Calico firearms have captured the interest of countless firearms enthusiasts,
many solely based on the unique design of these incredible firearms. Calico
rifles offer features like the fifty to a hundred-round magazines which, unlike
other firearms, are well-balanced into the design to ensure comfort and
precision. Originally designed for military and law enforcement units, these
firearms have been modified to meet the requirements of the civilian market.
The Calico weapons systems have made their way over time to the mainstream,
being featured in films, video games, and other pop culture outlets. By
aesthetics alone, the Calico has captivated the firearms community, as well as
other facets of our modern society. One of the key factors of the Calico rifles
and Calico pistols is the roller-delayed gas blowback system. This system allows
users to recover faster from shot to shot and not feel the recoil as much as a
standard blowback operated firearm. This is ideal for competition shooters and
shooting hobbyist alike.
Although popular now, the Calico guns almost never had the chance to reach
mainstream success. This was mainly due to the Federal Assault Weapons Ban which
banned the high capacity magazines for all Calico firearms as well as the
folding stock features; in many people’s opinion, this defeats the purpose of
these particular firearms. During the ban, however, Calico produced ten round
magazines with fixed stocks, which now are merely a memory to Calico fans.
Since the assault weapons ban’s sunset, Calico firearms have made big waves
in the firearms industry. They especially catch the attention of shooting
enthusiasts with the high capacity magazine, allowing the user to spend more
time shooting and less time reloading. Despite the ban’s almost devastating
effect on Calico Arms, it had little or no effect on most other firearms;
folding stocks, threaded barrels, bayonet lugs, and other cosmetics have never
been major contributors to violence on the streets, which many argue the fact
most firearms used in crimes are stolen to begin with.
During the last Assault Weapons Ban, it was a lucrative opportunity for
collectors to make a considerable profit on pre-ban accessories and a wide range
of firearms. With this knowledge, many firearms collectors have been investing
in Calico firearms, fearing there may be another ban in the works with the
upcoming election. Companies like Calico Arms fear another similar ban may
prohibit their entire product lines, as well as devastate their livelihood. With
political pressure already discussing a revision of the Second Amendment, it
could be only a matter of time before these gems are all but a memory.
Calico firearms make great plinking rifles for the recreational shooter who
enjoys spending time at the range without the hassle of reloading every handful
of shots. I would highly recommend any of the Calico guns, after having the
pleasure of handling several models while at the rifle range. In my opinion, the
Calico rifles and Calico pistols are definitely some of the sleekest firearm
designs to reach the civilian market. It would be a shame to see them disappear
in their existing forms.