Halcón M-1943

The Halcón M-1943 is a submachine gun of Argentine origin and is chambered in both 9x19mm Parabellum for the Army and .45 ACP for police forces. This weapon is comparable in quality and performance with the Thompson submachine gun.

Development
In the 1950s, the FMAP DM (Fábrica Militar de Armas Portables Domingo Matheu), belonging to the Dirección General de Fabricaciones Militares, acquired the production rights of a copy of the U.S. M3 A1 submachine gun, more commonly known as the "Grease Gun". This Argentine version was chambered for 9x19 mm cartridges, as opposed to the .45 ACP in the original model. The DGFM released two versions called PAM 1 and PAM 2, with and without handle latch. In the early 1970s, FMAP DM decided to change the design using the forward-mass, evolving closing system and a charger in the grip.. This charger was designed by Jaroslav Holecek in mid-1946 and greatly reduced the size of the weapon. He popularized the CZ-23/25 and it was later also adopted by the Israeli UZI, the Ingram MAC-10 and the Star Z-84. Thus was born the PA-3 DM, later known as the FMK-3.

At first glance, the FMK-3 may be associated with the UZI. This Argentine sub-machine gun fires the 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge and hosts its charger on the handle, which in turn carries fire and security systems. Above the hand grip, appears a receiver which houses the locking system and recoil spring.

In the first series, the FMK was presented with three versions of stocks: one-piece plastic fixed, fixed to wood, and retractable wire. On the left side of the upper receiver the lever is to carry and assemble the closure in late position. This lever consists of a sliding dust cover that prevents the entry of foreign materials in the interior of the weapon. On the same side but at the rear is the belt holder. In early versions, the front one is similar to the Uzi, although it went on to be captive and rotating in the shield that holds the barrel to the receiver. On the receiver aiming devices are: a dash protected by a tunnel and a rear sight adjustable booklet orthoptics laterally and with 50 and 100 meters height positions. It is all protected by side ears. The ejection window is discretely sized and is located to the right of the aforementioned drawer or upper receiver.

Unlike other similar submachine guns, the guarantor, the disconnect and auto insurance the FMK-3 are located behind the handle. In this way, ahead of the trigger queue is only the selector mechanism of shot and the manual safety. This insurance has a wing-type command that is activated from the left and which presents three positions: upper intermediate, "S" (safe), "R" (repeat), and "A" (automatic fire).

As an additional measure of security, the FMK-3 has a secure grip that acts in the following way: If the weapon is not correctly grasped, the safety locks the sliding of the closing. Thus, even if the gun is ready to fire, if not pressed, handle insurance trip system remains blocked. In addition, as mentioned above, with the closure at rest, empty chamber and the full magazine a lock that prevents accidental fall of the weapon drag a cartridge there is an unintentional shooting occurs. Therefore it is a very safe weapon to carry in any condition.

In short, it's a simple, reliable and pleasant weapon to use, may sometimes seem outdated compared to other more complex and expensive weapons. However, this Argentine piece remains a safe option when choosing a good weapon.

M-1943
The Halcón M-1943 came with a fixed stock protruding from its grip section.

M-1946
The Halcón M-1946 came with an underfolding stock. Later variants came with sidefolding stocks.