Hotchkiss Universal: The Most Folding Gun Made

Published on July 31, 2020
Duration: 16:44

This guide details the field stripping and reassembly process for the Hotchkiss Universal submachine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of major components like the rear cap, recoil spring, lower assembly, bolt, and barrel. The process requires basic tools and emphasizes safety throughout. The Hotchkiss Universal is noted for its complex folding mechanism and internal hammer/firing pin assembly integrated into the bolt.

Quick Summary

The Hotchkiss Universal is renowned as one of the most folding firearms ever made, achieving a compact length under 18 inches. Its design features a retracting barrel, folding magazine well, and folding stock, operating on a closed-bolt blowback system in 9mm Parabellum. Despite its ingenuity, it was rejected by the French military due to complexity and cost.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and History of Hotchkiss
  2. 02:21Folding Mechanism Demonstration
  3. 05:28Markings and Variations (CMH/CMH 2)
  4. 08:05Fire Control and Disassembly
  5. 11:51Ergonomics and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Hotchkiss Universal the most folding gun made?

The Hotchkiss Universal features an exceptionally compact folding design where the magazine well folds forward, the barrel retracts, and the stock folds underneath, achieving a total length under 18 inches. The hollow pistol grip also folds over the trigger guard.

What are the key technical specifications of the Hotchkiss Universal?

The Hotchkiss Universal operates via a closed-bolt blowback action, fires 9mm Parabellum ammunition, has a capacity of 32 rounds, and offers both semi-auto and full-auto fire modes. Its folded length is under 18 inches.

Why was the Hotchkiss Universal rejected by the French military?

Despite its innovative compact design, the Hotchkiss Universal was deemed too complex and expensive to manufacture by the French military, leading to its rejection in favor of other designs.

What historical context surrounds the Hotchkiss Universal?

Developed after WWII, the Hotchkiss Universal was intended to meet the French military's need for a compact 9mm submachine gun for paratroopers and mechanized infantry, building on the legacy of the Hotchkiss company founded in Paris.

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