SOCIMI Type 821
SOCIMI S.p.A. · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1984
Also known as: SOCIMI Model 821, SOCIMI 821-SMG, Franchi LF-821
Overview
The SOCIMI Type 821 is an Italian 9x19mm submachine gun designed in 1983 and produced from 1984 to 1989 by SOCIMI S.p.A. of Milan. It is broadly modelled on the Israeli Uzi, using a telescoping bolt that wraps around the barrel and a magazine housed in the pistol grip, but incorporates a number of differences and refinements. It is select-fire with a three-position selector and feeds from a 32-round magazine, and is fitted with a side-folding wireframe stock that folds to the right of the weapon.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2450 g (86.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Folded Length | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Fire Selector, Grip Safety
- Features: Side Folding Wire Stock, Telescoping Bolt, Magazine In Pistol Grip, Three Position Selector
Variants
- Franchi LF-821 — Rebranded
Service history
Operators
- Italian special police units
Production
Production years: 1984-1989
Produced in limited numbers; adopted only by Italian special police units
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Discontinued: 1989
Notes
Described as a well-balanced, stable firing platform suited to close-quarters use, but it saw only limited purchase by Italian special police units. After SOCIMI's small-arms operations were taken over, the design was briefly re-marketed as the Franchi LF-821 around 1992-1993.
Background
Often called the Italian Uzi, the Type 821 borrowed the Uzi's clever wrap-around bolt and grip-fed magazine, then added Italian refinements. Despite being a stable, well-balanced shooter, it arrived just as the submachine gun was falling out of military fashion and barely sold beyond a handful of Italian police units.