Most of the Thompson handbooks caution not to let the bolt slam forward on an empty chamber. I heard or read somewhere last week that a snap cap or similar dummy round can be used in drums to prevent the bolt from closing on an empty chamber. What precautions, if any, do you guys use when shooting drums?
Rob
The Irish love Tommy Guns too.
The Slam At The End Of Fifty
Started by
The Moor
, Sep 11 2003 07:21 PM
10 replies to this topic
#2
PK.
-
- Board Benefactor
-
- 1578 posts
Technical Expert
- Gender:Male
- Location:CO, USA
- Interests:Full time gunsmith who loves Thompson's, 43+ years experience.
Posted 11 September 2003 - 07:34 PM
I take no precautions in this regard. If you sit in front of the TV and slap the bolt at Dan Rather & other spurious characters all evening, night after night it would not be good. You will not damage your TSMG by the bolt closing empty after a drum is exhausted, it’s tougher than that.
#3
The1930sRust
-
- Moderator
-
- 1958 posts
Respected Member and Board Donor
- Gender:Male
- Location:Confederate, Kentucky
- Interests:Thompsons, obviously. Proud West Hurley 1928 and Savage M1 owner, cave explorer, and KSP trooper (retired). Also interested in 1920-1930 American history. I appreciate all Thompson models and their owners.
Posted 11 September 2003 - 07:36 PM
PK:
My sentiments exactly. I will, however, stop taking blank shots at Taliban Dan....
My sentiments exactly. I will, however, stop taking blank shots at Taliban Dan....
#4
Ron A
-
- Regular Group
-
- 641 posts
Long Time RKI Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:Helena, Montana
- Interests:Collector of Thompson guns & items<br>Colt single actions<br>Native American items - pre 1900
Posted 11 September 2003 - 08:23 PM
You are using blanks - no wonder I go thru TVs -
#5
full auto 45
-
- Board Benefactor
-
- 4824 posts
Respected Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:Looking over your shoulder right now
- Interests:Thompson's, Any Machinegun, Harley's and scuba diving. In that order.
Posted 11 September 2003 - 09:49 PM
Let 'er slam, hell I've blasted I don't know how many drums, and it still works great. They were made to do so. Like Pk,Rust and RonA say, watch Fox news and you won't want to slam a full load at the screen or Tali Dan( I use to like that guy).
#6
john
-
- Regular Group
-
- 719 posts
Long Time RKI Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:Saint Paul, Minnesota
Posted 12 September 2003 - 05:13 PM
I've seen some drums with one of the rotor ends broken off. It was explained to me that as the last shot was fired the bolt could (understand, odds must be very high on this!) COULD possibly hit one of the rotor ends square enough to break it off.
I've ran my drum many times and never had a problem or any breakage (or any damage from slamming the bolt home on that last shot) BUT am curious to find out if anyone has ever broken a rotor this way, or seen it happen??
Anyone??
john
I've ran my drum many times and never had a problem or any breakage (or any damage from slamming the bolt home on that last shot) BUT am curious to find out if anyone has ever broken a rotor this way, or seen it happen??
Anyone??
john
#7
Bob
-
- Board Benefactor
-
- 736 posts
Long Time RKI Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:Wa. and AZ.
Posted 12 September 2003 - 07:04 PM
Load snap caps as the last two rounds...that would stop the drum from unwinding. I've never had a problem...then again Merle just fixed two of my drums, one had a broken spring. the other had a bent rotor..Looks like to me the only way the rotor would touch the bolt is if the rotor arms were bent out. But then I guess they would be dragging on the drum 
#8
PK.
-
- Board Benefactor
-
- 1578 posts
Technical Expert
- Gender:Male
- Location:CO, USA
- Interests:Full time gunsmith who loves Thompson's, 43+ years experience.
Posted 12 September 2003 - 09:02 PM
The bolt should not touch the rotor.
#9
JimFromFL
-
- Regular Group
-
- 1929 posts
Long Time RKI Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:Florida
Posted 13 September 2003 - 07:00 AM
| QUOTE (PK. @ Sep 12 2003, 09:02 PM) |
| The bolt should not touch the rotor. |
I agree.
If you look closely you will notice there is noticeable clearance between the bolt and rotor.
#10
bug
-
- Board Benefactor
-
- 1645 posts
Long Time RKI Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:SE PA
- Interests:Hunting, fishing, shooting, reloading, metalworking, woodworking, photography.
Posted 13 September 2003 - 11:10 AM
That little wobble at the end indicates the rotor is moving under the closed bolt. Don't overwind or drum will experienc a BIG wobble that is not good for the spring.
#11
Mike45
-
- Regular Group
-
- 124 posts
Long Time Member
- Gender:Male
- Location:Gulf Coast
- Interests:shooting,hunting,fishing,drinking,eating.
Posted 14 September 2003 - 05:42 PM
Hi Gang, I thought about snapping a cap or 2 when hillary was on tube. Seems as of late it is like waiting on a big buck to show up in your sights. Has anybody thought what would have become of this country if it was run by the likes of her or algore, or how close it got to reality last time. We sure have a lot of losers in this country. I live in MS where we have the perverted primary elections where you can not vote for the candidate of choice, you have to vote democrap ticket or gop, no other option, in last round you are finally allowed to vote for your choice. Mike
