ARES M3A1
GREASE GUN
ELECTRIC BLOWBACK
Ratty gives his opinion of Ares’ M3A1 Grease Gun, which
has been around (in real steel, of course) since 1944
History
In February 1941, the US Ordnance
Corps set out a requirement for a
cheaper sub-machine gun to act
as an alternative to the Thompson
M1 and M1928. A prototype,
designated the T20, was a very
simple weapon, made mostly from
stamped steel. After trials, the
newly designated M3 was put into
service in 1943. The M3 fired .45
ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) rounds
and was full-auto only, using a
blowback mechanism from an open
bolt.
Early M3s showed up some problem
points in combat, mostly the cocking
mechanism. These problems were
overcome and in 1944 the newer, more
reliable version (designated M3A1)
served with distinction with US Armed
Forces through the latter part of WWII.
This version saw heavy use in the
Pacific as well as service in both the
Korean and Vietnam wars. It was still
the personal weapon of US Army tank
crews until the 1980s.
Interesting Points
The M3A1 could be converted to
use 9x19mm Luger ammunition
by replacing the barrel, bolt and a
magazine adaptor so it could use
British Sten gun magazines. The
retractable stock, when detached,
doubled up as a cleaning rod, and also
featured a magazine loading tool. The
hollow pistol grip contained a small
gun oil bottle, which was required as
the cheaper steel rusted quite easily
in wet climates. A silenced version of
the M3A1 was produced for special
operations.
First Impressions
Ares is well-known for trying to make
its airsoft rifles as realistic as possible.
012
November 2011
The
company
has done
a cracking
job with this
weapon!
On opening
the box there
is a basic
operation
manual which
is very easy to
follow, with a
good exploded
parts diagram.
Taking the
M3A1 out of the
box, you’re instantly
struck by how heavy it is (4.5kg), and
its distinctive finish. Ares has really
gone to town to make it look industriallike, fitting the M3A1’s basic functions
and crude weld marks. This façade
works well as the receiver is stamped
steel and the outer barrel aluminium,
so the materials used are very robust
and almost indestructible. With the
wire frame stock fitted, this looks one
awesome piece of kit!
Unique to the Grease Gun is the
fact that the battery is housed in the
magazine, which holds 65 rounds of