Drawing inspiration from the British STEN gun, the M3 was developed as a high-speed, low-cost substitute for the Thompson family of submachine guns. The M3A1 further streamlined the process, with the biggest change being the removal of the lever action cocking mechanism in favor of a bolt slotted to be retracted by hand. While lacking the aesthetic charm of the Thompson, the M3 and M3A1 were serviceable weapons, and would be America's go-to SMGs through World War II and following conflicts. A limited number are known to have been converted for use with silencers for special duty purposes. This particular M3A1 was made by the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors, and later brought back into the U.S. by Inter-American, and comes with both a standard barrel and a silenced barrel (see Item B for details). Blade front and peep rear sights, model nomenclature and Guide Lamp markings on the left side of the magazine well, import mark on left side of receiver near the sling bale, combination dust cover and safety on top, textured pistol grip with integral oiler, and a two-position telescoping buttstock. Included with the lot is a clamp-on M9 flash hider, green canvas sling, and three extra magazines.

Very fine, with 95% of the arsenal refurbished parkerized finish, showing areas of rubbing, scratches and light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a restricted, National Firearms Act (NFA) Class 3, Fully Automatic Weapon, that is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479, National Firearms Act. This weapon is currently registered as being "LIMITED TO USE AS A SALES SAMPLE (Pre-86)" and as such can only be purchased by an FFL with a Class 2 or Class 3 SOT License, restriction under 18 U.S.C 922(o) Law Enforcement use for demonstration, sales samples purposes only.

About 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, with an integral barrel drilled and ported to vent into an expansion chamber with metal filler, and a baffle stack in the top half of the aluminum tube.

Excellent, with 90% of the original black finish, showing some light wear and handling. NOTE: This Silencer is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479, National Firearms Act.