Calico M960 Submachine Gun (1990)
The Calico M960 Submachine Gun is unique in that it feeds from a helical magazine fitted over the receiver.
The Calico M960 series has yet to secure any large-scale quantitative defense contracts though it remains an intriguing design endeavor. It sports features uncommon to most assault weapons in current use worldwide as it manages a small working profile with less protrusions that are likely to snag in the heat of battle. It is also a well-balanced design in the hands. Calico weapons are noted for their reliability and accuracy as well as robust function and long life.
The Calico M960 series is unique in its general design in that it makes use of a helical-feed magazine, a cylindrical drum fitted over the rear portion of the receiver and adjustable shoulder stock. The primary benefit of this arrangement lies in a larger internal magazine that can hold up to 100 rounds of ammunition where traditional submachine guns are generally limited to 20-, 30- or 40-round detachable box magazines. The weapon is chambered to fire the widely-accepted 9x19mm Parabellum pistol round from a 50- or 100-round drum at a rate of 750 rounds per minute with spent shell casings ejected through the bottom of the receiver, ahead of the trigger guard (thusly making it ambidextrous). Iron sights are standard though optics can be fitted as necessary. The rest of the design consists of a conventional angled pistol grip with integrated trigger unit, a handguard with angled foregrip and a protruding barrel assembly capped by a perforated muzzle brake. Overall weight is 2.17 kilograms when empty and the stock can be collapsed to form a 647mm overall length (down from the full 835mm extended length). Overall construction includes metal for the critical internal working components and lightweight composites for the furniture.
The basic production mark of the weapon line became the M960A with its collapsible stock and this was followed by the compact, selective-fire M961A with its shorter barrel. The M960AS was given a fixed stock. As mentioned, Calico also markets the M960 family under the "Liberty" name and the product line encompasses the Liberty 50, Liberty 50 Tactical, Liberty 100, Liberty 100 Tactical, Liberty I, Liberty I Tactical, Liberty II, Liberty II Tactical, Liberty III and Liberty III Tactical. Each is differentiated by obvious physical changes (fixed/collapsible stock) to the base design to suit the discerning customer. Law enforcement and military versions are offered with full-automatic fire functionality whilst civilian-minded designs are limited to semi-automatic fire only. The "Liberty III" series takes on more of a "machine pistol" form and is lighter in overall weight and made more compact thanks to its lack of a shoulder stock and shortened barrel assembly. "Tactical" models incorporate Picatinny-style rails for additional tactical accessories mounting. All models range out effectively to 300 yards maximum according to Calico marketing materials. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Calico M960
Submachine Gun
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Calico Light Weapons Systems - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1990
Overall Length: 835mm (32.87in)
Barrel Length: 330.00mm (12.99in)
Weight (Empty): 4.78lbs (2.17kg)
Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum
Action: Roller-Delayed Blowback; Semi- / Full-Automatic
Feed: 50- or 100-round helical magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 1,290ft/sec (393m/sec)
Rate-of-Fire: 750 rounds per minute
Range: 984ft (300m; 328yds)
Sights: Iron Front and Rear; Optional Optics
Variants:
M960A - Collapsible Stock Version
M960AS - Solid Stock Version
M961A - Compact variant with shorter barrel.
Liberty 50 - 50-round helical magazine; fixed shoulder stock.
Liberty 50 Tactical - Picatinny-style accessories rail.
Liberty 100 - 100-round helical magazine; fixed shoulder stock.
Liberty 100 Tactical - Picatinny-style accessories rail.
Liberty I - 50-round helical magazine; collapsible stock.
Liberty I Tactical - Picatinny-style accessories rail.
Liberty II - 50-round helical magazine; fixed stock.
Liberty II Tactical - Picatinny-style accessories rail.
Liberty III - Machine pistol form; sans shoulder stock; 50-round helical magazine; shortened barrel assembly.
Liberty III Tactical - Picatinny-style accessories rail.
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