ZakBradshaw Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 (edited) I have always loved the history of WWII (three of my great grandfathers fought in WWII), and I now collect WWII firearms and militaria. I already have a 1944 Springfield M1 Garand and 1944 Inland Div M1 Carbine, so it only made sense that I MUST get a Thompson. Without getting into tax stamps, I wanted to get one as close to what our guys carried so I went with the steel receiver Auto Ordnance TM1. Was this a good choice for what I'm looking for? I plan on modifying the mag catch to fit unaltered surplus mags and ordered 5 mags from a company online that was offering them at $17 a piece. They labeled them as possibly having small dings/pitting, but that doesn't bother me as long as I can get them in working order. I am unsure where to go from here and what other parts/accessories I might need to get for it. Here's some of the things I'm considering, but would love input from you guys on what to do with my new Thompson!Magazines-Already bought 5 extra, and plan on trading/selling the factory one that comes with the rifleMagazine Catch-Alter to accept military unaltered magazines5 Cell 30 Rd Magazine Pouch-Anyone have a good source or recommendation for a decent priced original or quality repro?Stock-Considering replacing the new furniture with USGI surplus to get a more authentic look/feel. I know the front handguard slot must be widened. Where's the best place to find a set?Springs-Haven't received the rifle yet, but heard the bolt is a beast to pull back. Thinking about buying the EZ Pull spring kit. Where's the cheapest place to pick them up?Any other must have accessories/parts/upgrades/modifications that I should consider? Once I receive the rifle, I am thinking about trading the brand new set of furniture with metal parts for a WWII M1A1 USGI set with metal parts. Would also trade the factory supplied AO 30 round magazine for a few unaltered (20 or 30) USGI surplus magazines. Anyone have any interest in that?Thanks! Edited September 3, 2015 by ZakBradshaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmagee1917 Posted September 3, 2015 Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 Steel reciever is a must . '28 style vs. M1 is a personal choice . I have both in FA WHs .Military lower is one thing you can do . In '28s this allows you to add a bolt hold open using the selector switch for easy drum changes . Not so much on an M1 except for looks and range safety and cleaning and taking GI mags .I know you said no tax stamps , but if your state allows it , SBR is the way to go . It makes the weapon more compact , looks much nicer , and moves the balance back more between your hands . If you can handle one , you'll be a beliver .Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZakBradshaw Posted September 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2015 I'm in Texas so as far as guns, just about everything goes. I have always wanted an SBR and the Thompson would be the perfect candidate. I might do it later on down the road to make it more true to the original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron_brock Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 Zak Congrats. If you are still looking for a 5 cell mag pouch, shoot me a PM. I have a few extras I could sell. Would be happy to send some photos. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZakBradshaw Posted September 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 I will let you know when my rifle gets here! I'll probably take one off your hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hang-Fire Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 I put a WH Thompson M-1 on layaway today myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svt40 Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 Just so you know the 5 cell pouches are meant for the 20 round magazines. The three cell pouches are for the 30 round magazines. You can occasionally find some modified 5 cell pouches where the flaps were lengthened to accept the 30 rounders. I found 2 like that on ebay where someone at some point used British webgear to lengthen the flaps. I also picked up a full USGI wood set on ebay for under $100. The mag catch mod is great. I actually had my M1 laser engraved with USGI markings when I got it done for the SBR markings. I also had the selector switch added along with a FA pivot plate to make the look complete. http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j254/kalski/The%20gun%20rack/001_zpsge7tkszh.jpghttp://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j254/kalski/The%20gun%20rack/003_zpsjdb8mlmd.jpghttp://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j254/kalski/The%20gun%20rack/IMG_0400_zpsylbjcydk.jpghttp://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j254/kalski/The%20gun%20rack/IMG_0402_zpshaqbveen.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06AngusSG Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 Love the gov't markings. Took a second take to realize you had a Semi-auto pictured there. Nice job!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diff4608 Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 Congratulations! Even in semi auto they are fun! Out of curiosity, where did you find mags for $17.00? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StooperZero Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 whatacountry has beaters for $16.95 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lamellarllc Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Whatacounrty beater mags that I have ordered have been pretty good and work fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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