Northwood Developments M77
Northwood Developments · Carbine · Discontinued · 1977
Also known as: Northwood M77, R76 carbine
Overview
The Northwood Developments M77 is a Rhodesian 9x19mm blowback-operated pistol-caliber carbine designed by former RAF engineer Roger Mansfield and built in Salisbury (now Harare). Part of a modular system sharing a common receiver with the R76 pistol, it accepted four interchangeable barrels and either a collapsible wire or fixed wood stock, feeding from standard Browning Hi-Power magazines. Production versions were semi-automatic only as required by Rhodesian law, with only a handful of select-fire prototypes made for military evaluation.
Specifications
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 13-Round Browning Hi-Power Box Magazine, 20-Round Box Magazine, 30-Round Box Magazine
- Features: Modular Receiver Accepting Four Interchangeable Barrels, Choice Of Collapsible Wire Stock, Fixed Wood Stock, Or No Stock, Feeds From Standard Browning Hi-Power Magazines (13, 20, 30 Round), Browning-Interchangeable Magazine Catch, Optional Bayonet Lug And Clamp-On Bipod On Longer Barrels
Service history
Conflicts
- Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979)
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,000 · Production years: 1977-1980
Approximately 2,000 M77 carbines produced before Rhodesian production ended around 1980; most remained domestically.
Origin
Country of origin: Rhodesia
Designer: Roger Mansfield
Discontinued: 1980
Notes
Physical dimensions, weight, and muzzle-velocity figures are not documented in surviving sources. About 2,000 carbines were built before Rhodesian production ended around 1980, with most remaining in-country and some reaching South Africa.
Background
One of the very few firearms designed and mass-produced in Rhodesia, the Northwood M77 was the brainchild of an ex-RAF engineer and cleverly borrowed Browning Hi-Power magazines so owners could feed it from an already-common pistol mag.