Thompson M1A1 Review: Experience The Classic WWII Sub-Machine Gun

Short summary

As airsoft warfare continues to grow in popularity, so does the production of replicas of various historical weapons. Whatever your interest in firearms might be, you won’t have much difficulty in finding a replica of guns from your preferred era.

However, if you are particularly interested in the weapons used by soldiers during the Second World War, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on the Thompson M1A1 Electric Airsoft Rifle.

In this Thompson M1A1 review, we will help you learn all that you need to know about this very authentic-looking replica of the iconic WWII sub-machine gun.

We cover the specs, pros, cons, and lots of other useful information to help you understand why it has become one of the go-to options for airsoft gun enthusiasts.

Thompson M1A1 Review

The Thompson M1A1 is a high-powered, electric airsoft rifle that delivers a remarkable performance when it comes to rapid firing on the battlefield.

It is capable of firing roughly 14 rounds per second at a speed of 360 FPS and higher.

Like all SMGs, this airsoft version of the classic Thompson sub-machine gun allows you to shoot distant targets with pinpoint accuracy.

Put simply, the M1A1 rifle ensures that your opponents don’t stand a chance even though you might be heavily outnumbered.

Let’s take an in-depth look at the key specifications of the Thompson M1A1 rifle to get a better idea of why this gun is making the rounds amongst both airsoft lovers as well as collectors of military artifacts.

Key Specifications of Thompson M1A1 Airsoft Rifle

Size

The M1A1 rifle has a total length of 32 inches (2.6 ft).

Modeled on

As the name suggests, Thompson M1A1 is modeled on the famous Thompson Sub-Machine Gun invented by John T. Thompson in the early 20^th Century.

Hailed as the ‘gun that changed the world,’ the original version of the M1A1 was used by the US Army Cavalry during WWII.

According to historical records, the Auto Ordnance Corporation manufactured over 1.75 million Thompson Sub-Machine Guns for driving the Nazis out from Europe.

FPS

The Thompson M1A1 can fire at a velocity of 360 FPS to 460 FPS, depending on the type of ammo used. With 0.12g BB pellets, you can shoot at speeds up to 466 FPS, whereas with heavier weight ammo, such as 0.20g BB pellets, the average firing velocity is 380 FPS.

Capacity

This airsoft gear has an impressive shot capacity. Its magazine can hold a total of 380 rounds.

Weight

This airsoft replica weighs 7 lbs, i.e., 3.17 kg. It is relatively lightweight as compared to the real wood and steel version.

Materials

The Thompson M1A1 gun features an imitation wood stock with a full metal body. Its robust assembly comprises of high-quality steel gears and metal bushings housed in a metal reinforced gearbox.

Barrel Diameter

This gun has a 6 mm caliber.

Built-In Foregrip

The equipment includes a built-in foregrip for maximizing comfort and functionality during use.

Ammunition

The Thompson M1A1 is compatible for use with different types of airsoft ammo including 0.12 BB pellets, 0.20 BB pellets, and so on.

However, a tired and tested piece of advice is to use 0.20g BB ammo (or heavier) as it delivers the best results.

Pros and Cons of the Thompson M1A1 Rifle

Before we dive in to discuss the pros and cons of the M1A1, let us just inform you beforehand: this rifle has many benefits while only having a few drawbacks.

No, we aren’t exaggerating – that’s just how impressive this airsoft battle gear really is.

Take a look at the following list to see what we mean.

PROS

A high power automatic electric gun perfect for skirmishing, or any other scenarios that require rapid firing
Designed on a one-to-one scale, this genuine copy of the real SMG ticks off all the boxes on both style and functionality
For a completely realistic feel and stunning visual aesthetics, it even has laser engraved trademarks (Thompson & Property of the U.S. Army) and unique serial numbers, just like the original guns
The M1A1 has a fully adjustable hop-up that allows you to fine-tune the performance and accuracy of the rifle when aiming far-off targets
It comes with a high-capacity stick magazine that can be replaced with a drum magazine as per your needs and preferences
It includes a manual safety lock
It features semi-automatic and fully automatic firing systems. You can effortlessly switch between the two modes whenever required by flipping the fire selector switch to the desired position
It has a two-way adjustable rear sight to account for windage and elevation
This MilSim rifle comes at an affordable price that easily fits into the budget of most airsoft enthusiasts
The purchase includes a battery (8.4V 1100 mAh NiMH battery pack) along with a 300 mAh charger. The battery can be fully recharged in about 3.2 hours
It also includes a tactical sling to help you carry and use the rifle without getting exhausted

CONS

Intended for use with 0.2g BB ammo or heavier as lighter weight pellets compromise its performance
While it is prized for its premium simulated wood grain finish, some vendors might use relatively low-quality mock wood. This affects the experience for users who have an eye for fine details
Unlike the real version, the Thompson M1A1 does not have a retractable stock

End Note

Whether you are a collector of old-world militaria, or merely looking for the next best weapon to use in re-enactment battles, trust us when we say you wouldn’t want to miss out on the Thompson M1A1 airsoft rifle.

This high-quality gun is available at a fairly low price compared to most of its other alternatives. It performs exceptionally well and has almost all the features you would typically want in an airsoft rifle.

To conclude this Thompson M1A1 review, we would say that when it comes to winning MilSim battles, this WWII US submachine gun replica is an excellent choice to consider.