Thompson SMG

I sure hope not, I have shot other people's submachine guns on several occasions.

The gun is made for hardball, 230 gr FMJ. One friend's M1A1 would shoot semiwadcutters but I wouldn't count on it, a Numrich 1928 is rather finicky and I would not challenge it with anything but hardball.

film495 said:

If a friend of mine owns one, I can shoot this yes? No laws prevent that and I don't need a license, that's only for the owner, yes?

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You can shoot his Thompson as long as he's standing right there. If you have it in his absence, an illegal "transfer" has taken place, and both of you could be in serious trouble. (This assumes that the gun is legally registered with the ATF.)

The paperwork for owning a fully automatic weapon is not really a "license," at least on the federal level. The most common way of owning a transferable Thompson is by filing a Form 4, which is a transfer application upon payment of a $200 tax. Thereupon the gun is registered in the transferee's name. Many states have further regulations, or prohibit automatic guns entirely. (In Virginia, for example, they must be registered with the State Police.)

film495 said:

If a friend of mine owns one, I can shoot this yes? No laws prevent that and I don't need a license, that's only for the owner, yes?

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The owner does not need a "license" unless your State requires one.
NFA just requires submitting a detailed background check, some passport photos, a set of fingerprints, and that the CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) of your jurisdiction is notified. And a check for a $200 tax stamp, which will arrive at the Government's leisure.

State laws beyond federal ones apply.

Also, any special type of .45 ACP better for one of these than another?

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Was designed around government-issued 230gr ball ammo. You will want 4-5 boxes worth, too.

CapnMac said:

The owner does not need a "license" unless your State requires one.
NFA just requires submitting a detailed background check, some passport photos, a set of fingerprints, and that the CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) of your jurisdiction is notified. And a check for a $200 tax stamp, which will arrive at the Government's leisure.

State laws beyond federal ones apply.


Was designed around government-issued 230gr ball ammo. You will want 4-5 boxes worth, too.

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More like 10 to 20, you will be amazed at how fast you burn ammunition through the thing. Start off in semi-auto, it will help preventing forming a "flinch." Be aware the things are a LOT heavier than you expect. Item last, do not have your first experience with the weapon in full auto in a roofed shooting station. The rate of "climb" is surprisingly rapid.

Item last, buy an expensive piece of jewelry for when your wife sees the credit card bill or receipt for your ammunition. Suitably gift wrapped with a card reminiscent of the most romantic moment or your lives. Using one of your children for a shield would not be a shameful move either.

Police? Depends on where you are, and your relationship with the local PD. I live out in a rural area, and the local sheriff's deputies mostly all know me and exercise close watch when we are gone on vacation. I shoot out my back porch regularly and no one bats an eye at automatic fire. Yesterday I shot about 1200 rounds in a Sten and never saw or heard from anyone, not that I expected to.

medalguy said:

Police? Depends on where you are, and your relationship with the local PD. I live out in a rural area, and the local sheriff's deputies mostly all know me and exercise close watch when we are gone on vacation. I shoot out my back porch regularly and no one bats an eye at automatic fire. Yesterday I shot about 1200 rounds in a Sten and never saw or heard from anyone, not that I expected to.

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Reminds me too much of the time a newly minted city people neighbor called the sheriff that my uncle was shooting off machine guns and explosives to the degree it sounded like a war was going on. It's said the sheriff replied to call him back when the old man ran out of ammunition.

I wonder how long it will take to get the grin off your face?