Larbow Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Can someone here recommend a book or books that would give detailed info on all the models and history of the thompson smg's military and police/civilian. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD. Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Welcome to the Board! American Thunder III by Frank Iannamico would be a great start! http://machinegunbooks.com/ or http://www.gunshowbooks.com/cgi-bin/webc.exe/st_prod.html?p_prodid=GS419124 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalbert Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 The Ultimate Thompson Book, by Tracie L. Hill, 2009. Several members on this board are among the "Other Authors." http://www.collectorgrade.com/bookshelf5.html The Gun That Made The Twenties Roar, Second Edition, by William J. Helmer, 2016. https://www.smallarmsreview.com/inventory/detail.item.cfm?product_id=B338 David Albertdalbert@sturmgewehr.com 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelkih Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 I own the "Ultimate Thompson Book", and would highly recommend it as a first Thompson book! I flip through it and read something new at least once a week. Very large book with TONS of history, pictures, and information in it. It couldn't really get much better, and it's only $150 Sandman also told me about "Colt Thompson Serial Numbers and Histories". I went ahead and ordered it, but it has not come in yet. I hear it's great as well if you get "more advanced (addicted)" and into looking up specific serial numbers and their histories. Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 Another recommendation for Hill's The Ultimate Thompson Book. It is a great reference to have on your shelf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD. Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 Larbow,All good book recommendations. Suggestion: Join The American Thompson Association (TATA) and/or the Thompson Collectors Association (TCA) and attend one or both of their Show & Shoots in Ohio later this year. If your within traveling distance, it is something you do not want to miss. You may be able to purchase the book you want on-site and have it personalized by the respective author(s). Better yet, buy the book now and bring it to the Show. You will see many of the guns featured in the books on the display tables. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huggytree Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 i own 3 books...each is unique....i recommend buying every one, but invest in American Thunder 1st Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpbcps Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 (edited) As an avid reader, I buy every book I can find, and afford, on the subjects that interest me. If I only learn one thing from each book, it been worth reading. You'll find on my bookshelves, all of the books mentioned above, in fact two editions of American Thunder, having bought the latest edition when it was published, and I often refer to them all. A more specialised book, which contains a wealth of information, is 'Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story' by Tom Davis Jr., The Thompson book that I am missing, due to the 'afford' aspect , is Gordon Herigstads, 2 volume, 'Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Serial Numbers & Histories'. That is also a more specialised work, examining each and every one of the serial numbers for all 15,000 Colt Model 1921s produced in 1921/1922 and detailed descriptions of the larger contracts with an index of where a Thompson model of 1921 may have been shipped. Gordon Herigstads books are on my list to purchase, when I am back in work, hopefully in the not too distant future. Many of the posts on this forum have also been invaluable in providing me with knowledge on the subject, so thank you to all those members, who take the time to answer posts and provide information. Stay safe Richard Edited March 27, 2017 by rpbcps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draz Posted April 2, 2017 Report Share Posted April 2, 2017 I have a back order on Amazon US for American Thunder III but its taking a while to be dispatched to the UK. Apparently they're struggling for stock and having to relocate supplies between fulfillment centres etc. Shame not available on Kindle! Will look at the Ultimate Thompson book also. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Iannamico Posted April 7, 2017 Report Share Posted April 7, 2017 I have a back order on Amazon US for American Thunder III but its taking a while to be dispatched to the UK. Apparently they're struggling for stock and having to relocate supplies between fulfillment centres etc. Shame not available on Kindle! Will look at the Ultimate Thompson book also. DaveMachinegunbooks.com or: https://www.smallarmsreview.com/inventory/category_list.cfm?product_category_num=6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draz Posted April 8, 2017 Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 Hi Frank Another forum member here in the UK has very kindly sold me his copy of AT 2 but I do still have the 3rd Edition on back order with Amazon US. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnson184 Posted April 8, 2017 Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 (edited) American Thunder III or The Ultimate Thompson Book? Saving up for a Thompson as my first MG... now that prices on WW2 production M1A1s are around $24,000+ and West Hurleys still around $17,000, I need to do some serious thinking. Edited April 8, 2017 by johnson184 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron_brock Posted April 8, 2017 Report Share Posted April 8, 2017 American Thunder III or The Ultimate Thompson Book? Saving up for a Thompson as my first MG... now that prices on WW2 production M1A1s are around $24,000+ and West Hurleys still around $17,000, I need to do some serious thinking.That's a tough call, both books are worth more than their weight in gold. If you are really into WWII guns, I would go for ATIII first. The Ultimate Thompson book is the best for the entire history and detailed information on all eras, especially the development of Auto Ordnance. As to the gun, I would recommend a shooter military gun (or even a well done reactivated war trophy) over a West Hurley any day. You'll likely get pages of opinions on this. WHs can be good guns and are good guns if PK has worked his magic on them. Without the PK treatment, they can be very problematic. Searching threads on here will bring up lots of information on West Hurleys. There is nothing more frustrating than spending that much money and not having a gun that functions reliably. PKs waiting list is long and you'll be spending a few a fair amount in getting a Hurley up to par. Welcome to the boards. Also I suggest joining the two Thompson clubs as both have newsletters and very knowledgeable members. The best investment is to attend the show and shoots as this give an opportunity to see many guns, talk to members and learn more than a book's worth of history. Also there is usually the opportunity to shoot. Many of the members are very willing to let new folks try to the sport. If you would like any further information on The American Thompson Association, feel free to shoot me a PM. Again, welcome and you made the right choice to seek out information before buying the gun. The boards also are willing to give opinions on guns once you get to that point. Ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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