MAC 11 Submachine Gun: History, Specs & What You Should Know

The MAC 11, also known as the Military Armament Corporation Model 11, is one of the most recognized compact submachine guns in firearm history. Despite its small size, the MAC 11 offers a high rate of fire and a unique profile, making it a topic of interest for firearm enthusiasts, historians, and tactical gear collectors alike.

In this post, we’ll explore the history, technical specifications, uses, and legal considerations surrounding the MAC 11.

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🔍 What Is the MAC 11?

The MAC 11 is a blowback-operated, open-bolt submachine gun, originally developed in the 1970s by Gordon Ingram as part of the MAC (Military Armament Corporation) weapon series. It is a smaller and more compact version of the better-known MAC 10.

Key Features:

• Caliber: .380 ACP (some versions in 9mm)

• Action: Blowback, open bolt

• Firing Mode: Fully automatic (in most original models)

• Rate of Fire: Approximately 1,200 rounds per minute

• Magazine Capacity: 16 to 32 rounds

• Weight: Around 3.5 lbs unloaded

The weapon’s compactness and high rate of fire made it appealing for close-quarters scenarios and concealed carry (in a military context), though its civilian use is highly regulated.

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🕰️ A Brief History of the MAC 11

The MAC 11 was created during the Cold War era as a lighter, more compact version of the MAC 10. While the MAC 10 was chambered in .45 ACP or 9mm, the MAC 11 was primarily produced in .380 ACP, making it smaller and lighter.

Originally designed for military and law enforcement applications, the MAC 11 quickly gained notoriety for its use in movies, TV shows, and video games, where it’s often portrayed as a powerful automatic firearm.

Despite its pop culture fame, the MAC 11 saw limited military deployment, and its production was eventually discontinued after Military Armament Corporation dissolved.

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🔧 Technical Specs of the MAC 11

Due to its open-bolt design, the MAC 11 can be less accurate during sustained fire but remains effective in short bursts or close-range encounters.

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⚠️ Legal Considerations

In the United States, the MAC 11 is classified as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This means:

• Ownership requires ATF approval, including an extensive background check

• You must purchase through a licensed dealer and complete an FFL transfer

• Only MAC 11s manufactured before 1986 can be legally owned by civilians

• In some states, ownership of fully automatic firearms is prohibited

Always check federal, state, and local laws before attempting to acquire any NFA-regulated item.

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🧠 Who Uses or Collects MAC 11s?

While no longer in widespread military use, the MAC 11 is popular among:

• Historical firearm collectors

• Licensed NFA item owners

• Law enforcement trainers and museums

• Film and television prop houses

• Tactical training centers (for demonstration or deactivated models)

Its compactness and unique silhouette make the MAC 11 a staple of 20th-century firearm design.

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📚 Common Questions About the MAC 11

❓ What’s the difference between a MAC 10 and MAC 11?

The MAC 11 is smaller, lighter, and typically chambered in .380 ACP, whereas the MAC 10 is larger and available in .45 ACP or 9mm. Both have similar designs and high rates of fire.

❓ Is the MAC 11 still in production?

No, original MAC 11s are no longer produced. However, some companies have made civilian-legal semi-auto variants or replicas.

❓ Can civilians own a MAC 11?

Yes, but only under strict regulation, and only if the firearm was manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986, in accordance with the NFA.

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🧾 Final Thoughts

The MAC 11 is an iconic firearm with a distinctive place in both tactical and pop culture history. Though compact and small in caliber, its rapid rate of fire and minimalist design have fascinated firearm enthusiasts for decades.

Whether you’re a collector, historian, or simply interested in the evolution of submachine guns, the MAC 11 remains a fascinating subject worth exploring.