Micro-Uzi
Summary
| Country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Submachine gun |
| Manufacturer | Israel Military Industries |
Technical specifications
| Micro-Uzi | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 1050 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 9 x 19 mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 32 rounds |
| Length | 460 mm (18.1 in) |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) |
| Range | 30 m (98 ft) |
Description
The Uzi, officially stylized as UZI, is a family of Israeli open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine guns and machine pistols first designed by Major Uziel Gal in the late 1940s, shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel. It is one of the first weapons to incorporate a telescoping bolt design, which allows the magazine to be housed in the pistol grip for a shorter weapon. The Uzi prototype was finished in 1950 and officially adopted in 1951. It was first introduced to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) special forces in 1954 and placed into general issue two years later. Over its service lifetime, it has been manufactured by Israel Military Industries, FN Herstal, and other manufacturers, and exported to over 90 countries. From the 1960s through the 1980s, more Uzi submachine guns were sold to military, law enforcement, and security markets than any other submachine gun ever made.
The Uzi utilizes an open-bolt, blowback-operated design, similar to the Czech Sa 23 series. The open bolt design exposes the barrel's breech end for improved cooling during continuous fire but increases susceptibility to contamination from sand and dirt when cocked. It employs a telescoping bolt design where the bolt wraps around the breech end of the barrel, allowing the barrel to be moved far back into the receiver and the magazine housed in the pistol grip, allowing for a heavier, slower-firing bolt in a shorter, better-balanced weapon. Construction is primarily from stamped sheet metal. With few moving parts, it is easy to strip for maintenance or repair. The magazine in the pistol grip allows for intuitive reloading under the principle of "hand finds hand." A grip safety is fitted to the pistol grip, and a bayonet lug is also featured. A non-reciprocating charging handle is located on the top of the receiver cover. There are two external safety mechanisms: a three-position selector lever and the grip safety. The ejector port closes when the gun is de-cocked, preventing the entry of dust and dirt.
Several variants of the Uzi have been produced:
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The standard Uzi has a 10-inch barrel. Various stocks were available, including wooden stocks and different metal folding stocks.
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The Mini Uzi, introduced in 1980, is a smaller, lighter version with a 197 mm barrel.
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The Micro Uzi, introduced in 1986, is an even further scaled-down version with a 117 mm barrel.
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The Uzi Pro, launched in 2010, is an improved Micro Uzi variant featuring a polymer lower, side charging handle, rails, and a closed bolt.
Magazine capacities vary by caliber and model, including 25-round, 32-round, 20-round, 40-round, and 50-round options, with a shorter 20-round magazine available for the Mini/Micro Uzi. Caliber conversion kits were available in .22 LR and .41 AE. Civilian variants include semi-automatic, closed-bolt Carbines (Uzi and Mini Uzi) fitted with longer barrels, and semi-automatic Pistols (Uzi Pistol and Uzi Pro Pistol), which lack a stock and full-automatic capability. Unlicensed copies have been produced in Croatia, Myanmar, China, Vietnam, and Serbia, as well as by Hamas.
The Uzi was used by IDF special forces from 1954 and placed into general issue in 1956. It was employed as a personal defense weapon and as a frontline weapon. While generally reliable, its limited range and accuracy in automatic fire (approximately 50m) led to its phasing out from frontline IDF assault units in the 1980s, although some units retained Uzi variants until December 2003. The Uzi has seen service with military, police, and security forces in over 90 countries. Users have included Portugal, the Royal Netherlands Army, German Bundeswehr, Belgian Armed Forces and Gendarmerie, Irish Gardaí, Rhodesia, Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Police forces, the United States Secret Service, and Zim Integrated Shipping line. Copies have been used by Croatian forces (ERO), Myanmar (BA93/BA94/MA-13), and Hamas. The Provisional Irish Republican Army is listed as a non-state user.