M1A1

Overview
Overview	1942	Vietnam	Heroes	1943	BC2
Battlefield Hardline	BF1	BFV	2042

The M1A1 is an all-kit submachine gun introduced in patch 1.04 that was released alongside the Battlefield Hardline: Criminal Activity expansion. Since the weapon was released in a patch alongside the expansion, it is thereby available to all players for free and does not require ownership of the Criminal Activity expansion. Unlike other weapons, the Thompson only features a custom modeled Stubby Grip and Extended Magazine as available attachments, and can only use metallic Paints.

The Thompson's slow rate of fire and light recoil makes it easy to control and keep rounds on target, and it has very tight hip fire spread, allowing it to work well in close to medium ranges. While the M1A1 has little recoil, its spread increases very quickly while firing; firing in short bursts is useful for medium ranges. However, the Thompson suffers from a short damage fall off distance, a low minimum damage of 15, and a slow bullet velocity of 320 m/s (slightly slower than the 92FS), causing it struggle significantly at long ranges. Along with this, the Thompson's reload time is somewhat long compared to other submachine guns, so its recommended to find a safe place out of direct combat to reload to avoid being caught off guard.

Most of the M1A1's weaknesses, however, can be remedied with its two available attachments. The Stubby Grip will reduce the Thompson's spread increase with each shot, so it will remain much more accurate and be able to perform better at range. Extended Magazines will increase the Thompson's magazine capacity to 50 from 30, so the longer reload will not be too much of an issue as the player will be able to fire longer. However, the M1A1 will only have 3 extra magazines in reserve instead of 5 when using Extended Magazines, so players will either need to conserve ammo carefully or work with a friendly Enforcer to stay supplied. The Thompson's iron sights, however, can be problematic as a player must be either motionless or moving forward in order to use them effectually, otherwise the rear sight will obstructed by the front sight from both sides, depending on whether the player is moving right or left, resulting in diminished accuarcy.

Overall, the M1A1 is a accurate and controllable close quarters weapon for all-kits, but it mostly benefits Enforcers and Professionals, as Operators and Mechanics already have access to better close quarter SMGs and rifles.