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Posted: 10/27/2012 5:45:54 PM EDT
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I found an for sale add at the club for a mac 10 in 9mm. I was thinking of calling him to take a look, but I really dont know what I'm looking at or what questions to ask. This would be my first MG and 9mm would be pretty cheap to feed.
What questions should I ask? What should I look for? Is there a .22lr kit for these? He is asking 4K fair price? Is it fair to ask for a demo to make sure it runs right? thanks 
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The powder springs guns are the most desireable, thus I would start with what make/location the gun is from, along with the history/# of owner's of it. Some of the texas mac's etc are good guns but I've been told may have not been welded properly and if it hasn't been updated already may require a tig weld upgrade. A mac10 is a simple open bolt gun, so basic wear would be the first visual and observance for any cracks or items that may look abnormal to the receiver (everything else is replaceable). A quick google of a mac10 will give you plenty of pics to compare to. Practical solutions makes a M10 .22 conversion kit but they have not been selling any recently (left a few messages for them). They seem to be noted as the best but require fitting to the gun by practical solutions (IE you have to ship your gun to them). I've seen some other conversions from over the years (fleming, etc) that take 10/22 mags. Some of these work, and some don't but generally all require some tinking I've been told. For an in-state transfer (only one stamp) and depending on whats included in the deal thats reasonable for a powder springs gun. It may be a tad high in price if its a less desirable make. It is completely fair to ask for a demo. I also handle all class III transactions with individuals though a sales agreement as the items owner needs to hold the item for the required wait time of the BATF transfer. Because of this I generally have them agree to the terms and conditions of my sales contract which specifies the item is to remain in the condition of the photos that I've taken of it, not be fired, and stored appropriately to upkeep its condition. I also get copies of the items current form 4 and the sellers drivers license to confirm serial numbers and address's are all aligned with the paperwork. Only following acceptance of the agreeement and these items do I pay for the item. I generally then ask for the items upper receiver, stock, and mags so that the item is stripped to the minimum to prevent the owner from shooting it after I've paid tem for it. It probably sounds a little anal for all these steps, but this serves as a necessary step for peace-of-mind with what we spend to acquire these class III items. Drop me an email if I can be of any further help. I've been through this a few times now. If you can get pics/history I would be more than willing to take a look and let you know if the deal sounds like its at fair market value. Mac's are fun guns and thus far have proven as solid investments (IE supply is fixed on transferrable guns and demand keeps growing). The M10 platform has a lot of support from manufacturers like Lage Manufacturing etc and can be built much like a controllable subgun rather than the bullet-hose they are in stock form. Once you let a few rounds fly out of one of these you'll be addicted and never look back......lol |
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The first thing I would do is determine exactly what it is you are looking at. This is one of those cases where assumptions can bite you in the ass. Sounds stupid, but there's guys out there that are selling unregistered MGs, guys calling semi-autos MGs, guys putting shoulder stocks on pistols and not realizing they have created an unregistered SBR, etc.
If possible, get a look at the Form 4 and confirm it's a legit transferable MG. After that, a lot of your decision will be dictated by what the guy is asking for it. The Form 4 will tell you the exact make and model. |
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A look at his Form 4 will tell you a lot. Manufacturer, original caliber, etc.
Assuming that you are looking at an original Military Arms Corp (MAC), or R.P.B. Industries M10, there are still a few things to look at. 1) What type of magazines does it take? The original magazines were modified from the Walther MPk. Later, copies were made. These mags are easy to identify as they are narrower at the front than at the rear. If the ones that come with the gun are blue/black, polished, and marked 'MPK', they are the best available for the gun and worth $80-100 each! If they have the 'Cobray' mark on the front towards the bottom, they are US-made originals. Those are also well-made and will function reliably. New-made copies on original dies are now available that have gotten good reports. Avoid all others as they have poor reputations. If the magazine well is the same width in front and rear, it is either made to take the plastic M11/9 magazines, or converted to STEn mags. While the mags are much less expensive, they are also much less reliable. 2) Original 'Cobray'-marked accessories are worth money. A whole host of accessories were made for these guns. Magazine loaders, magazine pouches, carrying bags, etc. Spare parts kits were also very inexpensive back in the '80's, and are a good thing to have. A barrel extension or fake suppressor is nice, as it gives your forward hand a safe place to hold on! Lage and Alliance Arms make slower-fire conversions that are very accurate and pleasant to fire when you get tired of not hitting targets. Likewise, there are a lot of aftermarket stocks available to replace the compact factory stock that will eventually fold under fire, sending several rounds skyward. |
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