VERSATILE SHOOTER

The (CPW) combines the convenience of small handguns with the efficiency of larger weapons, while still packing a hefty punch.

Weighing in at 1.7kg, the (CPW) - manufactured by local company Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics - is certainly a featherweight compared to its larger, full-sized assault rifle brethren. The CPW is one of the newest additions to the growing family of Personal Defence Weapons (PDW) which arms makers around the world have been pushing out since the late 1980s.

Unlike other PDWs, also referred to as compact sub-machine guns, the CPW is designed with a multi-calibre system where the basic weapon can be configured to fire different ammunition calibres. In other words, it can be adapted to suit different operational and mission requirements.

The standard CPW comes configured for 9mm rounds, but it can be easily converted to fire other calibres because of its modular construction. By changing its barrel and magazine, the CPW can be adjusted to fire other widely-used ammunition sizes such as 4.7mm and 5.7mm rounds.

So instead of maintaining an inventory of weapons, users of the CPW can benefit from maintaining just one basic weapon type and its modular accessories, configuring them to suit different requirements.

Modular system

The CPW also comes equipped with two sets of Picatinny rails; one located on the top of the weapon and the other just at the aft of the trigger guard. Picatinny rails are a standardised mounting system already in use on many other firearms.

For the firer, this means the CPW can be used with accessories such as optical scopes and laser aiming devices to enhance targeting. The lower set of Picatinny rails will accommodate other accessories such as fore-grips and torch lights. With so many components designed to be used with Picatinny rails, the CPW firer will find it easy to customise the weapon to suit his or her own specific requirements.

When the situation calls for more stability, the CPW's inbuilt retractable stock extends the 39cm gun to almost 60cm. With the stock retracted, the CPW is compact enough to be holstered, hidden under clothing and fired with one hand like a pistol. A two-handed grip is recommended when using the CPW like a sub-machine gun to deliver fire on a wide area.

Smart design

To keep its weight low, the CPW is constructed with advanced polymers. The end result is a svelte weapon which tipped the scales at 1.7kg when unloaded. This compares well with other PDWs, which typically weigh about 2kg.

The pistol grip on the CPW is also integrated with the magazine. To help firers keep track of the number of rounds remaining, both the pistol grip and magazine are translucent. According to ST Kinetics, this is the world's first interchangeable translucent pistol grip and magazine system. One glance and a CPW firer knows how many rounds remain before he has to reload, a definite plus during intense fire-fights.

To minimise recoil, ST Kinetics developed a unique cam recoil mitigation mechanism which allowed a smaller and lighter bolt mass to be used in the CPW. A bolt in a firearm refers to the mechanism which blocks the rear of the chamber (the part of a barrel where a round enters, before they are fired) during firing and moves out of the way to allow another round to be chambered.

With a lightweight bolt, the CPW transmits lower recoil to the firer simply because there is less kinetic energy generated when the weapon automatically chambers another round after one is fired. Just imagine swinging a ball of paper and a similar-sized ball of lead: Which one transmits more force when it hits you?

Safety inbuilt

Apart from the standard safety mode selector, the CPW has two other safety mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge in the event of violent knocks or when the weapon is dropped from height.

Incorporated into the trigger design, the Trigger Drop Safety device locks and prevents the CPW from firing unless the trigger is deliberately pulled by the user.

The other safety system, called the Firing Pin Safety Block, is a component inside the bolt assembly which physically locks the firing pin unless it is deactivated by the user. A linkage system enables both safety mechanisms to be released when the trigger is pulled by the user.

The CPW took about three years to develop. Though PDWs, such as the Heckler & Koch MP7 and Fabrique Nationale P90, have been around for many years, uptake of these shorter (and hence more wieldy) weapons have not been widespread. PDWs usually see duty in the special forces and law enforcement sectors due to their effectiveness in confined spaces.