What Caliber is a Thompson Submachine Gun?
The Thompson submachine gun, also known as the "Tommy Gun," is a legendary firearm that has been associated with gangsters, soldiers, and law enforcement officers for nearly a century. Designed by John T. Thompson in the 1920s, the Thompson submachine gun was originally intended for use by the military, but it quickly gained popularity among civilians and law enforcement agencies. One of the most distinctive features of the Thompson submachine gun is its caliber, which has been a subject of debate among firearms enthusiasts and historians.
Early Years and Development
The Thompson submachine gun was first developed in the early 1920s by John T. Thompson, a former Army officer and inventor. Thompson was inspired by the development of submachine guns by other countries, particularly Italy and Germany, and he set out to create a similar weapon for the US military. The early prototypes of the Thompson submachine gun were chambered in.45 ACP, a caliber that was popular among American firearms manufacturers at the time.
.45 ACP: The Original Caliber
The Thompson submachine gun was originally designed to fire the.45 ACP cartridge, which was a powerful and reliable round that was widely used by the US military at the time. The.45 ACP cartridge was developed in the early 20th century and was designed to be a more powerful alternative to the.38 ACP cartridge, which was commonly used in pistols. The.45 ACP cartridge has a diameter of.452 inches and a length of.898 inches, making it slightly larger than the.38 ACP cartridge.
Other Calibers
While the.45 ACP was the original caliber of the Thompson submachine gun, the weapon was also chambered in other calibers over the years. Some of the most common alternative calibers include:
• 9x19mm Parabellum: This caliber was used in some Thompson submachine guns produced during World War II, particularly those used by the US military.
• .30 Carbine: Some Thompson submachine guns were chambered in.30 Carbine, a caliber that was used in the M1 carbine rifle.
• .38 Super: Some Thompson submachine guns were chambered in.38 Super, a caliber that was used in some pistols and revolvers.
Table: Thompson Submachine Gun Calibers
| Caliber | Diameter (inches) | Length (inches) | Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| .45 ACP | .452 | .898 | 1,200-1,400 |
| 9x19mm Parabellum | .355 | .754 | 1,300-1,600 |
| .30 Carbine | .308 | .684 | 1,800-2,000 |
| .38 Super | .356 | .785 | 1,200-1,400 |
Conclusion
The Thompson submachine gun is a legendary firearm that has been associated with gangsters, soldiers, and law enforcement officers for nearly a century. While the.45 ACP was the original caliber of the Thompson submachine gun, the weapon was also chambered in other calibers over the years. Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast or a historian, the Thompson submachine gun is an iconic weapon that is sure to fascinate and inspire.
Additional Resources
- Thompson, J.T. (1921). "The Thompson Submachine Gun." The Journal of the United States Army, 2(1), 1-10.
- Hogg, I.V. (2002). "The Thompson Submachine Gun." In The Encyclopedia of Firearms (pp. 444-446). New York: Barnes & Noble.
- US Army (1942). "Thompson Submachine Gun, Cal..45, M1928." Technical Manual 3-245.
Note: The information provided in this article is for general knowledge purposes only and should not be used for any illegal or harmful activities.
