Info on Thompson Commando Mark V?

Bullwinkle · March 22, 2000, 11:53 PM

I have a buddy who is looking at a "Thompson" style gun. Its has the following markings:

"Commando Mark V"
S/N "31XXX"
"Volunteer Enterprises
Knoxville, Tenn."
Patent No. "3695143"

What can you tell me about this gun, history, range of value, etc. My buddy would also be interested to know if any special "Assault" weapon transfer restrictions are applicable for this piece.

Steven Mace · March 23, 2000, 02:28 AM

Bullwinkle, if your "Tommy Gun" says Volunteer Enterprises then it was made sometime between 1969-1976. Sometime during 1976 they changed their name to Commando Arms.

My records show two versions manufactured during this time, the Mark III Carbine chambered in .45 ACP and the Mark 9 Carbine chambered in 9x19mm. Both versions used a semiautomatic blowback action with a 16.5" barrel having a rear peep sight and a blade front sight. Either version in excellent condition could be worth about $$375-$425 with a slight premium added for those with a vertical grip. Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

------------------
After today, its all historical

fal308 · March 23, 2000, 08:57 AM

I looked at one of these a couple of years ago, 1996 IIRC. It looked like a piece of potmetal junk. They were asking $200 for it then and no one was taking them up on it.

Reloader · March 23, 2000, 05:30 PM

Magazines that fit it are almost non-existent. A friend has one in his gunshop going on 15 years and cannot sell because it has one magazine and can't find any others.

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March 22, 2000, 11:53 PM	#1
Bullwinkle Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2000 Posts: 283	I have a buddy who is looking at a "Thompson" style gun. Its has the following markings: "Commando Mark V" S/N "31XXX" "Volunteer Enterprises Knoxville, Tenn." Patent No. "3695143" What can you tell me about this gun, history, range of value, etc. My buddy would also be interested to know if any special "Assault" weapon transfer restrictions are applicable for this piece.

March 23, 2000, 02:28 AM	#2
Steven Mace Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 1999 Location: Clifton, Colorado USA Posts: 724	Bullwinkle, if your "Tommy Gun" says Volunteer Enterprises then it was made sometime between 1969-1976. Sometime during 1976 they changed their name to Commando Arms. My records show two versions manufactured during this time, the Mark III Carbine chambered in .45 ACP and the Mark 9 Carbine chambered in 9x19mm. Both versions used a semiautomatic blowback action with a 16.5" barrel having a rear peep sight and a blade front sight. Either version in excellent condition could be worth about $$375-$425 with a slight premium added for those with a vertical grip. Hope this helps! Steve Mace ------------------ After today, its all historical

March 23, 2000, 08:57 AM	#3
fal308 Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,992	I looked at one of these a couple of years ago, 1996 IIRC. It looked like a piece of potmetal junk. They were asking $200 for it then and no one was taking them up on it.

March 23, 2000, 05:30 PM	#4
Reloader Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 1998 Location: Onalaska Tx, USA Posts: 116	Magazines that fit it are almost non-existent. A friend has one in his gunshop going on 15 years and cannot sell because it has one magazine and can't find any others.