Calico Liberty
Calico Light Weapons Inc. · Carbine · Discontinued · 1996
Also known as: Calico Liberty 50, Calico Liberty 100, Calico M900 (civilian)
Overview
The Calico Liberty is an American semi-automatic 9x19mm carbine built around a distinctive top-mounted helical-feed magazine holding 50 or 100 rounds, with spent cases ejected through a bottom port. It is the post-1994 Assault Weapons Ban civilian carbine derivative of the selective-fire Calico M900 series, fitted with a 16-inch barrel and a fixed or retractable stock in place of the compensator and short barrel of the military models. Its blowback action, lightweight cast aluminum receiver, and oversized helical magazine give it an unmistakable futuristic profile.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2268 g (80.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3992 g (140.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 876 mm (34.49") |
| Folded Length | 724 mm (28.50") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Helical |
| Muzzle Velocity | 427 m/s (1401 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 356 mm (14.02") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Helical Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Helical Feed Magazine, Top Mounted Magazine, Bottom Ejection Port, Collapsible Stock
Variants
- Calico Liberty 50 - Magazine Capacity
- Calico Liberty 100 - Magazine Capacity
- Calico Liberty II - Retractable Stock
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Production years: 1996-2024
Produced by Calico Light Weapons Inc. until the company ceased operations in 2024; the helical-magazine design dates to a Miller/Stockton patent filed in 1988.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Michael Miller and Warren Stockton
Discontinued: 2024
Notes
The Liberty 100 is a post-AWB version of the M900 with a fixed (or retractable) stock and no compensator. The helical magazine is interchangeable between 50- and 100-round capacities across the Calico carbine and pistol lines.
Background
The Calico's signature helical magazine, in which cartridges spiral around an internal feed screw, was invented by Michael Miller and Warren Stockton (US Patent 4,888,898) to pack 50 to 100 rounds into a compact tube mounted atop the receiver, giving the Liberty its science-fiction silhouette and frequent appearances in 1990s action films.