Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Wilkinson Terry carbine is an often-overlooked piece of American firearms history. Manufactured from 1970 to 1998 by Wilkinson Arms, this blowback-operated 9mm carbine offered shooters a practical alternative to more mainstream options of its era. Designed by Ray Wilkinson, the Terry features a distinctive cone-shaped flash hider and a 16⅛-inch barrel, contributing to its overall length of 28¾ inches. The carbine’s straight blowback action is simple but reliable, feeding from either 18 or 31-round detachable box magazines. After Wilkinson’s death, Northwest Arms continued production from 2000 to 2005, with some models branded as “Linda” rather than “Terry.” Most contemporary examples feature a barrel shroud extending from the barrel nut to the muzzle, distinguishing them from earlier variants. The Terry’s relatively lightweight design and pistol-caliber chambering made it popular among recreational shooters and those looking for low-recoil options. While never achieving the fame of contemporaries like the Ruger PC9 or Marlin Camp Carbine, the Terry developed a cult following. In 2015, Patrick McFarland purchased the tooling, parts, and rights to the design, reviving production under the original Wilkinson Arms name to honor Ray Wilkinson’s legacy. Today’s versions continue the tradition while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques.
“Manufacturer: Wilkinson Arms Co
Model: Terry
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 16 inch round
Finish: blue/gray
Grip: plastic
Stock: synthetic”
“Wilkinson Arms Model Terry Semi-Automatic Carbine.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5007/751/wilkinson-arms-model-terry-semiautomatic-carbine. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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