I Have This Old Gun - Thompson M1A1 Submachine Gun

Published on February 11, 2016
Duration: 4:37

This video details the Thompson M1A1 submachine gun, a simplified and more affordable variant of the earlier M1921 and M1928 models. It highlights the design changes made by Savage Arms for faster and cheaper production during WWII, including the removal of cooling fins, compensator, and the Blish lock, and the switch to box magazines. The M1A1 was issued to personnel needing significant firepower quickly, seeing service throughout the war in both European and Pacific theaters.

Quick Summary

The Thompson M1A1 submachine gun was a simplified, more affordable variant developed during WWII by Savage Arms. It removed features like cooling fins and the Blish lock, and switched to box magazines, making it faster and cheaper to produce. It was issued to troops needing rapid, substantial firepower, seeing service globally.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Early Thompson Models
  2. 00:23The M1A1 Thompson
  3. 00:33General John Thompson's Vision
  4. 00:55The Blish Lock Mechanism
  5. 01:28WWII Production: Auto-Ordnance & Savage
  6. 01:36Savage's Design Simplification
  7. 01:53M1A1 Design Features
  8. 02:03Magazine Differences
  9. 02:15Savage Prototype & Adoption
  10. 02:31Identifying M1A1 vs. M1928
  11. 02:40Bolt Handle Location
  12. 02:47M1A1 Military Issuance
  13. 03:07Comparison to M1 Carbine
  14. 03:12Theater of Operations
  15. 03:19Production Numbers
  16. 03:31Reliability Factors
  17. 04:01Post-War Economy & Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main differences between the Thompson M1A1 and earlier models like the M1928?

The M1A1 was a simplification for faster, cheaper production. Key differences include the removal of cooling fins, a compensator, and the Blish lock. It also exclusively uses box magazines, unlike the drum magazines compatible with earlier models. The bolt handle moved from the top to the side of the receiver.

Who developed the simplified design for the Thompson M1A1?

Designers at Savage Arms Corporation recognized that certain aspects of the original Thompson design could be eliminated to produce the firearm at a more affordable price and more quickly. Their prototype was ultimately adopted by the American military.

What was the purpose of the Blish lock in early Thompson submachine guns?

The Blish lock was designed by John Blish to create a delayed blowback action. It involved a block of bronze and steel that interlocked, providing a split-second delay as friction between the metals allowed the bolt to cycle, though it was later found to be unnecessary for operation.

Who was typically issued the Thompson M1A1 submachine gun during World War II?

The M1A1 was issued to personnel who needed a significant amount of firepower quickly and were not armed with a standard rifle. This included roles like scouts and vehicle drivers, providing more firepower than a .30 caliber M1 carbine.

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