SITES Spectre submachine gun (Italy)

The SITES Spectre submachine gun was developed by Italian company SITES in the mid-1980’s. This gun was designed primarily for close combat operations such as SWAT or anti-terror units. The Spectre is well suited to these operations that require a weapon with compact size, instant firepower at short range and also good safety mechanisms. A civilian, semi-automatic version was also offered for sale. However, for a variety of reasons, this gun was not very popular and production ceased in the 90’s.

 

SITES Spectre submachine gun

SITES Spectre submachine gun

The Spectre submachine gun uses simple blowback action. It fires from the closed bolt, and is hammer fired. The trigger group is more like a handgun’s than what is usually typical of a submachine gun – it’s Double Action without manual safety, but with a decocker. Therefore, usefully, this submachine gun could be carried with a loaded chamber, hammer down and could still be fired immediately with the simple press of the trigger.

The receiver of the Spectre is made from stamped steel. The bolt is so designed that it acts as an air pump to push air through the barrel shroud and provide additional cooling for the barrel and action. (This proves very useful when firing long bursts). The Spectre has a top-folding stock and optional polymer forward handle. Magazines are four column, with high-capacity,  for increased firepower.

 

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 2,9 kg
Length (stock closed/open): 350 / 580 mm
Barrel length: 130 mm
Rate of fire: 850 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 or 50 rounds
Effective range: 50 meters