M3A1 Grease Gun - America’s $15 SMG

Published on May 23, 2023
Duration: 16:42

The M3A1 Grease Gun, a $15 WWII submachine gun, is reviewed for its historical significance and surprisingly controllable full-auto fire. Despite crude construction, its low cyclic rate and .45 ACP chambering make it effective. The review includes a demonstration of its simple operation, disassembly, and a test of its ability to penetrate Level 3A soft armor.

Quick Summary

The M3A1 Grease Gun, a $15 WWII submachine gun, is known for its simple open-bolt, blowback operation and surprisingly controllable full-auto fire due to its low cyclic rate. It was mass-produced by Guide Lamp (GM) for around $15 per unit.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Range Demo
  2. 01:11History & GM Manufacturing
  3. 02:44Operation & Features
  4. 03:58Safety & Sights
  5. 06:23Production Cost & Personal Story
  6. 08:29Armor Testing (.45 ACP vs Level 3A)
  7. 11:14Disassembly & Mechanics
  8. 12:10Controllability & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the production cost of the M3A1 Grease Gun?

The M3A1 Grease Gun was remarkably inexpensive to produce, with over 600,000 units manufactured at an approximate cost of just $15 per firearm during World War II.

How does the M3A1 Grease Gun operate?

The M3A1 operates via simple open-bolt, blowback action. It features a unique finger-operated charging mechanism and a dust cover that doubles as a safety by locking the bolt when closed.

Is the M3A1 Grease Gun controllable during automatic fire?

Yes, despite its crude construction, the M3A1 Grease Gun is known for its exceptional controllability during full-auto fire due to its low cyclic rate, making it easy to keep on target.

Can the M3A1 Grease Gun penetrate soft body armor?

Testing showed that Level 3A soft armor successfully stopped multiple .45 ACP rounds fired from the M3A1 Grease Gun, indicating its limitations against modern ballistic protection.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Brandon Herrera

View all →