Thompson Submachine Gun

©2012 Soldiers Memorial

Length: 33.75 in.
Empty Weight: 10 lbs
Barrel Length: 10.5 in.
Rate of Fire: 800 rpm
Magazine: 18/20/30 round box
                   50/100 round drum

• Developed by John T. Thompson in the early 1920s, from whom it takes its more commonly known nickname of "Tommy Gun".
• Also known as the "Trench Broom".
• This weapon is the military version of the Prohibition era gun that has been much popularized by the media.
• A reliable weapon that surpassed other submachine guns in field conditions.
• Widely used by U.S. and Allied Soldiers after 1939.
• Major drawback was its heavy weight, but it was ideal for close-range fighting, particularly trench warfare, because of its excellent stopping power.
• The M3 "Grease Gun" was meant by the U.S. military to be the Tommy Gun's replacement, but design and approval delays led to the Thompson being used throughout WWII.

References:
Fowler, Will, Anthony North, and Charles Stronge. 2011. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of

Pistols, Revolvers, and Submachine Guns. Leicestershire, UK: Hermes House.