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UZI Carbine Model A versus Model B....
RancheroPaul
Member Posts: 1,459 ✭✭✭✭✭
Some time back, there was a topic which considered the differences between these two guns. I couldn't find this old topic so I am going strictly by memory. However, it seems to me that it was pretty much determined there weren't any particular differences between the two except for the front site.
I came across some interesting information from an old book written on the subject of "converting a Model A to a Full Auto." The information indicated the only difference between the two Models was the manufacturing techniques and the difference in the front sight.
It seems it was legal to convert these to full auto with BATF approval, back in the very early 80's, or at least, that is what I've been told. However, they are saying there is a difference in the attachment of the blocking bars in the receiver and the trigger group. The Model A is purported to be "spot welded" while the Model B has the blocking bars welded completely. (For whatever this means......). This is not apparent to the naked eye so that would be why we are unable to look at them, even together side by side, and see any difference. For all practical intents and purposes, there is no difference except for the difference in the front sights. The manufacturing technique change means nothing in regards to quality or performance of these guns. This may explain why some feel there is a difference in the guns and no one seems to know just what that may be except for the front sight.
All that having been said....it's just possible it doesn't matter anyway!
If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!
I came across some interesting information from an old book written on the subject of "converting a Model A to a Full Auto." The information indicated the only difference between the two Models was the manufacturing techniques and the difference in the front sight.
It seems it was legal to convert these to full auto with BATF approval, back in the very early 80's, or at least, that is what I've been told. However, they are saying there is a difference in the attachment of the blocking bars in the receiver and the trigger group. The Model A is purported to be "spot welded" while the Model B has the blocking bars welded completely. (For whatever this means......). This is not apparent to the naked eye so that would be why we are unable to look at them, even together side by side, and see any difference. For all practical intents and purposes, there is no difference except for the difference in the front sights. The manufacturing technique change means nothing in regards to quality or performance of these guns. This may explain why some feel there is a difference in the guns and no one seems to know just what that may be except for the front sight.
All that having been said....it's just possible it doesn't matter anyway!
If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!
Comments
"In God We Trust........All Others Go Thru NCIC"
Now, here's the scoop on this purported "trip lever." The Model B and later UZI carbines came out in optional .45 acp gun. Then they made .45 acp conversion kits, barrel, mag., and bolt. These .45 acp kits do have a "trip lever" on the bottom but use the 9mm striker, (firing pin assembly), which is the exact same as the Model A's. The Model B's and .45 acp guns in .45 caliber do have the "trip lever" on the bolt. This is a design feature of the .45 acp, not the Model A or Model B.
Love it! Now we are getting to the basics of these guns! Thanks for bring up the "trip lever!"
If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!
I dug out my paperwork and see that I am in error, the Model B has the trip. Also the Model B firing pin has a flat edge on the flange, whereas the Model A does not.
Also, here is a copy of the past comments on the Uzi. Maybe there might be something useful in here.
UZI:
It is interesting that Action Arms was the importer of both the Israeli and Chinese models. Action Arms had protested ( and stopped) the import of the Chinese model when they were able to get they Israeli one in the 1980's, but when they could no longer get the Israeli made one, they approached the Chinese and asked if they could still make one. This time they wouldn't protest the import and get it halted, this time they would actively be their importer.
Unfortunately they were only able to bring the gun in for about 3-4 months in early 1994. It was then that the U.S. Gov't put a stop to all Chinese rifles as of May 28, 1994. The rifles remained available for some time after that, but their import was quite short.
First of all, the Model A was the "first" UZI carbine to arrive in the U.S. in 1980. Serial Nos. are from SA01,001 to SA037,000, for a total of 36,000 Model A's. It was followed in 1983 by the Model B beginning with Serial No. SA37,001 to SA73,544, for a total of 37,544 guns.
The Model A did not come Originally in a Black Plastic Form fitted case. It came in a fitted styrofoam block with a matching top block. The gun and the styrofoam block were inside a rather dark Blue heavy cardboard box with gold letters spelling UZI completely across one end. The black plastic case was an available "extra." You could also buy a soft case, made from heavy fabric which would hold everything inside the Blue cardboard/styrofoam original container. There was a small sticker on the styrofoam top part with the serial number of the gun. There was another identical sticker on the original Instruction Manual, and there was a Warranty Card with another of these Serial No. stickers on it. There was one 25 Round Magazine with the gun in the box. There was a sight adjusting tool, dummy short barrel, and a web belt type sling rolled up in an indent in the styrofoam. The gun came with the Dummy Barrel installed and fit into the styrofoam that way. The actual barrel was in an indented area of the styrofoam. If you wanted a case, you had to purchase a Black Plastic case or a Blue soft case.
When the Model B came out in 1983, Action Arms had them packed in the Black Plastic cases from the Factory. They no longer came in the Blue Cardboard box with the styrofoam inserts inside. These boxes were a casualty and became obsolete. You could still purchase one of the Blue fabric soft cases still, if you wanted. These were very popular because they had sewn in wide elastic straps and some velcro straps to hold the gun and mags. Three magazines plus one in the gun could be carried with the sight tool and all the other stuff in either case. The Soft cases were a desireable item. Occassionally, you find one the soft cases at Auction on this site or other sites. They generally sell for anything up to about $150.
I have new Soft Cases, Black in color, for the UZI carbine, either with the folding stock or the fixed wooden stock. These are made by Blackhawk especially for these guns and have sewn in magazine cases and handles which make them look more like a laptop computer case. Great for someone wanting a "quiet presence." padams@aros.net.
"In God We Trust........All Others Go Thru NCIC"
"In God We Trust........All Others Go Thru NCIC"