Thompson M 1928A1 - Interesting Operation Video

[Xp29h]

I came across this wartime re-released armorer’s instructional video on the inner workings of the Thompson M1928A1 sub machine gun. Pretty cool to see the engineering that went into this weapon back then. So simple but very effective. I’ve fired one like this many times. The only bad thing about it.....loading the 30 rounders! They go quick!

 

[padam]

Good video.
I think the weapon was more complicated when originally designed. The bolt had a wedge mechanism to dely blowback. The Army kept simplifying it and it still worked as good.
I've never fired one but would sure like to.

 

[Brandy]

Good video.
I think the weapon was more complicated when originally designed. The bolt had a wedge mechanism to dely blowback. The Army kept simplifying it and it still worked as good.
I've never fired one but would sure like to.

They like to "walk" up. Gotta hold some down force...makes them hard to aim.

 

[moparedtn]

If you'd like to delve more into them, Ian at Forgotten Weapons has several videos on all
the different iterations of the Thompson on his YT channel:

 

[Xp29h]

Good video.
I think the weapon was more complicated when originally designed. The bolt had a wedge mechanism to dely blowback. The Army kept simplifying it and it still worked as good.
I've never fired one but would sure like to.

I believe you’re correct. It took some figuring to get it where it is or was.

if you ever get the chance, it’s awesome to fire! Yes, it does like to walk up and right to be specific! It’s not fun loading the 30 round magazines for about 5 seconds of fun, but absolutely worth it!

 

[Dajkzo]

I've fired one on several occasions. In short bursts, it's pretty good at staying on target. Compared to an M14 on full auto the Thompson is a dream. However the Thompson is heavier than the movies let on.

 

[Fran Blacker]

My nephew's kid (13 years old) visiting my bother in law they went to a friends house to visit. This friend major gun nut hey just got a Thompson want to try it? Hell yes so bin law shoots a magazine. Well the friend ask the kid want to try it? So he blasts off a magazine and they have a picture of casing flying when he was shooting. He has experience with guns. They came to visit , saw the picture and said when asked what did you do on vacation shot a Thompson machine gun. How many kids can say that!

 

[66Satellite47]

Clever fellows that designed that!

 

[Xp29h]

I've fired one on several occasions. In short bursts, it's pretty good at staying on target. Compared to an M14 on full auto the Thompson is a dream. However the Thompson is heavier than the movies let on.

Short bursts are certainly easier to stay on target. They are heavier and that’s a good thing. You can come on to it and hold it down and go full auto for 30 and keep it on target. But you’re certainly not going sub 1 MOA! The good thing is you won’t create just 1 wound channel you’ll create many!

 

[Dajkzo]

During most of my service we had the M16-M4 (active 1975-1987, reserves until 2008) and in the end, the M249 SAW was my personal favorite. Like the old Thompson, it was great in close-quarters. Talk about "knock-knock, Avon calling" They both were short/light enough and could put a lot of rounds on target. The M60 and M240 are great (the latter more reliable) but you can not move like rambo in real life. The single biggest issue was always keep all of the weapons clean, that frickin dust and grit in the middle east is a PIA.

 

[AR67GTX]

Thanks for posting - good video!

 

[Budnicks]

cool old guns

Italian/Chicago Typewriter

 

[69a100]

It’s not fun loading the 30 round magazines for about 5 seconds of fun, but absolutely worth it!

If that hurts the pussy, try loading the 100 rounders! Just sayin
13 pounds wouldn't be fun luggin around in Combat, let alone the ammo & mags! Cool video!
Thompson 1927A-1 Long Guns - Auto-Ordnance | Original manufacturer of the world famous "Tommy Gun"

 

[AR67GTX]

I wonder what the muzzle velocity was for the 10.5” barrel version with GI 45 ammo? I wouldn’t think there would have been much to gain from the longer barrel models except a little more sight radius and muzzle weight.