So, what was the reason behind the design the USFA zip gun?

aarondhgraham

New member
So, what was the reason behind the design the USFA zip gun?

Honestly, I would love to know.

I was chatting with a guy in The Evil Pawn Shop,,,
He wanted to order one to mount under the rails of his AR style rifle.

Was that the reasoning behind it's development?

Surely the designers had a purpose for the thing,,,
Or were they all stoned?

Anyone have an answer?

Aarond

.
 
"Because I CAN", probably.
Reviews don't exactly seem to be glowing, so I don't see it remaining on the market long even if there were some use for it (which I can't see.)
 
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So, what was the reason behind the design the USFA zip gun?

To part a fool from his money.

I was chatting with a guy in The Evil Pawn Shop,,,
He wanted to order one to mount under the rails of his AR style rifle.

I hope he understands that, in doing so, he is manufacturing a short-barreled rifle that must be registered with the BAFTE as an NFA firearm.
 
That "gun" has been one of the most baffling questions in US firearms history.
So far, it remains unexplainable.
Denis
 
I think they are highly ingenious, especially the way they can mount on to an AR rail. THAT is incredible... can you do that with your Glock or 1911?

I DIDN'T THINK SO. :cool:

Seems like it would be perfect for tactical situations with low threat environmental concerns or sentry/light removal. Stoke it with some subsonics for stealth tactical uses. As a sidearm in the field, it would be perfect for hunting and would be good for self defense and CCW with some loads.

I honestly do not understand why this innovative handgun has gotten somewhat of a bad rap. I think it's one of the most interesting designs to come out of the American firearms market in years.

USFA used to make very highly quality clones of the Colt SAA, but no more. I think the ZIP though is a worthy successor to the Colt and will carry the USFA name into the history books.
 
"...can you do that with your Glock or 1911?"

You mean something mall-ninja-redorkulous like this?

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Unlike Red Jacket...dis hab been done befoe.
 
In one fell swoop USFA went from making the finest SAA in the country to the flawed and failed staple gun. Sure do miss the single actions and their craftsmanship.
 
So, what was the reason behind the design the USFA zip gun?
To be different, draw attention and make them affordable. How many pistols look like it? Many still don't know it's a Bull Pup. Actual barrel length is 5.2".

Was that the reasoning behind it's development?

Surely the designers had a purpose for the thing,,,
Or were they all stoned?

Anyone have an answer?
To have a newer look and make them cheap so they could sell them cheap. Why? Make money! It does not fit any real need in the market other than their claim to make them inexpensive and affordable so someone could go shoot all day (being a .22) cheaply.

Part of the cost cutting features is the blow-back design. No Browning style barrels here. Just mount barrel. Les trouble working out the math and sinking money into testing and proofing.

They wrapped it all up in a neat little package of weirdness that makes everyone ask...how do you hold it? How do you shoot it?

In one fell swoop USFA went from making the finest SAA in the country to the flawed and failed staple gun. Sure do miss the single actions and their craftsmanship.
I remember them promising new designs and upgrades...blah, blah...then they do this? crazy. Went from trying to make high cost revolver (IMO wrong price range) to this little thing that gets mostly bad reviews with complaints about multiple FTF and FTE. Just seems like someone needs to talk some since into these guys (but they aren't listening).
 
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To have a newer look and make them cheap so they could sell them cheap. Why? Make money! It does not fit any real need in the market other than their claim to make them inexpensive and affordable so someone could go shoot all day (being a .22) cheaply.

The old business axiom that "If you are in business to make money, you will eventually fail. If you are in business to serve your customers, you will eventually make money." comes to mind......

So the question is really, "Who does USFA believe it's customers are?"......
 
Part of the cost cutting features is the blow-back design. No Browning style barrels here. Just mount barrel. Les trouble working out the math and sinking money into testing and proofing.

You mean like just about every other semi-auto .22LR pistol ever made?
 
The old business axiom that "If you are in business to make money, you will eventually fail. If you are in business to serve your customers, you will eventually make money." comes to mind......
Serving customers and making money are mutually beneficial. People who are in business to make money find that balance or fail and the true desire to make money is not a failing notion! Tell that to JP Morgan, Rockefeller, or any shark on the shark tank including "Mr Wonderful" !
 
To this day I still can't figure out the reason behind this .... Absolutely makes no sense whatsoever. Even the Aussie gangs home made junks are more purpose built. From making quality SAA this, it's just mind boggling...I'm sitting on the toilet and having trouble passing from disbelief
 
I still can't grasp what niche it's supposed to fill,,,

I still can't grasp what niche it's supposed to fill,,,
Even something like a Phoenix .22 would be more useable.

I was hoping someone would be able to say,,,
"It does this Aarond."

Then I would have replied,,,
"Oh, now I understand."

Now I'm back to the hallucinogenic drugs theory. ;)

Thanks for your replies gentlemen.

Aarond

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Model12Win I think they are highly ingenious, especially the way they can mount on to an AR rail. THAT is incredible... can you do that with your Glock or 1911?

I DIDN'T THINK SO.
Highly ingenious?
That's funny. The only thing ingenious is that gullible customers fell for USFA sales pitch.
The Zip requires an ATF tax stamp to attach to the rails of an AR.....so add another $200 to the cost. Since you are "making" an SBR you'll need to engrave your name and address on the Zip....so add another $20-50.

You now have one useless expensive toy that does absolutely nothing well. No one in law enforcement or the military will ever use such a nonsensical firearm.



Seems like it would be perfect for tactical situations with low threat environmental concerns or sentry/light removal. Stoke it with some subsonics for stealth tactical uses.
It's a pistol and wouldn't be stealthy unless you added a suppressor. Using a .22 pistol unsuppressed is louder than using a .223 WITH a suppressor.
Which would you rather use....the loud weak round or the quieter, more powerful round?;)




As a sidearm in the field, it would be perfect for hunting and would be good for self defense and CCW with some loads.
You have to be kidding. :rolleyes:


I honestly do not understand why this innovative handgun has gotten somewhat of a bad rap. I think it's one of the most interesting designs to come out of the American firearms market in years.
1. Terrible ergonomics
2. Requires a tax stamp to mount on an AR rail
3. They rarely work
4. Odd looks doesn't mean it's innovative.
5. They rarely work
6. Almost any other .22 pistol is a better choice for any purpose.



I think the ZIP though is a worthy successor to the Colt and will carry the USFA name into the history books.
I agree. its right up there with the Colt 2000 All American in "The History of America's Biggest Gun Failures"
 
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