Well I read the history about the Thompson and the reason they went to “stick magazines” was because of the weight of a full drum magazine which when loaded plus the gun weighed in at 50 pounds.
They don’t know what they are talking about. The empty gun weighs in about 10 1/2 lbs. 40 lbs of ammo is a heck of a lot of ammo.
“... the weight of a full drum magazine which when loaded plus the gun weighed in at 50 pounds.”
Not even close. I was at a gunsmith’s shop in Wasilla, AK once. The ‘smith had a class 3 license and there was a mint condition M1928A1 complete with a loaded 50 rd. drum mag sitting on a bench. With great trepidation I asked permission to heft the weapon which was granted. It was heavy - probably about 15 lbs. - and it felt incredibly solid. I’ll never forget that experience - it was awe-inspiring.
The heavyweight US weapon of the time was the Browning Automatic Rifle - about 22 lbs. loaded. That was actually the preferred weapon of the gangsters in the Roaring 20’s because using .30-06 AP ammo it would shoot through engine blocks and make short work of the G-men chasing them. The .45 ACP round is pretty anemic compared to a .30-06.
Both of these weapons were available in those days to anyone who had the cash to buy one. Just DANG!