Question about a Thompson

[chiroman]

Ok. First let me ask for those of you who will respond will sarcastic or rude comments to not bother. I am in need of basic information and felt it would be a great place to ask.

I have the opportunity to buy a WW2 era Thompson display gun. It is made from all period era parts with the exception of the receiver which is a non functional display receiver. If I wanted to make it a usable semi automatic weapon what is involved? Is it possible? How much should I expect to spend?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Treo]

Ok. First let me ask for those of you who will respond will sarcastic or rude comments to not bother. I am in need of basic information and felt it would be a great place to ask.

I have the opportunity to buy a WW2 era Thompson display gun. It is made from all period era parts with the exception of the receiver which is a non functional display receiver. If I wanted to make it a usable semi automatic weapon what is involved? Is it possible? How much should I expect to spend?

Thanks in advance.

It would be hard to answer that question with out looking at the weapon. I'd just buy an auto ordance semi autmatic replica (or get the tax stamp and buy the real thing)

 

[JohnD13]

I'm with Treo on this one. The display receiver is probably not of a quality of material to stand up to actual use. There may be ATF issues, aside from barrel length, involved in making it functional. Auto Ordnance makes a really fine Thompson, that would be my choice.

 

[Bob_M]

I'm with Treo on this one. The display receiver is probably not of a quality of material to stand up to actual use. There may be ATF issues, aside from barrel length, involved in making it functional. Auto Ordnance makes a really fine Thompson, that would be my choice.

I agree with Treo and JohnD13. Better off to just spend the money on a fully functional Semi-auto Auto Ordinance Thompson
and not have to deal with any problems with converting that display back to functional.

Gotta love those old "Chicago Typewriters". Heheheh :biggrin:

 

[walt629]

I had the opportunity to take a close look at a display M1 Garand. If the Thompson is anything like the Garand I looked at, not only is the receiver made of white metal, the barrel is only bored deep enough from the front and receiver to give it the appearance of being a barrel. The trigger group was also 'dummied up' to appear real.

I think the advise to pick up a working Thompson would be less expensive. You could always make the new Thompson look period specific and I believe it would be less expensive that going the other way. Besides you wouldn't have to worry about breaking any ATFE laws in the process.

Link Removed

 

[chiroman]

Thanks for the advise.

 

[Treo]

I had the opportunity to take a close look at a display M1 Garand. If the Thompson is anything like the Garand I looked at, not only is the receiver made of white metal, the barrel is only bored deep enough from the front and receiver to give it the appearance of being a barrel. The trigger group was also 'dummied up' to appear real.

What is "white metal"

 

[Blackthorn]

Here is the definition of white metal.

Pot metal, white metal or die-cast zinc, is a term that refers to alloys that consist of inexpensive, low-melting point metals used to make fast, inexpensive castings.

Definitely not for making firearm receivers or gun parts......

 

[Treo]

Here is the definition of white metal.

Pot metal, white metal or die-cast zinc, is a term that refers to alloys that consist of inexpensive, low-melting point metals used to make fast, inexpensive castings.

Definitely not for making firearm receivers or gun parts......

Someone needs to tell the folks at Jimenez Arms that

 

[GB-Boater]

Jinemez is and always has been junk. I believe they have faced several law suits...............
GIGO - garbage in / garbage out.

 

[walt629]

What is "white metal"

Like it was defined by others. It is used in most of the display guns I've looked at. It's low cost and there is NO chance of turning the receiver into a woking model in any way, shape or form with a white metal casting. At least not without it blowing up on the first trigger pull.

Now I do know a guy with a machine shop that modeled a white metal receiver in billet aluminum to make a "real McCoy" of a 1911 frame.

 

[maine04619]

Ok. First let me ask for those of you who will respond will sarcastic or rude comments to not bother. I am in need of basic information and felt it would be a great place to ask. I have the opportunity to buy a WW2 era Thompson display gun. It is made from all period era parts with the exception of the receiver which is a non functional display receiver. If I wanted to make it a usable semi automatic weapon what is involved? Is it possible? How much should I expect to spend? Thanks in advance.

Buy a receiver change out parts making sure to not use parts that woudl make it a mg. There are places on the internet to get such information along with a build guide. This is fairy easy. Also when was this made? Many the ones that where made after WWII to be displays uses standard receivers that where not completely machined thus making them non working IF you have this type you MAY be able to have the machining finished only in a semi auto configuration though. Many places sell the parts kits ( everything but the receiver itself ) then you build them on a display or real receiver.

 

[gsim]

The guy next to me at the range on sunday had one (i'd guess it was one of the remakes). It looked like a lot of fun, and I just visited gunbroker looking to price one out before I read this. There are a few on gunbroker listed as pre-WWII that might be a whole lot safer than trying to get your hands on a receiver that would work and be legal.