When was the Thompson Machine Gun Made?
The Thompson machine gun, also known as the "Tommy Gun," is one of the most iconic and recognizable machine guns in history. Its design and development have a fascinating story, which dates back to the early 20th century. In this article, we will explore the origins and timeline of the Thompson machine gun’s creation.
Early Development
The Thompson machine gun was designed by John T. Thompson, an American inventor and businessman, in the early 1900s. Thompson was a mechanical engineer and had a passion for designing and inventing new machinery. In the late 1890s, he began working on a submachine gun, which he called the "Annihilator." The Annihilator was a semi-automatic weapon that fired.45 caliber rounds and was designed for use in combat.
The Birth of the Thompson Machine Gun
In 1915, Thompson began working on a new design for a machine gun that would eventually become the Thompson machine gun. The new design was inspired by the Italian Villar-Perosa submachine gun, which Thompson had seen during a visit to Italy. The Villar-Perosa was a fully automatic weapon that fired a.9mm cartridge, and Thompson was impressed by its potential.
Thompson’s new design, which he called the "Model 1918," was a significant improvement over his earlier Annihilator design. The Model 1918 was a fully automatic weapon that fired a.45 caliber cartridge and was designed for use in World War I. The gun was tested by the U.S. military in 1918, but it was rejected due to its high production cost and the fact that it was not deemed necessary for use on the battlefield.
Post-War Development
After World War I, Thompson continued to refine his design, and in 1920, he founded the Auto-Ordnance Corporation to manufacture his machine gun. The company was located in Hartford, Connecticut, and Thompson worked tirelessly to improve the design and reduce its production cost.
The Thompson Submachine Gun
In 1921, Thompson introduced the Thompson submachine gun, which became known as the "Tommy Gun." The Thompson submachine gun was a significant improvement over earlier designs, with a higher rate of fire and a more reliable mechanism. The gun was designed for use in close-quarters combat and was popular among gangsters and law enforcement agencies during the Prohibition era.
Key Features
Here are some key features of the Thompson submachine gun:
- Caliber:.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)
- Rate of fire: 600-800 rounds per minute
- Magazine capacity: 50-100 rounds
- Weight: 10-12 pounds
- Length: 33-40 inches
Table: Specifications of the Thompson Submachine Gun
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Rate of fire | 600-800 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 50-100 rounds |
| Weight | 10-12 pounds |
| Length | 33-40 inches |
Impact and Legacy
The Thompson submachine gun had a significant impact on the development of machine guns and submachine guns. Its design and performance influenced the development of later machine guns, such as the Uzi and the M16. The Thompson submachine gun also played a significant role in American history, particularly during the Prohibition era and the gang wars of the 1920s and 1930s.
Conclusion
The Thompson machine gun was made in the early 20th century by John T. Thompson, an American inventor and businessman. The gun underwent significant development and refinement over the years, with the Thompson submachine gun being introduced in 1921. The Thompson submachine gun became a symbol of the Prohibition era and played a significant role in American history. Today, the Thompson machine gun remains an iconic symbol of American military and law enforcement history.
