Since we're doing some reports on real deal weapons and gear and hoping that they get their replicas for airsoft use, I might as well dig further and find something else that we might all fancy. This time, I had to go back to IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), and look for something that is compact and still follows the tradition of some legendary weapons.

And it didn't take long for me to find one. I immediately saw the youngest member of the UZI family, the UZI Pro. While it bears resemblance to the the Micro UZI, it's still more compact that it's most appropriate for CQB or for PSD/Close-in Security purposes.

What gives this some distinctions from other members of the UZI family is the trigger guard that gets its inspiration from the IWI Tavor and still has picatinny rails on top and on both sides of the front area, which then allow you to mount optics and torches if you want to bulk it up a bit. Even with these changes, it still maintains that UZI look albeit, the charging handle is not like the mother UZI, which is on the side, rather than on top, thus allowing a flat rail top installed. The stock follows its siblings, the Micro and Mini Uzis. This is a close bolt system and its weight is reduced by the use of polymer.

Now it's just a matter of who wants to build this one, whether as an AEP for those who like the use of electric motors, or as a gas blowback machine pistol, which should be a more logical and easier way to come up with a firing replica for airsoft use.

Some people find the look hideous. But with its pedigree, I find it a cutie. Never underestimate this baby.

Further information from IWI on the UZI Pro below:

"The UZI PRO Sub Machine Gun (SMG) is a lightweight magazine fed firearms, based on the famous UZI sub machine gun; it is blow back operated, shoulder or hip weapon that can be fired in automatic or semi automatic modes.

The magazine housing is located in the pistol grip, making the magazine replacement in the dark much more simple.

The UZI Pro main advantages are:

• Very small and compact
• Firing from closed bolt for maximum accuracy
• Integrated jump compensator (on barrel).
• Has 4 integral picatinny rails for optical sights \ accessories
• Has 3 safety mechanisms:
  • Manual safety
  • Grip Safety (must be fully depressed before the gun is cocked or fired).
  • Firing Pin Blocker (close bolt version).
• Bottom part is made completely from polymer for reduced weight
• Silencer option (rapid assembly)
• Modern ergonomic design
• Simple maintenance – no special tools required for striping the SMG
• Combat proven – based on the famous UZI SMG
• Easy to use by right or left handed user"