Thompson SMG
Thompson Submachine Gun, "Trench Broom", is among the best-known firearms in recent history, popularised as the "Tommy Gun" by the american movie industry as the symbol weapon for prohibition and WWII confrontations. It officially is the first Submachine gun of history though German Bergmann MP18 was created first. With the aim of building an "auto rifle" weapon, It was conceived to operate without the complexity of a recoil or gas operated mechanism, by exploiting the Blitch Principle, based on adhesion of dissimilar metal surfaces under high pressure. 1938 saw the adoption of simplified versions, M1 and M1A1 distinguishable by its lateral loading lever, which employed a straight blowback action unlike A1 version that used a delayed blowback action, straight 20 or 30 round clip instead of the 50 or 100 barel magazine and had an horizontal handle instead of second vertical handle. Thompson's machined parts contributed to the good quality of the weapon but also to the expensive costs of production. Quite heavy with a limited 150 m fire range, its automatic fire capacity and the stopping power of the .45 ACP cartridge were still an assurance of efficacity in short range engagements though M1 Garand were largely prefered by US soldiers for their fire range and accuracy. 
Thompson SMG technical specification sheet
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