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shaggy · March 2, 2005, 05:29 PM

I'm not too well versed on the differences and specifics of Thompsons (I know the basics), but if you can find ANY transferable Thompson under $11k, you better grab it fast. My guess is that the ones you're seeing for $7k are pre-samples - only available to dealers. Currently the going rate for an Auto-Ordnance or WH (the two least expensive types) start at about $11k-12+k. For a Savage, Bridgeport, or Colt you're looking at the $18k-30k+ range.

M16's are currently sitting at about $9.5k-11k for a non-Colt conversion. True factory Colt M16's (A1's, A2's, etc.) start at about $12k-14k and go up from there. Lightning links can be had for about $7500, while RDIAS's seem to be fetching $10.5k-11.5k. Don't expect this to last, however. Lakeside Machine is set to release their beltfed .22 upper for the M16 late this year which will almost undoubtedly push M16 prices higher, while stalling AM180 prices, if not hurting them a little.

I just sold my American 180 for this very reason. They're great fun, but the Lakeside unit will only be about $1800. Add a transferable M16 for about $10k and you've got significantly more versatility than an AM180 for only a couple thousand dollars more. And don't make the mistake everyone does of thinking an AM180 is cheap to shoot because its only 22. They burn through 22 ammo at a rate of about 27-30rds/sec. It adds up fast...very fast. I usually bought 22 ammo by the case (5000rds) which ran about $120. Each case would last me two outings with the AM180. Firing at about 28rds/sec from a 275rd drum, you can burn through more than a half a brick of 22 ammo in about 10 seconds of trigger time.

March 2, 2005, 05:29 PM	#3
shaggy Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Posts: 1,519	I'm not too well versed on the differences and specifics of Thompsons (I know the basics), but if you can find ANY transferable Thompson under $11k, you better grab it fast. My guess is that the ones you're seeing for $7k are pre-samples - only available to dealers. Currently the going rate for an Auto-Ordnance or WH (the two least expensive types) start at about $11k-12+k. For a Savage, Bridgeport, or Colt you're looking at the $18k-30k+ range. M16's are currently sitting at about $9.5k-11k for a non-Colt conversion. True factory Colt M16's (A1's, A2's, etc.) start at about $12k-14k and go up from there. Lightning links can be had for about $7500, while RDIAS's seem to be fetching $10.5k-11.5k. Don't expect this to last, however. Lakeside Machine is set to release their beltfed .22 upper for the M16 late this year which will almost undoubtedly push M16 prices higher, while stalling AM180 prices, if not hurting them a little. I just sold my American 180 for this very reason. They're great fun, but the Lakeside unit will only be about $1800. Add a transferable M16 for about $10k and you've got significantly more versatility than an AM180 for only a couple thousand dollars more. And don't make the mistake everyone does of thinking an AM180 is cheap to shoot because its only 22. They burn through 22 ammo at a rate of about 27-30rds/sec. It adds up fast...very fast. I usually bought 22 ammo by the case (5000rds) which ran about $120. Each case would last me two outings with the AM180. Firing at about 28rds/sec from a 275rd drum, you can burn through more than a half a brick of 22 ammo in about 10 seconds of trigger time.