Bolt won't cycle.

[traindriver]

This is a new one for me. When the bolt is back with a magazine in, pulling the trigger won't release the bolt to fire. Removing the magazine the bolt will go forward to fire. I never had that problem before. What is going on? Lower is clean and oiled, something is not working. Any ideas would be helpful.

[MG08]

I may have missed it, but is this on a Thompson, or something else like an AR-15 ?

[traindriver]

It's on a 1928 Thompson. Drum it works fine.

[timkel]

Is the box magazine empty?

[StrangeRanger]

If it only happens with an empty stick mag it's functioning as it should

 

If it happens with a full mag, there is a problem. The trip is not releasing so it must be hitting something on the mag that it should not be.

 

Does this happen with only one mag or all mags?

Edited December 24, 2020 by StrangeRanger

[traindriver]

Mag. is empty. I've tried all my mags. I'll put a blank in and try that.

[StrangeRanger]

Unlike most other SMGs, the Thompson locks open on en empty mag. To reload you merely drop the old mag and stuff in a full one, no need to cock the action. This can be a significant advantage when bullets are flying in both directions. This feature does not work with drums, only sticks.