I hit several M3's last night in diferent spots the front the back the side the top, all taking multiple hits most to no apparent effect, yes I did kill bunches of them but still they asorbed a ton of damage from the gun.
The thin armor on the M3 was face hardened and only 1/4in thick. The top portion of the two front doors was hinged to fold out and down; they were held in the upright position by a steel sliding bar attached to the inside surface of the door. There were shatter-proof glass windscreens installed in front of the driver's area and an overhead hinged armor cover could be lowered over the windscreen for protection. In non-combat areas this armored cover was normally held up in the open horizontal position by support rods on either side. However, before the armored cover could be lowered the windscreen glass panels had to be removed from their frames. Both the windscreen armored cover and the side doors were provided with vision slits protected by sliding covers.
When comparing the M3 with the German Sdkfz.251 halftrack, you will find both of similar size, speed and weight, but the M3 had over 20% more internal capacity due to its boxy hull shape. The 251 halftrack was more thickly armored, and the armor was angled to derive the best protection possible. But, due to the greater horsepower from the US vehicle's engine, and the powered front axle, the M3 was a greatly superior vehicle for cross-country travel. Unfortunately, both vehicles were lacking in over-head protection, a problem that plagued occupants throughout WWII.
the above img and text coppied from this excelent page AFV Interiour web magazine
[ 07-06-2001: Message edited by: brady ]
