MANUFACTURER – SITES S.p.A., Via Magenta 36, Torino, Italy
STATUS – Out of production
SERVICE – Commercial and Military sales, Anti-terrorism, Counter guerrilla, Army-Security forces
This is the only “double-action” submachinegun presently in existence. The weapon is loaded with a four-column magazine, the first round chambered through the use of the top cover cocking knob. The bolt closes on the chamber with the hammer cocked. Pressing down the decocking lever above the center line of the rear grip allows the hammer to move forward in a controlled manner where it stops before contacting the bolt. Pulling back on the trigger will cock the hammer and fire the weapon. With the trigger held back, the weapon will continue to fire.
The Spectre fires from the closed bolt position which gives it maximum first-round accuracy. For one of its intended applications, counter terrorism, first round accuracy is considered of maximum importance. To cut back on the possibility of a chambered round cooking off, firing from the excess heat of the barrel, there is a forced draft system operated by the bolt. The system forces a flow of cooling air around and through the barrel as the weapon is fired.
The cooling system is of particular importance with the Spectre utilizing large capacity box magazines. The 50 round magazine is only 21 cm (8.27 in) long (the average length of a normal 30 round magazine) but holds its round in four columns feeding into a single point. The 30 round magazine is only 16 cm (6.30 in) long, making for a very compact package. The sinusoidal rifling does not utilize sharp-edged lands and grooves but has a more rounded configuration to lessen friction and chamber pressure.
Considered by the designers to be the first fourth-generation submachinegun, the Spectre is a very quick-handling and accurate weapon.
