What Do I Need To Know About M1 or M1A1 Before I Buy?

[LDog2012]

I am in the market to buy my first M1 or M1A1. What are the things I need to look out for regarding mechanical condition and functionality? I hope to avoid a costly mistake. This is my second post, so thanks for the help. 

Edited October 5, 2024 by LDog2012

[Rekraps]

Oh LDog2012, get ready because your fellow Forum members know....

Since I only own a 1928 A1 (AO) I'll sit back and learn also.

[TSMGguy]

Easily asked but properly answered only at length. 

[Rabbit57]

Hello LDog2012,
I was in your position a few years ago, the best advice I got was for me to enjoy the search and get exactly what I wanted. Take your time, and ask plenty of questions. 

The best reference on WWII Thompsons in my opinion is Frank Iannamico's American Thunder, third edition. It has the most information on WWII Thompsons, and if you still have questions, you can actually ask Frank here on the forum. 

While you search for the gun you want, Savage or Auto Ordnance, M1 or M1A1, you can begin to pick up any of the many WWII Thompson accessories, magazine pouches, cleaning gear, period manuals and period ammo. Be warned, it's a very deep rabbit hole, ask me how I know! 

Good luck to you sir.
Mark 

[LDog2012]

Thanks Mark, much appreciated. I have Frank's book and have read it thoroughly. It's an excellent resource for sure. 

[StrangeRanger]

Come to the TCA show and shoot at Tusco on June 16-17 or the TATA show in Newark the fall. You will find an amazing amount of information as well as  guns and parts

[Dan K]

14 minutes ago, StrangeRanger said:

Come to the TCA show and shoot at Tusco on June 16-17 or the TATA show in Newark the fall. You will find an amazing amount of information as well as  guns and parts

Yes, both of these are worth the trip. 

I have a Savage M1A1 Thompson. Runs wells, makes noise in the backyard. 

[Doug Quaid]

IMHO, buying a pre-1945 Thompson is pretty much the same as buying any high quality wartime USGI firearm.   Like buying a Garand or a 1911.

If the gun is in good condition, looks like it has been cared for, it's pretty much good to go.

The Thompsons marked "West Hurley" are clones that were made in the 1970s, apparently without blueprints as they have some problems related to dimensional errors.

If you are going to buy a WH, make sure you see it run first.  If a WH M1 runs good and holds the mags well and everything, it should be OK.

Mine is a WWII Savage that was rebuilt at Rock Island Arsenal.   It's a fantastic gun, I've probably put 10,000 rounds through mine.

 

Edited October 7, 2024 by Doug Quaid

[1gewehr]

I have a West Hurley M1A1.  All parts except the barrel and receiver were replaced by WWII GI parts.  The original bolt was too soft and showed damage after just a few hundred rounds.  Rather than wait to see if anything else was problematic, I replaced what I could.  Now it very reliably turns money into noise and holes in paper. 

[Frank I.]

The way machine guns are generally bought and sold...sight-unseen, you have to take the word of the seller, which is usually accurate but not always. As already suggested, attend one of the Thompson show-shoots and look at some guns, often there are Thompsons offered for sale at those events, BE PATIENT.

The following text, M1 refers to both GI M1 and M1A1 models. Most suggestions below apply to WWII GI Savage or A-O Bridgeport guns, not West Hurly M1s. If you have questions about West Hurly Thompsons, buy Tom Davis' book on the subject.  

As far as M1-M1A1s Thompsons' most important is the condition of the registered part, the receiver. Look for any evidence of welding, or cracks (check the rear of the receiver) and my personal deal-killer, pitting from rust, look for sharp crisp markings.  Almost every M1 Thompson you encounter will have been bead-blasted and refinished (often more than once) by the Ordnance Dept, dealers, and individuals. M1 -M1A1 Thompsons were originally finished with Dulite that will have, after 80 years, a gray appearance (under bright light Dulite will have a gray-blue appearance) the barrels were a dull blue color. (if you look in American Thunder III there are pictures of new M1s) Most refinished guns have a Parkerized gray-green color, it is not a deal killer on M1s unless you are a purist collector. The original bolts were "nickel-silver" in color, replacement bolts were blued.  After WWII, most GI weapons were rebuilt and put into storage. Most of the original-finish M1s are in Europe, after the war ended, most cities were devastated, and there was no money for refurbishing weapons.   

As far as mechanics, M1 Thompsons are pretty tough, if any internal parts are worn (generally sears or extractors) they are available and easily replaced. You will seldom encounter a worn barrel, bulged barrels are more common. Look for a ring (circle) in the bore, or bulges can usually be felt by running your fingers along the outside of the barrel.  GI barrels can still be found and easily replaced, it is not hard to find a Thompson enthusiast who has a barrel wrench at one of the Thompson shows. 

I suppose it's possible that an M1 Thompson could be worn out to the point of being unserviceable, but I have never encountered one.  

 

[LDog2012]

Excellent info, your help is much appreciated. Thank you!

Larry A.

[Autorotate]

Not sure where you are located, but go to one of the bigger shows that have Class III items for sale. The SAR West show is the 1st weekend in December and is in Phoenix, AZ and many members from the boards will be there. There is also Show of Shows in Louisville in February.

Take your time and look for the gun you want and don’t settle. Welcome to the community!

[Outsider]

When I was at show of shows this last February there was not much there for thompson mg's, and what was there was stupid priced. The creek was much better for the mg enthusiast when it was still going.😢

[LDog2012]

8 hours ago, Autorotate said:

Not sure where you are located, but go to one of the bigger shows that have Class III items for sale. The SAR West show is the 1st weekend in December and is in Phoenix, AZ and many members from the boards will be there. There is also Show of Shows in Louisville in February.

Take your time and look for the gun you want and don’t settle. Welcome to the community!

I will for sure attend the SAR show. Thanks for all the help.

[Autorotate]

Be sure to stop by the SAR booth just inside the main entrance on the left as you walk in…

Rumor has it that noted author, Frank Iannamico might be in attendance this year and has been know to sign his books.  He also answers questions from inquiring minds if asked nicely!😆

Look forward to seeing you Frank!😀

[LDog2012]

4 hours ago, Autorotate said:

Be sure to stop by the SAR booth just inside the main entrance on the left as you walk in…

Rumor has it that noted author, Frank Iannamico might be in attendance this year and has been know to sign his books.  He also answers questions from inquiring minds if asked nicely!😆

Look forward to seeing you Frank!😀

I will indeed, and will bring my book with me. Thanks!