The INSAS 5.56mm Rifle - A close and careful look

[CardSharp]

I did not write this article, all credit goes to member Cottage Cheese over at indiansforguns.com

Last week I was given an opportunity to fiddle and inspect a bunch of INSAS rifles in detail by the local police.

I thought it'd be a good opportunity to dissect the INSAS and dispel some myths and misconceptions about it.

So with the two line preamble, I take great pleasure in presenting to the gun community, a modest Technical Treatise of the INSAS Rifle 5.56mm 1B1. The specimen in this study was factory fresh and manufactured by the R.F.I (Rifle Factory Ishapore), West Bengal.

To start with, we shall touch up a bit on its pedigree. Common misconceptions of the INSAS's origins and designs range from it being a Galil clone to a hotch-potch of the FAL, M-16, AK & G3... none of these are in-fact entirely accurate.

The evolution of the INSAS, in fact, closely follows the development of FN 5.56mm Rifles/Carbines with an added Kalashnikov flavor to aid cheap and mass production.

I think one can clearly see why the notion of an FAL gas system clone appeared and stuck on. The early developmental versions of the INSAS sported a gas block and fore sight assembly very similar to the FAL and the SLR1A. The Gas plug design is a common to all. However one should remember that the ill fated FN CAL 5.56mm Rifle was a developmental design that included numerous design features from the FAL. Thus in relation to the scale involved (7.62mm to 5.56mm), the more obvious conclusion would be that the early to mid developmental INSAS rifles borrowed the Gas block/plug/Fore sight assembly from the FN CAL...and not the FAL. Thus the FAL influence ends with the prototype INSAS and not the current issue/production version. The picture below, which I cobbled together, was sourced from various net sources- you can see the obvious relations.

However, since then, they(FN) incorporated a few changes, most probably (as I see) with a view to simplify manufacture. The current FNC is essentially a very simplified FN CAL, with improvements and design elements altered to suit quick and less expensive manufacture. The gas block & fore sight assembly was simplified to be made from simple forgings or investment castings with the minimum possible machining operations. The current production INSAS 1B1 sports a virtual 100% clone of the assembly. Take a look at the picture below for a comparison of the FNC and the INSAS... also note the general similarity of the entire fore end and the muzzle piece.

The FNC in the above picture is a civilian version with no grenade launching facility or a bayonet lug. Below is a comparison of the muzzle end of the standard military FNC and the INSAS IB1. Note the identical NATO standard 22mm diameter muzzle brakes and grenade launching split rings on both the guns. This seems to be an entirely export oriented feature on the INSAS as I'm not aware of the Indian Army using rifle grenades of this type. The muzzle brake with a radial series of 3 circular ports is common to the INSAS, FNC the CAL and the FAL...

The gas blockage for grenade launching is achieved by rotating a sheet metal bracket/latch that folds away behind the fore sight post. This is called an "Alidade". Rotation is approximately 90 degrees. This is identical in the FNC and the INSAS. The one on the INSAS is made of a very flimsy half mm sheet... it's actually flimsy enough to deform slightly every time you rotate it. The pictures below illustrate the Alidade in both positions.

The top edge of the Alidade has a "v"notch that becomes visible when it is raised to the gas-blocked (grenade launching) position. This can be aligned with a 'foresight' bead on the grenade to 'aim' the projectile. The picture below illustrates the V notch.

The Immediate area behind the Gas block & Fore-sight assembly houses a gas regulator (Circled area in image below) It operated in the same way the FNC does but the lug and locking plunger has been shifted to the front. In the FNC this is in an extension of the breech trunnion just above the chamber. It has two positions Low and High. Default setting is Low.(11'oclock as in the picture below)

It is commonly believed that the cocking/charging handle of the INSAS is a copy of the H&K G3/HK33/53 series of rifles. The H&K influence goes only as far as the positioning of the cocking handle - i.e. Ahead of the breech, left side 11 o'clock position with the muzzle away from you. In execution, the design is a virtual lift of the charging handle assembly of the 7.62mm SLR 1A. This has been achieved by extending and re-contouring what would have been the rear sight base one the AK/AKM, about 4 inches forward. The 'T'-slots for the cocking slide is machined on to this trunnion extension. In my opinion this seems to have complicated the manufacturing process because of the added machining operations. Also you cannot rotate the cocking handle to lock back like in the H&K rifles. In its rear most position the slide interferes with the opening and closing of the pivoted receiver cover. The picture below illustrates the relationship between the three rifles types.

 

[CardSharp]

Moving on rearward to the mid section of the INSAS, one can see an unmistakable AKM/Kalashnikov influence. The receiver is of pressed sheet metal of approximately 1mm thickness. It follows the traditional boxy AKM type receiver design with the prominent dimple over the magazine well. The dimple on the INSAS is more angular than that of the AKM. Below is the right hand side of the receiver. With a prominent SLR type carrying handle that's redundant and hardly ever used. Personally, I think this feature is a useless money sink in a 5.56mm rifle. Also missing in the INSAS is the large AK type selector lever. This has been substituted by a virtual clone of the FNC selector lever on the left side of the receiver.

Unlike the 7.62mm SLR-1A, the carrying handle in the INSAS is an elaborate spring tensioned type. This greatly increases the number of parts and machining operations for a part that's next to being a useless appendage. See the image below.

Below is a picture of the left side of the receiver. Also note how crude the lettering is- looks to be scratched on by hand!!

The primary difference in the receiver design is with the trigger axis hump in the INSAS. The Trigger mechanism is a virtual copy of the FNC. That being said, the FNC mechanism is very loosely based on that of the Kalashnikov. The FNC trigger mechanism design necessitates a lower trigger axis and thus a greater depth of the receiver. This would however have resulted in an awkwardly bulky receiver. The downward hump probably resulted from this need. The picture below gives an idea of the receiver design and the position of the trigger axis of the three rifles.

The INSAS 1B1 has three modes- Safe, Semi and 3round Burst. The selector lever is identical in position to that of the FNC and is a well though out adaptation on an AKM type receiver. The design of the thumb piece is based more on the SLR design rather than that of the FNC. However, it is still not as ergonomic as planned and unless you have thumbs like E.T., you'll need relinquish your firm hold on the grip to actuate the selector. Very similar to the SLR, the safety position is top most, down about 70 degrees and you have semi, then to activate the tri-burst mechanism you'll need to rotate it almost 180 degrees. Take a look at the image below.

The three round burst mechanism is a sheet metal encased module that sits on the left side of the trigger/sear shoulder. It works by way of a ratchet and pawl lock-work. It is a vitual clone of the FNC/CAL module and at least in theory, independent of the basic functioning of the trigger mechanism. i.e. in case it buggers up, semi will continue functioning. The red circle in the picture below shows the 3 round burst module.

The rear sights on the INSAS are a generic two position peep type with windage adjustment. This is housed in an investment cast cradle with typical rounded protective ears. The windage adjustment is effected by a knurled windage knob one the left side, and is held in position by a spring loaded plunger on the bottom. A short 3 inch dovetail rail on the top of the receiver ahead of the rear sight assembly serves as a 0.5" interface for mounting scopes and other optical sights. The images below show a detail view of the rear sight assembly.

 

[CardSharp]

Also note that unlike the AKMs the INSAS makes extensive usage of rivets. The inner receiver rails(race ways for the bolt) are also riveted on rather than spot welded.

Field stripping is very similar to the AK, albeit ,with some needless complications....no doubt adding to the cost of the rifle. Like any other weapon, ensure that it is indeed empty and there is no round chambered and that the magazine is removed. Cycle the action and visually eyeball the chamber. The cycling action is very scratchy and uneven. Many specimens bind for no apparent reason while manually cycling the action.
The blue circle in the picture below shows the standard AK type receiver cover locking stud. But you can't simply operate it like a normal AK... you'll have to first press the lock out button (red circle) which is usually very badly fitted and stiff. You'll be able to get the AK type stud moving only when you do so. I can't think of any reason why this unnecessary feature was included....another money sink. Also note in this and earlier pictures, the re-enforcing cap in the rear end of the receiver cover. This is usually a very poorly formed and fitted piece.

Once you've got through hurdle of the locking stud, simply lift the cover. It is captive (i.e. remains on the gun) and pivots upwards like the AK74U. The receiver cover is attached to the pivot by a trio of rivets and this joint may be critical to the long term accuracy of the rifle as the rear sights are mounted on the receiver cover. Often this is badly fitted, often bearing on the trunnion locking shoulder. This either results in bent receiver covers or big gaps in the area.
See picture below and take note of the poor plastic to metal fit.

Once you've done this, push the recoil spring guide rod forward, up and rearward. Then pull back and up, the bolt carrier/ piston assembly.

The bolt carrier and bolt is an AK clone scaled to suit the 5.56mm cartridge take a look at the picture below.

Next, you remove the upper hand guard. This is a flimsy piece of plastic thats always getting lost or breaking in two. The front end has 'PULL' embossed on it and you simply grasp the projections on the front end and ...well...pull.
It has two pairs of rounded steel spring tongues that simply clamp over the gas tube. Its either too tight or too loose... both with individual headaches - too tight and the plastic usually breaks, too loose, it usually gets lost or rattles and dances all over the place.

Once this is out of the way and hopefully you haven't broken the hand guard, you now prepare to remove the gas cylinder. The short gas cylinder is retained in the trunnion extension by a very AK flavored latch... which is often too tight. Many rifles have poorly fitted gas cylinders that really prevents the half-cut cross pin and thus prevents the locking latch from closing smoothly. I saw five brand new broken examples. One was missing the latch.

Above- The gas tube retaining latch in open position. Note that the Lower hand guard is a direct lift of the CAL/FNC design albeit with an AKM type retaining interface.

Below- The gas tube removed.

Now you've stripped the blasted gun!

Below- The INSAS basic field strip.

 

[CardSharp]

Here's the INSAS with its basic complement of three magazines. 20x3=60 rounds.... er that's just 10 rounds more than what our fathers and grand fathers carried with their 303's into battle 40-50 years ago. This on the whole negates the whole idea of an automatic weapon...

A pair of Steyr AUG inspired waffle ribbed transparent magazines.

My camera doesn't have decent macro...so I couldn't photograph the cartridge head stamps. Anyway the fodder below is KF 5.56mm....

Here's how the magazines come packed from the factory.

I noted at least three different manufacturers of INSAS magazines, and goodness are they flimsy. I recognized at least one of the sub-manufacturers for magazines - Nilkamal - One of the well known names in plastic furniture.

There were several INSAS rifles made by SAF(Small Arms Factory) Kanpur- They exhibited several badly fitted parts.
Take a look at the picture below. The upper one is and RFI made INSAS and the one in the bottom is an SAF specimen. The RFI rifles appear to be zinc phosphated as they sport a very light grey finish while SAF INSAS rifles are darker and presumably iron or manganese phosphate finish. Take note of the white splotches on the SAF rifle- I noticed all the SAF rifles had these. I found out that they wanted to have white paint filled lettering, but the crude scratching that passed off as lettering was too shallow and the lazy buggers at the factory simply squished some white enamel over the general areas and didn't even bother to wipe off the excess!!

Over all the INSAS rifle is a major disappointment and while this study is purely academic and has no bearing on the end user, I think it's all I've been calling it all these years- An over weight, complicated, over priced, mediocre rifle.

In the end it shoots- fairly accurately and with reasonable reliability but its plagued by shitty quality and needless refinements of dubious value.

Bottom line - we could have done so much better.

 

[True_Pakistan_Zindabad]

Over all the INSAS rifle is a major disappointment and while this study is purely academic and has no bearing on the end user, I think it's all I've been calling it all these years- An over weight, complicated, over priced, mediocre rifle.

In the end it shoots- fairly accurately and with reasonable reliability but its plagued by shitty quality and needless refinements of dubious value.

Bottom line - we could have done so much better.

Completely agreed. This rifle was trying to be 4-5 different ones at the same time. Even influences from the CETME are apparent, with none of the advantages. The ammo calibre chosen is a big mistake.

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Thts really a shame!
They could have bought a AK variant frm russia instead of this semi auto ....
No offence to indian friends.

 

[CardSharp]

This is my commentary now.

What concerns me is that this rifle may not hold a zero because the rear sight assembly is mounted on a movable receiver cover. This may mean where you aim is not where you shoot.

Also the plastic furniture seems brittle and prone to breakage and orange is a very visible color at night...




update: I just read that any soldier who breaks the magazine or the plastic furniture is required to pay up for the cost from his own paycheck...

and apparently they break even with minor accidents like when it slips when leaning against a wall.

 

[Dark Angel]

Insas excalibur

Roundup: Indian army's hunt for new rifles might shoot old home arms : Roundup: Indian army's hunt for new rifles might shoot old home arms | Xinhua News Agency - CEIS Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET


So while the IA is modernising the Insas rifles procured in 80-90 to the most advanced available Israeli TAR-21, SAR-21 of Singapore Technologies, Belgian Herstal F-2000 and Swiss SIG SG 551 can u tell me what is pakistan doing abt the old Heckler & Koch G3 made in 1959 and does it have plans in the distant future abt any upgrades

 

[mike05]

Wow thats a really thorough analysis, I can see some issues with ergonomics when using in the jungle terrain. I personally would have gripes with the carrying handle and the fire selection lever.

Thanks for putting this together CardSharp

 

[True_Pakistan_Zindabad]

So while the IA is modernising the Insas rifles procured in 80-90 to the most advanced available Israeli TAR-21, SAR-21 of Singapore Technologies, Belgian Herstal F-2000 and Swiss SIG SG 551 can u tell me what is pakistan doing abt the old Heckler & Koch G3 made in 1959 and does it have plans in the distant future abt any upgrades

Those Tavors and European models you are talking about are only going to your special forces or elite troops. Your soldiers are still stuck with the awkward first generation Insas and other assorted abominations. No need on telling you about the state of your police and paramilitary. Our elite troops also carry weapons such as FN F2000, M4A1 SOPMOD, Steyr AUG A1, Steyr SSG 69, etc. The G3 still is superior to anything India has because of the 7.62x51 round. On top of that we produce all variants of the MP5 and a tactical version of the AK-47 by the thousands. No useless junk guns, all business and proven platforms.

 

[baker]

this was the same weapon that we used in kargil to flush those terrorists to their home land.......

Last week I was given an opportunity to fiddle and inspect a bunch of INSAS rifles in detail by the local police.

dont compare the same with what army is using.. DRDO modified so much as per the army requirements...

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Also are bullet proof jackets standard issues in indian army or not?

 

[mike05]

dont compare the same with what army is using.. DRDO modified so much as per the army requirements...

I'm not too sure about that, typically export models should be of a higher grade otherwise no one would buy them, there is no shortage of arms out there and its a buyers market.

at most any mods would be a bolt on the existing model/design. Retooling the machinery, processing methodology, materials would make manufacturing cost exorbitant.

 

[Dark Angel]

Those Tavors and European models you are talking about are only going to your special forces or elite troops. Your soldiers are still stuck with the awkward first generation Insas and other assorted abominations. No need on telling you about the state of your police and paramilitary. Our elite troops also carry weapons such as FN F2000, M4A1 SOPMOD, Steyr AUG A1, Steyr SSG 69, etc. The G3 still is superior to anything India has because of the 7.62x51 round. On top of that we produce all variants of the MP5 and a tactical version of the AK-47 by the thousands. No useless junk guns, all business and proven platforms.

Read the article please dont delude others on the forum the rifles are for the whole army and not only for Special forces belive if u cant

 

[Dark Angel]

These are the smalls arms of IA be patient cause it will take u few minutes to read as there are so many unlike ........


Equipment of the Indian Army - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia