ARES FMG Country USA Type Submachine gun Manufacturer ARES Introduction 1986 Specifications Weight 2.09 kg (4.61 lb) Length 503 mm (19.8 in) extended / 262 mm (10.3 in) Barrel length 220 mm (8.7 in) Cartridge 9x19mm Parabellum Action Blowback Rate of fire 650 rounds/min Feed system 20, 32-round box magazine

The ARES FMG is a folding submachine gun designed by Eugene Stoner while he was an owner of ARES Incorporated. Stoner designed the gun for concealment and covert use, describing it as a businessman’s personal defense weapon. Allegedly, Stoner had the idea of a defense weapon for VIPs and CEOs following the numbers of kidnaps of many of such persons in South America during the early 1980s.

The weapon has a unique architecture, in that it is designed to be fold into a box shape, but it can be unfolded and made ready to fire in a matter of seconds. When folded, the size is about the same as a cigarette carton, and the appearance is deliberately similar to an old-fashioned metal commercial radio. It can be fitted with a small fake antenna if necessary.

The Ares FMG can be folded with its 20-round magazine loaded. A 32-round magazine was also available, but its use prevented folding the weapon.