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I met Merle Bitikofer today.


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On a mission to assist a few here I had the opportunity to meet Merle today.

 

We had the opportunity to talk guns which seemed to make him happy.

 

I had the opportunity to see a few gems that he allowed me to photograph.

 

In order:

 

1) Merle showing me his drum greasing tool.

 

2)Odd little SMG manufactured by Ingram that looked like the product of a STEN and TSMG tryst.

 

3) Amazing tripod extension and actuator for a semi Browning .30 chambered in 7.62. He said it runs about 500 rpm, but I bet you could do a little better though.

 

 

Sadly, his repair and fabrication days have passed.

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Deavis,

Thank you for the update about Merle. Your help in returning some Thompson drums that Merle could no longer repair makes everyone on this Forum proud. Merle always enjoyed a great reputation in the Thompson community. Everyone thinks of Merle as a friend. I do hope both of you stay in touch. The pictures you posted and update are great!

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It is good to see merle again. It has been a few years since I last saw him. I would love to get out to that left side of the country, but finding the time is hard. Hopefully, someone can pickup on his work with the drums.

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Glad to see Merle, but with his retirement from the drum repair business is there anyone to take over ? The need for the service continues.
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Merle Bitikofer Is a very good man and one of the nicest people I have ever met. Through Merle I was introduced to Gordon Herigstad (Oregon buddies) and Gordon introduced me to David Lansky. What a trio of Thompson aficionados. Thanks for the pictures and update.

Edited by MrBill
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Theres an off-chance we might be out thataway late July.

My wife and I got to know him in Phoenix and frequently dined with Merle, the Richardsons, Gordon, Tino and Lana and Jan and Murray Willis, whenever they made it across the big pond from New Zealand. Ron from Boston too.

 

I called Merle a year or so ago and chatted....as we'll be traveling without any itinerary, it might be kinda last minute.....

Anyone have his street address? Pretty sure I have his phone number but hate to tell him we'll be visiting as it might not happen....but hopefully we can fit a short visit in somehow.

 

John

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I love that stand made to hold the M122 tripod!

It has captured pins and telescoping legs, you can adjust it up to put the gun at eye level while standing (if you are of Merle height).

 

Fitment is amazing too, as well as blending the finish. He told me he did it about ten years ago.

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I didn't know the crank fire add-on was illegal.

 

It was included in the slide fire ban.

Any item which increases the rate of fire and the crank fire device falls under that law.

Not certain all states did it though.

 

On a side note, a number of years ago Merle purchase about 2 dozen of the 100 round repro drums, fixed them and sold them directly.

I purchased one from him and it has never failed.

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I didn't know the crank fire add-on was illegal.

 

It was included in the slide fire ban.

Any item which increases the rate of fire and the crank fire device falls under that law.

Not certain all states did it though.

 

On a side note, a number of years ago Merle purchase about 2 dozen of the 100 round repro drums, fixed them and sold them directly.

I purchased one from him and it has never failed.

Certain states banned crankfire's, but it was not covered with the bumpfire stock order. I don't know which states, but from memory NJ, FL and maybe some others. The version in the pic, I think he made since I've never seen one like that before?

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Aaron , Thanks again, Your the Best!! , package arrived today cannot believe it has been two years since I sent It. Also nice Report, well written glad you sent it to me very interesting read! Looking forward to meeting you , hope I will be able to return the favor in the future! jimmy

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I didn't know the crank fire add-on was illegal.

 

It was included in the slide fire ban.

Any item which increases the rate of fire and the crank fire device falls under that law.

Not certain all states did it though.

 

On a side note, a number of years ago Merle purchase about 2 dozen of the 100 round repro drums, fixed them and sold them directly.

I purchased one from him and it has never failed.

Certain states banned crankfire's, but it was not covered with the bumpfire stock order. I don't know which states, but from memory NJ, FL and maybe some others. The version in the pic, I think he made since I've never seen one like that before?

Unsurprisingly, California is another State which prohibits any mechanism that increases a semi-auto's ROF beyond that generated by a single human finger (lest you consider attaching a hummingbird's wing to the trigger).

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