
The Ares FMG (Folding Machine Gun) is a highly innovative, ultra-compact submachine gun designed for covert operations and personal defense. Its defining feature is a clamshell-style folding mechanism that transforms the weapon from a compact, rectangular package resembling a small briefcase or radio into a functional submachine gun in seconds. The design philosophy prioritized extreme concealability and rapid deployment for special forces, bodyguards, and law enforcement personnel requiring a discreet yet effective firearm. Key innovations include the folding stock and receiver assembly that houses the barrel, bolt, and magazine in a collapsed state, with the trigger guard and grip folding out for use. The FMG is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from standard Uzi magazines, leveraging existing logistics. Its reputation in the firearms community is that of a fascinating but rare and somewhat impractical design; while ingenious, the folding mechanism adds complexity and potential reliability concerns, and the weapon lacks a conventional stock for stable shoulder firing. Notable design characteristics include a simple blowback action, a fixed firing pin, and a minimalist sight system. The FMG remains a sought-after collector's item and a notable example of 1980s 'briefcase gun' concepts.
How does the Ares FMG compare?
Pick any other firearm for a side-by-side spec breakdown.
Explore related weapons and popular picks, or compare their specifications with Ares FMG.
The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and widespread adoption by military, law enforcement, and special operations units globally. Its design philosophy centers on providing a compact, controllable, and highly effective weapon for close-quarters combat. A key innovation is its roller-delayed blowback operating system, adapted from the G3 rifle, which allows for a lighter bolt and smoother recoil impulse compared to direct blowback designs. The MP5's modularity, with various stock, handguard, and trigger group options, further enhances its adaptability. Its reputation stems from its accuracy, even at extended ranges for a submachine gun, and its reliability in adverse conditions. The MP5 remains a benchmark for submachine gun design, influencing numerous subsequent weapons.
The Thompson submachine gun, often called the "Tommy Gun," is a blow‑back, selective‑fire SMG designed in the early 1920s to provide a high‑rate, close‑quarters firepower platform for law‑enforcement, military, and civilian markets. Its hallmark is the exceptionally fast cyclic rate of 600–1,250 rpm, achieved through a heavy bolt and a simple open‑bolt blow‑back system. The weapon’s distinctive vertical‑handguard, cut‑away rear sight drum, and iconic wooden stock set it apart visually. Originally chambered for .45 ACP, the Thompson was praised for its stopping power and reliability, gaining a reputation as both a feared gangster weapon and a beloved "trench broom" in World War II. Unique features include a two‑stage trigger for semi‑automatic fire, a built‑in compensator on the barrel, and interchangeable 20‑, 30‑, and 50‑round drum magazines, making it versatile for both rapid suppressive fire and controlled single shots.
The Kriss Vector is an American submachine gun manufactured by Kriss USA. Its most distinctive feature is the patented Super V recoil mitigation system, which redirects recoil energy downward rather than into the shooter's shoulder, dramatically reducing muzzle climb and felt recoil.