I Have This Old Gun: M1/M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun
This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" focuses on the M1 and M1A1 Thompson submachine guns, highlighting their development as a cost-effective wartime expedient compared to the earlier, more expensive M1928A1 model. It details design simplifications, such as the elimination of the Blish locking system for a blowback operation, removal of barrel cooling fins, Cutts compensator, and complex sights, along with the switch to stick magazines. The evolution leading to the M1A1, featuring a further simplified fire-control mechanism, is also discussed. The video emphasizes the widespread use of the M1 Thompson by various branches of the U.S. military and its allies during World War II, particularly in the Pacific theater.










