Difference between revisions of "Thompson Light Rifle"

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The '''Thompson Light Rifle''' was an attempt by [[Auto-Ordnance Company]] to manufacture a [[light rifle|US Light Rifle Trials]] for the United States Armed Forces.
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[[File:Thompson-light-rifle-30-carbine-submachine-gun-smg-prototype-firearmwiki-firearm-wiki.png|frame|right|A photo of the prototype Thompson Light Rifle, based on their M1921/27 SMG. It was chambered in .30 Carbine.]]
  
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The '''Thompson Light Rifle''' was an attempt by [[Auto-Ordnance Company]] to manufacture a [[light rifle|US Light Rifle Trials]] for the United States Armed Forces around 1941. It was one of several designs submitted by the company during these trials.
  
 
== Design ==
 
== Design ==
  
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The weapon was largely based on their tried and true [[Thompson submachine gun|submachine gun]] (M1921/27 variants) chambered in [[.45 ACP]], however the Thompson Light Rifle is instead chambered in [[.30 Carbine]]. It apparently worked well, but was too complex and costly to make, as well as too heavy to fit the U.S. military's requirements for a new "light rifle".
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The weapon was directly based on their tried and true [[Thompson submachine gun]] (M1921/27 variants) originally chambered in [[.45 ACP]], however the Thompson Light Rifle is instead chambered in [[.30 Carbine]] as was required for the light rifle trials. It apparently worked well, but was too complex and costly to make, as well as too heavy to fit the U.S. military's requirements for their new "light rifle" concept.
  
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The only major differences from the Light Rifle and SMG was the barrel shroud which housed a quick barrel change device similar to the [[MG42]] and pressed steel components to ease production and reduce weight. The in-line stock reduced barrel climb improving accuracy. The Thompson Light Rifle was more reliable and accurate than the [[M1 Carbine]] that was adopted and also came with the capability of select fire, which made it close to the likes of the [[StG-44]].
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== Specifications ==
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* '''Cartridge:''' [[.30 Carbine]]
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* '''Action:''' Semi-automatic (Delayed Blowback)
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* '''Fire Rate:''' 600-1200 RPM
 +
 
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* '''Capacity:''' 20 or 30 round box magazines.
 +
 
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* '''Weight:''' Over 10 lbs.
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 +
== Similar Designs & Confusions..? ==
  
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Auto-Ordnance also submitted two other models not based on the Thompson SMG for tests in the .30 Carbine competitions in May and June, 1941. Their first Light Rifle was a more conventional rifle with recoil-operated locked-breech action and weighed about 5.5 pounds. The modified version tested September, 1941 was semi-auto only, had 80 parts, and was found difficult to disassemble and reassemble.<ref>Larry Ruth, ''M1 Carbine: Design, Development & Production'', Gun Room Press, 1979, {{ISBN|0-88227-020-6}}, pp. 20, 21.</ref>
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[[File:Hyde-M1944-Submachine-Gun-30-Carbine-Prototype.png|frame|right|A submachine gun prototype designed by George Hyde around 1944, chambered in .30 carbine.]]
  
 +
The [[Hyde M1944]] was a very similar design by [[George Hyde]], which was based on the M1921/27 Thompson, and is also chambered in .30 Carbine. It also featured a quick change barrel system which seems to have been directly copied from the German [[MG 42]], as well as select-fire capability. It appears that this model is (incorrectly?) labeled as the "Thompson Light Rifle", but in actuality, it appears to be a copy of a Thompson, but one that was not directly designed / produced by Auto-Ordnance. More info is definitely needed to clear up the confusion. However, photos from Aberdeen do caption that mystery gun as a "Hyde Submachine Gun, Cal. .30 Carbine".
  
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== Specifications ==
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== See Also ==
 +
 
 +
=== Video / Overview ===
 +
 
 +
[[Ian McCallum]] of [[Forgotten Weapons]] gives a quick overview of the Thompson Light Rifle in the YouTube video below.
 +
 
 +
<youtube>https://youtu.be/lW-IjtiVthc</youtube>
 +
 
 +
== Help Support FirearmWiki ==
 +
 
 +
We have a number of ways you can help to support FirearmWiki, including various affiliates. If you're already in the market for products below, it would help tremendously if you'd consider using our links to buy! They'll give us a commission at ''zero'' extra cost to you! Thanks so much for your support!
  
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Cartridge: [[.30 Carbine]]
+
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=366d8fa6-2a72-4d59-bc31-583f74cfd91b&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpalmettostatearmory.com Palmetto State Armory]''' - A major retailer for everything gun-related. Firearms, ammo in all major calibers, and unbeatable deals on AR-15 kits & pre-builts.
  
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Action: Delayed Blowback
+
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=ccf799bb-c286-463f-875f-afb0e1403bbf&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrueshotgunclub.com%2F True Shot Gun Club]''' - An online retailer that specializes in bulk ammunition in all major calibers, including 9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62x39, 12 gauge and many more.
  
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Fire Rate: 600-1200 RPM
+
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=855e0b56-67a2-40d0-aa2b-a0764ca94489&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brownells.com%2F Brownells]''' - Founded in 1939, Brownells is a one-stop shop for all things firearms, ammunition, reloading & gunsmithing supplies, and more.
  
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Capacity: 20 or 30 round box magazines.
+
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=806ac938-724b-4e8d-949a-7c5ea0848249&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgritrsports.com%2F GritrSports]''' - A growing retailer who carries all kinds of firearms, ammunition, and various gear and accesories.
  
 +
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=c57f7b35-5796-4cf2-9f7e-d6ef5a436261&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgunmagwarehouse.com%2F GunMag Warehouse]''' - Specializing primarily in firearm magazines, ammo in all major calibers, as well as accessories & more!
  
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== Similar Designs & Confusions..? ==
+
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=7836b932-5558-422d-b3bd-f1167295a1bb&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spartanarmorsystems.com%2F Spartan Armor Systems]''' - One of the leading manufacturers of various body armor, as well as steel shooting targets.
  
−
The [[Hyde M1944]] was a very similar design by [[George Hyde]], which was based on the M1921/27 Thompson, and is also chambered in .30 Carbine. It also featured a quick change barrel system which seems to have been directly copied from the German [[MG 42]], as well as select-fire capability. It appears that this model is (incorrectly?) labeled as the "Thompson Light Rifle", but in actuality, it appears to be a copy of a Thompson, but one that was not directly designed / produced by Auto-Ordnance. More info is needed on this.  
+
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=47ec7bc0-1638-4806-a92b-a0a68166ad5d&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackovis.com%2F Black Ovis]''' - Specializes primarily in hunting gear and various hunting supplies, including archery, camping etc.
  
 +
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=bcb477af-5b50-448e-9f25-6195cb7195ff&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aeroprecisionusa.com%2F Aero Precision]''' - A major maanufacturer of AR-15's, offered in a variety of calibers.
  
 +
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=5550b658-822e-4050-b92d-c615dd5dc624&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stagarms.com Stag Arms]''' - A manufacturer of AR-15 type firearms, available in various major calibers.
  
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== References ==
+
* '''[https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=97338a88-d4bb-4c59-a4b9-32eba2511bd2&website_id=c4332a1e-8005-46c7-83f5-381bd1eedc06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.airgundepot.com%2F Airgun Depot]''' - A major source for ''all'' things airguns & accessories, including ammo, CO2 cartridges, optics, targets & more.
−
{{reflist}}
 
  
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== External links ==
+
* '''[https://amzn.to/3TtjfRF Amazon.com]''' - Our Amazon affiliate link. We'll get a small kickback for ''any'' purchase you make, at ''no'' extra cost to you!
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100318044706/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/thompsoncarbine.htm Thompson "Light Rifle" (M1 Carbine) Prototype]
 
  
 
[[Category: Prototype Firearms]]
 
[[Category: Prototype Firearms]]

Latest revision as of 23:34, 23 May 2023

A photo of the prototype Thompson Light Rifle, based on their M1921/27 SMG. It was chambered in .30 Carbine.

The Thompson Light Rifle was an attempt by Auto-Ordnance Company to manufacture a US Light Rifle Trials for the United States Armed Forces around 1941. It was one of several designs submitted by the company during these trials.

Design

The weapon was directly based on their tried and true Thompson submachine gun (M1921/27 variants) originally chambered in .45 ACP, however the Thompson Light Rifle is instead chambered in .30 Carbine as was required for the light rifle trials. It apparently worked well, but was too complex and costly to make, as well as too heavy to fit the U.S. military's requirements for their new "light rifle" concept.

Specifications

  • Action: Semi-automatic (Delayed Blowback)
  • Fire Rate: 600-1200 RPM
  • Capacity: 20 or 30 round box magazines.
  • Weight: Over 10 lbs.

Similar Designs & Confusions..?

A submachine gun prototype designed by George Hyde around 1944, chambered in .30 carbine.

The Hyde M1944 was a very similar design by George Hyde, which was based on the M1921/27 Thompson, and is also chambered in .30 Carbine. It also featured a quick change barrel system which seems to have been directly copied from the German MG 42, as well as select-fire capability. It appears that this model is (incorrectly?) labeled as the "Thompson Light Rifle", but in actuality, it appears to be a copy of a Thompson, but one that was not directly designed / produced by Auto-Ordnance. More info is definitely needed to clear up the confusion. However, photos from Aberdeen do caption that mystery gun as a "Hyde Submachine Gun, Cal. .30 Carbine".

See Also

Video / Overview

Ian McCallum of Forgotten Weapons gives a quick overview of the Thompson Light Rifle in the YouTube video below.

Help Support FirearmWiki

We have a number of ways you can help to support FirearmWiki, including various affiliates. If you're already in the market for products below, it would help tremendously if you'd consider using our links to buy! They'll give us a commission at zero extra cost to you! Thanks so much for your support!

  • Palmetto State Armory - A major retailer for everything gun-related. Firearms, ammo in all major calibers, and unbeatable deals on AR-15 kits & pre-builts.
  • True Shot Gun Club - An online retailer that specializes in bulk ammunition in all major calibers, including 9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62x39, 12 gauge and many more.
  • Brownells - Founded in 1939, Brownells is a one-stop shop for all things firearms, ammunition, reloading & gunsmithing supplies, and more.
  • GritrSports - A growing retailer who carries all kinds of firearms, ammunition, and various gear and accesories.
  • GunMag Warehouse - Specializing primarily in firearm magazines, ammo in all major calibers, as well as accessories & more!
  • Spartan Armor Systems - One of the leading manufacturers of various body armor, as well as steel shooting targets.
  • Black Ovis - Specializes primarily in hunting gear and various hunting supplies, including archery, camping etc.
  • Aero Precision - A major maanufacturer of AR-15's, offered in a variety of calibers.
  • Stag Arms - A manufacturer of AR-15 type firearms, available in various major calibers.
  • Airgun Depot - A major source for all things airguns & accessories, including ammo, CO2 cartridges, optics, targets & more.
  • Amazon.com - Our Amazon affiliate link. We'll get a small kickback for any purchase you make, at no extra cost to you!
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