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Title:GUN, SUBMACHINE -  U.S. SUBMACHINE GUN T29 .30 SN# X38
Maker/Manufacturer:HYDE & SAMPSON
Date of Manufacture:1945
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:SPAR 1565
Measurements:OL: 73CM 28 3/4" BL: 35.5CM 14" 8 lbs. 10 oz.

Object Description:

U.S. SUBMACHINE GUN T29 .30 SN# X38
Manufactured by Guide Lamp Division of GM, Dayton, Ohio - Experimental version of the M3A1 chambered for the .30 cal. carbine round and equipped with a 14" barrel. Developed by Guide Lamp Division of GM in the fall of 1944. Weapon weighs approximately 8 lbs. 10 oz. Only three (3) T29s were made. This weapon was functioned fired 1500 rounds. Skeleton magazine is made from two 15-round .30 carbine magazines brazed together.

Markings:
Magazine housing: SUB MACH GUN/ CAL 30 CARBINE/T 29/GUIDE/X38.

Notes: "REMARKS: This weapon is the same as the M3A1 except as follows: - Weapon is chambered for cal..30 carbine cartridge. - Bolt differs from M3A1 bolt in that forward portion is cut back approximately 3/8-inch, leaving an exposed bolthead approximately 5/8-inch in diameter. A steel block approximately 1/2-inch long is added to the rear of bolt. Extractor clearance groove in lower side does not extend full length of bolt. - Forward bolt retaining collar is increased in thickness by the same amount that the bolt is cut back, namely 3/8-inch (when bolt closes the bolthead fits into the collar). - Magazine well and the magazine release are made to accommodate the carbine magazine." - U.S. Army Ordnance

"A Carbine Not a Carbine - the experimental T29 Submachine Gun...the experimental T29 submachine gun, developed by Guide Lamp Division G.M.C. during the fall of 1944. Basically a straight blowback M3A1 'Grease Gun" chambered for the .30 carbine cartridge and equipped with a 14-inch barrel, measuring 28.8" overall. With the increase in velocity of the moving parts, considerable study was required to effect a proper balance in the return springs. A short strong spring was used to prevent the bolt from striking the rear of the receiver with every shot, together with a longer, low-rate spring to feed and fire the cartridge. It was also found necessary to employ a spring-loaded ejector to soften ejection....
Among the myriad experimental designs proposed for a carbine-like weapon during World War II was the T29, basically an M3A1 'Grease Gun' converted to fire the .30 carbine cartridge. Three T29s were made, of which two samples, X 38 and X 39, are currently held in the collection of the Springfield Armory museum. The T29 was produced by the Guide Lamp Division G.M.C. of Detroit, Michigan, the makers of the M3.
Several attempts were made to modify the blowback mechanism of the M3 to handle the increased power of the .30 carbine round. George Hyde designed an interchangeable barrel, and a designer named Robert Hillberg (late vice-president of Whitney Firearms, Inc., and the designer of the Hillbery 'blow-forward' pistol) adapted a short-recoil system created by Bell Aircraft Co. to the T29." - Larry Ruth

"GUN, SUBMACHINE, CALIBER .30, CARBINE: - During the fall of 1944, it appeared desirable to investigate the possibility of modifying the design of the M3 Submachine Gun to permit the firing of the carbine cartridge, caliber .30, M1. This investigation was entered into in view of the many reports received from the field recommending the development of a submachine gun which would fire the carbine caliber .30 round. Further information was received to the effect that the Germans were using the MP43 7.92 Machine Pistol, wherein a shortened 7.92MM cartridge was used.
In the redesign of the M3 Submachine Gun to accomplish the above it was necessary to use a spring loaded ejector in order to soften up ejection. Considerable study was given by personnel of the design section of Guide Lamp Division of General Motors Corporation to a proper balance of driving springs.
In order to facilitate retracting the bolt and still maintain the proper spring loaded to prevent the bolt from striking the rear of the receiver in recoil it was necessary to employ both a short stronger spring and a longer, low rate spring. The short spring being required primarily to stop the bolt in recoil and the long spring to feed and fire the cartridge. Three modified M3 Submachine Guns designated as T29, incorporating Study of the T29 Submachine Gun showed that the type of spring loaded ejector, the type of feed ramp necessary, and the design of spring would require further development. However, in that the Carbine, Caliber .30 M2, selective semi and full-automatic fire was standardized, it was not deemed advisable to continue further development work on the T29 Model.
A physical sample of this item and drawings pertaining thereto are being retained at Springfield Armory for possible future reference." - HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL ARMS CONDUCTED BY THE RIFLE BRANCH DURING WORLD WAR II by E.G. Cooper.
(NPS Note - Mr. Copper wrote this shortly after the war. While two of the weapons are still here, the drawings are not.)

OCM 25746 - 11/16/1944 - Gun, Submachine Caliber .30 Carbine - Recommend No further Consideration be given to.
OCM 26064 - 12/14/1944 - Approval of above recommendation.

References:
Ruth, Larry. WAR BABY! THE U.S. CALIBER .30 CARBINE. Collector Grade Publications, Inc. Toronto, Canada. 1992.
U.S. Army Ordnance. SUBMACHINE GUNS. Vol. III. Aberdeen Proving Ground. Aberdeen, Md. 1959.

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