Gun Reviews
0

THOMPSON 1927A-1

Posted May 26, 2023
Cover Image for THOMPSON 1927A-1

"1928 NAVY"

The Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" is an iconic American submachine gun that has played a significant role in the history of this country. Developed by John T. Thompson in the early 20th century, this weapon was one of the first automatic weapons designed for military use.

This gun has seen action throughout the United States. During the Prohibition era, the Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" served as the weapon of choice for the well-known gangsters of the day. It was also used by both sides in the Spanish Civil War and later by the Allied forces in World War II. This weapon has become synonymous with 20th century American history and is still a popular collector’s item.

The Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" is a .45 caliber submachine gun that fed from an external drum magazine containing 50-100 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. The gun weighed in at around 10 lbs and had an overall length of 34.5 inches. It featured a simple blowback-operated, semi-automatic firing system and could fire up to 600 rounds per minute when switched to full-auto mode.

The Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" featured a number of advantageous design features such as a barrel cooling system, adjustable rear sights, a bayonet lug, and a cross-bolt safety device. This was an improvement over the Thompson Submachine Gun “Tommy Gun”, which was only capable of semi-automatic fire. The design also featured a retractable shoulder stock, making it more compact and easy to carry for the troops who often carried multiple weapons.

The gun was well-known for its power and accuracy. During testing, it was found to be quite accurate as far as 500 yards, making it effective at both close range and mid-range engagements. The gun’s great power and accuracy also allowed soldiers to efficiently take out multiple targets quickly and with little to no recoil. This made it ideal for the long firefights typical of the wars of the early 20th century.

Though the Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" was an iconic weapon, it was not without its critics. Many found the gun to be too heavy and too expensive for the military’s budget. The gun also had a tendency to jam and was not the most reliable weapon. This was not the only issue, however, as the gun also developed a reputation for being difficult to control in full-auto fire due to its powerful recoil.

Despite these shortcomings, the gun was still widely used and appreciated by the military and civilian population alike. It was seen as a symbol of American patriotism and strength during the 20th century and was featured prominently in a number of Hollywood films. The Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" is still a popular collector’s item and is highly sought after by gun aficionados and history buffs alike.

In conclusion, the Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" is an iconic American firearm that has played a significant role in the history of the United States. It was well-known for its power and accuracy and was popular with the military and civilian population alike. Despite its shortcomings, the gun was still widely used and appreciated, making it a symbol of American patriotism and strength during the 20th century. The Thompson 1927A-1 "1928 Navy" is still a popular collector’s item and is highly sought after by gun aficionados and history buffs alike.


Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • High accuracy due to its adjustable rear sight and finely machined trigger
  • Reliability due to its simpler design and robust construction
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Large magazine capacity and quick-loading capabilities
  • Good rate of fire and excellent accuracy
  • Highly customizable

Cons:

  • More expensive than other .45 ACP submachine guns
  • Ammunition magazines are not interchangeable with other firearms
  • High recoil due to its blowback design
  • Sharpshooter can damage the bolt if they are not careful when reengaging the bolt

Who Should Buy

The Thompson 1927A-1 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .45 ACP. It is a historic piece of firearms history and an iconic piece of WWII artillery. It is not intended for use as an everyday weapon for hunting or personal protection. It is designed as a collector's item and should only be purchased and used by those with an understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the weapon. It is not a gun for beginners or for casual use. Those who intend to use it for such purposes are strongly encouraged to seek professional instruction prior to operation.


Comparisons
GunThompson 1927A-1Similar Gun ASimilar Gun BSimilar Gun C
Calibre.45 ACP.45 ACP.45 ACP.45 ACP
Capacity30 rounds30 rounds30 rounds50 rounds
ActionFull autoFull autoSemi-autoSemi-auto
Weight7.5 lbs6.6 lbs6.5 lbs7.4 lbs
Length81 cm72 cm71 cm80 cm

Features / Specs

• Semi-automatic caliber: .45 ACP

• Capacity: 20 rounds

• Barrel length: 10.5 inches

• Overall length: 40.5 inches

• Weight: 11.8 lbs

• Sights: Adjustable open combat

• Stock: Checkered American walnut


Popular Accessories

The most popular accessories for the Thompson 1927A-1 include magazines, stocks, slings, sights, barrels, and buttplates. Some other popular accessories include drum magazines, buttstocks, forends, pistol grips, rails, and bayonet lugs.


Accuracy

The Thompson 1927A-1 is renowned for its accuracy as a submachine gun. While originally designed as a battlefield weapon, its accuracy has been tested in competition shooting events, offering results that are well above that of other firearms of the same caliber. The short barrel length of the Thompson 1927A-1 also means it can be used for close quarters engagements, making it an excellent choice for home defense, or even law enforcement use. Moreover, its iconic features, extensive history, and excellent accuracy make it a great choice for collectors and connoisseurs of classic firearms alike.


Video Reviews
Cover Image for Thompson 1927 A1 SBR
Thompson 1927 A1 SBR
hickok4531:13

See similar reviews
Cover Image for DPMS A-15

DPMS A-15

Cover Image for RUGER SFAR

RUGER SFAR

Cover Image for COLT M4 CARBINE

COLT M4 CARBINE

Cover Image for STAG ARMS STAG-15

STAG ARMS STAG-15


Find your perfect gun

Take out short quiz and find out the perfect gun for you


Comments