Man charged with carrying sub-machine gun into Sydney shopping centre

A man has been refused bail after being found allegedly carrying a sub-machine gun and ammunition inside a shopping centre in Sydney's inner west.

Marc Avidov, 41, is accused of travelling by taxi to Marrickville Metro around lunchtime yesterday carrying a Thompson fully automatic sub-machine gun, a magazine and 15 shotgun shells, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Avidov was stopped by police, who found the weapon and ammunition inside his bag.

He was charged with possessing an unregistered and prohibited firearm, acquiring a firearm without a licence or permit and possessing ammunition without holding a licence.

The weapon, nicknamed the "Tommy gun", was a favourite of American gangsters in the early-to-mid 20th century.

"That's a pretty serious weapon," a police spokesman said. "It is not one that often turns up."

Police refused to comment further about the operation as the matter is now before the court.

Avidov faced Newtown Local Court just after noon today.

He did not apply for bail and bail was formally refused.

He is due to face court again next Thursday.