In this episode, we're taking a look at the PM-9. The Minebea PM-9 Submachine Gun, also known as the M9, is a new weapon to the Call of Duty series, making its debut appearance in Modern Warfare 3. It's a Japanese weapon, currently the machine pistol of choice for the Japan Self Defense Forces. The weapon is manufactured by the Nippon Miniature Bearing Company - otherwise known by the contracted moniker: Minebea. It replaced the aging US M3 'grease gun' SMG that dates to World War 2, and is intended to fill a typical role for such a diminutive weapon - its compact size is ideal for tank and vehicle crews, and paratroopers. The PM-9's design is based entirely on that of the familiar and well-tested Israeli Uzi design - although much of the exterior and ergonomics have been altered, with integral foregrip lending to the weapon's distinctive silhouette. The Uzi design dates to 1948 - although the PM-9 itself only entered production in 1990. The Minebea entered service in 1999 with non-frontline forces, for those roles where the JSDF's assault rifle - the Howa Type 89 - is unnecessary or otherwise too unwieldy. The PM-9 fires the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge - just like the Uzi. Magazines are of a standard box type, typically with a 25 round capacity, and are inserted into the grip - again, identical to the Uzi's operation. The fire selector at the top of the grip allows for both single shots and full-auto operation, and will fire at 1100 rounds per minute during the latter - somewhere in the middle of the Micro-Uzi and Mini-Uzi's fire rates. The weapon is relatively lightweight, at just 2.8kg unloaded - and is correspondingly compact, with an overall length of just 399 millimetres, a little under 16 inches. Barrel length mirrors that in the Micro-Uzi design, at 120 millimetres - perhaps limiting the weapon's effectiveness at a longer range, but generally sufficient for the weapon's intended role. Despite its relatively recent adopt