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Grip Mount Reinforcement Straps
We all have seen photos of the reinforcement
straps typically mounted to the foregrip of Ml style Thompsons and
have wondered why. We have also seen them on M1928s. Several rumored
Thompson "EXPERTS" have suggested that this was a British
modification or that all M1s should have them and if they don’t they
are not an all correct WWII Thompson. Bull......oney!
Frank Iannamico wrote in his book "American
Thunder", that the reinforcing bands were added to strengthen the
foregrip mounting bars with
the riveted construction, due to these mounts
being weaker in construction. The problem with the riveted grip
mounts was that when a soldier exerted force to the forearm via the
sling, which for some reason troops do when carrying a Thompson in
combat, the forearm would bend and break. The reinforcement strap
was a temporary fix to support the forearm.
There are several interesting remarks in this
MWO. First, that the original requirement was issued on 4 Oct 43,
but was canceled when the reinforcement straps were supplied too big
and without all of the parts to assemble the strap. Secondly, that
the original requirement was to include the M1928 was in error.
Which maybe one of the reasons we see them on M1928s. Someone in the
chain of command didn’t get the memo or just didn’t care.
Finally, in Frank Iannamico’s book he states that
one contract was awarded to Winsted Hardware Co., Winsted, Conn.,
July 1944. However, this must have been the second contract to
replace the big reinforcement straps. Also, listed are the complete
listing of part numbers for the necessary parts for the assembly.
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