PASAM submachine gun / machine pistol (Brazil)

PASAM submachine gun / machine pistol (Pistola Automatica e Semi-Automatica Mauser) was produced in Brazil during early 1960s as a conversion of existing Mauser C96 Schnellfeuer machine pistols. There were several versions of PASAM, all using original, 1930s-era Mauser machine pistols as a base. First version featured metal frame below and around the barrel, with additional forward grip mounted on the frame. It was found poorly controllable either in semi-automatic or in full-automatic fire, and second version was manufactured with pistol grip of improved shape (original C96 grip was of very poor ergonomics), and with added shoulder stock which noticeably improved handling of the gun when firing single shots or bursts. Total amount of PASAM weapons produced (converted) for PMERJ (Policia Militar do Rio de Janeiro) is about 300 or 400 guns. Those were used by Rio police until 1980s, and then replaced by more modern and effective submachine guns.

 

PASAM submachine gun

PASAM submachine gun

 

PASAM submachine gun / machine pistol features short recoil operated, locked breech action. Bolt is locked to the barrel extension using a swinging locking piece located below the bolt. Fire mode selector is located on the left side of the frame, manual safety lever is located to the left of the exposed hammer. Ammunition is fed from detachable box magazines with capacities of 10, 20 and 40 rounds. Iron sights were rather optimistically marked for range of up to 1000 meters, while actual effective range of the PASAM was hardly above 200 meters, even with the T-shaped shoulder stock in use.