In the fall of 2003 I sent my West Hurley 1928 A-1 to P.K. for some changes that I wanted done. Although I own a 1921 Colt serial # 289, I wanted a 1921 style gun that I could shoot the hell out of and not cry too much if something happened. Other than squaring up the frame, welding up and then recutting the blish lock slots ( a real problem with West Hurleys ), I had him make some other changes too. He cut ( 2 ) 1928 actuators into the '21 style actuators ( one as an extra for backup ) and installed a Diamond K Hybrid 21/28 pilot. A Colt '21 buttplate and slide assembly were installed on the buttstock. A Lyman rear site, Savage knurled selectors and a Colt ejector were also installed on the gun. The lower internals were all NOS A.O.C. parts that I aquired just for this project. The barrel is a Doug Richardson 1921 style barrel and the front sight was made by P.K. for this particular gun because the point of impact was too high. The drum slots were also reshaped & contoured into the 1921 style. The metal was finished & blued well beyond what West Hurley had originally done.
The wood was completed by Dan Block and it also was finished in the 1921 Colt configuration. I will say that after many trial and error ( because I am an anal retentive kinda guy ), Dan was up to the task and his customer satisfaction guarantee is 5 stars!!!
The gun shoots as good as it looks ( approx 925 rpms ) and it is the most accurate Thompson that I own. I was expecting a difference in muzzle climb because of the lack of a compensator and it's faster cycle rate, but that was not the case. A slight push back and up a couple of inches and it stayed still.
I have sent my Class III work to others in the past, but P.K. has my business for as long as he's around. His work is just incredible!!!!!
Best Regards
Randy
