Videos tagged with IM Metal

The HS2000, developed by IM Metal in Croatia, evolved from the steel-framed HS95 into a successful polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. Initial domestic versions lacked features like a trigger safety, but export models for the US market, marketed by Intrac, added a trigger safety, loaded chamber indicator, and thumb rest to meet import requirements. Springfield Armory's partnership in 2001 led to the XD model, achieving significant commercial success.

The PHP MV-9 was the first Croatian pistol, designed by Marko Vukovic and inspired by the Walther P38. It was adopted by the Croatian National Guard in 1992. Two main versions exist: a long-barrel and a short-barrel model, both using a 15-round magazine. Despite early reliability issues and a nickname reflecting design flaws, the MV-9 was crucial for developing Croatia's domestic firearms industry, leading to the HS2000 and Springfield XD.

The Kordun 7.62 is a Yugoslavian prototype pistol designed by Marko Vuković in 1985, aiming to improve upon the Tokarev M57 with a double-stack magazine and a unique flapper-locking mechanism. Despite its innovative design and softer recoil, the Yugoslav Army rejected it due to disassembly complexity. This design lineage influenced later firearms like the HS2000 and Springfield XD.

This video explores the IM Metal VHS-1 prototype, a Tavor-influenced Croatian bullpup rifle designed with an integrated 40mm grenade launcher. Despite its innovative features like a Tavor-like pistol grip and AR-180 inspired internals, the prototype proved overly complex. IM Metal later shifted focus, leading to the production VHS-1 and VHS-2 (Springfield Hellion).

This video details the development of the Croatian VHS bullpup rifle, starting with a modified French FAMAS prototype. IM Metal (now HS Produkt) adapted the FAMAS receiver and barrel, simplifying its design and aiming to convert its complex lever-delayed blowback to a gas piston system. Key modifications included relocating the charging handle and reducing weight by removing unnecessary FAMAS components like the barrel sleeve and bipod mount.

This video explores a unique bullpup conversion of a Yugoslav M70 AK by IM Metal, a precursor to HS Produkt. The prototype aimed for compactness and accuracy with a longer barrel, featuring custom receiver plates, a modified trigger linkage, and a forward-mounted charging handle. While not a production success, it was a crucial developmental step for HS Produkt's later acclaimed VHS-2 rifle and XD pistols.

The ALKA mod 93 is a Croatian submachine gun developed during the Homeland War, influenced by the MAC-11 and Vz. 61 Skorpion. It features a robust sheet metal construction, a high rate of fire (~1200 rpm), and a compact design. Despite its origins, it's noted to handle better than a standard MAC-10.