The Uzi is hands down the most famous submachine gun of all time. Besides the AK-47, it is one of history’s most recognizable firearms. It has been exported to over 90 countries around the world. And, it’s one of the first weapons people think of when they think about the military. Now it’s used by the military, law enforcement, and of course, criminals. Hollywood likes to showcase the Uzi in movies and television, too.
Here are 11 things you probably didn’t know about the Uzi:
1. First, it was developed by an imprisoned Israeli captain. Cpt. Uziel Gal came up with the design for an international competition in the 1940s. Gal didn’t want the weapon to be named after him, but no one listened to him.
Gal was actually imprisoned by the British for two years. But he didn’t waste his time being in prison. IN fact, he used that time to study up, learning everything he could about mechanical engineering. When he was released, he had the idea for the new gun in mind.
2. Then, the first prototypes appeared in 1950.
By 1954, the world wanted more Uzis. This helped the new Israeli government significantly since it made them money. The Uzi is easy to lead, compact, and heat and dust resistant. That makes it ideal for lots of places around the world.
3. Another important thing to know is the first mass-produced Uzi fired 600 rounds per minute and used a 9mm caliber bullet.
4. Next, the IDF adopted the Uzi. That happened just three years after the nation of Israel was created.
5. The Uzi is highly reliable and surprisingly accurate when used appropriately (short bursts).
6. The original Uzi was made with a wooden stock.
7. During the 1960s, the folding metal stock replaced the wooden stock.
8. The Uzi was originally manufactured by Israel Military Industries (IMI) Ltd.
Then in 2005, the Israeli government privatized the small arms division. Now, the new company is known as the Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd.
9. IMI made 3 variants. There’s the standard, the Mini, and the Micro Uzi.
Each of these has its benefits.
10. Lots of people buy this particular gun.
By lots, we mean more than 2 million of them have been sold. That means that almost every law enforcement agency or military in the entire world has adopted and used the Uzi at some point. The assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan was with an Uzi.
11. The newest generation of the submachine gun is the Uzi Pro.
The Pro incorporates the latest in weapon technology.