Getting ready to pass the torch and sell Philadelphia Ordnance

[reconbob]

     Hello All - Its Bob Bower at Phila Ordnance. After many years spent
in my machine shop, I am getting ready to sell my business. I don't want
to rush it. I want to find the right guy (or guys) to take it over. I have spent
a lifetime making and selling Thompson guns, receivers and parts. 
I have an ATF approved, patent-protected full auto blank firing Thompson
(M1A1 & M1928A1) as well.

I have all of the machinery, programs, fixtures, and tooling to make 
100% (SOT) and 80% machined M1921/28/28A1 receivers, and M1/M1A1
receivers, as well as M1928A1 and M1/M1A1 trigger frames, grip mounts, 
and M1A1 bolts - all to ordnance specifications and quality as well as the
blank guns. I believe I am the leading expert in do-it-everyday, hands-on, 
shop floor manufacture of Thompson submachine guns and related parts.

    All of this technology is transferable, which is to say, if you have the
machines, fixtures, programs, tools, and tooling you can make what I have
been making to the exact same quality, fit, and finish - right away. It won't take
you years to get it right and learn all the tricks, because I will teach you and
show you. But you must have an appreciation for, and an understanding of
craftsmanship. The computer controlled machines do most of the work, but
some hand work is required. I figure that I will work with you to show you how
to do everything in either your shop or mine.

   Also I have the tools and 40 years experience for all aspects of gunsmithing
Thompsons.

   In addition I have the programs, fixtures, tools, and tooling to make ordnance
grade M1918/A2 BAR, MG-34, MG-42, MP-40, Swedish K, and Uzi 80%
receivers.

   I am (with Dave's permission) posting this on the board because (first time for me)
I will be at the TCA show and shoot and if anyone is interested I will have two tables
at the show and be available for introductory conversation. 

  Longest step on big journey is the first one...

Bob/Phila Ord

Philaord@aol.com - No phone calls at first please...

 

[thirtyround]

Hate to say it Bob.... Get ready for a ton of orders...  I'm pretty sure many folks are going to want YOUR products before its passed on....  Wish you Best Regards Sir, Thank you for your Superb Service and Quality Products.  JB

 

[Mk VII]

Let's hope somebody steps up. Doug Richardson couldn't find anyone ready to do it. 

[Gio]

Bob I’m happy for you but it’s sad for the Thompson community. I just hope some young folks step up and carryon the Thompson gunsmiths we’ve lost the last few years. We need more folks like Deerslayer to fill the void. 
Frank

[ppgcowboy]

Wasn't there a guy wanting to learn from Doug?

[2ndArmored]

[reconbob]

   Doug was going to pass his "torch" to me, but he got trapped down in Belize

when COVID hit and was afraid to come back to Los Angeles. I think he was down

there for over a year - much longer than he expected - and while down there something

happened to him (don't know what but I do not believe it was COVID) and he ended up

in the hospital and passed away rather quickly. 

   And to be clear - I have not retired, and it's still business as usual, but I am looking for

the next guy to pass it all on to...

 

Bob

[anticus]

Can we still get ammo for your blank guns ??

[reconbob]

   Yes, still will be able to get the blanks. I was getting the brass crimp blank cases

from Starline.  They were a reliable source for years. I ordered more a YEAR

ago and they have not yet delivered, and will not say when they will fill the order. So

I have two separate shops making the blank cases out of aluminum and I expect the

first shipment in three weeks.

 

Bob

[anticus]

Ok, Thanks

[Motorcar]

Hate to hear it but I understand, years pass and we just expect the greats to still be here, thanks for all you have done.

[Blanksguy]

Bob,

For questions on ordering.......would it be best for you if we just e-mail you directly (questions on 80% receivers, Blanks, and Blank-Firing-guns) (?).

....and which e-mail address would be best for you to receive questions (?).

TIA, RichardS, US Army, RET

 

[Eagle3]

Sorry to hear this. You have been a stalwart for the tsmg legacy. Hope you find someone with your high standards.

[Mad Machinist]

Wish I was 20 or so years younger.......

[Doug Quaid]

Bob,

Maybe the best thing would be to post this up on a website for machinists?   Or gunsmiths?

The number of guys who are Thompson collectors and also machinists is probably pretty small.  You might be the only guy in that group.

[2ndArmored]

16 hours ago, Doug Quaid said:

Bob,

Maybe the best thing would be to post this up on a website for machinists?   Or gunsmiths?

The number of guys who are Thompson collectors and also machinists is probably pretty small.  You might be the only guy in that group.

Bob, as explained by the Vice President.