Tommy guns?

Firepower! · November 29, 2009, 02:52 PM

Hi
I have found quite a few Thompsons around here for about 250$ a piece fully automatic.

Are they worth buying?

espnazi · November 29, 2009, 03:04 PM

I would definitely buy for $250, worst thing that could happen your out a couple of bucks.

kwells6 · November 29, 2009, 04:11 PM

in pakistan... make sure they aren't cheap remakes... i know Khyber Pass made a lot of the british weapons...

B. Lahey · November 30, 2009, 02:02 AM

Heck yeah.

Remingtonvadeer · November 30, 2009, 08:51 AM

I would defintley hoop on that! im a big collector of old guns . I love old wwII guns an what not!!

EdInk · November 30, 2009, 10:03 AM

Absolutely!

Also if you'd like to send some "non working"(read bolt in different box) or C&R (age?) Tommy guns to the states as gratuity for all the advice you get here, we would be must appreciative.

Fakes or not, you should buy it.

Johnny Guest · November 30, 2009, 10:56 AM

Firepower! , I'm aware that you have a number of full-auto firarms, but I don't know if you're more of a collector or shooter.

You're probably aware of the differences in the various models of the Thompson Submachine Gun. In case you're not, the two most common types are the Model 1928 series and the M1 series. The '28 has the actuator (bolt handle) on top, while the M1 and M1A1 have it on the right side. The '28s are usually more nicely made, with better finish and more finely machined parts. Buttstock is push-button removeable, the barrel is usually finned, and there is frequently a Cutts Compensator fitted. A nice Lyman adjustable sight is common. The fore end may be a vertical pistol grip or a horizontal type. Late-production '28s may be have the dull phosphate (Parkerized) finish, a smooth barrel with or without compensatror, and a simple L-shaped rear sight. A 1928 may have been produced for the civil market OR the military.

The M1 and M1A1 were introduced during WWII to speed production. They were originally all military guns, but many hit the civilian market after WWII and the Korean War. The machining and finish appear much cruder, buttstock is bolted in place, barrel is smooth, and there's no comp. The fixed rear sight and horizontal foreend are standard.

On the US market, a '28 model in decent condition usually demands a FAR higher price than a decent M1-type. The latter have greatly climbed in value in recent years, though.

Far less common Thompson Guns are the Model 1921 and the 1927 semiautomatic carbine. Their scarcity leads to much greater value. The original, short-barrel 1927 should not be confused with the late prodction guns from the 1970s and afterward.

The US market is ruled by the fact that no machine gun of any marque not registered before May 1986 may be legally transferred to a private individual. This very finite number of full auto guns ensures that the buying/selling prices just keep on climbing. No matter that a huge stash of collectors' item machine guns is located somewhere, they may not be sold on the open market in the US, even without regard to other import restrictions.

Frankly, I have no idea of the value of a TSMG outside the US. You must be aware that there are few places where a private individual may own machine guns. From your earlier posts, I know you have, or have had, some other very valuable full auto items. In MY mind, a TSMG in good condition would be worth more money than several Kalashnikovs. At around $250 USD each, one --or several-- would be a great buy. Understand, though, that this is the viewpoint of a sport shooter or collector. The TSMG is/was a first generation SMG. Thompsons are compllicated (compared to an AK or Sten Gun,) very heavy to carry in the field, and demand significant maintenance. Several other full-auto arms are far more suitable for combat use in today's world.

All the above is based upon the available guns being genuine, US-produced Thompson Guns. Firepower!, I hope my over-simplified remarks are not offensive to you.

Best regards
Johnny

p99guy · November 30, 2009, 11:11 AM

a photo from sometime in the last 20 years, Viet Nam...that makes us fans of
historic arms weep. Also as a tax payer, these weapons were purchased by the american public...only to be given away and ultmately wasted.

if you have a chance to buy an original...by all means do so and give it a good home.

Venom1956 · November 30, 2009, 12:08 PM

That picture hurts to look at.

Words escape me. Why?

I always wanted a Thompson. I would gladly take a semi-auto but those stupid 16" barrels are the deal breakers for me. Totally ruin the compactness and look of the gun. Maybe a SBR someday.

p99guy · November 30, 2009, 02:08 PM

Venom, Kahr Arms makes factory SBR's that are only a little more expensive then the regular semi autos....and has the look and compactness you wish.
search "SBR" on gunbroker, and you will usually see one for sale.

Firepower! · December 2, 2009, 05:25 AM

Thank you guys for your responses. And specially thanks to Johnny for a detailed overview of the weapon.

I have decided that I will go down personally to inspect the weapons. I have asked my delear to arrange 2 piece with detachable stock options. I think a pair would be nice to own as a piece of history.

The only problem is that 45ACP bullets are not cheap in this part of the world. The cheapest ones from Philippines is for $1 a piece.

Chipperman · December 2, 2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

The only problem is that 45ACP bullets are not cheap in this part of the world. The cheapest ones from Philippines is for $1 a piece.

WHOA!

At that price you'll exceed the cost of the gun in one day.

Willie Lowman · December 2, 2009, 12:47 PM

That's about what people were paying for .380 10 months ago

Chipperman · December 2, 2009, 04:48 PM

Yeah, but I bet not many people were doing mag dumps with their Macs at that price.

November 29, 2009, 02:52 PM	#1
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	Tommy guns? Hi I have found quite a few Thompsons around here for about 250$ a piece fully automatic. Are they worth buying?

November 29, 2009, 04:11 PM	#3
kwells6 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 437	in pakistan... make sure they aren't cheap remakes... i know Khyber Pass made a lot of the british weapons... __________________ "Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it."

November 30, 2009, 02:02 AM	#4
B. Lahey Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,857	Heck yeah. __________________ "A human being is primarily a bag for putting food into; the other functions and faculties may be more godlike, but in point of time they come afterwards." -George Orwell

November 30, 2009, 10:56 AM	#7
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	Worthwhile? Oh, yes. Firepower! , I'm aware that you have a number of full-auto firarms, but I don't know if you're more of a collector or shooter. You're probably aware of the differences in the various models of the Thompson Submachine Gun. In case you're not, the two most common types are the Model 1928 series and the M1 series. The '28 has the actuator (bolt handle) on top, while the M1 and M1A1 have it on the right side. The '28s are usually more nicely made, with better finish and more finely machined parts. Buttstock is push-button removeable, the barrel is usually finned, and there is frequently a Cutts Compensator fitted. A nice Lyman adjustable sight is common. The fore end may be a vertical pistol grip or a horizontal type. Late-production '28s may be have the dull phosphate (Parkerized) finish, a smooth barrel with or without compensatror, and a simple L-shaped rear sight. A 1928 may have been produced for the civil market OR the military. The M1 and M1A1 were introduced during WWII to speed production. They were originally all military guns, but many hit the civilian market after WWII and the Korean War. The machining and finish appear much cruder, buttstock is bolted in place, barrel is smooth, and there's no comp. The fixed rear sight and horizontal foreend are standard. On the US market, a '28 model in decent condition usually demands a FAR higher price than a decent M1-type. The latter have greatly climbed in value in recent years, though. Far less common Thompson Guns are the Model 1921 and the 1927 semiautomatic carbine. Their scarcity leads to much greater value. The original, short-barrel 1927 should not be confused with the late prodction guns from the 1970s and afterward. The US market is ruled by the fact that no machine gun of any marque not registered before May 1986 may be legally transferred to a private individual. This very finite number of full auto guns ensures that the buying/selling prices just keep on climbing. No matter that a huge stash of collectors' item machine guns is located somewhere, they may not be sold on the open market in the US, even without regard to other import restrictions. Frankly, I have no idea of the value of a TSMG outside the US. You must be aware that there are few places where a private individual may own machine guns. From your earlier posts, I know you have, or have had, some other very valuable full auto items. In MY mind, a TSMG in good condition would be worth more money than several Kalashnikovs. At around $250 USD each, one --or several-- would be a great buy. Understand, though, that this is the viewpoint of a sport shooter or collector. The TSMG is/was a first generation SMG. Thompsons are compllicated (compared to an AK or Sten Gun,) very heavy to carry in the field, and demand significant maintenance. Several other full-auto arms are far more suitable for combat use in today's world. All the above is based upon the available guns being genuine, US-produced Thompson Guns. Firepower!, I hope my over-simplified remarks are not offensive to you. Best regards Johnny

November 30, 2009, 11:11 AM	#8
p99guy Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2004 Location: Haslet,Texas(DFW area) Posts: 1,506	a photo from sometime in the last 20 years, Viet Nam...that makes us fans of historic arms weep. Also as a tax payer, these weapons were purchased by the american public...only to be given away and ultmately wasted. if you have a chance to buy an original...by all means do so and give it a good home. __________________ Lighten up Francis!.....;Actor Warren Oats, in the movie "Stripes"

November 29, 2009, 03:04 PM	#2
espnazi Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Posts: 256	I would definitely buy for $250, worst thing that could happen your out a couple of bucks.

November 30, 2009, 08:51 AM	#5
Remingtonvadeer Junior member Join Date: November 24, 2009 Posts: 38	I would defintley hoop on that! im a big collector of old guns . I love old wwII guns an what not!!

November 30, 2009, 10:03 AM	#6
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	Absolutely! Also if you'd like to send some "non working"(read bolt in different box) or C&R (age?) Tommy guns to the states as gratuity for all the advice you get here, we would be must appreciative. Fakes or not, you should buy it.

November 30, 2009, 12:08 PM	#9
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	That picture hurts to look at. Words escape me. Why? I always wanted a Thompson. I would gladly take a semi-auto but those stupid 16" barrels are the deal breakers for me. Totally ruin the compactness and look of the gun. Maybe a SBR someday.

November 30, 2009, 02:08 PM	#10
p99guy Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2004 Location: Haslet,Texas(DFW area) Posts: 1,506	Venom, Kahr Arms makes factory SBR's that are only a little more expensive then the regular semi autos....and has the look and compactness you wish. search "SBR" on gunbroker, and you will usually see one for sale. __________________ Lighten up Francis!.....;Actor Warren Oats, in the movie "Stripes"

December 2, 2009, 05:25 AM	#11
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	Thank you guys for your responses. And specially thanks to Johnny for a detailed overview of the weapon. I have decided that I will go down personally to inspect the weapons. I have asked my delear to arrange 2 piece with detachable stock options. I think a pair would be nice to own as a piece of history. The only problem is that 45ACP bullets are not cheap in this part of the world. The cheapest ones from Philippines is for $1 a piece.

December 2, 2009, 12:47 PM	#13
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	That's about what people were paying for .380 10 months ago

December 2, 2009, 04:48 PM	#14
Chipperman Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2000 Location: Live Free or Die, Baby! Posts: 1,550	Yeah, but I bet not many people were doing mag dumps with their Macs at that price.