50 replies to this topic

[John in IN]

First off, great site. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks to gain a little Thompson knowledge, and this is certainly the place to get it!

I have an M16 now but have had the urge for a long time to get a Thompson. I wish I could have BOTH, but can't quite swing that.

One thing I've noticed is that it looks like parts are a lot more plentiful for the M16. It looks like you have to get "lucky" to stumble on to a 50 or 100 round drum for a Thompson, and having a drum would be one of the attractions of owning the gun. (IMO)

If I do get one it probably will get many rounds thru it, as I do enjoy shooting, but I haven't noticed any weak spots on the Thompsons from what I've read.

Anyhow, any pros/cons on one versus the other from those that have owned or shot both? I realize it's just an opinionated question; just looking for anyones thoughts!

Thanks, John

[full auto 45]

Welcome to the boards John in IN.
In my opinion, I think it is hard to compare a Thompson to a M16. I have shot both and own 2 Thompson's. The 16 is lighter and will shoot a hell of a lot farther than a Tommy. A Thompson will knock someone down when they get hit, a .223 can go in & out with small effects,so to speak. The 16 is sweet, I want one myself, but you take a M16 and a Thompson to a range, and see which one people will ask more about.
The M16 maybe a better attack weapon but a Thompson is a more reliable gun in my opinion and use. That's my 2 pennies.
Email me as I am in Indiana also. If your close you can show up to our next shoot we have.

[HK33K]

I have both and in my opinion the two types of guns are hard to compare.
The thompsons are cool for the history they represent but, they are long, heavy guns that are restricted to being one thing with no options. The M16s on the other hand are the jack of all trades in the NFA world. You can make one short and light and with a .22 kit a child can shoot it. It can also go the other extreme and become an 8mm belt fed. If I could only afford one NFA I would own an M16 becouse of the versatility. Of course, if you always wanted a Thompson, get it.
Pat
0-1-25

[Kevin]

I think I have to agree with HK33K. The two are very different weapons. You just can't beat the versatility of the M16. However... the Thompson just reeks of sex appeal . If you want to look cool a drum can't be beat . If you are going for tactical sticks are much better. My .02
Kevin

[Kevin]

Whoops - the rest of the story, I've shot both, I have a 28. My son can have it when I'm dead- I'm planning to live a long time
Kevin

[Bisley45]

The Thompson and 16 are apples and oranges, but Thompson parts are not yet that hard to come by. If you shoot the hell out of a 16 it gets loose, I've seen semi's loose. A Thompson you can't burn the barrel running constant stick or drum magazines threw and the 5.56nato well one Beta mag on full auto and your not going to ever have that gilt accuracy again. Get whatever you want and can afford. Take the second morgage and get both.

My .02

BB

[96lt1ss]

Here are some cool video clips it's too bad they dont have any Thompsons

M-16 fans have to see the Beta Mag dump

http://www.onlythebe...videolinks.html

[Brickyard]

JT:

Nice to see you on the boards!!! Welcome.

As you know, I have both and enjoy both. I guess my quick $.02 would be that the Thompson would be the way to go if one could only have one. Both are priced comparitively but there are only a limited number of TSMG's out there where there will probably be an abundance of 16's for several years. The 16 is certainly more versatile but the Tommy is true sex. Drums are around. They're a bit salty in price and usually need some work to get them running well but there a several on this board who can handle the work and do it well. You're sure welcome to shoot my 28 anytime you wish as you're making your decision. And, if you do switch over to the Tommy, let me know if we can talk about those Colt 9mm mags you won't need. I still can't seem to get the Uzi's running well.

Have a great holiday.

C.J.

[John in IN]

Thanks for all of the feedback! That's exactly what I was looking for. I would agree that the 2 guns are kind of "apples and oranges", I guess I need to decide whether I want apples or oranges.

The versatility of the M16 is hard to beat as I have the .22LR conversion kit and the 9mm kit also. Kind of like 3 guns in one.

full auto 45: I'm in Anderson, not too far away.

HK33K and Kevin: good points indeed!

Bisley45: you may have the best idea; a 2nd mortgage and have BOTH guns. I hadn't thought of that.

96lt1ss: your screen name sounds like you're into more than guns, much like me. My living and main hobby is in the automotive world.

Brickyard: You have me mistaken for someone else, but that's ok, you can bring your Thompson over and I'll be glad to shoot it!
I'm on 9 acres and do have the pleasure of shooting in my back yard.

Thanks again guys for all of the input; decisions decisions.

John

[Mike45]

The only "better"thing about a 16 is the weight. That makes a big difference if you have to hump it every place you go. A Thompson will function in most adverse conditions, a 16 may or may not.

[full auto 45]

I have a M16 9mm mag somebody left at my place. I think I haven't throw it away. Maybe it'll pop up on ebay someday.
Brickyard you interested?

[Waffen Und Bier]

Have a couple of each. That's a tough choice, but I would go with the M16 if I could only have one. This way I have numerous 5.56mm uppers, 9mm uppers, .22lr upper. I would pass on a .45 upper because I don't care for Oly or whoever else offers a .45 upper. That's what I have a Powder Springs .45 MAC for
If you want to keep your M16, but have a bug for another MG, get a MAC while they are still affordable. They may be short and ugly, but they are an American made badass .45 SMG Great with a sound suppressor. JMHO.

[John Jr]

The M16 is a great gun. I has a lot to offer in this NFA world. The Thompson is a different breed. Its not like apples and oranges. Its more like grapes and fine wine.

The Thompson would beat the M16 in very few categories in combat, but in our world today, its the most collectable SMG out there and commands the best prices and respect. The questionable beginings of the M16 will ALWAYS haunt it.

The Thompson and the M16 are both tried and true combat weapons. They always will be, but a Thompson will remain the range whore at EVERY SINGLE range in the country.

If you don't think so, take them both to the range and watch the spectators.

Jr

[SecondAmend]

Few articles ever achieve the mystique that the Thompson SMG has. The Luger has and arguably, the Colt Single Action Army has also. (Maybe the 1911 and the Uzi??). The M-16 does not, probably never will. My opinions only.

[Delta3-2]

Thompson's to me are a wonderful piece of history. Nothing more. Whereas the M16 and it's variants just continue to develop. It is probably the best all-around weapon one could have. With the .22 cal conversion kit and all the adaptations available you can have several different weapons using only one receiver group. There is no comparison between a Thompson and an M16. Just the difference between the rounds tells you the tale of each. The Thompson was a sub-machine gun (using available pistol ammo) thus having all the limitations of that pistol cartridge. The M16 using 5.56mm ammo was a development coming from the Stg44 and AK-47. A weapon developed based on an entire different combat rifle philosophy. They are both good weapons for what they were developed for. The Thompson to me is especially desirable because of it's history in American warfare. BTW....a more objective comparison of weapons would be between the MP-40 and the current MP-5.

Dan G.

[96lt1ss]

It would seem the M-16 is leading in the "If I could only have one gun" question, which brings another question. Does anyone also belong to a M-16/AR-15 forum and actively participate?

Living in a Class 3 prohibited State I have an AR with various uppers as well, but do not participate in any other gun related forums. What is it about our demographics that these two weapons draw so much interest?

[SecondAmend]

"What is it about our demographics that these two weapons draw so much interest?"

Most of us are mechanically inclined, male and believe in what the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights say.

[Sgt]

I used to hang out on the AR forum. Great bunch of guys. One actually repaired my AR15 and didn't charge me anything. I've got two preban AR15s, but before I would get an auto one, I would rather go with a M1a1 Thompson. Between the AR and the Thompson, I value higher the Thompson's look and historical significance. However, the AR15 is still a fun gun, with its ability to morph into many configurations.

[hawksnest]

I remember a couple of posts from Vietnam Vetrans who preferred the Thompson over the 16 and carried the Thompson during their tour. 230 grains vs 55 - 65 grains. Reliability vs. jams.

[LIONHART]

Found this today. http://story.news.ya..._goodbye_m_16_1