Tommy Guns

[G McBride]

I have been thinking that I would like to have a semi-auto version of this gun. I like the short barreled versions better an would not be opposed to paying the money for the SBR Stamp if I could have a version with a short barrel and removable stock.

Are these available used and where would I start to look?

 

[Soundslikejosh]

I assure you the full auto version is more fun. It takes deep pockets for that, sadly.

 

[paddling_man]

I've seen them used... I don't recall whether they were SBRs or not. I've seen at least one semi-auto for sale at each of 7-8 trips to the Knob Creek Machine Gun shoot. Say, $800-1,500 depending on year of manufacture?

There was a neat article in Shotgun News about Tommy guns Fall of 2007. It is worth a read if you can find it.

Auto-Ordnance made 'em for the last few decades but only from spare parts - no new manufacturing. They sold out to Kahr Arms when the spare parts began to dry up. Kahr now (since '99, I think) has been making semi-auto Tommy guns. I've seen conflicting reports of quality/dependability but I would take the plunge if the funds/availability ratio hit that magic alignment.

Check out this link for some broadband videos - you'll stay busy for 30:00 or so.
Auto-Ordnance | Online Resources | Downloads: Videos

Yes, you've hit on a soft spot for me. I want a Thompson in a bad way.

I've got to agree with soundlikejosh - the full-auto version is a smile-maker! I've only had the opportunity to shoot three full-auto weapons: a Glock 18, a heavy barrel AK and a Thompson. The Thompson was by far and away the most enjoyable. I can see why it was the sub-gun of choice for so long. Let the movie junkies from the 80's keep their Uzi's and Mac-10's - I want a Tommy gun!

​

 

[G McBride]

I agree with your and I think that I may have to make it my goal to get one in 2009. I will start shopping right after Christmas. Getting new 45 gun safe for Christmas, I am sure the wife wants me to fill it up and not waste her thoughtful gift.

 

[BE Mike]

I've seen a lot of them with problems over the years. Maybe they're better since Kahr bought out Auto Ordnance. I would definitely ask around before I spent that kind of money for one.

 

[jeremy]

In '03 I "found" one in Iraq. God was it the best CQB SMG I have ever used! American Engineering at its best!

Sadly I eventually had to de-mill the gun...
We ran it over with an M-88 (excuse me Tears are welling up in my eyes again)...

 

[esrice]

We ran it over with an M-88 (excuse me Tears are welling up in my eyes again)...

Sorry to hear you were tortured over there.

 

[jeremy]

The worst of it while running over the Tommy was bad enough.
I had to run over a functional MG-42, and 2 count them 1, 2 cases still with the factory stamps and seal of luftewaffen mausers.

 

[Crystalship1]

I've seen a lot of them with problems over the years. Maybe they're better since Kahr bought out Auto Ordnance. I would definitely ask around before I spent that kind of money for one.

YEP. From a previous Thompson thread:

FWIW - You may want to be cautious on buying ANY pre-2000 model Auto Ordnance product as their quality hit rock bottom right before Kahr bought them out in 1999. Obliviously, if it's a much older model you should be fine. Good Luck!!!

 

[knobcreeknut]

the sbr's are available through kahr (the moonies) from your local c3 dealer. I would however suggest you save up and buy a full auto. 4 years ago, i sold off manythousands of dollars worth of guns to buy a colt full auto, and have not regretted it a bit. the semis have been plagued with problems for years, and kahr is just as bad as everyone else, with bad customer service. prices are down right now on full autos, and there are good deals to be had. If you do go with one of the new sbr'syou may get lucky and get a good one. if not everything can be fixed, but it can be time consuming and expensive.

try this link for more info on the thompsons
MachineGunBoards.com Forums -> Thompson SMG Message Board
spend a few days looking at old post and lurking. there is probably not a question you could ask that has not been asked before

If you decide to get any pm me for more advice

Larry

 

[schhrdkncks]

I have an auto ordinance that I have had for 3 or 4 years and I have not had any issues with it. When you get new mags you usually have to modify the mag a little for it to lock in properly but it just amounts to enlarging the hole in the mag a little. It is alot of fun to shoot. Of course not as much fun as full auto but I could never afford one of them.

 

[G McBride]

Found one I like on the web today. 5-1966 COLT NAVY THOMPSON full auto and only $43,900. I guess I have too expensive of taste.

 

[jedi]

$43,900. Hum.. that is just a little shy of the 2009 Grand Caravan I sawy this past week. Wonder if the bank would give me a "gun loan" instead of a "car loan".
=)

 

[ryanmercer]

In '03 I "found" one in Iraq. God was it the best CQB SMG I have ever used! American Engineering at its best!

Sadly I eventually had to de-mill the gun...
We ran it over with an M-88 (excuse me Tears are welling up in my eyes again)...

Is it wrong that I find that nearly sadder than my grandfather passing yesterday? He lived a long and full life, but the destruction of a firearm is just tragic.

 

[G McBride]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather passing.

 

[ryanmercer]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather passing.

Bah, stick to the thread (and thanks)

 

[jedi]

In '03 I "found" one in Iraq. God was it the best CQB SMG I have ever used! American Engineering at its best!

Sadly I eventually had to de-mill the gun...
We ran it over with an M-88 (excuse me Tears are welling up in my eyes again)...

Why??? Is this some type of DOD policy?

 

[USMC_0311]

The worst of it while running over the Tommy was bad enough.
I had to run over a functional MG-42, and 2 count them 1, 2 cases still with the factory stamps and seal of luftewaffen mausers.

That’s total bull. Ship them souvenirs home.

Our troops didn't sign up for this. Surprized they didn't send in BATF. Old Guide factory in Anderson being demolished, workers found a locker with 6 grease guns. BATF was callled and they took them away. They used to make them at that plant during world war 2. some estimate that workers stole enough parts to build 11,000 grease guns and some could have been grandfathered with 1986 law. Many may very well be in old basements or house's around Anderson.

 

[Walter Zoomie]

$43,900. Hum.. that is just a little shy of the 2009 Grand Caravan...

In the name of all that is Holy, do not buy a Caravan. I've owned two of the previous incantations.


Never again...





You'll get more mileage out of a Thompson.


Guaranteed.

 

[Disposable Heart]

I have fired the Semi auto and Full Auto Thompsons. Full auto is fun with them: The cartridge is really dampened by the heavy weight of the gun (weight is heavy even with a stick mag). Unfortunately, the Semi just plained sucked. It was very heavy, accuracy so so. In addition, the .45 auto cartridge is low pressured, doesnt gain the velocity some think it will with standard 230gr ball. Maybe lower grainers with slow powder gain 150 fps faster, however, the heavier stuff is 50 to MAYBE 100 fps faster.

My two cents.