In the military history and firearm development, both MAC-10 and MAC-11 have actually etched their place. Born from the innovative mind of Gordon B. Ingram, these compact submachine guns have most similar features with a few nuanced differences that set them apart.
What is MAC 10?
The “Military Armament Corporation Model 10″ or MAC 10 is compact machine pistol developed in1964 by Gordon B. Ingram, founder of Military Armament Corporation. Known for producing machine pistols and for popularizing submachine guns, Ingram titled the pistol the “M10″ however MAC 10 became such a common stand-in that it is used more frequently in industry literature.
Key features of the MAC-10 include its compact size, lightweight construction, and high rate of fire. The firearm is chambered for various calibers, including .45 ACP, 9x19mm Parabellum, and .380 ACP (9x17mm). It operates using a simple blowback mechanism, where the force generated by the fired cartridge ejecting from the chamber cycles the firearm.
The most distinctive feature of the MAC-10 is its open-bolt design. This means that the bolt remains in the rearward position until the trigger is pulled, then it moves forward to chamber a round and fire. The open-bolt configuration allows for a high rate of fire, making the MAC-10 capable of firing at rates of up to 1,100 rounds per minute, depending on the variant and caliber.
The MAC-10’s small size and high rate of fire make it suitable for close-quarters combat and concealed carry. However, it also presents challenges in terms of controllability and accuracy, especially when firing in full-auto mode.
Like its successor, the MAC-11, the MAC-10 has found popularity in certain criminal circles, leading to its association with illicit activities. Consequently, it has been subject to strict legal regulations in many countries and is often classified as a restricted or prohibited weapon.
What You Need To Know About MAC 10
- MAC 10 was designed by Gordon B Ingram in 1964.
- It is chambered in either .45 ACP or 9 mm.
- The original rate of fire for MAC 10 IN .45 ACP is approximately 1090 rounds per minute. That of the 9 mm is approximately 1090 rounds per minute.
- MAC 10 uses reflex baffles as sound suppressor.
- The gun measures between 268-548 mm in length depending with the version.
- MAC 10 weights 2.84 Kgs when empty.
- Its barrel length is 146 millimeters.
- MAC 10 magazine carries between 30 and 32 (9 mm) rounds.
- The effective range for most MAC 10 is between 50-70 meters.
- The MAC 10 fires from an open bolt and the light weight of the bolt results in a rapid rate of fire.
What is MAC 11?
The MAC-11, also known as the Military Armament Corporation Model 11 or M-11, is a compact submachine gun and machine pistol designed in the United States during the 1970s. It was developed by Gordon B. Ingram and was intended for military and law enforcement use. The MAC-11 is an improved version of the earlier MAC-10 (M-10), which was also designed by Gordon Ingram.
The weapon is a sub-compact version of the Model 10, and is sometimes confused with the Sylvia & Wayne Daniels M-11/9 or the Vulcan M-11-9, both of which are later variants of the MAC chambered for 9 mm Luger Parabellum cartridge.
Key features of the MAC-11 include its small size, lightweight design, and high rate of fire. The firearm is chambered for the .380 ACP (9x17mm) cartridge, which is relatively low-powered compared to other submachine gun calibers. It uses a blowback-operated action, meaning the force generated by the ignited cartridge ejecting from the chamber is used to cycle the firearm.
The MAC-11 is highly compact and easy to conceal, making it suitable for special operations, covert operations, and close-quarters combat. However, its small size and high rate of fire make it challenging to control, resulting in significant recoil and limited accuracy at longer ranges.
Due to its size and automatic firing capability, the MAC-11 has also gained popularity in certain criminal circles, leading to its association with illicit activities. In many countries, it is subject to strict legal regulations and is often classified as a prohibited or restricted weapon.
To enhance its control, various accessories such as suppressors and front grips have been added to the MAC-11 over the years. These modifications aim to improve accuracy and handling, especially when using the weapon in rapid-fire mode.
What You Need To Know About MAC 11
- MAC 11 was designed by Gordon B Ingram in early 1970s.
- It is chambered to fire the smaller .380 ACP round or 9 mm Parabellum cartridge.
- The rate of fire for MAC 11 in 380 ACP is 1500 rounds per minute. It is capable of emptying the entire 32-round magazine in less than two seconds.
- MAC 11 uses wipes baffles as sound suppressor.
- The gun measure between 222-460 mm in length depending with the version.
- MAC 11 weighs 1.59 kg when empty.
- Its barrel length is 129 millimeters.
- MAC 11 magazine carries between 16 and 32 (9mm) rounds.
- The effective range of MAC 11 is between 30-50 meters.
- It has a selector switch that allows it to fire only one round at a time in the semi-automatic mode.
Difference Between MAC 10 And MAC 11 In Tabular Form
BASIS OF COMPARISON | MAC 10 | MAC 11 |
Design | MAC 10 was designed by Gordon B Ingram in 1964. | MAC 11 was designed by Gordon B Ingram in early 1970s. |
Chambering | It is chambered in either .45 ACP or 9 mm. | It is chambered to fire the smaller .380 ACP round or 9 mm Parabellum cartridge. |
Rate of Fire | The original rate of fire for MAC 10 IN .45 ACP is approximately 1090 rounds per minute. That of the 9 mm is approximately 1090 rounds per minute. | The rate of fire for MAC 11 in 380 ACP is 1500 rounds per minute. |
Sound Suppressor | MAC 10 uses reflex baffles as sound suppressor. | MAC 11 uses wipes baffles as sound suppressor. |
Length | The gun measures between 268-548 mm in length depending with the version. | The gun measure between 222-460 mm in length depending with the version. |
Weight | MAC 10 weights 2.84 Kgs when empty. | MAC 11 weighs 1.59 kg when empty. |
Magazine Carrying Capacity | MAC 10 magazine carries between 30 and 32 (9 mm) rounds. | MAC 11 magazine carries between 16 and 32 (9mm) rounds. |
Barrel Length | Its barrel length is 146 millimeters. | Its barrel length is 129 millimeters. |
Range | The effective range for most MAC 10 is between 50-70 meters. | The effective range of MAC 11 is between 30-50 meters. |
Nature | The MAC 10 fires from an open bolt and the light weight of the bolt results in a rapid rate of fire. | It has a selector switch that allows it to fire only one round at a time in the semi-automatic mode. |