Hopalong

This is one of the best places to find information. I also suggest Frank Iannamico's book. It's an invaluable source of information on Model 1928s, M1s and M1A1s, including information on post-WWII guns. I read it before buying my M1A1. https://www.amazon.com/American-Thunder-Military-Thompson-Machine/dp/0982391870 Tom Davis is also a fantastic source, if you ever decide to wade into Colt territory, but now we're talking "non-affordable". 😁 https://www.amazon.com/Amateurs-Guide-Colts-Thompson-Submachine/dp/1794453814/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21T9PCE7SVRHS&keywords=tom+davis+thompson&qid=1671295178&s=books&sprefix=tom+davis+thompson%2Cstripbooks%2C95&sr=1-1 The key to finding the right gun is patience. One will come along.

Dan Block modified two of them for my M1A1. They run beautifully.

I bought one of these. The violin case is cool, but the M1A1 is too long to fit. Plus I have two converted 50-round drums from Dan Block. I figure the guitar case will provide plenty of room for the gun, drums, and a few stick mags. https://www.saviorequipment.com/products/ultimate-guitar-case-single-rifle-case

That's really cool. Nice work!

This one is pretty nifty. It has wheels and two handles. https://www.southernpoliceequipment.com/shop/default.asp?h=c&c=9&id=3944

We'll do better the next time we take her out to the range.

I ordered the Savior guitar case. My wife was perplexed when the UPS driver pulled out the box. "We don't own a guitar." Then she saw the subtle smile on my face and said, "Oh, I think I know what this is for." 😄

I think I bought mine here. https://www.waffenmeisters.com/thompson-drum-magazine-model-1928-1921-1927-50-round-p-261-for-sale-buy

This one put a smile on my face.

I see the Savage '28A1 NAC already has a bid of $42,000.

Has anyone looked at Morphy's November auction catalog? Some of the estimated priced seem high. There is a Savage '28 NAC on page 188 with "historically significant" accessories estimated at $85K to $100K and a Savage M1 on page 194 with an estimate of $45K to $55K. https://issuu.com/morphyauctions/docs/flip_doc_nov_15-16_firearms?fr=sYTcyMjQ2NjA1NQ

Wow! That's a really cool chest!

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good carry case? I had to take my M1A1 to the range in a partially unzipped case because the pistol grip sticks out too far, which made me somewhat nervous. Thanks, Tim

When I saw the listing, I just shook my head.

It was about $400 per drum. If I recall correctly, I purchased them here. https://www.waffenmeisters.com/thompson-drum-magazine-model-1928-1921-1927-50-round-p-261-for-sale-buy As you say, there is quite a bit of work that goes into the modification. Dan removes the horizontal mount at the rear of the drum. He fabricates a vertical mount, which is welded in place. It has to be strong, given the the drum's weight is only supported at the rear by the magazine release. Dan also adds a small piece of metal at the top, which from what I can tell, is there to assist feeding I'm really happy with them. I originally wanted a Model '28 and carried a twinge of regret for not buying one. The regret evaporated once I got the M1A1 on the range. The drum makes shooting all the more fun, and the gun looks really cool with it.

Thanks, Mark. I can think of worse ways of burning myself.

I suggest ordering two.

Educating a know-it-all makes it even more fun.

Thanks, Carl. That's a good visual. Thanks. Lots of smiles!

Thank you both. We will definitely lean into it next time. The drums are fantastic! At first I wondered if having them was overkill. Not at all!

I've been AWOL for quite some time. When I joined MachineGunBoards, I didn't know my head from a hole in the ground when it came to Thompson SMGs. I learned a lot and got help from members, for which I am extremely grateful. There's no telling what mistakes I would have made otherwise. Frank Iannamico and Tom Davis were especially helpful. So were Dan Block, Tracie Hill, David Albert, Wayne (LSU Tiger), and Keith (Grasshopper). My M1A1 arrived in November 2020, but it took me until last Saturday to work up the nerve to shoot it. I think I was afraid I might "hurt" it. I went to a private range with my son and a few friends. Needless to say, we had more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Here is video of my son and me shooting it. Dan modified two 50-round drum mags that worked beautifully. I also learned the hard way not to touch the barrel.

You gotta love Gun Broker. Not!!!

David, I'm way overdue. I just sent you a request for a PayPal invoice. You guys helped me acquire a very nice M1A1! I'm most grateful! Thanks, Tim

A few members have mentioned that the M1 wasn't designed to fire drum mags. However, Dan Block modifies drums to work in the M1 and M1A1. Just food for thought should you ever want to try one in your gun.

Phil, the springs, magazines, and parts arrived in excellent shape. Everything looks great. Thanks! Regards, Tim