Armory Sponsor
Posted: 11/29/2025 12:11:39 AM EDT
|
I currently have 3 machine guns, Colt M16, Ruger AC556, and a MAC 10 in 45/9mm. The AC was my dad's, but there are no parts if it breaks. I have the Lage Max31 upper and one of the 45 interchangeable mag well uppers on order for the M10, and the 16 can do most everything. I think the UZI is a better choice, but I know nothing about them. Pricing seems to be right around the AC, so no big difference there. I do have a bunch of UZI mags already. If I go for the UZI, is there a preference on registered receiver or bolt? Anything to look for? Thanks |
| Yes UZI is much better than the AC5.56. I have had both ....There are some Vector uzi for sale...I had all three. I ma not sure which are the best but my Vector did everything .22/9mm/.45 part available. They are heavy for what they are |
|
I own a Group/Vector UZI and have shot a friend’s AC556. I would choose the UZI over the AC556 without question. I believe an AC556 is currently valued less than an UZI so if it’s an even trade, you will make out even better. If you already own an M16 the trade makes even more sense. I own a M16A2 and it is far superior to the Ruger AC556 in every respect. The AC556 was not “fun to shoot”. The lack of spare parts availability and support would just seal the deal for me. ETA- As far as the UZI, personally, I would look for a Group/Vector UZI. They are at least a “known quantity” as to what you are getting. Registered bolts can be OK and IMI model A/B conversions can be fine too but you might not know who did the work and how well it was done. That’s JUST MY HUMBLE OPINION. |
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy Glock and thy AR15, they comfort me.
|
Thanks for the input. A few things. I don't have any pending deal right now. Looking at pricing, the AC varies from $14k to $18k, and UZIs seem to be $19k and up, so I would need to provide some extra money to switch. The AC is a 18" factory gun in excellent condition. I was thinking of the UZI do to the minimal cost difference. I've always liked the 1919, but with ammo costs, I'm not sure it would get used much. I do have a semi-uto 1919, so I already have the belts, the loader, spare barrels and the tripod. I have not really considered anything else. This thought was to roll that money into something else that was more durable, not necessarily different. |
|
UZI are fun. With a red dot mounted on the top cover, a wood stock and a .22 conversion kit and a suppressor, they are a hoot to shoot and I blast all day for a fraction of what 9mm would cost. Stay away from bolt guns and RR guns that still have the blocking bar intact. The most desirable UZI is a factory IMI SMG that used to be a pre-sample that has flipped to transferable. But they run about $25k, so you'll have to add a significant amount of cash to make that deal. The second most desirable would be an IMI model A conversion to full SMG specs with no blocking bar and takes surplus barrels. And this one should be in the zone for a straight trade. Vectors are hit or miss, but if you get a used one, the chances are it's already had any issues fixed by now. And the Vectors were made to SMG specs so all surplus parts from a parts kit will fit. Which won't be the case with a IMI conversion that hasn't been brought up to SMG spec, or a registered bolt or a RR with the blocking bar intact (which is basically a registered bolt married to a host). |
|
I think you are on the right track with moving the ac556 for an uzi…I noticed some pretty significant wear on key parts that are hard to source when I owned mine. Great shooting guns though. When uzi shopping I would look into what you plan on doing with it…if you would like to run .22 and .45 along with the 9mm, a registered receiver gun which had been fully smg converted would be the best option. A vector or group ind would have started out as a factory smg so you wouldnt have to worry about the conversion issues however a fully converted imi with machined feed ramp installed is a thing of beauty and ultra reliable. Keep an eye out for receivers which did not have the blocking bar removed as this will limit your options due to the bolt being married to the receiver (these are the least desirable models but also the cheapest if price is important). A registered bolt will also do the job and can be moved to other uzi’s if something happens to the host however there is only one caliber option with these. Ive seen cracked bolts as well. (I didnt even see Akchef’s post above mine which basically touched on all the above points…keep in mind that a-lot of the flipped sample guns have been shot up a bunch and still possess the original feed ramp) |
|
I did the original conversion article on UZItalk.com: https://uzitalk.com/reference/pages/FAconversions.htm I also have most of it on my site here: https://c3junkie.com/?page_id=402 I prefer a converted IMI RR for a full size. As others mentioned the Vector's were US made Group Industries receivers using primarily south African parts to complete them. If you did, you will see discussions about the trunion welds breaking but most have been resolved by now. I know someone still sitting on a few NIB and he just runs his IMI guns instead. Back when Vector was in business you could pay an additional charge to get the solid milled feed ramp installed by them. Otherwise many others did this work. I have to dig it up but Rex Merril of Vector Arms did a 'presentation' of some of the challenges they had completing the guns. They did try very hard to replicate everything. One thing that is different is the top over the Group receivers are not the same as an IMI receiver and could cause some fitting issues with some of them. Not really that big of a deal as topcovers (full size)_ are still cheap. I have sold many topcovers to Vector / IMI owners for running optics over the years. My friend at https://subgun.store/collections/uzi-parts-accessories is making 22LR mags and is working on bringing a new 22LR conversion to market. He puts a lot of work into his 22LR conversions and they all run great from what I've seen. |
| Amphibian thanks for the heads up on the potential .22lr conversion for the UZI, I’ll keep my eye on that site for its release and buy the mags. I had an AC 556F and enjoyed it a lot and especially with the .22lr conversion…fast! Sold the AC when I had a chance to buy a Sterling as I already have a FS Vector UZI and Mac-11A1 with multiple Lage .556/9mm uppers. You can’t go wrong with the UZI as it’s built like a tank, parts are plentiful and adjusting the ROF higher is easy if you don’t like it just chugging along. |
|
If you have an M16 the AC556 is just a cheaper, less adaptable and less maintainable substitute. Great gun but not an M16. Sold mine and no regrets. I really really like the UZI. You never have to worry about parts breakage and ammo cost is half. Many prefer the MP5 for its smoothness but I like the pucka pucka bolt mashing back and forth. It gives the gun character IMO. Lets be honest these are toys to be enjoyed. For me the UZI is a keeper. The MACs go way before. |
|
I'm a relative novice to machineguns. I do own both an AC556 and a full size Vector Uzi. I definitely have more fun shooting the Uzi, and parts are prolific. Mine came set up with a 45 ACP barrel and bolt, but I just dropped surplus IMI 9mm parts in it, and it runs great in both calibers. The only reservation I would have is that the AC556 was your dad's. If my dad left me an MG, I would never part with it. You can save or borrow cash to by an Uzi. You won't be able to easily get your dad's gun back if you sell it. |
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 (ESV)
|
Originally Posted By MikeDeltaFoxtrot: I'm a relative novice to machineguns. I do own both an AC556 and a full size Vector Uzi. I definitely have more fun shooting the Uzi, and parts are prolific. Mine came set up with a 45 ACP barrel and bolt, but I just dropped surplus IMI 9mm parts in it, and it runs great in both calibers. The only reservation I would have is that the AC556 was your dad's. If my dad left me an MG, I would never part with it. You can save or borrow cash to by an Uzi. You won't be able to easily get your dad's gun back if you sell it. Your 2nd paragraph is why I haven't been able to decide. For now, it's just sitting in the safe. |
Armory Sponsor