Calico M955

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	Weapon: Calico M955 Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1990 Caliber: 9mm Luger Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 647.0 Weight (kg): 2.00 Effective Range (m): 100

The Calico M955 is a unique and innovative submachine gun designed in the United States during the 1980s. It stands out for its distinctive helical-feed magazine system, which allows for exceptionally high ammunition capacity, with magazines holding 50 or 100 rounds of 9x19mm Parabellum ammunition. The M955 employs a blowback operation and features a compact, lightweight polymer construction. Its futuristic design includes ambidextrous controls, a forward pistol grip for enhanced stability, and the ability to easily mount optical sights or other accessories.

Despite its innovative design, the Calico M955 was not widely adopted by military or law enforcement agencies, largely due to its unproven reliability and the unconventional magazine system, which was difficult to reload and prone to jamming. Production numbers were relatively low, as the gun primarily targeted niche markets and civilian collectors. A small number of units were purchased by private security firms and individual users who valued its high-capacity magazine for defensive scenarios. The lack of widespread adoption limited its production run and broader impact.

The M955 gained a cult following among enthusiasts for its futuristic aesthetics and high ammunition capacity, features that made it a popular choice in science fiction films and video games. However, its notoriety in popular culture contrasts with its limited operational history, as it never saw significant combat deployment or widespread use. The Calico M955 remains a symbol of experimental firearm design from the late 20th century, representing an ambitious yet ultimately niche innovation in submachine gun technology.