SEMX-55 carbine
Photo: Michał Ihnatów, MILMAG
The SEMX-55 is an automatic rifle chambered in 5.56×45 mm NATO, operating on a short-stroke gas piston system. The bolt uses a classic rotating design. Although part of the moving assembly visible through the ejection port may bring the AR-15 to mind, this is in fact an entirely different design. In form, it is closer to the MCX platform – the entire recoil mechanism is housed within the upper receiver, which makes it possible to use various types of folding stocks. The manufacturer itself offers several types, but they can easily be replaced with any other stock mounted to a vertical section of Picatinny rail.
The rifle itself is very slim and minimalist, an impression reinforced by the use of an AR-15-style charging handle. A clear inspiration from Stoner’s design can also be seen in the lower receiver itself.
The firearm gives the impression of being quite solid, although those are only trade show impressions – I did not have the opportunity to test it at the range. If the rifle is well made and its mechanisms are reliable, it may be an interesting alternative to commonly encountered designs in the “budget” segment, as its price on the Colt store website is 5,700 PLN. The manufacturer also offers a semi-automatic variant designated SEM-55.
According to the manufacturer’s website, this model is offered with barrels of various lengths, from 7.5 up to as much as 16 inches, so depending on the chosen configuration it can serve either as a PDW or a full-size carbine. Thanks to the ability to mount a folding stock without interfering with the weapon’s operation, the SEMX-55/SEM-55 should appeal to those looking for a platform for a low-profile, highly compact configuration.
SSA-9 submachine gun
A design essentially “sister” to the SEMX-55 is the SSA-9 submachine gun (9×19 mm Parabellum), also offered as a semi-automatic carbine under the designation SA-9. It features the same overall design layout, except that it operates on a straight blowback system (closed bolt), and ammunition is fed from MP5-pattern magazines.
Like the SEMX-55, the SSA-9 is an exceptionally slim design that gives the impression of simplicity, though in the best sense of the word—practical and free of unnecessary features. At a price of 5,050 PLN, it could compete confidently in the PCC market, especially for someone looking for something compact.
AK12UBS underbarrel shotgun
