Number 12 in their 'Weapons' book series, Osprey has chosen the Uzi Submachine gun. This is probably the most famous submachine gun known to the average person. It has been built in fairly large numbers and had the benefit of being inexpensive to make, easy to maintain and easy to repair, thanks to many of the components being made of stamped steel. It is also quite easy to shoot from the hip, is quite lethal at close range and carries a respectable sized magazine. It is used by armies and thugs alike.

Developed by Uziel Gal, a young man who, born Gothard Glas, emigrated from Germany to Britain and finally to Palestine in 1936. When the state of Israel was formed in 1948, they fought with whatever had been around so there was a bewildering number of guns and calibers used by Israeli forces. Once the war was over, it was decided that the army needed to standardize its weapons. They knew they would need a submachine gun so put out a request for prototypes. Gal developed his gun that was influenced by several design features of the Czech CZ 25. Most notably the ammunition clip in the base of the gun's handle. Much to his embarrassment, they named the gun after him. The original Uzi also had a wooden stock which was later replaced by a metal one that could be easily removed and stored. The weapon went through trials with other designs and was a clear winner. Some minor changes were required as it seems all military weapons need to have done, but it was accepted into service in the Israeli Army.

The thing about these types of guns is that though having a short barrel and being pretty ineffective as a long range weapon, in the area of up to 250-300 yards, they are quite good. Since most fighting is no longer long range rifle exchanges, the size of the gun makes it quite easy to handle in urban areas and in close quarters inside confined spaces, such as rooms. They also are perfect for special ops work where compactness is almost a requirement. They are also useful for police work for the same reason. Unfortunately, it is this compactness that also makes them so popular with criminals. They are able to be smuggled about and are lethal to anyone who gets in their way.

Developed into upgraded and downsized versions, the Uzi has pretty well been replaced in many military forces who initially used them by the assault rifle such as the M-16 and AK-47, they are still quite useful in covert ops and other areas where a high rate of fire from a compact SMG are needed.

Author Chris McNab tells us the story of the Uzi from its inception, through various modification, trials and tribulations until it was finally replaced by the modern assault rifle. Like all books in this series, it is accompanied by period and modern photos of the different variations and of those who carried the gun into combat. I am pleased to notice that not much space has been taken on 'how to fire and maintain' the rifle as I have seen in some other books in this series, though that is certainly in this one.

It all makes for another fine book and if you are interested in weapons, then this book would make a fine addition to your library.

April 2012

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