Why Didn't WW2-Era US Troops Use Drum Magazines with Tommy Guns?

The Thompson Submachine Gun, often referred to as the Tommy Gun, was a significant weapon during World War II. It came equipped with two types of drum magazines: a 50-round and a 100-round capacity. However, the US military did not opt to use these drum magazines in the field. Why? Let's delve into the reasons behind this decision, drawing from the practical realities of the time and the experiences of modern-day warriors.

Weight and Carrying Capacity

One of the primary reasons for not using drum magazines is the significant increase in weapon weight. The Thompson alone was a heavy weapon, and adding either type of drum magazine would make it even more cumbersome. For extended combat operations, every ounce of weight counts. During World War II, the typical combat load of ammunition for a US soldier ranged from 300 to 500 rounds, depending on the individual soldier's ability to carry. This amount alone would be a heavy burden, and adding the weight of a drum magazine would make it even more impractical.

Combat Experience

From the perspective of a former reconnaissance sergeant, carrying and using a Thompson with a drum magazine would have made an already challenging combat situation even more difficult. In the field, the weight you carry is everything. In my service, a basic combat load included:

75 lbs with a M-16 and 300 rounds 2 gallons of water in four canteens and one 4-quart bladders for water and a pillow Four hand grenades Four smoke grenades 100 rounds of M-60 machine gun ammo Three hand flares Pancho and pancho liner Five-day supply of C-Rations Resupply every four days, weather permitting A bottle of Louisiana hot sauce and an onion, when available ERCA batteries for a PRC-77 radio, carried by the RTO (Radio Transmission Operator)

Adding a Thompson with a drum magazine would have significantly increased this load, making it difficult to move and operate effectively in combat. The increased weight would have hindered the soldier's agility and effectiveness in the field.

Noise and Reliability

The 50-round drum magazine for the Thompson was notorious for its noise. Even when not being fired, the magazine produced a loud, clunking sound when you angled the muzzle down or up. This noise would have been particularly problematic in a noisy combat environment. Additionally, the 100-round drum had a similar problem, producing a loud noise when the muzzle was angulated.

During World War II, the noise and inconvenience of the drum magazines were significant drawbacks. In the 1970s, the US Navy still had some Thompsons with drum magazines, primarily for reserve use aboard ships. However, carrying a noisy and cumbersome weapon in combat would have been impractical and counterproductive.

In conclusion, the combination of increased weight, practicality, and noise made drum magazines an unsuitable choice for WW2-era US troops. However, the experiences and technologies of the past continue to inform the decision-making processes in modern military operations.