Why the U.S. Troops and South Korean Troops Avoided Using Drum Magazines in Thompsons During the Korean War

Theodore Roosevelt Jr.'s personal bodyguard, Alvin York, used a Thompson submachine gun (submachine gun) during World War I. The Thompson, also known as the Tommy Gun, has a fascinating legacy, especially in the context of the Korean War. Some might wonder why the U.S. troops and South Korean troops didn't opt to use drum magazines to increase their ammo capacity. This article delves into the reasons behind their decision.

The Thompson's Evolution

The Thompson submachine gun, initially produced in the 1920s, became a standard-issue weapon in the U.S. military, particularly in the U.S. Army and Korea. However, it was not always equipped with drum magazines. The M1 and M1A1 models, which saw extensive use in Korea, were not designed to accept drum magazines. Instead, they only accepted the standard stick magazines.

The Availability of Drum Magazines

The older M1928A1 model could use drum magazines, but by the time of the Korean War, these were likely not common. Drum magazines came in two sizes: a fifty-round and a 100-round capacity. While they offered a significant increase in ammo capacity, they also introduced several downsides that made them impractical on the battlefield.

The Drawbacks of Drum Magazines

One of the primary issues with drum magazines is their weight and size. Adding a drum magazine to the Thompson would significantly increase the weapon's overall weight, making it cumbersome and difficult to handle during extended combat operations. The weight of even a basic combat load of ammunition, which varied between 300 to 500 rounds depending on the individual's needs, was already considerable. Adding a 100-round drum magazine would more than double the weight, making the Thompson an unwieldy and inefficient tool on the battlefield.

The Practicality of Combat Load

In combat, the amount of ammunition carried depends on the individual trooper's ability to carry and use it effectively. A former reconnaissance sergeant can attest to the importance of weight management in the field. During operations, a typical combat load might include:

Approximately 75 lbs, including a M-16 rifle and 300 rounds of ammunition Four canteens with approximately two gallons of water and a small 4-qt bladder as a pillow Four hand grenades, four smoke grenades, and one pound of C4 plastic explosive 100 rounds of gun ammo for the M-60 machine gun Three hand flares, a pancho, and a pancho liner Five days' supply of C rations, resupply every four days (weather permitting) A bottle of Louisiana hot sauce and an onion, if available An extra PRC 77 battery pack for a PRC 77 radio, carried by the RTO (radio team operator)

Add 25 to 35 pounds for a Thompson and its drum magazine, and the practicality of carrying such a weapon becomes questionable. The weight burden on a soldier already equipped with essential gear would be too much to bear for extended periods.

Noise and Efficiency

The Thompson's drum magazine, particularly the 50-round version, was notoriously noisy. When the magazine was set at an angle, a loud clunking sound would occur as 50 rounds of. 45 ammunition struck the front and rear walls of the magazine. This noise was not just during firing but was present even when the weapon was not being used. Any additional noise on the battlefield would be counterproductive and could alert enemy forces to the presence of U.S. troops.

Even the U.S. Navy, which still had Thompsons with drum mags in the 1970s, found them impractical for combat operations ashore. This dual-purpose weapon, designed for both emergency shipboard use and terrestrial combat, was deemed too noisy and heavy to be carried around during combat.

Conclusion

The combination of a chassis already struggling to handle a significant load, the added weight and noise of drum magazines, and the practicality of carrying a balanced combat load, all contributed to the decision not to use drum magazines in Thompsons during the Korean War. While increased ammo capacity sounded appealing, the drawbacks outweighed the benefits in the real-world context of the battlefield.