Why the U.S. Abandoned the Tommy Gun in WWII 🪖

The Thompson submachine gun, known as the "Tommy Gun," gained fame for its stopping power and iconic design. But during World War II, its high cost and complex manufacturing made it impractical for large-scale war production. While soldiers appreciated its reliability and performance in close-quarters combat, the U.S. military needed a faster, cheaper alternative. Enter the M3 “Grease Gun”—a stamped metal weapon that was lighter, cheaper, and far easier to produce. Though less glamorous, the M3 was functional and served its purpose well. The transition symbolized a broader wartime shift from craftsmanship to efficiency. While the Thompson remained in limited use throughout the war, especially with paratroopers and special forces, the Grease Gun became a staple of the American arsenal. It wasn’t about which gun was “better”—it was about which one could be produced quickly, in massive numbers, and still get the job done.

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