[0.E.O]

The M2 Browning .50 cal machine gun deserves to be on the list more than the Thompson. That was a flash in the pan by comparison. The Ma Deuce was used at sea, on land, in the air, and is pushing 90 years old and still going strong.

[rlmorel]

I’d agree with that, though I must say, the Thompson IS a pretty cool weapon!

[twister881]

Wonder if the list / book is limited to individual weapons, and not those considered crew-served (e.g., machine guns, SAW, sniper rifles), even though a number of them can be operated by one person?

[Blood of Tyrants]

I agree. The Thompson was used in WWII and was quickly replaced by the M3 and M3A1 “Grease gun”. The M2 is STILL our main heavy MG.

[lacrew]

I was in the Army in the 90’s.

I ordered a manual for the M-2...and the most recent version was dated 1952! Not much changes with this machine gun - it just plain works.

[MarkL]

The M2 Browning .50 cal machine gun deserves to be on the list more than the Thompson. That was a flash in the pan by comparison. The Ma Deuce was used at sea, on land, in the air, and is pushing 90 years old and still going strong.

Yes, but the book is about guns that helped define America, not just the military. The Thompson pretty much helped define organized crime during "The Roaring 20s" and prohibition, as well as the gang wars.

The M-2 is an awesome weapon, but as far as influencing civilian America, I think the Thompson was more influential.

Mark