I'm betting that the entire lower receiver is a painted aluminum casting, not plastic. Having lived in various Latin American countries for over 22 years, this is simply typical of the locally manufactured .22s I have encountered, although not this one specifically.
I'll also wager that while it may not be full auto, it is certainly an open bolt firing mechanism and easely convertible.
So here is the check list of why I believe this to be Latin American Produced;
- Aluminum cast lower saves machining, fitting costs. Used frequently in SoAm.
- Tubular cross section upper with open bolt mechanism is the cheapest solution to the upper configuration
-.22 calibre and shotgun calibers only ammo allowed to civilian population in many SoAm countries
.22 calibre by far the most prevalent pistol calibre in South America
- Just guessing, but the lack of any apparent safety would not fly in most Western countries.
- The fact that this particular gun turned up on a Mexican website
|