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The Dirty Dozen (1967) is a classic World War II action film that follows a group of twelve convicted soldiers given a chance at redemption by undertaking a suicide mission behind enemy lines. Directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, and Telly Savalas, the movie is packed with intense combat sequences, memorable characters, and a wide array of period-accurate firearms.
In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the guns used in The Dirty Dozen, examining their real-world counterparts, historical significance, and how they were employed in the film.
1. U.S. M3 “Grease Gun”
Primary User: Major Reisman (Lee Marvin)
One of the most iconic firearms in the film is the M3 submachine gun, colloquially known as the “Grease Gun” due to its resemblance to a mechanic’s tool. This .45 ACP submachine gun was a cheap, mass-produced alternative to the Thompson submachine gun and was widely used by U.S. forces in WWII.
In The Dirty Dozen, Lee Marvin’s character, Major Reisman, wields an M3 during the climactic assault on the German château. The gun’s simplistic design and high rate of fire make it ideal for close-quarters combat, which is showcased in the film’s explosive finale.
Key Features:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Rate of Fire: ~450 RPM
- Effective Range: 100 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
2. Thompson M1A1 Submachine Gun
Primary Users: Various soldiers
The Thompson submachine gun is another staple of WWII-era firearms, and it makes several appearances in The Dirty Dozen. The M1A1 variant (simplified for wartime production) is seen in the hands of multiple soldiers during training and combat sequences.
The Thompson was favored for its stopping power and reliability, though its weight and cost led to its gradual replacement by the M3 Grease Gun.
Key Features:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Rate of Fire: ~600-700 RPM
- Effective Range: 150 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 20 or 30-round box magazines
3. Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) M1918A2
Primary User: Jefferson (Jim Brown)
The Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) was a squad automatic weapon used by U.S. forces throughout WWII. In The Dirty Dozen, Jim Brown’s character, Jefferson, carries a BAR during the final assault, providing suppressing fire against German troops.
The BAR’s 20-round magazine and .30-06 Springfield cartridge made it a powerful but cumbersome weapon, requiring frequent reloads. Despite this, it was highly effective in laying down sustained fire.
Key Features:
- Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
- Rate of Fire: 500-650 RPM
- Effective Range: 600 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
4. M1 Garand
Primary Users: U.S. Soldiers and German Troops (captured)
The M1 Garand was the standard-issue rifle for U.S. infantry in WWII, and it appears in several scenes, particularly during training and the final battle. Some German soldiers are also seen using captured M1s.
Known for its reliability and the distinctive ping of its en-bloc clip ejection, the M1 Garand was one of the most effective battle rifles of the war.
Key Features:
- Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Effective Range: 500 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 8-round en-bloc clip
5. M1 Carbine
Primary Users: U.S. Soldiers
The M1 Carbine was a lightweight alternative to the M1 Garand, designed for support troops but widely used by frontline soldiers due to its compact size. In The Dirty Dozen, several soldiers carry M1 Carbines, particularly during the parachute drop and infiltration scenes.
While less powerful than the Garand, the Carbine’s 15-round magazine and lighter weight made it popular for mobile engagements.
Key Features:
- Caliber: .30 Carbine
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Effective Range: 300 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 15 or 30-round detachable box
6. MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40)
Primary Users: German Soldiers
The MP40 was the standard German submachine gun of WWII, and it appears in the hands of enemy troops during the final battle. Known for its reliability and compact design, the MP40 was a favorite among German forces.
In The Dirty Dozen, the MP40s are used by the defending German soldiers, adding authenticity to the film’s depiction of WWII combat.
Key Features:
- Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
- Rate of Fire: ~500 RPM
- Effective Range: 100-200 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 32 rounds
7. Luger P08
Primary User: German Officers
The Luger P08 was a iconic German sidearm, often carried by officers. In The Dirty Dozen, it is briefly seen in the hands of German personnel during the château assault.
With its distinctive toggle-lock action, the Luger was one of the most recognizable pistols of the war.
Key Features:
- Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
- Action: Toggle-lock recoil
- Effective Range: 50 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
8. M1911A1 Pistol
Primary Users: Major Reisman and U.S. Soldiers
The M1911A1 was the standard sidearm for U.S. forces, and it appears in holsters throughout the film. Lee Marvin’s character notably uses one during close-quarters engagements.
Famed for its stopping power, the 1911 remained in service for decades after WWII.
Key Features:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Effective Range: 50 yards
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
The Dirty Dozen remains a quintessential WWII film, not just for its gripping story but also for its realistic depiction of period weaponry. From the iconic M3 Grease Gun and Thompson SMG to the battle-proven M1 Garand and BAR, the film’s arsenal adds authenticity to its gritty combat sequences.
Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast or a classic movie buff, The Dirty Dozen offers a fantastic showcase of WWII-era guns in action.
What’s your favorite firearm from The Dirty Dozen? Let us know in the comments!
