Gun, Submachine, Cal. .45, M-3
The M-3 submachine gun was developed early in World War II as a low cost alternative to the effective but expensive Thompson submachine gun. About 679,200 of the M-3 and M-3A1 submachine guns were produced. Following World War II, the role of submachine guns was greatly diminished with the introduction of assault rifles and light portable machine guns. Submachine guns are still used by Special Forces, air crews, armored vehicles, counter-terrorist units, and certain U.S. Navy personnel.
The M-3 was designed specifically to simplify production, compared to the Thompson SMG, by making use of stamped metal parts instead of the refined machining required for the Thompson. A number of deficiencies were found during the initial two years of use, corrected in the model M-3A1.
The M-3A1, introduced in 1944, had a larger ejection port and a stronger cover spring. It was also designed so it could fire 9mm Parabellum cartridges by changing the barrel and bolt and adding an adapter to the magazine. Following World War II, a curved barrel was made for use with the M-3A1. A flash hider was developed for use with both the M-3 and M-3A1.
Often called the "grease gun" because of the resemblance, the M-3 and M-3A1 submachine guns used the .45 cal. ACP cartridge in 30-round magazines. It's cyclic rate of fire was 350-450 spm.
Equipment for gun, submachine, cal. .45, M3 and M3A1. Click photo for larger image.
Gun, submachine, cal. .45, M-3 w/hider, flash, M9.
Gun, submachine, cal. .45, M-3A1.
Spare parts for gun, submachine, cal. .45, M3 and M3A1. Click photo for larger image.
The M-3 Submachine Gun was replaced in the U.S. military by the M-16 rifle, especially the form of the M-4 Carbine, a light and maneuverable weapon that fills the role well.
Military Manuals for the M-3 Submachine Gun
- TM 9-1005-229-12 various dates including October 1969: OPERATOR'S AND ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE MANUAL (INCLUDING REPAIR PARTS AND SPECIAL TOOLS LIST): SUB-MACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M3 W/E (FSN 1005-672-1767) AND M3A1 W/E (FSN 1005-672-1771) (REPRINTED W/BASIC INCL C1-2)
- TM 9-1005-229-35 various dates including September 1969: DIRECT SUPPORT, GENERAL SUPPORT, AND DEPOT MAINTENANCE MANUAL (INCLUDING REPAIR PARTS AND SPECIAL TOOL LISTS) FOR SUBMACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M3, W/E AND SUBMACHINE GUN, CAL. .45, M3A1, W/E (REPRINTED W/BASIC INCL C1)
- FM 23-41 with various dates including October 1943: SUBMACHINE GUNS, CAL. .45, M3 and M3A1
The NSNs are: M3: NSN 1005-672-1767 and M3A1: NSN 1005-672-1771.
Find More Information on the Web
There are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there.
For good results, try entering this: m3 submachine gun. Then click the Search button.
