TD.

I agree with Bob, a very tricky question. I believe if the Model of 1928 or Model of 1928A1 Thompson submachine gun is in original condition with the original finish, then I think the index or alignment marks should match. I would guess that this alignment was an inspection point by government inspectors during World War II. With guns that have been arsenal or depot or civilian refinished and/or updated, I would lean heavily on a barrel change sometime in the past, especially if the index marks do not align. The use of corrosive ammunition and poor maintenance in the field during WWII was most likely the cause for many barrel changes. NOTE: It is very common to find Savage guns under the 20,000 serial number range without index marks on the barrel collar. Arthur, We missed you! I enjoyed reading that 2011 thread, especially the part regarding taking off and reinstalling Colt Thompson barrels. I used to think (because I read it many times on this forum) that if one removed an original Colt era barrel from a Colt receiver, usually to create a shooter Colt without the worry of damaging the barrel, aligning the index marks on a future reinstall would be problematic. Now, 14 years later, I don't believe this is the problem everyone was talking about back then. I have a several friends with the Richardson tools that have removed and reinstalled a number of Colt barrels in the last 14 years and alignment was never a problem. More importantly, Gordon Herigstad used to travel around the country (and probably overseas) with his Richardson tools removing barrels on Colt's serial numbered under 1000 and gangster guns with obliterated numbers and never had a problem with realigning the index marks that I heard of. Yes, I do believe if you remove and reinstalled a barrel numerous times (over and over again) on the same Colt receiver, there could be a problem. But who does that? I do agree that the index lines on Colt Thompson's are for the most part in perfect alignment. That said, I have seen a few Colt's over the years that I believe are in original condition where the index line on the barrel collar is a 1/4th or maybe a 1/3th of an index line high or low to the index line on the receiver. The index lines match, it is just not 100% perfect - maybe 98% perfect, maybe just a scooch off as some would say. It is almost like your eyes are deceiving you. But the lines were definitely good enough to pass Major Barrett's inspection. The Colt's with barrels that have the Type 2 compensators are a mixed bag. Yes, I do believe some/many are replacement barrels installed by Auto-Ordnance or Auto-Ordnance subcontractors (for example, Fenn Manufacturing). What I have noticed over the years is a number of these guns appear to have the index line on the barrel collar marked after the barrel was installed on the receiver. It is easy to tell because the index line on the barrel collar does not go all the way across the collar. There are other peculiarities to many of these barrels too - but no issue with originality. It would be an interesting area of study; one I have never undertaken. All this said, a complete examination of the gun in question, Colt's, Model of 1928s, Model of 1928A1s or M1s, will probably provide enough information to judge whether or not the barrel has been changed. Refinished guns, a 100% blue barrel on an 80% receiver, the position of the compensator, flattened compensator pins and grossly misaligned index marks are key indicators something is not original. When examining a Colt, if anything does not appear perfect, it is a clue to do the most through inspection you can before spending your money. If there is any doubt in your mind, walk away. The doubt will never get better. All good stuff!!!

Congratulations Colt Chopper! Congratulations to Tracie Hill and family for a wonderful display at the Ohio Gun Collector's Association Display Show in Cleveland. All these items will be available for display at the Hill Family All Thompson Show & Shoot later this summer. Is anyone getting tired of winning? The next 3 years are going to be even better. Happy Independance Day to all.

The compensator does look laser engraved. Note that the barrel has what appears to be 27 fins. If so, this is most likely a Numrich Arms or Auto-Ordnance West Hurley barrel. Do the counting yourself and let me know if my eyes deceive me. Buyers, be careful out there!

Good deal! Save that extra felt washer for other Thompson enthusiasts.

Mr. Bill, The reason I referred you to reconbob was because he may have had the barrel you are looking for recently on gunbroker: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1112716540 I cannot tell if the above barrel that was sold has an index mark, something you could ask reconbob - if he has other "S" marked barrels. One issue with changing barrels is trying to find one where the wear on the barrel matches the wear on the receiver and frame. A new barrel on an 85% or worse gun really sticks out. Same with an 85% or worse compensator. One nice thing about reconbob is you can have him install the barrel too. It is very common for the barrels on early Savage Thompson guns not to have index lines on the barrel collar but there is no definite cut off point. Is your Savage Thompson under the 20,000 serial number range. If so, is it US and A1 marked or British marked or...?

My guess is there are a couple of felt washers inside your buttstock that would be a perfect fit for the USGI 1928 style long neck oiler. I bet if you removed one of the felt washers, this latter Thompson oiler would fit perfectly.

I suggest reaching out to forum member reconbob at Philadelphia Ordnance. I believe he has some brand new USGI finned barrels.

If the compensator is already attached to the 1928 barrel, it may line up perfectly when installed. Or not. If not, you need someone that can reposition the compensator properly on the barrel. For those that routinely do this work, it is not a big deal. And there is little worry about damaging that very expensive registered receiver.

I am definitely not a gunsmith but the job you have in mind is more than just changing a barrel. I would guess you also want a compensator attached and pinned. I would also make sure you have a milled grip mount. And make sure whoever you hire can do the complete job. Don't hesitate to ask additional questions and visit the Thompson forum often. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Someone closer may chime in that has the experience to change a barrel. If not, I would reach out to Got Uzi, above, in Uhrichsville, Ohio. He does excellent work and his prices are very reasonable. If your not interested in shipping, Google your location to Urichsville, Ohio and see how long a drive you have. Send Got Uzi or John a Private Message with your contact information and I am sure he will reply. Just click on his name and you will find the Message button. What type of Thompson do you have? Is the reason for a barrel change a bulge?

Jake, I know 3 business dealers in different States that have the experience necessary to properly remove and replace a Thompson barrel. One just posted above. Let us know in what State you reside.

Buzzbomb, Thank you for sharing information about your M1A1 Thompson and the firearms laws pertaining to machine gun ownership in New Zealand. Given the low prices and ability to own a live machine gun certainly counts for something. I do like the idea of a private shooting range in my basement! The key is keeping it a secret. A better plan would be a New Zealand gun organization finding a government representative friendly to machine gun collecting that would sponsor a bill or regulation allowing the firing of legally owned machine guns on a specific range one day a year. I know, a lot of details to work out but maybe doable if the collecting community is large enough and will work together. Question: Do you ever see any Colt Thompson submachine guns for sale in New Zealand? If you ever see one for sale, would you please report it on this forum. Thanks!

That was a great issue of Small Arms Review magazine. Thank you Frank for promoting the idea and rounding up all the contributors. By the end of the day on Friday at Knob Creek, all the free issues were gone. I really miss the print edition of Small Arms Review.

Richard, The M1/lM1A! Thompson is not my specialty. However, I would guess APEX Watch Co. with the "X" mark was a late subcontractor for the buffer and the subcontractor list was never updated (or an updated copy has not been found). The M1/M1A1 production run was very short, around 1 1/2 years. I have heard everything moves very quickly when your in the middle of a war. All good stuff!!!

Buzzbomb, Congratulations on your "new" M1A1 Thompson submachine gun. I like that A.O.C. marked bolt! I would not change it. If you do not have a copy already, I highly recommend, American Thunder, 3rd Edition, by forum member Frank Iannamico. This book has a wealth of information on the World War II Thompson guns. It is available on Amazon.com. We would really like an update on machine gun collecting in New Zealand. I know that this was somewhat commonplace with the proper government permissions several years ago. However, I have heard the laws or regulations have changed for the worse. Any update would be greatly appreciated.

Moose1, Yes, actuators do break! While not common, it does happen, especially if you shoot one a lot. Attached are pictures of my USGI cut-down 1928 actuator that broke while doing a C drum dump (one of many) in my PK. re-manufactured West Hurley Thompson. Note how it bent (see arrows) then broke. I was doing a C drum dump and about half way through, I could tell something was not right. It kept firing so I finished the dump. When I field stripped the Thompson, I found a two-piece 21 style actuator. Ouch! Thankfully, I had a spare and kept shooting. I suggest purchasing an original USGI actuator for a spare if the budget allows. I have heard good things about the Waffenmeister cast reproduction actuators so it is not a bad second choice for a spare. APEX Gun Parts, above, is an excellent vendor for spare Thompson parts.

Richard, I am curious if you have a sample of this newly manufactured actuator. Is it marked in some manner? Knurled or plain ball? Can you tell if it is milled or cast? Thanks, TD.

Chuck, Thank you for letting us know about the passing of Lee. For those new to the Thompson community, Lee Wolfe was one of many prominent Thompson collectors that Tracie Hill brought together when he founded the Thompson Collector's Association (TCA) over 30 years ago. Lee, along with many of the members pictured in the above photographs, are responsible for the great amount of knowledge we share today. Lee was the member everyone looked forward to seeing and talking with during the All Thompson Show & Shoots. Also as shown above, Lee was directly involved in many of the TCA award winning displays at past NRA conventions. For Lee's friendship and many contributions, we will always be grateful.

WCG, Your best bet is to post a picture and let the forum members that study the Colt Thompson take a look and offer an opinion. Based on your post, I am assuming the assembly number could be one of two serial numbers. If me, I would also go to Gordon's 6th Edition and check out both numbers. One may be already in civilian hands. That would probably answer your question. Tell us more about this Colt with the defaced serial number. A gangster gun? We have some very knowledgeable members for the gangster era. An IRS serial numbered Colt? An early IRA Colt? The trademark and fire control markings are also a good indicator of the serial number range. Pictures please.

An excellent book. It was one of the source documents used when writing the story about, THE MILLS WOVEN CARTRIDGE BELT COMPANY. This story can be found in, The Thompson Encyclopedia series; the volume number escapes me at the moment.

Is there that much of a demand for replacement Cutts Compensators? I have never seen one wear out. Does Kahr Arms sell reproduction Cutts Compensator?

Has anyone ever heard of MCC/Guncraft? There is a West Hurley Thompson, I assume a conversion, currently on Sturmgewehr.com: https://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/index.php?/topic/40808-28-thompson-conversion-22000/#comment-144712 It is a first for me! I know nothing about the seller.

Mk VII and rcbcps, Great information. Thanks for sharing. If Great Britain is no longer a member of the European Union, why does it still follow the weapon deactivation specifications of the European Union.

I know this is at the last minute but there is an auction on Friday, May 30, 2025, for a Model 50 Reising submachine gun. This is a local auction house with a good reputation. I have not seen this Reising in person. I understand one magazine is included. Lewis & Grant Auctions

The 2025 Thompson Collector's Assocation (TCA) Show & Shoot was a wonderful time. The Officers and Directors of TCA went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great experience. Now is the time to think about attending next year. The upcoming newsletter will have the show dates and times. If you have not joined TCA, now is the time to shell out 40 bucks and become a member. What can you buy in the Thompson world for 40 bucks? A TCA yearly membership. Download it today! We want to see you at next year's Show & Shoot.