MICK1WV

Everyone, Thanks for the continued interest and support in making my dream gun a reality. Unfortunately, I appear to have hit a snag. Although I have nearly all the resources at my disposal to complete the project, I am unable to find anyone with the necessary experience and expertise in completing the project. Local gunsmiths possess the tools to finalize my project, however, I personally feel because they are not Thompson aficionados, they misconstrue the true intentions of my final project. (I.E. they think I'm trying to trick them into helping me make an illegal/unregistered machine gun). From my understanding, it is possible to transform a newly-made 1921 Colt-style receiver into a legal working semi-auto. If a firearm gunsmith/Class II manufacturer follows the Richardson Semi-Receiver blueprints then it is legal correct? I am fully prepared and willing to complete all necessary paperwork for this project. After calling at least 20 gunsmiths in my area, I am no farther along than when I first placed my order for a Repro receiver. I have had some folks completely misconstrue my requests and frankly, appeared downright rude when I sought clarification of BATF gun manufacturing laws. Perhaps you folks can clarify the situation: What is different about about my project and someone who desires say... a custom safari rifle machined from an existing receiver? From my understanding---if done properly---it is legal to have a custom gun made as long as it's not a machine gun. I'll leave those $50,000 beauties for the big boys. For now, I'm just hoping for someone to help re-create a working1921 Colt (which Kahr and Auto-Ordnance don't offer). I could probably fit the barrel for blanks and afterwards, register it with a Form 4 trust so I could pass it down to my children. After doing research, I understand that is legal for individuals to make their own guns (NON-NFA), they just can't ever sell them. I would do the all the finer machining myself however, like--Doug Richardson himself--I am partially blind. I suffer from myopic atrophy which is a form of extreme nearsightedness. It makes running a milling apparatus a tricky and potentially dangerous endeavor. I am capable of shooting safely at reenactments, but have difficulty with very small print or minute/precision type machines. Thanks for any advice and I will continue to keep you posted. --Michael

Everyone, Thanks so much for the outpouring of help and support. I have always loved the Thompson, its unique history and lasting effects on history and American culture are astounding. The "Tommy Gun" is nothing short of an icon. It has evolved into an artistic representation that deserves as much recognition as Henry Ford, the '57 Chevrolet, and yes, even the brand of Colt itself. I'm so glad there are others with such a passion for history and appreciate the role people like John Thompson and our veterans played during our history. In regards to the project: I think I might have found someone local who is capable of assisting me with some of the more precise machine work. I'm really looking forward to this build. I found a website titled: ThompsonBarrels.com where I think I can get an original spec/quality 1921 barrel. I'm still trying to find sources for reproductions of the other parts like checkered rockers and a knurled actuator. I'm considering leaving out these other more minor parts since--after all--it will be just a working semi-auto reproduction. Besides, theoretically, if it would have seen any combat, it is likely to have been rebuilt with the heavier style actuator anyway. I have a M1928A1 parts kit with a standard lower. Honestly, do you guys think this will detract greatly from the appearance? Is there a way to get the lower blued like a 1921 or should I just be content? To go full-throttle on this project might require a lot more time and money than the end result merits. I must be realistic (Colt parts are rare and expensive and I wouldn't use them on a repro to shoot anyway). I will be using for living history/reenactments and want to still be able to have fun with it. (And yes show it off to everyone! I've seen lots of 1928A1's at living history events but who has a Colt right? ;-) On a possibly unrelated note: If this project works out well, I might like to do another one. M1A1 would be cool. Complete M1 lowers seem to be rare. But Gunbroker always seems to have plenty of M1928A1 lowers available. Does anyone know where I can learn how to replace the rockers with M1 style switches? What about M1 receiver blueprints? Either semi-or full auto would probably work. I found a copy of Doug Richardson's design for the 1928 semi-auto design and could probably work from there. (Can't find M1 semi-auto receiver on the internet). Is there a certain board I should post M1 questions on? Thanks guys. Until next time!!

Greetings, My name is Michael Phelps and I am new to the forum. I have a project in the works. I want to recreating a 1921 Colt Thompson for use in my WWII reenactments. I have an order placed with Philadelphia Ordnance for one of their high-quality Colt receivers. I am considering using serial No. 12087 (My birthday). I also want the gun to be marked with "U.S. Navy" 1928 Overstamp. I have been reading "American Thunder: The Military Thompson Submachine Guns" by Frank Iannamico." i found a copy at my local antique bookstore and have not been able to put it down. I understand these were issued commercially and to law enforcement. Would it have been possible for a Navy Overstamp to make it's way from a Marine outfit in the Pacific to the ETO? Were Navy Oversterstamps marked liked 1928's (1928A) (1928AC) (with/without compensator). Does anyone have any high quality photos of such a gun? I want to show my local gunsmith and demonstrate the proper rebuild marks I wan him to engrave. Are there any other markings besides "JHB" I should know about for a gun with this number? What about the Thompson bullet logo? I understand there are two types of Auto-Ordnance logos for early/late 1921's. What about square versus rounded actuator slots? My late serial number should be rounded right? Thanks!