V15: Bul Armory Cherokee-Delta Defence Handgun Connection and Wacky IDF Sling Subculture

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In this week’s Silah Report podcast we discuss a number of topics including a discussion surrounding one of our recent articles. Delta Defence Group is a brand of polymer frame, semi-automatic handgun that have been appearing in Iraqi and Syrian markets in the past year. But where do they come from and who makes them? Mick and Miles discuss a possible match with the Israeli arms company Bul Armory which has a handgun that is almost identical in every aspect of design.

Then we move to Israel where a new presenter, Saadia, discusses the fascinating subculture of customization among IDF soldiers when it comes to their rifle slings.

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If you missed the previous episode, you can find it here.

Schedule of Presentations:

  • Delta Defence Handguns and Rifles – Miles and Mick
  • M16s in Israel and IDF Sling Subculture – Saadia

Delta Defence Handguns and Rifles

Miles and Mick discuss the interesting Delta Defence Group handguns that have been turning up in Iraqi and Syria. The handguns are difficult to identify due to there not being any associated manufacturer that can claim their origin. But they share some very unmistakable characteristics with the early Bul Armory Cherokee line of semi-automatic handguns, down to crest placement, letting and overall external design and operation.

Figure 1.1. Delta Defense Group C5 Handgun
Figure 1.2. Bul Armory Cherokee Compact
Figure 1.3. Bul Armory Cherokee FS Handgun
Figure 1.4. – Early JAWS Tactical Pistol (JTP)

See Mick’s earlier article for more on the pistols and the sources of the above images.

M16s in Israel and IDF Sling Subculture

Saadia made an initial appearance on the podcast and we hope to have him back in the future. He started by discussing some of the older M16A1 rifles that he has come across in civilian and IDF hands in Israel, highlighting some of the rarer Harrington & Richardson and Hydramatic Corps rifles that are now historic rifles from early M16A1 years of development. Many of these rifles are still seeing active service in Israel as Saadia was able to see them.

Figure 2.1. An example of an M16A1 in Israeli civilian defense use. (Source – Saadia Submission)
Figure 2.2. Harrington & Richardson rifle in IDF use. (Source – Saadia Submission)
Figure 2.3. Hydra-Matic Division of General Motors M16A1 rifle in Israeli civilian defense use. (Source – Saadia Submission)

Saadia then moved the conversation to the subculture of sling customization among the IDF ranks. These slings can be simple unit patches embroidered on the slings and gifted to soldiers after a time of service. Or they can be elaborately stitched together pictograms and images akin to tattoo symbolism and preference. Saadia shares a couple of pictures that he was able to take that show a sample of this trend in the IDF.

Figure 3.1. Note the seal of Hermes representing the medical profession at the bottom of the sling. And the random woman crying for every day the soldier is in service. (Source – Saadia Submission)
Figure 3.2. Top of the sling depicts a devil due to the IDF soldier’s position as a disciplinarian on his base. (Source – Saadia Submission)
Figure 3.3. Note the Canadian flag, possibly indicating the soldier is of Canadian origins before joining the IDF. (Source – Saadia Submission)

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