Thompson Submachine Gun M1A1

Published on August 27, 2019
Duration: 17:13

This review of the Thompson M1A1 submachine gun highlights its iconic status and historical significance, particularly in WWII. It details technical differences from the 1928A1 model, such as the charging handle and blowback system. The video assesses its surprisingly accurate 10.52-inch barrel, manageable recoil due to its weight, and a cyclic rate of 700-800 RPM, comparing it favorably to modern SMGs.

Quick Summary

The Thompson M1A1 submachine gun weighs approximately 10 lbs, contributing to manageable recoil with its .45 ACP caliber. It features a 10.52-inch barrel, an effective range of 150 meters, and a cyclic rate of 700-800 RPM. Key differences from the 1928A1 include a side charging handle and direct blowback operation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Shooting Montage
  2. 01:02Thompson M1A1 Overview & History
  3. 02:07M1A1 vs. 1928A1 Differences
  4. 03:26Muzzle and Recoil Analysis
  5. 04:10Barrel Length and Accuracy
  6. 04:34Open Bolt Mechanism Explained
  7. 05:49Receiver and Ergonomics
  8. 06:25Cyclic Rate Discussion
  9. 07:07Weight and Recoil Impulse
  10. 08:46Magazine and Reloading
  11. 09:33Safety and Selector Controls
  12. 11:01Trigger Pull Assessment
  13. 12:15Stock Design and Muzzle Rise
  14. 13:15Comparison to Modern SMGs
  15. 14:38Sights and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Thompson M1A1 and the 1928A1 models?

The M1A1 features a side-mounted charging handle, unlike the 1928A1's top-mounted one. Mechanically, the M1A1 transitioned from the Blish lock system to a simpler direct blowback operation, streamlining production.

How does the weight of the Thompson M1A1 affect its shooting characteristics?

Weighing around 10 lbs, the Thompson M1A1's substantial mass helps significantly in managing recoil. This weight, combined with the .45 ACP caliber, results in a very smooth and controllable shooting experience, even during full-automatic fire.

What is the effective range and cyclic rate of the Thompson M1A1?

The Thompson M1A1 has a 10.52-inch barrel and an effective range of approximately 150 meters. Its cyclic rate is between 700 and 800 rounds per minute.

What are the ergonomic drawbacks of the Thompson M1A1?

A notable ergonomic issue is the non-ergonomic 180-degree rotation required for the safety and fire selectors (Full Auto vs. Single). This design can be less intuitive and slower to operate compared to modern firearm controls.

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