HELP ME CHOOSE...

[edelweiss]

Im a new member but Ive been lurking for a bit. Ive pretty much decided its time to buy an UZI. I had one of the originals in the 80's. I cant remember whether it was an A or B but the serial number was 1313. I foolishly sold it to a "friend" who gave me a a bad cheque..... So you see it was a bad idea to sell it and its taken me this long to come back to getting another.

My questions are what to buy. My dealer has a full size IMI carbine for $1300 and even he admits the Vectors are just as good for $600. Im thinking I may EVENTUALLY make it a SBR but I have to weight the COOLNESS against the tax cost and hassles. Im wondering about which caliber to choose. I dont routinely shoot either 9mm or 45acp. If I go 45, it seems like the Grease Gun version is a better option than the original IMI if only for mag avalibility. I live in Maryland where theres a 20 round mag limit on purchases in the state. I can own the bigger mags but I have to travel to PA to buy them.

Back in "the day" I used to see lots of accessories, especially fake suppressors and long barrel schrouds, but I cant find any now. Are they still available? If I make the SBR plunge I'll eventually add a real suppressor to the tax bill but until then Id like to have a fake one.

Is there any point in picking up a parts kit IF I can find one? MY dealer says no because Im not likely to need the parts that will fit a SEMI and he says that there may be questions about putting some FA parts in a SEMI anyway. What spares should I consider?

Id appreciate all your suggestions.

[boomka]

I've never had problems finding 32rnd Uzi mags, Cheaper Than Dirt and Gunbrokers always have them but I dont know if mail order/internet sales are ok in you situation. Your dealer may be making more profit off the Vector than the IMI so take his advice with a grain of salt, I have a Vector and am VERY happy with it but I am no expert on the Uzi.

[RuhRoRorge]

First, welcome to UziTalk! :)

My advice - go for the original IMI. Vector makes a good Uzi, but there are bumps in the road for some. Mags are everywhere and though not as plentiful, you can still get great deals on 25rd and 32rd mags. If you have a friend in PA, order from Bocephus right here and check DSA for 25's. Fake cans are available here as well - just check the classifieds. One of our own makes some that appear to be really neato.

[edelweiss]

What accessories should I consider. Im gonna pick up as many mags as I can and initially a fake can for looks, but Im not sure where to go from there.

What do you suggest?

[Jager]

A question: what do you "routinely" shoot if not .45ACP or 9mm? I ask because it may be compatible with an Uzi. An example would be .40S&W, .357SIG, etc. You will need a sling and a soft case, other accessories (besides ammunition and magazines) have a lot to do with what you like. I like the IMI vertical fore grip and solid stock, folders look cool but the solid stock is more pleasant for shooting.

[edelweiss]

I routinely carry 40S&W and recently switched to a Glock 36 in 45acp but I havent started stocking large quanities of 45 yet. Im not opposed to the Grease Gun conversion but the "originality" of the 9mm and the price of the current 9mm mags seemed the way to go. I guess the BIG factor is that 20 round magazines are available for the 9mm, so I could atleast get started with out a major road trip out of state for the 25' and 32's.

Ive heard some talk about the 40 conversions but never saw one. Did IMI ever make them or is the 40S&W something shooters have designed. Is it reliable?

Ive heard the GG mags need modification? The 45 version has me interested but Im havent checked it enough to be sure. What are GG mags selling for now? Are they as plentyful as UZI 9mm Mags? I suppose the 45acp has the advantage of better suppressor use, but thats for later.

The hand grip IS interesting and something Id probably consider as well as the wood stock. Can the carbine be had with an easily detachable stock or dose that make it a NFA weapon? It would be nice to be able to quickly swap them out.

[cajun 22]

Welcome to the board. I have the 9mm and .45 uzi carbines. I must say I like the .45 better for the punch. Keepshooting.com has new production GG mags for 20 bucks and they work in my gun without a hitch. You also can't beat the prices of the 32 and 25 round 9mm mags right now. You can't go wrong either way, just buy one! :handgun

[M1A....]

Welcome!! :waving

Vectors and the IMI's are both good guns. I would probably go for an IMI, since they were the original Uzi. But either way, you really can't go wrong. If you do happen to get a gun with problems, there is a plethora of knowledgable people on this board who can help.
I think I have a vented barrel shroud in the safe I would get rid of. I'll dig it out and post a pic if you're interested. I don't know what it's worth, but I'm sure some other members would chime in and give a good estimate of its worth.

[Jager]

I do think 9mm is the way to go due in part to magazine/ ammunition costs. If you wanted to shoot .40S&W also; 41AE magazines will work but are expensive. A grease gun lower is a better alternative. One of the things I like about the Uzi is you can add caliber conversions. I started with 9mm, then added to that.
I don't believe IMI made a .40S&W conversion, the right combination of parts along with a barrelxchange barrel makes it work.
The stock can't be a "quick detach" like on an SBR or subgun, but it is not too difficult to change them out.