Among the novelties of hand-held firearms, one can often find at first glance not new samples at all, which could have been missed without focusing on them, since all solutions in them are standard and have already been often used. But sometimes such weapons have their own unique appearance or some kind of distinctive detail that makes them cling to, and with a more detailed acquaintance, it comes to the understanding that, in comparison with other similar models of weapons, this is specifically at least a little bit better, more convenient and ultimately just more attractive.
I propose to evaluate one of the latest developments of the Noveske company engaged in the production of AR-like weapons and add-ons to them. We will get acquainted with the small-sized machine Ghetto Blaster.
About small-sized machines based on AR-15
Among the various disadvantages of the weapon, which was based on the AR-15 rifle, there is one that has not yet received a successful elimination option, namely the ability to fold the butt and at the same time not deprive the weapon of the ability to be used in the folded position.
It would seem that a folded butt that does not interfere with firing a weapon is a mere trifle, because without a butt, even at short distances, it is not worth talking about aimed fire, unless you are a hero of a Hollywood action movie, however, this feature of the weapon significantly expands not only the scope of the machine gun, but sometimes it increases the chances of survival for the owner of the weapon.
First of all, it should be noted that an assault rifle with a folded stock takes up significantly less space during transportation. It is much more convenient to use it while in transport or armored vehicles due to the reduction in the length of the weapon. When landing with a parachute, such weapons also have their obvious advantages. But the main thing in a weapon with a folding stock is that you can significantly reduce its length in cramped conditions, thereby increasing your maneuverability. Of course, this will have to sacrifice the accuracy of fire, but when firing bursts at short distances in some situations, this can be neglected.
The design of the same weapon based on AR-15 has one remarkable feature in the form of the so-called buffer spring (according to our return), which is located in the butt of the weapon. Thus, if the butt is folded in any of the possible ways, then after the shot the bolt will not only move backward at an increased speed, but it will not be able to return forward, since the spring will not push it.
As noted above, there were a lot of options for solving this problem, but none of them is perfect. The whole scope of design ideas begins with a simple folding of the butt with fixation of the bolt group, which makes the weapon ineffective until the butt is unfolded, and ends with such an original solution as the ability to lay down the weapon in the place where the barrel adjoins the receiver, which makes the weapon unsuitable for use in a folded position.
In general, it is virtually impossible to completely defeat this problem without significant changes in the design of the machine, although it is not so difficult to install a return spring over the bolt group, but there is no room for this in the standard receiver, in addition, it will be necessary to reduce the length of the bolt group, in general, in fact, you have to make new weapons.
The designers of the Noveske company took a slightly different path, which in this case may even be the only correct one in terms of cost and final result ratio. The buffer spring tube, and, accordingly, the spring itself was as small as possible, as far as the stroke of the standard bolt group of the weapon allowed. The butt was made retractable back. Thus, with the butt shifted, the machine gun turned out to be as compact as possible, and with the extended weapon it turns into a convenient and full-fledged means for firing at the enemy.
This decision became the main one for the fourth generation of AR-like machines from this company, it is the fourth generation that includes the small-sized Ghetto Blaster or GEN 4 N4-PDW 7, 94”.
Ergonomics of the small-sized Ghetto Blaster machine
If we talk about the ergonomics of the new machine, then it is impossible to highlight something new or unique, since this is not the case due to the similarity of the machine with the M16. However, some elements have been changed, although they remained in their places.
The first thing that attracts attention is the gun trigger, which is straight. The part on the civilian market is quite fashionable now, although it does not give any specific advantages in such a weapon. The new machine gun lost sighting devices, which would have been one with the weapon. Now the rear sight and front sight are installed on a long mounting bar on top of the machine gun; a collimator or telescopic sight can be installed on the same bar. In the lower part under the barrel there is another seat for installing an additional handle for holding or additional devices in the form of a flashlight or laser designator. In addition, additional mounting strips can be supplied on the left and right sides. The fire mode translator, the magazine eject button - all this is located in its place, but the weapon has lost the rammer.
If we talk about the butt itself, then in its folded position it is extremely inconvenient due to the angle of the handle, in terms of dimensions it is suitable only for a child, but in the extended position the butt is fully functional, as in a full-size weapon. The butt itself has a stepped adjustment, which makes it easier to fit the weapon to the shooter, not only depending on its dimensions, but also depending on the clothes worn on it.
In general, the ergonomics of the Ghetto Blaster leaves a pleasant impression, but only at the level of AR-like weapons, since some elements, for example, the size of the fire translator-switch fuse could be made larger.
The design of the small-sized machine Ghetto Blaster
It is impossible to single out any peculiarities in the design of the weapon, here it is a completely familiar and familiar M16 automation system with all its advantages and disadvantages. The only difference is the reduction in the length of the return spring and small, one might even say, cosmetic changes in the bolt group.
In general, for most people, this weapon is an M16, which is not so far from the truth.
Characteristics of the Ghetto Blaster machine
Since the weapon is small, the first thing in it should be interested in its length. With the stock folded, the length of the weapon is 480 millimeters with the unfolded 650 millimeters. The barrel length is 200 millimeters. The results, of course, are far from record-breaking, but they are quite good among similar weapon models.
The mass of the apparatus without cartridges is only 2.1 kilograms, but here you need to make an allowance for the fact that various sighting devices, as well as a flame arrester, will affect this figure.
Weapons are fed from magazines with a capacity of 10, 20 and 30 rounds 5, 56x45. There is also a variant of a weapon chambered for.300 BLK.
The machine itself is offered for the armed forces and the police in a full-fledged form, as well as for the civilian market without the possibility of automatic fire and with a reduced capacity of stores to the one permitted by law.
In addition to the compact version of the assault rifle, the 4th generation of Noveske assault rifles also includes full-size models of weapons with a barrel length of 416 millimeters. There are no differences other than the length of the barrel and the elongated forend between them.
Conclusion
For many, this machine may seem like another variation on the M16 theme, and so it essentially is. But there is something special about it, even the price, which on the manufacturer's website is equal to 2160 US dollars for the civilian version of the weapon. I must say that this is a lot for such a weapon, even a lot. Nevertheless, the general appearance of the machine is very interesting, although it would seem that only the butt was replaced and the barrel length was reduced.
