The Thompson 1921, also known as the 'Chicago Typewriter,' was the first production submachine gun from Auto-Ordnance. Despite its innovative design, including the flawed Blish Principle, its high price point limited early sales primarily to law enforcement and banks. The Model 1921AC featured a Cutts Compensator and offered various magazine options, though the 100-round drum was cumbersome.
The Thompson 1923 Autorifle, a contender in the 1924 US military rifle trials, utilized the Blish principle for delayed blowback operation. Despite its innovative design, it suffered from significant drawbacks including violent ejection, a need for oiled cartridges, and a complex, heavy, and poorly balanced construction. Ultimately, a bolt failure during an endurance test sealed its fate against the more practical Garand.
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