IMBEL MD-2

IMBEL MD-2 History

The MD-2 belongs to the family of standard Brazilian assault rifles serving the modern Brazilian army. The MD series as a whole dates back to the excellent Belgian Fabrique-Nationale FN FAL service rifles and can be seen as a revised extension of the series. The rifle line includes the original MD-1 prototype and the base production MD-2, as well as the more advanced MD-3 and MD-4 models.

The original FN FAL chambered the standard 7.62mm NATO cartridge, while the Brazilian MD series chambered the 5x56x45mm NATO cartridge - the same cartridge used in the US M16 military rifle. The MD rifle line was first designed in 1983 and production began in 1985 under the IMBEL brand. To date, the rifle has been in service with the Brazilian Army, Navy and Police Forces. The MD-2 differs from the similar MD-3 rifle in that the former has a folding stock while the latter has a fixed polymer stock.

The MD-4 has a shortened barrel and a side-folding stock.

The MD-2 weighs 9 pounds, 10 ounces, has a barrel length of 39.8 inches, and the stock is fully extended (the skeleton stock is hinged to the side of the receiver). The barrel size is 17.8 inches. The firing process includes gas manipulation (extraction from the barrel) and a rotating bolt system.

The feed mechanism is designed to accommodate various STANAG types of magazines. The rate of fire is about 700 rounds per minute, and the effective range is up to 328 yards. Aiming is achieved via a rear hole mount with a concealed front post.

Externally, the weapon system maintains a more traditional look and layout, with the housing containing all major internal functions, an integrated stock and pistol grip/trigger assembly, and magazine feeder. The barrel runs under the cylinder and is enclosed in the front housing.

The carry handle can be mounted on top of the casing on the front of the magazine.

IMBEL MD-2 Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes