While the original M-10 was available chambered for either. Military Armament Corporation never used the nomenclature MAC-10 on any of its catalogs or sales literature, but because "MAC-10" became so frequently used by Title II dealers, gun writers, and collectors, it is now used more frequently than "M10" to identify the gun. The term "MAC-10" is commonly used, but unofficial parlance. The original Sionics suppressor is 11.44 inches in length, 2.13 inches in overall diameter, and weighs 1.20 pounds. This was one factor that led to the bankruptcy of Military Armament Corporation, another being the company's failure to recognize the private market. During the 1970s the United States placed restrictions on the exportation of suppressors, and a number of countries canceled their orders of M-10s as the effectiveness of the MAC-10's suppressor was one of its main selling points. The suppressor also created a place to hold the weapon this, combined with the weight it added, made the weapon easier to control. It was also very quiet, to the point that the bolt could be heard cycling, along with the suppressed report of the weapon's discharge however, only if subsonic rounds were used. This uniquely shaped suppressor gave the MAC-10 a very distinctive look.
This suppressor had a two-stage design, with the first stage being larger than the second, its purpose to house material to baffle air from rushing into the barrel directly. The primary reason for the original M-10 finding recognition was its revolutionary sound suppressor designed by Mitchell Werbell III of Sionics. Ingram added a small bracket with a small strap beneath the muzzle to aid in controlling recoil during fully automatic fire.
At the suggestion of the United States Army, it also acted as a foregrip to inhibit muzzle rise when fired. The barrel is threaded to accept a suppressor, which worked by reducing the discharge's sound, without attempting to reduce the velocity of the bullet or rather stops air from rushing into the barrel, inhibiting the sonic signature. In addition, this design incorporates a built in feed ramp as part of the trigger guard (a new concept at the time) and to save on cost the magazine was recycled from the M3 Grease Gun.
The M-10 fires from an open bolt, and in addition, the light weight of the bolt results in a rapid rate of fire. This allows a more compact weapon, and balances the weight of the weapon over the pistol grip where the magazine is located. The M-10 has a telescoping bolt, which wraps around the barrel. A notched cocking handle protrudes from the top of the receiver, and by turning the handle 90° would lock the bolt, and act as an indicator that the weapon is unable to fire.
The M-10 was built predominantly from steel stampings. The MAC-10 ( Military Armament Corporation Model 10, officially the M-10) is a highly compact, blowback operated machine pistol developed by Gordon B. MAC-10 (.45 ACP) with suppressor and without magazine.Ģ.84 kg (6.26 pounds) empty w/o suppressorĢ95 mm (11.6 inches) with stock retractedĥ48 mm (1 foot 9.6 inches) with stock extendedĥ45 mm (1 foot 9.45 inches) with stock retracted w/suppressorħ98 mm (2 feet 7.4 inches) with stock extended w/suppressorģ0-round detachable box magazine (.45 ACP)