Museum of the American G.I in College Station, Texas - Image of Museum American GI

WWII 37mm Gun M3 on M4 Carriage

Number Produced: 18,702
Crew: 4-6
Barrel Length Overall: 6’11” (2.1 m)
Caliber: 1.45” (37 mm)
Rate of Fire: Up to 25 rounds per min
Range: 7,550 yards (6,900 m)
Weight: .45 tons
Length: 12’3” (3.92 m)
Width: 5’3” (1.61 m)
Height: 3’2” (.96 m)

The M3 was the first dedicated anti-tank gun in the US military. As tanks became larger players in military conflicts after World War I, the US Army recognized the need for a dedicated anti-tank piece. At the time of development, the M3 was equivalent in power to other nations’ anti-tank guns and sufficient for piercing available tank armor.

However, it did not account for advancements in German armor, which easily deflected the M3’s ammunition. In the Pacific theater, it still packed enough punch to penetrate infamously thin Japanese armor, and also served as an adequate anti-personnel weapon. By the end of the war, it had been phased out in favor for 57mm pieces.

Did you know?
The M3/M5 Stuart, the M3 Lee/Grant, and the M8 Greyhound all use the 37mm M3 in their turret mounts.