and sourcing new parts as original stock diminished. From 1999 to 2003, Continental Weapons, later renamed Phoenix, manufactured the firearm. During this period, design modifications occurred due to the need to manufacture new parts, incorporating components such as sights and stocks from the R4 rifle, leading to the semi-automatic variant being marketed as the 'Phoenix'. Truvello acquired the rights in 2003, making further changes such as a split bolt design and using a different extractor, resulting in a hybrid model. The fundamental distinction between the fully automatic and semi-automatic versions, particularly the latter's closed bolt and hammer fire system intended to prevent conversion, was maintained across manufacturers to comply with regulations.
The BXP entered service with the South African Armed Forces in 1984. It was adopted by various South African law enforcement and security entities, including the South African Police specialized units, the South African Defence Force Reconnaissance Commandos, the specialist security element at Jan Smuts International Airport, the Department of Correctional Services, and municipal officers. Beyond South Africa, the BXP was used by Peru, specifically by the Air Force Special Group, where they were equipped with AIM1/D laser designators, and by the army Special Operation Forces. Truvello primarily sold its semi-automatic versions to private security companies between 2003 and 2010 before mothballing the project.