Often overlooked when the topic is SMGs (sub-machine guns), is the M3 'Grease Gun'. This was borne of a need to be able to produce a lightweight weapon that would be inexpensive to make and could be carried in places where there was not a lot of room. It was meant for tank crews, paratroops, special ops troops and those driving trucks or working as military police. In otherwords, not the standard front-line infantryman.

Part of the reason it was inexpensive is that most of the gun was not machined. Instead it was made of stamped steel components that were welded or otherwise attached together. Several designs were submitted to a 1941 requirement, but the ones rejected either were unable to operate well when dirty, were expensive to make or simply did not meet the size and weight requirements.

A sliding wire stock, a breech cover for ejecting shells that doubled as a safety and a number of other features resulted in a gun that at first, troops did not like. It was not as pretty as the fully machined and expensive Thompson and they claimed it looked 'cheap'. However, it was a lot more accurate at its design range. The M3 was not developed to be a long range gun, but to be used at relatively short ranges of under 100 yards. In this area, the gun was not only accurate, but it was very reliable as well.

Such was the success of the gun that it was used in Korea, Vietnam and even in some regards in the desert wars of the late 20th century. Versions were made overseas and thanks to the taking over of weapons caches by the communist Chinese, American troops in Korea were often attacked using Chinese copies of the same gun they were carrying, though chambered for different bullets.

The author follows the standard format of this series, starting with the development of the gun and other types that were developed, but not widely used. A substantial part of the book covers the use of these guns during battle and how their use changed with time. Post war use of the guns is also included. There are quite a few war stories in the book from troops that used them, which makes for interesting reading. This author likes to include a section on his operation of the gun and his opinions on it. All of this is accompanied by a well chosen selection of period photos as well as some great art work by Adam Hook. In all, it is a fine addition to the series and a read that I'm sure you will enjoy.

May 2016

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