Argentine PAM1 9 mm submachine gun, 1982

Copied from the American .45 M3AI SMG or 'Grease Gun', this weapon, made in Argentina, was the standard submachine gun issued to the Army from the 1950s. Constructed of simple sheet-metal stampings, the weapon is approximately one pound lighter than the original US design.

This example has been retro-fitted with a grip safety introduced with later models. The safety-catch situated near the magazine housing prevents the weapon arming itself and firing if dropped. These guns were replaced by more advanced models in the 1970s, but were still in use by some regular and reserve units.