FMK-3 submachine gun

FMK-3

Type	Submachine gun
Place of origin	Argentina
Service history
In service	1974-present
Used by	Argentina ^[1]
Wars	Falklands War
Production history
Manufacturer	Fabricaciones Militares
Produced	1974
Number built	30,000
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	3.4 kg (7.5 lb) empty
Length	523 mm (20.6 in), stock folded 693 mm (27.3 in), stock extended
Barrel length	290 mm (11.4 in)

Cartridge	9x19mm Parabellum
Action	Blowback, open bolt
Rate of fire	650 rounds/min
Effective firing range	100 m
Feed system	25, 32, and 40-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Flip up iron sights

The FMK-3 is a selective fire, blowback operated submachine gun of Argentine origin and was designed by Fabricaciones Militares in 1974. Around 30,000 were produced for the Argentine military by 1991.^[2]

Development

In the 1950s, the FMAP DM (Fábrica Militar de Armas Portables Domingo Matheu), belonging to the Dirección General de Fabricaciones Militares, acquired the production rights of a copy of the U.S. M3 A1 submachine gun, more commonly known as the "Grease Gun". This Argentine version was chambered for 9x19 mm cartridges, as opposed to the .45 ACP in the original model. The DGFM released two versions called PAM 1 and PAM 2, with and without handle latch.

In the early 1970s, FMAP DM decided to change the design using the forward-mass, evolving closing system and a charger in the grip. This charger was designed by Jaroslav Holecek in mid-1946 and greatly reduced the size of the weapon. He popularized the CZ-23/25 and it was later also adopted by the Israeli UZI, the Ingram MAC-10 and the Star Z-84. Thus was born the PA-3 DM, later known as the FMK-3.

At first glance, the FMK-3 may be associated with the UZI. This Argentine sub-machine gun fires the 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge and hosts its charger on the handle, which in turn carries fire and security systems. Above the hand grip, appears a receiver which houses the locking system and recoil spring.

In the first series, the FMK was presented with three versions of stocks: one-piece plastic fixed, fixed to wood, and retractable wire. On the left side of the upper receiver the lever is to carry and assemble the closure in late position. This lever consists of a sliding dust cover that prevents the entry of foreign materials in the interior of the weapon. On the same side but at the rear is the belt holder. In early versions, the front one is similar to the Uzi, although it went on to be captive and rotating in the shield that holds the barrel to the receiver. On the receiver aiming devices are: a dash protected by a tunnel and a rear sight adjustable booklet orthoptics laterally and with 50 and 100 meters height positions. It is all protected by side ears. The ejection window is discreetly-sized and is located to the right of the aforementioned drawer or upper receiver.

Unlike other similar submachine guns, the guarantor, the disconnect and auto insurance the FMK-3 are located behind the handle. In this way, ahead of the trigger is only the selector mechanism of shot and the manual safety. This insurance has a wing-type command that is activated from the left and which presents three positions: upper intermediate, "S" (safe), "R" (repeat), and "A" (automatic fire).

As an additional security measure, the FMK-3 has a secure grip that acts in the following way: If the weapon is not correctly grasped, the safety locks the sliding of the closing. Thus, even if the gun is ready to fire, if not pressed, handle insurance trip system remains blocked. In addition, as mentioned above, with the closure at rest, empty chamber and the full magazine a lock that prevents accidental fall of the weapon drag a cartridge there is an unintentional shooting occurs. Therefore it is a very safe weapon to carry in any condition.

Overview

The FMK-3 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, with a rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute. 20, 32, and 40 round magazines are available for the FMK-3 as well as the adaption of a silencer and grenade firing capability.

The FMK-3 is comparable, to the Heckler & Koch MP-5 in ergonomics (IE: selector switch, position of cocking handle, stock section) although it uses a grip inserted magazine, and performance (IE: firing from closed bolt, well balanced).

Variants

FMK-3

Main variant, The FMK-3 has a retractable wire stock. Fixed stocks have been recently made that can be installed by two prongs. FMK-3s have also been adapted with picatinny rails.

FMK-4

Rarely, variants are found with fixed polymer stocks, similar to that found on the H&K G3.

FMK-5

The FMK-3 is also produced for the civilian market, in semi-automatic-only version as the FMK-5.

References

↑ Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V. Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995). ISBN 978-0-7106-1241-0.
↑ "FMK-3". www.fas.org. Retrieved 29 August 2007.

External links

Modern Firearms & Ammunition