Movie star and favorite of a generation of Israeli commandos, the UZI 9mm sub-machine gun has earned its place in history. Simple and rugged, it can still be found on battlefields around the world. The American Secret Service carried them, famously caught on camera when Hinckley shot President Regan.
The Uzi is the pinnacle of machine pistol development. Designed by Major Uziel Gal in the late 1940s, the Uzi was one of the first weapons to use a telescoping bolt design which allowed the magazine in the pistol grip, shortening the weapon.
Introduced to IDF special forces in 1954, the Uzi has used as a personal defense weapon by officers, artillery troops and tankers, as well as light infantry assault forces.
In this Larry Vickers video, you can see exactly how this classic subgun works and understand how it became so prolific.
Manufactured by Israel Military Industries, and FN Herstal, the Uzi was used in over 90 countries. More Uzi submachine guns were sold to more military, law enforcement and security markets than any other sub=machine gun ever made.
Featured photo courtesy of IDF Blog