PM-73
Łucznik Arms Factory (Fabryka Broni Łucznik) · Submachine Gun · Prototype · 1973
Also known as: RAK .380, PM-63 .380 ACP variant
Overview
The PM-73 is a Polish prototype variant of the PM-63 RAK machine pistol, rechambered from the standard 9×18mm Makarov to the Western .380 ACP (9×17mm) cartridge. Developed at the Łucznik Arms Factory in Radom in the early 1970s as a companion to the 9×19mm PM-70, it was aimed at potential export markets outside the Warsaw Pact ammunition standard. Like the base RAK it is a select-fire blowback submachine gun firing from an open bolt, using an oversized reciprocating pistol-style slide, a folding wire stock, a folding foregrip, a spoon-shaped muzzle compensator, and a selectorless progressive trigger. It never entered series production due to a lack of orders.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1600 g (56.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 583 mm (22.95") |
| Folded Length | 333 mm (13.11") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Height | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Sight Radius | 153 mm (6.02") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 75 m (82 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 15 Round Detachable Box, 25 Round Detachable Box
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Progressive Trigger
- Features: Folding Wire Shoulder Stock, Folding Vertical Foregrip, Oversized Reciprocating Slide, Progressive Trigger No Selector, Spoon Shaped Muzzle Compensator, One Handed Cocking Via Slide, Rechambered For 380 Acp
Base model
Production
Production years: c. 1973
Prototype/export trial variant; never entered series production.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Designer: Piotr Wilniewczyc
Notes
Prototype only; not mass-produced. Shares the mechanical layout and dimensions of the PM-63 RAK, differing primarily in chambering. Some 380-specific ballistic figures are unpublished and left null.
Background
To break into hard-currency export markets, Radom rechambered its distinctive RAK machine pistol for the NATO-adjacent .380 ACP as the PM-73 and the 9mm Parabellum as the PM-70 - but with no foreign orders forthcoming, both remained prototypes while the base 9×18mm PM-63 soldiered on with Warsaw Pact forces.