(Moved) M3A1 37mm Anti-Tank Gun - Oklahoma City - Static Artillery Displays on Waymarking.com

UPDATE: 10/20/2016 - It has been reported that this gun has been moved and is now located inside the museum in the "Supporting Forces" room in the southwest corner of the museum.

The plaque reads: "M3A1 36mm Anti-Tank Guns 1938-1945 City of Blackwell, OK
Weight of gun w/carriage: 912 lbs
Length of gun: 82.5"

The first M3 anti-tank guns were delivered early in 1940. By mid-1941, Watervliet Arsenal had delivered more than 150 guns each month to the Army and Marine Corps. The M3 was manufactured through the summer of 1943 when production was terminated in favor of the M1 57mm antitank gun. The Marine Corps continued to use the 37mm throughout the war.

This later M3A1 version had a threaded barrel end to accept a ported muzzle brake. The threaded barrel was shown to be unnecessary, however, and the M3 and M3A1 were used interchangeably.

The 37mm antitank gun was well-suited to war in the Pacific. It was relatively light and could be manhandled if needed. For example, at Tarawa in November 1943, antitank gunners of the 2nd and 8th Marines towed their weapons and ammo carts by hand across the exposed coral reef and over the seawall. On Bougainville, Marines towed their guns and ammo by hand through jungles to establish defensive positions.

In its primary role defending against Japanese armor, the 37mm was an effective weapon. It could penetrate the armor of any Japanese tank In addition to its effectiveness against armor, the 37mm was also a capable weapon against massed Banzai attacks. On Tarawa, Saipan and Guam, 37mm gunners fired canister rounds at close range into massed enemy formations. Working with other assets in the Marine combat team, 37mm helped to form walls of steel that stopped all but the most fanatical and determined enemy troops. The 37mm's biggest weakness was its lack of power against Japanese field fortifications. It was not able to penetrate most bunkers or pillboxes. Larger weapons, such as the 75mm pack howitzer and tank gun, were better suited to this work. Nevertheless, the 37mm was often called into service against enemy defensive positions. Five Marines were assigned to each 37mm gun section
[Source: (]visit link)

Museum hours:
Tues-Fri: 9:00-4:15
Sat: 10:00-4:15
Sun: 1:00-4:15
Free admission, however, donations are appreciated

What type of artillery is this?: M3A1 37mm Anti-Tank Gun Where is this artillery located?: Other What military of the world used this device?: U.S. Cost?: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Are there any geocaches at this location?: Yes Date artillery was in use: Not listed Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed Artillery is no longer operational: Not Listed Still may work: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
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