THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN

THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN
Production history
Designer John T. Thompson
Designed 1917–1919
Manufacturer Auto-Ordnance Company (originally)
Birmingham Small Arms
Colt
Savage Arms
Produced 1921–present
Number built 1,700,000 approx.
Variants Persuader & Annihilator prototypes,
M1921, M1921AC, M1921A,
M1927, M1928, M1928A1,
M1, M1A1
Specifications
Weight 10.8 lb (4.9 kg) empty (M1928A1)
10.6 lb (4.8 kg) empty (M1A1)
Length 33.5 in (851 mm) (M1928A1)
32 in (813 mm) (M1A1/M1)
barrel 10.5 in (267 mm)
barrel with optional Cutts Compensator 12 in (305 mm)
Cartridge .45 ACP (11.43 × 23 mm)
Action Blowback
Rate of fire 600-1200 rpm, depending upon model
Muzzle velocity 920 ft/s (280 m/s)
Feed system 20-round stick/box magazine
30-round stick/box magazine
50-round drum magazine
100-round drum magazine
(M1 and M1A1 models do not accept drum magazines)

The Thompson submachine gun is an American submachine gun, invented by John T. Thompson in 1919 that became infamous during the Prohibition era. It was a common sight of the time, being used by both law enforcement officers and criminals.[1] The Thompson was also known informally as: the "Tommy Gun," the "Trench Broom," the "Trench Sweeper," the "Chicago Piano," the "Chicago Typewriter," and the "Chopper."
The Thompson was favored by soldiers, criminals and police alike for its ergonomics, compactness, large .45 ACP cartridge, and high volume of automatic fire and among civilian collectors for its historical significance.