FMK-3 submachine gun
| Company type | State-owned company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Firearms manufacturing |
| Founded | 1941 |
| Headquarters | Argentina |
| Products | Firearms, including FMK-3 submachine gun |
The FMK-3 is a selective fire submachine gun operating on a blowback mechanism, developed in 1974 by the Argentine state-owned manufacturer Fabricaciones Militares. By 1991, roughly 30,000 units had been produced for use by the Argentine military.
Development
During the 1950s, FMAP DM (Fábrica Militar de Armas Portables Domingo Matheu) secured manufacturing rights for an Argentine version of the U.S. M3 A1 "Grease Gun," which was chambered in 9×19mm instead of the original .45 ACP. This led to two variants called PAM 1 and PAM 2, distinguished by the presence or absence of handle latches.
In the early 1970s, FMAP DM undertook a redesign incorporating a telescoping bolt with the magazine positioned inside the pistol grip—a design approach initially introduced by Jaroslav Holecek in 1946 and later popularized by firearms such as the Israeli UZI and Ingram MAC-10. This redesign culminated in the PA-3 DM model, subsequently renamed as the FMK-3.
The FMK-3 shares visual similarities with the UZI and fires 9×19mm Parabellum cartridges from a magazine inserted into the pistol grip. It features a fire selector switch along with a grip safety located at the rear of the grip that must be engaged for firing. The upper receiver houses critical components including the barrel, bolt, and recoil spring.
Early models offered three stock configurations: a one-piece plastic fixed stock, a fixed wooden stock, and a retractable wire stock. The charging handle is situated on the left side of the upper receiver and includes a sliding dust cover to block debris. Sling attachment points are found at both front and rear; initial front mounts resembled those on the UZI but were later redesigned as captive, rotating mounts integrated into the barrel shield.
The sighting system comprises a hooded front post paired with an L-shaped rear flip sight adjustable for windage, calibrated for distances of 50 and 100 meters, with protective side ears. The ejection port is small and located on the right side of the upper receiver.
Overview
Chambered for 9×19mm Parabellum, the FMK-3 delivers a firing rate of approximately 650 rounds per minute. It accommodates magazines holding 20, 32, or 40 rounds and can be equipped with accessories such as silencers and grenade launchers.
Uniquely, its safety mechanism, disconnect, and auto sear are positioned behind the grip, leaving only the fire selector and manual safety in front of the trigger guard. The safety selector utilizes a wing-style lever with three settings: an intermediate upper position, "S" (safe), "R" (semi-automatic), and "A" (fully automatic).
For enhanced safety, this firearm incorporates a grip safety that immobilizes the bolt unless firmly held, preventing accidental discharge even when a loaded magazine is inserted and the bolt is cocked. This feature makes it exceptionally secure under various operational conditions.
FMK-3
This is the standard model and most widely produced version, originally equipped with a retractable wire stock. Newer iterations feature fixed polymer stocks attached via dual prongs and include Picatinny rails for mounting accessories.
FMK-4
A derivative of the FMK-3 fitted with a fixed polymer stock resembling that used on the H&K G3 rifle.
FMK-5
A semi-automatic-only variant tailored for civilian ownership, based on the FMK-3 design.
Users
- : Employed by Law enforcement in Argentina and Argentine Army.
- : Utilized by Bolivian Army.
- : Currently in service (source in Spanish).
- : Adopted by military forces.
- : Received over 600 units during the 1980s; saw use in the Salvadoran Civil War, later placed in storage; used by private security firms during the 2010s.
- : Issued to Uruguayan Armed Forces and National Police of Uruguay.
See also
References