M3 and M3A1 Grease Gun SMGs
Forgotten Weapons・2 minutes read
Ian McCollum showcased American World War Two submachine guns M3 and M3A1, known as "Grease Guns," at Rock Island Auction house. The M3, developed in 1942, overcame initial reliability issues to become a widely used and cost-effective submachine gun throughout the war, eventually replacing the Thompson as the standard model.
Insights
- The M3 and M3A1 submachine guns, known as the "Grease Gun," were cost-effective, reliable weapons developed during World War Two, with the M3 becoming the standard submachine gun in 1945, replacing the Thompson.
- Despite initial reliability issues related to the magazine, the Grease Gun proved to be effective and easy to handle, featuring simple controls, a safety mechanism, and a slow rate of fire. These guns remained in service until 1992, primarily used by tank crewmen and truck drivers for personal defense.
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Recent questions
What are the key features of the American World War Two submachine guns M3 and M3A1?
The American World War Two submachine guns M3 and M3A1, also known as the "Grease Gun," were developed for cost-effective production. The M3 featured a safety mechanism, simple controls, and a slow rate of fire for easy handling. The M3A1, developed later, addressed issues like the charging handle and improved the fragile rear sight with side wings. Both guns had a magazine loader tab on the stock, with the M3A1 also featuring a threaded oil bottle inside the pistol grip.
When did the M3 replace the Thompson as the standard submachine gun?
The M3 replaced the Thompson as the standard submachine gun in 1945. Despite initial reliability issues related to the magazine, troops found the Grease Gun to be reliable and effective. The M3 began production in early 1943 and reached combat troops by July of the same year.
How many M3 and M3A1 submachine guns were produced during World War Two?
During World War Two, a total of 640,000 M3 submachine guns were produced, compared to only 15,000 M3A1s. The majority of the guns used during the war were M3s due to their cost-effective production and reliability in combat situations.
What improvements were made in the M3A1 compared to the M3 submachine gun?
The M3A1 submachine gun, developed in April 1944, addressed various issues present in the M3 model. It extended the barrel retaining catch and modified the barrel nut for easier stock removal to assist in barrel disassembly. Additionally, the M3A1 improved the fragile rear sight of the M3 by adding side wings to prevent bending if dropped.
How long did the M3 and M3A1 submachine guns remain in service?
The M3 and M3A1 submachine guns remained in service until 1992. Despite being replaced by newer models, these guns were primarily used by tank crewmen and truck drivers for personal defense due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability. The Grease Guns were known for their simple controls and easy handling, making them popular choices for various military personnel.
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Summary
00:00
"Grease Gun: WWII Submachine Gun Evolution"
- Ian McCollum presents guns at Rock Island Auction house for May 2017 Premiere auction
- Features American World War Two submachine guns M3 and M3A1, known as "Grease Gun"
- M3 developed in mid-1942 by George Hyde and Frederick Sampson for cost-effective production
- M3 adopted in January 1943, with initial reliability issues related to the magazine
- Despite initial negative perceptions, troops found the Grease Gun reliable and effective
- Production of M3 began in early 1943, reaching combat troops by July 1943
- M3A1 developed in April 1944 to address issues like the charging handle
- Majority of World War Two guns were M3, with 640,000 made compared to 15,000 M3A1s
- M3 replaced Thompson as standard submachine gun in 1945
- M3 features a safety mechanism, simple controls, and a slow rate of fire for easy handling
13:25
Evolution of the M3 Grease Gun
- The M3 rear sight was fragile, but the M3A1 improved it with side wings to prevent bending if dropped.
- A magazine loader tab was added to the stock of both the M3 and M3A1, with the latter also featuring a threaded oil bottle inside the pistol grip.
- The M3A1 extended the barrel retaining catch and modified the barrel nut for easier stock removal to assist in barrel disassembly.
- The Grease Guns could be converted from 9mm to .45 using conversion sets made in late '43, early '44, although this feature was not widely utilized.
- The M3 and M3A1 were cost-effective, with a unit cost of $20.94, less than half the cost of an M1A1 Thompson, and remained in service until 1992, primarily used by tank crewmen and truck drivers for personal defense.
