The Marines' First SMG: 1921/28 Thompson Gun

This review delves into John Thompson's original 1919 prototype submachine gun, the precursor to the iconic 'Tommy Gun'. The prototype, brought to Colt in 1919, featured a .45 ACP caliber, an 'X' serial number, and lacked a stock or sights, serving as the 'pattern gun'. It evolved into the Model 1921, which incorporated a high-polish finish, finned barrel, compensator, stock, and drum magazine compatibility. Early production models were expensive and primarily used by gangsters and law enforcement.

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.

This video compares the 1921 and 1928 Thompson submachine guns, highlighting their differences in rate of fire and controllability. The 1921 model fires at 900 RPM, making it difficult to control, while the 1928 model was modified to a slower 650 RPM for improved handling. The discussion also covers magazine variations and the innovative Blish lock mechanism.

This review covers the iconic Thompson Submachine Gun, detailing its history from WWI design to Prohibition-era fame and WWII modifications. Hickok45 demonstrates its full-auto capability, compares different models (1921 vs. 1928A1), and explains its engineering, including the friction-delayed recoil system and caliber choice of .45 ACP. The video also touches on magazine types, field stripping, and its historical impact on law enforcement and legislation.

This video features a British STEN Gun, a 9mm full-automatic submachine gun. The presenter expresses enjoyment in shooting the STEN Gun and compares the experience to shooting a Thompson submachine gun chambered in .45 ACP. The description also includes links to the creator's various YouTube playlists covering handgun reviews, rifle and shotgun reviews, Second Amendment content, gear and accessory reviews, and range tests, along with social media links.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.