Pindad PM3
Indonesian gas-operated submachine gun replacing the blowback PM2.
The Pindad PM3 (Pistol Mitraliur 3) is a gas-operated submachine gun that has been designed, developed, and produced by the Indonesian state-owned enterprise Pindad since 2016. It fires the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge and comes in versions with either selective fire or semi-automatic fire only.
Development of the PM3 began after user feedback, with the goal of replacing the earlier PM2 submachine gun. Unlike the PM2, which used a blowback system, the PM3 operates via a gas-operated mechanism. It also features a rail integration system that allows for a range of attachments, including sights, grips, and tactical flashlights. The weapon was first shown to the public on June 9, 2016, at the Ministry of Defense hall in Jakarta.
The standard military variant, the PM3, has a three-position selector for safe, single, and automatic fire. It has a 210 mm barrel with six grooves, weighs 3.15 kg, and measures 720 mm with the buttstock extended or 494 mm when folded. Its rate of fire is between 750 and 850 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 75 meters. The Indonesian Marine Corps placed the first order for this variant in 2021, receiving 95 units on February 14, 2023.
Two semi-automatic civilian versions exist. The PM3A1, a pistol caliber carbine, was first ordered by the Indonesian Forest Rangers in 2018, with 100 units delivered in 2019 under the name PM3 Cakrawana. The PM3-PCC Sport is another semi-automatic-only variant intended for sport shooting.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Indonesia
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Service
- 2019–present
- Designer
- Pindad
- Production Date
- 2016–present
- Weight
- 3.15 kg without magazine
- Length
- 494 mm, stock folded / 720 mm stock extended
- Part Length
- 210 mm
- Cartridge
- 9×19 mm Parabellum / 9×21 mm
- Action
- Gas operated
- Rate
- 750–850 RPM
- Velocity
- 380 m/s
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The PM3 was first unveiled to the public on 9 June 2016, at the Hall of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, in Jakarta. Its design and development was conducted by Pindad Directory of Development and Technology, incorporating input from users to replace the previous generation PM2 submachine gun. Unlike the PM2, which uses a blowback mechanism, the PM3 uses a gas-operated mechanism and features a rail integration system for a wider variety of attachments such as sights, grips, and tactical flashlights.
The PM3 has variants in both selective fire and semi-automatic only configurations. The standard military variant has a three-position firing selector (safe, single, and automatic) and was first ordered by the Indonesian Marine Corps in 2021, with 95 units delivered on 14 February 2023. The semi-automatic only variants include the PM3A1, a civilian pistol caliber carbine first ordered by the Indonesian Forest Rangers in 2018, with 100 units delivered in 2019 as the PM3 Cakrawana, and the PM3-PCC Sport, a civilian version for sport shooting.
Reader's Guide
The PM3 represents a significant step forward in Indonesian small arms design, moving from the blowback operation of the PM2 to a gas-operated system, which can offer improved reliability and control. Its introduction in 2016 and subsequent adoption by the Indonesian Marine Corps and Forest Rangers demonstrate its role in modernizing Indonesian military and law enforcement equipment. The rail integration system allows for customization with modern accessories, aligning the PM3 with contemporary submachine gun standards. The development of civilian semi-automatic variants, such as the PM3A1 and PM3-PCC Sport, also indicates an effort to serve commercial and sport shooting markets. The PM3's delivery to the Indonesian Marine Corps in 2023 marks its entry into frontline service, while the earlier delivery to the Forest Rangers in 2019 shows its versatility for non-military roles. Its design reflects user input and a focus on replacing an older generation of weaponry.
Did You Know?
- It uses a gas-operated mechanism, unlike its predecessor the PM2 which used blowback.
- The standard military variant has a rate of fire between 750 and 850 rounds per minute.
- The PM3A1 civilian variant was delivered to the Indonesian Forest Rangers in 2019 as the PM3 Cakrawana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pindad PM3?
The Pindad PM3, short for Pistol Mitraliur 3, is a gas-operated submachine gun designed and manufactured by Indonesia's state-owned defense company Pindad starting in 2016. It chambers the 9×19mm Parabellum round and is available in both selective-fire and semi-automatic-only configurations.
How does the Pindad PM3 differ from the earlier PM2?
The most significant mechanical difference is that the PM3 uses a gas-operated cycling system, whereas the PM2 relied on a blowback mechanism. The PM3 also adds a rail integration system for mounting optics and other accessories, which the PM2 lacked.
What are the Pindad PM3's key specifications?
The standard variant weighs 3.15 kg, has a 210 mm barrel, and measures 720 mm with the buttstock extended or 494 mm folded. Its rate of fire sits in the 750–850 rounds-per-minute range.
Why was the Pindad PM3 developed?
User feedback on the existing PM2 prompted Pindad to design a successor that addressed operational shortcomings. The PM3 was created specifically to replace the PM2 in Indonesian service with a more modern gas-operated design and modular accessory options.
What caliber and firing modes does the Pindad PM3 offer?
It fires the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge and is produced in two variants: one with selective fire (semi-auto and full-auto) and one restricted to semi-automatic fire only.
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