M1 and M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun

[David]

The M1 Thompson was created by Colonel John T Thompson and manufactured by Savage Arms Corporation in Utica, New York. It began life as the M1928A1 (the version most notably associated with organized crime and symbolic with the IRA) and featured a forward grip handle and the capacity to carry a 100-round drum of ammunition. The creation of the Thompson actually stemmed from the need in the First World War (1914-1918) for a weapon that could 'sweep' enemy trenches of soldiers. Ultimately, the development of the Thompson submachine gun came too late to be used in that war, but development continued.
Early versions of the weapon had the system as a belt-fed machine gun. It was then seen to make it fit more as a submachine gun type weapon system that could be easily carried by one man. Initial orders of the weapon were low but police forces began ordering them into their inventories.
The 1928 version saw use with United States Marines in Nicaragua and the United States Coast Guard. The 'Navy' model included a horizontal fore-grip while the civilian model showcased the more recognizable vertical one. The internal system itself proved to be very complicated for battlefield conditions where soldiers found the need to consistently keep their weapons clean of debris.
With World War II in full swing, it was discovered that the previous process of making the Thompson submachine guns proved too complicated for mass-production, thus the weapon production was simplified. The Lend-Lease Act saw the Thompson destined for service in British hands, that was until the Sten submachine gun made its appearance. The M1 version was the design that stemmed from this simplification process. Also, it was found that the 50 or 100-round ammunition drum tended to produce an inordinate amount of noise when in combat situations (and stealth was imperative).
Changes included shifting the bolt handle from the top of the weapon to the side. The weapon sights were drastically simplified from the original and the magazine capacity was changed from the 50 or 100-round drum to the more acceptable 30-round box. A 20-round box was also made available.
The M1 Thompson was a well-respected battlefield weapon that was simple to operate. It proved and effective short-to-medium range weapon and in some ways outclassed the German MP 40 submachine guns (the .45 caliber ACP rounds proved to be a better man stopper than the German 9mm rounds in post-war trials).
The M1 Thompson 'Tommy Gun' went on to achieve a tremendous amount of success, often finding favor with soldiers that preferred it over the British Sten and American M3 'Grease Guns' that attempted to replace the Thompson. It continued in service throughout the war (in the European Theater as well as in the Pacific) and well into the Korean War. It eventually found its way into the inventories of many other countries until being removed from service in the 1960's. The M1 Thompson is still a favorite among collectors today and represents a major step towards the use of submachine guns on the battlefield.
The Thompson utilizes .45 caliber ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) ammunition and operates on a simple blow-back system.
Specifications for the M1 Thompson 'Tommy Gun' Submachine Gun:

Designation: M1 Thompson
Might Be Known As: The Tommy Gun
Classification: Submachine Gun
Operation: Blowback
Caliber: .45 Caliber
Length: 32 inches
Weight: 10.45lbs (loaded)
Magazine Capacity: 20 or 30-round box (Earlier versions utilized a 50 or 100-round drum)
Rate of Fire: 700 rounds per minute
Muzzle Velocity: 920 feet per second
The wooden butt stock is useful for stabilizing the weapon when firing and it also contains an oiling bottle accessible by a panel in the rear. The butt stock can be completely removed by removing the two screws from the underside-forward portion of the stock.