POTD: Força Aérea Portuguesa With MAC-10

Eric B
by Eric B

Parades often bring polished boots, crisp uniforms, and national pride, but sometimes they also come with unexpected firepower. In today’s POTD, members of the Força Aérea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force) march in formation carrying MAC-10 submachine guns, a surprising Cold War-era addition to a modern military parade. The strap in the front is a nice addition - is it the world’s shortest sling ever?

What makes this even more interesting? These aren’t original Military Armament Corporation guns. They’re MAC-10s manufactured by RPB Industries, one of the companies that briefly took over production in the 1970s after the original MAC dissolved. Chambered in .45 ACP or 9mm, the MAC-10 gained notoriety for its high rate of fire (up to 1,100 rounds per minute) and its compact, boxy design.

While most associate the MAC-10 with 1970s special operations or gritty action films, it’s rare to see them still in ceremonial service today. But I guess it makes some sense in the hands of an air force, due to its size.


Photo Source: Força Aérea Portuguesa - Portuguese Air Force

Eric B
Eric B

Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.

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  • Bel138631057 Bel138631057 3 days ago

    You’ll shoot your fingers off!

  • Mma85144696 Mma85144696 3 days ago

    In the move colors. A gang banger gets hit and sprays his MAC-10 all over the place. John Wayne's 1975 move Brannigan used it at the end of the flick on the beach to spray and pray the bad guy. Both movies the shooters shot one handed. Hollywood prop smith loaded ammo with extra something because all you see is white flash coming out.


    • Gar138983854 Gar138983854 3 days ago

      You are thinking of McQ, loved it when he beat up the Hippie in the station house, Brannigan is when he went to England and the Bobbies about sh*t when he pulled out a J frame 38.


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