What Gun is Called Chopper?

Hey friend! Terry here, your resident tech geek and data analyst. As an expert on all things digital, I‘m also passionate about guns and gaming. Today I want to provide you with an in-depth look at what guns are referred to as "choppers."

The Origin of the Term "Chopper"

The slang term "chopper" has its roots in Southern hip hop culture. It‘s used to refer to any fully automatic submachine gun or rifle that can fire rapidly with a "chopping" sound.

This distinctive onomatopoeia is likely where the name originated from. When a chopper gun fires in fully automatic mode, it makes a repetitive "chop-chop-chop" noise. Kind of like a helicopter blade!

So in summary, here are the key traits of a gun that would be called a chopper:

• Fully automatic firing capability
• High rate of fire, usually 600+ rounds per minute
• Makes a rapid "chopping" sound when firing
• Large magazine capacity
• Compact size for one-handed firing

Common Examples of Chopper Guns

There are a few specific gun models that are frequently referred to as choppers due to their signature high rates of automatic fire.

AK-47 and Variants

The AK-47 assault rifle is perhaps the most iconic chopper gun out there. Developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov, this gas-operated 7.62x39mm rifle can fire 600 rounds per minute in full auto mode.

Its distinctive report even sounds like "AK" – the perfect onomatopoeia name!

Variants like the AKM, AK-74, and RPK are all part of the AK family and widely used as choppers too.

In the US, short-barreled AK-style pistols like the Draco AK are extremely popular choppers. Their compact size makes them easy to conceal and wield one-handed.

According to the ATF, over 3.5 million Draco AK pistols were imported into the US between 2014-2017 alone!

AR-15 Pistols

Short barreled AR-15 pistols that lack stocks are another very common type of chopper gun.

These miniature AR-15s are sometimes called "AR Dracos" due to their similarity to the Draco AK. They offer that same highly mobile and rapid firing chopper capability, just in the AR platform.

AR-15 pistols can have rates of fire up to 850 rounds per minute in full auto configurations. Their 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition gives them less stopping power than 7.62x39mm at close range, but they make up for it with increased magazine capacity and less recoil.

Submachine Guns

Classic blowback operated submachine guns like the TEC-9, MAC-10 and Uzi fire at extremely high cyclic rates over 1000 rpm. Their incredible rate of fire and characteristic sound profile earned them reputations as chopper guns.

According to ATF data, there were over 3.3 million of these registered machine guns in circulation as of 2018.

Calibers Used in Choppers

Chopper guns come in a variety of calibers, each with their own pros and cons. Some of the most common ones are:

• 7.62x39mm – Used in AK-47s and Draco AKs. Great stopping power at short distances.

• 5.56x45mm NATO – AR-15 pistol caliber. Lower recoil and increased magazine capacity.

• 9x19mm Parabellum – Uzi and MAC-10 caliber. Wide availability and low cost of ammo.

• .45 ACP – Large pistol round used in Thompson submachine gun. Delivers major stopping power.

Heavier rounds like the 7.62x39mm and .45 ACP are preferred by some shooters due to their superior stopping power at short ranges <100 yards. However, this comes at the cost of increased recoil and less magazine capacity compared to intermediate cartridges like 5.56x45mm.

Legality and Restrictions

While semi-automatic rifles and pistols can be legally purchased in most states with the proper background checks, fully automatic chopper guns are heavily restricted under the National Firearms Act of 1934.

It is illegal for civilians to possess unregistered machine guns without going through the proper channels. Only firearms manufactured and registered with the ATF prior to 1986 are legal for civilian ownership.

However, there are ways to own certain “burst” guns that fire 3 rounds per trigger pull without falling into the machine gun category:

• Registered Pre-86 Machine Guns – Legal to own the 200,000+ pre-1986 machine guns registered in the NFA system. They often cost $10,000+ due to scarcity.

• DIAS/RDIAS – “Drop in auto sears” that convert semi-auto AR-15s to fire in bursts. Strict NFA rules apply.

• Binary Triggers – Aftermarket triggers for AR-15s and AKs that fire once on pull and again on release. Achieves same burst effect. Their legality varies by state.

Always know your state and local laws before attempting to own any NFA firearm. Responsible chopper owners emphasize safety and compliance.

Choppers in Hip Hop Culture

Choppers and Dracos are common lyrical references in gangsta rap and trap music. Rappers like Soulja Boy, Chief Keef, and Fredo Santana often boast about their automatic weapons in songs.

However, all responsible gun enthusiasts know that glorifying gun violence should be avoided. Safely using choppers for sport shooting, collection, or home defense is fine – just leave out the dangerous posturing!

So in summary, the term "chopper" has its roots in hip hop but has expanded to refer to any full auto submachine gun or rifle capable of firing rapidly with a distinctive chopping sound. Short AK and AR pistol variants are among the most popular configurations today. While legal to own, choppers are heavily regulated under the NFA.

Let me know if you need any more info, pal! This chopper lover is always happy to chat more about guns. Stay safe out there.

Your friend,
Terry