Semi-auto Thompson rifles

[Joe Boleo]

Some years ago, I bought an Auto Ordinance 1927A1 (with the vertical foregrip) semi-auto Thompson rifle off the used gun rack because I wanted one. I believe I paid $595.00 for it. Other shooters at the range give me strange looks when I shoot it, but it is a lot of fun. The local gun shop has had a new M1 Model (with the horizontal foregrip) since February and the hang tag is $949.00. According to a recent ad in The American Rifleman, the current M.S.R.P. is $1,220.00. Hard to believe what stuff costs now. I am glad I got mine when I did. Take care...
Joe

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I always wanted one of those, but could never justifiy the cost.
A company (I think it was called commando arms?) made a 'knockoff' of the Thompson in both 9mm and .45.....they were quite a bit cheaper, IIRC, and I wish they were still around.

[Adam Helmer]

Joe,

Excellent post. I never shot a semi-auto Thompson, but I shot a live one a lot. In the mid-1980s, I attended a two-week FBI firearms instructor course at Camp Smith, NY. One full week was spent on shooting M1927s. We were shooting GI Ball ammo made in 1942. We opened sealed cans of ammo on the firing line and shot until we got tired of loading the magazines!

Each day we detail stripped the guns and thoroughly cleaned them for next day's blasting. I liked the Thompson, despite its weight. Our class was small; about 20 LEOs and it was really a fun week of shooting silhouettes, popups, steel plates and just plinking at rocks on the far hillside. Like the M1911 pistol, the M1927 Thompson is a classic. I would redo that firearms class again.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

I rarely see semi-auto Thompson's in the gun shops I visit. They can order them for a customer, just do not stock them. All the best...
Gil

[Joe Boleo]

Seems the Model M1 has been on the new gun rack since last February. I missed the annual sale last month when they discounted everything in the shop. After a bit if haggeling, we agreed on a discounted number. Take care...
Joe