Introduction
The MAC-10 (Military Armament Corporation Model 10) is an ultra-compact machine pistol designed in the USA in the 1960s. Its square silhouette, extremely high rate of fire and vertical magazine have made it a weapon as feared as it is iconic. Used in some armed conflicts, but especially associated with organized crime and clandestine operations, the MAC-10 has become an emblematic figure in modern close-in weaponry.
MAC-10 history
Origin and design
The MAC-10 was designed by Gordon B. Ingram in 1964, with the aim of creating an automatic weapon that was compact, simple to produce and easy to conceal. Initially manufactured by the Military Armament Corporation, this weapon was designed for special forces and covert operations.
The MAC-10 is available in two main calibers: .45 ACP and 9×19 mm Parabellum, with magazines ranging from 16 to 32 rounds depending on the version. It features a barrel thread for the rapid addition of a silencer, making it particularly suitable for clandestine missions.
Military use and distribution
Although not yet officially adopted by regular armed forces, the MAC-10 is occasionally used by certain American, South American and Israeli special units, notably for missions in urban environments or on board vehicles.
However, during the 1970s and 1980s, it was widely distributed in parallel, particularly in criminal circles, due to its affordable price, impressive firepower and ease of supply. It is also widely copied, modified or produced illegally in many countries.
Technical data
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | MAC-10 |
| Sizes | .45 ACP / 9×19 mm |
| Weight (without charger) | ~2.8 kg |
| Length | 269 mm (without stock) |
| Barrel length | 146 mm |
| Capacity | 16 to 32 shots |
| Firing rate | 1,090 shots/min (average) |
| Mechanism | Blowback, open cylinder head |
| Special features | Quiet operation possible, very compact |
Ergonomics and design
The MAC-10 is designed to be :
Easy to produce: few parts, high machining tolerance.
Extremely compact: can be concealed under a coat.
Extremely fast: its rate of fire exceeds 1,000 shots per minute, emptying a magazine in two seconds.
Modular: barrel thread for silencer, retractable handle, folding metal stock.
But this simplicity comes with several major drawbacks: recoil is difficult to control, automatic firing is imprecise, and some parts wear out quickly.
Comparison with similar weapons
| Model | Caliber | Firing rate | Compact ? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAC-10 | .45 ACP / 9mm | ~1,090 c/min | Yes |
| Uzi | 9×19 mm | ~600 c/min | Yes |
| MP5K | 9×19 mm | ~900 c/min | Yes |
Compared to the Uzi or MP5K, the MAC-10 is less accurate but more compact and much faster. It’s also more rustic, with a more basic industrial design.
Cultural impact and reputation
The MAC-10 became famous less for its military use than for its omnipresence in the media:
Cinema: often used in gangster and action films (Scarface, Pulp Fiction, etc.).
Video games: featured in numerous franchises such as Call of Duty, GTA and Counter-Strike.
Rap and urban culture: frequently mentioned as a symbol of power or violence.
This sulphurous image has earned it a controversial reputation. It is seen as both a mythical weapon and a symbol of security excesses.
Civil use and legislation
In many countries, the MAC-10 is strictly forbidden for sale or possession. In the USA, semi-automatic versions have been offered to the civilian market (notably under the Cobray brand), but are highly regulated.
Its compact profile and destructive potential make it a weapon particularly closely watched by the authorities. It is still prized in some private collections, but its actual use is now extremely limited.
Conclusion
The MAC-10 is both a fascinating and controversial weapon. Compact, destructive and easy to produce, it has left its mark on modern history through its effectiveness in confined environments and its use in clandestine spheres. Today, it embodies both the genius of industrial simplification and the excesses of an era when firepower often rhymed with urban chaos.
