As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear an almost laughable lawsuit regarding whether Mexico can sue American gun manufacturers for the violence committed by cartels in their country, The Wall Street Journal’s(WSJ) Steve Fisher and Roque Ruiz decided to dig in and try to find out just what are the “hot” items cartels are shopping for among the American marketplace. Mexico, enabled by a brutally poor economy, weak government and notoriously corrupt officials in every bureaucratic capacity, has been engulfed in epic bloodshed between violent drug gangs for years.
If you have a subscription with WSJ, you can check out the full article on their website. If not, we’ve summarized it below.
Here are the top firearms coveted by Mexican cartels, as outlined by the WSJ:
The M134 Minigun: A six-barrel machine gun capable of firing 4,000 bullets per minute. Often used to protect high-profile drug leaders, it can destroy a small vehicle in moments and is reserved for extreme operations where overwhelming firepower is needed. It’s not a gun available to the U.S. civilian market.
The Barrett .50 Caliber: This armor-piercing weapon is effective against military gunships and armored vehicles. It’s assigned to mid-level cartel members who actively engage with federal forces, making it one of the deadliest weapons in cartel arsenals.
M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon): A lightweight machine gun capable of firing 850 rounds per minute. This prized weapon is used by top cartel leaders’ security details, symbolizing status and power among criminal ranks.
Colt Custom Pistols (“El Jefe” and “El Grito”): These engraved .38 Super pistols are a mark of status among cartel bosses. One such pistol, custom-made with gold and jewels, was seized from a Gulf Cartel leader, demonstrating the prestige associated with these collector items.
AK-47 (called the “Goat’s Horn” by cartels): Known for its simplicity, reliability (even when not properly cared for and beat around in rough conditions) and firepower, the AK-47 is the most common assault-style weapon among cartel foot soldiers. Its affordability and ease of use make it the go-to firearm for the rank and file.
Rocket Launchers: The M72 LAW antitank rocket launcher is used to target the Mexican military and destroy armored cartel vehicles. These powerful weapons are smuggled into Mexico for heavy combat situations.
Beretta .22 Pistol: Given to low-ranking cartel members, this cheap pistol is used in low-profile killings and extortion. New recruits, often including children, are frequently armed with these weapons.
While the Mexican government claims these firearms are fueling violence, American gunmakers maintain that they cannot be held liable for the actions of drug cartels and illegal arms smugglers arguing that legal, non-defective products are being misused downstream. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for both gun rights and the firearms industry in the U.S. If allowed to proceed, and quite possibly, even if it doesn’t, the U.S. should consider similar lawsuits for cartel violence allowed to carry over into the U.S., for the number of Mexican illegal immigrants who sneak across the border and the funds needed to care for them or more wisely return them home or for every fentanyl and drug death from drugs that originate in or are smuggled into the U.S. by Mexican cartels. But that would just make too much sense.
You’re kidding right?
This suit and the Mexican government isn’t a joke that is a joke.
“Beretta .22 Pistol”
And the “gun community” keeps telling me that the 22LR is a worthless defensive round. I remember when the “gun community” said the 9mm was a worthless caliber.
They said 45acp was the only correct choice.
Actually I think the 32 caliber series is the best choice.
btw
A Franklin Armory equipped semi auto in 22LR makes an outstanding low cost substitute for a real machine gun. And one also equipped with a suppressor, I think would makes a great assassin’s tool.
The low recoil would make it the best choice for drug cartel children in training.
Not the first rodeo for a Beretta .22!
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/the-rimfire-report-mossads-deadly-legacy-with-beretta-model-71-44816464
The . 22LR is perfectly capable against an unarmed victim, where you have all afternoon to wait around for him to expire.
I’d want something with a lot more oomph if there’s someone shooting back at you. Something like a ported 45Super with 11 rounds and a spare 10 round for ” just in case.” Cuz’ anything worth killins’ worth overkillin’.
what no chainsaw bayonet?
The cartels have come up with some very inventive ways to kill people. I’m sure chainsaws have been used before.
Now, since the Liberals and the Left say these guns come from America. Please explain what gun stores are supplying the M134 miniguns to the drug cartels.
I’m sure there are credit card purchase records at the offending gun stores in Arizona.
Price. $57,550 in the open market year of 1978.
source: The Book “Arsenal of Democracy, american weapons available for Export”
see page 161.
Price of the M72 LAW Rocket launcher. Open market price in 1978 only $135. And very affordable for any middle-class law abiding american citizen.
Source same as above. Page 219.
Of course inflation does have an effect on increasing prices over the years.
You use to be able to get a used M72 launch tube real cheap. I’ve seen them in several army surplus stores. Used as a wall display. Very impressive.
There is a way to deal with both the Mexican Government and the drug cartels.
First issue would be closing the border and not allowing anything or anyone across going either direction without a very close inspection of freight, vehicles, luggage and clear identification of persons. Next would be a clear warning that anyone crossing anywhere but official ports of entry are subject to being shot on sight. Likely wouldn’t have to fire more than a few times to make it clear that use of deadly force authorized means just that. If it can be done on US Gov. installations in the US, than why not on our borders.
Next is cut off all funds going to Mexico. Including wire transfers and sending money home by migrants. Make it a full on Federal Felony with serious penalties to hire undocumented migrants.
Might just be time to treat Mexico as the hostile/adversarial country it has become. Mexico has allowed the cartels to run rampant while enjoying the cash they bribe officials with and pour into local economies.
Of course such actions won’t happen because none fit the agenda of our own corrupt or spineless/inept politicians.
Obviously American citizens are fueling these cartels with heavy machine guns. It’s our relaxed gun laws and all…
But seriously, most of those guns can only be sourced back to the U.S. government itself. Either intentionally supplied to the cartels, or negligently supplied through no-chain-of-custody arms deals/gifts to places like Ukraine. And that same government tell us we can’t be trusted with small arms.