Cybergun Auto-Ordnance Thompson M1A1 Military AEG

The Real M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun

The Thompson M1A1 Submachine Gun is a simplified version of the iconic M1928 "Tommy Gun" SMG, which we all know as the “Chicago Typewriter”, equipped with its iconic drum magazine and front vertical grip. The M1A1 was designed to be produced quickly, in huge numbers, and much cheaper to produce than its gangster-style sibling.

To get SMGs into the hands of soldiers as fast as possible during the early stages of WWII, the M1A1's simplified design omits drum magazine compatibility, replaces the ribbed barrel with a smooth one, swaps out the complex adjustable sights for a simple fixed aperture sight and replaces the vertical grip with a conventional horizontal grip for ease of manufacture.

For a WWII USGI loadout, this is the Thompson to go for, with over half a million produced during WWII and examples found in every theatre. M1A1 Thompsons were eventually replaced by the even cheaper M3 Grease Gun by the end of the war, but continued to be used by numerous militaries and paramilitary groups, including the French Foreign Legion and US Special Forces during the Vietnam War, who favoured the Thompson for its close-range firepower.

Platform Details

Starting at the tip of the outer barrel, we can find the front sight assembly/muzzle cap, which provides a straight blade which aligns perfectly with the rear aperture sight. The M1A1 omits the Cutts compensator of the earlier M1928 to save cost and weight, and the simple front-end look of the M1A1 is one of its most recognisable differences from earlier models of the Thompson SMG.

The barrel has a tapered profile, widening as it reaches the receiver to more effectively handle heat build-up from full-auto fire. The handguard is a horizontally oriented example with grooves on either side to allow a firm grip and a steel sling point at the front for an infantry-style two-point sling. Both of the sling points on the CyberGun Thompson are constructed from steel, guaranteeing ample strength to support the SMG, provided your sling is up to the task.

The receiver of the Thompson, like the barrel, is constructed from alloy with a matte dark grey finish applied, which is a touch lighter than flat black, mimicking the real Thompson finish perfectly. The mock ejection port is located on the right side of the SMG, and at the front, you will notice the rotary HOP-up dial protruding.

The HOP-up allows you to vary the amount of backspin applied to your BBs, seeking the flattest trajectory with your chosen ammo weight. We recommend 0.25g BBs as they're great for both indoor and outdoor environments.

To the rear of the ejection port, we have the charging handle, which is constructed from alloy and mounted directly to the mock bolt carrier. The charging handle doesn't function, but can be pulled back for a satisfying metal-on-metal "clank".

Just behind the charging handle track, we can see some of the absolutely gorgeous engraved trademarks of the Thompson, reading “ AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A”. These markings are discreetly and precisely engraved, a nice step up from other Thompson AEGs, which often lack realistic markings.

The fire controls of the Thompson are all present on the left side, ideally placed for a right-handed shooter. The ergonomic aspects of these controls are interesting, to say the least, but like AK fans, Thompson fans will make do with things being a bit more complex than an M4, as this is an important part of what makes the Thompson experience unique!

The fire selector is a dual selector setup, and the front selector controls the fire mode, with a 180-degree turn between “SINGLE” and “FULL AUTO”. The rear selector is the safety, and when rotated to face the rear, the trigger is locked. The selector positions are all marked with engraved markings.

The magazine release is also on the left side, taking the form of a paddle-style release with a textured contact surface to make it easier to use in wet weather. This mag release needs to be pushed upwards to release the magazine, and we advise you do this when you insert the magazine as well to minimise potential damage to the finish of the magazine.

The magazine needs to be indexed with the groove on the front of the trigger guard before inserting, which will guide the magazine nicely into the magwell and keep it straight for perfect feeding. This design also helps prevent wobble, resulting in a nice, firm magazine fit.

The stock, pistol grip and handguard are made from flawlessly finished real wood, with a deep and varied wood grain and an authentic feel in the hands. The grip is a wide design with a built-in finger ridge, perfectly mimicking the real steel Thompson grip.

The stock of the Thompson follows the same format as the real thing, dropping down to allow space for a clear sight picture. The length of pull is rather long compared to most modern SMG designs, but once you have it shouldered, everything feels natural, and the sights are easily visible.

The battery compartment is inside the butt plate, accessible with the screws holding it onto the stock removed. Inside, you'll find a Deans battery connector. We recommend a 7.4V 1500mAh LiPo, and you have plenty of space to use either block, stick or crane/nunchuck configuration batteries.

Internals

Inside, the Cybergun Thompson is based on the original Tokyo Marui Thompson design, great news for those who love upgrading. The alloy version 6 gearbox features 18:1 ratio steel gears running on super-smooth 9mm ball bearing bushings, driven by a standard short-shaft AEG motor.

Also inside is an in-line MOSFET, enhancing electrical efficiency and preventing trigger lockups during rapid semi-automatic fire. The inner barrel and HOP-up bucking are also standard TM AEG spec, meaning upgrade options are practically limitless!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Officially licensed by Auto-Ordnance Co. - Gorgeous, deep-engraved trademarks
• Real wood furniture - Superbly finished, maximum authenticity
• Tapered smooth profile barrel - A perfect match for the real M1A1
• Flat M1A1 handguard - Real wood construction, central groove for extra grip
• Two-position safety switch - Provides safe and fire options
• Two-position fire selector switch - Semi-auto and full-auto fire modes
• Paddle-style mag release - On the left side, push upwards to drop the mag
• Aperture iron sights - Simple fixed sights just like the real M1A1 military Thompson
• Finger-ridged pistol grip - The classic Thompson design, real wood construction
• Fixed real wood stock - Authentic looks and feel, substantially sized battery compartment
• Rear-wired: Deans connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1500mAh LiPo
• Version 6 gearbox:
  • Alloy shell
  • 18:1 Ratio steel gears
  • 9mm ball-bearing bushings
  • In-line MOSFET
  • Short-shaft motor
• Compatible with King Arms Thompson AEG magazines:
  • 60rnd Polymer Low-cap
  • 60rnd Polymer Low-cap; 5 Pack
  • 450rnd Drum Magazine

Package Includes

• Cybergun Auto-Ordnance Thompson M1A1 Military AEG
  • 110rnd Mid-cap magazines