Thompson SMG in 30 Carbine

Published on October 17, 2016
Duration: 6:16

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides an expert examination of an experimental Thompson SMG chambered in .30 Carbine, housed at the Cody Firearms Museum. This prototype, serial number 1, showcases modifications to the receiver and a unique double-stack magazine to accommodate the Winchester-developed cartridge. Despite its potential, the weapon failed military trials primarily due to exceeding the weight requirement.

Quick Summary

An experimental Thompson SMG chambered in .30 Carbine, serial number 1, was developed by Auto-Ordnance as a proof-of-concept. Despite modifications to the receiver and a unique double-stack magazine, it failed military trials due to its excessive weight (10-12 lbs unloaded), failing to meet the 5 lb requirement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the .30 Carbine Thompson
  2. 00:34Development of the .30 Carbine Cartridge
  3. 01:23Auto-Ordnance's Motivation
  4. 02:31Failure in Military Trials
  5. 03:26Receiver Markings and Parts
  6. 04:30Magazine Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the experimental Thompson SMG chambered in .30 Carbine?

This is a rare prototype developed by Auto-Ordnance as a potential backup or proof-of-concept to show the Thompson platform could be adapted for the new .30 Carbine cartridge, though it ultimately failed military trials due to weight.

Why did the experimental Thompson SMG in .30 Carbine fail military trials?

The primary reason for failure was its weight. The prototype weighed 10-12 pounds unloaded, significantly exceeding the military's requirement of 5 pounds or less for light rifles.

What were the key modifications on the experimental Thompson SMG in .30 Carbine?

The receiver was modified and hand-stamped for the .30 Carbine cartridge, and it featured a unique double-stack magazine designed to hold 15-30 rounds of the longer ammunition.

Where is this experimental Thompson SMG prototype located?

This specific prototype, serial number 1, is housed at the Cody Firearms Museum, located in Cody, Wyoming, as part of their extensive collection.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →