Minebea PM-9

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Minebea PM-9
1:1 replica of a Minebea PM-9
TypeMachine pistol
Place of originJapan
Service history
In service1990–Present
Used byJapan
Production history
ManufacturerMinebea Co.
Unit cost440,000 yen (2021)[1]
Produced1999 – Present
Specifications
Mass2.8 kg / 6.2 lbs[2]
Length399 mm / 15.7"[3]
Barrel length120 mm / 4.7"[3]
Cartridge9×19mm Parabellum
ActionBlowback
Rate of fire1100 RPM[2]
Effective firing range100 m
Feed system25-Round Magazine[2]
SightsIron sights
References[4]

The Minebea PM-9 Submachine Gun, known officially in the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) as the 9mm Machine Pistol (9mm機関拳銃, Kyumiri Kikan Kenjū)[2] or as the M9,[5] is a Japanese-made machine pistol. Analogous to the Israeli IMI Mini-Uzi, it has the same telescoping bolt as the Mini-Uzi, but differs in its appearance, operation and handling.

Although the PM-9 nomenclature is widely used among non-Japanese firearms communities, there have been no public records or confirmations of its official use. As such, it is mostly referred to in its full name or its shorthands, and less so in the supposed alphanumeric nomenclature in Japanese texts.[citation needed]

History[edit]

1st Airborne Brigade paratroopers in a parade with PM-9s.

The PM-9[3] is produced by the Nippon Miniature Bearing Company, otherwise known as Minebea. The design is analogous to the Mini-Uzi submachine gun.[6] It was adopted in 1999 for non-frontline forces such as vehicle drivers, artillery personnel, some of its special forces units,[7] and some commissioned officers who were given priority for better equipment.[8] It replaced M3 submachine guns provided by the US to the JGSDF.[7] However, there is not a lot of production due to high procurement costs.[9]

Though it has been the official submachine gun for more than a decade, as of 2009 JSDF officials are looking at a possible replacement, as it is planned to phase it out in the near future. One possible replacement is the Heckler & Koch MP5.[7] JMSDF and JASDF personnel continue to procure the PM-9[10] while procurement has stopped in the JGSDF with plans to replace the PM-9.[11]

Official Use[edit]

The JSDF uses the PM-9 as its official submachine gun. The 1st Airborne Brigade, the 12th Brigade and (formerly) the Western Army Infantry Regiment are the only units in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) known to be armed with the PM-9 as the brigade's main submachine gun.[9][12] The PM-9 is reported to be in use in the JGSDF's Special Forces Group.[13] The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) uses it when conducting base security[9] and by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) as a personal weapon issued for sailors.[9]

Designs[edit]

The PM-9 differs in appearance from its Israeli counterpart in a few ways. A foregrip is mounted underneath the barrel of the PM-9 to aid fully automatic firing with a flash suppressor in place.[7] It can also be modified to have a foldable stock, a detachable suppressor and a mounted reflex sight, though these modifications are most unlikely to be used in peacekeeping operations abroad, since such activities do not involve Japanese soldiers in combat situations.[14]

PM-9s were originally made with wooden pistol and foregrips; plastic is used on those currently in JSDF service.[15] Machined steel is used in its construction.[9]

The PM-9 can be fired in semi or full auto mode with safe mode[9] under 「ア」「タ」「レ」.[16]

The submachine gun has no stock and the user must use it through grip alone.[9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "スクープ！住友重機械が機関銃生産から撤退へ". 15 April 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "9mm機関拳銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  3. ^ a b c "9mm機関けん銃" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 2, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  4. ^ https://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/neae/6d/equipment/wapc.html
  5. ^ "9mm機関拳銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  6. ^ 演習場で大活躍！自衛隊の火器（本物） (in Japanese). Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  7. ^ a b c d "Minebea M-9". 27 October 2010.
  8. ^ 自衛隊装備品倉庫 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2012-02-10. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "9mm機関拳銃｜サブマシンガン･M9｜陸上自衛隊装備品｜陸自調査団".
  10. ^ https://warp.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/9382074/www.mod.go.jp/epco/supply/jisseki/choutatuyotei_buki.pdf
  11. ^ "ミネベア工業9mm機関け銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  12. ^ ９mm機関拳銃 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2009-10-21. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  13. ^ 陸上自衛隊唯一の特殊部隊 特殊作戦群の解説 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-01-28. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
  14. ^ "Translated page on modified Minebea PM-9 submachine gun". Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  15. ^ "9mm機関けん銃と参考文献の紹介". Archived from the original on 2007-03-19. Retrieved 2009-11-04.
  16. ^ "9mm機関拳銃".

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Minebea PM-9.
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