The Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Uzi Pro is a modern evolution of one of the most iconic firearms in history: the Uzi submachine gun. Developed by IWI in 2011, the Uzi Pro was created in partnership with Israeli special forces and law enforcement, aiming to modernize the original Uzi with 21st-century materials, safety upgrades, and modular features. [1][2]
It retains the compact, instantly recognizable silhouette of the Uzi but introduces polymer construction, MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails, a closed-bolt operating system, and improved ergonomic controls. [1][3]
As the Jerusalem Post noted upon its debut, the Uzi Pro appeared in an “endless number of movies” and builds on a legacy that has reached across over 90 countries and countless global users. [4][5]From its cinematic fame to its battlefield pedigree, the Uzi remains one of the most exported and reproduced submachine guns in the world—with total production estimates, including licensed variants, exceeding 10 million units. [6][7]
📷 Photo Gallery: Uzi Legacy in Focus
Before we go deep, here’s a visual primer on how the Uzi evolved from battlefield staple to modernized classic.
Origins of the Uzi: An Israeli Engineering Milestone
The story of the Uzi begins with Major Uziel “Uzi” Gal, a German-born Israeli officer who, in the wake of Israel’s founding, sought to design a compact, easy-to-maintain firearm suitable for all types of troops. His invention in the late 1940s—eventually known simply as the Uzi—introduced a revolutionary design element: the telescoping bolt, which wraps around the barrel to reduce overall weapon length while maintaining accuracy and barrel length. [8]
Adopted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1956, the original Uzi was chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, operated from an open bolt, and was constructed primarily of stamped steel parts. [9] The Uzi quickly became a favorite not just for its firepower, but for its ruggedness, low maintenance, and intuitive magazine-in-grip design that followed Gal’s principle: “the hand finds the hand.”[8]
The Uzi in Early Service
The IDF issued the Uzi broadly—not just to front-line infantry and special forces, but to tank crews, artillery units, and rear-echelon troops. Its compact nature made it ideal for vehicle use, airborne operations, and close-quarters defense. [9]
Global Expansion: The World’s Submachine Gun
By the 1960s, the Uzi had already begun spreading internationally. It was quickly adopted and licensed by numerous countries:
- FN Herstal in Belgium produced Uzis for NATO allies. [10]
- West Germany adopted it as the MP2. [11]
- South Africa, China, Indonesia, and Iran licensed or cloned variants. [12]
During its production peak (1960s–1980s), the Uzi became the most widely used submachine gun in the world. [6] Israel itself sold more Uzi variants abroad than any other military product in its arsenal at the time. [13]
Notable Global Users
- United States Secret Service: Used the Uzi from the 1960s through the early 1990s for presidential protection [14]
- India: Deployed Uzis with the Special Protection Group and Para Special Forces until 2008. [15]
- Sri Lanka: Issued Mini Uzis to police and VIP security details. [15]
- Ireland and Italy: Armed police forces with Mini and Micro Uzis. [15]
- South Korea: Used Uzis in special forces units before transitioning to domestic designs in the 1970s. [15]
- Israel’s ZIM shipping line: Even civilian crews received anti-terror training with Uzis. [15]
Over time, the Uzi saw widespread use in conflicts ranging from the Vietnam War to African insurgencies, Middle Eastern wars, and South American counter-narcotics efforts. [16][17][18]
Secret Service Deployment: The Uzi in the Reagan Assassination Attempt
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was leaving the Washington Hilton Hotel after delivering a speech when John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots in a failed assassination attempt. Amid the chaos, Secret Service Agent Robert Wanko retrieved a Mini Uzi submachine gun from a briefcase to provide cover as agents secured the president’s evacuation. [31]
This marked one of the most publicized uses of the Uzi by U.S. federal agents, highlighting its role in close protection scenarios. A photograph capturing Agent Wanko holding the Uzi became an iconic image, solidifying the gun’s status in executive security lore. [32] Archival video of the moment shows the Secret Service’s rapid response and the Uzi’s brief appearance during the unfolding crisis. [33]
The Uzi in Combat and Controversy
The Uzi gained a reputation as a personal defense weapon (PDW) for vehicle crews and officers, offering rapid firepower in tight environments. It was particularly valued for:
- Ease of maintenance in harsh conditions
- Simple disassembly and ruggedness
- Controlled cyclic rate compared to other SMGs
However, its popularity also led to controversial appearances in the hands of both state militaries and non-state actors. One infamous case involved Uzis approved for export to Antigua, which later ended up in the hands of Colombian drug traffickers. [19]
The Uzi Pro Emerges
By the early 2000s, the original Uzi platform was no longer keeping pace with modern PDW expectations. The Micro Uzi, introduced in 1986, proved too compact and difficult to control for many users. [20] Seeking a replacement, IWI set out to modernize the platform while retaining its iconic appeal.
In 2011, IWI officially unveiled the Uzi Pro—a comprehensive redesign developed in cooperation with elite Israeli units. [2][21] The launch included international demonstrations at defense expos in India, Chile, and Brazil. [22]
Modernization Goals
- Closed-bolt system for improved first-shot accuracy and safety
- Polymer lower receiver for lighter weight and better ergonomics
- Left-side charging handle to accommodate optics on a top-mounted Picatinny rail
- Ambidextrous controls for selector switch, magazine release, and charging handle
Optional forward grip and folding stock for compact storage and deployment [1][3][21]
Uzi Pro Pistol with Threaded Barrel – Technical Specifications
IWI emphasizes the Uzi Pro’s “extreme reliability,” citing its rigorous military field testing and modern production standards. [3][21]
Where To Buy
Uzi Pro Pistol: Civilian Variant
In December 2014, IWI US announced the introduction of the Uzi Pro Pistol for the American market, with an official debut scheduled for SHOT Show 2015. This civilian-legal, semi-automatic-only variant was specifically engineered to comply with U.S. import regulations. [23]
Civilian Features:
- Polymer frame
- Top and side rails for optics
- Optional SB Tactical brace (Pro SB model, later discontinued)
- Heavy trigger (~9–10 lbs), which drew mixed reviews from shooters [24]
While not marketed for concealed carry or duty use, the Uzi Pro Pistol found a niche among collectors, historical firearm fans, and range hobbyists.
Operational Use and Global Availability
Unlike the original Uzi, the Uzi Pro has not been widely adopted by foreign militaries or police forces—at least not in ways that are publicly confirmed.
- Israel Defense Forces (IDF): Some elite Israeli units have reportedly field-tested the Uzi Pro, and the platform is listed as available in special forces armories. [15][25]
- International Security Use: While no major government contracts outside Israel have been officially documented, Israel Weapon Industries continues to market and export the Uzi Pro internationally through its commercial division. As confirmed by IWI’s own promotional literature, the Uzi Pro is offered abroad to law enforcement, public service professionals, and civilian users. [26]
In the United States, however, IWI US officially discontinued importation and sale of the Uzi Pro Pistol in 2023. [27] The product has been marked as “Discontinued” on the IWI US website, and is no longer offered through official U.S. channels. This move has led to increased demand and rising prices in the secondary market among collectors and firearm enthusiasts. [28]
Nonetheless, the Uzi Pro remains available in various international markets, such as Switzerland and Latin America, highlighting its continuing appeal to global security users and private buyers. [29]
The Uzi in Pop Culture
The Uzi isn’t just a firearm—it’s a pop culture phenomenon.
- Movies: Scarface, Die Hard, The Terminator, Robocop
- Games: Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Counter-Strike
- Music: Referenced in 1980s and ‘90s rap lyrics as a symbol of rebellion and power
Its distinctive silhouette, combined with cinematic overexposure, led to the Uzi becoming a cultural shorthand for compact firepower—often misrepresented but always recognizable.
Myths and Misconceptions
Myth: All Uzis are machine guns.
Truth: Civilian versions, including the Uzi Pro Pistol, are semi-auto only. [30]
Myth: Uzis are inaccurate “spray-and-pray” weapons.
Truth: The Uzi Pro’s closed-bolt system enhances accuracy, particularly on the first shot. [3][21]
Myth: The Uzi is obsolete.
Truth: While no longer mainstream, the Uzi Pro continues to fill specialized roles, and its simple blowback system remains one of the most reliable ever fielded. [1][3]
The Future of the Platform
The Uzi Pro may not unseat newer platforms like the B&T APC9, CZ Scorpion EVO, or H&K MP7, but it maintains relevance as a compact, battle-proven design for specialized use.
Whether for:
- VIP protection units
- Collectors
- Law enforcement armories
- Historical preservation
…the Uzi Pro is more than a holdover. It’s a case study in how a Cold War classic can evolve without losing its soul.
Uzi Pro Instagram Reels
Experience the IWI Uzi Pro in full tactical configuration through short-form video. See it outfitted with EOTECH HWS®, A2 folding stock, A2 foregrip, and our custom Max Tactical Firearms leather shoulder rig—built for both style and function.
👉 Watch
Conclusion
The Uzi Pro isn’t just a continuation of a legendary firearm—it’s a declaration that legacy designs can thrive in a modern world. While newer platforms compete for headlines with exotic calibers and advanced electronics, the Uzi Pro remains rooted in what made the original great: simplicity, reliability, and purpose-driven engineering.
It’s a weapon forged from lessons learned on battlefields, urban streets, and counter-terror missions across decades. With its closed-bolt firing system, polymer construction, and expanded accessory compatibility, the Uzi Pro pays homage to its roots while embracing the demands of 21st-century operations.
Whether you’re a military historian tracing the evolution of Israel’s defense doctrine, a collector fascinated by Cold War classics, or a tactical professional seeking compact firepower for close-quarters defense, the Uzi Pro delivers a rare blend of nostalgia and practicality.
It may not dominate global arsenals the way its predecessor once did, but the Uzi Pro doesn’t need to. It serves a different purpose—standing as a bridge between eras. A tool. A tribute. A reminder that some designs never go out of style—they just evolve.
In the ever-changing world of small arms, the Uzi Pro doesn’t chase trends. It carries a name that still turns heads and a profile that needs no introduction. From the streets of Tel Aviv to the vaults of firearm enthusiasts worldwide, the Uzi Pro continues the saga—boldly, faithfully, and unmistakably Uzi.
References
- https://iwi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IWI_UZI_PRO_brochure_2021_EN.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzi_Pro
- https://www.defense-update.com
- https://www.jpost.com
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzi#Users
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzi
- https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/uzi.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uziel_Gal
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzi
- https://fnherstal.com
- https://modernfirearms.net/en/submachine-guns/israel-submachine-guns/uzi-eng/
- https://www.globalsecurity.org
- https://combatoperators.com
- https://iwi.us/blog/uzi-pro-pistols-now-shipping
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzi#Users
- https://www.scribd.com/document/437670719/Iwi-Uzi-Pro-Smg
- https://www.janes.com
- https://www.combatarchives.com
- https://www.tampabay.com/archive/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmDSM13jv7E&ab_channel=GSquaredTactical
- https://iwi.net
- https://www.defense-update.com
- https://www.americanrifleman.org
- https://www.pewpewtactical.com
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzi#Variants
- https://iwi.us
- https://iwi.us/firearms/uzi-pro/uzi-pro-pistol/
- https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Uzi-Pro-prices-have-gone-nuts-/4-211405/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Tavor/comments/170u87g/did_iwi_discontinue_the_uzi_pros/
- https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/national-firearms-act
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attempted_assassination_of_Ronald_Reagan
- https://www.reddit.com/r/HistoryPorn/comments/30xi99/secret_service_agent_robert_wanko_can_be_seen/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgQi0URm4Hc&ab_channel=CBCNews
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