16 replies to this topic

[Nineteenhundred]

Ok, It is understood by all that they cant be finished to original specs,... but can they be finished to the same specs as the Kahr semi's and assembled with semi bolts? Just a thought. It may not even be possible, aside from the legal issues.

[PK.]

My understanding is that Richardson made a few semi sized “80%” receivers in his last batch and at least one has been registered by an 07FFL as a rifle and is being completed to function with Kahr parts. This gun should be completely interchangeable with the Kahr or early WH semi in every respect, utilizing the approved ATF design for the semi gun.

The only real advantage this gun would have over a Kahr is the ability to have it marked however one would like.

I am not sure what you mean by “Ok, It is understood by all that they cant be finished to original specs”, are you referring to the FA size receivers?

[LIONHART]

PK, Doug did produce a few '27/M1 90% Finished Semi-Auto Receivers, and to let everyone know, even those Receivers were shorter in height like the AO/Kahr Receivers. Doug did make a few changes however.
I know of no practical way to use an 80% Thompson SMG Receiver to construct a Semi-Auto Gun. Not saying it isn't possible, but something like that should be done by someone who has a manufacturing license, and the completed Firearm sent to the ATF to see if it meets with their approval. Please note too, that Phil-Ord makes a claim that one can construct a SA using one of their Receivers, but the problem is, NO BATFE approved plans exist to do that!

[Nineteenhundred]

I did mean that the 80% rcvrs couldnt be finished to FA specs by us regular folks. My thinking was that they make semi 1919 rcvrs with original rcvrs except for a different right side plate with semi bolts and trigger parts, so why not a semi 1928 with a 80% rcvr milled for the semi parts. It would probably require someone to do it and submit to ATFE for plan approval. I am not a machinist, nor do I have any parts to measure to see if it is even a possibility. I was just reading old posts and thinking of possibilities. Thinkin dont cost nothin.

[Nineteenhundred]

No offense taken. I have no plans to undertake the project. It would be too difficult for me, and probably more expensive in the long run than buying a Kahr. I had one of the AO semi's some years back but sold it. Maybe I will get a Kahr M1 if I can scrape together the funds one day.

[PK.]

Thanks for the kind words hardrede.

Just to keep the record straight, I fix more FA Thompsons than I do semi’s, they are more fun too.

[PK.]

Belt feds are terrific and the Browning is a great gun. I am envious of the time you get to spend with them.

Test fire days are quite enjoyable for you, I am sure.

[Billy F]

Would a 80% finished to F/A spec. with a reg.(form 4) bolt be considered 2 machineguns? Just a thought. I like the idea of no markings.

[John Jr]

I have a 1919A4 and its not that great. Yes its full auto, but the 1919 is more trouble than its worth. Yes I look to be selling it.

Jr

[Billy F]

Thanks for the info. Guess I need to contact the NFA branch and see if they will refund my $200 for the paperwork,form 4 with stamp,they sent me on a "unheard of registered bolt.

[Norm]

Billy F,

If you have a bolt registered as a machine gun (regardless of what type of gun it is: Thompson, Uzi, etc.), then the gun itself that it is in does not have to be registered as a machine gun. The gun may have any characteristics of an SMG, such as a short barrel, etc. This is only legal AS LONG AS THE REGISTERED DEVICE (BOLT, ETC.) REMAINS IN THE GUN! I know this is true because I have a signed letter from the BATFE stating so. If any wants a copy, e-mail me, and I will e-mail a copy to you.

An 80% 1928 receiver completed would still be illegal.

I have never heard of a registered bolt for a Thompson, but I have heard of a registered full-auto firing pin. This will convert a WH/Kahr 27A1 to full auto legally. If you have registerd, tranferable bolt; then please share the details with us.

Just my $.02 worth.

Norm

[Z3BigDaddy]

Sold out?!?!? Dang, I wonder who the dummy was that bought the last one? What a maroon, $4,500.00 for a fiddy cent piece of sheetmetal.....


Diclaimer... The above is a crude attempt at humor......

[Norm]

Z3BigDaddy

It was either you or I!

I know, I know... it's not a real Thompson, but it sure as hell shoots like one!

I'm still waiting for my form 4 to clear. How about you?

Norm

[Billy F]

Sorry guys did not mean to misslead anyone. When I first came here I read the FAQ page. Under the subject Turn a semi into a full auto the device was called a BOLT. Guess the FAQ guy is comfused? Did learn two things. If I want a legal desision I will contact the ATF. If I want someone to correct me I will get another wife.

[Norm]

Hey guys, Billy F. is right about the FAQ file!

The FAQ does say:

Can I convert a Semi Auto to a Full Auto?
NO! You cannot do this. Doing this will land you in jail for 10 years. Certain Federal Firearms License Holders can do this, however the guns they make cannot be registered for transfer to an individual. There are special full auto bolts that can be "dropped in" to the semi automatic Thompsons. These bolts are considered registered NFA items themselves and can cost many thousands of dollars.


It is located just above the picture of Levenworth.

Sorry about that Billy F.

All decisions for machine guns, SBS, SBR, etc. are the decisions of the ATF. I would ask them about modifications (that you think are questionable) to any gun before doing so. They have THE final word!

My appologies,

Norm

As for getting another wife, I will not offer any advice on that!

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

It is a modified firing pin that is the Class III part that converts a 1927A1 WH/Kahr into full auto fire. How this part ever became confused with a bolt is a puzzle.

[LIONHART]

FWIW, I heard a while back that there was an individual who produced a few Bolts (Not Firing Pins) for the WH '27 Guns prior to 1986. Though I don't know how many.