PAWS ZX-7: An American Sterling in .45 ACP

Published on October 29, 2021
Duration: 10:11

This guide details the field stripping process for the PAWS ZX-7, an American-made Sterling SMG clone. It highlights the unique rotating locking catch on the end cap and the internal components. The information is presented with high authority by Ian McCollum, drawing on detailed mechanical comparisons and historical production data.

Quick Summary

The PAWS ZX-7 is an American-made clone of the British Sterling submachine gun, chambered in .45 ACP. Designed by Bob Imel's PAWS company, it features modifications for easier domestic production, including a Moly-coat finish and adapted M3 Grease Gun magazines. Disassembly involves a unique rotating locking catch on the receiver end cap.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the PAWS ZX-7
  2. 00:27Historical Context and Bob Imel
  3. 02:11Magazine Compatibility
  4. 03:26Design Modifications
  5. 04:41Stock and Disassembly
  6. 06:58Internal Mechanics
  7. 08:26Production and Post-1986 Shift

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PAWS ZX-7?

The PAWS ZX-7 is an American-made submachine gun clone of the British Sterling, chambered in .45 ACP. It was designed by Bob Imel under his company, PAWS (Police Automatic Weapons Systems), to circumvent import restrictions on foreign machine guns.

How did Bob Imel adapt the Sterling design for the PAWS ZX-7?

Bob Imel simplified the Sterling design for easier domestic production. Key modifications include using a Moly-coat finish instead of crinkle paint, adapting the grip assembly, and simplifying the stock locking mechanism. It also uses modified M3 Grease Gun magazines for .45 ACP.

What is unique about the PAWS ZX-7's disassembly?

Field stripping the PAWS ZX-7 involves a unique rotating locking catch on the receiver end cap, which must be rotated with a screwdriver to remove the cap and access the internal components like the bolt and recoil springs.

Why did PAWS shift production after 1986?

Following the 1986 Hughes Amendment, which closed the National Firearms Act registry to new machine guns, PAWS transitioned from producing transferable machine guns like the ZX-7 to manufacturing closed-bolt semi-automatic carbines (ZX-6 and ZX-8).

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →