Cobray M11/9
S.W.D. Inc. (Cobray Company) · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1983
Also known as: SWD M11/9, M11/NINE, SWD M-11/NINE
Overview
The Cobray M11/9 (also marketed as the SWD M-11/NINE) is a compact, blowback-operated submachine gun produced in the United States by S.W.D. Inc. of the Cobray Company. A development of the Ingram MAC-11, the original of which was chambered in .380 ACP, the M11/9 enlarges the receiver and frame to chamber the more powerful 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge while keeping the gun extremely small and concealable. The select-fire version fires from an open bolt at a very high cyclic rate of around 1,200 rounds per minute and feeds from a 32-round Zytel polymer box magazine. Like the MAC family, it features a telescoping wrap-around bolt, a threaded muzzle for suppressors, and a collapsing wire stock.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1590 g (56.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 248 mm (9.76") |
| Folded Length | 248 mm (9.76") |
| Barrel Length | 129 mm (5.08") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1200 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Threaded Barrel, Collapsing Wire Stock, Swiveling Nylon Foregrip, Fixed Iron Sights, Extended Receiver
Variants
- SWD M-11/NINE (Semi-Auto) — Semi Automatic Civilian
- Cobray M11A1 — Compact 380
Service history
Operators
- United States Civilian Market · adopted 1983
Production
Production years: 1983-1994
Large numbers of semi-automatic civilian variants were produced; select-fire transferable examples are comparatively scarce due to the 1986 machine gun registry closure.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Gordon Ingram
Discontinued: 1994
Notes
Two principal U.S. market forms exist: a select-fire, open-bolt submachine gun (registered as a transferable machine gun before the 1986 cutoff) and a semi-automatic, closed-bolt civilian 'pistol' variant sold in much larger numbers. The extremely high rate of fire and minimal sight radius make the M11/9 notoriously difficult to control, contributing to its 'spray and pray' reputation. Many examples were paired with aftermarket suppressors via the threaded barrel.
Background
Descended from Gordon Ingram's MAC-11, the M11/9 became an icon of cheap, compact full-auto firepower in 1980s and 1990s American gun culture and crime media. Its blistering ~1,200 rpm cyclic rate could empty a 32-round magazine in well under two seconds, earning the platform a 'spray and pray' reputation. Frequently sold as an inexpensive home-build kit and a favorite of the 'plinking' subculture, it is widely regarded as more fun than practical, with poor inherent accuracy and rapid ammunition consumption.