Simple, simpler, simplest: Those were the watchwords of the designers of the classic U.S. M3A1 submachine gun. That's because the main problem that American soldiers had with its predecessor, the M3, was that its crank handle--which was necessary to open and close the bolt--was too fragile. If the crank handle broke, the soldier had no way to reload. The government commissioned a new design, which simply machined a finger hole into the side of the bolt, so all a soldier needed to do was hook his index finger into it to work the bolt.
As a military firearm capable of full-auto fire, the M3A1 is considered a Class III gun by the ATF. Although it's possible for a civilian to own one, there are several enhanced legal hoops to negotiate and a $200 tax stamp to pay first. Additionally, because Class III firearms are "capped" at 1986, there are very few in circulation right now. That makes the M3A1 an extremely valuable collector's item, because a limited supply means high prices, as well as an irreplaceable piece of American history.
Want to know more about the "grease gun" that helped save the West's interests during World War II, the Korean war and the Vietnam conflict? Check out this great video from our friends at American Rifleman TV!
