The History of MAC Guns: From M10 & M11 to MPA30 Defender

If you’re into video games, you’ve probably seen it in GTA: Vice City or Call of Duty: Black Ops. Movie fan? It’s right there in classics like Escape From New York, Lethal Weapon 3, and Blade. And for gun enthusiasts, you’ll know it by modern versions from MasterPiece Arms. That’s right—we’re talking about the iconic MAC pistols. In this post, we’re discussing MAC-10 and MAC-11, their versions, and modern designs, such as the MPA Defender lineup. Let’s dig in!

MAC-10: The Icon

The MAC-10, officially known as the Model 10 or M10, was designed by Gordon B. Ingram in the 1960s and first entered the market under the Military Armament Corporation brand. While this submachine gun became a cultural phenomenon, its impact on the gun industry and American culture is quite dubious. On one side, it appeared in multiple movies and TV shows of its time, which prompted further popularity with civilian gun enthusiasts. On the other, it was rejected by professionals but was used in several homicides throughout the 80s and 90s.

MAC-10: Origins and Design

The MAC-10’s design revolved around affordability and ease of mass production. Its boxy, rough look came from its simple build—the receiver was stamped from sheet steel, bent, and welded for assembly.

A standout feature was its telescoping bolt, which made the gun surprisingly compact for a fully automatic weapon, similar to the Uzi. But that short bolt travel also gave it a blazing fast rate of fire—about 1,000 to 1,200 rounds per minute. To compare, an M16 fires closer to 800 rounds per minute. Because of this, the MAC-10 earned its reputation as a “lead-sprayer.” As for capacity, the MAC-10 submachine gun came in .45 ACP and 9mm versions, with magazines holding 30 or 32 rounds.

The gun fired from an open bolt and used a simple firing pin built right into the bolt face. Its charging handle sat on top of the receiver, doubling as a bolt lock and safety. However, it blocked the sights (not that they were much to brag about) and made it impossible to add an accessory rail.

MAC-10: The Flaws

The MAC-10 was tough, dependable, and packed serious firepower, but it had its flaws. Accuracy was a big issue, with an effective range of just 50 yards. For context, competitors like the Uzi and MP5 could hit targets at over 100 yards. On top of that, its short 5.7-inch barrel and wild muzzle rise made it hard to control during rapid fire.

Engineers tried to fix these problems with some add-ons. They gave it an extendable wire stock, a sound suppressor that also worked as a front grip, and a leather strap hook for extra support. The suppressor was a win—it cut down on noise and made the gun easier to handle. However, the stock was flimsy and didn’t do much to help. Moreover, even the suppressor, while useful, had a bad habit of loosening up after prolonged use because of its coarse threading.

MAC-10 and the World

When first introduced, the MAC-10 gained rapid attention, even being considered by the U.S. Army and other organizations. However, after testing, the Army passed on the MAC-10, choosing the Beretta M9 as a sidearm. Similarly, the British SAS opted for the HK MP5 over the MAC gun.

The MAC-10’s fall from professional use sped up after the 1976 Arms Export Control Act, which put restrictions on exporting suppressors. By that same year, Military Armament Corporation—the gun’s original manufacturer—was out of business, leaving other companies to pick up production. Despite numerous variants, the MAC-10 never really broke out of its small, niche appeal.

So, while it faltered in military and law enforcement circles, the MAC-10 earned its fame in an entirely different arena—Hollywood. From the 1970s through the 1990s, it became a go-to prop for action films and TV shows.

Unfortunately, the same features that made the MAC-10 Hollywood’s firearm of choice also made it appealing to criminals. During the ’80s and ’90s, it was linked to several high-profile crimes.

Still, the MAC-10’s simple mechanics, affordability, and pop culture legacy keep it popular with collectors and enthusiasts. Though it never reached its potential as a professional-grade submachine gun, its unique design and cultural footprint have cemented its place in firearms history.

MasterPiece Arms MPA30T Defender

Specifications:

MAC-11: The Little Brother

The MAC-11, officially known as Model 11 or M11, came out in 1972 and kept the same simple, boxy look as the MAC-10. But it was notably smaller. Unlike the MAC-10, which used 9mm or .45 ACP rounds, the MAC-11 was chambered for .380 ACP, making it even more compact, lightweight, and quicker to fire. At just 3.5 pounds, it was only slightly bigger than a standard 1911 pistol.

Its tiny size left very little room for the bolt to travel, which gave the weapon its crazy fast rate of fire—between 1,300 and 1,600 rounds per minute, depending on the ammunition. This made the MAC-11 even more difficult to control and earned it a reputation as a “bullet hose” because it took just over a second to shoot an entire magazine.

Its small size meant the bolt didn’t have much room to move, resulting in an insanely fast firing rate—about 1,300 to 1,600 rounds per minute, depending on the ammo. This earned the MAC-11 a reputation as a “bullet hose,” since it could empty a magazine in just over a second. The high fire rate made it tough to control, and even with accessories like a front hand strap for stability, accidents happened. There are cases where the recoil jerked the gun back so hard that users accidentally placed their support hand in front of the barrel—with tragic results.

The MAC-11 still shared many features with the MAC-10, like its telescoping bolt, collapsible stock, open-bolt design, threaded barrel, and steel magazines that held either 16 or 32 rounds. It also had a selector switch for semi-automatic or full-auto modes.

When Military Armament Corporation went bankrupt in 1976, the designs, parts, and tooling were sold off to other companies, leading to various modified versions of the gun being released.

Now, here’s a brief overview of all the companies that produced MAC-type guns:

Military Armament Corporation (MAC)

MAC M10 (aka Model 10 or MAC-10) submachine gun in 9mm or .45 ACP
MAC M11 (aka Model 11 or MAC-11) submachine gun in .380 ACP

MAC was started in 1970 by Mitch WerBell and Gordon Ingram. They produced the M10 in 9mm and .45 ACP, as well as the smaller M11 in .380 ACP. The M10 gained some attention during the Vietnam War. Both guns became iconic for their straightforward design, fast fire rate, and ability to work with suppressors. Despite their fame, the company faced a bumpy road with money issues and internal conflicts, eventually going bankrupt in 1975.

RPB Industries

RPB “Overstamp” M-11: Used leftover MAC-stamped frames, branded with RPB’s logo. Chambered in .380 ACP with collapsible stocks and open-bolt operation.
RPB M11-A1: The first M11 built entirely by RPB, featuring full-auto capability and threaded barrels. Chambered in .380 ACP.
RPB SM11-A1: A semi-auto-only, open-bolt version in .380 ACP designed for civilian ownership until the ATF banned open-bolt semi-autos. Had no collapsible stock.
RPB SM10: .45 and 9mm semi-auto-only, open-bolt pistol.

RPB was formed in 1976 by three former MAC employees who took over the rights to produce the M10 and M11. In 1977, the company closed down due to financial problems. The following year, Wayne Daniel bought RPB and got production going again at a new location. While their open-bolt designs later ran into legal issues, RPB played a big role in shaping the MAC gun’s legacy before being sold in 1978.

SWD Incorporated

SWD M11-A1: Chambered in .380 ACP and introduced polymer Zytel magazines, though these were prone to wear and splitting. However, aftermarket STEN mag adapters helped improve performance.
SWD M11/Nine (aka Cobray M11/9): A closed-bolt version of the M11 with an extended receiver to handle the higher pressure of 9mm rounds. This became the most mass-produced MAC gun variant, with great aftermarket support.
SWD SM-12/380: A closed-bolt, semi-auto version built to comply with ATF regulations.

When RPB shut down, Wayne Daniel started SWD in 1982, owning the rights to the Model 11 and the “Cobray” trademark. SWD MAC guns became famous but also faced criticism for the low-quality Zytel magazines.

The SWD MACs featured an encircled Cobray logo, which set them apart from prior MAC or RPB markings – that’s why some folks call them Cobray MAC-11s.

By 1994, SWD gave up its Federal Firearms License but stayed in the game by selling firearms legally through related companies. After SWD closed down, operations shifted to other businesses like Cobray Firearms and Leinad, keeping the MAC guns alive.

Texas MAC (Leatherwood Brothers)

Texas MAC M10A1 Submachine Guns: These were produced with some design changes, such as spot-welded receivers. This Texas MAC was available in 9mm or .45 ACP.
Texas MAC M10A1S Pistols: A semi-auto, closed-bolt version with design refinements, including differences in bolt and receiver construction.

In the early 1980s, former MAC engineer James Leatherwood and his brother got the rights to produce the M10, with Gordon Ingram backing their efforts. These Texas-made MACs, however, had problems with reliability due to their spot-welded construction. By 1993, Texas MAC shut down, and the leftover parts were sold to Wayne Daniel.

Jersey Arms Works (JAWS)

S-7 Avenger: This open-bolt design mimicked the RPB SM10.

Founded by Dominic Spadea in the mid-1980s, Jersey Arms Works tried to replicate MAC pistols for the consumer market. However, regulatory issues and mismanagement caused the company’s shutdown, with only a limited number of firearms produced.

LEINAD

PM-11/9 and PM-12/380: Variants designed during the Assault Weapons Ban (1994) to comply with legal constraints. These models lack threaded barrels and use ball-catch magazine systems with modified magazine catches to meet weight.
CM-11/9 and TM-11/9: Extended versions with rifle-like configurations. The CM-11/NINE featured a 16-inch barrel and fixed stock, allowing it to qualify as a rifle. The TM-11/NINE added a Thompson-style aesthetic, including a finned barrel and forward grip.

LEINAD was founded by Wayne Daniel, using his name spelled backward. The company continued MAC-style gun production, adjusting designs to meet evolving regulations.

MasterPiece Arms

MPA-30: A variant produced after the AW ban expired in 2004. MasterPiece Arms improved prior flaws by eliminating trigger slap, enhancing overall quality, and swapping Zytel magazines for reliable STEN magazines. Chambered in 9mm Luger and designed for closed-bolt operation. Offers numerous customizable versions.

MasterPiece Arms MPA30TGR 9mm

Specifications:

MasterPiece Arms MAC30 Defender: The Modern MAC

MasterPiece Arms (MPA) has made a name for itself with MAC-style guns, bringing new life to the classic MAC-10 while giving it a modern twist. Starting as a machine shop, MPA eventually dove into firearms manufacturing, focusing on upgrading the MAC-10—a gun known for its ruggedness but often dragged down by low-quality clones.

Over time, MPA raised the bar with better materials and improved designs. After Phil Cashin took the reins in 2008, the company became a leading name in preserving and modernizing the MAC-10. They’ve added features like a side-cocking system for optics, extended barrels, rail systems, threaded barrels, and even some AR-15-style parts.

By mixing the MAC-10’s iconic design with practical, modern updates, MPA has kept the legendary firearm alive and kicking.

Today, the MPA lineup includes several MAC-inspired models:

MPA30T 9mm: A refined, top-cocking version.
MPA30T-GR 9mm (Grim Reaper): A top-cocking model with more aggressive aesthetics.
MPA30SST 9mm: A side-cocking model with integrated optics rail.
MPA30DMG 9mm: A sleek, modern variant of the 30SSD with a more ergonomic grip that accepts 17rd and 33rd Glock mags.
MPA57DMG 5.7x28mm: A variant chambered for the 5.7x28mm and compatible with FN57 mags.

The History of MAC Guns: From M10 & M11 to MPA30 Defender