The M3 37 mm PaK was the first American-made anti-tank gun of its kind.
However, at that time the United States had no experience in producing such weapons.
In January 1937, the United States received two reference German 3.7 cm PaK 35/36 anti-tank guns.
The following year, 1938, several different guns and gun mounts were designed and tested, and the T10 gun barrel and T5 gun mount were judged to be the best choice.
Later these prototypes were modified and designated the M3 37 mm anti-tank gun.
The first weapon was mass-produced in early 1940. It was the then standardized anti-tank gun of the US Infantry Division and the Marine Corps.
Typically it was towed by a 4 x 4 1/4 ton Jeep or a larger 3/4 ton Dodge truck.
The 37mm M3A1 entered service in March 1942 with some modifications, including the muzzle brake. Over ten thousand of these weapons were manufactured.
This weapon was shipped to Europe in mid-1943 until it was replaced by the 57mm M1, a copy of the British 6-pounder gun.
But the M3A1 was used in the Pacific until the end of the war.
It could fire M51 armor-piercing ammunition that could penetrate 60 mm armor plate at a distance of 1000 meters.
Plastic model kit to build an M3A1 37mm anti-tank gun
unbuilt / unpainted
However, at that time the United States had no experience in producing such weapons.
In January 1937, the United States received two reference German 3.7 cm PaK 35/36 anti-tank guns.
The following year, 1938, several different guns and gun mounts were designed and tested, and the T10 gun barrel and T5 gun mount were judged to be the best choice.
Later these prototypes were modified and designated the M3 37 mm anti-tank gun.
The first weapon was mass-produced in early 1940. It was the then standardized anti-tank gun of the US Infantry Division and the Marine Corps.
Typically it was towed by a 4 x 4 1/4 ton Jeep or a larger 3/4 ton Dodge truck.
The 37mm M3A1 entered service in March 1942 with some modifications, including the muzzle brake. Over ten thousand of these weapons were manufactured.
This weapon was shipped to Europe in mid-1943 until it was replaced by the 57mm M1, a copy of the British 6-pounder gun.
But the M3A1 was used in the Pacific until the end of the war.
It could fire M51 armor-piercing ammunition that could penetrate 60 mm armor plate at a distance of 1000 meters.
Plastic model kit to build an M3A1 37mm anti-tank gun
- with photo-etched parts
- with decals
unbuilt / unpainted
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