USMC M3A1 37mm Anti-Tank Gun

Contents:
This set contains all the necessary parts to build 1 USMC M3A1 37mm Anti-Tank Gun and 3 crew members for the American army for Bolt Action, as well as matching bases.

The models are made of metal, are unpainted, and need to be assembled.

Background:
The 37mm M3 cannon was the first dedicated anti-tank gun used by the American forces. It was introduced in 1940 and became the standard gun as its size allowed it to be towed by a Jeep. However, continuous improvements in German tanks quickly rendered the 37mm gun ineffective, and by 1943 it was gradually replaced in Europe and the Mediterranean by the more powerful, British-developed 57mm M1 gun.

In the Pacific, where Japanese tanks were less threatening, the M3 remained in service until the end of the war. Like many other light anti-tank guns, the M3 was widely used to support infantry and engage personnel, firing high-explosive shells and canister ammunition.

The M3 first saw action in the defense of the Philippines in December 1941. After that, it was used in the Guadalcanal campaign, where it was successful against both Japanese tanks and infantry.

Throughout the war, it remained effective against Japanese vehicles, which were only lightly armored and rarely used in large groups. The gun's light weight made it easy to move in difficult terrain; however, against enemy fortifications, the M3 was only moderately effective due to its small, high-explosive projectile.

Due to its general effectiveness and ease of handling, the gun remained in service with the Marine Corps and some army units in the Pacific until the end of the war.