Here we have the third forthcoming Umarex 4.5mm/.177” replica of a historic firearm. This time, it is the M3A1 submachine gun which joins the existing Legends submachine gun range of the M1A1 Thompson and the German MP40.
The M3 was one of the longest-serving US machine guns, being first introduced in 1942 and remaining in service in some places until the mid-1990s. It is a relatively simple stamped and welded metal design that was much cheaper and faster to produce than the M1A1. In US service it quickly gained the nickname “grease gun” because of its visual similarity to the stamped metal grease guns then widely used in auto shops.
The Umarex version is mostly metal and features both full auto and semi modes (unlike the original which was full auto only), a collapsible wire stock and iron peep sights. It weighs in at a meaty 7.65lbs and features a detachable magazine that holds two 12g CO2 cartridges and up to 30 steel, 4.5mm BBs.
It is claimed to fire at an astounding 1,000 rpm (the original could barely manage 400rpm) which means you’ll be able to shoot a whole magazine worth of BBs in under 2 seconds! Claimed power is over 400fps. This replica looks like another great addition to the growing Legends range. I don’t have release information on this one, but it certainly seems possible that it will also be available from early 2022.
I have no information on precisely what it will cost outside the US. Until I know more, here’s a link to the M3A1 on the Umarex USA website where it’s listed at $219.99:
The Pistol Place 