Story of the Alar: A Simple Student-Made SMG

Published on August 14, 2023
Duration: 12:10

This guide details the field stripping process for the Alar SMG, a unique student-made submachine gun from Croatia. It covers the basic steps of disassembly and reassembly, emphasizing safety precautions. The Alar SMG's design, influenced by firearms like the PPSh-41 and MP40, is highlighted, along with its historical context during the Croatian Homeland War.

Quick Summary

The Alar SMG is a unique submachine gun designed by Stjepan Alar and produced by students in Sisak, Croatia, during the early Croatian Homeland War. Influenced by firearms like the PPSh-41 and MP40, it featured an open-bolt blowback action and rifled Steyr barrels in its production variants. Approximately 80 were made as emergency arms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Alar SMG
  2. 00:30Production Context & Designer
  3. 01:50Prototype Mechanical Overview
  4. 03:48First Production Version Features
  5. 06:51Mechanism and Safety Features
  6. 08:33Standard Production Model Details
  7. 10:46Historical Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Alar SMG?

The Alar SMG is a submachine gun designed by Stjepan Alar and produced in limited numbers by students at a design school in Sisak, Croatia, during the early Croatian Homeland War. Its design shows influences from other firearms like the PPSh-41 and MP40.

What were the key design features of the Alar SMG?

The Alar SMG featured an open-bolt blowback action, a Steyr rifled barrel (in production versions), and options for side-folding or under-folding stocks. Early prototypes had a complex progressive trigger, later simplified to full-auto-only in production models.

How many Alar SMGs were produced?

Approximately 80 Alar SMGs were manufactured. Production ceased once Croatian forces acquired sufficient quantities of standard military rifles like the M70.

What historical context surrounds the Alar SMG?

The Alar SMG represents emergency arms production during the Croatian Homeland War. Its designer, Stjepan Alar, was reportedly imprisoned for his work until the war began, highlighting the urgent need for indigenous weapon manufacturing.

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