all texts and some pictures
copyright © 1999-2010
by Max R. Popenker
and can not be used without author's permission

Contact E-Mail
ICQ:

MGV-176 submachine gun (Yugoslavia)

MGV-176 submachine gun, butt opened

MGV-176 submachine gun, with installed silencer

Caliber	.22 LR (5,6mm rimfire)
Weight	1,81 kg less magazine, 3,4 kg with loaded magazine
Length (stock closed/open)	480 / 795 mm
Barrel length	260 mm
Rate of fire	1200 - 1600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	161 rounds
Effective range	50-70 meters

MGV-176 submachine gun appears to be a clone of an American-180 submachine gun, but adapted to more modern materials and less expensive production techniques. MGV-176 appeared during 1980s, and was offered for export. After the dissolution of Yugoslavia MGV-176 was manufactured in Slovenia by Orbis, and apparently is used by Slovenian police. A semi-automatic version was made and encountered during the war in Bosnia.
It is a specialist weapon, which can be used at relatively short ranges, because of weak ammunition. However, when fired in full automatic mode, the very high rate of fire combined with low recoil will result in a significant lethality through multiple hits to target.

MGV-176 submachine gun is blowback operated, selective-fired weapon which fires from open bolt. The receiver and pistol grip are made from polymer. Fire mode (single shots / full automatic) is controlled by the trigger pressure - short pull on the trigger produces single shots, and long pull produces full automatic fire with rather high cyclic rate. MGV-176 is fitted with manual safety on the left side of the grip, plus an automatic grip safety is located at the rear of the pistol grip. Gun is fitted with underfolding shoulder stock made from steel wire. MGV-176 can be fitted with quick-detachable sound moderator (silencer) which weights about 200 gram and reduces firing signature by about 20 dB. The feed system employs flat pan magazines, which hold 161 rounds of ammunition in three layers, with bullets pointing to the center of the pan. Magazine covers are made from semi-translucent plastic. Spent cases are ejected downwards through aperture in receiver just in front of the trigger guard, so care should be taken to not cover ejection port by supporting hand.

--