Polston Semi-auto Thompson

[reconbob]

 

I am posting this as both an update on the Polston rifle and also an update

on my new position pertaining to the Polston rifle. I have been hired by

SA-Ordnance of Tampa Florida to tune the design and make engineering

drawings of the Polston semi-auto Thompson, and then from that data make

production sample rifles as a preface to the rifle being

put into production. This became official today, and I am passing the word

so-to-speak.

As you all know (well, at least those of you who read my posts) I have

commented on the Polston rifle before, come to his defense when I thought

he was getting a bad rap, and shown a genuine interest in the efforts of others

who are working on semi-auto Thompsons of their own. (Orin, Joe, Weasel,

Dutigaf, etc.) I plan to continue showing an interest and posting my thoughts.

I have known Tim Poslton for several years now, since I (and also Doug

Richardson) have sold him receivers for his projects. I met him for the first

time in Phoenix at the SAR Show back in Dec. I recently met with Tim and

we spent an entire afternoon going over his latest rifle which I would say

is the 4th prototype, each one being an improvement of the previous model.

The philosophy of the Polston rifle is to make a legal semi-automatic

Thompson using as many of the original parts as possible, and also to address

many of the shortcomings found in the WH/Kahr design. Polston has succeeded

in doing this. The Polston rifle uses the original bolt, actuator, and bronze lock,

and just about all of the original trigger housing parts. It uses a pivoting

hammer, has a rocker pivot actuated bolt latch for inserting drums, is easier

to cock, and the receiver and trigger frame are the original height so that

standard magazines can be used. Also, the gun is easily field stripped without

needing a screw driver to pry the frame latch. The rifle is designed to be

made using an original Thompson parts set. The only new made parts would

be the receiver, and the small trigger components, and of course a 16" barrel

if the rifle is not to be an SBR. The Polston rifle is ATF approved which at

least for now (as far as I know) is unique. (except for Kahr of course)

I am authorized to answer any technical questions about the rifle and

provide any information I can. I have nothing to do with sales, ordering,

pricing, etc. My understanding is that SA-Ordnance is starting a contact list

of those who would be interested in buying a rifle when they become available,

and they can be contacted at SAOrdnance@hotmail.com. There is much work

to be done but I am hoping to have a sample gun for the SAR Show.

 

Bob Bower/Phila Ordnance

 

[TSMGguy]

Thanks for the update. I'll take one!

[dutigaf]

Bob,

 

thanks for all the info! and thank you for being open to us "other guys" with ants in our pants who just couldnt wait & had to build there own. lol

 

your products are on my wall(display builds) and ive recommended them to people on our site all the time.

 

im looking forward to Mr Pollstons design actually being put on the market as the production run semi's currently out there............ well you know.

 

just waiting now to see the different options Mr. Pollston offers. (kit or complete)

 

thanks

 

sean k (dutigaf)

 

 

[Joe H]

Bob,

 

Really glad to hear you will be doing the work on the Polston design. My experience with Phila. Ord. indicates they will be getting a first class product.

 

Also I’m glad to hear of your continuing involvement with the “hobby crowd” (Dutigaf, Weasel, Orin etc. and myself). Looks like you will be busy, so keep a production slot open early next year for my Colt 21 receiver.

 

 

Regards,

 

Joe

 

[inertord]

Bob,

 

That is great news, congrats! I suspect that your involvement will be a great advancement in this project.

 

Also interesting that a new production chapter will be opened in the "Thompson Story".

 

Stay safe,

 

Frank

[TSMGguy]

I have not followed this entire thread and so don't know: Are there any plans for a M1 / M1A1 version? I'd love to put my otherwise complete M1 parts kit to work!

[reconbob]

Thanks for the kind words guys. Phase one is drawings and a

production sample. There will be an M1 version since the design

is compatible with the M1 bolt, and of course Thompson trigger

frames are mechanically identical, but you have to start somewhere

and right now thats the M1928A1 pattern.

 

Bob

[PhilOhio]

Bob,

 

Congratulations to both you and Tim Polston. With your involvement, I think the project just moved from the 'good idea' stage, to something which will lead to an excellent new design actually being marketed.

[Weasel]

Bob, That is good news indeed. I have looked at Tim's design and it is quite the work of art. I my have to get another kit for his build.

Lots of luck with your venture.

Weasel

[LIONHART]

Good news indeed!