Agram 2000 Submachine gun

[Zarvan]

The Agram 2000 was designed as a stop gap solution for Croatian militia units



Country of origin Croatia
Entered service Early 1990s
Caliber 9x19 mm
Weight 1.8 kg
Length 482 mm
Length (with folded stock) -
Barrel length 150 mm
Muzzle velocity ~ 330 m/s
Cyclic rate of fire 800 rpm
Practical rate of fire 30 - 120 rpm
Magazine capacity 15, 22, 32 rounds
Sighting range 150 m
Range of effective fire ~ 50 m


The Agram 2000 is a Croatian submachine gun. It was designed by Ivan Vugrek in the early 1990s, during the breakup of Yugoslavia. Ivan Vugrek designed this weapon on his own at his home workshop. This submachine gun was intended for Croatian civilians, farmers and local militia, as a self-defense weapon during the civil war. This weapon is very simple in design and technology. Some sources report that number "2000" in the designation is the number of hours that took Ivan Vugrek to design this weapon. Production of the Agram 2000 commenced in the 1990s. It was produced throughout Croatia in local machine shops. This weapon was produced in relatively small numbers. It was used by local militia units, border guards and regular troops. Though it was never designed as a weapon for regular military units and law enforcement forces, but instead as a stop gap solution. Despite its humble performance the Agram 2000 was even used by special forces for reconnaissance and sabotage, as there was no better option. The Agram 2000 saw action during Croatian War of Independence, Bosnian War and Kosovo War.

The Agram 2000 is simple in design and technology. The weapon is of stamped metal construction with some molded plastic parts. There are only 56 metal parts, made of stamped metal. Even though this submachine gun was developed within a very short period of time, it has relatively appealing design.

The Agram 2000 is based on Italian Beretta PM12. It is a blowback-operated weapon, chambered for 9x19 mm Parabellum ammunition. This Croatian submachine gun has faster rate of fire than the Beretta PM12.

Unfortunately this Croatian submachine gun made its name for poor reliability. Mainly due to poor build quality. The Agram 2000 has a very short service life. After only 1 000 - 1 200 shots this weapon deteriorates and its performance and reliability reduce significantly.

This submachine gun is simple to use. It can be easily field stripped for cleaning or maintenance. Due to overall simplicity of the weapon damaged or defective parts could be even manufactured and replaced by the shooter himself.

A fire mode selector is located above the pistol grip and is operated by a thumb. A cocking handle is located on the left side of the receiver.

This submachine is reportedly fed from 15-, 22- or 32-round capacity magazines. It is compatible with all standard Uzi magazines.

This weapon has got no buttstock. Instead it has a foregrip with a thumb hole. It improves stability of the weapon during firing. Though accuracy is significantly reduced by the lack of buttstock.

This weapon has got simple iron sights. A front sight is covered by a protective ring. A rear sight post is of flip-up type. It is ranged out to 50 and 150 meters. Range of effective fire could be around 50 meters.

This weapon has a threaded barrel and can mount a sound suppressor. When the suppressor is attached it significantly reduced muzzle climb.

Due to its light weight, compact size and provision to mount a sound suppressor this weapon was popular with criminals. These weapons from war-torn former Yugoslavian regions found their way to black market and into the criminal world. The Agram 2000 was often used by criminals from former Soviet republics.



Variants



Agram 2002 is an updated version with a number of modifications. Overall it has similar layout and also lacks buttstock. Forward grip with a thumb hole has been deleted. Cocking handle was relocated, so the weapon can be cocked using either hand. This submachine gun has different rear sight post.

Agram 2000
Submachine Gun

Agram 2000
Submachine Gun

Agram 2000
Submachine Gun

Agram 2000
Submachine Gun

Agram 2000
Submachine Gun

Agram 2000
Submachine Gun

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