26 replies to this topic

[GESMod28]

I have 2 guns I need to decide on by Monday - a WH M1 for 12K or a WH 1928 for 13K. I know these prices are at market, but this will be my first Thompson even though I have 6 other NFA machine guns. I need everyone's expertise on what would be the best gun to buy. This is my first post even though I have been watching and learning overs the last 6 months.

[Ron A]

When you purchase a thompson - at some point you will want to use a drum, something you cant do with a M1. Being able to use a drum adds something to shooting a thompson. This sets the 21 or 28 aside from other guns. I have both, but would pick the 28 over the M1 for fun shooting because of the drum.
My 2cents worth

[full auto 45]

I have to agree on the 1928 model. Sure there were only 609 of the WH M1's made but you can't stick a drum in them. I have both the M1 and a WH 1928. The '28 you can put the horizontal forearm on and it's just like a M1. Plus most of the M1's will not run properly until they have been worked on.

[JTinIN]

M1 a little nicer for subgun matchs due to not having the top charging lever than on a bad day can be mistaken for the front sight when your are moving fast. The Lymond sight is also not perfect for 25 years.

The 28 gets you a drum and the option of a slower rate of fire.


Since is your first ... get the 28

Edited by JTinIN, 21 November 2004 - 02:05 PM.

[snipershot1944]

I vote for both, as you can always take out a bank loan to pay for the second one.

Sniper

[TSMGguy]

I have both as well and prefer the WH M1. It's easier to clean and just seems to point easier and better than the '28, maybe due to the longer and better positioned butt stock. You'll almost never use the Lyman adjustable rear sight, and the '28 may have a cheap copy anyway. True, I did have to send the M1 off for some expert tweaking as it would not run out of the box. It is now my favorite gun in the safe!

[Grey Crow]

28 All the way here, I just have a thing for the style.
The M1 seems more robust, but let the Twenties Roll!

For now its a 27. I have used the ladder sight at ranges of 125 yards with fantastic accuracy

[Jay Baker]

I have to weigh in here. I'm fortunate enough to own a WHM1 and a Savage 28A1. I enjoy shooting the M1 more, it's never missed a lick. You got to ask yourself one question, do you like a gangster/police type weapon, or a military type?

[Sgt]

I hate to state the obvious, but I will anyway. It does come down to a personal preference. I think that usually overrides any functional advantage. I enjoy the Thompson shows and movies that have been created through the years. I feel that the 28 was most often showcased on them, so that is my preference. Other things might turn your crank when it comes to the styles. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either one.

[Chopper28]

Personal preference is for the 28 becuase I like the gangster look and the drum. See if he will dicker on the price or maybe throw in some accesories. It never hurts to ask. Cash talks. Just my .02

[Bill in VA]

I'd have to say it all boils down to personal preference. Yes, the '28 accepts drums and M1 doesn't, but one thing no one has mentioned yet is that the WH M1 TSMG is a C&R MG, but the WH '28s, as a general rule, are not. If you live in a C&R-only state this might make a difference. The same applies if you intended to take the gun out-of-state frequently, or the gun is coming from out-of-state. Having a C&R FFL, in this example, will save you $200 and 90 days.

My. 02

[Merry Ploughboy]

Merle (see FAQs) is going to be modifying and selling new L drums for use in the M1 Thomspons. Okay, the drums won't be "original" but none of the post-WWII drums are.
That removes the drum use consideration from the analysis.

Do you like cleaning guns? If so buy the '28. With the Blish lock action and the compensator on the end of the barrel you'll spend many "enjoyable" hours cleaning. (See previous threads on fruitless efforts trying to keep the comp from fouling and fruitless efforts at trying to come up with an easy way to clean comps).

The '28 has the detachable stock which reduces the overall package size. On the down side the stock slide can get wobbly. Do you want to pay $100 for a new tight slide latch? The fixed M1 stock means a bigger package unless you want to undo/redo the bolts every time.

The lazy man's vote - M1.

Best choice is to try to get both. You'll love them both for their unique qualities.

Whatever you decide and for whatever reasons, enjoy and many happy times!

MP

[The1930sRust]

Go gangster!



Nothing beats the thrill of the drum...

[Hawkeye_Joe]

One thing that might influence you is this. The WH 28 can have a very bad problem with the locking slots where the M1 won't (It don't have any). After corresponding with PK about mine I found mine has this problem It will take sending it off and having it repaired to keep the receiver from being eventually damaged. This is not only added expense but possibly another half a year getting it done. Something to think about.

[Chopper28]

Ask to test fire both of them if that is possible. This might make your decision easier. Could reveal potential problems.

[The1930sRust]

Phil, that goes without saying...

[GESMod28]

QUOTE (GESMod28 @ Nov 20 2004, 05:21 PM)

I have 2 guns I need to decide on by Monday - a WH M1 for 12K or a WH 1928 for 13K. I know these prices are at market, but this will be my first Thompson even though I have 6 other NFA machine guns. I need everyone's expertise on what would be the best gun to buy. This is my first post even though I have been watching and learning overs the last 6 months.

Thanks for all the imput to help make my decision. So everyone knows, I worked out a trade for the 1928 WH Thompson with 4 Class 3 guns I already owned(and profited on), so there was no cash outlay except $400 for 2 Form 4 transfers to the dealer where I bought the 1928. I appreciate everyones imput and will post pictures when I receive the Thompson. Thanks again for the information.

[Lafayette Gregory]

I have a 1928 Savage M1, At some time in its past it was cut for the drum mag. It runs like a John Deere on steroids! Someone out there must be able to do this. If so then you can have the best of both worlds.

[JimFromFL]

Sure 50 round drum dumps are great, but 100 round dumps are truly awesome.

[Merry Ploughboy]

Layfayette George,

General consensus is that it is best not to "drum cut" an M1 receiver. Such a modification (which also includes mag well modification) reduces collector value and may negatively effect receiver strength (certainly does not add strength).

Far better to get an M1 modified new production drum now that the ban is over. (See thread on M1 Modified Drums).