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PA3(DM) / FMK-3 Mod 2

1974 COLD WAR MODERN

History of PA3(DM) / FMK-3 Mod 2

The PA3(DM)/FMK-3 series of submachine guns are of indigenous Argentine design and are loaded with the generally accepted 9x19 Parabellum cartridge. The series went online to replace the aging PAM 1/PAM 2 (later series of PA1(DM) and PA2(DM) submachine guns) before entering service with the Argentine Armed Forces - these weapons were nothing more than locally produced Argentine copies of the famous American M3A1" Grease Gun", was all the rage during World War II.

As expected, the Argentines modified the original design to suit their own requirements, introducing the M3A1 in 9mm form with a lighter overall operating weight and shorter overall operating length - effectively producing a more compact and precise weapon system. During the 1950s and 1960s, Argentine factories began producing this rugged and inexpensive weapon, gaining valuable experience in design, production and operation.

Ultimately, development began in the late 1960s with the aim of overhauling an M3A1-inspired clone dubbed the "PA3 (DM)", largely modeled on the very successful Israeli Uzi series of submachine guns. The PA3 (DM) went into production in 1970 and production continued until 1978, with around 15,000 samples provided by Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles "Domingo Matheu" in Santa Fe Rosaria, Argentina.

Once again, the cartridge of choice became the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge.

PA3(DM) ("DM" stands for "Domingo Matheu" factory) was released in two different production forms, differentiated by their fixed plastic stock or foldable wire stock, each differing only slightly, But more or less the same weapon. The latter was designated "FMK-3 Mod 2", which received the revised Argentine military nomenclature at the time of introduction.

The foldable wireframe dock simply slides forward in two loops located on either side of the receiver.

The PA3(DM)/FMK-3 series weighs approximately 7lbs 8oz and has a total stretch length of approximately 27" 20.5" when stock is folded (wire butt shape). The barrel is 11.4 inches long and has six right-hand grooves.

The external design of the weapon consists mainly of a rectangular receiver with a straight pistol grip located roughly in the middle of the body. The overall structure of the receiver is mainly made of pressed metal.

The curved trigger is surrounded by a slender wire loop just in front of the grip, and the straight detachable magazine case (containing 25 or 40 rounds) is inserted into the bottom of the pistol grip. The rear of the receiver can rest flat on the shooter's arm, allowing one-handed shooting (albeit with less accuracy), which is further aided by an extended wireframe stock or solid plastic stock.

The front underside of the receiver has been protected by a plastic fore grip for a firm grip with both hands. The barrel protrudes a short distance from the body, and sights are noted on top of the receiver. A unique safety mechanism is built into the rear of the pistol grip, and a shot selector switch is located above the grip on the left side of the frame.

Shooting modes include safety, single-shot and fully automatic fire. The cocking is done through the handle on the front left side of the gun body. Operation employs a rotary screw design for recoil - these design elements were borrowed from Uzi Israel.

The PA3(DM) has a muzzle velocity of 1,300 feet per second and the FMK-3 Mod 2 has a muzzle velocity of 1,312 feet per second.

The FMK-5 is another FMK-inspired weapon that is only based on the FMK-3, but is classified as a "carbine" assault weapon. It still contains the ubiquitous 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, but also adds a semi-automatic fire mode, eliminating the fully automatic fire mode option in submachine gun form.