When was the Thompson Submachine Gun Invented?
The Thompson submachine gun, also known as the "Tommy Gun," is one of the most iconic and recognizable firearms in the world. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, when the world was in the midst of World War I. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Thompson submachine gun and answer the question: When was the Thompson submachine gun invented?
Early Development
The concept of a submachine gun, which fires handgun ammunition at a high rate, was not new even in the early 20th century. However, the development of a reliable and practical submachine gun that could be used on the battlefield was still in its infancy. In the years leading up to World War I, several inventors and manufacturers experimented with early versions of submachine guns, but none were fully effective.
John T. Thompson and the Auto-Ordnance Corporation
Enter John T. Thompson, an American inventor and entrepreneur who had made a name for himself in the firearms industry. In 1915, Thompson founded the Auto-Ordnance Corporation, a company dedicated to developing and manufacturing machine guns and other automatic firearms. Thompson was convinced that a submachine gun could be a game-changer on the battlefield, and he set out to create one.
The First Prototype
In 1918, Thompson completed the first prototype of what would become the Thompson submachine gun. The prototype, known as the "Annihilator" or "Annihilator-B," was a large, cumbersome weapon that fired a modified.45 caliber cartridge at a rate of about 600 rounds per minute. While the prototype showed promise, it was not yet ready for mass production.
World War I and the Interwar Period
The Thompson submachine gun did not see action during World War I, as the war ended before it could be fully developed and tested. However, Thompson continued to work on the design, and in the years following the war, he refined the weapon and prepared it for mass production.
The "Tommy Gun" Era
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Thompson submachine gun became known as the "Tommy Gun" due to its association with gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. During this period, the weapon gained a reputation for its reliability, accuracy, and devastating firepower.
The M1921 and M1928 Models
In 1921, the Auto-Ordnance Corporation began mass producing the Thompson submachine gun, with the M1921 model being the first production version. The M1921 was followed by the M1928 model, which became the most widely used version of the weapon during World War II.
World War II and the M1928
During World War II, the Thompson submachine gun saw widespread use by the United States military, particularly in the hands of soldiers and sailors who needed a reliable and compact weapon for close-quarters combat. The M1928 model, with its distinctive drum magazine and heavy barrel, became a staple of American forces and earned a reputation for its ability to take down enemy troops quickly and effectively.
Post-War Legacy
After World War II, the Thompson submachine gun continued to see use in various conflicts around the world, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Although it was eventually replaced by more modern weapons, the Thompson submachine gun remains an iconic symbol of American military history and a testament to the ingenuity of John T. Thompson.
Key Specifications
Here are some key specifications for the Thompson submachine gun:
Specification | M1921 | M1928 |
---|---|---|
Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP |
Barrel Length | 10.5 inches | 10.5 inches |
Rate of Fire | 600-800 rounds per minute | 600-800 rounds per minute |
Magazine Capacity | 50-100 rounds | 50-100 rounds (drum magazine) |
Weight | 12 pounds | 12 pounds |
Length | 29.5 inches | 29.5 inches |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Thompson submachine gun was invented in the early 1920s by John T. Thompson and the Auto-Ordnance Corporation. The weapon underwent several refinements and improvements over the years, including the development of the M1921 and M1928 models, which saw widespread use during World War II. Today, the Thompson submachine gun remains an iconic symbol of American military history and a testament to the ingenuity of its inventor.