Parker Hale PDW
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| Parker Hale PDW | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin: | United Kingdom |
| Viewing sights: | Iron |
| Cartridge: | 9mm Luger |
| Length: | 11.6 inches with stock folded |
| Weight: | 5.7 pounds unloaded |
| Barrel: | 4" 1:10" twist |
| Magazine capacity: | 10, 20, or 30 round double stack stick magazine |
| Magazine type: | Folding with extension |
| Rate of fire: | 280 to 400 RPM |
| Operation: | Recoil operated, open bolt, hydraulic rate control |
Parker-Hale Personal Defense Weapon(PH-PDW) is a gun manufactured by the now defunct United Kingdom firearms, air rifle and firearms accessory manufacturer.
Contents |
[edit] History
Designed and first built be George Ealovega the PH-PDW combines a cutting edge technoloigcal advance in recoil and rate of fire control with modern composite construction and light weight.
High rates of fire in full-auto weapons has always been an issue for weapon designers. Ways to control and slow the rate the fire have run from removable weights in the bolt to vacuum bolt control. The PH uses a hydraulic system similar to a motor vehicle's shock absorber. A link connects the rear of the bolt to the hydraulic unit which completely eliminates the mechanical recoil spring. A quantum leap forward in recoil design, the hydraulic control unit can be removed and replaced in less than 1 minute if a faster or slower rate of fire is desired.
THe first prototype guns were manufactured by the Rheinlander Instrument Corp. for Ealovega. The original prototype has over 22,000 rounds through it before it was retired for a more advanced model.
[edit] Description
The weapon uses a two-stage folding stock allowing for use of body armor or for small stature users. There are two separate mechanical safeties on the weapon. One is a conventional grip safety on the handle and the other is a mechanical toggle lever on the front of the trigger guard. Both have to be disengaged before the weapon can be loaded or fired.
Like most full auto PDW's or submachine guns the PH fires from an open bolt but the unique recoil system allows a very accurate first shot.
A standard Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver allows the mounting of virtually any optics system the user wants.
While still in prototype stages of production one can assume the advances found in this weapon will undoubtedly drift into other sections of the firearm industry.
[edit] Parker Hale
Parker Hale Ltd. was a United Kingdom firearms, air rifle and firearms accessory manufacturer, located in Petersfield, Hampshire. It was purchased by John Rothery Wholesale Ltd in late 2000 and ceased firearm production, although cleaning kits and accessories will continue to be produced. The company had over 115 years of history and produced pistols, rifles and accessories of varying sorts. It is unclear from the website whether or not the company will/has resume(d) production of firearms.
[edit] See also
- Parker Hale
