When was tommy gun invented?

When was the Tommy Gun Invented?

The Tommy Gun, also known as the Thompson submachine gun, is one of the most iconic and feared weapons of the 20th century. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, and its invention is closely tied to the development of modern warfare.

Early Development

The concept of a fully automatic firearm dates back to the late 19th century. In the 1890s, inventors such as Hiram Maxim and John Browning experimented with automatic firearms, but they were often cumbersome and unreliable. In the early 1900s, the development of machine guns and submachine guns gained momentum.

The Birth of the Tommy Gun

In 1916, John T. Thompson, an American inventor and engineer, began working on a new type of fully automatic firearm. Thompson, who had previously developed a number of innovative firearms, including the Thompson-Californian rifle, set out to create a weapon that could fire a large number of rounds quickly and accurately.

The First Prototype

Thompson’s first prototype, known as the "Annihilator," was a bulky and unreliable weapon that fired 200 rounds per minute. However, Thompson continued to refine his design, and in 1918, he developed a new prototype that fired 600 rounds per minute and was more reliable.

The Tommy Gun Takes Shape

In 1920, Thompson formed the Auto-Ordnance Corporation and began mass-producing his submachine gun. The weapon, which became known as the "Tommy Gun," was designed to fire a.45 ACP cartridge and had a cyclic rate of 600-800 rounds per minute.

The Tommy Gun in Action

The Tommy Gun saw its first major action during the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, when Al Capone’s gang used the weapon to silence rival gang members. The weapon’s effectiveness in this incident helped to cement its reputation as a powerful and intimidating weapon.

Wartime Service

During World War II, the Tommy Gun was used by the United States military, particularly by the US Marine Corps. The weapon was effective in close-quarters combat and was used by soldiers, sailors, and airmen alike.

Post-War Legacy

After the war, the Tommy Gun continued to be used by law enforcement and organized crime groups. The weapon’s popularity declined in the 1950s and 1960s, as more modern firearms became available.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Tommy Gun:

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• The Tommy Gun was originally designed for use in trench warfare during World War I.
• The weapon was also known as the "Chicago Typewriter" due to its association with organized crime in the city.
• The Tommy Gun was used by the US military during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
• The weapon was also used by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Specifications

Here are the specifications for the Tommy Gun:

Conclusion

The Tommy Gun, also known as the Thompson submachine gun, was invented in the early 20th century by John T. Thompson. The weapon’s development was marked by a series of prototypes and refinements, and it saw its first major action during the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929. The Tommy Gun continued to be used by the US military and law enforcement agencies throughout the 20th century, and its legacy as a powerful and intimidating weapon remains to this day.

References

• "The Tommy Gun: A History" by Robert S. N. P. Chretien
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• "Thompson Submachine Gun" by Military Factory
• "The Thompson Submachine Gun" by Small Arms Review
• "John T. Thompson: Inventor of the Tommy Gun" by American History

Note: The above article is a general overview of the Tommy Gun’s history and specifications. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or technical analysis of the weapon.