Miscellaneous

PAM-2 and 9mm Grease Gun

The PAM-2 (Pistola Ametralladora) is an Argentine submachine gun that offers a fascinating glimpse into post-WWII firearm development and adaptation. This article explores the specifications, history, advantages, and disadvantages of the PAM-2, providing a detailed overview of this unique weapon.

History and Development

The PAM-2 is derived from the American M3A1 Grease Gun and was produced by the Argentine factory FMAP (Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles) in Buenos Aires, later relocating to Rosario. The prototype was demonstrated to the Argentine military in October 1950, and production began in 1954, running until 1961. In 1969, an additional batch was produced due to increased demand. The gun is believed to have been reverse-engineered rather than produced under license, given the lengthy development time. A total of 34,600 units were made by 1961, with an extra batch of 1,100 in 1969.

Specifications

  • Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
  • Weight: 7.27 pounds, slightly lighter than the American Grease Gun
  • Operation: Simple blowback mechanism with a fixed firing pin
  • Magazine: Double-stack single-feed, 30-round capacity
  • Safety Features: Grip safety to prevent accidental discharge
  • Sights: Two-position rear notch sight (50m and 100m) and drift-adjustable barleycorn front sight

Advantages

  • Safety Improvements: The addition of a grip safety significantly reduces the risk of accidental discharge, making it safer to handle compared to the original M3A1.
  • Ergonomic Enhancements: The PAM-2 includes more user-friendly sights and a somewhat lighter build, contributing to easier handling and shooting accuracy.

Disadvantages

  • Complexity in Operation: The grip safety can make operating the bolt more cumbersome, requiring the safety to be engaged to cycle the bolt or dry fire.
  • Sight Configuration: The two-position rear sight is considered less effective and more awkward than the fixed sight on the American version.

Service and Usage

The PAM-2 was used by the Argentine military until the 1990s and saw service alongside the FMK-3 submachine gun starting in the 1970s. Upon being declared obsolete, many PAM-2s were sold to civilians in Argentina after being converted to semi-automatic. This is one of the more recent examples of a government selling surplus military arms to the general public, a practice that has become quite rare in modern times.

Interesting Facts

One of the notable aspects of the PAM-2's history is the transition from the PAM-1 to the PAM-2, driven by the need to address safety concerns. The Argentine military realized that the original PAM-1 was not drop-safe, leading to the addition of a grip safety in the PAM-2. This change was crucial for ensuring the weapon's reliability and safety in various operational conditions.

Additionally, the PAM-2's production and subsequent sale to civilians highlight Argentina's approach to firearm management during the late 20th century. Unlike many other countries that destroy surplus arms, Argentina opted to convert and sell them, providing a legal avenue for civilian ownership of historical military weapons.

The PAM-2 stands as a testament to Argentina's ingenuity in firearm design and adaptation, ensuring the continued relevance of the Grease Gun concept well into the latter half of the 20th century.

For more detailed insights and a close-up look at the PAM-2, check out the original video.

The Argentine FMK-3 SMG: A Comprehensive Review

Specifications

  • Weight: 8 lbs unloaded
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Length: Approximately 1.5 feet
  • Rate of Fire: Slow, similar to an M60 machine gun
  • Manufacturing Period: 1974-1991
  • Production Quantity: Approximately 30,000 units
  • Construction: Extruded tube receiver, aluminum bolt body with steel critical components
  • Sights: Hooded front pin and adjustable rear sight (50m and 100m settings)
  • Fire Modes: Safe, Semi, Full-auto

Pros

  • Simple and cheap to produce
  • Extremely low recoil due to its weight and slow bolt movement
  • Safe and easy to handle, making it a good rental weapon
  • Effective for suppressive fire due to its slow rate of fire

Cons

  • Heavier and bulkier compared to more modern SMGs like the MP5
  • Slow rate of fire may be a disadvantage in tactical situations
  • Non-reciprocating charging handle was lost in reconstruction
  • Modifications to use Uzi magazines require additional milling

Interesting Facts

  • The FMK-3 was inspired by the Uzi, incorporating elements from both German and Israeli designs, including the MP 40 extrusion profile and a modified Uzi magazine.
  • The FMK-3 was part of a trend in the mid-20th century to incorporate the magazine into the grip for a more compact design.
  • The FMK-3's construction allows for the use of cheap and easily machinable aluminum, with steel inserts for critical components, making it durable yet cost-effective.