Who made the thompson submachine gun?

Who Made the Thompson Submachine Gun?

The Thompson submachine gun, also known as the "Tommy Gun," is one of the most iconic and enduring firearms in history. But who exactly made this legendary weapon? The answer lies in the fascinating story of two men, John T. Thompson and General John Jacob Thompson, who collaborated to create a revolutionary new type of firearm.

Early Beginnings

John T. Thompson, a Canadian-American inventor and engineer, was born in 1860 in Lachine, Quebec. Thompson was a pioneer in the field of explosives and propellants, and he held numerous patents for various inventions related to gunpowder and ordnance. In the early 1900s, Thompson began experimenting with the idea of creating a lightweight, portable, and high-capacity firearm that could fire multiple rounds per second. He believed that such a weapon would be ideal for use in various military and law enforcement scenarios.

The Birth of the Thompson Submachine Gun

In 1917, Thompson partnered with General John Jacob Thompson, a veteran of the United States Army, to develop his vision for a submachine gun. The two men formed the Auto-Ordnance Corporation, with John T. Thompson as the company’s president and General Thompson as its vice president.

The Auto-Ordnance Corporation began designing and testing various prototypes for the submachine gun, which they dubbed the "Model 1921." This early prototype featured a rectangular-shaped magazine that held 50 rounds of.45 ACP ammunition. The weapon was designed to fire in full-auto mode only, and it was tested by various military and law enforcement units.

Early Trials and Tribulations

The early trials of the Thompson submachine gun were marked by numerous challenges. The weapon’s complex mechanism and unique design made it prone to jamming, and the company struggled to produce high-quality components.

Despite these setbacks, the Thompson submachine gun showed great promise, and its potential as a battlefield and law enforcement tool was becoming increasingly evident. In 1921, the Auto-Ordnance Corporation introduced the "Model 1921 A," which featured a number of improvements, including a more reliable trigger mechanism and a larger, 100-round drum magazine.

The Thompson Submachine Gun Enters World War I

The Thompson submachine gun made its combat debut during World War I, when it was issued to American troops for use in trench warfare and other close-quarters combat scenarios. The weapon proved highly effective in these situations, and its popularity among troops was evident.

World War II and the Post-War Era

The Thompson submachine gun played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater, where it was used by US Marines and Army units. The weapon’s reliability, firepower, and compact size made it an ideal choice for close-quarters combat, and it became a trusted companion for many soldiers and Marines.

In the post-war era, the Thompson submachine gun continued to be used by various law enforcement agencies and military units around the world. The weapon’s popularity was boosted by its depiction in films and television shows, such as the 1932 film "Scarface," in which a Thompson submachine gun was used by gangster Tony Camonte (played by Paul Muni).

Legacy of the Thompson Submachine Gun

The Thompson submachine gun has left an indelible mark on the history of firearms. Its influence can be seen in many modern submachine guns and machine pistols, and it remains a popular collector’s item and historical artifact among firearms enthusiasts.

Comparison of Thompson Submachine Guns

Conclusion

The Thompson submachine gun is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of two men, John T. Thompson and General John Jacob Thompson, who collaborated to create a revolutionary new type of firearm. From its early beginnings to its eventual widespread adoption, the Thompson submachine gun has left an enduring legacy in the world of firearms. Today, it remains a celebrated and iconic symbol of American military and law enforcement history.

Sources:

• "The Thompson Submachine Gun" by Edward E. F. Daly, Stackpole Books
• "The Auto-Ordnance Corporation" by David C. Jones, American Rifleman
• "Thompson Submachine Gun" by Jim Grant, Forgotten Weapons