Shooting the Thompsons: Comparing the 1921, 21/28, and M1A1

Published on October 17, 2018
Duration: 7:05

This video compares three Thompson submachine gun variants: the 1921, 1921/28, and M1A1, focusing on their rates of fire and shootability. The 1921 fires fastest at 960 rpm and is surprisingly controllable, while the 1921/28 (830 rpm) is slightly harder to manage. The M1A1, with the slowest rate of fire (655 rpm), is deemed the most difficult to control due to its lack of a compensator. The original 1921 is preferred for its shooting experience despite less refined sights.

Quick Summary

The Thompson M1921 fires fastest at 960 rpm and is controllable due to its weight. The 1921/28 (830 rpm) is slightly harder to control, while the M1A1 (655 rpm) is the most difficult due to lack of compensator. The original 1921 is preferred for its shooting feel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Thompson SMG Evolution
  2. 01:17Shooting the Thompson M1921 (960 RPM)
  3. 02:15Shooting the Thompson 1921/28 Overstamp (830 RPM)
  4. 03:07Shooting the Thompson M1A1 (655 RPM)
  5. 04:39Final Assessment & Auction Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rate of fire for the Thompson M1921 submachine gun?

The Thompson M1921 has the highest rate of fire among the compared models, firing at approximately 960 rounds per minute (rpm). Despite this high speed, it's noted for being surprisingly controllable due to its substantial weight.

How does the M1A1 Thompson compare in terms of rate of fire and control?

The M1A1 Thompson, the iconic WWII variant, features the slowest rate of fire at 655 rpm. It is considered the hardest to control of the three models discussed, likely due to the absence of a Cutt's compensator and different ergonomic features.

Why was the 1921/28 Thompson modified?

The 1921/28 Thompson was modified from the original 1921 design primarily to reduce its rate of fire. The modification brought the firing rate down to approximately 830 rpm, aiming for improved handling, though it was found slightly harder to control than the faster 1921.

Which Thompson submachine gun variant did the presenter prefer?

The presenter, Ian McCollum, expressed a preference for the original Thompson 1921 model's shooting experience. This preference was stated despite acknowledging that the 1921 had inferior sights compared to the other variants discussed in the video.

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