M3 / M3A1 [Submachine Gun]:

The M3 was a blow back submachine originally fielded in December 1942. It could only be fired on fully-automatic. The submachinegun used a .45 cal. cartridge in 30-round magazines. It's rate of fire was 350-450 spm. The M3A1 was used during World War II and Korea. 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 Naval personnel. The weapons are considered Obsolete but still fires a powerful cartridge. The submachinegun is becoming rare.

The original M3 (1942) was designed specifically to simplify production by making use of stamped metal parts. A number of deficiencies were found during the initial two years of use. These deficiencies were corrected in the model M3A1.

The M3A1 (1944) had a larger ejection port and a stronger cover spring. The later model 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 M3A1. A flash hider was developed for use with both the M3 and M3A1.

There is a copy of the submachinegun that is made in China as well the original which was made in the United States. The submachinegun uses 30 round box magazines

Weight:	10.25 lbs (4.65 kg)
Caliber:	.45 ACP or 9x19mm
Barrel Length:	8 inches (22.9 cm)
Overall Length:	29.3 inches / 74.5 cm (22.4 inches / 57 cm with the stock retracted).
Action:	Recoil.
Mode of Fire:	Fully Automatic only (Likely can be converted to semi automatic).
Rate of Fire:	350 Rounds per minute .
Range:	250 ft (76.2 m)
Magazine:	30 + 1
Cost:	$800 +
Made in:	United States (copy made in China)
Special:	Considered Obsolete but still an interesting weapon. The weapon is available with both an integral flash supressor and silencer.

[M3, M3A1, and Browning are copyright of their respective owners. ]

Special thanks for basic description go to Wisler, Robert B (WislerR@ria.army.mil).
For source go to SMALL ARMS INFO

Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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