Thanks for all the thoughts, everyone. Here are a few thoughts of my own.
Reliability and durability are certainly valid concerns. I prefer the concept of low maintenance and adequate performance.
Ooh. Yes, I forgot about low maintenance. That's important to me, as it goes hand-in-hand with reliability and durability (IMHO). In fact, low maintenance is the main reason that I was considering the Galil ACE as an alternative to the Thompson.
Ive heard a bit about reliability issues with that particular beast, so I'd definitely want to run it a bunch first, to check for reliability issues.
Me too. From my online reading, it seems that the older ones made in West Hurley NY were hit or miss on quality control (often referred to online as garbage), but the newer ones from Worchester MA are much better all around — quality, fit and finish, etc. Mine is a newer one made in Worchester MA, but still there's the following issue...
Now the gun might be reliable, but we don’t know if YOUR gun is reliable and the AR is generally a known quantity.
Exactly! And the only way to find out for sure is to...
try shooting it for awhile. see if you like it.
Unfortunately, I really don't wish to shoot it until I make the decision about keeping it. This particular firearm is more of a range toy / showpiece / safe queen for most people. That said, if I do decide to sell it, then I'd probably get more for it in its current NIB / unfired condition. On the other hand, I really REALLY want to shoot it!
I even bought a rifle barrel mount and green laser to make shooting from the hip (aka gangster style) much more practical for accuracy! LOL
The selection of PCCs in .45 is very poor.
First of course is the "Thompson" reproduction by Auto Ordnance, mentioned by OP.
Then, CMMG Resolute (or Banshee if you're ok with a braced pistol).
And... That's about it. Everything else is either blowback (Cx4), or a HiPoint, or super-expensive kit like LWRC SMG-45. Kriss? Oh please. B&T APC-45? Unobtanium.
Agreed. My top choices were the Thompson, CMMG Banshee / Resolute, the B&T APC45 Pro, or the H&K USC.
I decided against the B&T APC45 Pro, because the barrel is short. I might as well save $2500 and just stick with my 1911 and an extra mag or two. The CMMG lines are good, but they just discontinued the previous models and changed a few things on the newer models, and I'd like to wait a few more months to read reviews on the newer models. And the H&K USC is just "meh," IMHO.
If I shy away from the 45 ACP platform, then I'll likely buy something in 300 AAC / Blackout, such as a new Wilson Combat, or I may splurge and buy a Q Honey Badger. Those just look super cool! But also super expensive (and probably not worth the coin)!
Thanks again, everyone.
Regards,
ZR