Tommy Gun
- Thread starter czhen
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I assume you're talking about the Auto Ordinance semi-auto Thompson that is currently on the market.
I have the M1 version. It is fun to shoot but very heavy. Also, since it is a blow back action, the recoil spring is heavy. There is a larger cocking handle available that makes cocking easier.
Magazine are available, at least a few years ago when i bought mine. 10, 20 and 30 round stick magazines as well as some drum magazines are avalable. Note, the M1 does not accept the drum magazines. The M1927 (I think that is the model year) do accept the drum magazines.
There is also an aluminum frame version which would be lighter than the steel frame. I do not know how robust the aluminum frame is.
I have the M1 version. It is fun to shoot but very heavy. Also, since it is a blow back action, the recoil spring is heavy. There is a larger cocking handle available that makes cocking easier.
Magazine are available, at least a few years ago when i bought mine. 10, 20 and 30 round stick magazines as well as some drum magazines are avalable. Note, the M1 does not accept the drum magazines. The M1927 (I think that is the model year) do accept the drum magazines.
There is also an aluminum frame version which would be lighter than the steel frame. I do not know how robust the aluminum frame is.
Thank you cfullgraf
Yeap, was the Thompson by Auto-Ord, the finish impressed me, as well the weight.
Overall look pretty well done, but heavy as my family in laws.
What I saw was WWII model in green with flags (patina and engraving seems very well done), it will be just for fun.
It was looking for M1 carbine .30 cal, but nothing around in the south, changed my mind totally.
Yeap, was the Thompson by Auto-Ord, the finish impressed me, as well the weight.
Overall look pretty well done, but heavy as my family in laws.
What I saw was WWII model in green with flags (patina and engraving seems very well done), it will be just for fun.
It was looking for M1 carbine .30 cal, but nothing around in the south, changed my mind totally.
dfariswheel
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Surplus 20 and 30 round magazines can be easily altered to work in the semi-auto Thompson.
Use a 1/4 inch round chain saw file to file the magazine catch hole in the back of the magazine upward slightly.
File the hole upward until the magazine will JUST lock in place.
Most Thompson semi-auto problems are caused by miss-fit magazines or ammunition problems.
Auto Ordnance specifically cautions against using steel cased ammo. It tend to cause the extractor to break.
The semi-auto Thompson is actually a very accurate carbine, the problem is the very basic, non-adjustable rear sight.
If you can find (and afford) an original fully adjustable rear sight so the carbine can be properly sighted in, the Thompson can shoot some amazing groups and can ring the gong at 100 yards and more.
Replica rear sight. Unless they've made a change the sight can be installed in the sight guard already on the gun.....
Take a deep breath.....
https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/thompson-t1-t5-ta5-lyman-adjustable-rear-sight-assembly/
Use a 1/4 inch round chain saw file to file the magazine catch hole in the back of the magazine upward slightly.
File the hole upward until the magazine will JUST lock in place.
Most Thompson semi-auto problems are caused by miss-fit magazines or ammunition problems.
Auto Ordnance specifically cautions against using steel cased ammo. It tend to cause the extractor to break.
The semi-auto Thompson is actually a very accurate carbine, the problem is the very basic, non-adjustable rear sight.
If you can find (and afford) an original fully adjustable rear sight so the carbine can be properly sighted in, the Thompson can shoot some amazing groups and can ring the gong at 100 yards and more.
Replica rear sight. Unless they've made a change the sight can be installed in the sight guard already on the gun.....
Take a deep breath.....
https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/thompson-t1-t5-ta5-lyman-adjustable-rear-sight-assembly/
ontarget
Member
My brother has one of those Auto Ordinance Thompsons. It was fun to shoot for about 5 minutes then the cool factor went away. His is the long version with the front grip and weighs about as much as a Volkswagen. Also from what I remember the length of pull on it was about 3 inches too long.
I might be interested in the short version with the normal front stock. They look much lighter.
I might be interested in the short version with the normal front stock. They look much lighter.
AlexanderA
Member
There seems to be a lot of regret among people who have bought them. It's a novelty gun, and the novelty wears off quickly. Save yourself the grief and pass this one up.
Chuck R.
Member
That's pretty much my sentiments to a "T".
I inherited an M1 version from my uncle, then sent it to the "Tommy Gunner" to get it to run reliably and now it languishes in my safe. One of the guys I shoot with has one that he SBRd (another M1) for his WWII collection. Shot it in a IDPA classifier and is now looking for an AR9.
Tommygunn
Member
Thompson SMGs are iconic American guns, for sure. They almost scream "GANGSTER GUN" for those who associate it with 1930s gangsters, known as the "Chicago Typewriter" and to others, it's venerated for WW2 use, carried by infantry soldiers and marines into battle in real life and in Hollywood movies like "Attack!" and TV shows like "COMBAT!"
It was America's first submachinegun. As such, it was heavy, clunky, and over-engineered. The design of the shoulder stock contributed to "walk-up," and when shouldered, often tended to put the rear sight on the shooter's eyeball.
As an icon, I love it. I grew up watching actor Vic Morrow carry a 1928 Thompson in his COMBAT! role of Sgt. Chip Saunders. Plus, other WW2 movies and shows have portrayed good use of the Tommygun.
But so far as WW2 weapons are concerned, actually I prefer the M-1 Carbine. Lighter, easier to point, firing the more powerful .30 carbine round with greater penetration, I think it was actually better. The best---the Garand. Heavy, yes, but can you say .30-'06?
I do not own one of these neutered semiauto Tommies. Earlier posters explained it very well. If you own one, fine.
A .45ACP longarm can make sense. But NOT at 10+ pounds. In a lighter more M1 carbine-like profile, sounds nice!
It was America's first submachinegun. As such, it was heavy, clunky, and over-engineered. The design of the shoulder stock contributed to "walk-up," and when shouldered, often tended to put the rear sight on the shooter's eyeball.
As an icon, I love it. I grew up watching actor Vic Morrow carry a 1928 Thompson in his COMBAT! role of Sgt. Chip Saunders. Plus, other WW2 movies and shows have portrayed good use of the Tommygun.
But so far as WW2 weapons are concerned, actually I prefer the M-1 Carbine. Lighter, easier to point, firing the more powerful .30 carbine round with greater penetration, I think it was actually better. The best---the Garand. Heavy, yes, but can you say .30-'06?
I do not own one of these neutered semiauto Tommies. Earlier posters explained it very well. If you own one, fine.
A .45ACP longarm can make sense. But NOT at 10+ pounds. In a lighter more M1 carbine-like profile, sounds nice!
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bikerdoc
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Ya, fun but disappointing in the weight. I like The grease gun better.
The M1 carbine has always been my favorite, and like TG said can you say the 30-06 M1 rules.
The M1 carbine has always been my favorite, and like TG said can you say the 30-06 M1 rules.
I remember almost running back from school to be on time to see TV.
Eat something, do my homework and the see COMBAT, with Vic Morrow. Or my other favorite Rifleman.
After the homework and chores go to my kitchen windows to shot my BB gun until Dad came back from work.
Both were my favorites shows.
Thing is, it will be provably one of the last purchase.
Eat something, do my homework and the see COMBAT, with Vic Morrow. Or my other favorite Rifleman.
After the homework and chores go to my kitchen windows to shot my BB gun until Dad came back from work.
Both were my favorites shows.
Thing is, it will be provably one of the last purchase.
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