TM1 to M1SB

[Thaunk]

So another soon to be Thompson owner in need of advice. I'd really like a SBR Thompson similar to what was used in WW2. For the time being an A-O/Khar replica is going to be the answer due to cost. I'm new to NFA items and the research I did lead me to believe that it'd be about 15 months before I saw the gun. So new idea, buy a standard length gun and convert it to a SBR. So, one is that allowed? Two, do I still lose access to the gun while the paperwork is going through? Three, what parts do I need to swap out to make this happen? Four, is the TM1 the gun I should use for the base? Lastly any other information I should have that I haven't asked?

 

Thanks very much.

[Newy1928]

Buying a "standard barrel" version and making it a SBR is absolutely a way to go about it.

You do not lose access to the firearm while you go through the paperwork. What you'll have to do is file a Form 1 to have it converted.

You'll need to purchase the 10.5" barrel as well as front sight, and have a gunsmith change the barrels.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. I would go to your local firearm store that handles Class 3 weaponry and ask them to help you with the process. They'll also provide you with the correct fingerprint cards.

[Paladin601]

Why not just buy one with the short Barrel?

[Thaunk]

Mostly because of the wait involved.

[Paladin601]

Yeah, I know the wait would be long, but if you had a NFA 'smith change the barrel wouldn't it be a long wait as well. Or do you send it the paperwork, then change the barrel when you get the stamp?

[Thaunk]

It sounds like you buy the gun and barrel, and then do the paperwork. Seems like the gunsmith can't do the barrel swap until the ATF does their thing first. Hey, wouldn't I also need the foregrip as well? Or would I just cut the regular one down? Or are they the same length with just different part numbers on Khar/A-O website?

[Newy1928]

All of the wood hardware on the Thompson models are the correct size.

[emmagee1917]

Gun , paperwork , approval , barrel , switch .

This is the proper order .

You can have and shoot your long gun till approval recieved . Then you are only out your gun while the smith has it .

Chris

[Thaunk]

So I shouldn't buy the barrel now?

[emmagee1917]

No , that then leaves you open to " intent " charges , although I've never heard of anyone so charged.

Now , a friend without a Thompson could buy a short barrel and keep it at his house and you could then buy it from him after your approval .

Chris

[Thaunk]

I'd heard of things like that, it's also referred to as "constructive possession" of a SBR right? Ok, so no barrel or I'll have a buddy order it.

[mnshooter]

All of the wood hardware on the Thompson models are the correct size.

The grip mount on Kahr is 3/4" wide, and usually made of aluminum.

Their vertical and horizontal grips have the matching 3/4" channel.

You'll need to change this when the barrel is off if you want to use "correct" 1/2" channel forends.

[mike in pa]

Why not just buy one with the short Barrel?

Keep in mind that a factory SBR is like $600 more on top of the regular rifle price...plus the wait.

 

I Form 1'd my semi M1 and did the SBR stuff when the Form came in.

[mnshooter]

So another soon to be Thompson owner in need of advice. I'd really like a SBR Thompson similar to what was used in WW2. For the time being an A-O/Khar replica is going to be the answer due to cost. I'm new to NFA items and the research I did lead me to believe that it'd be about 15 months before I saw the gun. So new idea, buy a standard length gun and convert it to a SBR. So, one is that allowed? Two, do I still lose access to the gun while the paperwork is going through? Three, what parts do I need to swap out to make this happen? Four, is the TM1 the gun I should use for the base? Lastly any other information I should have that I haven't asked?

 

Thanks very much.

If you really want it to look GI:

Unless you're buying the detachable stock version, consider replacing the grip frame with a GI 1928 frame, altered internally for semi use.

You gain the detachable stock, more comfortable grip, and can also convert the Rocker Pivot ("selector") to a bolt hold open.

This will get you as close as possible to the real look.

All of this does take knowledge, tools, and ability.

Dan "Deerslayer" -is one person who can do this work. danblock@Q.com

Dan could also do your form 1 barrel swap, install the correct 1/2" grip mount and Lyman adjustable rear sight, and modify the magazine catch to use unaltered "true GI" magazines.

You would end up with a Semi that all except Thompson people would be unable to tell from the real thing.

Edited November 29, 2014 by mnshooter

[Gio]

All considering a SBR mnshooter is giving you some good advise. Buy a used Semi and buy a good parts kit with barrel and get Deerslayer to do the work and you will be very pleased and save money in the long run.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Frank

[MisterB]

 

All of the wood hardware on the Thompson models are the correct size.

The grip mount on Kahr is 3/4" wide, and usually made of aluminum.Their vertical and horizontal grips have the matching 3/4" channel.You'll need to change this when the barrel is off if you want to use "correct" 1/2" channel forends.

How does one go about this? Does someone sell the correct channel? If so who and how does it attach?

[06AngusSG]

 

 

 

All of the wood hardware on the Thompson models are the correct size.

The grip mount on Kahr is 3/4" wide, and usually made of aluminum.Their vertical and horizontal grips have the matching 3/4" channel.You'll need to change this when the barrel is off if you want to use "correct" 1/2" channel forends.

How does one go about this? Does someone sell the correct channel? If so who and how does it attach?

If you're wanting the ½" grip mount you can get one from Phila Ordnance (reconbob) here:

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/580300353:

 

To replace it you have to remove your barrel and then the grip mount slides out from the front of your receiver.

 

Jon

[MisterB]

 

 

 

 

All of the wood hardware on the Thompson models are the correct size.

The grip mount on Kahr is 3/4" wide, and usually made of aluminum.Their vertical and horizontal grips have the matching 3/4" channel.You'll need to change this when the barrel is off if you want to use "correct" 1/2" channel forends.

How does one go about this? Does someone sell the correct channel? If so who and how does it attach?

If you're wanting the ½" grip mount you can get one from Phila Ordnance (reconbob) here:

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/580300353:

 

To replace it you have to remove your barrel and then the grip mount slides out from the front of your receiver.

 

Jon

Perfect. Thanks. I'm probably just going to trim the wood a bit. Cheaper and easier, with the same result

[Syxtnyne]

This is my Thompson M1A1 "clone." Had the rear sights riveted, had the front dowel pinned instead of a cheap roll pin, had the barrel swapped, rifle parkerized, magazine catch modified to accept USGI mags without modification, had the grip mount swapped to accept USGI foregrips without modification, and had the sharp edges smoothed out. Going from TM1 to SBR is what I did. That way I was able to shoot it until I was approved to convert it to an SBR. But, I never shot it because the barrel was embarrassing. Lol.

[anticus]

Nice. Who did your parkerizing ? I'm trying to decide whether to park my SBR or Dulite it.

[Syxtnyne]

John Andrewski up in NH did the parkerizing. I'm very pleased with his work.

[pedal2metal]

This is my Thompson M1A1 "clone." Had the rear sights riveted, had the front dowel pinned instead of a cheap roll pin, had the barrel swapped, rifle parkerized, magazine catch modified to accept USGI mags without modification, had the grip mount swapped to accept USGI foregrips without modification, and had the sharp edges smoothed out. Going from TM1 to SBR is what I did. That way I was able to shoot it until I was approved to convert it to an SBR. But, I never shot it because the barrel was embarrassing. Lol.

Your last statement made me laugh. I can relate to that sentiment; I've had my AO M1A1 since '98 and always shot it privately since I hated the look of it. I'm finally going to get the SBR paperwork done here soon... I keep putting it off.

[Grease Gunner]

This is my Thompson M1A1 "clone." Had the rear sights riveted, had the front dowel pinned instead of a cheap roll pin, had the barrel swapped, rifle parkerized, magazine catch modified to accept USGI mags without modification, had the grip mount swapped to accept USGI foregrips without modification, and had the sharp edges smoothed out. Going from TM1 to SBR is what I did. That way I was able to shoot it until I was approved to convert it to an SBR. But, I never shot it because the barrel was embarrassing. Lol.

wow: I think that looks great. To have the look, balance andc just shoot it semi is very attractive. May I ask about what it cost after completion?

Thanks!

[Grease Gunner]

I have access to 07 class 3 mfrs in my area. I was thinking of giving them a M1 with 16 inch barrel, letting them chop it to 10.5

and remounting the sight. Any thoughts on this???

[Merry Ploughboy]

I have access to 07 class 3 mfrs in my area. I was thinking of giving them a M1 with 16 inch barrel, letting them chop it to 10.5

and remounting the sight. Any thoughts on this???

 

You'd have to check, but I think the profile of the chopped 16" barrel would be different than that of a proper 10.5" barrel.

 

Best of luck with whatever you decide to pursue.