MAC-10
| Model 10 (M-10) | |
|---|---|
| File:Mac 10.jpg | |
| Type | submachine gun or machine pistol |
| Place of origin | USA |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Gordon B. Ingram |
| Designed | 1964 |
| Produced | 1970 – |
| Variants | M-10A1 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.84 kg |
| Length | 269 mm (548 mm with open stock) |
| Barrel length | 146 mm |
| Cartridge | .45 ACP, 9mm Luger |
| Rate of fire | 900 – 1000 round/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 275 m/s (902 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 25 m |
| Feed system | 30 or 32 rounds box magazine |
| Sights | iron sight |
The MAC-10 (Military Armament Corporation Model 10) is a highly compact, blowback operated, selective fire submachinegun (technically, a machine pistol) developed by Gordon B. Ingram in 1964.
It is a simple, low-cost design with few moving parts, making it easy to manufacture and maintain. The M-10 is one out of a series of machine pistols, the others being: the M-11A1, which is a scaled down version of the M-10 chambered in .380 ACP; and the M-11/9, which is a smaller 9mm version that has a longer receiver made later by the SWD company.
The compactness and high rates of fire for these weapons (no less than 1000 rpm for the M-10 and 1600 rpm for the M-11A1) worked against them. Their small size made them difficult to hold, and this, when combined with their high rate of fire, made control challenging; this was a key factor in their never finding much success with the military. Also, their weight make them less comfortable to hold. However, they did see limited service in Vietnam with the Special Forces. They are still used today by some SWAT forces, the U.S. Army (only in DELTA Force), the Brazilian Army's counter terrorist special forces, and security outfits.
Calibers
The MAC-10 is most common in the version chambered for .45 ACP rounds, but it was originally produced in 9mm Parabellum. In the United States, fully automatic MAC-10 machine pistols are NFA articles, and probably the cheapest and most common automatic firearms available on the American market today. A large amount of sheet metal frame flats were given serial numbers before the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986, and this made it possible to continue manufacturing MACs for the civilian market. There are also a limited number of semi-automatic carbines based on the original MAC design. MAC-10 pistols may be easily converted to carbines, and vice-versa, by interchanging commonly available parts. Originally Erquiaga made the MAC 10 into a 9 mm caliber. The first MAC 10 was designed and fabricated in Southern California by Erquiaga Arms in 1962.
Suppressor
Probably the biggest reason for the original MAC-10 finding recognition was its revolutionary sound suppressor designed by Mitchell WerBell III (Sionics). This suppressor had a two-stage design, with the first stage being larger than the second. This uniquely shaped suppressor gave the MAC-10 a very menacing look. It was also very quiet, to the point that the bolt could be heard over the report of the weapons discharge. The suppressor also created a place to hold the weapon; this, combined with the weight it added, made the weapon easier to control. The weapon's barrel threads were originally intended for this suppressor, but many other attachments are used: compensators, barrel extensions, fake-suppressors, fore-grips, and so on.
See also
External Links For More Information
- Masterpiece Arms - Makers Of A Modern & Reliable Semi-Auto MAC10 & 11
- Cobray company, who makes parts for all "MACs"
- Vulcan Arms who also currently makes semi auto "MACs"
- Ingram MAC - 10/11
- MAC M10 and M11 (USA)
- MAC-10 History Lesson
- Nazarian`s Gun Recognition Guide