The MAC 10, or Military Armament Corporation Model 10, emerged in 1964 from the design of Gordon Ingram, who aimed to create a compact and cost-effective submachine gun. Its telescoping bolt, a feature shared with the Uzi, contributed to its small size, and its construction utilized stamped steel for efficient manufacturing. Under the newly formed Military Armament Corporation (MAC) in 1970, the M10 entered production in .45 ACP and 9x19mm, followed by the smaller .380 ACP M11. While offered to the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War and adopted by some special operations and law enforcement units, it never became a standard-issue weapon. A notable accessory was the highly effective Sionics suppressor. Despite its limited official adoption, the MAC 10’s compact and menacing appearance propelled it into popular culture through numerous films and television shows, unfortunately also leading to its association with criminal activities in the 1980s and 90s.

Characterized by its simple blowback operation and open-bolt firing mechanism, the MAC 10 boasts a very high rate of fire, reaching around 1090 rounds per minute in the .45 ACP variant. It typically utilized magazines holding 30 (.45 ACP) or 32 (9mm) rounds and featured a retractable wire stock, basic iron sights, and a threaded barrel for suppressor attachment. The cocking handle also served as a rudimentary safety. Although the Military Armament Corporation went bankrupt in 1976, other manufacturers continued producing versions of the M10 and M11. The MAC 10’s blend of compact design, rapid fire capability, and significant presence in media has cemented its status as an iconic, albeit controversial, firearm. Original, pre-1986 fully automatic models are now considered collectible.

AK pistols, also known as AK-style pistols, are handgun variants of the renowned Kalashnikov rifle design. These firearms retain the core operating system and rugged reliability of the AK platform but are configured without a buttstock and typically feature a shorter barrel, classifying them as pistols under most legal definitions. The concept emerged as a way to offer a more concealable or maneuverable firearm chambered in rifle calibers like 7.62x39mm or 5.56x45mm. While not traditional military sidearms, AK pistols have gained popularity among civilian shooters seeking a compact, high-powered firearm with the AK’s familiar controls and robust construction. They often feature pistol braces as aftermarket accessories, which, when attached, allow the firearm to be stabilized against the shooter’s forearm, blurring the lines between a pistol and a short-barreled rifle in some jurisdictions.

The defining characteristics of AK pistols include their gas-operated, rotating bolt action, a hallmark of the Kalashnikov design known for its reliability even under harsh conditions. They typically utilize the same magazines as their rifle counterparts, offering higher capacity than many traditional handguns. Due to their short barrels and powerful rifle cartridges, AK pistols often produce significant muzzle flash and recoil. Various manufacturers produce AK pistols, often incorporating slight variations in features, such as different handguard styles, sighting options, and the inclusion of muzzle devices. Their appeal lies in their compact size relative to AK rifles, the potent rifle calibers they chamber, and the overall familiarity and durability associated with the AK platform, contributing to their niche popularity in the firearm market.

The Zenith Firearms ZF-5 is a roller-delayed blowback operated pistol manufactured in Turkey by MKEK (Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu) and imported by Zenith Firearms. It is a direct clone of the iconic Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun, known for its smooth shooting characteristics, accuracy, and historical significance in military and law enforcement applications. The ZF-5 faithfully replicates the design and features of the MP5, offering enthusiasts and shooters a civilian-legal pistol variant of this legendary platform. It typically comes chambered in 9x19mm and utilizes the same magazines as the MP5.

Key features of the Zenith ZF-5 include its roller-delayed blowback operating system, which contributes to reduced recoil compared to direct blowback designs. It features a cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel for durability and accuracy. The ZF-5 maintains the classic MP5 aesthetics, including the ambidextrous safety selector lever and paddle-style magazine release. It often includes a Picatinny rail on top for mounting optics and may feature a threaded barrel for attaching muzzle devices or suppressors. Like other MP5-pattern firearms, the ZF-5 is highly modular, with a wide array of aftermarket accessories available, such as pistol braces that enhance stability for shooting. Its appeal lies in providing a high-quality, reliable, and historically accurate rendition of the MP5 platform in a pistol format for the civilian market.