Calico M960
Calico Light Weapons Systems · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1990
Also known as: Calico M960A, M960A
Overview
The Calico M960 is a compact American 9x19mm submachine gun built around a roller-delayed blowback action and a distinctive cylindrical helical magazine mounted along the top of the receiver, holding 50 or 100 rounds. It features ambidextrous downward case ejection and a collapsible stock, giving it a futuristic, bullpup-like profile. It is the selective-fire member of the Calico 9mm family, derived from the semi-automatic M950 pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2170 g (76.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2920 g (103.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 835 mm (32.87") |
| Folded Length | 647 mm (25.47") |
| Barrel Length | 330 mm (12.99") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Helical |
| Muzzle Velocity | 393 m/s (1289 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 575 J (424 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Helical Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Helical Feed Magazine, Top Mounted Magazine, Ambidextrous Forward Ejection, Collapsible Stock, Forward Pistol Grip, 50 Or 100 Round Capacity
Variants
- Calico M950 — Pistol
Production
Production years: 1990-2000s
Limited production; primarily civilian and niche law-enforcement sales
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Michael Miller
Notes
Source disagreement on barrel length: militaryfactory and modernfirearms cite 330 mm, while Wikipedia-derived data gives 157 mm. The manufacturer-claimed 300 m effective range is unrealistic for a 9mm SMG; 50 m is the cited practical figure. Never secured large-scale military contracts.
Background
The Calico's signature helical magazine and sci-fi silhouette made it a staple prop of 1990s action and science-fiction cinema, lending it a futuristic reputation far larger than its real-world adoption.