By Chris A. Choat

STREAMLIGHT INTRODUCES TLR-6 UNIVERSAL KIT

Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, has just introduced a Universal Weapon Kit for its TLR-6® handgun light that includes a light/laser module and six interchangeable housings to fit a variety of sub-compact handguns. The housings are designed for use with more than 18 different models of Glock®, M&P Shield™, KAHR®, SIG SAUER® and Kimber® handguns. The TLR-6, the first light with an integrated red aiming laser for sub-compact handguns, is designed to maximize visibility and targeting capability in a variety of home defense and tactical applications. Streamlight introduced the light, an industry first, 2015 with a housing designed to fit the trigger guard of Glock® 42 and Glock® 43 handguns. They now have expanded the versatility of the TLR-6, with additional body housings that quickly and securely attach to the trigger guard of additional types of sub-compact handguns. Now even more tactical and home defense users can attach this light/laser module to their sub-compact handgun of choice and benefit from its targeted bright light, as well as its powerful red aiming laser. Importantly, with the light and laser combination attached, users can more readily identify a potential threat before taking any action. The TLR-6 uses the latest in C4® LED technology to deliver 100 lumens, 2,000 candela and a beam distance of 89 meters. Its parabolic reflector produces a balance of beam and peripheral illumination. The light features three lighting modes: LED Only, LED/Laser, and Laser Only, with operating run times of one hour for the LED Only or LED/Laser modes, and 11 hours for the Laser Only mode. All modes automatically shut off after ten minutes to conserve batteries. The light also uses an integrated 640-660 nm red laser which has an operating temperature range of -20°F to +120°F, permitting usage under a wide variety of weather conditions. The TLR-6 is powered by two 3 Volt CR-1/3N lithium coin batteries. It features an integrated battery door that permits batteries to be replaced while the light remains mounted on the gun, and eliminates the need to re-sight the laser after a battery change. The TLR-6 Universal Kit is available at a price of $210.00. It includes one LED/laser module and six interchangeable body housings. Visit them at www.streamlight.com.

NEW FIX IT STICKS FOR FIREARMS

Fix It Sticks were originally introduced for cyclists who wanted quality tools that could be carried with them on the bikes. The company has now introduced their products into the world of firearms and these are tools that you just cannot be without. If you have ever tightened a scope ring screw just a little too tight and heard that sickening “snap” of the screw breaking you will definitely want a set of these high grade tools. The tools are available individually or as a complete set. The complete set includes sixteen replaceable bits in various sizes of Torx, Hex, Square and Screwdrivers bits, 2 double ended bit drivers that can be locked together to form a “T” handle, a ½ inch socket for tightening scope mounting nuts and 4 torque limiters. Torque limiters are basically very small torque wrenches. They are each specifically made for a set number of inch pounds for the shooters specific need. You can get them in 15, 25, 45 and 65 inch pound settings. In the future, they are also bringing out limiters in 70 and 80 inch pounds setting for installing and removing barrels such as in the Bren 805, SCAR and Desert guns. All this comes in a zippered pouch with Velcro on one side and Molle clips on the other so that you can attach it to your gear and always have it with you. The bits are held in the driver handles by Neodymium magnets. The bits are all replaceable and come in sizes to fit and screw whether it is metric or SAE. For more information on these “must have” tools contact them at www.fixitsticks.com.

ATN ANNOUNCESNEW SMART HD OPTICS ACCESSORIES

ATN, innovators of advanced night vision, thermal imaging and digital Smart HD optics for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, military and law enforcement, is pleased to introduce their new Smart HD accessories line, compatible with ATN Smart HD Devices. The first products to roll out from the Smart HD accessories line are the ATN IR850 Pro and the ATN Power Weapon Kit. With the new high powered ATN IR850 Pro infrared illuminator, the user will have 300 meters of effective range aiming in total darkness. It includes an adjustable windage and elevation mount, an 18650 rechargeable battery and an 18650 rapid wall charger. Retail price is $149.00. The ATN Power Weapon Kit provides the user with plenty of juice whenever and wherever it is needed. The kit provides up to 22 hours of continuous use and is easy to recharge. It can also power other devices. It comes with a 16,000 mAh battery pack, USB to Micro USB with L shaped connector, a water resistant rubber seal and an adjustable buttstock pouch. The price of it is just $99.00. To see ATN’s full line of accessories, visit ATN’s Accessories and Kits webpage at www.atncorp.com.

LARUE TACTICAL ANNOUNCES THEIR MBT-2S AR TRIGGER

LaRue Tactical has introduced their new MBT (Meticulously Built Trigger) 2S (two stage) trigger. This new trigger is made from S7 tool steel plates that have been machined to almost a mirror finish. The trigger has a 4.5 pound trigger pull (a 2.5 pound first stage followed by a 2 pound 2nd stage. The trigger breaks like a glass rod and is perfectly consistent. The trigger is perfect for competitors as well as being battlefield rugged. The unit comes complete with trigger, disconnector, hammer, springs and pins. In short, everything that you need for a drop-in installation. The new trigger fits any mil-spec AR lower receiver and will make any “off the shelf” AR-15 shoot even better. For more information contact them at www.larue.com.

AUTO ORDNANCE NOW HAS GOLD AND CHROME “CHICAGO TYPEWRITERS”

Auto Ordnance is proud to introduce an exciting and classy look to their century-old Thompson, historically referred to as the “Chicago Typewriter”. The Thompson 1927A-1 semi-automatic carbine is now offered in a Titanium Gold finish and also a Polished Chrome. Either of these time-honored reproduction semi-auto carbines will undoubtedly impress your friends when you take it out to the shooting range. These guns are offered in .45 ACP and have a 16.5” finned barrel (18” with compensator), with a 1 in 16 right-hand twist. The frame is constructed in steel with either a Titanium Gold finish or a Polished Chrome finish. The gun weighs 13 lbs. and has an overall length of 41”. Other features include a pinned in front blade and an open rear adjustable sight. The stock is fixed and is made from luxurious American Walnut and has a vertical foregrip. These two new models each ship with one 50-round drum and one 20-round stick magazine. The magazines are also plated in either polished gold or chrome. The uniquely iconic look, combined with the history of the ‘Tommy Gun’ has always had an extremely strong appeal among gun owners. Both the Titanium Gold (Model Number T150DTG) and the Polished Chrome (model number T150DCR) carbines are shipped in a protective hard case which features both the distinctive Thompson logo and the words, “Chicago Typewriter”. To truly capture the 1920s gangster era, an aftermarket violin case can be ordered for the Gold or Polished Chrome Tommy Gun. For a limited time only, the introductory MSRP is $2963 for either the Polished Chrome or the Titanium Gold. The cost of the violin case is an additional $221.00. Find out more at www.auto-ordnance.com.

MID-EVIL INDUSTRIES 360 VFG (Vertical Fore Grip)

The 360° VFG is a brand new evolutionary product which gives the shooter the ability to adjust their vertical foregrip 360 degrees, at any angle with a simple locking handle. It is capable of mounting on bottom or side rails – giving the shooter more versatility and ergonomic positioning for optimum user comfort and control. It can be angled forward, to the rear or any position in between. This is great for weapons with a drum magazine. The 360° VFG is available in three models; one for the 1913 Picatinny rail, one for M-Lock forearms and one for Key-Mod forearms and has been precisely engineered with the male extensions necessary to ensure that the grip locks into place and will not come loose. Although this benefits all Picatinny applications, this modification is especially important to accommodate the plastic Picatinny rail systems for the Kel-Tec KSG and DP-12 shotguns. The foregrip offers ergonomic “on the fly” adjustability and has a storage compartment in the handle. The 360 VFG is also available in Cerakote colors. You can contact them at www.mid-evilindustries.com.

ALLEGIANCE INC. ANNOUNCES NEW SILENTSTRIKE SUBSONIC 223 AMMUNITION

Allegiance Inc. has now introduced their new 223 subsonic ammunition that is the world’s only lead free frangible full functioning subsonic round that functions in the AR-15/M-16, M-4 and the H&K 416 series of firearms. The new round fires at a very quiet 975 feet per second and does not require any modifications to the weapon that its used in. The ammunition uses lead free frangible 110 grain bullets and it will work in semi as well as full auto modes. Allegiance uses powder metal technology to achieve what others said couldn’t be done. Excellent for hunters or operators needing maximum performance in a stealth required situation. You can take the shot without giving up your position with full function of your select-fire weapon. Tungsten powder metal gives you the ability to penetrate at lower velocity to reach the vitals. To find out more or to place an order go to www.allegianceammo.com.

by Chris A. Choat

IWI Now Debuting UZI Pro Pistol and UZI Pro Pistol SB

The Uzi Pro Pistol and Uzi Pro Pistol SB are the latest evolution of that storied design, now featuring the most advanced firearms technologies. Based on the famous Uzi SMG, the Uzi Pro is purpose-built with only one goal: uncompromising performance and reliability on a robust design. This 9mm Luger Parabellum version for the American public sports an advanced polymer pistol grip that reduces weight and incorporates an integrated magazine release button for fast and easy magazine changes. The cocking handle is located on the receiver side allowing for a full-length Picatinny rail on the top receiver cover. A short Picatinny rail is also incorporated into the polymer body, mounted below the barrel, perfect for additional accessory placement. Two versions of the Uzi Pro Pistol will be available in the U.S. The first is the basic pistol but perhaps the most exciting news is that the Uzi Pro Pistol will also be offered with a side-folding stabilizing brace, the Uzi Pro SB. The stabilizing brace will be produced exclusively for IWI US by SB Tactical, LLC, designers and manufacturers of the original SB15 and SB47 Pistol Stabilizing Braces that have reinvigorated the market for large frame pistols in the U.S. Originally designed as a means for persons with limited mobility to operate and fire the AR-15 pistol, it soon became clear to shooters across the USA that by adding a stabilizing brace to their large frame pistols, they could achieve greater accuracy while enjoying an enhanced shooting experience through improved firearm stabilization and control.

The custom adaptation of the stabilizing brace to the Uzi Pro SB takes the application of large frame pistol control and stabilization to a new level. With the IWI brace’s unique side-folding feature, the Uzi Pro SB can be fired with or without the brace extended depending on the shooter’s need. With the brace in the folded position, storage space required in your safe or range bag is minimized. The new Uzi Pro and Uzi Pro SB feature three safety mechanisms: a conventional manual thumb safety, a firing pin block and a proven grip safety that must be fully depressed before the gun can be cocked and fired. Simple maintenance on the Uzi Pro requires no special tools for quick and easy field stripping. Each Uzi Pro Pistol comes with one 20-round and one 25-round magazine. Find out more at www.iwi.us.

Bushnell Announces Lynx Night VIsion Binocular

Bushnell, an industry leader in high performance sports optics for 65 years, has just introduced the new Lynx 2.5x 40mm night vision binocular. The Gen I night vision unit features 2.5 times magnification, a viewing range of 750 feet combined with a wide field of view and an extended battery life. With its compact ergonomic design, the night vision binocular measures just seven inches in length and weighs only 17 ounces. Depending on ambient light conditions, the built-in infrared (IR) spotlight can be turned on or off to improve the viewing experience. Powered with two AAA batteries, the night vision binocular can run up to 20 hours with the IR illuminated, or up to 70 hours with the IR off. The ability to manage the IR setting allows users to control the viewing experience while improving battery life. Built with a durable rubber-armored housing, the night vision binocular is easy to carry and field-ready. The Bushnell Lynx night vision binocular is available for a retail price of $599.99. You can contact them at www.bushnell.com.

Auto Ordnance Introduces Budget-Priced 1911BKO

USA based Kahr Firearms Group is proud to announce the introduction of the Auto Ordnance 1911BKO. The 1911BKO is only the second 1911 pistol to be introduced over the past year, following in the footsteps of the successful 1911TC model in stainless steel just last year. The Auto Ordnance 1911BKO frame incorporates GI specs and features a matte black finish frame, barrel and slide. The carbon steel slide, sear and disconnector are machined from solid bar stock and heat treated properly to assure durability and long life over many thousands of rounds. The low-profile sights feature a blade front sight and a rear drift adjustable for windage. The grip is brown checkered plastic. This .45 ACP has a 5 inch barrel, length is 8.5 inches overall and weighs just 39 oz. The 1911BKO is 100% made in the USA and ships with one 7-round magazine. The BKO has a thumb safety, grip safety and firing pin block and carries a retail price of just $517. For more information on the complete line of Auto Ordnance products, please visit www.auto-ordnance.com.

Lancer Introduces Adaptive Magwell and SIG 716 Handguard

Lancer Systems LP, a leading advanced weapons and components manufacturer, has just announced the availability of two new products: the Adaptive Magwell and SIG Sauer 716 Replacement Handguard. Both are engineered using advanced, high-performance technologies to reduce weight and maximize reliability, exceeding military standards. The Lancer Adaptive Magwell is machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and is designed to fit mil-spec 5.56 AR style rifles. The component increases the diameter of the magwell and the speed with which the rifle can be reloaded. It is installed by opening the winter trigger guard and attaching the lower half to the trigger, then engaging the lower component to the trigger guard attachment on the rifle. The upper component is then slid on from the front and attached with two Allen screws. Retail price is $99.99. The Lancer replacement handguard for the SIG 716 features a free float design with aluminum Picatinny sight rail at 12 o’clock. It also has an octagon carbon fiber tube with cut-outs to expose the gas block adjusting knob. Cooling slots in the tube accept rails and slots at 6 o’clock and accept a rail for mounting a bi-pod. Available with top rails in carbine length, 7.4 inches, and extended length, 13.1 inches. Prices start at $274.99. Contact them at
www.lancer-systems.com.

TargetVision Introduces Portable Remote Target Changer

The new Portable Remote Target Changer has just been introduced by TargetVision. The Portable Remote Target Changer is an aluminum, battery powered, wireless target changing system with AR500 armor plating. With the push of a button, a user can roll down a fresh, new target from up to 600 yards away. The unit can easily be set up by one person. The system minimizes a shooters number of trips down range and is the perfect complement to a wireless spotting scope to improve their overall shooting experience. The unit operates on 900MHz radio frequency and weighs 97 pounds. It is powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries and has an assembled height of 3 feet 6 inches. The target size is 24 by 24 inches. It comes with a 74 count roll of targets, a 12 volt DC charger and a remote controller. The target changer can also be ordered with its own fitted Pelican case. For more information go to www.targetvisioncam.com.

Magnum Research Announces First All Stainless Desert Eagle

Magnum Research has taken their most iconic handgun, the Desert Eagle, and given it an exciting new look. For the first time ever, the Desert Eagle .50 AE can now be purchased with an all stainless steel construction in the frame, slide, barrel, rail on the frame and an integral muzzle brake. The stainless steel models are 100% made in the USA and currently in production ready to ship to wholesalers and dealers. The Desert Eagle has always been considered a bit of a beast, but now, with the rugged stainless steel frame, slide and barrel, black appointments, and the new Picatinny bottom rail for accessories, it has a very distinctive new look. This high quality stainless steel model has an overpowering appearance at the gun counter and at the range, and it will be much easier to repair minor scratches than some of their other custom finish models. Also new from Magnum Research for 2015, the Desert Eagle all stainless steel model is offered in either a standard 6 inch barrel or with an integral muzzle brake. The integral muzzle brake is also offered on the DE50, DE44, and the DE357 6-inch barrel models in black. The integral muzzle brake will replace the add-on brake that Magnum Research has offered for several years. The integral muzzle brake offers significant recoil reduction, less muzzle flip and a new streamlined look. In addition, since the overall length remains the same as the standard 6 inch barrel model, the same holsters will fit the integral brake model. The integral muzzle brake model also means it can be offered at a lower price than the add-on muzzle brake. For more information and ordering instructions contact them at www.magnumresearch.com.

Thompson submachine gun enthusiasts simply use the phrase, “West Hurley’s.” By most accounts they are the scourge of the Thompson community – sometimes with good reason. They are nothing like the Colt’s in beauty or manufactured like the World War II guns to exacting government specifications. But they are a brother none the less to their earlier siblings, though some would argue a step-brother.

The first West Hurley Thompson’s rolled off the assembly line in 1975 as a product of the second Auto-Ordnance Corporation in West Hurley, New York. This was a company started by Numrich Arms Corporation (NAC) founder George Numrich and then President of NAC, Ira Trast. The new Auto-Ordnance Corporation (AOC) was formed to begin production of a new semiautomatic .45 caliber Thompson rifle, one that resembled the famous American Tommy Gun. In conjunction with the Thompson semiautomatic rifle, AOC also put back in production the full auto 1928 model with a newly manufactured receiver and frame. Full auto West Hurley (WH) Thompson’s immediately found a niche market as an inexpensive substitute for a Colt, Savage or Auto-Ordnance at Bridgeport. The initial retail price as shown in the 1975 NAC catalog was $425.

All references to the Auto-Ordnance Corporation or AOC in this story relate solely to the new Auto-Ordnance Corporation at West Hurley, New York unless followed by the words “at Bridgeport” (Connecticut).

The full auto WHs were mostly Model of 1928s, but a small quantity of M1A1 models were produced right before what has come to be called the May 1986 machine gun ban. WHs have continued to enjoy a niche market in the post 1986 period because, again, they are the cheapest Thompsons in the market place. While many purists howled and degraded the efforts of Numrich and Trast in the 1970s, everyone will agree AOC did place over 3,800 more transferable Thompson’s in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) for all to use and enjoy. Absent a few post sample guns built from various other manufacturers from time to time, the WH full auto Thompson’s are the end of an era.

The purpose of this story is not to degrade the manufacturing process of a very small American company that produced a $425 machine gun. It is to inform owners and potential owners of full auto WH Thompsons about some of the parts used during the production – and problems associated with those parts.

AOC certainly could have used the United States Postal Service motto for flat rate shipping – “If it fits, it ships.” Standardization is not a word normally used by WH owners. Each WH Thompson is truly unique when it comes to fit, function AND parts. There is no WH specific production year or serial number range that is the best to buy – or any to be avoided. A NIB (New in the Box) WH is not a guarantee a WH Thompson will run; it only means no one has tried it out.

The majority of WH parts examined for this story are of low quality investment casting and do not conform to original ordnance specifications. Even when manufactured correctly, the resulting part is much rougher and softer than an original Colt or GI part. Many WH parts are easy to identify because of the purplish hue. Some cast parts are challenging to properly blue because of silicone that is added to the steel alloy to improve the flow when the molten steel is poured into the mold.

The saving grace is all the WH parts will interchange with GI manufactured parts. Replacement for most is always the best option.

Danger!!!

One part in particular is dangerous. The 1928 buffer pilot, commonly referred to as only the pilot or the buffer, was originally designed as a one piece machined part. Sometime during production of the WH Thompson, AOC designed and manufactured two-piece pilots. The reason the pilot was originally designed as a one piece part can be seen in the accompanying pictures; WH pilot’s can and will come apart. All owners, including dealers stocking used Model of 1928 WH Thompsons for sale, need to check the pilot (right now) to insure it is of one piece construction or a GI part. Any two-piece WH pilot should be destroyed. Why risk the potential for injury over what is now a readily available and inexpensive part.

West Hurley Parts

Most WH parts do not pose a threat of bodily injury but can and do affect the function of a Thompson. Stated below is a listing of known parts manufactured by or for AOC:

• Actuator (Model of 1928 only)
• Barrel
• Bolt (M1A1 model only)
• Breech Oiler (Model of 1928 only)
• Buffer Pilot – (Model of 1928 only)
• Butt Stock Slide Group (Model of 1928 only)
• Compensator (Model of 1928 only)
• Drum magazines (Model of 1928 only)
• Frame
• Grip Mount
• Magazine Catch
• Rear Sight, adjustable (Model of 1928 only)
• Rocker pivot (fire control lever)
• Safety
• Sear
• Sear lever
• Trip
• Vertical Fore Grip & Pistol Grip Many WH parts can be easily identified because of the lack of manufacturer markings. All U.S. government subcontractors during World War II were required to apply a marking to their production; while “S” and “AOC” (at Bridgeport) are the most common subcontractor markings, many others exist. A great reference for manufacturer markings on Thompson parts can be found in Frank Iannamico’s excellent Thompson book, American Thunder II. Careful examination and comparison of WH parts to known GI originals make distinguishing these parts an easy matter. CAVEAT: Original parts manufactured by Colt are also unmarked; Colt parts have been found on WH Thompsons.

Mr. Trast

Mr. Ira Trast, retired president of Auto-Ordnance Corporation, West Hurley, New York, graciously agreed to be interviewed. He stated at the beginning that due to the passage of time, he has probably forgotten many of the day to day production details that would be of interest to collectors nowadays. But he agreed to provide whatever information he could remember. Mr. Trast pointed out the new AOC was manufacturing both Thompson rifles and submachine guns so he was not focused solely on the production of the full auto guns during his tenure as President.

Mr. Trast stated the production of the receivers and frames were subcontracted to a local company in Saugerties, New York named Quality Manufacturing Company. AOC supplied Quality Manufacturing with the tooling for production of these parts. The tooling was quite old and had to be modified to fit Quality’s machines.

AOC had a large inventory of Thompson parts when production of the first Thompson guns began in 1975. The first full auto Thompsons were made using all GI parts but as sales increased, inventories of GI parts began to dry up. Mr. Trast spent many hours scouring the country looking for many of the Thompson parts mentioned during this interview. Mr. Trast stated it is important to point out GI parts were not only used in the beginning, but as available during the 11 years the full auto Thompson was in production. AOC only used their own subcontracted parts until new supplies of GI parts could be found. Toward the end of the production run, there was really no need to look for GI parts because none were available in any quantity.

The early Thompson guns featured original Lyman rear sights but soon supplies began to run low. Mr. Trast believes it possible AOC may have used some sight bases purchased from the Model Gun Corporation (MGC) of Japan on the full auto WH Thompson but he is not 100% sure. Sometimes parts used on the Thompson Model 1927 rifle were used on the full auto guns – and vise versa. He is certain that AOC soon subcontracted the manufacture of the sight base and these bases were fitted with an Enfield sight leaf assembly. Later, AOC had a sight leaf assembly specifically manufactured for the base. Mr. Trast remembered the cast sight bases would sometimes come loose from the receiver so AOC began using large rivets to correct this problem.

The horizontal fore-grips and sling swivels were very plentiful as were the butt stocks. Rear grips were plentiful at first, but later had to be manufactured. All the vertical fore-grips were made by a subcontractor, the identity of which now escapes Mr. Trast. As the stock slide inventory was depleted, aluminum stock slides from MGC were used. The MGC slides were not without problems so AOC began subcontracting the manufacture of the stock slide in the GI pattern but of aluminum alloy.

Many of the smaller parts like sears, trips, rocker pivots and safeties were manufactured by IONA Industries, Newburgh, New York. While AOC used other subcontractors at times, Quality Manufacturing Company and IONA Industries were the two subcontractors that manufactured the majority of parts for AOC. Both were located close to West Hurley, New York (and both are now out of business). Generally, Quality Manufacturing manufactured the bigger parts and IONA Industries manufactured the smaller parts. Mr. Trast stated there may be variations or changes of the same AOC part as production continued over the years.

Mr. Trast did not recall a problem or any issues with separation involving the two piece buffer pilot. AOC used GI buffer discs.

Compensators were another item that was soon in short supply and the manufacture of this part was subcontracted to IONA Industries. AOC roll marked the Thompson bullet logo on the top of the newly manufactured compensators in-house. Mr. Trast stated AOC had all the original Thompson roll dies starting at the Colt era. However, the older machinery necessary to use these early roll dies was not readily available and therefore many of the original dies could not be used. AOC had to remanufacture some tooling and dies when production began in 1975.

The supply of breech oilers also became a problem. Mr. Trast said AOC manufactured a few oilers, but “could not get it right.” The oilers manufactured were discarded. He does not remember purchasing any aftermarket oilers for use in the full auto guns but added this was a long time ago so anything is certainly possible. With no oilers available, a decision was made to delete this part altogether.

AOC refinished and sold GI drums at first. Supplies soon ran low and it became difficult to locate GI drums that were not too pitted and/or rusted and could be refinished into an acceptable product. AOC purchased and converted MGC drums to work in real guns. These first drums were named the XL drums, but the modifications only allowed for the loading of 39 rounds. AOC also used MGC drums for their .22 caliber Thompson by welding a .22 stick magazine inside the drum body.

A decision was made to manufacture new drums but it was almost two years before the new L (50 round) drums were on the market. This was a major effort for AOC that ran into many problems, especially with the rotor spring. AOC formed a new company for this venture, Valentine International. A decision to manufacture the C (100 round) drum came later. It was believed only 1,000 Colt era C drums were manufactured with each one being individually numbered. Mr. Trast believed AOC limited production to only 1,000 numbered C drums. As with the AOC L drum, the rotor spring became a big issue on the AOC C drum.

AOC manufactured the barrels for the Thompson guns in-house. Completed barrels were sent to a subcontractor to cut the fins and thread the ends of the barrels for the receiver and compensator. Mr. Trast remembered the early barrels with the large fins and sharp edges. AOC developed a tool to radius the sharp edges of the fins; this procedure was done in-house. As production continued, the later barrels were much nicer than AOC’s first efforts in this area. Mr. Trast does not remember if the front sight was manufactured in-house or by a subcontractor.

Mr. Trast recalled the purplish parts and how the bluing process was a problem for AOC. He believed the problem may have had something to do with impurities in the steel used to manufacture the parts. AOC always purchased high quality 4140 gun barrel steel but sometimes it came from outside the USA. He said it was a continual effort to properly color the parts.

The supply of bolts became an issue when the AOC M1 Thompson was introduced in 1985. As supplies of M1A1 GI bolts were exhausted, AOC subcontracted out the production of the M1A1 bolt.

As the interview came to an end Mr. Trast made a comment that will be of great interest to all WH owners. The “A” at the end of the serial number on the full auto Thompsons stood for “automatic.” Mr. Trast believes the ATF asked AOC to use this designation to easily differentiate the serial numbers of the full auto guns from the Thompson rifles.

Parts, Parts and More Parts

Actuator: This is a commonly found WH part with several known variations. Careful examination will reveal a casting line down the middle in many of them. Most WH actuators have what appear to be milled cavities in the side; however, later variations were machined from bar and are without these cavities. The cocking ball on the unrelieved WH actuators is actually a separate part and staked to the body of the actuator. This can be another dangerous part. One WH owner reported the cocking ball came off during firing and hit him in the head nearly requiring stitches (another excellent reason for everyone anywhere near a firing line to always wear shooting glasses). There are also differences noted in the knurling on the cocking balls; some are plain or without knurling. The WH actuator can cause functioning problems and bend or break during firing; it should be replaced with an original GI part.

Barrel: This is a commonly found WH part with several known variations. The fins on many of the early WH barrels are very sharp. Sharp edges and corners are characteristics of many WH parts. However, later production WH barrels can be found with radius fins. Most WH barrels are known to have head spacing or chamber issues. If all WH internal parts have been replaced with GI parts and functioning problems continue, a WH barrel may be the cause of the problem. Cosmetic issues aside, this part may be used if brought back into proper specification.

Bolt: As supplies of GI M1A1 bolts became exhausted, AOC subcontracted the manufacture of M1A1 bolts. WH bolts do not have a manufacturer code as found on the WWII GI bolts. The quality of the WH bolts has been reported as both good and bad. Given the large number of inexpensive GI M1 and M1A1 bolts now available on the market, this part is a good candidate for replacement. AOC did not manufacture bolts for the 1928 WH Thompson.

Breech Oiler: AOC used GI oilers until the supply was exhausted and then simply omitted this part with new production guns. AOC included a notification to this effect on many of the later WH Thompsons. Research has uncovered an inexpensive oiler that has been found is several WH Thompsons, including a new in the box WH Thompson purchased in 1981. It is very possible AOC purchased and used some aftermarket oilers at some point during the production run. Irrespective of how these oilers ended up in WH Thompson’s, this oiler type is a good candidate for replacement.

Buffer Pilot (Model of 1928 only): This is a commonly found WH part with three known variations. The two-piece WH buffer pilots must be replaced – see above. It is dangerous to use this part in a Thompson submachine gun. One of the two-piece WH pilots has the flange press fit on the rod; the other has a cut out in the flange that locks on to the rod. AOC did manufacture a one piece pilot; however, like most WH parts it is not manufactured to GI specifications and should be replaced.

If there is any doubt as to the buffer pilot being a one or two piece unit, replace the pilot with a GI part (that will be marked with “S” or “AOC” (at Bridgeport) on the flat part of the flange). Don’t take a chance with this part!

Butt Stock Slide Group (Model of 1928 only): When the inventory of steel GI stock slides ran out, AOC purchased from MGC an aluminum butt stock slide group. There are two variations of the MGC slide. MGC assemblies are not manufactured to the exterior dimensions of the GI or Colt assembly and are easy to identify because the top of the rear mounting screw is visible. MGC slides also have a separate catch button. AOC soon learned the MGC slide was not meeting expectations and began production of a GI style stock slide cast off aluminum (or a light weight alloy). As with the MGC slide, the fit of the WH stock slide to the lower frame is generally very loose and the painted finish is quickly worn off. While serviceable, aluminum stock slides are good candidates for replacement.

Compensator (Model of 1928 only): This is a commonly found WH part with two known variations. It is easily distinguished from the Colt and WWII counterparts. The only marking is the trademark Thompson Bullet Logo displayed on the top of the compensator in front of the slots. The slots are usually sharp. WH compensators were not pinned from the factory and usually installed with a good dose of adhesive (as were the barrels). This WH part is quite functional and generally only replaced because the owner prefers the look of an original GI part.

Drum magazines: Most WH L and C drum magazines need work to run properly. WH drums were bringing a premium price during the 10 year assault rifle and high capacity magazine ban; this has passed. Avoid these drums unless you factor in the cost of an overhaul. Lower cost alternatives now exist. WH drums are easy to identify because the center hub is solid. In addition to the L and C drums, AOC also marketed an XL and X drum.

Frame: These have sharp edges and are often found to be not manufactured to exact GI specifications. However, this part is normally serviceable and can often be brought into GI specifications. Frames were not serial numbered by AOC.

Grip Mount: Grip mounts used on WH guns include the following variations:

• GI milled (solid stock), 1/2 inch
• GI riveted, early (retaining stud is a separate part), 1/2 inch
• GI riveted, late (retaining and barrel rest studs are separate parts), 1/2 inch
• WH riveted, steel, 3/4 inch
• WH riveted, aluminum, 3/4 inch The 3/4 inch grip mount is the most commonly found. While most are serviceable for sporting use, the WH 3/4 inch aluminum parts are particularly prone to breakage. The milled steel (solid stock) grip mount is the best for every purpose.

Magazine Catch: This is a commonly found WH part with several known variations. Some have holes and a cast diamond pattern on the end; some have a dimple instead of a hole. Many are purple in color or have a purplish hue. This part can be a source of trouble and should be replaced with an original GI part.

Rear Sight (adjustable) (Model of 1928 only): The serviceability of the WH rear sight is not as good as the original Lyman. Various parts were used to make up sights, including the following combinations:

• Original Lyman sight assemblies
• Lyman bases with Enfield Leaf assemblies
• WH steel bases with Lyman leaf assemblies
• WH steel or light alloy bases with Enfield leaf assemblies
• WH steel or light alloy bases with WH leaf assemblies

Rocker Pivot (fire control lever) and Safety: These are commonly found WH parts. Careful examination will show a casting line down the middle. Most have a purplish hue. Functioning problems can occur if the pivot and safety move up and down while the Thompson is being fired. These parts should be replaced with original GI parts.

Sear, Sear lever and Trip: These are commonly found WH parts and can be a source of many functioning problems. Most have a purplish hue. These WH parts should be replaced with original GI parts.

Vertical fore grip & pistol grip: While WH wood is not known for its beauty, it is very serviceable and only replaced for cosmetic reasons – or if a change in the grip mount dictates a different size fore grip. Butt stocks and horizontal fore grips are normally new or refinished GI production. Vertical fore grips are AOC production and known for their flat or slab sides. The pistol grips can either be new or refinished GI or AOC slab side production. When the 3/4 inch grip mount was introduced, the GI horizontal fore grips were re-inletted for the wider part. There is a great deal of variation in the wood found on WH Thompson’s during the 11 year production run.

Epilogue

When compared to a Thompson manufactured to original ordnance or GI specifications, most everything about the WH Thompson can be problematic. However, they do run with some work and replacement of most of the WH parts. When WH Thompsons were in production, the vast quantities of original Thompson parts kits as found on the market today were not available.

Mr. Trast said if complete Thompson parts kits had been readily available from 1975 to 1986, it is quite likely AOC would have only manufactured the receiver and vertical fore grip. West Hurley’s are generally an entry level Thompson because of the lower price. Is it possible to take a WH Thompson and have it completely overhauled, refurbished and brought into proper specifications? Yes. And the end product will run perfectly and look just about as good as anything that came out of Hartford, Connecticut in the early 1920s.

(Author’s note: The story of West Hurley Thompson parts is a work in progress. This is the first attempt at trying to catalog all the different Thompson submachine gun parts manufactured and used by AOC in West Hurley, New York. The author encourages anyone who has seen, owns or knows about any different parts or part variations to contact him via Small Arms Review. Additional information may be compiled into an updated story in the future in an effort to make all of us more knowledgeable with the West Hurley Thompsons. This story would not have been possible without the support of all the great members of www.MachineGunBoards.com, many of whom are WH owners that replaced most of the parts you see pictured in this story.)

By David Albert

The Thompson submachine gun (TSMG) is arguably the most intriguing and history-rich automatic weapon in existence. Many variations and hundreds of TSMG accessories generate collector interest similar to Lugers, Colt Revolvers, M1 Rifles, and Carbines. A multitude of paper items associated with the Thompson provide glimpses into its long history, and document its diverse use by police, gangsters, military forces, and civilians during the past 85+ years. The most frequently encountered Thompson paper items are manuals, company catalogs, advertisements, and other ephemera.

Items generally fall within three Thompson eras, beginning with the Colt era from 1921 to 1939, followed by the World War II era, and lastly the Kilgore/Numrich/Kahr era from 1949 to present. Early developmental paper items between 1916 and 1920 are rarely encountered. Like most Thompson items, original paper examples are expensive.

Auto-Ordnance produced high quality handbooks to accompany their Model of 1921 Thompsons, and their catalogs and advertisements featured beautiful illustrations that add to the Thompson mystique today. Six different Model of 1921 Handbooks were produced between 1921 and 1936, as the inventory of 15,000 Colt produced Thompsons sold slowly until the outbreak of hostilities in Europe. A handbook, and sometimes an instruction sheet accompanied each weapon, and additional Manuals of Instruction were produced by the company in 1936 and 1937. Auto-Ordnance catalogs and sales flyers produced between 1921 and 1936 showcased the TSMG variations made from the standard Model of 1921A, intended to generate greater interest while utilizing existing inventory. The 1923 Catalog contains remarkable historical content, and is also the catalog generating the most reproductions. Originals are scarce, and many may believe theirs to be original, but most are reproductions dating back to the early 1960s. The 1923 Catalog featured the Model of 1923 Thompson with a bipod and bayonet, chambered for the more powerful .45 Remington-Thompson cartridge, intended as competition to the BAR. Also featured was a Thompson submachine gun mounted on a motorcycle sidecar, and 30 TSMGs mounted in a Larsen all-metal attack plane, with 28 remotely operated, facing downwards, loaded with C-drums to strafe enemy positions. This setup was referenced as partial inspiration for later aerial gunships. While none of the unique offerings of the 1923 Catalog became commercially successful, it generated much greater interest decades after it was originally published.

Ownership of Auto-Ordnance transferred to Russell Maguire in 1939, who seized the opportunity to revive the struggling company. His timing proved perfect, providing him much wealth, and the contribution of his company’s TSMG to allied victory is well documented. A vast number of Thompson paper items are associated with the war years, including examples from Great Britain, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway, India, and the U.S. The weapon was primarily used by the Allies, but some Axis use resulted from capture. Examples of post-war Thompson manuals also exist from Yugoslavia and Israel.

The U.S. Marine Corps issued the first military manual for the TSMG in 1935, followed by an Army Standard Nomenclature List (SNL A-32) in 1936, and the classic War Department Field Manual (FM 23-40) in 1940. Each wartime TSMG shipped with an Auto-Ordnance Edition of 1940 Handbook, of which 5 different versions exist. Two War Department Technical Manuals were produced. (TM 9-1215 for the M1928A1, and TM 9-215 for the M1 Thompson) Upper echelon level repair manuals also exist, but are rarely encountered.

World War II era Thompson manuals, as well as other weapons manuals often tell fascinating stories. They may include unit markings, dates, weapon serial numbers, and even soldier’s names and personal information recorded in them. These features can leave a new owner wondering just what kind of action the soldier saw who previously used the manual. In some cases, a soldier’s information is accessible on the internet; since they may have been involved in a famous military event, gone on to do other things after their wartime experiences, or even given their life for their country.

Thousands of Thompsons were acquired by Britain through their Purchasing Commission and the U.S. Lend-Lease Program. As a result, several publications for Home Guard instruction were produced by companies such as Nicholson and Watson, John Murray, Whitcombe and Tombs, and Hodder and Stoughton. One such manual, in two variations, was published by Gale and Polden, and titled “The Thompson Mechanism Made Easy.” It was extremely well produced, and reproductions are prevalent today, but original examples can still be found. It features pictures of Colt Thompson #3386. The British War Office also produced several versions of Thompson manuals, three of which accompanied the “Small Arms Training” series of field manuals used during World War II. The 1944 version combined both the Thompson and the Sten SMG into one manual.

Three versions of a Model of 1921 Thompson manual were produced for the Vichy French government in 1941, 1942, and 1944 by Charles Lavauzelle & Co. They were prepared under Nazi occupation, due to the large number of Colt Thompsons purchased by the French in 1939, many of which ended up being used as police weapons after the French surrendered. Germany also referenced the French Thompsons in a small arms manual. Norway published two versions of a Thompson manual, the first of which was produced in Britain by exiled Norwegian forces. Some intriguing Italian Thompson manuals exist based upon British military manuals, and these were probably produced during the allied occupation of Italy. Many other examples exist that provide further history of the distribution of TSMGs to various forces.

Auto-Ordnance was sold to the Kilgore Manufacturing Company in 1949, and Kilgore produced at least one style of sales flyer for the M1A1 Thompson, which they intended to produce after their attempts to sell the Thompson to Egypt failed. For a short period of time, Frederick Willis, the former Maguire executive who brokered the deal to Kilgore, purchased back the Thompson, and sold it to Numrich Arms in 1951. Many examples of Numrich sales flyers, brochures, and periodical advertising exist referencing their ownership of the Thompson. In 1974, Numrich received approval to produce a semi-automatic model first considered in the mid-1960s. They revived the Auto-Ordnance name in West Hurley, NY for use with their new production models, which later included the fully automatic Model of 1928 and M1. Several collectible catalogs, sales flyers, and manuals exist from the era that can be found at reasonable prices. Numrich paper items hearkened back to the style of Colt era advertising. In 1999, Kahr Arms purchased Auto-Ordnance from Numrich, and the company has produced four different catalogs featuring Thompsons, as well as manuals and various advertisements.

A manual is a necessary accessory, like a cleaning rod or gun case. Military manuals represent experience gained from spending vast sums of taxpayer money on weapons projects, and we can benefit from the information produced. However, operators using old manuals for instruction should exercise caution, common sense, and consult others when operating their live guns. While most information is reliable, changes were often made, and in some cases, incorrectly printed information may exist. It is best to use the latest edition of a manual if intended to aid in the operation and maintenance of a firearm.

Caution should always be exercised when purchasing expensive “original” paper items to ensure the buyer remains well informed regarding reproductions. Collecting Thompson paper items provides exciting historical content to accompany the guns and other accessories. Through collecting efforts, many items have been recently “rediscovered,” providing more pieces to the larger Thompson historical puzzle, and there are probably many more out there to find.

(David Albert is co-author of the book “Thompson Manuals, Catalogs, and Other Paper Items,” a collector guide privately published in 2005. The book is out of print, and a second edition is in the works.)

New Translucent 30-Round AR-15/M16 Magazine from Lancer Systems

Lancer Systems, LP has announced that they’ve launched the L5 Translucent Magazine for the M16/M4/AR-15 rifle. The L5 Translucent Magazine was developed to implement improvements recommended by military and law enforcement personnel. Lancer Systems, working with a major small arms manufacturer, applied an engineered translucent polymer, steel feed lips and a removable rubber coated bottom to produce a 30-round translucent magazine that can withstand the rigors of professional use. Features of the new magazine include a translucent polymer body that is impact resistant through a wide range of temperatures; chemical resistant polymers; corrosion resistant steel feed lips that are permanently molded into the body; round-count markers at 20 and 30 rounds; body texture, contour and rubber coated bottom designed to provide positive gripping and improve retrieval from magazine pouches; a magazine body design that incorporates a constant radius geometry that facilitates follower/spring travel, and same design envelope as the USGI aluminum magazine so it can be used with existing pouches and carriers. The new magazine is also easy to disassemble and maintain. For more information on the new Lancer L5 magazines, please contact Lancer Systems, Dept. SAR, 7566 Morris Court, Suite 300, Allentown, PA 18106. Phone: (610) 973-2600. Fax: (610) 973-2601. They can be reached on the web at www.lancer-systems.com

Adams Arms Retro-Fit Piston Drive Kit for AR-15/M16 Series Rifles

Adams Arms is now producing a retro-fit kit to change your gas operated AR-15/M16 rifle into a piston driven gun. The new kit installs easily by the end user with no permanent modification to the host rifle. The kit consists of a new gas block with an adjustable gas plug, one-piece drive rod, a return spring with captive bushing, a new bolt carrier key and modified handguard cap and handguards. Also now included is a hardened guide bushing that fits into the host upper receiver that keeps the drive rod from wearing the upper receiver. The new kit takes less than 30 minutes to install. Benefits of a piston driven system include no carbon or un-burnt powder residue blown back into the receiver like a gas system; as well as a system that runs cooler. This all adds up to a smoother running gun with parts that last longer and a much cleaner gun that requires less maintenance. Watch for an in-depth test on this new system in an upcoming issue of SAR. For more information please contact Adams Arms Inc., Dept SAR, 30218 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33762. Phone: (727) 853-0550. Fax: (727) 853-0551. Website available at: www.adamsarms.net.

Nordic Components Introduces New AR22 Stock System

Nordic Components, Inc. has just released their new AR22 stock for the Ruger 10/22. Their aluminum stock housing system makes your Ruger look and feel like an AR-15. Mainly developed as training rifle for 3-gun competitors, police and military, it also serves as a great platform for small game hunting and plinking as well. The AR22 stock allows for a free-floated barrel system as well as being able to use many aftermarket parts available for the 10/22 and the AR-15. This new stock housing allows the user to install any AR-15 buffer tube and stock making for a very versatile platform. The front of the new unit accepts any AR-15 free float rail forearm allowing the use of rail accessories such as bipods, vertical foregrips, lights, lasers, etc. The AR22 stock also allows the user to add any pistol grip made for the AR-15 series of guns. The unit is made from aluminum and is available in black as well as custom colors. The new stock retails for just $224.95. Please contact them for more information about this, as well as a line of competition shotgun parts, at Nordic Components, Inc., Dept, SAR, 1158 B Highway 7 East, Hutchinson, MN 55350. Phone: (320) 234-6015. Fax: (320) 234-6016. On the web at www.nordiccomp.com.

The Thompson Pistol Has Returned

After a long hiatus and great demand, the Thompson Pistol has returned to the market. The Thompson Deluxe Pistol TA5 has an aluminum construction with a 10.5 inch barrel and a walnut, horizontal foregrip. Included with the Thompson TA5 is one of the most famous accessories, the 50-round drum magazine. The authentic drum is entirely U.S. manufactured to the specifications that are as close as possible to the original. A 30-round stick magazine, 10-round stick magazine and 100-round drum magazine are optional. Since 1999, Kahr Arms has been proud to support the legacy of the Auto-Ordnance Corporation, the original maker of the famous Thompson submachine gun. To ensure the historical accuracy of the Auto-Ordnance design, Kahr researched the original engineering drawings and hundreds of U.S. military microfiche and hand drawings of the Thompson models dating back to 1919 were examined. The Thompson submachine gun is a historical firearm. Each model is the union of original design, quality materials and fine workmanship. An American Legacy preserved. The Thompson Deluxe Pistol TA5 is now available. For more information please contact Kahr Arms, Dept. SAR, 1 Blue Hill Plaza, 10th Floor, Suite 1518, Pearl River, NY 10965. Phone: (845) 652-8535. Fax: (845) 735-4610. You can also learn more about Thompson, Auto-Ordnance and Kahr Arms at www.tommygun.com and also at www.kahr.com

Fully one-fifth of all Thompson submachine guns produced by Colt were exported to France, yet little information has surfaced previously on the subject. Recent research has yielded new facts about these weapons, and their intriguing service life during the war.

Following World War I, the French government undertook a program to improve their military small arms. They developed a list of necessary weapons through a test commission named “Commission D’Experiences de Versailles” (CEV), which undertook to study potential submissions. The CEV was the testing arm of a larger organization named “Etablissement D’Experiences Techniques de Versailles” (ETVS). Various weapons desired for French service were a submachine gun (preferably in 9mm due to stocks of captured German ammunition), a self-loading rifle, a new light machine gun, and an anti-tank rifle.

Concurrent with French efforts, a young Auto-Ordnance Corporation in New York came to market with their Model of 1921 Thompson submachine gun, 15,000 of which were manufactured under license by Colt. The French acquired one TSMG in 1921 for testing purposes, with no resulting action taken.

In 1924, John Thompson presented two TSMG’s to the CEV, one Model of 1921 in .45, and a Model of 1923 in .45 Remington-Thompson caliber, featuring a bipod. Accuracy tests were conducted in semi and full-auto fire, with limited testing of the Model of 1923 due to cartridge availability. Better accuracy results were obtained in semiautomatic fire with the Model of 1923; however the Model of 1921 was favored in full-auto testing due to excessive vibration experienced with the .45 Remington-Thompson cartridge. The CEV concluded that, even though they favored a 9mm submachine gun, they were interested in testing a Thompson chambered for the .351 Winchester cartridge, which was featured as an option in the 1923 Auto-Ordnance catalog. The cartridge existed in French military inventory due to its previous use by World War I observers armed with Winchester carbines. The CEV also theorized the caliber would better utilize the Blish locking system. Desiring to test the .351 Win. cartridge conflicted with a major goal of the CEV, which wanted service pistols and submachine guns to share cartridges. Nevertheless, two .351 caliber Thompsons were ordered for further testing.

Auto-Ordnance eventually delivered one .351 caliber TSMG, and another in .45, and these were tested again by the CEV in 1926. The commission was impressed with the weight comparison of the TSMG recoiling parts vs. the Winchester carbine in handling the .351 Win cartridge (620 grams vs. 1200 grams). However, during testing of the .351 Thompson, the extractor broke after 10 rounds were fired. No spare parts had been shipped, so the extractor from the .45 caliber Thompson was substituted. Many failures occurred and testing ceased after 233 rounds as a result of the substituted extractor becoming bent as well as a broken breech oiler.

In January 1927, a new, European style BSA Thompson in 9mm was delivered to the CEV by the French military attaché in Washington. This Thompson was tested with over 5,500 cartridges fired, producing generally good results, except that a particular magazine produced many problems. Upon disassembly after testing, the Blish lock was found broken. The commission did not favor the high cyclic rate, desiring a slower 500 rpm rate. The CEV decided not to adopt the Thompson in any form.

Late in 1939, with a pending French national emergency, weapons were needed quickly. The French government put preferences aside, and ordered 3,000 Thompsons off the shelf, all of which were delivered in early 1940. Most were Model of 1921 A’s (without Cutts compensator), along with a few previously reconfigured Model of 1928s. This was great news to Russell Maguire, who had just acquired Auto-Ordnance, and who led the company through the World War II years. The CEV pulled 2 of the Thompsons from the order of 3,000 to perform an additional accuracy evaluation. They picked a Model of 1921 Thompson (SN 10384), and also one converted to 1928 configuration with Cutts compensator (SN 10171). The ETVS concluded in a report issued February 1, 1940 that accuracy was “medium,” and that the weapon presented some difficulty for shooters of small stature during automatic fire, but overall results were satisfactory. They witnessed better accuracy and controllability with the 1928 model, and suggested that future orders be placed for that weapon. Another order for 3,000 soon followed, but was not fulfilled prior to France’s capitulation after Germany invaded in May, 1940.

Following the French surrender, what has been referred to as a “puppet” government, the “Vichy” government led by Marshall Petain was formed to regulate French affairs, including a small military force. The military force was limited to 100,000 troops, duplicating the force size the Allies had imposed on Germany after World War I. The Vichy government operated under Nazi occupation, and was complicit in many treasonous acts for which its leaders were held responsible after the war. Some traitors were executed by firing squad. Petain was sentenced to death, but had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment by Charles DeGaulle, due to his old age and his World War I contributions. He spent the remainder of his life in prison alone on the Ile de Re, an island off the French Atlantic coast.

Most of the 3,000 Thompsons ended up in the hands of Vichy French military forces and police units. Some of the guns made it out if the country with expatriate French forces who trained in Algeria, waiting to liberate France, and some ended up in England following Dunkirk.

Manuals particular to the Model of 1921 were produced for the use of Vichy military forces and police units who became equipped with the Thompson. They were published by Charles Lavauzelle and Company of Paris, Nancy, and Limoges, France. The manuals produced were nicely detailed, with many colorized diagrams and foldouts. The original edition was printed in 1941, with reprints in 1942 and 1944. All editions are identical, except for the date, and some minor changes to the company logo on the cover. It is the author’s opinion that, besides being published in French, these manuals are the best ever published for the Model of 1921. Auto-Ordnance published several handbooks and manuals, all of which have good information, but the drawings, and most technical details of the French manuals are impressive.

Since the weapons arrived in France without sling swivels, French Army technical services issued an order to affix Berthier rifle sling swivels to the vertical or horizontal foregrip and the buttstock. Many Thompsons encountered in France today have the Berthier swivels. Most are deactivated war trophies in private collections.

In preparation for the D-Day invasion, and subsequent occupation of former German territory, French troops received training with the Model of 1928A1 and M1 Thompsons. American Thompson manuals, such as FM 23-40, were translated into French to aid French soldiers. They became equipped with many American and captured German weapons, and ran occupational military establishments, such as one in Langenargen, Germany. The Langenargen base issued its own manual for many American weapons, including the Thompson.

The French demonstrated interest in the Thompson gun very early in its history. Visits to France occurred during European Auto-Ordnance sales presentations by John Thompson, Marcellus Thompson, and George Goll in the 1920s. Auto-Ordnance also published some Thompson promotional items in French, including their 1921 Catalog, Model of 1921 Handbook, and print advertising. The early Auto-Ordnance French marketing attempts may have proven useful in landing the largest sale of Colt Thompsons in history.

When General John Thompson founded the original Auto-Ordnance Corporation (AOC), he and others developed and marketed their weapons with hopes of achieving great commercial success. As unlikely as it seems today, they never realized their goal. Our current view of the Thompson submachine gun as one of the most successful designs, with possibly the richest history of any modern small arm, was never witnessed by General Thompson and his son Marcellus. They both died before the weapon achieved its worldwide distinction and profitability.

In order to produce the original 15,000 Colt manufactured Model of 1921 Thompson submachine guns, the principals of AOC mortgaged the future of the company by borrowing desperately needed capital. As a result, majority share of AOC was acquired by Thomas Fortune Ryan, an AOC founder, and wealthy financier of the time.

Model of 1921 Thompsons sold fairly well at first and AOC optimism was demonstrated in promotional literature of the period. “We want to sell Thompsons and make money!” beckoned one AOC dealer inquiry post card of the late 1920s. AOC began to develop secondary products such as the Thompson Autorifle, Thompson Military Model of 1923, and the B.S.A. Thompson submachine gun in hopes of expanding their product line, and gaining foreign market opportunities. Development of these additional products consumed resources and proved unsuccessful.

In 1928 and 1929, two events occurred that contributed to the fate of the original company. First, Thomas Fortune Ryan died, leaving control of the company to his estate. Secondly, the Great Depression hit. Company sales slowed, and interest on debt to the Ryan estate mounted. The Ryan estate heirs, less forgiving of the AOC deficit than their predecessor, sought to recover as much of their investment as possible and began looking to liquidate the company.

One potential buyer was named Jean U. Koree. Mr. Koree made two efforts to purchase AOC. Information regarding Koree’s acquisition attempts surfaced in estate documents acquired by the author in 2004. Koree was a Romanian industrial engineer who moved to New York City in 1919. After serving in various Romanian consulate positions, he left government service in the early 1920s, and developed a successful razor manufacturing business. Koree patented several inventions including razors and automotive parts during the late 1920s and early ’30s.

Koree had an interest in small arms and his business activities occurred in close proximity to AOC in New York City. Koree probably had opportunity to observe the AOC business operations in person. He became associated with Marcellus Thompson, son of John Thompson, and Vice President and General Manager of AOC in charge of administration and sales. Koree had very strong foreign sales connections, something that was shared by Marcellus Thompson, and they may have made a connection on this fact.

First Offer

Jean Koree and Marcellus Thompson signed a cooperative agreement on October 10, 1932 to purchase all AOC assets, including “its patents, good-will, jigs, tools, fixtures and inventory or any part thereof.” In the 90-day agreement, Koree was to front the money, with profits divided equally between Koree and Thompson. Marcellus Thompson did not incur any responsibility for a potential loss on the deal. On the same day, Koree wrote a letter to attorney Stephen McTague on Wall St., authorizing him to ascertain from the Ryan estate whether an offer of $650,000 would be accepted. The offer stipulated the following conditions:

1. $200,000 to be paid at contract signing
2. the $450,000 balance to be paid over a period of 6 months
3. the purchaser could receive guns at the rate of one for each $100 paid
4. guns could be withdrawn in lots of 1,000 or multiples thereof

Mr. McTague arranged an appointment with Walter Ryan, son of the late Thomas Ryan, at his office at 11:00 a.m. on Oct. 21, 1932. No documentation exists of the details of this meeting, but we can assume the offer was not acceptable to the Ryan estate and the 90-day agreement between Koree and Thompson was allowed to expire.

Second Offer

Koree did not give up on potentially acquiring AOC and, as additional depression years passed, he decided to make a second, secretive purchase attempt. Koree, Marcellus Thompson, and another individual named Mathew J. Hall, who was a Ryan estate hired broker, cooperated to form an agreement concerning a potential buyout. Marcellus Thompson was not actively engaged in AOC business at this point, and he longed to gain control of the company. The agreement called for Koree to obtain capital to purchase AOC assets, and detailed a marketing plan for the future of the acquired company. It was made with all concerned mentioned by initials only (JK, MHT, and MJH). The company to be formed was referred to as “T.E. Co.,” which, in the opinion of the author, stands for either “Thompson Enterprises Corporation,” or “Triangle Enterprises Corporation.” (Koree later formed a company named “Triangle Ordnance Corporation,” which was associated with the Hyde Model 35 Submachine Gun. This subject was detailed in Small Arms Review Vol. 9, No. 8, May 2006.) AOC was referred to as “A-O” in the agreement.

In a memorandum dated January 22, 1935, Koree, Thompson, and Hall proposed an agreement, from which the following highlights are noted:

1. Koree was to organize a European sales company, with all stock for his own account, and a salary paid to him.
2. T.E. Co. was to prepare an exclusive territorial sales contract for execution by it and the European sales company. This would be a 10-year contract, with territories, commissions, services, products, limitations, and sales terms and conditions detailed.
3. T.E. Co. would enter into employment contracts with Marcellus Thompson and Matthew Hall. Commissions on sales made by T.E. Co., and handled through the European sales company but originated by Thompson and Hall were detailed.
4. Koree maintained a 1-year option on 1/4 of the proposed stock shares owned by Marcellus Thompson and Matthew Hall in the new company and details of stock price valuation and disposition of stock sales while Thompson and Hall were employed by T.E. Co. were stipulated. Thompson and Hall also agreed to give Koree 1/4 of their stock holdings if the deal went through, so that 50 % of the new company would be owned by Thompson, 25% by Hall, and 25% by Koree.

The agreement also detailed a procedure for carrying out the provisions of the agreement, should the purchase prove successful. These included formation of the European sales company, preparation of necessary legal agreements, and the immediate acquisition of 5,000 Thompson submachine guns by the European sales company. Marcellus Thompson was to arrange proper manufacturing arrangements for T.E. Co. for future production. (The author could not help but wonder whether Marcellus Thompson might have potentially convinced Colt to produce another run of Thompson SMGs. While unlikely, it is intriguing to ponder “Second Generation” Colt Thompsons.) The agreement went on to detail distribution of interest on sales through the European sales company, and T.E. Co. sales through the European Sales Company.

It is clear Koree planned to make his money through European sales should the deal prove successful. His stipulation that 5,000 Thompsons be reserved for the European sales company would probably have covered his investment, although the exact amount of this acquisition offer is unknown.

Koree made an official inquiry about AOC’s status at the same time the 3 potential buyers formulated the secretive agreement. The inquiry was answered by letter from Mathew J. Hall, in his official capacity as a broker for an AOC deal, working on behalf of the Ryan estate. (The same Hall who had entered into the secret agreement with Koree and Thompson.) Mr. Hall replied in a very detailed letter dated January 28, 1935, which provided the following key insights about the status of AOC:

1. Volume for January through September, 1934 was $276,000, upon which a gross profit of $159,000 was realized. Estimates for the full year were $300,000 in sales, and gross profit of $170,000.
2. The directorate of the company was detailed, which included the Ryan estate, the estate of Col. George Harvey, John Thompson, Marcellus Thompson, George Smith, (President of Royal Typewriter Co.), and Mr. H.H. Vreeland.
3. The composition of the inventive, manufacturing, administrative and sales fields were summarized, as well as key inventive accomplishments of the company, and sales accomplishments such as adoption of the TSMG by many government departments and law enforcement agencies.
4. It touted Marcellus Thompson’s strong sales connections to high ranking representatives of foreign governments indicating negotiations could easily be resumed.
5. It affirmed the availability of the management team to work with the company, or any successor, when and if Marcellus Thompson again became actively engaged in the business.

History tells us the Koree-AOC deals were not successful. While disappointed, Koree persisted in his desire to become involved in the marketing of a submachine gun. Later in 1935, he associated with George Hyde, who looked to approach the market with a new submachine gun design. Koree then became uniquely involved with the Hyde Model 35 SMG, acquiring 1/4 of its patent rights and directing all attempts to market the weapon. While the Hyde venture failed, Koree enjoyed many other successful business ventures during his life. It is fascinating to think how NFA history might have changed had either of his AOC buyout attempts proved successful.

When WWII ended, Auto-Ordnance Corporation stopped producing arms of any kind and was literally packed up into crates and put on the shelf. George Numrich bought the name and the assets of Auto-Ordnance in 1950 and moved Auto-Ordnance to his facilities in West Hurley, New York. At first, Thompsons were produced by assembling them from remaining spare parts inventories or re-importing World War II produced arms and accessories. The same was true with spare parts and L drums. However, by the early 1970’s the supply of surplus items was getting difficult to obtain and he decided to start production of “new” Thompsons.

The last item to be made new was the L drums. The first maker of “new” L drums since WWII was the MGC Corporation of Japan. They produced a dummy Thompson submachine gun made from “pot metal” and supplied them with a blued steel dummy drum.

Numrich Type XL Drum

Numrich purchased these dummy drums and inserted a stamped rotor on the inside that held 39 cartridges. The outside was stamped with “Auto-Ordnance Corporation, West Hurley, New York, U.S.A.”, along with the bullet logo, on the front face at the six o’clock position. No other markings on the face plates were added. This drum was referred to as a type “XL” or 40-round drum magazine. The quality of the drum was poor and reliability suffered.

.22 Caliber Drums

During this time Numrich also offered .22 caliber semiautomatic and later full automatic Thompsons, based on the Model of 1928 appearance. Shown here are only two versions of this caliber drum magazine.

One version used the MGC dummy drum body with an H&R ten round box magazine welded into place to feed the Thompson. The backside of the body had the normal drum rails removed from the face plate and a vertical steel bar welded into place. This allowed the drum to be loaded into the Thompson like a box magazine.

Another version was originally made for the Mitchel Arms PPS-50, a .22 caliber copy of the Russian PPSH-41. Numrich used the drum with a section of a Thompson box magazine welded to the back of the drum allowing the drum to be inserted like a box magazine and added the Thompson bullet logo to the back surface of the drum.

Numrich Type L Drum

Finally, in the 1980’s, Numrich created its own Type L fifty-round drum magazine. Quality of these drums is similar to most of the WWII era drums. However, great care must be taken by novice collectors so as not to confuse this drum with Colt era drums. The rear face plate also uses a New York address but with a little observation, the differences are apparent.

Numrich Type C Drum

In the 1990’s Numrich took the step to produce a hundred round drum magazine. Other than the Type C drums produced by Johns Works Co., in the early 1920’s no other company had produced this version. These drums were made by Elmsford Tool & Die. Worchester Co., New York. Numrich had each drum serialized with a matching number on the cover. Numrich, unfortunately, rushed these drums into production and got what they put into it. The drums produced were a disaster, with poor quality and even worse reliability. These drums became really good boat anchors or paperweights. However, these drums can now be rebuilt to function reliably today. This will be discussed in a later section.

Numrich/Kahr Type X Drum

With the passage in 1998 of the large capacity magazine ban, magazines were limited to a maximum of ten rounds. This led to the creation of the Type X ten-round drum. These were built for collectors who wanted the look of a drum magazine, but one which complied with the new federal laws.

The drum was created by taking a Type L drum and removing the spiral feed rails for all but ten rounds of ammunition. At first, these drums used the full spring rotors from the Type L. Later drums had the springs reduced to only turn enough for the ten rounds of ammo.

Numrich Type L “Export” Drum

With the magazine ban in place, Numrich continued on a very limited basis to produce the 50-round Type L drum magazine. However, sales of these drums (at that time) were limited to only law enforcement or for export. These drums were the standard Numrich L drum, but had the added markings of “FOR EXPORT ONLY” stamped on the back face at the six o’clock position.

These drums were manufactured by Elmsford Tool and Die, Westchester Co., New York and assembled by Iona Co., New Windsor, New York.

With the sunset of the Brady Law/magazine ban, these drums can now be owned by all collectors.

In January 1999, Numrich sold the Auto-Ordnance Corporation name and assets to Saileo Group (Kahr Arms Co.), which continued the production of drum magazines and semiautomatic Thompson carbines.

Kahr Type L “Export” Drum

When Kahr bought Auto-Ordnance in 1999, they took over the production of the Type X and Type L drum magazine production. However, Kahr export drums were marked differently. On the back side of the drum is stamped “EXPORT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY” at the six o’clock position. With the sunset of the magazine ban, these drums can now be owned by all collectors.

Kahr Type L Drum

With the sunset of the magazine ban, Kahr retooled and went back into production of the Type L drum. Their first attempts exhibited poor workmanship and reliability suffered greatly. These drums were not built with the Class III world in mind, and were intended for the semiautomatic carbine owners only.

Kahr took suggestions from the public and tried to refine the manufacturing of their Type L and introduced what is referred to as an “improved” model. These drums were only marginally better and again reliability is an issue. These drums have a noticeable difference in marking. Notice how the number 9 in the winding instructions appears to have been replaced from the first Kahr L drum.

Modern Reproduction Drums

It can be fun to collect some of the more recent drums on the market. The first is the all rubber drums that have been accredited to the movie industry. These all-rubber drums have been patterned after several different versions of the West Hurley era drums. These drum are only for display and will not function.

Additionally, there are also available drums made for the airsoft Thompsons. These all plastic drums actually feed a plastic 8mm ball to the spring powered Thompson replicas.

Auto-Ordnance “Bridgeport” Drums

One of the most common drum magazines encountered by Thompson collectors is what is referred to as the “Bridgeport L drum.” However, very few collectors realize that there is more than one style of these venerable drums. The following are my personal observations and is not meant to imply that one variation is rarer or more valuable than another. Rather, simply a statement of fact for collectors to start looking for the differences.

I am also not going to get into differences in markings where a comma or period is or is not visible. Collectors must remember that dies used to mark parts wear out and among the first thing that wears out are the small marks in the roll die. Manufacturers generally don’t worry about replacing a die until you cannot read all of the information. Instead, I will discuss changes of entire die sets and is what I will call a separate production run.

When Russell Maguire purchased the Auto-Ordnance Corporation on March 3, 1939, he owned a debt laden company with little assets but had some very good prospects. At the time, the Type XX Box and L Drum magazines were being produced by Mitchell Stamping Co. (M.S.CO) and probably Wooster Pressed Steel Co. respectfully. Mitchell Stamping was merged into a new company called United Specialties Company and became one of at least two different stamping divisions, with the headquarters for the new company being in Chicago.

With Maguire in control of Auto-Ordnance, the L drum production was also moved to United Specialties. The exact reason is unknown, but having one company supplying all of the magazines may have been the contributing factor. By the time that United Specialties took over the production of the L drum, the drum face plates already had the well defined drain slots and the cover markings with the “WIND TO 9 CLICKS” at the eight o’clock position on the face.

United Specialty used this design for their first L drums. The first design has the wording “WIND TO 9 CLICKS” (using .185 inch high lettering) centered on the drum face at the six o’clock position. The front face plate uses the drain slots and terminology (with slightly different alignment – i.e., a new set of dies) as the last Wooster L drum. A block outlined capital letter “U” is stamped between the front face plate rivets. The back face plate information still has the New York, NY., USA address (again with slightly different alignment than the Wooster), slightly less well defined drain slots and a block capital letter “U” (not an outlined U).

The second in the series of United Specialties L drums is the first of the “Bridgeport” address drums. This transitional drum’s front cover face plate and instructions are the same as the first United Specialties drum. However, the back face plate now has the Auto-Ordnance address as “Bridgeport, Connecticut”. There is also the “U” between the face plate rivets. This drum was probably made about the time that Auto-Ordnance built their factory in Bridgeport, circa 1941.

The third in the series is the L drum that has the instructions “WIND TO 9 OR 11 CLICKS” (using .200 inch high letters) centered on the front face. The front face plate also has the winding instructions changed to “9 or 11 clicks” and no information on the Model of 1921. Actually, the instruction to wind to 11 clicks is for the Model of 1921. The “U” is marked between the rivets on the front. The back face plate information stayed the same.

The fourth version is the first design to have the Auto-Ordnance “Thompson Bullet Logo” located centered at the 6 o’clock position above the “WIND TO 9 OR 11 CLICKS”. The “WIND TO 9 OR 11 CLICKS” (using .180 inch high letters) is a different font style than the third series as another set of dies were made. All other information on the face plates stayed the same.

The fifth and final version is very similar to the fourth and is the hardest version to visually pick up the differences on. This drum has the “Thompson bullet logo” and “WIND TO 9 OR 11 CLICKS” in what appears to be a bolder type font, using .220 inch high lettering. The front and back face plate instructions are the same though the “U” on the back face plate is now an outlined “U”.

Other World War II L Drum Production

The Crosby Co. (183 Pratt St., Buffalo, NY) – Crosby was contracted to produce the L drum by the British government in 1940. Crosby was paid $25,000 for tooling and $420,000 for the production of drums under a Defense Aid contract (DAW 740-ORD-2). By the end of the war, Crosby had produced about 243,000 L drums.

Crosby drums are considered by most collectors to be low in quality, yet if properly maintained they will function as well as any Thompson drum ever produced. It is just that they were never finished as nicely as other maker’s drums. The metal surfaces were never grit blasted and were either Black Oxide coated or painted black.

The Seymour Products Co. – These drums were originally shipped with a silver sticker label with the company name typed on and applied over the stamped markings on the front face. However, these labels were normally removed by the first users. The body is blued with no grit blasted finish applied. Seymour produced about 190,000 L drums during WWII under Lend Lease contracts. The company was awarded the Army- Navy E Award of excellence for its Thompson submachine gun magazine production on 21 August, 1943.

Wooster Pressed Steel Co., Wooster, Mass. – The company began production of L drums during WWII under a British contract in 1940. Prior to this, Wooster had produced L drums directly for Auto-Ordnance in the 1930’s. The British drums were produced under contract DA-W-241-ORD-726, for a total of 50,000 drums. The WPSCO drums are blued or diluted with no grit blast finish.

Charles Fischer Spring Co. – These drums were produced during WWII. However, all were rejected and ordered to be scrapped. Nevertheless, a few examples still exist today.

Robbins .22 Caliber Drum Magazine – One of the rarest of the WWII drum magazines is the drum for the Robbins .22 caliber conversion unit. Designed and built by Charles Robbins of Cincinnati, Ohio prior to the US entering World War II, it was the first successful .22 caliber conversion unit for the Thompson submachine gun. The units were all hand fabricated and sold to police and military. One sale of these units required Mr. Robbins to be recalled from the Philippines, after “MacArther’s return,” to produce the units for the US Secret Service. After the order was complete he was returned to combat.

Prophylactic Brush Co. – The Prophylactic Brush Co. was contracted by the US Army Ordnance Dept. to produce phenolic Bakelite “plastic” reinforced with hemp rope L drums in 1940. The idea was to reduce the need for steel in the production of magazines. However, the drums were a failure as the plastic drums weighed more and were even more fragile than the steel drums.

In late February of 1942, a prototype of the Savage redesigned Thompson Submachine Gun was ready to be submitted to the Ordnance Department for testing and approval. The Savage Corporation had just conducted their own 10,000 round endurance test, which the new weapon successfully passed. The Savage Corporation told Auto-Ordnance that they were submitting the redesigned Thompson “without any claims for compensation, reimbursement, royalty or patent interest”. The new Thompson was sent to Aberdeen Proving Ground for testing and evaluation. The Aberdeen trials of the new Thompson were rather brief and concluded on 21 March 1942. The Aberdeen report stated that “The overall consideration of the mechanical functioning leads to the judgement that the gun as a mechanism is equivalent or superior to the M1928A1”. After a few government recommended alterations to the prototype were made, the new Thompson was recommended for adoption as Submachine Gun, Caliber .45 M1, at an Ordnance Committee meeting held on 24 March 1942. At the same meeting it was recommended that the 1928A1 be reclassified as Limited Standard. On 25 April 1942, the Ordnance Committee approved the recommendation for adoption of the M1 Thompson.

The Stevens Company’s chief designer Nicholas Brewer, and Savage engineer John Pearce were credited with designing the new Thompson. The M1 model had no provisions to use the drum style magazines. It used the same box style magazine as the 1928A1 model. Savage had estimated the cost of producing an M1 model to be $4.36 for material and $6.94 for labor with 175% in overhead. The total cost for Savage to manufacture an M1 would be $23.44. On 24 February 1942, Savage agreed to a contract to manufacture the M1 model for Auto-Ordnance at a cost of $36.37 per unit, providing Savage with a profit of $12.93 per gun. Auto-Ordnance in turn charged the U.S. Government $43.00 for an M1 model. The price varied slightly from contract to contract.

One of the major design differences between the M1 Thompson and the earlier 1928A1 model was that the M1 used a straight blowback design, eliminating the controversial bronze “H” lock. This allowed the receiver to be redesigned for easier manufacture. The bolt assembly was a very simple one-piece block of steel. The inside of the M1 upper receiver simply had a rectangular channel milled into it to accommodate the bolt. The internal felt oiler of the earlier 1928 model was considered unnecessary and thus eliminated in the M1 design. The cocking handle and slot were moved from the top of the receiver to the right side. An enlarged takedown notch was cut in the slot to allow the handle to be easily removed for disassembly (after the receiver has been separated from the frame). Since the drum style magazines had proven unsuitable for military use, the M1 series receivers were not designed to utilize them. The lateral grooves on the sides of the magazine well for accommodating the drum magazine were eliminated.

Like the 1928 and 1928A1, the early M1 Thompson used a separate firing pin and spring, that was the same as the ones used in the earlier models. A separate hammer was also used but the hammers for the M1 were configured differently than that of the 1928 and 1928A1 models. The 1928 series hammers were a triangular configuration, while the M1 hammers were crescent shaped.

Both the recoil spring pilot rod, and the buffer were redesigned for the M1 series Thompson receivers. The pilot rod for the recoil spring was simplified for easier manufacture, and was held in place by the new style buffer. The M1 buffer assembly consisted of a fibre plate secured between two metal plates. The buffer was a substantial improvement over the simple fibre disc used in the 1928 series Thompsons. The M1 pilot rod and buffer also made disassembly and assembly of the weapon much easier, and lessened the possibility of damaging the recoil spring in the process. The pilot rod could be removed and installed through the rear of the receiver once the buffer was removed.

The M1 featured a smooth, unfinned barrel that was similar to the one fitted to the late 1928A1 models, but the muzzle end was not threaded for fitting a compensator. A simple blade style milled sight was fitted and pinned to the muzzle in place of the compensator.

Early M1’s were assembled using the same uncheckered “paddle” style rocker and safety levers that were used on the U.S. 1928A1 model. The magazine latches on many M1 and M1A1 weapons were the same style as the 1928 and 1928A1 type that had a raised area for securing a drum magazine. Since the M1 series would not accommodate a drum style magazine, the magazine latch was later redesigned, and the raised area on the latch was eliminated.

The pistol grip was reconfigured to fit the redesigned M1 trigger frame, and the stock was redesigned as it was now semi-permanently attached directly to the frame with screws. The contour of the stock also differed from the earlier 1928 and 1928A1 design. The stock’s buttplate was also simplified, but retained a spring-loaded trap door for storage of a larger cylindrical oil bottle. The early M1 stock came from the factory without the reinforcing cross bolt installed. The cross bolts were not included until mid 1943 on the M1A1, although most M1 models had their stocks upgraded to include the cross bolt. The standard military horizontal style foregrip was installed on all M1s.

One of the distinctive features of both the M1 and M1A1 guns were their breech bolts, that had been redesigned to have two sear notches machined into them, so that the weapon’s safety could be applied when the bolt was forward on an empty chamber. The 1928 and 1928A1 bolts had only one notch machined into it, and the safety could not be applied when the bolt was closed. Several accidents had been reported with earlier 1928 and 1928A1 models when the weapon was carried with a loaded box style magazine and the bolt closed on an empty chamber. If the weapon was accidentally dropped on its butt, inertia would allow the bolt to travel rearward far enough to pick up a round from the magazine, but often not far enough to engage the sear (that would have held the bolt rearward). The bolt would begin to move forward and chamber the round. The result was usually an accidental discharge of the weapon.

Note; some very early M1 Thompson bolts were manufactured with only one sear notch. An Ordnance Department directive ordered that all one-notch bolts be deemed obsolete, and be replaced with the two-notch bolts as they became available.

While in July of 1942, Savage had turned out 48,000 M1 guns, Auto-Ordnance was struggling to meet its scheduled production mark. The assembly line conversion from the 1928A1 model to the M1 in July through October of 1942, caused serious production setbacks at the Auto-Ordnance plant in Bridgeport. Contributing to the production delays were problems in deliveries of materials, equipment and tooling authorized by the government for M1 production.

After the M1 production finally commenced at the Bridgeport plant, more problems were encountered. The Springfield Ordnance District refused to accept any of the Auto-Ordnance manufactured M1’s because their full-auto cyclic rate exceeded the 860 rounds per minute Ordnance Department specification. Officials from Washington, the District Ordnance office along with Auto-Ordnance engineers conducted studies and tests, all failing to provide a correction for the condition. Finally on 9 December 1942, official notice from the Ordnance Department’s office in Washington gave the district permission to waive the rate of fire requirement and accept the Bridgeport M1 guns. In the interim, identical M1 Thompsons being produced at Savage were being accepted in large quantities by the Rochester Ordnance District without any problems.

The rear sight that was first installed on the M1 was the same simple unprotected “L” style that was also installed on late manufacture 1928A1s. This design proved to have several flaws and was replaced by a similar sight, but with protective side ears added. On 29 June 1942, a letter was sent from Auto-Ordnance to Savage requesting a few changes in a contract originally dated 24 February 1942. One of the changes proposed was to the rear sight. Savage agreed to the changes as long as they conformed to Auto-Ordnance drawings 42-53 for the front sight and A42-86 (protected rear sight). Auto-Ordnance accepted the proposed supplement to the original contract on 17 July 1942. The new sight first appeared on the Savage Arms M1 Thompson in the high 137,000 serial number range. All of the Subsequent M1 and M1A1 models were fitted with new “protected” style sight. The drawing number for the new sight was B147717.

A few of the M1 side-protected style “L” sights have been noted on 1928A1 models depicted in Army manuals. Two such weapons were also documented in the author’s database. The protected rear sight was introduced after the 1928A1 production run had concluded. A protected type of “L” sight fitted to a 1928 model was most likely the result of the weapon going through an Ordnance Department rebuild program.

While Lyman manufactured most of the “L” style sights, Savage, Auto-Ordnance and the H.L. Judd Company manufactured the improved model with side protectors. Manufacturer’s markings noted on the second design sights are either AOC or J, but the majority of them appear to be unmarked. The rebuild guidelines of the Ordnance Department required that all rear sights without protective side ears would be replaced with rear sight drawing number B147717.

There were approximately 285,480 M1s manufactured by Savage Arms and Auto-Ordnance, Bridgeport. Savage Arms manufactured the vast majority of the early M1 model.

This article was excerpted in part from the book “American Thunder, the Military Thompson Submachine guns”. The book is now available from Moose Lake Publishing 207-683-2959