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First Thompson


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I picked this up about a month ago. Not my first MG but first Thompson. I was looking for a 1928 originally however the M1A1 seems to be a very robust & simple Thompson. I am quite happy.

 

Runs great and is more accurate than the operator. Someone appears to have unsuccessfully attempted to rebarrel it with a pipe wrench. Barrel is not original I assume since it is blued and the balance is parked (or was at one point). The front sight ring had the pin hole drilled crocked and oversize. I made a pin and pressed it in to set the sight at 12 o'clock.

 

I'm assuming it was rearsenaled at some point based on the SAA stamp on the stock. I am thinking it was probably refinished at some point when it was rearsenaled, however, the Auto Ord markings are deep and crisp. There are thin stamps opposite the ejection port that appear to be proof marks.

 

After the weather turns cold I am likely sending her off to a specialized Thompson Smith to rebarrel. I emailed a couple and did not hear back.

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Congratulations! Good looking M1A1, thanks for sharing.

I have both a 28A1 and an M1A1, and do not consider either one better than the other-just a little different. But I do tend to shoot the M1A1 more often.

 

Enjoy wearing out that barrel in the next few months before you change it.

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Great looking gun. Hard to tell but some photos look like an original Dulite finish and some look like later park. I'm not real good with color so there will be others to give opinions. Love that US Property mark.

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You've inspired me to get my M1A1 out of the safe and to a range. Hadn't shot it in years. Always preferred the 21/28 style and shoot those regularly. Getting older so simpler might be the right choice.

 

Congrats on your 'been there' Thompson.

 

Chuck

Edited by First Sergeant
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Thanks guys. I'm spoiled I can shoot out back and have a very tolerant wife.

 

I like the WW2 stuff, knowing it saw service so we are not all speaking German. Never cared for the Nazi marked stuff, however, I did acquire a Nazi marked Mauser HSc for free I am quite found of. One day I'll pass it on to the next generation.

 

I finally tracked down a dozen 30 rd mags plus I got five 20 rd included. Now to load ammo.

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Sandman makes a good point. If the gun is shooting great, you might

as well get some miles out of the barrel. What you should do is get a

replacement barrel for future restoration - they are out there - and then

you will have it when you need it.

 

Bob

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