photonance

My experience started out not so well, but ended very well. I received the kit, installed the bolt, and it would not fit correctly in the receiver. I explained my problem to Merle, sent the bolt to him, and he fixed it (no charge)and tested it in his gun. I received the kit back and it fit perfectly, and recently got to test it with the 30 round magazines, as well as the BDM PPS50 drum with an adapter that was produced by Deerslayer. I used blazer ammo, and the kit functioned flawlessly with the drum and the 30 round magazines. In my opinion, it is well worth the purchase, and it is awfully fun to shoot. The ammo cost savings is also a definite plus! Rob

I second that about Merle! He fixed an issue I had with my .22 conversion kit. When I put the bolt in the receiver it fit fine, until you slid the bolt forward. When I slid the bolt forward it would bump the hole in the front of the receiver, cause it to push against the lower, and would bind. I compared the conversion bolt to the .45 bolt, and the conversion bolt was about 1/16th of an inch higher on the bolt nose. I sent my bolt/cocking knob to Merle, and within a few days, he had it fixed and running like a top in his gun. I should get it back in a day or two, so I will be glad to give a range report. Bottom line is this: If you have problems with this .22 kit, customer service will be excellent!!! Rob

I spoke with BDM also today, since I had not heard anything, and they said that they will be contacting those on the list within the next day or two. So for those who have not heard anything from them, don't panic, they should contact you soon. Rob

Ron, As of early last week, I had not heard anything from Merle, or Kevin. I contacted Kevin to make sure I was on the list, and he said he would make sure I was. I haven't heard anything since then, but I assume they are going in some kind of order in contacting people. I will try to be patient, but I am so ready to shoot with this .22 kit! Rob

I have PK's contact info, but does he have a website, or product listing? Thanks! Rob

It was my understanding that those on Merle's list would be contacted. I haven't heard anything from Merle or BDM, should I contact them? Just wondering if anyone else has been contacted. Thanks!

Maybe Deerslayer will clarify, but when I spoke with him about a month or so ago, he said that there would be an adapter available (his prototype) for the PPSH drum to fit the Thompson. He designed it to take on and off with a wing nut, so you can use them drum to drum. As far as he indicated, it will work in full auto, with very little modification to the drum. I noticed a while back that BDM does have a PPSH drum modified for AR's as well.

Seems high on all the items. As for the 27A, I spoke to Tracie Hill back in '06 to find out an approximate value of mine, and he said one had just sold for 40k that was in decent condition and original. In today's market, I would guess somewhere around 35k would be more appropriate. Just my .02 Rob

So was actuator you received from numrich an original Colt made one, or reproduction? Did it have any markings anywhere on it? Just curious, I wouldn't think they would sell an original Colt one for $75 no matter what the condition.

I thought I would offer my fellow board forum members first opportunity at purchasing an original 21 actuator, buffer, pilot and spring. I purchased these from Gordon a couple of years ago, and planned on using them in my Savage 28, but I enjoy shooting it with the slower rate of fire better. I also will throw in one of Gordon's replacement spring as well. Price is $1100 shipped. Thanks! Rob Sold pending funds!

I agree also, I would reactivate it in a M1A1 configuration to keep it original. Also, if you are going to do the reactivation work yourself, then you would fill out a form 1, but if you have PK do it, then you transfer it to him on a form 5, he reactivates it on an ATF form 2 ,I believe, then he transfers it back to you on a tax paid form 4. FWIW, I have seen the M1A1's in 28 configuration, and I think they look odd. Just my .02 Rob

Mine would be original except I have changed the barrel to reactivate it. the original barrel had a chamber weld to deactivate it. Savage 28A1 w/ Lyman adjustable site, finned barrel, comp, and original dulite finish (not much of the finish left) Thanks! Rob

Darryl, If I were you, I would go ahead and replace the Colt pilot with a GI one, it is SOOO much easier to put the springs in with the hole in the pilot. Also, you reduce the risk of kinking your spring. Just my .02 since you are already replacing the bolt group with GI internals. Rob

I seem to vaguely remember that gun, wink wink! That dewat 27A was originally registered on a form 5 in the early 60's. Steve Karnes in California took the original barrel and removed the weld, and rechambered the barrel. My Savage 28 was deactivated in the same way, but I decided just to rebarrel it with a parts kit barrel. From what I can tell, it is rare that dewats before 68 were registered. Was it possible for a dealer back then to take a registered gun, deactivate it, then re-register it on a form 5? I'm just wondering if some collectors/buyers would want that due to the transfer tax? 0 dollars compared to $200 in the 60's would have been a big difference.

I have taken some of the kids in our youth group shooting and like deerslayer said, you don't want to get too technical where it takes away the fun. I do make sure they know what to expect with recoil and muzzle rise, and try to show them the best ways to shoot the gun, but when it comes time for them to shoot, they tend to forget most of what you told them. The full auto grin they have makes it all worth while!!! I get more enjoyment out of letting others shoot my Thompson for the first time, than when I shoot it myself, especially when they are students or young people.