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Thompson M1A1
Thompson M1A1 is a simplified modification of the Thompson submachine gun, developed in 1942 to reduce the cost and speed up production during World War II. It became the main version of the Thompson used by American forces starting in the middle of the war. The M1A1 uses a cartridge .45 ACP (11.43×23 mm), which provides high stopping power over short distances. Unlike earlier models, the M1A1 has a free-gate automation system, which simplifies the design and reduces production costs. The submachine gun is equipped with a box magazine for 20 or 30 rounds, which makes it more practical for military needs than drum magazines. The M1A1 has a high rate of fire — about 600-700 rounds per minute, which makes it effective in close combat. It has a wooden box and handguard, as well as a simplified sight, which makes it more convenient for mass use. The Thompson M1A1 was actively used by American forces in Europe and the Pacific Theater of Operations, as well as supplied to the Allies. Due to its reliability and simplicity, the M1A1 has become one of the most popular submachine guns among soldiers.
Photo of the constructor:
Main features:
Caliber: .45 ACP (11.43×23 mm).
Barrel length: about 267 mm.
Total length: 810 mm.
Weight: 4.8 kg (without cartridges).
Store capacity: A box magazine for 20 or 30 rounds.
Rate of fire: 600-700 rounds per minute.
Aiming range: effective range is 100-150 meters.
Automation type: Blowback operation based on recoil.
Other features:
Simplified design: The M1A1 was designed to reduce production costs and increase reliability. Unlike the Tompson M1928, it did not have a Cutts compensator and a front vertical grip.
Fixed firing pin: In the M1A1, the firing pin was integrated into the bolt, which simplified the design and reduced the likelihood of breakage.
Abandonment of drum magazines: The M1A1 used only box magazines for 20 or 30 rounds, which made it more convenient for military needs.
Reliability: The simplified design increased the reliability of the weapon in the field, which was crucial for soldiers at the front.
Ergonomics: The M1A1 retained its wooden box and pistol grip, making it comfortable to hold and fire.
Mass production: The M1A1 was produced in large quantities and was widely used by the U.S. Army, as well as supplied to the allies under the Lend-Lease program.
Produced: about 1.7–2 million copies.
Advantages:
Simplicity of construction and maintenance.
High reliability in combat conditions.
A powerful cartridge .45 ACP with good stopping power.
Ease of use in close combat.
Disadvantages:
Heavy weight, which made it difficult to carry.
Limited effective range (up to 150 meters).
The relatively high cost of production compared to some other submachine guns of the time.
Interesting facts:
Because of the rate of fire (800-900 rpm) and the characteristic sound, journalists compared it to a typewriter.
In the 1920s, a Thompson cost $200 (about $3,000 today), while a Ford Model T (a car of those years) cost only $260.
Model M1A1 (1942) lost:
barrel casing (to save metal);
side magazine (only the boxed ones for 20 or 30 rounds were left).
In Vietnam, fighters complained that Thompson was getting clogged with mud and losing AK-47 range.
The Germans produced copies of Thompson called MP 750(e) – from captured parts.
Photos:
An American soldier fires a Thompson at a Hawaiian training base, 1944
Polish soldiers return from patrol near the Italian city of Faenza, 1945
Author: Menzies
French commandos in training - reconstruction of the capture of Fort Salber, 1945
Author: Roland Faure
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