Introduction
The Mini Uzi is a compact version of the famous Uzi, a machine pistol designed in Israel by Uziel Gal and produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). Developed in the 1980s, it is intended for special forces, close protection units and security services in need of a compact, handy and powerful weapon. Despite its small size, the Mini Uzi retains the robustness and reliability for which the original model was renowned.
History of the Mini Uzi
Origin and development
The success of the originalUzi, adopted by many armies and police forces around the world, prompted Israel Military Industries (IMI) to develop a more compact version to meet the needs of special units and security guards.
The Mini Uzi, introduced in the early 1980s, is based on the Uzi design, but with a reduced barrel length and a slightly modified mechanism for faster firing and better handling. This new version is particularly popular for operations in urban environments and confined spaces.
Technical data
| Caliber | 9×19 mm Parabellum |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.7 kg (without charger) |
| Overall length | 600 mm (stock extended) / 360 mm (stock folded) |
| Barrel length | 197 mm |
| Magazine capacity | 20, 25 or 32 shots |
| Firing rate | 950 shots/min |
| Mechanism | Open cylinder head, blowback |
| Materials | Stamped steel, polymer |
Design and ergonomics
The Mini Uzi retains the sturdy design of the original model while offering greater compactness and reduced weight:
Foldable metal stock: for easy transport and storage.
Ergonomic handle with integrated magazine: Improves shooting stability.
High rate of fire: for short, precise bursts at close range.
Ambidextrous firing selector: Enables quick changeover from semi-automatic to automatic mode.
Barrel thread: Compatible with sound moderators and tactical accessories.
Mini Uzi versions and variants
Micro Uzi
Even more compact version introduced in the 1990s.
Barrel length reduced to 117 mm.
Extremely fast firing rate(1,200 shots/min).
Designed for special forces and close protection teams.
Uzi Pro
Modernized version with Picatinny rail for optics and accessories.
Improved mechanism for greater safety.
Available in a semi-automatic version for the civilian market.
Comparison with other submachine guns
| Model | Caliber | Weight (kg) | Firing rate (cps/min) | Capacity |
| Mini Uzi | 9×19 mm | 2,7 | 950 | 20-32 |
| Micro Uzi | 9×19 mm | 1,6 | 1 200 | 20-32 |
| HK MP5 | 9×19 mm | 2,5 – 3,4 | 800 | 15-30 |
| B&T MP9 | 9×19 mm | 1,4 | 900 | 15-30 |
The Mini Uzi offers a faster rate of fire than the HK MP5, but is less accurate on prolonged shots due to its open-breech mechanism. Compared to the B&T MP9, it is heavier, but benefits from a proven design and greater robustness.
Contemporary use
The Mini Uzi is still used by some armed forces and police units around the world:
Special forces and police: Used for interventions in urban environments.
Close protection agents: Appreciated for their compactness and firepower.
Civilian shooters: Available in a semi-automatic version on the civilian market in certain countries.
Military: Used as a secondary weapon for armored vehicle crews and reconnaissance units.
Conclusion
The Mini Uzi is a compact and powerful weapon, designed to offer great maneuverability in close combat. Although it has been superseded by more modern models such as theUzi Pro or the B&T MP9, it remains a benchmark among submachine guns and continues to be used in a variety of tactical environments. Its proven design, reliability and rapid rate of fire make it an emblematic weapon of the late 20th century.
