The Infamous History of The “Tommy Gun”

March 2, 2022 | 0 Comments

A Thompson Tommy Gun for Everyone

Anyone who has watched an old movie or browsed through a book on World War II will quickly recognize the familiar outline of the Thompson submachine gun or, better known as the “Tommy gun”. Museums, news outlets, and iconic movies have shown these guns to be a key staple to the “Roaring Twenties” theme. Long before the AR 15, these guns had an exciting run in the Chicago gang scene before being used to help bring victory in WWII. As you can imagine, we are history buffs, especially when it comes to firearms. We carry everything you need from bulk 9mm ammo to a Glock 43. We even carry the .45 caliber Tommy Gun here at GrabAGun and you can pick one up for yourself as well! If you are interested in learning more about this iconic firearm, keep on reading.

A Brief History

This famous gun was made by John Taliaferro Thompson, a distinguished and retired Brigadier General of the U.S. Army Ordnance Department. When the Thompson Submachine Gun was first developed, it was built to end trench warfare tactics during World War I. Unfortunately, the guns first made an appearance on the day the war ended. By 1919, Thompson directed the newly formed Auto-Ordnance to modify the gun for non-military use–a move that would be lucrative in civilian markets.

As the Thompson Submachine gun gained popularity around America in law enforcement circles, it gained a special type of popularity with Chicago’s gangs. It has had many “unofficial” names over the years such as “The Annihilator”, “The Trench Broom”, “The Chopper”, or “The Chicago Typewriter”. Many media outlets coined these names for the gun specifically because of the enormous amount of firepower this gun could do on the Chicago streets.

The Tommy Gun in Organized Crime

In the early twenties, organized crime and gangsters began to appear in Chicago, the stomping grounds of many gangs and gang wars. If you’ve watched any amount of gangster films, then you’ll know they didn’t start with AR15 rifles or even Glock handguns. The seemingly popular choice for gangsters back then was the Thompson submachine gun. From what we know, the gangster who introduced Tommy guns to the gang scene was Frank McErlane. A Prohibition-era Irish American gangster that led the Saltis-McErlane Gang, allied with the Johnny Torrio-Al Capone gang, McErlane used the guns against rival bootleggers called the Southside O’Donnell Brothers. The Tommy Gun’s reputation preceded it and left a lasting impression.

So why the Thompson submachine gun? Why not one of the other more popular guns for sale at the time? Well, the Tommy Gun was a submachine firearm. The sole reason it was built was to end trench warfare. However, gangsters realized quickly that it could wreak havoc with little effort on their part. That said, the Tommy Gun was actually not hugely popular with most gangs. In fact, only a few hundred–out of the thousands made–were even used by gangs. Still, the spray of bullets from a firearm like this made the gun seem so much bigger than it really was.

Concealing such a large firearm, with an even larger drum magazine, was essentially impossible though. Naturally, it’s much easier to conceal a handgun like a Beretta or even a modern-day Ruger LCP for sale, but we’re not talking about handguns; we’re talking about a submachine gun. How do you effectively conceal such a large weapon? At first, many tried to hide them in violin or cello cases. The iconic image is one that we see in movies, but the public (the cops) caught on quickly and attempts to conceal the Tommy Gun lost traction.

Still from the movie, St. Valentine's Day Massacre — Still from the movie *St. Valentine’s Day Massacre*

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

The fact that the Thompson featured in a few spectacular front-page crimes did nothing to detract from its image as a deadly weapon. The best known of these is no doubt the notorious “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” of 1929. There’s even a fantastic movie based on the events of this day (and yes, it heavily features the Tommy Gun throughout!) On this day, henchmen of the sinister Al Capone, who was conveniently alibied in Florida, mowed down seven members of the “Bugs” Moran gang in a Chicago garage. This incident resulted in the struggle to control organized crime in the city during Prohibition between Irish North Siders and their Italian rivals.

It was this event that led Auto-Ordnance to halt the manufacture of Tommy guns for public use. That said, gangsters would continue to carry them long after the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. To this day, submachine guns are still illegal in the United States. The gun that Auto-Ordnance replicates these days is a semi-automatic, .45 caliber rifle that you can easily pick up from GrabAGun today!

Despite its notoriety among gangsters, the use of the Thompson submachine gun by criminals is smaller than you might imagine. More often than not, it was actually used by American soldiers and lawmen. The main reason we associate the Thompson with gangsters today has to do with news coverage and Hollywood. During their heyday, bandits loved the notoriety that came with their conquests. They would send press releases to local newspapers to take responsibility for and gain attention for their criminal acts. Naturally, the Depression-weary public ate it up. That news coverage led to several decades worth of some of the best gangster films. Hollywood dramatized the rivalry between the good guys and the bad guys, thus immortalizing the Tommy Gun and its creator, making it one of the most powerful weapons of its time.

The Tommy Gun in the Media

Personally, I knew of Tommy Guns from the movies. Gangster films perpetuated the idea of good guys versus bad guys–and of course, the bad guys always had a big, powerful firearm. Seriously, go back and watch any James Cagney film and you’ll be playing Where’s Waldo, but with Tommy Guns. He wasn’t the only one to wield a Thompson, though. There are plenty of movies that featured this iconic firearm.

The Untouchables (1987). Probably the most prolific use of the Tommy Gun
The God Father, Part I (1972). We won’t do a Corleone impression but just know. We’re doing a Corleone impression.
The Public Enemy (1931). See! James Cagney!
Little Cesar (1931). The gangster, not the pizza.
Ma Barker’s Killer Brood (1960)
Scarface (1932)
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (1967)

The fact of the matter is, Hollywood both romanticized and villanized the Tommy Gun. It was and is a beautiful piece of machinery that has earned its place in history. If you’re looking to add something like this to your own collection, GrabAGun is the only name to rely on. We have incredible deals on the Tommy gun and other guns for sale right now, so don’t wait!

World War II

Regardless of what was shown in the media, the Thompson submachine gun will always be associated with the victories of World War II. Because they missed their window during the first world war, the 40s were the time to shine. With the beginning of World War II, John Thompson was finally able to fulfill his lifelong wish for his Thompson submachine gun to be used to help end a war. The total number of Thompsons bought by the U.S. Army before WWII was less than 400. By the time the war was starting, thousands were being shipped out all over the world to help. Simplified for mass production, this gun was seen as one of the most popular guns among specialized troops and was eagerly sought after. Even today many veterans consider it the best weapon of WWII.

As for General Thompson, he would never see the overwhelming success of his gun as a military weapon. He died in 1940 at the age of 80 years, but he left his mark on the history of military weapons just like he wanted. However, he also left his mark on many people all over the U.S. throughout the 1920s and 30s. With the help of gangsters, lawmen, and the media, this gun is one of the most well-known firearms in the world.

Tommy gun in action — Soldier using the Thompson Tommy Gun

GrabAGun and the Thompson “Tommy Gun”

The Thompson “Tommy Gun” is still a revered firearm. It’s one of the guns we will continue to see thanks to its notoriety in the movies. While you can no longer purchase a submachine gun these days, you can still get a high-quality Tommy Gun replica. A semi-automatic, .45 caliber rifle, this is one that you don’t want to miss out on. To make sure you don’t miss out on any deals, sign up for our email newsletter, The Freedom Team. Follow us on social media for sale updates, the latest blog posts, and so much more. When you are ready to check out, get a Tommy Gun for sale at a price you’ll love, only at GrabAGun.

–Destinee Norman

The Best Long Range Rifles: GrabAGun’s Top Five

October 20, 2017 | 0 Comments

When it comes to distance shooting, there is no substitution for a long-range rifle. The ability to hit a target from distances over 1,000 yards might seem like an impossibility to the unskilled marksman, but with the right training and firearm it is possible. Granted, the amount of knowledge required to assess how to shoot at this distance is far greater than for firing short distances. Being able to read wind, assess air pressure, factor in elevation fluctuation, and gauge humidity are all skills you will want to hone as you start target shooting over great distances. We will go into the top long range rifles GrabAGun offers.

Get The Right Long Range Rifle

As important as being able to accurately read and interpret those factors is, your bullets are not going to end up anywhere near the target if you do not have the right firearm to make the shot. That doesn’t mean you should go out and buy every rifle for sale you see that says it can shoot at those distances. A little information on some of the better ones available will help you determine which rifle is best for you. All shooters are different; some prefer a bolt-action rifle, while others like to use AR rifles. If you are looking for bolt-action reviews, you come to the right place. Here are five long-range rifles that can help you make the shots you need on the range or during the hunt.

Winchester XPR

We’ll start with this bolt-action rifle for sale from Winchester. The Winchester XPR has borrowed ideas from several other Winchester models to help make its manufacturing process more effective, which equates to you spending less money on the firearm. The reduced price tag doesn’t mean that you aren’t getting a quality weapon. The XPR remains an accurate and durable bolt-action for hunters to take out in the field knowing it has what it takes to get the job accomplished. Not only that, but it will be able to take the punishment you are going to put it through on your adventures. Ideal in most conditions, the polymer stock is crafted for excellent grip in damp conditions. The Winchester XPR for sale is a powerful weapon that is able to take down its prey from vast distances.

Savage Precision

Savage rifles come by their name honestly. These firearms are true brutes out on the field, and the 12LRP is no different. Another bolt action rifle, they feature a black synthetic stock and grip. The 26” barrel will have you staring down targets from great distances with ease. Many owners agree that this is one of the most accurate weapons they keep in their safe. Though it can always be modified, this Savage shoots just as well as weapons that cost 3x the money.

Remington 700 SPS

It’s hard to create a rifle list without including a Remington. And for the price, few rival this Remington 700 Special Purpose Synth etic. The 20” heavy barrel is one of the best tactical rifles for sale on the market. It can be outfitted with accessories to modify it to your specific needs. All the adjustments and customizations you can easily do to this weapon make each one truly unique to its owner. Great for hunting, it is designed to handle a wide variety of muzzle breaks and suppressors. It’s hard to find a more versatile .308 rifle out there.

Remington 700 VTR

One Remington just isn’t enough. That’s why we’re including the Remington 700 VTR on the list to give you some selection from the popular brand. Like other Remington rifles for sale, this rifle is extremely customizable and dependable. A smaller caliber than the last model we looked at, this bolt-action varmint tactical rifle will have you pinpointing targets over distances other rifles cannot. The type of hunting you prefer to do will help you determine which of the two is right for you. You’ll want to take a close look at this one for smaller game.

Long Range Rifles at GrabAGun

When you want to do some long-range shooting, one of these rifles is sure to help you reliably hit your target. Shop GrabAGun for all of your long range needs including these bolt action rifles for sale and ammo for sale.

The Classic .22 Rifle For Sale

February 18, 2014 | 0 Comments

The .22 Rifle

It is generally a shooters first gun, the perfect weapon for youth and novices alike to train and gain accuracy with. Some small game hunters prefer it, and many outdoor enthusiasts carry it for protection from the threats of predators. You have probably guessed the identity of the weapon I refer to; it’s the .22 rifle.

A great many of us have fond memories of our first gun. By today’s standards, many consider it obsolete; yet it has a large fan base and that number is growing on the practice range. The evidence of this is in the supply of .22 ammo. The retailers, and even the gun shops, stay sold out. I have been unable to locate any in 4 years in my locale. Buying online is my only alternative.

Cost

It is generally a very affordable firearm, and there is a .22 rifle for almost any budget. Ask anyone why they like the .22 caliber guns and most answers will be the same: because it’s cheap. You can buy 10 times the .22 cartridges for the same price of a box of centerfire cartridges and, when you compare it to your big guns, the .22 rifle for sale is the big bargain. A day on the range is actually affordable if you’re using .22 caliber ammo.

Noise and Recoil

The .22 rifle is a lot quieter than other guns and has almost no recoil. You can shoot the .22 without the pain that comes from other guns after a long day on the range. It also enables some shooters with degenerative conditions in the hands due to age or injury to continue shooting. Any shooter with nerve damage in the hands is going to shy away from recoil.

Lightweight and Easy Maneuverability

Most .22 rifles for sale are lightweight and easily carried in hand or on a sling. Overall, the .22 is a very reliable weapon. Some writers will say the .22’s accuracy is in the medium range. That certainly hasn’t been my experience. I know plenty of people who use the .22 rifle on the firing range, to hunt small game, and especially for plinking. From cheap to expensive, all of the brand names are there and they are accurate. Whether you want a Ruger .22 Rifle, a CZ 457 Varmint rifle, or a Savage Mark II; there are plenty of options available to you at GrabAGun.

The .22 Rifle at GrabAGun

There are also a lot of gun accessories available for the .22 caliber, enabling you trick it out however you want. The .22 rifle is a fun gun, reasonably priced, cheap to shoot, light to carry, and can put dinner on the table if you are a decent shot. Every gun has its niche and I don’t see the popularity of the .22 rifle going away any time soon.

GrabAGun offers a large assortment of .22 rifles for sale, as well as an extensive selection of other bolt action rifles for sale, gun parts, scopes, and much more! Give our friendly customer service agents a call if you need assistance or information.

Great AR-15 Optics for Customization

January 20, 2014 | 0 Comments

Personalizing the Ar-15

Any gun owner’s list of things to do should include plenty of shooting, cleaning your gun, and familiarizing yourself with your gun. Knowing your weapon from the inside out provides you with a better understanding of how it works. Many AR-15 owners learn their guns’ ins and outs by upgrading it or even building an AR 15 from scratch.

Tricking out an AR 15 for sale means using AR-15 accessories to enhance its form or function. The sheer amount of compatible and aftermarket parts make the AR 15 one of the most easily customized guns available. It is truly a firearm you can personalize and make your own to the exact degree that you desire.

Optics and Scopes for the AR-15

One of the most common accessories AR-15 owners will want is optics such as rifle scopes or sights. With so many choices available, making a choice can be intimidating and there simply isn’t a “one scope fits all needs” option out there. A good guide to choosing optics is by making a selection according to how you will use it. Let’s look at a few of the most popular AR-15 optics for sale.

Leupold Mark 4 HAMR

leupold mark 4 hamr ar15 scope
The tough, compact and combat-ready Leupold Mark 4 HAMR is designed for precise mid-range distance and rapid target acquisition in bright daylight, low light, and at night. Leupold is a great brand with many optics options available depending on what you are looking for. GrabAGun’s great price is well below retail.

Leupold Mark AR 3-9×40

Another popular Leupold scope is the Leupold Mark AR 3-9×40. 2-9x. This scope is a great choice when you need a bit more magnification at the upper end and don’t expect close range firing. It is ideal for hunting or plinking at medium ranges. GrabAGun has great savings on all kinds of optics and scopes!

Laser Sights

If you have ever had to climb a tree because a wild boar is after you or get on top of a car while the bumper is being tore off by the dynamite porky, you will learn to appreciate lasers in low-lighting conditions as an assist in the take down of boar before they get out of the darkening woods. You can’t hunt after dark in many states, not even the vermin. Yet hogs and coyote often come no sooner than late afternoon and disappear just after the sun rises in many locations, providing a very narrow window of opportunity with wooded areas already darkening.

With so many great optics available, applying your intended use and considering your budget is the best guide for choosing optics. Tactical lights are also a great product useful for vermin control, and you will find the laser a great assist in low light conditions. Many people may prefer just having a red dot sight for easy-to-use fast acquisition as well.

AR-15 Accessories at GrabAGun

GrabAGun stocks picatinny rails, AR trigger assemblies, mounts, AR-15 upper receivers, lower receivers, and gun magazines. Browse our site often as new stock arrives several times a week, and feel free to give us a call for questions or inquiries into an item not shown. If you are looking for specific guns for sale or a specific brand of AR-15 for sale, but don’t find it listed on our site, give us a call. That is one of the GrabAGun advantages, our stock isn’t limited to what we carry. If the desired firearm is available, we will find it and apply the GrabAGun discount for you.

AR-15 for Sale – What else is there to know?

November 14, 2012 | 0 Comments

AR-15’s are as diverse as they are impressive. Their universal acclaim and widespread popularity have turned a single, semi-automatic rifle into an entire line of weapons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing there’s an AR-15 for sale is only the tip of the iceberg. Before making a purchase, do a little research to find out more about the gun you’re about to purchase. You’ll be glad you did. Here are a couple of things to consider before buying your first AR-15 rifle.

Picking a Barrel Length

Deciding on a barrel length is an important first step before purchasing a rifle. If you walk into your local gun shop, chances are they’ll have at least one AR-15 for sale and it’ll probably have a barrel length of 14 1/2 or 16 inches. This length, although popular for its maneuverability and light weight, carries some baggage along with it. First of all, it’s important to note that the AR-15 was originally designed with a 20-inch barrel in mind. This length not only provides a more pleasant overall experience but also helps to reduce internal pressures by lengthening the distance between the gas port and the chamber.

If maneuverability is of tantamount importance to you, then it’s probably best to choose the AR-15 for sale with the 16-inch barrel. Crossing the 16-inch threshold to a length like 14 1/2 inches doesn’t just open you up to increased multi-level government regulations and a two hundred dollar tax, but all rifles with a barrel length under 16-inches come with a permanently attached muzzle device. This may not seem like much in the short-term, but it makes customizing your rifle more of a hassle in the long-term.

Accessories For The AR-15

Another thing to consider before making your purchase is available accessories. Chances are, when you imagined using your new rifle, it had a little more than just a stock and a barrel. Fortunately, most stores that have AR-15’s for sale will also carry useful accessories like magazines, gas systems, and stocks. Factoring these extra costs into your decision will leave you with fewer surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.

Assembling The AR-15

A final consideration is your form of purchase, and I don’t mean cash, credit, or debit. There are three mainline ways of purchasing your new AR-15: fully-assembled, an upper and lower, or part-by-part. In the past, it was possible to significantly lower your cost by buying each piece and assembling your weapon by hand. However, a recent rise in competition amongst major manufacturers has driven down prices, making that approach slightly obsolete.

AR-15 From GrabAGun

You’ve officially decided; it’s time starting looking for an AR-15 for sale. Keeping these tips in mind could save you time and significant quantities of cash. Government regulations and myriads of rifle permutations can make buying your first AR-15 a bigger task than you first realized. In the end, the most important thing to remember is that all AR 15 rifles are not created equal. Take your time and make your decision by perusing the GrabAGun site. A little research upfront can go a long way.