Shipka

 

Shipka SMG in 9x18 Makarov.

Characteristics

Caliber: 9x18mm Makarov; 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 2.0 - 2.2 kg withouth magazine
Lenght (stock closed/open): 338 / 625 mm
Barrel lenght: 150 mm
Rate of fire: 700 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 32 rounds (25 rounds for 9x19mm)
Effective range: 150 meters

The "Shipka" SMG was developed by Bulgarian company ARSENAL for police and military use, and currently is offered for export. It appeared on the market circa 1996. According to some sources, it is used by Bulgarian police and security forces.

"Shipka" (named after historical place in Bulgaria) is a straightforward design, using simple blowback operation and firing from open bolt. The lower receiver along with pistol grip and triggerguard is made from polymer, the upper receiver is made from steel. Simple buttstock is made from steel wire and folds to the left side of gun.

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Arsenal P-M02 Compact pistol

Arsenal P-M02 pistol, left side; integral Picatinny rail under the barrel is covered by removable cover.

Arsenal P-M02 pistol, partially disassembled.

Characteristics

Type	Double Action semiautomatic
Caliber(s)	9x19 Luger / Parabellum
Weight unloaded	760 g
Length	180 mm
Barrel length	104 mm
Magazine capacity	15 rounds

Arsenal P-M02 Compact pistol is the most recent product of the Bulgarian Arsenal arms-making factory, which previously manufactured copies of the Russian Makarov PM pistols. The P-M02 Compact is an indigenous development and it follows some of most recent trends in firearms industry. However, it is yet to be seen if this gun will catch up with modern market.

Arsenal P-M02 Compact pistol is delayed blowback operated weapon, which utilizes gas-delayed blowback system similar to that found in German HK P7 pistol. In this system, initial opening of the slide is resisted by the pressure of the powder gases which are fed into the gas cylinder, located below the barrel. There gases act against a piston, attached to the slide. Once the bullet has left the barrel pressure in the bore and gas cylinder drops rapidly, permitting the slide to run backward and cycle the action. Barrel is made with polygonal rifling. The frame of the gun is made from impact-resistant polymer, with steel slide rails. Grip backstraps are made removable and available in three different sizes. Trigger / hammer unit is easily removable for maintenance, and is of traditional double-action type. Manual safety is ambidextrous and located on the slide, with levers pointing backwards. Magazines are double-stack, with 15 rounds capacity. Magazine catch button is located in the base of the trigger guard and can be placed on either side of the gun. Sights with fiber-optic inserts are of fixed type, and dovetailed to the slide. The front of the frame below the barrel is shaped as Picatinny rail.

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Arcus 94 and 98 DA

Arcus 94, right side.

Arcus 94, left side.

Arcus 98 DA.
 

Characteristics

	Arcus 94	Arcus 98
Type:	Single Action	Double Action
Chamber:	9x19mm Luger / Parabellum	9x19mm Luger / Parabellum
Weight unloaded:	970 g	950 g
Length:	203 mm	203 mm
Barrel length:	118.5 mm	118.5 mm
Capacity:	13 rounds	15 rounds

The Arcus pistol was developed by the Bulgarian company Arcus in 1994. It is another FN / Browning "High Power" (GP-35) clone, very well made and with slight cosmetic improvements. Four years later, Arcus developed a derivative of the model 94, called Arcus 98 DA. This model is identical to the 94, but has a Double Action trigger instead of a Single Action, and additional automated firing pin safety. Arcus 94 is made for civilian market and is widely exported. The Arcus 98 DA was adopted by the Bulgarian Army and Police as a standard sidearm, and also sold for export.

Both Arcus 94 and 98 are recoil operated, locked breech pistols that use tipping barrel with two lugs that lock into recesses on the underside of the slide. To lock and unlock from the slide, barrel uses a cam under the chamber, that interacts with the frame. The axis of the slide stop is also used as a takedown pin, and when the slide stop is removed, slide, barrel and recoil spring can be removed from the frame.

Arcus 94 features High-Power style, single action trigger with external hammer, manual safety, mounted on the left side of the frame, magazine disconnect safety, and a slide disconnect, that does not allow gun to fire when slide is not closed completely. The frame and the slide of the Arcus pistols are made from the steel, and different finishes are available, as well as polymer or wooden grip panels. Sights ususally are of fixed type, dovetailed into the slide, with three white dots for better target aquisition.

Arcus 98 is very similar to the Arcus 94, except for trigger and magazine capacity. Arcus 98DA has a double action trigger with external hammer. It features same frame mounted safety, with optional ambidextrous safety levers, and additional firing pin safety. Magazine capacity of Arcus 98 is increased by 2 rounds and is 15 rounds plus one in the chamber.

All Arcus pistols are reported as a comfortable to use, very reliable and durable. They may look a little bit conservative in the ages of the light alloys,polymers and other hi-tech gizmos, but reasonable amount of conservatism will never hurt, in my opinion.

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