PAM-2: Argentina's Improved 9mm Grease Gun (Ad-free)
🕑 Added 2024-06-24 12:00:01 +0000 UTCThe Argentine factory FMAP-DGFM was first set up to produce a copy of the Colt 1911, and in 1954 they began production of the PAM-1 (after demonstration of the first prototype in 1950). The PAM-1 was a copy of the American M3A1 "Grease Gun" chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum. Production ran until 1961, at which point the factory switched to production of the new FAL rifle for Argentine forces. By that time, about 33,000 had been produced.
Almost as soon as production ceased a process of conversion and upgrade began, creating the PAM-2. This involved adding a grip safety lever to the back of the magazine well. This prevented the gun from being cocked or fired, and it was most likely done to prevent cases of the guns firing when dropped. About half of the total production was converted to the new configuration, and a second small batch of about 1,100 PAM-2s were manufactured to this pattern in 1969. Most of the examples outside Argentina are PAM-2 conversions, as they were captured by British forces in the Falklands.
By the 1970s, the PM-3 had been officially replaced with the PAM-3, better known as the FMK submachine gun. The Grease Guns remained in service alongside the FMKs until the 1990s, however.
Many thanks to the Royal Armouries for allowing me to film and disassemble this rare submachine gun! The NFC collection there - perhaps the best military small arms collection in Western Europe - is available by appointment to researchers:
https://royalarmouries.org/research/national-firearms-centre/
You can browse the various Armouries collections online here:
https://royalarmouries.org/collection/
Comments
Forgotten Weapons
I know about them, but haven't seen one in person yet.
BEAUSABRE23
In the UK, the "PAM-1*"
ViejoLobo
Ever encountered one of the M3 9mm conversion kits manufactured for the OSS by GM's Guide Lamp Division? Bolt, barrel and adapter to allow use of Sten mags.
Mrgunsngear
A grease gun in 9mm - I bet those are super controllable
Mark Brian
As always, you answer questions about the time the viewer thinks of one. Your commentaries flow well. Wonder if the Royal Armouries has the jolly roger that HMS Conqueror was flying as she came back into Faslane....
Guido Schriewer
chinese were in 762x25?
Guido Schriewer
sights are sure worser than the m3! could think the 45 delivers more softer. don't know about the felt recoil in 9 with a m3. as the greasegun was in service like.. forever and they never switched back: I reckon the bolt cocking never gets too hot to place a thumb on that bolt to work the gun?