"Sawn-off shotgun" from a rifle instead of a pistol - Fightlite Raider
A shortened version of a gun, popularly known as a “sawn-off shotgun,” will no longer surprise anyone; they are now made even in the factory from well-known models of weapons. Even our compatriots had the opportunity to quite legitimately take a closer look at the similarity of weapons in this format using the example, excuse the French, of the “Howda” traumatic pistol.
Despite all the obvious disadvantages of reducing the length of a gun's barrels and depriving it of a butt, one plus remains - high firepower at short distances, contained in one or two shots, and with its small dimensions, maneuvering such a weapon in cramped conditions is much easier than with a full-size gun. It is also worth taking into account the possibility of using bullet cartridges, which significantly increase the effectiveness of the use of “sawed-off shotguns” when shooting at an enemy in a bulletproof vest due to the prohibitive impact. In general, such modernization in some cases fully justifies itself, this is proven at least by the fact that in many countries law enforcement agencies have shortened guns. True, here it is necessary to note the point that these guns are most often equipped with cartridges with a rubber bullet or are used as a means of delivering irritating substances to the crowd, but this is a slightly different story.
In general, the “sawed-off shotgun” weapon has been known for a very long time, probably since the time when the gun appeared, but the sawn-off shotgun from a rifle can not be found often, or rather, it cannot be found at all, since the feasibility of such shortening is very doubtful. This was the case until recently.
In November, Fightlite demonstrated the finished version of its weapon, which is nothing more than a sawed-off rifle. This weapon is positioned as intermediate between a pistol and a carbine; it does not have a stock, but has a very short barrel with a muzzle brake. This unit is certified in the USA as a pistol, despite the fact that it is powered by 5.56x45 or .300 BLK cartridges, depending on the version of the weapon. Let's try to get to know the design of this device better and try very hard to find a niche for it. Raider pistol design
It is difficult to say which weapon became the basis for the new pistol. At first glance, there is a similarity with something AR-like, but the absence of a tube for a buffer spring indicates that the weapon uses an automation scheme different from the M16. In fact, this tube is present, it is located at an angle in the handle of the weapon, interaction with the bolt group is carried out due to a long curved rod. The automation is based on the removal of powder gases from the barrel with a direct effect of the powder gases on the bolt frame. In general, in principle, we will not see anything new in this weapon in terms of design; the receiver was probably designed specifically for this pistol.
The weapon has lost the fire mode switch and safety lock; now it is replaced by a button with the ability to move perpendicular to the weapon. A similar implementation of switching on the safety can often be found in smoothbore guns.
There are no open sights on this device, but they can be installed on a long mounting rail at the top of what is left of the forearm and receiver. There are also additional spaces for installing three more strips for attaching additional devices.
The muzzle of the weapon has a thread onto which a muzzle brake-recoil compensator is screwed; instead, you can install a silent shooting device or leave the muzzle without any additions.
Characteristics of the Raider pistol
The entire structure weighs 1.76 kilograms, and you need to take into account the balance of the weapon, which in principle does not exist. The pistol is fed from detachable magazines with a capacity of 10 rounds of 5.56x45 or .300 BLK, so as not to go into details about the .300 BLK cartridge, it can be compared with our domestic 7.62x39 with a subsonic bullet, the comparison, although not entirely correct, gives a general idea of the ammunition and the capabilities of the weapon using it. The length of the pistol barrel is 185 millimeters, excluding the muzzle brake, while the total length of the weapon is 510 millimeters.
Why was the Raider pistol created?
This is probably the main question that arises in the mind of a person who sees this weapon for the first time. Yes, the weapon turned out to be very charismatic, if you point it at a person, then he is guaranteed to feel uncomfortable, but there is one “but”. The point is that you can shoot from this pistol, but you cannot hit. The only exceptions are shooting at very short distances or using a laser designator.
The very design of the holding handle makes it possible to accurately shoot something fantastic; of course, the weapon can be held with both hands like a regular rifle or machine gun, but the absence of a buttstock will already affect a distance of even a couple of tens of meters.
Despite the similar ergonomics, that “sawed-off shotgun” will not have such a disadvantage, since the short barrels of the weapon provide a sufficiently large spread of shot at a short distance, so that a shot “from the hip” or offhand will almost always produce results. In the case of the Raider pistol, this will not be observed, since there is only one bullet.
In principle, even with such a short barrel it is possible to fire confidently and effectively at distances of up to 200 meters, but the design of the weapon does not allow this to be done in reverse. The absence of at least a wire shoulder rest makes the weapon ineffective at short and medium distances. And yes, it looks very brutal.
On foreign Internet resources, the new pistol is called ideal for permanent placement in a car for the purpose of self-defense. I would not count on such a means of self-defense, or rather on its combat effectiveness, unless there may be a psychological effect.
Quite a few people have called it the ideal defense against zombies. Well, if people believe in zombies, then let them believe in the effectiveness of this weapon, although I, of course, would prefer the same “sawed-off shotgun.”
As mentioned above, the only thing that can make this weapon effective is the presence of a laser designator and a strong grip on the shooter. Then it will really be possible to hit somewhere with this pistol, but this is not a panacea.
In general, we can say that in this case the creation of a new class of weapons was unsuccessful. However, judging by the fairly extensive topics on foreign forums discussing this weapon and the enthusiastic messages of individual people, this weapon will have its own buyer, so maybe this pistol will be a success. It’s just more pleasing for people who soberly evaluate this weapon.
In general, this weapon has a really interesting appearance and although it is poorly suited for real use, perhaps we will be able to see it on the screens in some film with a post-apocalyptic theme, where it belongs. The only bad thing is that after filming there will only be more people wanting to buy it.
