PAM submachine gun

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	Weapon: PAM submachine gun Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: Argentina Year Adopted: 1954 Overall Length (mm): 580.0 Overall Length (in): 22.83 Weight (kg): 3.40 Weight (pounds): 7.5

The PAM (Pistola Ametralladora Modelo) submachine gun was an Argentine adaptation of the U.S. M3A1 "Grease Gun," developed in the 1950s for use by Argentina's military and law enforcement. Chambered in 9mm, the PAM was a simple, blowback-operated, open-bolt submachine gun with a telescoping bolt and a 30-round detachable magazine. The design emphasized ease of manufacture and durability, with a stamped steel construction and a retractable wire stock. Two primary variants were produced: the PAM 1, closely resembling the original M3A1, and the PAM 2, which incorporated a grip safety for improved handling.

Approximately 36,000 units of the PAM submachine gun were produced between 1954 and 1966 by the Argentine state-owned factory Direccion General de Fabricaciones Militares. The weapon saw extensive use with the Argentine Army, police forces, and security units. While its compact size and simplicity made it an effective close-quarters weapon, concerns over its open-bolt firing mechanism and lack of precision at longer ranges led to its gradual replacement by more modern submachine guns, such as the FMK-3.

Despite its relatively short service life, the PAM submachine gun remains a notable part of Argentina's small arms history. It was used during internal security operations and conflicts such as the 1970s Dirty War, where Argentine security forces employed it against guerrilla groups. The weapon has since become a collector's item, with surviving examples occasionally surfacing in military surplus markets. Though it never gained widespread international notoriety, the PAM submachine gun represents Argentina's efforts to develop and produce its own military firearms during the mid-20th century.