Thompson SBR Thompson M1 SBR These are non-firing reproductions of the original Tommy Guns.

Thompson Submachine Gun Cal. .45 M1

"Tommy Gun"

adapted from "THE THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN" by Charles H. Smith

This gun was produced by Auto-Ordnance at Bridgeport, Connecticut, and by Savage at Utica, New York. Army procurement records indicate Auto-Ordnance produced 847,991 guns while Savage produced 539,143. Savage subsequently produced a total of approximately 1,250,000 Thompsons prior to and during World War II. It is reported that Auto-Ordnance total production was slightly over 200,000. Serial numbers of Auto-Ordnance manufacture are preceded by "AO." The Savage productions has the letter "S" preceding serial numbers.

All production guns were fed by a 20-round box magazines although those adapted prior to the M1 series could use 50-round drum magazines.

The Thompson was most popular among specialized troops such as Rangers, Marine Raiders, armored and parachute units. It became somewhat of a status symbol and was eagerly sought after. Even today many veterans consider it the best weapon of WWII.

Pfc. William F. Doty firing a Thompson in a forest near the Siegfried Line in Germany in World War II. (U.S. Army)

Although the Thompson had many good attributes and enjoyed a good reputation, it did have drawbacks. One of the most frequent "grips" was its weight.. more than 10 pounds, heavier than the M1 Garand. As most submachine guns, it was difficult for the average GI to control in full auto fire. Some commanders said it wasn't any good beyond 50 yards. It, like other submachine guns, lacked penetrating power.

The .30 caliber carbine was intended to replace the submachine gun and the .45 pistol, but this goal was never achieved. In close quarters where penetrating power and long range performance were not factors, the Thompson stood out. The Thompson went on to see service in Korea and even some in Viet Nam.

Tommy Gun in twenties and thirties infamy. John Dillinger posing with a Thompson and the wooden pistol he claimed he used in breaking out of the Crown Point, Indiana, jail in 1934. ( Wide World)

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