Video: M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun

by
posted on February 26, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The U.S.-made Thompson Submachine Gun was developed by Gen. John T. Thompson, who envisioned a "one-man, hand-held machine gun" in .45 ACP for use in the ongoing trench warfare of World War I. But the war ended before prototypes could be shipped to Europe. At the start of World War II, the Thompson was the only submachine gun commercially available to the Allies. But the guns were expensive to make. Savage and Auto-Ornance simplified the gun inside and out and made it cheaper and faster to make. The result was the M1 and later the M1A1 Thompson. It turns out the "Blish principle of metallic adhesion" didn't really matter.

To learn more about the iconic Thompson M1A1 Submachine Gun, watch this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.

Latest

Clockwork Basilisk Book Review F
Clockwork Basilisk Book Review F

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Preview: BKL Technologies Model 260

BKL Technologies is a well-regarded manufacturer of scope mounts and rings for airguns and rimfire rifles in particular, offering several different lines of products depending on the optic and mounting interface being used.

Gun Of The Week: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

We're on the range with one of the most iconic rimfires in America–only this time, it's got a high-tech twist. This is the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber, a lightweight and modernized take on a classic plinker.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.