Modern Sub Machine Carbine

Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC)
Type	Personal defense weapon and Submachine gun
Place of origin	India
Production history
Designer	Armament Research and Development Establishment
Designed	2006
Manufacturer	Ordnance Factories Organisation
Number built	Preproduction prototypes only
Specifications
Weight	2.98 kg empty
Length	500 mm Closed Stock / 700 mm Open Stock
Cartridge	5.56x30mm MINSAS
Caliber	5.56mm
Barrels	1
Action	Gas
Rate of fire	700 RPM[1]
Effective range	200-300 m
Feed system	30 round grip-inserted box magazine
Sights	Passive Night Sight(PNS) Iron sight

The Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) is the latest combined venture of Armament Research and Development Establishment & Ordnance Factories Organisation,^[2] developed for the Indian Army on a platform of experiences from the INSAS rifle.^[3][4] The gun is very lightweight and compact in comparison with other indigenous produced rifles. It is chambered for the 5.56x30mm MINSAS cartridge.^[5]

The MSMC was designed after the Army's disappointment with the progress of a carbine version of the INSAS rifle. A variant called Excalibur was developed, but was deemed unable to fulfill the requirements. The MSMC was designed to rectify the shortcomings of the previous developments. Through various trials and improvements ARDE came out with a grip-feeding, Uzi-like design which shortened the length of the weapon, making it more suited for Close quarters battle (CQB) purposes.^[6] Later its ergonomics were improved, boosting its export potential. The weapon is said to be capable of penetrating bullet-proof jackets.^[1] It was created as an off-shoot of the INSAS small arms program.^[2]

History

The plan was to develop a carbine based on the INSAS rifle. However, it did not materialize as the powerful rounds used in the INSAS rifle created excessive recoil for the smaller carbine.^[7] Hence, it was decided to develop a new lightweight carbine that can fit the requirement of various Indian security forces.^[8] The first trial was held in June 2006,^[9] another in late 2007 and finally one in January 2009.^[3] MSMC was showcased during the defense exhibition Defexpo 2010. The weapon was placed in trails between April and June of 2010.^[1] Among one of its competitors is the IMI Tavor TAR-21,^[8] which is in service with some Indian special forces units including MARCOS and Garud.^[10]

There had been numerous delays in testing the MSMC for Indian Army trails, mostly due to the unclear requirements needed.^[11] The final version was provided to the Indian army for trials in August 2011 and the tests are supposed to last 7-8 months before induction into service.^[12]

Design Details

Following design from machine pistols like the Uzi, the MSMC has a pistol grip which allows the user to fire it even with one hand.^[4] This allows the insertion of 30-round MSMC magazines on the pistol grip. It has a retractable buttstock and ambidextrous cocking levers on both sides of the MSMC,^[4][7] alongside the fire selectors to suit individuals who prefer to fire the weapon from either the left or right shoulder located above the trigger.^{[7] [4]} It has a picatinny railing on the receiver to allow the installations of weapon sights like reflex and red dot sights.^[7] The weapon fires in a gas operated mode, utilizing rotary bolt locking and a gas piston.^[7]

Like the Uzi, the MSMC is made up of stamped sheet metal while having polymer housing.^[7] An unusual design to the MSMC is the placement of the bayonet lug, located above the barrel just at the front of the receiver.^[7] It also has a built-in laser sight.^[1]

See also

• AO-46

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} IANS (2010-02-17). "New sub-machinegun can pierce bullet-proof jackets: DRDO". The Indian. http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/new-sub-machinegun-can-pierce-bullet-proof-jackets-drdo_100321580.html. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "DRDO develops close-quarter combat guns for Army". Brahmand.com. 2009-10-13. http://www.brahmand.com/news/DRDO-develops-close-quarter-combat-guns-for-Army/2255/1/25.html. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Ranjani Raghavan and Oinam Anand (2009-08-21). "City institute ready with new gun for Army". Indian Express. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/city-institute-ready-with-new-gun-for-army/504904/0. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
4. ^ ^{a b c d} "ARDE Develops New Carbines for Army". Indian Defence Online. http://indiadefenceonline.com/1138/arde-develops-new-carbines-for-army/. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
5. ^ "Indian Army to Get Two New Rifles". Army-Technology.com. 2010-12-07. http://www.army-technology.com/news/news104162.html. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
6. ^ "DRDO Develops New Sub Machine Gun". Indian Defence Online. http://indiadefenceonline.com/1703/drdo-develops-new-sub-machine-gun/. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
7. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} Max Popenker (2010). "MSMC". http://world.guns.ru/smg/india/msmc-e.html. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
8. ^ ^{a b} "DRDO to display sub-machine carbine at Defexpo 2010". Defense World. http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?id=4106. Retrieved 2010-03-20. 
9. ^ Daniel Watters (2011). "The 5.56 X 45mm: 2006". http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-16.html. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
10. ^ "Israeli TAR-21 Tavor Assault Rifles for Indian Navy Commandos". Bharat-Rakshak. 2011-01-12. http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=14166. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
11. ^ "The Ghost Guns". Sandeep Unnithan. 2010-08-20. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/109678/defence/the-ghost-guns.html?page=1. Retrieved 2011-03-20. 
12. ^ ARDE develops final version of modern carbine

External links

• Modern firearms - Modern Sub Machine Carbine / MSMC submachine gun (India)