New weapons 2018. New Czech multi-caliber pistol SR-17
During the IWA 2018 exhibition in Nuremberg, Czech armory STRIKER sro demonstrated the SR-17 pistol. The main advantage of this weapon, the manufacturer highlighted the possibility of adapting the gun to a sufficiently large number of ammunition, but, in addition, the SR-17 gun still has a number of interesting features in the design. Let these features not make the design revolutionary, but they are interesting, and some of them are generally unique. Let's try to examine in more detail these weapons and the innovations offered by Czech gunsmiths.
Do you need multi-caliber?
The question of the need to adapt weapons for various munitions argues a lot, but all disputes boil down to the question of the rapid adaptation of automatic combat weapons to different munitions in a combat situation, which in itself is not entirely adequate.
In military weapons, the possibility of changing the length of the barrel or the possibility of a simple transition to another ammunition is primarily due to savings, since instead of several different weapons, there is one with extensive adaptability.
In civilian long-barreled weapons, the possibility of switching from one ammunition to another is also fully justified. So, in particular, this opportunity is actively used by hunters who can choose ammunition in accordance with the object of hunting, without the need to acquire a large number of weapons for each particular cartridge.
The question remains only on short-barreled weapons. Back it all comes down to savings. If the gun is used for entertaining shooting, then its ability to adapt to different cartridges can be very useful. Let us give an example that is not entirely correct for the countries that were part of the Soviet Union.
A person has a pistol for 9x19 cartridges and at some point when buying these ammunition he notes that the store is selling and selling .45ACP ammunition at a price twice as low. On the one hand, this doesn’t concern him at all, since his weapon cannot use these ammunition, but if his pistol had the opportunity to be adapted for these cartridges, then he would hardly have passed a profitable offer. But here you need to make a note that a set to adapt a weapon also costs money, so the benefit may turn out to be imaginary if you rarely shoot a weapon.
Not to mention the use of such weapons for sporting purposes. As far as I know, in practical shooting competitions, the type of ammunition used is taken into account, so the possibility of switching from one cartridge to another on the same “base” with familiar controls can be useful.
In other words, the so-called multi-caliberness is clearly not superfluous even for pistols, although, to be objective, it is still more a tribute to the modern weapon fashion in a short-barreled weapon than an urgent need, and having the possibility of transition from one cartridge to another is less justified than in the same rifles.
Appearance gun SR-17
The appearance of the weapon does not fit into the current trends, which is a big plus for the pistol, since it at least stands out against the general background, and does not merge with the faceless mass of uniform shooting devices. Although the angular shape looks repulsive, if you look more closely, the weapon doesn’t have any sharp edges. This is not the first gun that the manufacturer made a "square", but it is one of the few that does not look like the Glock. The work of the company's designers is clearly visible. Although some moments and cause questions, you need to remember that beauty is a subjective concept.
First of all, two parts that look like speakers on both sides of the casing, resemble round buttons, which cause a discord against the background of the straight lines of the pistol, are striking. You may mistakenly think that these details are related to the adjustment of the rear sight, but this is absolutely not the case. The protruding elements on both sides of the cover-shutter is a replacement for notches for a comfortable grip.
It is difficult to argue that the fact that in thick winter gloves, to pull the casing shutter, catching on these two parts is much more convenient, and if your hands are wet and soiled with dirt, you can not even make a comparison. In addition, the manufacturer offers to use them to quickly bring weapons into combat readiness.
So, after removing the pistol from the holster, one of these parts can be hooked on the casing-shutter for the belt and pull it off without using the other hand. On the one hand, such a proposal seems to be very reasonable, but I would not count on a successful implementation of this action, since there is a probability that something will go wrong. Rather, it is an emergency in case of injury to the arm or for other reasons that prevent the use of both upper limbs.
Besides the fact that the protruding parts on both sides of the housing-bolt replace the notches on it, the left-hand part also participates in ensuring the safety of the handling of weapons. So, when it is pressed, the trigger is released safely, that is, the part has the ability to move, which again means that there is no need to rely on the option offered by the manufacturer to pull the cover-shutter.
In addition to the safe descent of the trigger, the key on the back of the handle, which is pressed when reaching, is responsible for the safety of handling the weapon. Also there is an indicator of the cartridge in the chamber, which is implemented in the form of a hemp projecting on the upper surface of the shutter casing with a red colored surface. The gun does not have a manual safety switch, however, despite this, the gun remains safe to handle, aided by other solutions used in its design and unnoticeable externally, but about them a little lower.
Of the weapon controls, there are only the magazine removal button, which can be rearranged to the side convenient for the shooter and the shutter delay button located on the left side of the weapon.
On the frame of the gun has a seat for accessories. Sighting devices consist of the simplest pillar and front sight mounted on the cover-cage in the form of parts, with the possibility of replacing with others, at the option of the arrow.
The process of disassembling the SR-17 pistol for maintenance and adaptation to various ammunition was implemented in a very original way. In front of the safety bracket there is a lever that, when led forward, unlocks the barrel of the weapon, giving it the opportunity to move forward together with a shutter casing and a return spring. It is difficult to estimate how successful this construction is, it takes time and operating experience at least a year, but the fact that it is original is unconditional.
The design of the gun SR-17
Despite a number of original solutions in the design of the SR-17 pistol, the basis for it was the familiar automation system using recoil energy in the short course of the barrel, with the barrel bore locked when the projection enters the window into the window for ejection of spent cartridges. Disengagement of the barrel and housing-bolt is carried out by lowering the breech breech, which is carried out using the figured tide under the chamber, the same tide is used to hold the barrel, and accordingly the housing-bolt from moving forward to disassembling the weapon.
There is no information yet on what kind of adaptation kits will be for these or those cartridges. It is known that the pistol can be adapted for ammunition 7,62x25, 9x19, 10x25 Auto, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, as well as .45 ACP. Taking into account the fact that the bolt group does not need to be replaced when switching between 10x25 Auto, .40 S&W and .357 SIG cartridges, it is obvious that adaptation kits will be different in their components, respectively, the cost should be different.
Taking into account the large difference in caliber, the interest is also in the implementation of trouble-free work with cartridges that have a “stupid” bullet, in particular, whether sticking cartridges will arise during submission or will be given a list of weapon-compatible variants of ammunition. Strangely enough, in the 21st century it is possible to meet such problems, which the manufacturer tries to solve with a piece of paper, rather than by making improvements in the design. In no case do I claim that a similar problem will be present in the SR-17 pistol, however, looking back at other designs of such pistols, it can be said that there are prerequisites for this and a weapon may not be so omnivorous as part of even one ammunition. To speak about it with confidence will be possible after the gun goes on sale and will receive the first reviews.
As already mentioned in the description of the appearance of the weapon, the SR-17 pistol has not only externally noticeable devices for protection against accidental firing. In addition to the fuse button on the back of the handle, the safety of handling weapons is implemented with the help of other solutions. So, the drummer remains locked until the trigger is fully pressed, which eliminates the accidental shot, with an unplanned disruption of the trigger.
In addition, the designers have provided another scenario, in which a random shot is possible, namely, when the magazine is removed from the weapon, but one cartridge remains in the chamber, which many people forget, considering the weapon with the magazine removed is completely safe. In this case, it really becomes safe, since when the store is pulled out, the trigger is separated from the remaining details of the firing mechanism and you can even try to make a shot until blue in the face, but you can’t achieve anything except the free running of the trigger.
The trigger mechanism of the pistol, as has already become clear, is a trigger, of double action, that is, both a preliminary cocking of the trigger and a self-cocked shot are available.
Characteristics of the gun SR-17
It should immediately be noted that at least the dimensions of the weapon will be the same regardless of what kind of ammunition will be used, but the length of the rifled part of the barrel, the magazine capacity and the mass of the weapon assembly will be different. There is no data for each of the resulting, in the process of transition from one cartridge to another, a pistol variant, and it makes no sense to give a number of similar figures.
For weapons with an installed set for 9x19 cartridges, the manufacturer gives the following characteristics. The total length of the gun is equal to 210,5 millimeters, with the barrel length of the entire 110,2 millimeter. The width of the SR-17, taking into account the protruding parts on both sides of the casing-bolt, is 38 millimeters. The height of the weapon is 136 millimeters. 16 magazine capacity 9x19 cartridges. Weight without patrons 930 grams.
Pros and cons of the SR-17 pistol
The main advantage of the SR-17 pistol, in my opinion, is not its ability to adapt to various ammunition and even weapons innovations, the usefulness of which can still be debated. The main "advantage" of this weapon is that it is one of the few pistols with a trigger mechanism of double action, which is completely safe to use, despite the absence of a safety switch.
If you miss not cons, but unusual moments in the design of weapons, such as the implementation of a safe trigger and the disassembly of the gun, then there are very few minuses, but they are significant.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the small length of the rifled part of the barrel of the gun relative to the total length of the weapon. Well, the second minus is weight, although we know that “weight is reliable!” (C). Nevertheless, a large mass is good only for partial smoothing of recoil, and when you need to use a gun as a “percussion” tool, but not when you carry a weapon every day. However, everything is relative and on the background of many pistols the weight in 930 grams may not seem so burdensome as when compared to “plastic” more modern pistols.
Conclusion
It is too early to draw any reasoned conclusions on this weapon. One can only hope that the SR-17 gun will be quite reliable and customers will not be confused by the weight or short length of the rifled part of the barrel. This will enable a small arms company to develop and develop a new, even more interesting weapon.
Do you need multi-caliber?
The question of the need to adapt weapons for various munitions argues a lot, but all disputes boil down to the question of the rapid adaptation of automatic combat weapons to different munitions in a combat situation, which in itself is not entirely adequate.
In military weapons, the possibility of changing the length of the barrel or the possibility of a simple transition to another ammunition is primarily due to savings, since instead of several different weapons, there is one with extensive adaptability.
In civilian long-barreled weapons, the possibility of switching from one ammunition to another is also fully justified. So, in particular, this opportunity is actively used by hunters who can choose ammunition in accordance with the object of hunting, without the need to acquire a large number of weapons for each particular cartridge.
The question remains only on short-barreled weapons. Back it all comes down to savings. If the gun is used for entertaining shooting, then its ability to adapt to different cartridges can be very useful. Let us give an example that is not entirely correct for the countries that were part of the Soviet Union.
A person has a pistol for 9x19 cartridges and at some point when buying these ammunition he notes that the store is selling and selling .45ACP ammunition at a price twice as low. On the one hand, this doesn’t concern him at all, since his weapon cannot use these ammunition, but if his pistol had the opportunity to be adapted for these cartridges, then he would hardly have passed a profitable offer. But here you need to make a note that a set to adapt a weapon also costs money, so the benefit may turn out to be imaginary if you rarely shoot a weapon.
Not to mention the use of such weapons for sporting purposes. As far as I know, in practical shooting competitions, the type of ammunition used is taken into account, so the possibility of switching from one cartridge to another on the same “base” with familiar controls can be useful.
In other words, the so-called multi-caliberness is clearly not superfluous even for pistols, although, to be objective, it is still more a tribute to the modern weapon fashion in a short-barreled weapon than an urgent need, and having the possibility of transition from one cartridge to another is less justified than in the same rifles.
Appearance gun SR-17
The appearance of the weapon does not fit into the current trends, which is a big plus for the pistol, since it at least stands out against the general background, and does not merge with the faceless mass of uniform shooting devices. Although the angular shape looks repulsive, if you look more closely, the weapon doesn’t have any sharp edges. This is not the first gun that the manufacturer made a "square", but it is one of the few that does not look like the Glock. The work of the company's designers is clearly visible. Although some moments and cause questions, you need to remember that beauty is a subjective concept.
First of all, two parts that look like speakers on both sides of the casing, resemble round buttons, which cause a discord against the background of the straight lines of the pistol, are striking. You may mistakenly think that these details are related to the adjustment of the rear sight, but this is absolutely not the case. The protruding elements on both sides of the cover-shutter is a replacement for notches for a comfortable grip.
It is difficult to argue that the fact that in thick winter gloves, to pull the casing shutter, catching on these two parts is much more convenient, and if your hands are wet and soiled with dirt, you can not even make a comparison. In addition, the manufacturer offers to use them to quickly bring weapons into combat readiness.
So, after removing the pistol from the holster, one of these parts can be hooked on the casing-shutter for the belt and pull it off without using the other hand. On the one hand, such a proposal seems to be very reasonable, but I would not count on a successful implementation of this action, since there is a probability that something will go wrong. Rather, it is an emergency in case of injury to the arm or for other reasons that prevent the use of both upper limbs.
Besides the fact that the protruding parts on both sides of the housing-bolt replace the notches on it, the left-hand part also participates in ensuring the safety of the handling of weapons. So, when it is pressed, the trigger is released safely, that is, the part has the ability to move, which again means that there is no need to rely on the option offered by the manufacturer to pull the cover-shutter.
In addition to the safe descent of the trigger, the key on the back of the handle, which is pressed when reaching, is responsible for the safety of handling the weapon. Also there is an indicator of the cartridge in the chamber, which is implemented in the form of a hemp projecting on the upper surface of the shutter casing with a red colored surface. The gun does not have a manual safety switch, however, despite this, the gun remains safe to handle, aided by other solutions used in its design and unnoticeable externally, but about them a little lower.
Of the weapon controls, there are only the magazine removal button, which can be rearranged to the side convenient for the shooter and the shutter delay button located on the left side of the weapon.
On the frame of the gun has a seat for accessories. Sighting devices consist of the simplest pillar and front sight mounted on the cover-cage in the form of parts, with the possibility of replacing with others, at the option of the arrow.
The process of disassembling the SR-17 pistol for maintenance and adaptation to various ammunition was implemented in a very original way. In front of the safety bracket there is a lever that, when led forward, unlocks the barrel of the weapon, giving it the opportunity to move forward together with a shutter casing and a return spring. It is difficult to estimate how successful this construction is, it takes time and operating experience at least a year, but the fact that it is original is unconditional.
The design of the gun SR-17
Despite a number of original solutions in the design of the SR-17 pistol, the basis for it was the familiar automation system using recoil energy in the short course of the barrel, with the barrel bore locked when the projection enters the window into the window for ejection of spent cartridges. Disengagement of the barrel and housing-bolt is carried out by lowering the breech breech, which is carried out using the figured tide under the chamber, the same tide is used to hold the barrel, and accordingly the housing-bolt from moving forward to disassembling the weapon.
There is no information yet on what kind of adaptation kits will be for these or those cartridges. It is known that the pistol can be adapted for ammunition 7,62x25, 9x19, 10x25 Auto, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, as well as .45 ACP. Taking into account the fact that the bolt group does not need to be replaced when switching between 10x25 Auto, .40 S&W and .357 SIG cartridges, it is obvious that adaptation kits will be different in their components, respectively, the cost should be different.
Taking into account the large difference in caliber, the interest is also in the implementation of trouble-free work with cartridges that have a “stupid” bullet, in particular, whether sticking cartridges will arise during submission or will be given a list of weapon-compatible variants of ammunition. Strangely enough, in the 21st century it is possible to meet such problems, which the manufacturer tries to solve with a piece of paper, rather than by making improvements in the design. In no case do I claim that a similar problem will be present in the SR-17 pistol, however, looking back at other designs of such pistols, it can be said that there are prerequisites for this and a weapon may not be so omnivorous as part of even one ammunition. To speak about it with confidence will be possible after the gun goes on sale and will receive the first reviews.
As already mentioned in the description of the appearance of the weapon, the SR-17 pistol has not only externally noticeable devices for protection against accidental firing. In addition to the fuse button on the back of the handle, the safety of handling weapons is implemented with the help of other solutions. So, the drummer remains locked until the trigger is fully pressed, which eliminates the accidental shot, with an unplanned disruption of the trigger.
In addition, the designers have provided another scenario, in which a random shot is possible, namely, when the magazine is removed from the weapon, but one cartridge remains in the chamber, which many people forget, considering the weapon with the magazine removed is completely safe. In this case, it really becomes safe, since when the store is pulled out, the trigger is separated from the remaining details of the firing mechanism and you can even try to make a shot until blue in the face, but you can’t achieve anything except the free running of the trigger.
The trigger mechanism of the pistol, as has already become clear, is a trigger, of double action, that is, both a preliminary cocking of the trigger and a self-cocked shot are available.
Characteristics of the gun SR-17
It should immediately be noted that at least the dimensions of the weapon will be the same regardless of what kind of ammunition will be used, but the length of the rifled part of the barrel, the magazine capacity and the mass of the weapon assembly will be different. There is no data for each of the resulting, in the process of transition from one cartridge to another, a pistol variant, and it makes no sense to give a number of similar figures.
For weapons with an installed set for 9x19 cartridges, the manufacturer gives the following characteristics. The total length of the gun is equal to 210,5 millimeters, with the barrel length of the entire 110,2 millimeter. The width of the SR-17, taking into account the protruding parts on both sides of the casing-bolt, is 38 millimeters. The height of the weapon is 136 millimeters. 16 magazine capacity 9x19 cartridges. Weight without patrons 930 grams.
Pros and cons of the SR-17 pistol
The main advantage of the SR-17 pistol, in my opinion, is not its ability to adapt to various ammunition and even weapons innovations, the usefulness of which can still be debated. The main "advantage" of this weapon is that it is one of the few pistols with a trigger mechanism of double action, which is completely safe to use, despite the absence of a safety switch.
If you miss not cons, but unusual moments in the design of weapons, such as the implementation of a safe trigger and the disassembly of the gun, then there are very few minuses, but they are significant.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the small length of the rifled part of the barrel of the gun relative to the total length of the weapon. Well, the second minus is weight, although we know that “weight is reliable!” (C). Nevertheless, a large mass is good only for partial smoothing of recoil, and when you need to use a gun as a “percussion” tool, but not when you carry a weapon every day. However, everything is relative and on the background of many pistols the weight in 930 grams may not seem so burdensome as when compared to “plastic” more modern pistols.
Conclusion
It is too early to draw any reasoned conclusions on this weapon. One can only hope that the SR-17 gun will be quite reliable and customers will not be confused by the weight or short length of the rifled part of the barrel. This will enable a small arms company to develop and develop a new, even more interesting weapon.
Information