Mendoza HM-3S
Productos Mendoza S.A. · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1998
Also known as: HM-3S
Overview
The Mendoza HM-3S is a Mexican semi-automatic submachine gun, the police and private-security variant of the select-fire HM-3. Designed by Hector Mendoza and built by Productos Mendoza S.A., it uses a simple blowback action firing 9x19mm Parabellum (and .380 ACP for security use) from a closed bolt. The compact weapon employs a wrap-around bolt over a fixed barrel, a folding stock, a grip safety, and a 32-round detachable box magazine, making it well suited to close-quarters and urban operations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2690 g (94.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3350 g (118.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Folded Length | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Barrel Length | 225 mm (8.86") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
- .380 ACP — also known as .380 Auto, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Manual Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Wrap Around Bolt, Polymer Furniture, Fixed Barrel, Compact
Variants
- Mendoza HM-3 - Select Fire
- Mendoza HM-3 Bulldog - Compact
Service history
Operators
- Mexican Armed Forces
- Mexican police and private security forces
Conflicts
- Mexican Drug War (2006-present)
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Produced in limited numbers for Mexican military, police and private security; select-fire HM-3 and semi-automatic HM-3S versions
Origin
Country of origin: Mexico
Designer: Hector Mendoza
Notes
The HM-3S semi-automatic variant fires from a closed bolt with polymer furniture and a U-shaped cocking handle, distinguishing it from the earlier open-bolt select-fire HM-3. Mexican export restrictions have limited its international availability. Also produced in a compact .380 ACP 'Bulldog' configuration.
Background
The HM-3 line springs from a Mexican firearms dynasty: Hector Mendoza designed it following in the footsteps of his father Rafael Mendoza, whose light machine guns armed the Mexican military for decades. Tight Mexican export laws have kept the gun almost unknown outside its home country.