Mekanika Uru

Mekanika Indústria e Comércio Ltda. · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1977

Also known as: URU, Mekanika URU Model 2

Overview

The Mekanika Uru is a Brazilian blowback-operated, open-bolt submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Designed by Olympio Vieira de Mello in 1974-75 and produced from 1977, it was built around a simple steel-tube receiver and barrel jacket with stamped steel components, prioritizing low-cost manufacture. It served the Brazilian Army and police forces and offers selective semi- and full-automatic fire from a 30-round box magazine.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3900 g (137.6 oz)
Overall Length689 mm (27.13")
Folded Length456 mm (17.95")
Barrel Length175 mm (6.89")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismOpen Bolt
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity400 m/s (1312 fps)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Rate of Fire750 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1977-1985

Approximately 10,000 units produced for Brazilian military and police use.

Origin

Country of origin: Brazil

Designer: Olympio Vieira de Mello

Discontinued: 1985

Notes

The Uru was designed for inexpensive mass production using steel tubing and stampings. It uses a wraparound (telescoping) bolt to keep the weapon compact. The barrel can be removed quickly without tools.

Background

Conceived as a cheap, easily produced submachine gun for Brazilian security forces, the Uru's steel-tube construction echoed the design philosophy of earlier mass-production submachine guns like the Sten and Madsen.