Bob@rat-tat-tat

Glad you like both!

Hello all, I would like to get your opinions on what a complete set of parts for a 1921AC might be worth? I'm more interested in a wholesale value, since I would want to sell them easily with a little mark-up. Everything is included: Complete lower with correct internals, grip and buttstock; barrel with 1st model Cutts, grip mount and vertical foregrip; complete bolt, actuator, Blish lock, recoil spring, buffer and pilot, breech oiler; Lyman rear sight; flat ejector. I don't own the parts set. I ran across an individual who happens to own them, and he has offered to sell them to me. The parts appear to be in good condition. Thanks! Bob N.

Reconbob, In the late 70s, I worked for "Eddie" assembling the half-sized Thompsons. It was a very interesting part-time job for a young Thompson fan. Doug and I have briefly discussed his (painful) involvement in the half-sized Thompsons, but I would love to hear more of the details. I only experienced one side of the story. Doug, how did your company in Culver City, CA get involved with Eddie in Richardson, TX? Bob N.

For anyone interested, here is one for sale: http://www.jacksonarmory.com/JA/miscDetail.php?id=6630#

I can't answer your question, but this is a topic that we all should be educated in. What is the BEST way to guarantee that our guns, or anything else that we want to leave to someone upon our "demise", will actually happen? I assume that would be through a trust, and/or an "NFA trust". I have first-hand experience receiving disbursements from a regular trust (no guns involved, sadly), and it was amazingly fast and uncomplicated. I wonder if disbursement of NFA firearms in a trust would be smooth? My experience impressed me so much that I explored setting up one for myself. However, after looking into it, I am holding off until I get more answers about including my NFA firearms in the same trust. It got complicated when I asked the trust officer at the "Bank & Trust" about including my NFA guns. You know, the blank stare and duh.... response. Anyone out there willing to jump in with some advice about how to accomplish the goal? Can we/should we "pre-fill" and sign transfer forms? Bob

Adlake, IMA has them in like-new condition for $185. http://www.ima-usa.com Bob N.

So, Travis, was your grandmother "Ma" Barker? My grandmother didn't leave anything in her attic but some "depression glass" and some old photos of her and grand dad during "the war". Some people have all the luck.

If I can't find the parts I would. There is a guy at the local gunshow that has a million of lyman parts, but the gunshow is done for summer and won't start till the fall. Which really sucks. I do have an unmarked west hurley sight base if you would want that. But it's not marked lyman but a dead copy. If interested just email me. Have you tried Dave at Sarco? They list some Lyman rear sight parts in their SGN ad.

All, I examined the "Midas Touch" Thompson first-hand in the mid '70s, while still in the hands of JCE . It was over-priced, but then JCE didn't have anything for sale that wasn't over-priced. It was definitely "attention getting". With really nice '21s going for $1000-$1200, I dismissed it as a bad way to ruin a good Thompson. Today, I look at it as a work of art and worthy of consideration by anyone with enough (1) money to afford it, and (2) willpower to refrain from shooting it. I guess anyone who likes engraved, nickel plated, pearl handled .45 automatics would like the Midas Thompson too. Bob

Last night I watched a story on the cable news concerning the killing of Taliban leaders by an armed "Predator" drone, OPERATED BY THE CIA!!! Last time that I checked, the CIA isn't a member of the "armed forces" of the U.S. Could someone please explain the legality of a non-combatant branch of the U.S. government killing the civilians of another country during "peacetime"? Remember, we're not in a declared war with anybody...we're in another of those "fuzzy rules" actions, where we don't "need" to declare war. Under the "fuzzy rules" it's "ok" to drop bombs and blow up half of their country and kill people, but we're "not at war", kinda like in Korea, VN, Panama, Grenada, etc. See, I told you so!

IMA sells a fair repro of the Mills pouch for the 21/28, but they are just a "bag" and don't offer any protection at all. I've seen used ones on sale on GB for $60(?) I ran across a Cordura "guitar" shaped case at "Cheaper Than Dirt" this week that is rugged, well made and is padded really well. It would be a pefect way to transport your '28 without being obvious, as long as you're not wearing cammies and carrying ammo cans!

Daryl & Chuck, Yes, I still have them. You can PayPal me at my e-mail address, or send me a note for other payment arrangements. Thanks! David Albert dalbert@sturmgewehr.com Put me down for one. Bob Necessary

Ron, Greg, and all. Thanks for "stirring the pot" on the origin of the Thompson hardcase. I've been interested in the origin of the Thompson hardcase for many years. I've always wished that I had taken photos of every hardcase that I've ever seen. There are some interesting variations, and starting a data base for future collectors would be a noble cause. Over the years, I've examined many original cases. I came to the conclusion that NOTHING is standard on any of them. Two cases from the same maker may look similar, but could actually be very different. Of the original cases that I have owned, I've noted variations in the size of the box, types of hardware, types of handles, types of covering material, variations in how the dust lip is installed, interior layout, color of the interior lining, and how the covering is installed. Some have metal "feet", some don't. Some have pressed leather corners, some have steel. Even the leather used to make the interior straps varies in type, width, and design. After making "replica" cases for several years, I've developed my own theories concerning the variations in the originals. It's obvious to me that no attempt was made to match the everything on every case by every maker. That's a sign that cases were made in small runs, by different craftsmen, at different times, with whatever materials were "on-hand" when an order was received. It's almost like the craftsmen were shown an example, and told to "come close". As to the origins of the diagonal closing lid, that is something that will need written documentation to prove one way or the other. It would seem to me that no one would dream up this type of lid without being required to do so for some reason. It greatly increases the time required to produce the case, compared to a more conventional lid arrangement. I question why a company already producing a variety of more conventional cases would voluntarily choose this design. The only explanation that I can suggest is that they were trying to impress a potential customer that might buy a large numer of cases, such as the FBI(?). Of course, they were made in a time when labor was a cheap commodity, and craftsmanship was the standard. If we can get a collection of information, photos and documentation going, I'm all for it! I once bought a very nice original case at a flea market for $50. The lady thought that it must have been some type of instrument case and, of course, I assured her that it was. Regards, Bob Necessary

Shawn, Any photos of your new "toy"?

I was watching the History Channel's "War in the Pacific" recently about the Marines and Army fighting across the Pacific. Many scenes of Thompsons in action. In one, there must have been four or five guys carrying Thompsons in the same scene! To me, it looked like a Thompson was the best gun to have in the jungle. Good stuff!