submachine gun patented in 1920 by its American designer, General John T. Thompson. The weapon became famous during the U.S. Prohibition era (1920–33) as the gun used by gangsters. Indeed it became so widely known in that era that it is commonly (but erroneously) believed to be the first submachine gun. It weighed almost 10 pounds (4.5 kg) empty and fired .45-calibre ammunition. The magazine was either a circular drum that held 50 rounds or a box that held 20 or 30 rounds.

The U.S. Army adopted the Thompson submachine gun in 1928. Both the U.S. and British armies used it in World War II, as at various times have other armed forces. See also submachine gun.