M3 Carbine
U.S. Government Arsenals · Carbine · Discontinued · 1945
Also known as: Carbine, Caliber .30, M3, M3 Infrared Carbine, Sniperscope Carbine, T3 Carbine
Overview
The M3 Carbine is a select-fire .30 Carbine night-vision carbine, essentially an M2 carbine fitted with a special scope mount for an active infrared sniperscope and a flash hider. Developed at the end of World War II, it was issued for short-range night sniping, allowing soldiers to detect and engage enemies in darkness using an infrared spotlight and image-converting scope. It saw use in the Pacific theater, the Korean War, and early Vietnam-era operations before being superseded by more advanced night-vision equipment.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2600 g (91.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 904 mm (35.59") |
| Barrel Length | 458 mm (18.03") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 607 m/s (1991 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1311 J (967 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1829 m (2000 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- .30 Carbine · primary — also known as 7.62x33mm, .30 M1 Carbine, 7.62mm Carbine
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Push Button Safety
- Features: Selective Fire, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Infrared Sniperscope Mount, Active Infrared Night Vision, Flash Hider, Detachable Box Magazine, Wood Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1945 · as Carbine, Caliber .30, M3
- United States Marine Corps
Conflicts
- World War II (1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1945-1953
Built in small numbers as a specialized night-vision configuration of the M2 carbine; exact totals are not well documented
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: United States Ordnance Department
Discontinued: 1957
Notes
The M3 itself differed from the M2 mainly in its mounting provisions for the bulky infrared sniperscope set (M1, M2, then M3 IR scope generations). The early sniperscope had an effective night range of roughly 50 to 100 meters and required a separate battery pack carried by the operator.
Background
The M3 carbine and its sniperscope debuted in combat during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, where soldiers used the active infrared sights to spot Japanese infiltrators at night; postwar analysis credited the sniperscope with a notable share of nighttime casualties inflicted in the closing months of the Pacific war.