Welcome to as we speak’s Photo of the Day! Right here we now have the one identified instance of an experimental Thompson .30-06 selective fireplace auto-rifle, documented in “Thompson: The American Legend” by Tracie Hill. In-built December 1943, this one-off prototype demonstrates how the Thompson submachine gun design may very well be modified for .30-06 rifle caliber.
The set off housing seems to be a Colt/Auto-Ordnance element with unique serial eliminated and “11” struck close by. Electrical pencil markings learn “C.J. WEST JR.”, “Experimental”, and “12/43”, with “H.P. UNGER JR./CHICAGO, IL” stamped on the inventory iron. Herman P. Unger Junior was a Chicago firearms seller energetic after WWII whose profession resulted in 1972 after being caught with unregistered M2 carbine conversion kits.
The receiver measures 17 inches lengthy – 4 inches longer than customary Thompson receivers. The 2-piece journal properly accepts modified BAR magazines. Internally, the bolt resembles a Thompson bolt however makes use of brass flange levers as an alternative of the Blish lock. The brass flanges recommend the designer was nonetheless making an attempt to use John Blish’s theories about dissimilar metals producing higher friction underneath strain – a principle that didn’t maintain up in utility.
The rifle weighs roughly 17 kilos unloaded and makes use of M1-style furnishings with straight forearm, grooved pistol grip, and removable buttstock. Whereas John Thompson experimented with rifle-caliber weapons, no different identified examples observe this format combining Thompson operation with .30-06 energy.
The mix of flange assemblies creates vital friction when the bolt closes, however whether or not resistance was adequate for secure operation stays unsure. At 17 kilos, this metal beast represents an bold try and scale up Thompson’s design for full rifle energy throughout WWII.
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“Prototype .30-06 Thompson, Class III/NFA C&R Machine Gun.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/4096/1356/prototype-3006-thompson-class-iiinfa-cr-machine-gun. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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