Changes

[[File:M1A1.gif|thumb|right|250px|{{Center|Thompson submachine gun, model M1A1}}]]

[[File:M1A1.gif|thumb|right|250px|{{Center|Thompson submachine gun, model M1A1}}]]

The '''Thompson submachine gun''', also known as the '''Tommy gun''', was an early [[submachine gun]] design. It was [[Popularity|popular]] among [[Soldier|soldiers]], [[police]], and [[Civilian|civilians]] alike. It was invented by [[Brigadier General]] [[John T. Thompson]] at the end of [[World War I]] as a "trench-broom" weapon, or a weapon that could clear out [[Trench warfare|trenches]] very quickly. The war ended before the submachine gun could be used in [[battle]].  

The '''Thompson submachine gun''', also known as the '''Tommy gun and Chicago typewriter,''' was an early [[submachine gun]] design. It was [[Popularity|popular]] among [[Soldier|soldiers]], [[police]], and [[Civilian|civilians]] alike. It was invented by [[Brigadier General]] [[John T. Thompson]] at the end of [[World War I]] as a "trench-broom" weapon, or a weapon that could clear out [[Trench warfare|trenches]] very quickly. The war ended before the submachine gun could be used in [[battle]].  

In 1919, General Thompson had the [[company]] he [[found|found]]ed, [[Auto-Ordnance Company]], modify the gun for civilian use.<ref name="OA">{{cite web |url=http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao-thompson-submachine-gun.asp |title=Thompson Submachine Gun |publisher=Auto-Ordnance |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=9 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709144155/http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao-thompson-submachine-gun.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> The gun was classified as a submachine gun, meaning a small, fully [[Automatic firearm|automatic]], hand-held gun that fires [[pistol]] [[ammunition]].<ref name="OA" /> It remains an [[iconic]] firearm that is very popular with [[Collecting|collectors]].{{efn|An original Thompson manufactured by Colt with original parts will bring about $35,000 in "excellent" condition.<ref name=PetersonGD>{{cite web |url=http://www.gundigest.com/gun-blogs/books/gun-collecting-the-venerable-thompson-submachine-gun |title=Gun Collecting: The Venerable Thompson Submachine Gun |author=Corrina Peterson |date=12 March 2013 |publisher=Gun Digest |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref> In "very good" to "good" condition, it can be worth $20,000.<ref name=PetersonGD/> The same gun in "fair" condition can be worth $20,000.<ref name=PetersonGD/> Having a low [[serial number]] or with good [[documentation]] will bring much higher prices.<ref name=PetersonGD/>}} It fires [[.45 ACP]] caliber bullets, an effective and accurate combat bullet against [[human]] targets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://45acp.us/content/view/14/30/ |title=45 ACP History |publisher=45ACP |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref>

In 1919, General Thompson had the [[company]] he [[found|found]]ed, [[Auto-Ordnance Company]], modify the gun for civilian use.<ref name="OA">{{cite web |url=http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao-thompson-submachine-gun.asp |title=Thompson Submachine Gun |publisher=Auto-Ordnance |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=9 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709144155/http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao-thompson-submachine-gun.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> The gun was classified as a submachine gun, meaning a small, fully [[Automatic firearm|automatic]], hand-held gun that fires [[pistol]] [[ammunition]].<ref name="OA" /> It remains an [[iconic]] firearm that is very popular with [[Collecting|collectors]].{{efn|An original Thompson manufactured by Colt with original parts will bring about $35,000 in "excellent" condition.<ref name=PetersonGD>{{cite web |url=http://www.gundigest.com/gun-blogs/books/gun-collecting-the-venerable-thompson-submachine-gun |title=Gun Collecting: The Venerable Thompson Submachine Gun |author=Corrina Peterson |date=12 March 2013 |publisher=Gun Digest |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref> In "very good" to "good" condition, it can be worth $20,000.<ref name=PetersonGD/> The same gun in "fair" condition can be worth $20,000.<ref name=PetersonGD/> Having a low [[serial number]] or with good [[documentation]] will bring much higher prices.<ref name=PetersonGD/>}} It fires [[.45 ACP]] caliber bullets, an effective and accurate combat bullet against [[human]] targets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://45acp.us/content/view/14/30/ |title=45 ACP History |publisher=45ACP |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref>

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4QWrha3HLw Firing a Thompson on full-auto, YouTube]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4QWrha3HLw Firing a Thompson on full-auto, YouTube]

{{Soviet infantry weapons of World War II}}

{{Soviet infantry weapons of World War II}}

[[Category:1919 establishments]]

[[Category:1919 establishments]]

[[Category:Submachine guns]]

[[Category:Submachine guns]]