Springfield Armory Museum - Collection Record



Home | Advanced Collection Search | Advanced Archival Search | Rate Your Search


Send us your own comments about this object.

Title:GUN, SUBMACHINE -  U.S. SUBMACHINE GUN T29 .30 SN# X39
Maker/Manufacturer:HYDE & SAMPSON
Date of Manufacture:1945
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:SPAR 1566
Measurements:OL: 73CM 28 3/4" BL: 35.5CM 14"

Object Description:

U.S. SUBMACHINE GUN T29 .30 SN# X39
Manufactured by Hyde & Sampson, Dayton, Ohio - Experimental version of the M3A1 chambered for the .30 cal. carbine round and equipped with a longer 14" barrel. Skeleton magazine appears to have been made from two M1 magazines. This specimen was functioned fired 1500 rounds. Weapon is complete and in very good condition.

Markings:
Magazine housing: SUB MACH GUN/CAL. 30 CARBINE/T 29. GUIDE/X39.

See, Ruth's "War Baby," pg. 264.

Notes: "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 form 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 7.92-mm 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 the 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 load 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 the basic design characteristics of the M3A1 Submachine Gun were completed and function fired 1,500 rounds per gun.
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 were retained at Springfield Armory for possible future reference." - Davies

References:
Davies, Paul J. U.S. GUNS OF WORLD WAR II. Thomas Publications. Gettysburg, Pa. 2004.

Rate Your Search


Searching provided by:
 Re:discovery Software Logo, and link to go to www.RedsicoverySoftware.com