Gordon Ingram

Gordon B. Ingram (December 30, 1924 - November 4, 2004) was an American inventor and entrepreneur. He was the founder of Military Armaments Company, the creator of the MAC-10 and MAC-11 machine pistols, and is widely credited with popularizing the submachine gun.[1][2]

References

  1. ^ Truby, J. David (1972). Silencers, snipers & assassins: an overview of whispering death. Paladin Press. pp. 108–110. ISBN 9780873640121. 
  2. ^ Long, Duncan (1989). Terrifying Three: Uzi, Ingram And Intratec Weapons Families. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press. pp. 25–31. ISBN 978-0873645232. 

Gordon B. Ingram (December 30, 1924 - November 4, 2004) Heralded as one of the most inventive and brilliant minds of his time, Gordon Ingram was much more than the inventor of his most famous and controversial firearm - the MAC 10 submachine pistol. His designs and inventions range from the first submachine gun for Sing Sing prison to small automated lathes for the home weapons enthusiast. Gordon was constantly pushing the mechanical and ballistic design envelopes in search of the most efficient, robust, and economical firearms and machinery. Born in Los Angeles CA, Gordon’s first foray into the weapons design world was during his years of service in the U.S. Army. He later went on to design and manufacture the infamous MAC 10 and MAC 11, which earned him the moniker of the father of the machine pistol. His design accomplishments spanned over 40 years and left behind several benchmark designs which illustrate his passion to push the envelope. The MAC 10/11's open bolt blowback operation, particularly the 45 caliber version, truly operates on the edge of physics laws yet remains one of the most reliable and durable designs ever created. His Ranchero series of range rifles was based around the concept of multiple use weapons that all use not only the same handgun caliber rounds but the associated magazines as well; creating a one size fits all workhorse arsenal. As his son in law, and a robotics engineer, I worked for several years with Gordon to create electronically controlled handguns that would know its owners personal handprint and only activate for said owner. This idea was then adapted to assault weapons to provide a selectable burst rate and speed option in addition to the security features mentioned. Unfortunately, Gordon passed before the fruits of that labor could be brought to production. His passion for ballistics and his perfectionist nature fueled many innovations in the engineering and design realm.

Gordon was also known for his associations with some of the defense sectors largest characters, such as General Mitchell Werbel III, who designed the suppressor for the MAC 10. His biography THE MAC MAN: Gordon B. Ingram and His Submachine Guns is rife with amazing stories of these encounters as well as surprisingly gripping technical data. His briefcase version of the MAC 10 was used by the CIA and drew the attention and admiration of John Wayne, who used it in the film McQ. The story of Mr. Wayne’s first encounter at firing the weapon is one of the most entertaining and riotous yarns ever told! In addition to McQ, the MAC 10 not only appeared in, but has been prominently featured in such films as Pulp Fiction, True Romance, Three Days of the Condor, True Lies, Beverly Hills Cop 3, Falling Down, Scarface, Desperado, The Bourne Identity and a plethora of others. Gordon Ingram will always remain in the company of the likes of Uzi Gal, Mikhail Kalashnikov and Gene Stoner as the most progressive and respected small arms designers of the modern era.