Ingram MAC-10
Military Armament Corporation · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1970
Also known as: M10, Ingram M10, Military Armament Corporation Model 10
Overview
The Ingram MAC-10 (officially designated M10) is an American compact submachine gun designed by Gordon Ingram in 1964 and manufactured by the Military Armament Corporation (MAC) beginning in 1970. The MAC-10 is defined by its extremely compact dimensions, simple stamped steel construction, and extraordinarily high cyclic rate of approximately 1,146 rounds per minute in .45 ACP, allowing it to empty a 30-round magazine in under two seconds. Chambered primarily in .45 ACP with a 9mm variant also produced, the weapon employs a straightforward blowback action firing from an open bolt, with a distinctive telescoping or wraparound bolt that partially envelops the barrel to minimize overall length. At just 269mm (10.6 inches) long with the wire stock retracted, the MAC-10 was designed for concealed carry and close-quarters engagements. The weapon was developed alongside the Sionics two-stage suppressor designed by Mitchell WerBell III, which was integral to its marketing concept as a covert operations weapon. While it never achieved widespread formal military adoption, the MAC-10 saw limited use with special operations forces in several countries and became an iconic weapon in popular culture.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2840 g (100.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 269 mm (10.59") |
| Folded Length | 269 mm (10.59") |
| Barrel Length | 146 mm (5.75") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Sight Radius | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 280 m/s (919 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 584 J (431 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1146 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 11.43x23mm, .45 Automatic Colt Pistol
- 9x19mm Parabellum · 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 Selector
- Features: Open Bolt Firing, Select Fire, Retractable Stock, Telescoping Bolt, Threaded Barrel, Suppressor Compatible, Stamped Steel Construction, Compact Design, Iron Sights
Variants
- MAC-10/9 — Different Caliber
- MAC-11 (M11) — Compact
- MAC-11/9 (M11/9) — Lengthened 9mm
- Masterpiece Arms MPA — Modern Semi Auto
Service history
Operators
- United States Special Forces (Delta Force) · as M10
- British Special Air Service (SAS) · as MAC-10
- 14 Intelligence Company (UK) · as MAC-10
- Chilean Armed Forces
- Colombian Armed Forces
- Dominican Republic Armed Forces
- Israeli Defense Forces
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces
- Spanish National Police
- Brazilian Navy GRUMEC
- SAVAK (Iranian Secret Police)
- Moroccan GISGR
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1970-1986
Produced by Military Armament Corporation, RPB Industries, and SWD Inc. Exact total uncertain; semi-auto civilian variants continue production by Masterpiece Arms.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Gordon Ingram
Discontinued: 1986
Notes
The MAC-10's extremely high rate of fire was both a marketing feature and a practical limitation -- the weapon was difficult to control in full-automatic fire and would expend its ammunition rapidly. The wraparound or telescoping bolt design, where the bolt wraps around the rear portion of the barrel, was the key engineering innovation that allowed such compact dimensions. Gordon Ingram designed the weapon, and Mitchell WerBell III developed the companion Sionics suppressor and was instrumental in marketing the weapon internationally through the Military Armament Corporation. The company went bankrupt in 1976, and production rights passed through several companies including RPB Industries and SWD Inc. before finally ending in 1986. The MAC-10 achieved disproportionate fame through its frequent appearance in films, television, and video games, making it one of the most recognizable firearms in popular culture. Foreign copies and derivatives include the South African BXP, the Chilean PAF (made by FAMAE), and the Argentine Patria. The semi-automatic civilian version (M10/45 and M10/9) continues to be produced by Masterpiece Arms in the United States.
Background
The MAC-10 was designed alongside the Sionics two-stage suppressor by Mitchell WerBell III, creating one of the quietest submachine gun combinations of its era. Despite limited formal military adoption, it became one of the most recognizable firearms in popular culture through ubiquitous appearances in 1980s and 1990s action films. Its blistering 1,146 RPM cyclic rate can empty a 30-round magazine in under two seconds.