Action Arms Ltd.
Action Arms Ltd. was an American firearms importer best known for bringing civilian semi-automatic Uzi carbines and pistols into the United States during the 1980s, sourced from Israel Military Industries (IMI). Operating as a subsidiary of Action Manufacturing, the company sold thousands of tactical-style carbines before federal import bans brought operations to a close in 1989.
Action Arms Ltd. For Sale
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IMI Uzi Model B 9mm Semi-Auto Carbine
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IWI ZION SPR18 5.56/.223 18" RIFLE BC B5...
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Model A and Model B Uzi carbine?
The Model B replaced the Model A in 1983 and added a firing pin safety that prevents the gun from firing if a round isn't fully seated in the chamber, an issue that could occur on the Model A. The Model B was also offered in additional calibers, while the Model A was 9mm only, and the two use a different adjustable rear sight.
Can an Action Arms Uzi be converted to fully automatic?
No. These carbines were engineered specifically to resist that kind of modification, with a barrel restrictor ring, bolt blocking bar, and selector blocking bar built in to prevent conversion. Some pre-1986 examples were legally converted with proper ATF paperwork before the Firearm Owners Protection Act closed that window, but an unmodified, unregistered carbine cannot be legally converted today.
Why did Action Arms stop importing the Uzi carbine?
The 1989 federal import ban ended importation of the carbine, which had been the company's flagship civilian product. The Uzi Pistol survived in the catalog for a couple more years afterward, but Action Arms voluntarily stopped importing it in 1991 over concerns it would eventually be banned too, which held off until 1993.
How can I tell what year my Action Arms Uzi was made?
The model designation is stamped on the left side of the receiver, and serial number prefixes can help narrow down the import window. Since specific date ranges vary by model and serial series, a serial number lookup through a firearms appraiser or a dedicated Uzi collector resource is the most reliable way to pin down an exact year.
Are Action Arms Uzi carbines reliable to shoot?
Forum consensus from long-term owners is generally positive. Owners frequently describe them as reliable and accurate, though also heavier and clunkier than a modern PCC. Reported maintenance issues are minor, with occasional firing pin replacement being the most commonly mentioned repair.
Is Action Arms Ltd. still in business today?
No. The company shifted its product lines through the 1990s after the import ban and eventually wound down, though it was for a time the sole US distributor of the Norinco-made Uzi even though it wasn't the importer of that specific gun. Its original Uzi carbines and pistols remain available on the used and collector market.
About
Founded in Philadelphia in 1979, Action Arms Ltd. built its reputation on a single, well-executed idea: bringing the legendary Uzi to American shooters in a form that met US import and firearms law. As a subsidiary of Action Manufacturing, the company worked directly with Israel Military Industries and with designer Uziel Gal himself to adapt the original submachine gun into a semi-automatic carbine suited for civilian ownership. The result made its public debut at the 1980 SHOT Show, and it caught on fast. Over the next decade, Action Arms became the exclusive US importer of the Uzi carbine and later the Uzi pistol, moving tens of thousands of units before changes to federal import law closed that chapter in 1989. Along the way, the lineup evolved from the original Model A to the improved Model B, which added a firing pin safety and refinements to the sights and sling swivels. Though Action Arms is no longer active, its name remains tied to one of the most recognizable firearms of the 20th century, and its guns continue to hold a place among collectors and Uzi enthusiasts today.