Any opinions on the Auto Ordnance semi-auto Tommy Gun?

Beemerguy53

Beemerguy53

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I've always wanted a Thompson sub-machine gun in my collection, but the real, honest-to-Pete Tommy Guns are priced out of sight. Auto Ordnance makes a semi-auto Tommy Gun that, though expensive, is priced within reach, and I'm wondering if anybody here has any experience with one of these?

To be precise, I'm talking about the M1SB, which is the 10.5" barrel model that looks identical to the WWII M1 Thompson, but which is, of course, semi-auto only. It's priced at a tick under $2K, and requires the federal stamp...but it's the closest I can come to holding that particular piece of history in my hand.

I'm not looking for match-grade accuracy, and truth to tell, I probably won't even fire it much...but if I decide to buy it, I want it to be reliable and well-crafted.

What are your thoughts, folks? Should I scratch this itch? Thanks for your input...
 
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Beemer,

I bought one of their M1 carbines, it wouldn't run, sent it back, got it back, gas piston broke, sent it back, got it back, it was a one shot carbine, sent it back, got it back, traded it off while still in the latest box, with full disclosure to my trade partner.
Not a fan of the company's product.

Mike
 
PH-2 said:
Beemer,

I bought one of their M1 carbines, it wouldn't run, sent it back, got it back, gas piston broke, sent it back, got it back, it was a one shot carbine, sent it back, got it back, traded it off while still in the latest box, with full disclosure to my trade partner.
Not a fan of the company's product.

Mike
Click to expand...

Ouch! That doesn't sound good at all!

Thanks for your input! :-)
 
I don't have any experience with the current or recent production guns, but when they first came out (1970s, IIRC), I ordered one of the early production 1927A-1 deluxe guns, along with two 50-round drums and several stick mags. I still have it. It is a beautifully made gun, with excellent machining, close attention to detail, nice wood and excellent bluing. At first, we had a few problems insofar as reliability was concerned; however, we replaced some of the springs with a kit from an aftermarket manufacturer (can't remember who, anymore), and it ran like a top from then on. The only recurring problem was ears breaking in some of the early drums, replaced several. I bought some later drums (now probably 30 years old or so), cured that problem. Original Thompson stick mags (surplus) must be slightly modified to work in a 27A-1, just involves modifying a cut in the mag (enlarging it) or cutting a new slot, don't remember which. The manufacturer has changed hands a few times since then, don't know much about the current guns, but my old one is still a beaut! BTW, even back in the day, the people at the factory recommended NOT buying a 100-round drum - I called them to order one, and they said they just plain don't work, stay away from them, use 50-round drums.

They are fun to shoot, and it really impresses the neighbors when you walk in from your car bracing it on your hip! They are very heavy, though. Have fun with your soon-to-be new toy!
 
My only experience was shooting a friend's on one occasion. As noted, it is HEAVY but, beyond that, it seemed it me to be awkward. It felt to me as though it was very nose heavy. Not at all like a well balanced 11.5 lbs. I had looked forward to shooting it and was disappointed.
 
310Pilot said:
I don't have any experience with the current or recent production guns, but when they first came out (1970s, IIRC), I ordered one of the early production 1927A-1 deluxe guns, along with two 50-round drums and several stick mags. I still have it. It is a beautifully made gun, with excellent machining, close attention to detail, nice wood and excellent bluing. At first, we had a few problems insofar as reliability was concerned; however, we replaced some of the springs with a kit from an aftermarket manufacturer (can't remember who, anymore), and it ran like a top from then on. The only recurring problem was ears breaking in some of the early drums, replaced several. I bought some later drums (now probably 30 years old or so), cured that problem. Original Thompson stick mags (surplus) must be slightly modified to work in a 27A-1, just involves modifying a cut in the mag (enlarging it) or cutting a new slot, don't remember which. The manufacturer has changed hands a few times since then, don't know much about the current guns, but my old one is still a beaut! BTW, even back in the day, the people at the factory recommended NOT buying a 100-round drum - I called them to order one, and they said they just plain don't work, stay away from them, use 50-round drums.

They are fun to shoot, and it really impresses the neighbors when you walk in from your car bracing it on your hip! They are very heavy, though. Have fun with your soon-to-be new toy!
Click to expand...

Thanks! FYI, the brand is owned by Kahr now, and the M1SB will not accept the drum magazines...sticks only.

I found a video on Youtube of a guy firing a new M1SB...from what I could see, it looked very nice, and he was singing its praises as an accurate, well-made, and reliable gun.

Your comment about impressing the neighbors reminded me of something. I knew a guy back in the '70s who was a Maryland State Trooper, in the days when they could carry pretty much what they wanted as backup weapons in their cars. He worked in what was then a rural area, and carried a semi-auto Thompson...he told me just the sight of it discouraged a lot of mischief! :-)

I'm not absolutely certain I'm going to do this, but it is something I've thought about over the years, and I'm fortunate to be in a position (kids grown, on my own, nobody to answer to but myself) to buy it if I want it.

Think I'll call some dealers tomorrow and see what the transfer would involve... :-)
 
DGT said:
...I had looked forward to shooting it and was disappointed.
Click to expand...

To tell you the truth, I am a little afraid of having a similar experience. Something like this isn't for everyone, and if I buy it and don't like it, I might have to take a bath on it to get rid of it.

(Many years ago, I owned a Yamaha SR500 motorcycle, which was a single-cylinder, kick-start only machine. It was wonderful, and great fun to ride, but when I went to sell it, I found out just what a white elephant it was! I finally sold it to a guy who had a Ducati Darmah...he understood the SR500 and appreciated it for what it was.)
 
Beemerguy53 said:
To tell you the truth, I am a little afraid of having a similar experience. Something like this isn't for everyone, and if I buy it and don't like it, I might have to take a bath on it to get rid of it.

(Many years ago, I owned a Yamaha SR500 motorcycle, which was a single-cylinder, kick-start only machine. It was wonderful, and great fun to ride, but when I went to sell it, I found out just what a white elephant it was! I finally sold it to a guy who had a Ducati Darmah...he understood the SR500 and appreciated it for what it was.)
Click to expand...

I had an SR500. It was wonderful, and I had a lot of fun on it. Fortunately, I never has to contemplate selling it; the neighborhood thugs stole it, and I bought a Triumph Bonneville with the insurance proceeds. After having my fun with that one it proved easy to sell.
 
Heavy, CLASS III with the 10.5" barrel ($200 fed tax required a few months waiting, and the rules that go with it, as in don't lend it out).

They look cool though.
 
I came close to buying a handgun version of one not long ago (no buttstock). It seemed to me to be a very well made gun. Fit and finish were quite good. I never fired it, and to tell you the truth, I probably never would have but that thing was COOL just to hold. I felt like Chip Saunders. :D

Alas, the logical side of me kicked in and I put it back on the rack.

I'm sort of sorry I did that.
 
I bought the M1 lightweight version about 3 years ago. I have never had any problems with it. It is a simple machine and lots of fun to shoot. I took it to the open house at the range and all of the kids from about 8 to 28 or so had to shoot it. Kicks about like a 22. Really up there on the "looks cool" catagory. I like mine.
 
Auto-Ordnance had severe quality control problems during the 80-90s. The pistols I've seen under Kahr ownership show marked improvement. Haven't seen any recent Thompsons.
 
Moonman said:
Heavy, CLASS III with the 10.5" barrel ($200 fed tax required a few months waiting, and the rules that go with it, as in don't lend it out).

They look cool though.
Click to expand...

Yes, they do look cool...the all-American weapon. The question I have to answer is: Does "looking cool" justify spending all that money?

Hmmmm...is that a gun question or a motorcycle question? :-)
 
CajunBass said:
I came close to buying a handgun version of one not long ago (no buttstock). It seemed to me to be a very well made gun. Fit and finish were quite good. I never fired it, and to tell you the truth, I probably never would have but that thing was COOL just to hold. I felt like Chip Saunders. :D

Alas, the logical side of me kicked in and I put it back on the rack.

I'm sort of sorry I did that.
Click to expand...

Very few of my car, motorcycle, or gun purchases over the years have involved logic... :)
 
Last edited:
sipowicz said:
I don't know...I love the classics, but for me, a semi auto tommy gun is kind of like a 4 cylinder split window Corvette....
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know...but the full-auto Tommy Guns are priced totally out of reach of the average person. Half of something is better than all of nothing...

Besides, I fired a sub-machine gun some years ago, and while it was an interesting experience, it didn't really leave me with any burning desire to go out and buy one.
 
Beemerguy53,

At the NRA convention in Pittsburgh last year, they had the Deluxe model on display with the DRUM and GOLD PLATED TOO.

Now that was REALLY, REALLY COOL!!!!

I held it and couldn't believe the weight and with no ammo in it.
 
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