This is a study sketch I for the piece "Shoot from the hip!" http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1094537/ . The Uzi submachine gun is probably one of the most recognized firearms of the 20th Century. It was not a revolutionary in anyway since the basic features of its design and manufacture had been employed by other successful firearms; instead what the Israelis did in the 1950's was merger and refine these different elements into one weapon that became the benchmark for battlefield submachine guns. The weapon is named after its developer Major Uziel Gal.

Originally fitted with a short fixed wooden stock, later models of weapon incorporated an excellent folding metal stock that is portrayed in this sketch. It used a telescoping bolt which allowed for a longer barrel while at the same time allowing for a shorter overall length when compared to other 1st and 2nd generation submachine gun like the Thompson, Mp40, PPSH41. It made extensive use of metal stamping which allowed for durable weapon that was easy and cheap to make. It employed a grip safety which enhanced safety under stressful conditions. By locating the magazine in the pistol grip they also helped shortened the overall length which made the weapon very well balanced and handy in tight quarters. From this basic foundation the Israelis would go on to create a whole family of weapons based on this sound design.

Besides its use in the Israeli Armed Forces the Uzi has used and manufactured by several other nations armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The US. Secret Service used them and one of dramatic images of the 1980's was TV footage of Secret Service Agents drawing their Uzi's to protect a wounded President Ronald Reagan during Hinckley's assassination attempt of March 30th 1981.