Modern Sub Machine Carbine
Encyclopedia
The Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) is the latest combined venture of Armament Research and Development Establishment & Ordnance Factories Organisation, developed for the Indian Army
on a platform of experiences from the INSAS rifle. The gun is very lightweight and compact in comparison with other indigenous produced rifles. It is chambered for the 5.56x30mm MINSAS
cartridge.
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. Later its ergonomics were improved, boosting its export potential. The weapon is said to be capable of penetrating bullet-proof jackets. It was created as an off-shoot of the INSAS small arms program.
, which is in service with some Indian special forces units including MARCOS and Garud.
There had been numerous delays in testing the MSMC for Indian Army trails, mostly due to the unclear requirements needed.
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.
Like the Uzi, the MSMC is made up of stamped sheet metal while having polymer housing. An unusual design to the MSMC is the placement of the bayonet lug, located above the barrel just at the front of the receiver. It also has a built-in laser sight.
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
on a platform of experiences from the INSAS rifle. The gun is very lightweight and compact in comparison with other indigenous produced rifles. It is chambered for the 5.56x30mm MINSAS
5.56x30mm MINSAS
The 5.56×30mm MINSAS is an ammunition intended for close quarter battle use. The round is somewhat a derivative of the experimental Colt MARS, using a bottlenecked case 30mm long, loaded with a light pointed bullet with steel penetrator core...
cartridge.
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
Close quarters battle
Close quarters combat or close quarters battle is a type of fighting in which small units engage the enemy with personal weapons at very short range, potentially to the point of hand-to-hand combat or fighting with hand weapons such as swords or knives...
(CQB) purposes. Later its ergonomics were improved, boosting its export potential. The weapon is said to be capable of penetrating bullet-proof jackets. It was created as an off-shoot of the INSAS small arms program.
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. Hence, it was decided to develop a new lightweight carbine that can fit the requirement of various Indian security forces. The first trial was held in June 2006, another in late 2007 and finally one in January 2009. MSMC was showcased during the defense exhibition Defexpo 2010. The weapon was placed in trails between April and June of 2010. Among one of its competitors is the IMI Tavor TAR-21IMI Tavor TAR-21
The TAR-21 is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition with a selective fire system, selecting between semi-automatic mode, burst mode, and full automatic fire mode. It is named after Mount Tavor, while "TAR-21" stands for "Tavor Assault Rifle - 21st Century". It is...
, which is in service with some Indian special forces units including MARCOS and Garud.
There had been numerous delays in testing the MSMC for Indian Army trails, mostly due to the unclear requirements needed.
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.
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. 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, alongside the fire selectors to suit individuals who prefer to fire the weapon from either the left or right shoulder located above the trigger. It has a picatinny railing on the receiver to allow the installations of weapon sights like reflex and red dot sights. The weapon fires in a gas operated mode, utilizing rotary bolt locking and a gas piston.Like the Uzi, the MSMC is made up of stamped sheet metal while having polymer housing. An unusual design to the MSMC is the placement of the bayonet lug, located above the barrel just at the front of the receiver. It also has a built-in laser sight.