Baghdad Carbine: Iraq's Super-Rare Copy of the Rasheed

Published on October 4, 2023
Duration: 7:10

This video provides an expert-level comparison of the rare Iraqi Baghdad Carbine and its Egyptian Rasheed predecessor, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The analysis highlights subtle yet significant differences, particularly in receiver markings and the inclusion of a buttstock cleaning kit on the Baghdad Carbine. Mechanically, the rifles are identical, sharing a direct gas impingement system, milled receiver, and 7.62x39mm caliber, with fully interchangeable parts. The video delves into the historical context of their production, including the transfer of tooling from Egypt to Iraq.

Quick Summary

The Iraqi Baghdad Carbine is a rare 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, mechanically identical to the Egyptian Rasheed. Iraq acquired Rasheed tooling in 1974, producing the Baghdad Carbine with distinct 'MADE IN IRAQ' markings and a buttstock cleaning kit compartment, unlike the Rasheed's 'MADE IN U.A.R.' marking and lack of a cleaning kit.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to Baghdad Carbine
  2. 00:27History of Egyptian Rasheed
  3. 00:54Iraq Acquires Rasheed Tooling
  4. 01:17Iraqi Domestic Firearm Production
  5. 01:45Source of Information and Transfer Details
  6. 02:10Baghdad Carbine Receiver Markings
  7. 03:07Markings Comparison: Baghdad vs. Rasheed
  8. 03:26Estimated Baghdad Production Numbers
  9. 04:25Mechanical Identicality with Rasheed
  10. 05:04Key Difference: Buttstock Cleaning Kit
  11. 06:04Rarity and Production Summary
  12. 06:51Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Baghdad Carbine and how does it relate to the Rasheed Rifle?

The Baghdad Carbine is a rare Iraqi-made semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. It is mechanically identical to the Egyptian Rasheed rifle, with Iraq acquiring the necessary tooling from Egypt in 1974.

What are the main differences between the Baghdad Carbine and the Rasheed Rifle?

The primary differences are the markings: the Baghdad Carbine is marked 'MADE IN IRAQ,' while the Rasheed is marked 'MADE IN U.A.R.' The Baghdad Carbine also features a trapdoor in the buttstock for a cleaning kit, which the Rasheed lacks.

What is the estimated production of the Baghdad Carbine?

Estimates suggest that Iraq produced between 9,000 and 10,000 Baghdad Carbines. Production ran from approximately 1975 to 1978, with serial numbers typically in the 100,000 range.

Are parts interchangeable between the Baghdad Carbine and the Rasheed Rifle?

Yes, the Baghdad Carbine and the Rasheed Rifle are mechanically identical, meaning all parts are fully interchangeable between the two firearms.

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