Wednesday, July 27, 2011

IMBEL MD Assault Rifle

IMBEL MD Assault Rifle
The IMBEL MD series (MD-1, MD-2, MD-3 and the recent MD-4) of assault rifles are the standard-issue rifles of the Brazilian Army.

The MD-2 and MD-3 rifles are the result of redesigning the FN FAL to use the 5.56x45mm NATO round in place of the FAL's 7.62mm NATO chambering. The MD-2/MD-3 series externally resembles a short-barrelled FAL, but with an M16 magazine. Early MD-1 prototypes retained the FAL-type tilting bolt with a locking shoulder immediately behind the magazine well. This was not found to work well with the 5.56mm round, so subsequent prototypes and the final design incorporated an M16-type 7-lug rotating bolt into the design. The FAL's short-stroke gas piston, which is actuated by gas bled from the barrel via a vent located in the foresight housing, and which impinges upon the separate bolt carrier, is retained. Feeding is from STANAG 4179 M16-compatible magazines. The versions differ in that the MD-2 uses the side-folding buttstock from the FN FAL 'para' variant, while the MD-3 uses the fixed polymer stock of the standard FAL. The MD-2 series contains many FAL-derived parts, some of which remain interchangeable with the original FAL, and others which are modified to suit the new design.
IMBEL MD-2
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin Brazil Brazil
Service history
Used by Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy, Brazilian Military Police, BOPE and National Force (Brazil)
Production history
Designed 1983
Manufacturer IMBEL
Produced 1985—
Variants MD-1, MD-2, MD-3 and MD-4
Specifications
Weight 4.40 kg (9 lb 10 oz)
Length 1,010 mm (39.8 in) (stock extended);
764 mm (30.1 in), stock folded
Barrel length 453 mm (17.8 in)

Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO (STANAG 4172)
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 700 rounds/min
Effective range 300 m (~328 yd)
Feed system Various STANAG Magazines.
Sights Aperture rear sight, hooded post front sight

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