M1 Thompson

The M1 Thompson was designed by American Colonel John T. Thompson and manufactured by Savage Arms Corporation in Utica, New York. When World War II started, it was discovered that the previous process of making the Thompson submachine guns proved too complicated and too expensive. The weapon sights were drastically simplified from the original and the magazine capacity was changed from the 50 or 100-round drum to the more acceptable 30-round box. A 20-round box was also made available. The M1 Thompson 'Tommy Gun' went on to achieve a tremendous amount of success, often finding favor with soldiers that preferred it over the British Sten and American M3 Grease Gun that attempted to replace the Thompson. It was put out of service in the early 1960's due to technology advances.