The wonky Finnish submachine gun with firearms and weapons expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 9, 2022
Duration: 27:12

This expert review delves into the unique Jatimatic 9mm submachine gun, a Finnish design from the late 1970s. Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson highlights its innovative angled bolt mechanism, designed to reduce muzzle rise, and its construction featuring stamped steel and polymer. The video also touches upon its variants, a Chinese clone by Norinco, and its cult status in pop culture.

Quick Summary

The Jatimatic is a 9mm Finnish submachine gun known for its unique angled bolt design, which travels at a 7-degree upward angle to counteract muzzle rise. Designed by Jali Timari and produced by TAO from 1983, it features a progressive trigger and a folding cocking handle. Despite its innovation, it wasn't adopted by the Finnish military.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Jatimatic
  2. 01:15Caliber and Markings
  3. 02:07Construction and Materials
  4. 03:28Operation and Ergonomics
  5. 04:34The Angled Bolt Design
  6. 05:26Manufacturers and Variants
  7. 07:03Suppressed Model and Chinese Copy
  8. 08:42Internal Mechanics and Physics
  9. 10:48Pop Culture and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jatimatic and what makes its design unique?

The Jatimatic is a 9mm Finnish submachine gun designed by Jali Timari, produced from 1983. Its most distinctive feature is an angled bolt that travels upwards at a 7-degree angle relative to the barrel, intended to counteract muzzle rise and improve stability during automatic fire.

Who designed the Jatimatic and who manufactured it?

The Jatimatic was designed by Jali Timari and entered production in 1983. It was manufactured by Tampereen Asepaja Oy (TAO) in Finland. Variants and clones were later produced by other entities, including Norinco in China.

What are the key operational features of the Jatimatic?

The Jatimatic features a folding front grip that doubles as a cocking handle. It uses a progressive trigger: a short pull for semi-automatic fire and a full pull for full-automatic fire. The angled bolt design is central to its unique operation and recoil management.

Did the Jatimatic see widespread military adoption?

No, despite its innovative design, the Jatimatic was ultimately rejected by the Finnish Defense Forces and did not achieve widespread adoption. It has since gained a cult following, partly due to its appearances in popular culture.

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