Auto Ordnance in this day and age

[MMcfpd]

For whatever reason, I've developed somewhat of an interest in .45 ACP carbines. In looking at what exists, I'd early on discounted the Thompson semi-autos because of their weight - typically close to double that of other .45 carbines. Then, recently, I discovered they had an 8 pound baby! That I found enticing.

But, I also recently ran into some commentary that voiced complaints about both quality issues as well as customer service. I can't date those complaints, and I kinda hoped they were related to the Numrich era in Auto Ordnance's history. Kahr has since taken over, and they've got a good reputation for their handguns. So, I'm wondering: have issues causing complaints during the Numrich ownership been resolved under Kahr?

And, do any of y'all have experience with the particular model linked above, the 1927 M1-C?

 

[The Deer Hunter]

they are so cool

 

[Hoppy590]

^^^i mean, isnt that enough

 

[iamkris]

Hmmm...very interesting.

I was in my local toy shop and finally got to handle a Thompson...my, what a pig. I certainly see why they were a joy to shoot...with all that weight no .45 ACP could have whaked you around. I really like them and it would be a great addition to my WWII collection but geez...

He said they were making them lighter but didn't have any specifics...

Hmmm...this is very interesting. Thanks for the lead (although my credit card hates you)

 

[mukluk]

The Kahr-produced Thompsons have had some quality and reliability complaints, most seem to stem from poor quality or poor fitting magazines. Another common problem is extractor breakage, most notably when using steel cased ammo. From what I've read and heard the aluminum receiver Thompsons are not nearly as durable as their steel bretheren; common complaints are excessive wear to the feed ramp and the threads for the rear site screws stripping out easily. I've had my steel receiver 1927a1 for three years now and have over 5400 rounds through it with minor problems (a couple broken extractors). My advice if you intend to shoot frequently is to hit the gym and go with the steel Tommy.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I have the Kahr M1.

No complaints, except of course it is heavy.
I don't think I'd like the 8 pound model.

I noticed, at the gun shows, the price has been going up.

I modified a weaver base to replace the rear sight with a Red Dot sight.
(old eyes and the original sight can be replaced in minutes)

The gun is made to feed RN ammo and mine jams on SWC or big hollow points. Bullets like Remington Golden Saber feed fine.

30 round magazines are cheap, $20, but for some reason the mag catch hole is higher in the semi so the hole has to be elongated slightly, with a Dramel tool, in the auto mags.
20 round mags are expensive and hard to find.
The M1 won't take drum mags.

M1 Garand slings are perfect for the Thompson.

 

[AH-1]

mine feeds swc just fine the mags that are for the semi tommy are old wwII mags that they modify to work.even the factory khar mags are old stock.if there is a mag problem someone goofed when they modified the hole.
while some might not like the thompson mine has been alot of fun.lots of rounds down range and not one problem.
fwiw
they shoot cast .452 bullets just fine.
pete

 

[M2 Carbine]

Yes AH-1 mine shoots cast 230gr lead RN fine.
Since it wouldn't feed my standard 200gr SWC 45 load I loaded 2,000 RN for the thompson and that's about all I shoot.

The only "improvement" I'd make on my M1 is installing the Lyman sight.

Cool picture.

 

[mukluk]

The mags that come from the factory are original GI, but not neccessarily good quality. The mag that came with mine for instance had the left feed lip split at the rear after a couple hundred rounds rendering it useless. Regarding the elongated catch hole, the receivers of the new semi Thompsons are .10" shorter in height versus the original to preclude installing an original FA bolt thus the magazine has to sit .10" lower. The need to modify the catch hole can be gotten rid of by filing the engagement surface of the mag catch down .10" while maintaining the original contours... takes less than an hour of careful work to do.

 

[M2 Carbine]

The need to modify the catch hole can be gotten rid of by filing the engagement surface of the mag catch down .10" while maintaining the original contours... takes less than an hour of careful work to do.

Now you tell me, after I modify about 25 stick mags.

I wondered why the difference in mag catch height.

Nice looking grain in that stock.