IMBEL MD2

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IMBEL MD-2

The IMBEL MD2 (main picture) and MD3 (smaller picture)
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin Brazil
Service history
Used by Brazilian Army
Production history
Designed 1983
Manufacturer IMBEL
Produced 1985—
Variants MD-1, MD-2, MD-3 and MD-4
Specifications
Weight 4.40 kg (9 lb 10 oz)
Length 1,010 mm (39.8 in) (stock extended);
764 mm (30.1 in), stock folded
Barrel length 453 mm (17.8 in)

Cartridge 5.56 × 45 mm NATO (STANAG 4172)
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 700 rounds/min
Effective range 300 m (~328 yd)
Feed system 20 or 30-round detachable box magazine
Sights Aperture rear sight, hooded post front sight

The IMBEL MD series (MD-1, MD-2, MD-3 and the recent MD-4) of assault rifles are the standard-issue rifles of the Brazilian Army.

These rifles are manufactured by IMBEL (Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil) and are variants of the FN FAL. The first prototype, the MD-1, came out around 1983. In 1985, the MD-2 was presented and adopted by the Brazilian armed forces. The MD-2/MD-3 rifles were built by IMBEL based on the FN FAL, with several modifications, including a change in the locking system, which was replaced by an M16-type rotating bolt, and the different chambering, for use with the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge.

The MD-2 and MD-3 use all M16/AR-15-compatible magazines, and both versions differ from each other by the buttstock — while the MD-2 features a side-folding stock, the MD-3 uses the same fixed polymer stock of the FAL. The MD-2 is now the Brazilian army's primary assault rifle.

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