Calico M100
Calico Light Weapons Systems · Carbine · Discontinued · 1986
Also known as: M-100, M100FS, Calico Liberty 100
Overview
The Calico M100 is a blowback-operated semi-automatic .22 LR carbine designed by Mike Miller and manufactured by Calico Light Weapons Systems. Introduced in 1986, its defining feature is a top-mounted cylindrical helical-feed magazine holding 100 rounds, with a spiral spring driving cartridges down a rotating central follower. The carbine pairs a folding wire stock, prime-cast aluminum receiver, and glass-filled polymer furniture for a futuristic appearance that made it a frequent prop in 1990s science fiction films.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1905 g (67.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2585 g (91.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 909 mm (35.79") |
| Folded Length | 757 mm (29.80") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Drum |
| Muzzle Velocity | 411 m/s (1348 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 219 J (162 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 250 m (273 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized Black |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Helical Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Hammer Block Safety
- Features: Helical Top Mounted Magazine, Folding Stock, Ambidextrous Bottom Ejection, Notch Rear Sight
Variants
- Calico M105 — Fixed Stock
- Calico M100P — Pistol Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters · adopted 1986
Production
Production years: 1986-present (intermittent)
Limited civilian production; dormant for portions of the 2000s and 2010s before being revived under Calico Firearms.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Michael Miller
Notes
The M100 and its 9mm sibling the M900/M950 were affected by the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban due to their 100-round magazines. Calico went largely dormant in the 2000s before resuming limited production under new management. The M100FS is the current production folding-stock model.
Background
The Calico's distinctive helical magazine - patented by Michael Miller and Warren Stockton in 1988 - wraps cartridges around a spiral spring like rounds on a screw thread, making the gun look so unmistakably futuristic that it appeared as the sidearm of choice in 'Total Recall,' 'RoboCop 3,' and countless cyberpunk-flavored productions of the era.