Thompson submachine gun

[edit] Variants

[edit] Persuader & Annihilator

There were two main experimental models of the Thompson. The Persuader was a belt-fed version worked on in 1918, and the Annihilator was fed from a 20-round box magazine, which was an improved model worked on in 1918 and 1919. Additionally, the 50- and 100-round drum magazines were developed.

[edit] Model of 1919

The Model of 1919 Thompson was limited to about 40 units, with many variations noted throughout. The weapons had very high cyclic rates around 1500rpm.^{[citation needed]} This was the weapon Brigadier General Thompson demonstrated at Camp Perry in 1920. Almost all Model of 1919s were made without buttstocks and front sights, and the final version closely resembled the later Model of 1921. The City of New York Police Department was the largest purchaser of the Model of 1919.

Thompson had created it because of the trench warfare in the Great War. He designed it then as an automatic M1911. Its purpose was to be used to "sweep" enemy trenches.

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm), .22LR, .32ACP, .38ACP, 9mmP, .351 Winchester Self-Loading
• Weight (empty): 3.75kg (8 lb 4oz)
• Length: 808mm (31.8 in)
• Barrel length: 267mm (10.5 in)
• Cyclic rate of fire: 1500 round/min (actual delivered, about 700)
• Capacity: 20- or 30-round box; 50 or 100-round drum; 18 rounds .45 Peters-Thompson shot cartridges
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] Model of 1921

The first major production model. Fifteen thousand guns were produced by Colt for Auto-Ordnance Corporation. In its original design, it is finished more like a sporting weapon, with its famous blued, finned barrel and vertical foregrip. It is a semi-blowback weapon with a friction locked breech (Blish lock). The Model of 1921 was quite expensive to manufacture, with the original retail cost around $225, due to high quality wood furniture and finely-machined parts. Some saw military use with the U.S. Marine Corps in Nicaragua, but not type-classified. The Model of 1921 was famous throughout its career with police and criminals and in motion pictures. The weapon had a relatively high 900+rpm^{[citation needed]} rate of fire.

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm), .22LR, .32ACP, .38ACP, 9mmP, .351 Winchester Self-Loading
• Weight (empty): 4.4kg (9 lb 12oz)
• Length: 808mm-909mm (31.8-35.8 in)
• Barrel length: 267mm (10.5 in), 368mm (14.5in)
• Cyclic rate of fire: 800 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300)
• Capacity: 20- or 30-round box; 50- or 100-round drum; 18 rounds .45 Peters-Thompson shot cartridges
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] Model of 1923

The Model of 1923 was introduced to potentially expand the Auto-Ordnance product line, and was demonstrated for the U.S. Army. It fired the .45 Remington-Thompson cartridge from a 14-inch (35.5cm) barrel, with greater range and power than the .45 ACP. It introduced a horizontal forearm, sling, bipod and bayonet lug. The Model of 1923 was projected to fill the role of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), but the Army was satisfied with Browning, did not give the Model of 1923 much consideration, and it did not go into production.

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm), .45 Remington-Thompson
• Weight (empty): 5.7kg (12 lb 6oz) (14.5" barrel & bipod), 4.4kg (9 lb 12oz) (10.5" barrel {no bipod?})
• Length: 808mm-909mm (31.8-35.8in)
• Barrel length: 267mm (10.5 in), 368mm (14.5in)
• Cyclic rate of fire: 800 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300)
• Capacity: 20- or 30-round box; 18 rounds .45 Peters-Thompson shot cartridges
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] B.S.A. Thompsons

In an attempt to expand interest and sales overseas, Auto-Ordnance partnered with and licensed Birmingham Small Arms Co. (BSA) in England to produce a European style Thompson. These were produced in small quantities, and have a different appearance than the classic style. B.S.A. Thompsons were produced in European calibers such as 7.65mm Parabellum (called .30 Luger in the U.S.) and 9mm Parabellum, and were tested by various governments, including France in the mid 1920s. The design was never successfully marketed.

M26

• Caliber: 9mmP
• Weight (empty): 3.4kg (7 lb 6oz)
• Length: 89cm-91cm (35-36in)
• Barrel length: 318mm (12.5 in) with Cutts
• Cyclic rate of fire: 800 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300)
• Capacity: Unknown
• Range: 100m (110yd)

M29

• Caliber: .45ACP, 9mmP, 9mm Bayard, 7.63mm Mauser, 7.65mmP
• Weight (empty): 4.3kg-4.8kg (9 lb 6oz-10 lb 6oz)
• Length: 89cm-91cm (35-36in)
• Barrel length: 318mm (12.5 in) with Cutts
• Cyclic rate of fire: 700-800 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300)
• Capacity: Unknown (.45 ACP used standard 20- or 30-round box and 50- or 100-round drum)
• Range: 100m (110yd)

[edit] Model of 1927

The Model of 1927 was the semi-automatic-only version of the Model of 1921. It was made by modifying an existing Model of 1921 Thompson, including replacing certain parts. The "Thompson Submachine Gun" inscription was machined over to replace it with "Thompson Semi-Automatic Carbine", and the "Model of 1921" inscription was also machined over to replace it with "Model of 1927." Although the Model of 1927 was semi-auto only, it was easily converted to fully automatic by utilizing certain Model of 1921 parts, and is classified as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act of 1934.

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm) (perhaps others)
• Weight (empty): 4.4kg (9 lb 12oz)
• Length: 808mm (31.8in)
• Barrel length: 267mm (10.5 in)
• Cyclic rate of fire: Semiautomatic only
• Capacity: 20-round box; 50- or 100-round drum; 18 rounds .45 Peters-Thompson shot cartridges
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] Model of 1928

The Model of 1928 was the first type widely used by military forces, with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps as major buyers through the 1930s. The original Model of 1928s were Model of 1921s with weight added to the actuator, which slowed down the cyclic rate of fire, a U.S. Navy requirement. With the start of World War II, major contracts from Britain and France saved the manufacturer from bankruptcy. This model had an official adoption, with a military designation of M1928. The Prohibition era retail price of the Model of 1928 was about $200.^{[citation needed]}

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm) (some experimental models in .30 Carbine)
• Weight (empty): 4.4 kg (9lb 12)
• Length: 808mm (31.8 in)
• Barrel length: 267mm (10.5 in)
• Cyclic rate of fire: 600 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300^[13])
• Capacity: 20- or 30-round box magazine; 50 or 100-round drum magazine
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] M1928A1

This variant entered mass production before the attack on Pearl Harbor, as on-hand stocks of the M1928 ran out. Changes included a horizontal forend, in place of the distinctive vertical foregrip ("pistol grip"), and a provision for a military sling. Despite new U.S. contracts for Lend-Lease shipments abroad to China, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as the needs of American armed forces, only two factories supplied M1928A1 Thompsons during the early years of World War II. The weapon was mostly used in the U.S. military by the Marines, who supplied it to units in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Though the weapon could use both the 50-round drum and the 20- or 30-round magazines, active service showed the drums were more prone to jamming and extremely heavy and bulky, especially on long patrols. 562,511 were made.

In addition, the Soviet Union received M1928A1s, included as standard equipment with the M3 Stuart light tanks obtained through Lend-Lease. The weapons were never issued to the Red Army, however, due to a lack of .45 ACP ammunition on the Eastern Front, and were simply put in storage. As of September 2006 limited numbers of these weapons have been re-imported from Russia to the United States as disassembled 'spare parts kits', the entire weapon less the receiver (as required by Federal law).

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm)
• Weight (empty): 4.4kg (9 lb 12oz)
• Length: 838mm (33in)
• Barrel length: 318mm (12.5 in) with Cuts
• Cyclic rate of fire: 600 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300)
• Capacity: 20- or 30-round box; 50-round drum; 18 rounds .45 Peters-Thompson shot cartridges
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] M1

The M1, formally adopted as the United States Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M1, was a result of further simplification. The bolt was modified and rate of fire was also reduced to approximately 600-700 rpm. The M1 utilized a simple blowback operation, the charging handle was moved to the side, and the flip-up adjustable rear sight replaced with a fixed aperture (peep sight). The slots adjoining the magazine well allowing use of the drum magazine were removed, as were the Cutts compensator, the barrel cooling flanges, and the Blish lock.

The less expensive and more-easily manufactured "stick" magazines were used exclusively in this version, with a new 30-round version joining the familiar 20-round type. As the magazine catch had not been designed for the added weight of the heavy 30-round magazine, loaded magazines sometimes inadvertently detached from the weapon.^{[citation needed]}

The M1 also has a permanently attached buttstock, and was first issued in 1942.

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm)
• Weight (empty): 4.4kg (9 lb 12oz)
• Length: 808mm (31.8in)
• Barrel length: 267mm (10.5 in)
• Cyclic rate of fire: 700-750 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300)
• Capacity: 20- or 30-round box
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] M1A1

The multi-piece firing pin of the M1 was supplanted by a simplified firing pin machined into the face of the bolt. The 30-round magazine was very common. Reinforcement wings were added to the fixed rear sight.

The M1A1, formally adopted as the United States Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M1A1, could be produced in half the time of the M1928A1, and at a much lower cost. In 1939, Thompsons cost the government $209 apiece. By Spring of 1942, cost reduction design changes had brought this down to US$70. In February 1944, the M1A1 reached a low price of US$45 each, including accessories and spare parts. By the end of 1944, the M1A1 was replaced with the even lower-cost M3 (commonly called "Grease Gun").

• Caliber: .45ACP (11.4x23mm)
• Weight (empty): 4.8kg (10 lb 6oz)
• Length: 808mm (31.8in)
• Barrel length: 267mm (10.5 in)
• Cyclic rate of fire: 700-750 round/min (actual delivered, about 225-300)
• Capacity: 20- or 30-round box
• Range: 50m (55yd)

[edit] Model 1927A1

The Model 1927A1 is a semi-automatic only version of the Thompson produced by Auto-Ordnance of West Hurley, New York for the civilian gun market from 1974 to 1999. It is officially known as the "Thompson Semi-Automatic Carbine, Model of 1927A1." The internal design is completely different, and operates from the closed bolt. It has been produced since 1999 by Kahr Arms of Worcester, MA. This weapon should not be confused with the earlier Model of 1927 produced by Colt for Auto-Ordnance, although its name and designation references the earlier weapon.

[edit] Model 1927A3

The Model 1927A3 is a semi-automatic, .22 caliber version of the Thompson produced by Auto-Ordnance of West Hurley, New York.

[edit] Model 1927A5

The Model 1927A5 is a semi-automatic, .45ACP version of the Thompson produced by Auto-Ordnance of West Hurley, New York. It featured an aluminum receiver to reduce its weight, since it has no buttstock. In order to classify as a pistol under U.S. laws, it had to be made with a 13" barrel to meet the 26" overall length requirements of a pistol featuring a vertical foregrip.

[edit] Civilian ownership in the United States

Due to the perceived popularity of submachine guns such as the Thompson with gangsters in the 1920s and 1930s, the United States Congress passed the National Firearms Act in 1934. Among its provisions, all owners of any fully-automatic firearm were required to register them with the predecessor agency of the modern Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The law also placed severe restrictions on the possession, transfer and transport of the weapons.

All prospective buyers had to register with the government and pay the $200/item transfer tax. Registration required the prospective buyer to declare a reasonable need for owning the weapon, to supply a citizenship certification, photographs and fingerprints. In addition, a certification from state or local law enforcement or court officers the buyer is not under investigation for a crime and possession of the weapon will not violate state or local law is required. Once the paperwork was submitted to the ATF, the FBI performs a thorough background check. Only after the purchase had been cleared (a process normally taking at least four months), may the new owner take possession.

Owners are forbidden to move the gun out of their state of residence without obtaining prior permission from the ATF. The owner is required to keep the weapon within their exclusive control and may not loan it without their immediate supervision to anyone, including family members. Thompsons, as well as all other kinds of fully automatic weapons, are under a legal ban in at least nine states and the District of Columbia.

There are several U.S. made semi-automatic variants. These are less regulated at the federal level but are still banned in several states because of their resemblance to their full auto cousins.

Notwithstanding the legality of ownership, hundreds, if not thousands, of these and other weapons of World War II are in the possession of veterans as "bring back" items. With the number of veterans decreasing rapidly these weapons fall into the possession of the families as illegal weapons, usually unbeknownst to them. Current law does not allow any of these weapons to be registered. Congress is considering an amnesty law which would permit "bring backs" to be registered and thus save these historic and valuable arms. A pristine M1A1 Thompson sold at auction in August 2006 for $28,000.^{[citation needed]}

A number of M1928A1s are still retained in the former Soviet Union. These were provided as lend lease, but as the Red Army standardized on the PPSh-41; many were either kept or replaced in storage. Some have recently been demilitarized by cutting the receiver, and imported into the US as spare parts kits.

[edit] See also

• submachine gun
• M3 submachine gun
• M50 Reising submachine gun

[edit] References

1. ^ Ray Bearse, "The Thompson Submachine Gun: Weapon of War and Peace", in Murtz, Gun Digest Treasury (DBI Books, 1994), p.210
2. ^ Development of the Thompson Submachine gun 1996-2006, Gary James
3. ^ Fitzsimons, Bernard. Encyclopedia of Weapons and Warfare (Phoebus, 1977), Volume 23, p.2487
4. ^ Fitzsimons, ibid.
5. ^ Fitzsimons, op. cit., Volume 3, p.272
6. ^ Gudmundsson, Bruce, Stormtroop Tactics: Innovation in the German Army, 1914-1918, Praeger Press, 1995
7. ^ Bearse, op. cit., p.213
8. ^ Dunlap, Roy F., Ordnance Went Up Front, Samworth Press, 1948
9. ^ George, John (Lt.Col), Shots Fired In Anger, Samworth press, 1948
10. ^ Dunlap, Roy F., Ordnance Went Up Front, Samworth Press, 1948
11. ^ George, John (Lt.Col), Shots Fired In Anger, Samworth press, 1948
12. ^ Fitzsimons, op. cit., Volume 23, p.2488
13. ^ Bearse, op. cit., p.220

[edit] Sources

• Wilson, R.K. (1943). Textbook of Automatic Pistols. Small Arms Technical Publishing Company.
• Dunlap, Roy F. (1948). Ordnance Went Up Front. Samworth Press.
• George, John (Lt. Col). (1948). Shots Fired In Anger. Samworth Press.
• Nelson, Thomas B. (1963). The World's Submachine Guns, Volume I. International Small Arms Publishers.
• Helmer, William J. (1969). The Gun That Made The Twenties Roar. MacMillan, also Gun Room Press.
• Weeks, John. (1980). World War II Small Arms. Galahad Books.
• Cox, Roger A. (1982). The Thompson Submachine Gun. Law Enforcement Ordnance Company.
• Bannan, James F. and Hill, Tracie L. (1989). Notes On Auto-Ordnance. South West Publishing Co.
• Hogg, Ian V. and Weeks, John. (1989). Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. DBI Books Inc.
• Huon, Jean. (1995). Les pistolets-mitrailleurs Thompson. Barnett Editions, also Editions Crepin-LeBlond.
• Gudmundsson, Bruce. (1995). Stormtroop Tactics: Innovation in the German Army, 1914–1918. Praeger Press.
• Hill, Tracie L. (1996). Thompson: The American Legend. Collector Grade Publications.
• Herigstad, Gordon. (1996). Colt Thompson Serial Numbers. Self Published.
• (Portuguese) Olive, Ronaldo. (1996). Guia Internacional de Submetralhadoras. Editora Magnum Ltda.
• Ellis, Chris. (1998). The Thompson Submachine Gun. Military Book Club.
• Iannamico, Frank. (2000). American Thunder: The Military Thompson Submachine Gun. Moose Lake Publishing.
• Iannamico, Frank. (2004). American Thunder II: The Military Thompson Submachine Gun. Moose Lake Publishing.
• Iannamico, Frank. (2004). United States Submachine Guns. Moose Lake Publishing.
• Burrough, Bryan. (2004). Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI. The Penguin Press.
• Albert, David and Sig, Mike. (2005). Thompson Manuals, Catalogs, and Other Paper Items. Self Published.
• Smith, Charles H. A brief story of Auto-Ordnance Company.
• Shevaan Jayasinghe "Guns and Guns Magazine"

The Thompson is a very well-made, expensive, and heavy submachine gun.  In fact, it was TOO WELL made in its M1921 and M1928/A1 configurations.  It was redesigned in 1942 to the M1 and later to the M1A1 versions to cut down production time.  However, it could never compete with the M3/M3A1 stamped steel submachine guns that superseded it.

 

From a functional standpoint, the Thompson magazine is far supperior to the follow-on M3 SMG.  Thompson magazines are double cloumn and feed flawlessly.  By contrast, the M3 magazines start out as double column and then taper to a single column feed.  Thompson magazines are found in 20 and 30 round capacities; the M3 uses a 30 round.  Thompson and M3 magazines do not interchange.

 

Early M1921 and M1928/A1 guns also used drum magazines.  There was a very rare 100-round drum and the more common 50-round drum.  A loaded 50-round drum was heavy.  When inserted into the M1921 or M1928/A1 gun, all-up weight was 15 pounds -- or the weight of the more powerful M1918 BAR!  The Drums were expensive and labor intensive to make.  When the Thompson was redesigned to become the M1, the provision to take the drum magazine was deleted.  By that time, production of the drum was ending because the "stick" magazines were simpler and more efficient.