Armadillo6 Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 Newbie here. I just purchased a 1995 Model Thompson West Hurley M1 Semi Auto. Being an old guy, I find I'm having difficulty pulling the bolt to the rear because of some exceptionally stiff Recoil Springs. I'm in the process of purchasing an extended Bolt Handle, which I understand might help in getting the bolt to the rear without looking like an invalid, but I'm also told there may be some Recoil Springs out there that will also give me a little help. I had a fully-auto Thompson M1 in Vietnam that I carried for several months and for the life of me I can't remember it being this hard. Of course I was 50 years younger and had a little better umpf. Do any of you guys know of such a thing as relaxed or weaker springs that are suitable for this? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtrooper Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 You can buy an easy pull spring kit ... I purchased one from Dan Block (Deerslayer on this forum) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armadillo6 Posted March 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 Thanks OldTrooper. That's gotta beat the hell out of busting my knuckles. I'll try and contact him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devious6 Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 I found that the extended bolt handle gave me just enough leverage - and I'm in my 60s. I do have a spring kit from Dan but haven't had to use it yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hossbreed45 Posted March 12, 2019 Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 (edited) I'm in the process of purchasing an extended Bolt Handle I have a barely used extended bolt handle that you can buy from me if you'd like to save some $$$. Kahr wants $38.50 + $5.00 shipping. You can have it for $35.00 shipped! PM me for details... Edited March 12, 2019 by Hossbreed45 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merry Ploughboy Posted March 12, 2019 Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 FWIW, your M1 in Vietnam did, in fact, have a lower force recoil spring. The full auto Thompsons fire from a heavy open bolt so the bolt has a substantial forward inertia. The semi auto is closed bolt and the bolt is considerably lighter than a full auto bolt, so during firing the recoil spring has to hold the bolt closed pretty much on its own. Welcome, and Enjoy your Thompson! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armadillo6 Posted March 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2019 Hossbreed45 I've already ordered one. I got in a hurry to fix the problem. Thanks for the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hossbreed45 Posted March 13, 2019 Report Share Posted March 13, 2019 Hossbreed45 I've already ordered one. I got in a hurry to fix the problem. Thanks for the help. Okie Dokie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armadillo6 Posted March 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2019 For those who might be following my issue, I received the extended bolt handle today, took the opportunity while field stripping the gun to clean it, and installed the new bolt handle. It was just the ticket. Guess I just couldn't get enough grip on the older one, but now it's no problem. I also noticed while I had it apart that the springs and spring guide comes out without a lot of pressure, so I doubt that weaker springs were necessary. Thanks to those of you who offered me help and advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now