Sanna 77
Dan Pienaar Enterprise Limited · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1977
Also known as: Sanna-77
Overview
The Sanna 77 is a South African semi-automatic derivative of a submachine gun, developed in the late 1970s from the Czechoslovak Sa 25. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, it uses a blowback action, an all-metal construction, a folding metal stock, and a 40-round magazine that feeds through the pistol grip in the manner of the UZI. The original full-automatic capability of its parent design was removed, leaving a semi-automatic-only carbine that functioned essentially as an oversized pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2800 g (98.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 650 mm (25.59") |
| Folded Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Barrel Length | 290 mm (11.42") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 366 m/s (1201 fps) |
| Effective Range | 76 m (83 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Magazine In Grip, All Metal Construction
Production
Production years: 1977-1980
Limited production by Dan Pienaar Enterprise Ltd of Johannesburg before discontinuation.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Discontinued: 1980
Notes
Marketed to the South African civilian and security market, the Sanna 77 failed to gain traction with the military, police, or industry buyers, and only limited numbers were produced before it was discontinued by the early 1980s.
Background
The Sanna 77's lineage traces to the Czechoslovak Sa 23/25 submachine gun family, whose in-grip magazine and telescoping-bolt layout later influenced the Israeli UZI. Reworked into a semi-automatic civilian carbine in southern Africa, the gun was judged unreliable in South African trials and never found a lasting commercial or military role.