Calico a good anti-zombie pistol/carbine?

[Gregoriev]

Calico Light Weapons System

At the gun show I went to recently, I saw the most unique gun I have ever seen. I first thought it was a blaster from star wars or some other scifi movie, but upon further inspection and questioning I came to find it was indeed an conventional gun of very unconventional design.

PIC:
http://www.securityarms.com/2001031...es/0100/130.htm

The Calico, as the guy behind the counter refered to it, was a 9mm (also available in .22lr) carbine (pistol versions also available) that had a helical drum magazine located above and behind the receiver. The gun itself (carbine version) had an effective range of 300 meters, which is pretty good in my book since zombie encounters are expected to be less than 100 meters.

But here is the kicker: It has a 100rd capacity!

The sheer volume of rounds that can be held by this thing, in such a small package, was astounding. I could hardly fathom it. This is the kind of gun you just load once and fire all day long at the horde!

I now know that I MUST own one before I die (or they become banned, whichever comes first). Screw that leaver action in .45-70 I only thought I wanted, this thing is just too unique to pass up. Sadly, however, these things cost about 800-1000 dollars depending on who you buy from and what acessories are already attached. 100rd magazines also cost about 150 dollars. I suspect that the .22lr version cost less, but if I wanted a plinker I would go with a Ruger 10/22.

Manufacturer:
http://www.calicolightweaponsystems...uct%20Info.html

Info:
http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg57-e.htm
http://www.notpurfect.com/calico/9mm.html

Comments?

[hk33k]

If you get it, you will be sorry.
Most Calicos are unreliable and inaccurate.
You may get one that works, at least untill the mags breaks.
Pat
0-1-25

[AwPhuch]

http://www.calicolightweaponsystems.com ... 0Info.html

http://www.calicolightweaponsystems.com/Models.html


Better links please

dont know anything about them..unique magazine design though!

[Gregoriev]

Unrealiability and Inaccuracy are definatly undesirable.

How are the new ones these days? Same as the pre-clinton ban types?

[ShakesFIST]

The rear sights are on the magazine too...so don't forget to zero each of your mags.

[Parabellum9x19mm]

they don't make any new ones, as far as i know. that's another problem.

an AR-15 with a Beta mag or AK-47 w/drum would accomplish everything a calico can and then some.

[Duxman]

I too have considered this beast.

But after reading more into them - see Pat's comments above....I would certainly pass.

A 100 round mag is useless if you cant use it or hit anything with it.

You can always pick up a 33 round mag for your glock. Several of them for the price of a calico 100 round mag.

[Erik]

If you actually had 100 rounds in your gun, it would go from light to VERY heavy. I'd go for something that shoots closer to thirty, like an AK-47.

-Erik

[Gregoriev]

The more I look at it....I can see that it requires a serious re-design.

If the '94 ban hadn't put these people out of business, I am sure that the calico would have become a much better gun once it went through a couple design iterations and refinements.

How accurate is the gun anyhow? I have yet to find any kind of definitive review of its characteristics, ballistics, or design issues.

[Packin' Heat]

I'd go with a Beretta Storm if you want a pistol caliber carbine.

[Erik]

I still like the HI Point. Reliable, light, and doesn't break the bank. I just wish the damn thing held more than 10 rounds.

-Erik

[bradfran]

With a laser sight the accuracy is better, but still not good. The rear sight is on the magazine and the magazine has a considerably less than solid fit. Accuracy is good enough to be used as a room clearing, CQB weapon though. I would rather have a pistol caliber AR, Cx4 Storm or even a Kel-Tec or Hi-Point...or of course a rifle caliber carbine or a shotgun.

[Scarecrow]

Ive heard of pins breaking also. Gun just doesnt have a good design beyond a nice high cap mag. Wish someone would make a Bizon copy instead.

[Dave_M]

I just wish the damn thing held more than 10 rounds.

If one thing has kept me fron owning a hi-point carbine, it's that!

[Erik]

You'd think that once the ban passed, they'd come out with either Hi-cap model or Hi-cap magazines that would fit it.

-Erik

[Dave_M]

You'd think that once the ban passed, they'd come out with either Hi-cap model or Hi-cap magazines that would fit it.

-Erik

Yeah, but it was designed during the 94' AWB, so they didn't bother to come up with double-stack mags.

[Gregoriev]

Anyone here have a range report for the Calico? Something that could put this issue to rest?

[CorathSS]

I'm solely commenting on this as a pistol. I've seen a .22 LR pistol version with a 50 Round Magazine. I fired it a few times..

At 20-30 meter targets, it was fine. Bit awkward, but fine. That said, I can't comment on the reliability etc...

If you do pick up a calico pistol, learn to shoot with out sights. Ignore the fucking Carbine...

Bizon: You know, thats a good point, why haven't we seen a copy of it? Definitely an interesting sub gun..though I've read that you shouldn't load to capacity, always leave 2 rounds out.

The calico is a horrid carbine, except in Video Games. Where it rocks...if any of you ever heard of Fallout Tactics, you could use a Calico in it...there was a multiplayer map for it with zombies....Calico+perks to reduce AP for firing+JHP=Dead Zombies..ahh..video games..

[mr. right-wing]

If you are gonna get something along those lines get the semi-auto American 180, better track record all around.

[Trebor]

When I worked at Gander Mountain corporate policy was to buy used Calico firearms from our customers for resale. There were too many problems with parts breakage in the past. We did have one in the back room brought in by a customer for repair. It had been in there for several weeks while the gunsmith tried to get parts for it. He said after he fixed that one, he'd never take another one for repair unless it was something he could fix himself.

[Re4_HMH]

Other than the mag just looking like it'll jam easy on world.guns.ru, it just looks to tedious and heavy to carry

[Wolfhvnter]

The gun itself (carbine version) had an effective range of 300 meters,

300 meters!? For a 9mm carbine!?

Hah Haha Ha Hah Ha





Haha

[Miami]

Calico Firearms are back in business. While the ban was in effect they were building other products. I keep seeing new ones at the local gun shows.

Price is about $800-$1000. My problem isn't the firearm. It's the magazines. They go for $250 a pop. Also the design is an issue of itself. It's a good idea but the design isn't 100%.

If you want a 100 rounds, better to spend the same money on a rifle and a Beta-C magazine. You can gtet either a Ruger Mini-14, AR-15, or Colt 9mm Carbine for about $800 or less and buy the Beta-C magazine for about $200.

Best part is, instead of using a pistol caliber. Two of the three carbines use a rifle caliber.

[One Of None]

I was gonna buy the 22LR pistol version before the ban. It was $179. When the ban became reality it went to $700. I passed for that price and would pass for the $850 to $1000 price tag today. If they were going for preban prices $250 to $300 , I would consider one. For $1000 you could buy a nice AR15 ($750 to $900) or an AK47($350), 20 extra 30 round mags($250), and 2000 rounds of 7.62X39($350).Just my thoughts. YMMV.

Edited to add: 300 yards for a 9MM carbine is a joke. Regardless of brand/maker.