Armaguerra Cremona TZ45
This is a wartime design produced in small numbers by a small company. No more than 6,000 were made during 1944-45. In comparison with the FNAB-43, the TZ-45 is much more the sort of weapon one would expect in that place and at that time. It was cheaply made from metal stampings, welded together in parts, and the finish is rudimentary. For all that, it worked and managed to exhibit one or two interesting features. The action is simple blowback, but the return spring is assembled around a guide rod which is in two pieces and telescopes as the bolt returns. A muzzle compensator is fitted, and the shoulder stock is formed of steel rods that slide alongside the receiver when retracted. Two separate safety systems are fitted: the fire selector lever has a safe position that locks the bolt in either the forward or rearward positions, while a grip safety is fitted behind the magazine housing. Unless the weapon is held properly and this grip compressed, the bolt cannot move in either direction to cock or fire. The entire issue of the TZ45 appears to have gone to various units of the Italian Army operating against anti-fascist guerilla forces in the mountains. It was offered to the British and American armies after the war and evaluated by them, but the general opinion of the weapon was unfavorable. It emerged from the war with a poor reputation for reliability and the style of the manufacture and finish was not liked. It did manage to get sold to the Burmese Army where it was later manufactured as the BA-52. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Caliber: 9x19mm-Parabellum Length: 33.5 inches Weight: 7 pounds 3 ounces Barrel: Length 9 inches. 6 grooves with right hand twist Feed System: 40 round detachable box magazine System of Operation: Blowback, selective fire Rate of Fire: 550 rounds per minute
Photo and information from: PIERANGELO TENDAS
Website by:
E-Image Agency
