The Baghdad (Simonov-Iraqi): Iraq's First Mass-Produced Service Rifle?

Published on April 23, 2021
Duration: 8:33

This video explores the rare Baghdad rifle, an Iraqi derivative of the Egyptian Rashid rifle. The discussion highlights its similarities to the Rashid, including manufacturing marks suggesting the use of identical machinery. The rarity and uncertain production location (Egypt vs. Iraq) are central themes, with insights into Iraq's broader small arms production context and the political motivations behind developing indigenous firearms.

Quick Summary

The Baghdad rifle is a rare Iraqi derivative of the Egyptian Rashid rifle, primarily produced in the 1970s. It shares the same design and manufacturing characteristics, suggesting use of identical machinery, though its exact production location (Iraq vs. Egypt) remains uncertain. Only about five examples are known to exist.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to the Baghdad Rifle
  2. 00:58Details of the Baghdad Rifle
  3. 01:13Comparison to Egyptian Rashid
  4. 01:40Rarity and Production Years
  5. 02:05Manufacturing Location Debate
  6. 02:46Machining Marks Analysis
  7. 02:55Iraqi Small Arms Production Context
  8. 03:16Actual Iraqi Army Service Rifles
  9. 04:10Political Motivations for Arms Production
  10. 04:45Iraqi Crest on Egyptian Rashid
  11. 05:35Ongoing Research and Hypotheses
  12. 06:25Further Internet Discoveries
  13. 06:56Egypt-Iraq Relations Context
  14. 07:36Baghdad Rifle Timeline vs. Political Events

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Baghdad rifle?

The Baghdad rifle is a rare firearm that is a derivative of the Egyptian Rashid rifle. It shares the same design and pattern, but is marked as 'Baghdad' and was produced in Iraq, primarily during the 1970s.

How rare is the Baghdad rifle?

The Baghdad rifle is extremely rare, with only approximately five known examples in existence. One known example is located in the United States, having been sold on Gunbroker.

What caliber is the Baghdad rifle?

The Baghdad rifle is chambered in 7.62mm, similar to its Egyptian Rashid counterpart. This caliber is common for many Soviet-bloc and derivative firearms.

Where was the Baghdad rifle manufactured?

While marked as 'Made in Baghdad,' the exact manufacturing location is debated. Evidence suggests it may have been produced on the same machinery as the Egyptian Rashid, possibly with receivers made in Egypt and finished in Iraq.

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