mar 15, 1921 - Colt begins the first production of the Thompson sub-machine gun (the "Tommy gun")

Description:

This portable machine gun was very popular among Prohibition-Era gangsters. As the gangsters used this gun more, it created a public perception of increased crime and violence. However, there is little evidence that there was any actual increase in crime or violence.

http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1373

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