FMK-3 Submachine Gun — Argentina’s Uzi?

On April 2, 1982, Argentinean military forces mounted amphibious landings known as Operation Rosario on the British Crown Colony Falkland Islands. This resulted in the ten-week-long Falkland Islands War, noteworthy for being the last conflict in which a European power directly engaged in combat with a nation in the Americas. The war also saw the use of the FMK-3 submachine gun by Argentine forces, a firearm that has often been compared to the Israeli Uzi due to its compact design, despite being slightly larger and heavier.

Designed to replace its predecessor, the P.A.M 1, the FMK-3 was developed in the early 1970s and saw significant use during the Falklands War, with its first combat use believed to be during Argentina’s “Dirty War.” Chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, the FMK-3 featured a blowback operation with a telescoping bolt system. It was fed from double-stack magazines and had a rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute. Its design included both wooden/plastic and retractable wire stocks, with the retractable version being designated the FMK-3 Mod 2.

The FMK-3 was adopted not only by the Argentine military and police but also saw export throughout Latin America, finding its way into the arsenals of Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay. The SMG was notable for its reliability and controlled fire despite operating from an open bolt, and its use in various conflicts made it a staple in several South American militaries. Its limited civilian model, FMK-5, and appearances in low-budget films highlight its utility and influence, despite never achieving widespread fame or extensive pop culture presence.

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