M3a1 'Grease Gun' - Delta Force - Weapons
The M3a1 'Grease Gun' is a World War 2 vintage sub machine gun that was adopted by Delta Force in its early history.
The M3a1 had fallen out of favor with regular forces, due in part to its low muzzle velocity and low rate of fire, characteristics that actually made it suitable for hostage rescue operations. The .45 ACP round fired by the M3a1 had great stopping power (as well as being interchangeable with the 1911 pistols used at the time) and the low muzzle velocity meant that rounds would be less likely to pass through targets or walls and hit friendlies. This, combined with a low rate of fire, meant that the M3a1 was easily controlled when fired.
A number of M3a1s fitted with sound suppressors were taken by Delta operators on the aborted Operation Eagle Claw, Iran, 1980.
M3a1 Specifications
| Cartridge | .45 ACP |
| Dimensions | Length : 29.8 inches (stock extended) / 22.8 inches (stock collapsed) |
| Barrel Length | 8 inches |
| Weight | 7.65 lbs |
| Effective Range | 100 yards |
| Rate Of Fire | 350-450 rounds/min cyclic |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 feet per second |
| Feed | 30 round box magazine |
