Tommy Gun Chambered In 30-06 Springfield
The Thompson submachine gun is undoubtedly one of the most iconic SMGs of the 20th century, which proved to be an extremely effective tool whether used as a broom in the trenches of WW2 or a typewriter on the streets of Chicago. No wonder they decided to further explore the potential of its design and developed a version chambered in .30-06 Springfield. This one-of-a-kind experimental Tommy Gun in 30-06 is consigned to the upcoming December 2025 Rock Island Premier Firearms Auction.
Designed in 1943 by Auto Ordnance Corp, this beast is a select-fire rifle with a 23-inch barrel and weighing 17 pounds unloaded. It is based on a Model 1928 Thompson SMG and appears to be built on a standard trigger housing. The upper receiver is four inches longer than a standard SMG receiver to accommodate the much longer cartridge and magazines. The gun uses BAR magazines modified to hold oil pads.
Here is how Rock Island Auction Company describes the action of this firearm:
Internally, the bolt bears a resemblance to the traditional Thompson bolt, but instead of the Blish lock there are a pair of brass flange levers installed in the sides of the receiver, an ejector claw actuated by the bolt, and a threaded recoil spring housing extension, and the bolt is fitted with an internal firing pin and a spring-loaded plunger for the bolt face installed in a flanged extension which, on final approach of the cartridge into the chamber spreads outward to engage the rear of the barrel.
This very rifle is photographed and described in the book "Thompson: The American Legend" by Tracie Hill (page 240):
This experimental 30-06 Tommy Gun is lot 1356 in the December 2025 Rock Island Premier Auction catalog. The estimated price range that this machine gun will likely be sold at is $75,000 to $130,000.
Images courtesy of Rock Island Auction Company, www.rockislandauction.com
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
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Really needs the vertical forward grip.
Getting a 3rd. class lic. just to purchase said "toy" is hassle Enuf .