Finally got my tax stamp for my M1928A1. Questions about .22 LR conver

[m14fun]

After almost 11 months I finally got my Form 4 approved for my first Thompson, an Auto Ordnance M1928A1. I've done some searching for .22 LR conversion kits and found that Ciener has one however that guy has a terrible reputation so I'm trying to avoid it.

 

I also found some older information on Black Dog Machine kits however it looks like they are out of production and only sell magazines now. Then I found there is someone called Merle that makes kits but I can't find a website so I assume they are out of production as well.

 

Is my best option finding a used Black Dog Machine kit? I'd prefer to use them since they still sell magazines for relatively cheap (no idea if the other brands will accept the BDM mags).

 

Thanks for any information.

 

Edited October 30, 2018 by m14fun

[Grasshopper]

Hi m14fun,

 

I've been shooting the 22 kits (JAC & Merle/BDM) for about 8 years now.

 

JAC kit - Very high cyclic rate. BDM mags have trouble keeping up. $13/each. JAC mags are machined from billet aluminum. Very nice, easy to clean, cost $100/each. JAC's mags will work with either kit. BDM mags being plastic will wear out. It took me about 5 years but I did wear out 4 of them. The rounds were sitting way to high. For $13/each, you are back in business.

 

Merle's kit uses a heavy carrier and reduced spring to get the cyclic down in the 700 RPM range. It also has a steel sear surface 4130 or 4140 IIRC. I've had to re-cut the sear surfaces on my bolts. On the other hand I've got North of 50,000 rounds through the two kits I've been running.

 

JAC's kit uses a 7075 aluminum carrier. 7075 is good but light and I hear the sear surface goes away. I've shot mine some but not nearly as much as Merle's.

 

I've done all my shooting with 30 round mags. IIRC, Dan Block may be doing some 50 round drums based on the BDM drum.

 

Availability - JAC is on the shelf the last I looked. Merle may be running another batch but I'm not sure on that. He has a few years down, lost a loved one (wife) a few years back, and he has told me he did have a few things on his bucket list he wanted to do besides 22 kits. Merle is best contacted via phone and is on the West coast.

 

This is an old video but it gives you some ideas of the M1 w/the Merle kit.

 

BTW, either Thompson 22 mag loads well with the Mcfadden Lightning Grip Loader. You just make your own magwell adapter. Load a mag in 20 seconds. No kidding.

 

I had 4 of Merle's kits at one time. In a moment of weakness I sold one to someone on this Board. I may have to mix up another.

 

Let me know if I left anything out?

 

Enjoy,

 

Grasshopper

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f6m9e1kehee0jir/2.wmv?dl=1

Edited October 31, 2018 by Grasshopper

[Speeddemon02]

I contacted McFadden about them making an adapter and they said they would look into it. Who knows how that will play out, not being able to load quickly is the only reason I stopped using my .22 kit and have no way to make my own adapter. Anyone here that can and has made one that works then I've got some money with your name on it. Love Merle's kit and if you can get one grab it. Merle does not have a website and I had to contact him over the phone. But like what Grasshopper was saying he has had a couple bad years and has not been very active in the Thompson world like he once was.

[Vettom]

Congratulations on your new TSMG I am waiting and waiting......for mine

[El Duce]

Congratulations on your Thompson! I too am awaiting mine. M1a1. In the same boat. I would be interested in finding a .22 kit as well, thank you for posting the question, and a picture of your wonderful SMG!

[mnshooter]

1. Forget about JAC, except (maybe) for his stick magazines, if you need them to look like real GI mags.

The BD/Merle mags are curved, MP5 style, translucent plastic, much cheaper, and work perfectly.

 

2.Try to get the Merle kit with the groove modification along the outside of the barrel; this lets you install it without removing the ejector.

When Merle was more active, for a small charge, he would add the groove on request, to new or already purchased units.

It's a very simple machining process, really just a clearance cut along the outside, so it could be done by any machinist.

Merle's complete kit comes with two sets of cocking knobs and muzzle mounting nuts to allow use with both 21/28's, and M1/M1A1's.

If Merle still has any 50 round .22LR drums, you will really enjoy one. The drums work on all models, including M1's.

 

Several years ago photos were posted showing the details of Merles kits, but a search didn't bring them up for me.

Edited October 31, 2018 by mnshooter

[ron_brock]

Does anyone have a kit that had the barrel insert relief millled that could provide basic dimensions of the relief cut? Thats one thing I did not do years ago, however Im hesitant to send mine in now for modification.

 

Ron

[Speeddemon02]

Mine is around .111" deep and .133 wide on the thicker area next to the chamber. Mine was also done over several times. Either for multiple passes to remove material or I feel until the slot had enough clearance to make it. Another cool thing that he offered was a muzzled threaded end for .22 silencers.

Edited October 31, 2018 by Speeddemon02

[m14fun]

Thanks for the info, guys. Does anyone have Merle's contact info?

[mnshooter]

Mine is around .111" deep and .133 wide on the thicker area next to the chamber. Mine was also done over several times. Either for multiple passes to remove material or I feel until the slot had enough clearance to make it. Another cool thing that he offered was a muzzled threaded end for .22 silencers.

 

Several years back, I had posted photos of these cuts. I didn't save them, and they don't seem to be available here on a search.

Also, be careful regarding the suppressor adapter.

I had one to test, and it would have caused a baffle strike using a .22 rimfire can.

Putting enough tension on the thin barrel insert for suppressor use is going to amplify any variation in threads and mating surfaces.

Merle used a large pistol can from a MAC on his M1 -I forget if it was a 9mm or 45, that would allow for some misalignment.

Your adapter might be fine, but be sure to check alignment before shooting.

Edited October 31, 2018 by mnshooter

[pstidan]

PK fit a Merle .22lr kit to my WH '28A1. He also machined the .22lr barrel insert to clear the .45ACP ejector. The kit is set up to use 30 round steel Squire Bingham magazines. It runs like a champ with no plastic anything.

Edited October 31, 2018 by pstidan

[Grasshopper]

Hi All,

 

Pstidan has an earlier kit by the looks of the '28 cocking knob and the black delrin box. The Bingham mag conversion is a very nice touch.

 

Merle's later kits were in an oak box (still clear plastic cover) and the '28 cocking knob was changed to a very nice welded assembly that plugged into a longer slot in the top of the bolt body.

 

My M1 kits have a modified cocking piece that extends all the way through the bolt and is held in place by the recoil spring ala Sten. I had some trouble with an M1 with the M1 knob cocking in the shallow bore locking the bolt in the receiver. That is why I cut the cocking piece hole (3/16" IIRC) through the bolt.

 

Also, being a wimp in worrying about the sharp edges of the barrel insert, I swapped back to removing the extractor and smooth, non-groove barrel inserts.

 

Everyone's tastes vary. It is really great to see the different configurations of the Thompson 22 kit over the years. It is my favorite 22 platform but in my advanced age the weight is getting hard on my right arm.

 

Enjoy,

 

Grasshopper