May I Share A Pic With You?

[gd9704]

While I'm not (yet) a Thompson owner, I have been a lifelong admirer of this beautiful weapon. Back in 1994 or so, I was a member of a private indoor shooting range that held a machine gun shoot. I waited hours to shoot the Thompson that was offered. This was a true thrill for me, and luckily, the range owner was snapping pics for us to keep:

 

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Dec/200312238499948482238232.jpg

 

While it's been nearly 10 years since this photo was taken, I still remember a few things about the experience:

 

1. The Thompson weighed alot more than I expected!

 

2. 30 rounds don't go too far full-auto!

 

3. While I tried to do short bursts, it seems like the gun kept firing for a short time after I let go of the trigger. Perhaps needing PK's magic touch?

 

Anyway, I like lurking and learning here, and I hoped that sharing this pic might be of interest to someone here.

 

Thanks,

 

Greg

[Norm]

gd9704,

 

You are right. 30 rounds doesn't last long in a Thompson 28. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/huh.gif It's even shorter in a Thompson 21. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/blink.gif

 

That's why they made C drums- 100 rounds! http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/wink.gif

 

It is heavy also. The semi-auto only (1927A1) is even heavier.

 

I noticed the cynder-block wall behind you in the picture. I'll bet that it was LOUD in there!

 

Norm

 

[full auto 45]

Good pic, thanks. I would imagin that with all the shooters, the gun was very dirty and could use a good cleaning. That could cause the trigger to "stick" a second and seem to fire when you let go. Remember, NOW's the time to buy that gun you want. If you wait too long, they could be out of range. And don't be shy on asking questions. That's what this board is for.

And your right. On FA, even the "C" drum doesn't last to long. 30 is just a popcorn fart.

[JimFromFL]

Nice action picture with the brass flying in the air.

 

The three most common causes for the symptoms you described would be:

1 - Sear rubbing on the bolt and the friction prevents the bolt from moving all the way back and catching.

2 - Ammo too weak

3 - Gun dirty

[Ron Mills]

You show good form in that pic. How did you score (if you want to share that part)? On an at least 8-round burst, looks like you held 'er steady!

I have good luck when I lean into the gun, like the old manual says. She doesn't get away so easy then. The weight, which did surprise you, actually helps on the recoil end. At least that's what I've found. Anyway, like Mike sez, get one NOW. They ain't gonna go down...

[Walter63a]

Thanks for sharing that pic Greg! http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif The guys are definately right on target about prices going up,......up,.....up and away!! http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/blink.gif http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/mad.gif Regards, Walter

[gd9704]

Ron, if you look closely, there are only 4 rounds in the air--the others are shadows of the empties on the wall behind me.

 

I found that the gun was a pleasure to shoot. The weight of the gun really dampens any recoil. I may have saved the target for a while, but I think it's gone now. I remember being able to hit the target without much problem.

 

 

And yes, I know that the prices of these pieces of history will go nowhere but up.....it's a matter of convincing the wife that a thompson is a higher priority than installing central air in our house. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/sad.gif