Which Sub-Machinegun is this?
 

This photo was used by foxnews.com today related to the capture of a drug cartel leader. I am ususally pretty knowledgeable about small arms, but I do not recognise this gun... can anyone else identify it?

Thanks, -John S.

I believe it's a variation of the UZI.

My WAG is a Mendoza HM-3...

Seems to be several variations...

It IS a Mendoza and they are supplied in various configurations. Mall cops have semi auto only versions in Mexico.

It is a much closer copy of the Czech VZ 25 than it is of the UZI;

http://world.guns.ru/smg/chex/sa-23-e.html

Here is the story -

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/08...est=latestnews

Amusing note at end of story -

"Nunez is wanted in the U.S. on drug-trafficking charges in a federal court in Texas. The Mexican government said he could face up to 40 years in prison in Mexico, and it was not immediately clear whether there was a U.S. extradition request for him."

Extradite him??? :eek: Let him enjoy the 40 years in a Mexican jail, says I... :cheers:

On the Mendoza...It has a lot of similarities to the UZI and VZ...Bolt telescopes over the barrel, fires from open bolt [auto version], magazine in grip, 9mm, sheet metal/tubing construction, collapsible buttstock...the stock in the Foxnews pic is interesting as it folds over the receiver instead of the usual under-folding wire stock...

BTW, that short stocky dude scares the crap out of me... :p

thanks for all the replies... based on what I see in the photos... this gives real meaning to the term "open bolt" :eek:

The problem is, with all the corruption down there, would he even STAY in prison? If we can get him to Texas, and charge him with murder(s), they can put him in the ground a lot sooner than 40 years. :thumbup:

In México, he will be able to live in relative luxury, a la Al capone, including the best food, women and all the comforts of home by bribing prison officials.

Bringing him here would be a much more grueling ordeal for him.

John..gives real meaning to the term "open bolt" The bolt is NOT open in this photo. A little difficult to tell but if it were the mag and cartridge would be seen so it looks closed to me.

Jerry I was talking about the open bolt operation of the sub gun... it appears that when "open" you could easily get a lot of things caught in the open action...

not to mention the bolt handle moving so violently in your line of sight!

and not that these guns had their bolts open... sorry if I confused you...

John, Having shot many thousands of rounds in open bolt sub guns, The bolt handle is of no concern!
I am easily confused..not your fault!

An open bolt does have the possibility of pollution no doubt but many sub guns have a cover for that reason.
One reason for open bolts is cooling. On fast firing subs heat can cause cookoff's so the open bolt helps to prevent them.

Is it possible that these are open bolt guns, but are carried with the bolt closed when action is not immediate? Like when they are posing for photos...
dju

The Mendoza HM-3 submachine gun was designed by Hector Mendoza, son of the famous Mexican small arms designer Rafael Mendoza. This compact and modern weapon was subsequently adopted by Mexican military. Because of strict Mexican laws, it was never officially exported outside the country. In late 1990s Mendoza company began manufacture of an improved weapon, with modern polimer furniture and different cocking arrangements. This weapon still is known as HM-3 and is available in two basic versions - selective fire HM-3 for military use and semi-automatic only HM-3S for police and security use.
Mendoza HM-3 submachine gun operates on simple blowback principle, from open bolt. It can shoot semi-automatic or in bursts, with combined safety / fire selector switch being located on the right side of the gun, above the trigger. Mendoza HM-3 submachine gun features "wrap-around" bolt which is exposed for the most part of its length, with cocking serrations machined on either side of the bolt in front of ejection port. Feed is from detachable box magazines, which are inserted into the pistol grip. Buttstock folds horizontally to the left side of the gun, and forms a forward grip when folded.
The Mendoza HM-3S semiautomatic carbine is different that it fires from closed bolt, has a polymer furniture and an U-shaped cocking handle (instead of the serrations) above the still exposed bolt.

That is definitely a compact, efficient appearing subgun. I have had an interest in subguns for a long time now. This weapon would sure look nice in my safe......legal of course!! Thanks John for the photos.