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M3 "Grease gun"
The M3 "Grease Gun" is an American submachine gun from World War II, developed in 1942 as a cheap alternative to the expensive Thompson M1A1. He received his nickname "The Grease Gun" for its distinctive appearance, resembling an auto mechanic's tool. Uses a cartridge .45 ACP (11.43×23 mm), providing powerful stopping power at short distances. The design is based on a loose bolt and stamped parts, which made production cheaper. It is equipped with a 30-round box magazine (similar to the Reising pistol), but it has problems with feeding cartridges — soldiers often only loaded 28 rounds. It has a very low rate of fire, which improves control when shooting, but reduces the density of fire. Its main advantages are its simplicity, compactness, and resistance to dirt. It was widely used in 1944-1945, especially by tank crews and paratroopers, who loved it for its convenience in cramped armored vehicles. Also got the M3A1 modification (1944), where the cocking mechanism was removed, an oil pan was added in the pistol grip and a leather cover on the bolt. Served in the US Army until the 1990s, becoming a record holder for longevity - the last M3A1 were used by drivers in Operation Desert Storm.
The model is not available yet.
Constructors:
George William Hyde
Frederick Sampson
Main Features:
Caliber: .45 ACP (11.43×23 mm)
Barrel length: 203 mm
Overall length: 757 mm (with stock extended), 579 mm (with stock folded)
Weight: 3.63 kg (without ammunition), 4.1 kg (with a full magazine)
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (box magazine)
Rate of fire: ~450 rounds per minute
Sighting range:
Effective: 100 meters
Maximum: 200 meters
Type of automation: free bolt
Shooting mode: automatic only
Other features:
Simplified and cost-effective design: stamped steel parts, minimal machining
Telescopic stock: Wire-wrapped, foldable forward
Fixed-strike bolt: The firing pin is rigidly fixed in the bolt, making the entire bolt a massive firing pin. This is done to allow the recoil spring to transfer energy directly to the firing pin.
Receiver cover: also serves as a safety mechanism
Modifications:
M3 (basic version, 1942)
M3A1 (simplified version, 1944) - without a cocking mechanism, with a finger hole in the bolt
Produced: Approximately 680,000-700,000 units (1942-1945 + post-war production).
Advantages:
It was almost 3 times cheaper than the Thompson ($20 vs. $70)
It was easier to use in tanks and tight spaces due to its smaller size
It had better control when firing due to its slower rate of fire, which also saved ammunition
It had only 67 parts (compared to over 100 for the Thompson) (The numbers may not be accurate!)
Disadvantages:
Primitive fixed sights, 100 yards (~91 meters)
Due to the unreliable magazine, cartridges often became jammed
Slow reloading due to the lack of a magazine neck
Corrosion due to the low-quality steel in early models
Interesting facts:
Like the STEN, the M3 was made from stamped parts, which accelerated production.
Like the MP40, the bolt remained open until fired, which reduced the risk of overheating.
The first batches of the M3 (1943) suffered from jammed magazines, accidental discharges during impacts, and rust.
Improvements in the 1944 modification:
he cocking handle was removed (the bolt was now pulled back with a finger).
The magazine and trigger mechanism were strengthened.
He also participated in the Korean War as the main PP of US tankers, was used in Vietnam by special forces and guards, and was even used to break through doors in Iraq (2000s).
Photo:
Two German prisoners of war are being taken to a 6th Division prisoner of war camp for interrogation and search, Brittany, France, 1944
Two American soldiers at a Browning M1917 machine gun in France, 1944
Soldiers of the 14th U.S. Panzer Division fire an M3 "Grease Gun" at the gates of the Hummelburg concentration camp, 1945
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