MAC-11

Description

In 1972 the US based Military Armament Corporation (MAC) introduced their MAC-10 & MAC-11 submachine guns/machine pistols as weapons predominantly marketed for special operations use.

For this reason they were sold as a weapon and suppressor combination, with the barrel externally threaded for its quick attachment. Nigh on identical, both versions of the MAC also feature an extendable metallic stock (with folding buttplate). The main visual difference is that the MAC-11 is noticeably smaller than the MAC-10, as it was designed to be a more compact/concealable model. It was also available in 9mm and the smaller .380 APC cartridge.

It is fed via a pistol grip mounted 16 or 32 round detachable box magazine and relies on an open bolt/straight blowback means of operation, once cocked via the top mounted charging handle.

Unfortunately the weapons rate of fire went against it, as at 1200-1600 rounds/min (dependent on ammunition), the operator could empty a 32 round magazine in just over a second, which was hardly practical for military use.

This factor and the US State department suddenly banning the export of weapons with suppressors (or that could be fitted with one) in 1974, lead to the demise of MAC in 1976 and their machines and patents were swiftly bought by other US based arms companies, who continue to manufacture these weapons today.