Paltik is aFilipino term for a homemadefirearm.[1] It is usually manufactured usingscrap metal andangle iron.[2] These homemade weapons are usually manufactured inDanao, Cebu,[3] where the production of replicas of known firearms is acottage industry.[4] The manufacturers claim to be able to replicate any gun, although they prefer to mass-produce six-cylinder.38 caliberrevolvers.[5] The Philippine government notes that these firearms are of low quality, even if some are considered as "Class A" or high quality.[6] Danao has the most concentration of factories since the 1940s,[7] butpaltik production can also be found inNegros,Leyte, andMindanao. TheMoro Islamic Liberation Front were also known to producepaltik but were unable to upscale their production due to government pressure.[8]
Thepaltik suffered from poor accuracy and low quality firing mechanisms. Some lackedrifledbores, reducing their accuracy.[9] Due to poor craftsmanship, the weapon was more dangerous to the shooter than the target. SomeFilipino gunsmiths however, did make reliablepercussion cap rifles that functioned in a manner similar to a 19th-century musket.
Paltiks are still being illegally manufactured in thePhilippines today. These were being registered during the administration of PresidentCorazon Aquino, but this "legalization" was revoked and all registeredpaltiks had to be surrendered to the government.[10] PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 171 in 2003 which prohibitspaltiks from being licensed.[11]
High quality replicas of.45 calibersemi-autoM1911 pistols have been recorded being made in the Philippines and ending up in theUnited Statesblack market.[12]
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