Thompson Model 1923 U.S. Trials Autorifle (Video)

With design beginning in 1919, this gun was in development for about a decade – based on a nonexistent notion which its inventor, a guy named Blish, humbly dubbed the Blish Principle.

In the words of Ian of Forgotten Weapons: “This sounds really good. Unfortunately, it’s not real.”

Turns out, it’s actually a delayed-blowback action – and because of that, the ammo actually has to be lubricated. Oiled felt pads on either side of the magazine would lube each cartridge as it passed through.

Like all rifles of its class, it was chambered for 30-06 and it competed with the Garand, which eventually was accepted and became the standard semi-automatic rifle of the U.S. military.

The receiver is a whopping 13.5 inches long, which makes it unwieldy and heavy.

It has an interesting-looking action, and I love the peep sight.

As you can see, this particular rifle was built by Colt. 12 is the serial number!

Ejection of empty cases was rather energetic – so much so that ejected shells would stick into nearby boards. Yeah… don’t think I want to be sitting next to this thing while it’s being fired.

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.