
Is A C Drum Worth A Good Idea?
#1
Posted 02 March 2004 - 10:13 PM
I've heard you guys talk about how cool it is to empty a C drum, and I'm tantalized. However, I've got mixed feelings. I wonder if I'd use it very much. Seems like a really heavy, awkward gadget. I can see myself taking it out a couple of times and then, after the "thrill has gone," deciding to leave it at home because it was a lot handier to just bring a couple of L's. Kind of an expensive paperweight. What do you guys think? Thanks.
#2
Posted 02 March 2004 - 10:22 PM
I have a C drum that Merle fixed - its a keeper.
#3
Posted 02 March 2004 - 11:23 PM
Dan
#4
Posted 03 March 2004 - 08:57 PM
#5
Posted 03 March 2004 - 09:18 PM
#6
Posted 04 March 2004 - 08:24 AM
#7
Posted 04 March 2004 - 08:56 AM
The Original C drums were made for the 1921 Model Thompsons with the instructions to wind to 15 clicks. I don't know about the West Huley C drums but I'm sure they weren't made specifically for 1928 Model guns.
The individual quirky characteristics of the West Hurley made products notwithstanding, it should work fine as long as it has been fine tuned by Merle to operate properly.
#8
Posted 04 March 2004 - 10:06 AM
The West Hurley C drum that I have for trade, and that was tuned by Merle, runs flawlessly in an original Colt 21 and in a Savage 28A1. Fifteen clicks on the drum for either one and she is a blast. I ran it twice in the 21 and once in the 28A1 before I acquired a Colt C drum. Now that I have the Colt C drum I am trading the West Hurley for a Mills or Rusco Canvas carrying case. Looking at two Mills (very dirty) and one unmarked case (haven't seen pictures of it yet) as offers for trade. Haven't decided which one to trade for the minty West Hurley C drum. The Mills cases are what I prefer but they are dirty. The unmarked case was descibed as very good condition with modification to the mag pouch to hold 30 round mags. I haven't seen pictures of it yet so I'm not sure about this one.
Everyone with a Thompson must have a C drum. It is one of those accessories that makes the gun a complete set.
Rob
#9
Posted 04 March 2004 - 10:23 AM
#10
Posted 04 March 2004 - 10:41 AM
The West Hurley C drum is better than no C drum at all and it is a collectable Thompson accessory sought after by many. For me, it kinda partially filled a void until a Colt C drum could be located.
#11
Posted 04 March 2004 - 11:18 AM
QUOTE |
The West Hurley C drum is better than no C drum at all and it is a collectable Thompson accessory sought after by many |
Rob,
The WH type C drum is only "collectable," or rather desirable, because of the magazine capacity limit ban.
#12
Posted 04 March 2004 - 11:54 AM
I would dare say that none of the Westy C drums ran well in any full-auto Thompson. In a semi auto, it seemed to be ok, because the fire rate is so slow; but it still jams.

If I owned a real Colt Thompson, I would want a Colt C drum. I would also want a Westy (or two) that has been refurbed by Merle and/or PK to run in a 1921. These would be my "shooters," ESPECIALLY if I let someone else shoot the gun with a drum.

Nothing "dents" liked a loaded C drum hitting the concrete! OUCH!

Arthur is right about the Westy C being a collectable because of the high capacity ban. If they could still make C drums, most of the Westys would be long gone by now.
My $.02 worth.
Norm
#13
Posted 04 March 2004 - 01:01 PM
QUOTE |
And if the AW/mag ban sunsets, and if WH starts making 'em again, will I buy one? You bet. Instantly. But I will buy it for historical show and tell, to explain how the Thompson designers and builders learned when they had gone too far with magazines. |
Phil,
The original Colt C drum was indeed folly since it was not practical and quickly taken out of production. However, this impractical drum is only valuable, and noteworthy, if it is the one from the 1920's time period. The high capacity mag ban had, nor has, anything to do with the collectability, or value, of the original C drum. To purchase a WH type C drum for the purpose of "historical" show and tell would be the equivalent of buying a modern manufactured fiberglass crossbow to illustrate what type of weapons were employed at Agincourt. There is a whole lot lost in the translation. This is why the WH type C drum, after extensive modification, could only be useful to the buyer to experience the awkwardness of wielding the TSMG during a 100 round dump.
#14
Posted 04 March 2004 - 05:01 PM

Mike Hammer
#15
Posted 04 March 2004 - 06:08 PM
QUOTE |
I'm getting very tired of the numerous posts on "value'' and "collectibility" of certain now hard to get early Thompsons and accesssories. The 'I have this, you only have that' syndrome is getting very old on this board. |
Mike,
I am not sure why you would be bothered by the inescapable fact that the Thompson and its accessories that were manufactured in the 1920's are today considered antiques and valuable commodities. That is something that no one on this board determined, but all of use are forced to concede. I myself do not see how shooting a Colt C drum could hurt the damn thing. The real point of this thread is that the original concept for the C drum is absurd in practise.
If you enjoy wielding your WH C drum on the range, then you are indeed in your element. But if a gun only has value to you when you are shooting it, then I guess you wouldn't appreciate the pre West Hurley Thompson's anyway.
#16
Posted 04 March 2004 - 07:19 PM
Mike Hammer

#17
Posted 04 March 2004 - 07:51 PM
QUOTE |
THe English used the heartwood of the Yew, and they used it to make LONGBOWS, not crossbows. |
Hardrede,
Actually you only accounted for one side of the battle. The French led mercenaries were Genovese soldiers of fortune, and they were equipped with state of the art Italian crossbows.
#18
Posted 04 March 2004 - 08:08 PM
QUOTE |
They will all be worth a lot, or they won't be worth anything because we won't be allowed to own them. |
Mike,
You have a point.
#19
Posted 04 March 2004 - 09:08 PM

#20
Posted 05 March 2004 - 06:26 PM
Cheers.

Mike Hammer