Original U.S. WWII Type M3A1 Grease Gun Display SMG by Ithaca Gun Company Inc. with Live Barrel and Magazine - Serial 742657

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a magnificent WWII "SUB-MACHINE GUN, CAL 45, M3" display submachine gun, usually referred to as the M3 "Grease Gun" due to the resemblance. It is built from all original USGI issue parts on an original BATF compliant non-firing display receiver, making this a 100% legal display Sub-Machine gun. This receiver was created by using portions of the original torch cut receiver, including the barrel bushing, combined with some new made steel portions. It has properly had a 30% section of the total length completely replaced entirely with solid steel bar stock. Meaning a 1/3 length section of the display receiver is solid steel, making this totally legal to own without a license of any kind within the USA.

This wonderful condition Grease Gun was manufactured by the ITHACA GUN CO INC. and is complete with US ordnance markings on various components. It still has a correct partial [SUB-]MACH.GUN / [CAL ].45 - M3A1 marking at the top of the magazine well, as well as serial number 742657 on the left side under the maker marking. The gun definitely shows signs of wear, with markings worn off more towards the front of the magazine well.

Every part on this display gun is original WWII manufacture other than 30% of the receiver replaced by solid steel (as required by BATF). Additionally, it has had the original bolt welded into the forward position, as required. The barrel is original and has NOT been deactivated. It can still be removed easily from the front of the display gun, and it shows a mostly bright bore with clear lands and grooves, showing wear and past oxidation. It has an original flash hider mounted on the front, which are often lost over the years.

As this display SMG is the improved M3A1 variant, as it does not have the crank on the left side, and instead has the large thumb recess in the front of the bolt to cock the mechanism. It also has the safety catch on the ejection port cover in the correct rear position, and has the wire stock magazine loader that was added as part of the M3A1 changes. The barrel nut is an earlier version, and does not have the cutouts in the side to use the stock as a barrel wrench. The display gun comes complete with an original magazine (high capacity restrictions will apply), a telescoping wire shoulder stock, and fixed peep sights. The stock even still moves back and forth, though you WILL need a rubber mallet to get it to move.

In lovely condition, this is one of the best looking M3 grease guns that we have ever had, and definitely the first we have had in some time! Once plentiful on the market, these have become like hen's teeth! Ready to add to your collection!

Its steel stamped construction made this the must less costly successor to the Thompson and Rising sub-machine guns of WWII. It has an interesting safety mechanism that when the bolt is back and the ejector port cover is closed, a tab on the cover holds the bolt in the rear position, even when the trigger is actuated. One must open the ejector port cover in order for the bolt to move forward and fire. We haven't had, or even seen, a Grease Gun dummy gun in nearly 20 years, and we expect it could be another 20 years before we get another. Act now or be sorry later!

The M3 submachine gun, also known as Grease Gun, was developed as a cheaper war-time alternative to famous Thompson M1 and M1928 submachine guns. The basic requirements were set by US Ordnance Corps in February, 1941. George Hyde and Frederick Sampson, working together at Inland Division of general Motors Corp developed a prototype, which was designated the T20. The T-20 was a very simple weapon, made mostly from steel stampings. In November 1942 T20 was tested against several other prototypes, and was found superior to all other contestants. Late in 1942 the T20 was recommended for adoption, which followed in 1943. Combat use of a newly adopted M3 submachine gun showed some problematic points in design, most notably in the failing cocking mechanism. The problems were solved by elimination of this unit in 1944 when a further simplified weapon received the designation M3A1, and served with US Armed forces through the later part of WW2, Korean and Vietnam wars. M3A1 was issued to US tank crews all the way up until 1980s.

M3 submachine gun was a full-automatic blowback-operated firearm that fired from an open bolt. The receiver was made from steel stampings. M3 featured spring-loaded ejection port cover (which also acted as safety, locking the bolt when it is closed) and crank-type bolt retracting (cocking) handle at the right side of the receiver.

Characteristics include:
Caliber: .45ACP
Weight: 3.7 kg
Length (stock closed/open): 570 / 745 mm
Barrel length: 203 mm
Rate of fire: ca. 450 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Effective range: 50 meters