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

Published on October 29, 2021
Duration: 10:11

The PAWS ZX-7 is an American-made .45 ACP clone of the British Sterling SMG, designed by Bob Imel after foreign machine gun import bans. Imel modified the Sterling design for easier domestic production, including a simplified stock and grip assembly, and used modified M3 Grease Gun magazines. Production shifted to semi-automatic variants after 1986, with around 400 transferable machine guns made.

Quick Summary

The PAWS ZX-7 is an American-made clone of the British Sterling SMG, chambered in .45 ACP. Designed by Bob Imel, it featured modifications for easier domestic production, including the use of modified M3 Grease Gun magazines and a simplified stock mechanism.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: PAWS ZX-7 .45 ACP Sterling Clone
  2. 00:27History: Bob Imel & PAWS Origins
  3. 02:11Magazine Compatibility: M3 Grease Gun vs. Sten
  4. 03:26Design Modifications for Production
  5. 04:41Stock Mechanism & Disassembly
  6. 06:58Internal Mechanics: Bolt & Springs
  7. 08:26Production Numbers & Semi-Auto Shift

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PAWS ZX-7?

The PAWS ZX-7 is an American-made semi-automatic firearm designed by Bob Imel, closely based on the British Sterling submachine gun but chambered in .45 ACP. It was manufactured by Police Automatic Weapons Systems (PAWS).

Who designed the PAWS ZX-7 and why?

Bob Imel designed the PAWS ZX-7. His motivation was to create a domestic version of the Sterling SMG after the 1968 Gun Control Act banned foreign machine gun imports, leading him to establish PAWS in Oregon.

What magazines does the PAWS ZX-7 use?

The .45 ACP variant of the PAWS ZX-7 uses modified M3 Grease Gun magazines. Earlier 9mm variants, like the ZX-5, typically used Sten magazines, though some were adapted for Sterling or Uzi magazines.

How did PAWS adapt the Sterling design?

PAWS simplified the Sterling design for easier manufacturing. Modifications included a Moly-coat finish instead of crinkle paint, a simplified stock locking pin, and altered grip panel access to the fire control group.

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