Thinking about getting an AO Thompson M1....

[nero45acp]

I'm thinking about getting an Auto Ordnance Thompson M1 (semi-auto Tommy Gun), and I'd appreciate any info/experiences/opinions anyone here may have concerning the AO Thompson M1.

Specifically, how are they in terms of quality, reliability, and durability? I've read that some of the early ones were problematic, how is the quality of the current ones?

Also, I'm torn between the steel receiver versus the aluminum alloy receiver models. Generally, I'd prefer a steel receiver, but the steel one weighs in at a very hefty 11.5 lbs, (even the aluminum model weighs a substantial 8lbs). I'd appreciate any input/opinions on whether I should get the steel or alloy receiver model. Did the original WW2 M1s have a steel receiver, and how much did they weigh?

http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao_m1_f.html

http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao_m1c_f.html

Thanks.




nero

 

[Zach S]

I have two AO 1927A1s.

They seem better built than the Kahr thompsons I've looked at. The steel feels harder, the blueing looks better, all the parts were included (I saw a Kahr M1 that was shipped without a safety).

The Kahrs had prettier wood though.

After a few range sessions, the weight isnt a problem. Mine have several thousand rounds through them, and all I do is lube them and pull a boresnake though the bbl. They run great with whatever brass-cased .45 auto I feed them (golden sabres, gold dots, UMC JHPs, and of course WWB valuepacks). I havent tried SWCs though. They dont like blazer, the AL cases get pretty mangled.

They have a weird recoil. Granted at almost 15lbs loaded they dont have any recoil, but there is quite a bit of muzzle rise do to the high bore axis. The stock is also too long to stand square to your target like I'm so used to doing with my ARs and my Mossberg.

Its a fun gun that gets a lot of "oohs and ahhs" at the range, but that's about it. I wouldn't buy one now, partly because I have two, and I dont have the disposable income I used to have.

Yes, WWII M1s were steel. They were a little lighter than the commercial models because of the shorter bbl.

 

[spiroxlii]

If you really really want a gun that looks like a Thompson SMG, then buy one. It's your money! I, however, would not buy one. I have fired a full auto Thompson, and I LOVED it... but the same gun in semiauto only makes no sense. It just seems like you could find a better pistol-caliber carbine for less money.

Once again... if you want the gun for its looks and not for its utility, these concerns may not apply to you.

 

[DougW]

nero45acp, go for it! I think the coolness along with the .45 caliber makes the Thompson a sweet deal. I don't have one, but I too have thought about it. I did get an M1 Carbine instead of the Thompson.