FMK-3
Fabricaciones Militares (FM) · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1974
Also known as: FMK3
Overview
The FMK-3 is an Argentine 9x19mm Parabellum blowback-operated, selective-fire submachine gun developed by Fabricaciones Militares (FM) and produced at the Domingo Matheu small arms factory (FMAP DM) in Rosario from 1974 to 1993. Heavily inspired by the Israeli Uzi, it uses a telescoping bolt that wraps around the rear portion of the barrel when closed, allowing a compact overall length, and feeds from a double-stack magazine inserted through the pistol grip. The receiver and pistol grip are built from steel stampings to keep production simple and inexpensive, and a retracting steel wire stock allows the weapon to be carried compactly. It became the standard submachine gun of the Argentine Army and police.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 693 mm (27.28") |
| Folded Length | 523 mm (20.59") |
| Barrel Length | 290 mm (11.42") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
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: Grip Safety, Manual Safety
- Features: Telescoping Bolt, Retractable Wire Stock, Magazine In Pistol Grip, Flip Up Sights
Variants
- FMK-5 — Semi Automatic Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Argentine Army · adopted 1974
- Argentine Police
Conflicts
- Falklands War (1982)
- Dirty War (1976-1983)
Production
Estimated total produced: 85,000 · Production years: 1974-1993
Approximately 85,000 units produced before production ended. Widely issued within Argentina and exported to other South American nations.
Origin
Country of origin: Argentina
Discontinued: 1993
Notes
Built largely from steel stampings with minimal machining, which kept unit cost very low. Fires from an open bolt and is fitted with an automatic grip safety at the rear of the pistol grip. Flip-up iron sights are marked for 50 and 100 meters. Reported empty weight varies between roughly 3.14 kg and 3.4 kg across sources.
Background
Often described as 'Argentina's Uzi', the FMK-3 was Fabricaciones Militares' attempt to field a cheap, domestically produced submachine gun for the Argentine armed forces, replacing the earlier PAM series. Its stamped-steel construction and telescoping-bolt layout mirrored the Uzi while keeping it firmly an Argentine design.