Thompson's .30-06 1923 Autorifle: Blish Strikes Again

Published on August 22, 2018
Duration: 16:21

This entry details the Thompson M1923 Autorifle, a candidate in the 1924 US military rifle trials. It highlights the innovative Blish lock mechanism, a delayed blowback system, and discusses the rifle's variants, manufacturing by Colt, and its ultimate failure due to design flaws like violent ejection and excessive weight. The information is presented with historical context and technical detail.

Quick Summary

The Thompson M1923 Autorifle, developed by General John Thompson, utilized the Blish principle, a delayed blowback system. Despite its innovative mechanism, the rifle suffered from violent ejection, required oiled cartridges for reliability, and was heavy and poorly balanced, ultimately failing US military trials.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: M1923 Thompson Autorifle
  2. 02:08Rifle Variants and Magazines
  3. 03:21The Blish Principle and Mechanism
  4. 06:39Ejection and Design Flaws
  5. 08:49Manufacturing and Markings
  6. 13:26Trial History and Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Blish principle used in the Thompson 1923 Autorifle?

The Blish principle is a delayed blowback mechanism. It uses the theory that dissimilar metals under high pressure will 'stick' together, retarding the bolt's opening cycle until chamber pressure safely decreases. This was implemented with a brass plug in the bolt carrier.

What were the main variants of the Thompson 1923 Autorifle?

Two primary variants existed: an infantry rifle configuration featuring a light barrel and a fixed 5-round magazine, and a light machine gun variant with a heavier barrel and a 20-round detachable magazine.

Why did the Thompson 1923 Autorifle ultimately fail to be adopted by the US military?

Despite its innovative Blish lock, the M1923 Autorifle suffered from significant drawbacks including violent ejection, a need for oiled cartridges, excessive weight, poor balance, and a complex disassembly. It also failed an endurance test when the bolt broke.

Who manufactured the Thompson 1923 Autorifle?

The Thompson 1923 Autorifle was manufactured by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company for the Auto-Ordnance Corporation. General John Thompson hoped the association with Colt would enhance its chances in military trials.

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