When was the MAC 10 Made?
The MAC 10, a legendary submachine gun, has been a topic of fascination for many firearms enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique design, reliability, and durability have made it a popular choice among law enforcement, military, and civilian users. But when was the MAC 10 made, and what’s its history?
Early Development and Prototypes
The MAC 10 was designed in the early 1960s by Gordon B. Binns, an engineer at the Military Armaments Corporation (MAC). The company was founded in 1959 by a group of investors who wanted to develop and manufacture innovative small arms. Binns, who had previously worked for the US Army’s ordnance department, was tasked with creating a lightweight, compact, and powerful submachine gun.
Between 1961 and 1964, Binns and his team developed several prototypes, experimenting with different designs and materials. One of the earliest prototypes was the MAC 500, which featured a traditional recoiling barrel and a cyclic rate of around 900 rounds per minute. While the MAC 500 showed promise, it was still too heavy and cumbersome for Binns’ vision.
The Birth of the MAC 10
In 1964, Binns and his team perfected the design, and the MAC 10 was born. The new submachine gun featured a delayed blowback mechanism, which allowed for a slower cyclic rate (around 700 rounds per minute) and reduced recoil. This innovative design made the MAC 10 more controllable and accurate, even in fully automatic mode.
The MAC 10 was initially designed for the US military, but it was rejected in favor of the M16 rifle. Undeterred, Binns and his team continued to refine the design, and the MAC 10 was eventually adopted by several law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the New York City Police Department.
Production and Variants
The MAC 10 went into production in 1967, with the first models being manufactured by the Military Armaments Corporation (MAC). The initial production run consisted of around 10,000 units, which were primarily sold to law enforcement agencies and some foreign military forces.
Over the years, the MAC 10 underwent several updates and variants, including the MAC 11, which featured a shorter barrel and a more compact design. Other variants included the MAC 10 PDW (Personal Defense Weapon), which was designed for close-quarters battle and featured a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock.
Key Features and Specifications
Here are some key features and specifications of the MAC 10:
- Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
- Barrel length: 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
- Overall length: 16.5 inches (41.9 cm)
- Weight: 4.5 pounds (2.04 kg)
- Capacity: 30-round box magazine
- Rate of fire: 700 rounds per minute
- Effective range: 100-150 meters (109-164 yards)
Impact and Legacy
The MAC 10 had a significant impact on the firearms industry, influencing the design of subsequent submachine guns. Its delayed blowback mechanism and compact design made it a popular choice among law enforcement and military units.
Today, the MAC 10 is still used by some law enforcement agencies and civilian collectors. Its legendary status has been cemented by its appearances in popular culture, including films and video games.
Conclusion
The MAC 10 was made in the early 1960s by Gordon B. Binns and his team at the Military Armaments Corporation (MAC). Its innovative design, reliability, and durability made it a popular choice among law enforcement and military units. Over the years, the MAC 10 underwent several updates and variants, cementing its place in the annals of firearms history.
