Thompson kits

[FluorideInMyWater]

can anyone recommend a good vendor for a thompson parts kit and a good semi-auto receiver?

TIA!!!

[krazz]

florida gun works has kits, don't know where to get a receiver.

[Beatone]

I would say avoid florida gun works. Bad reputation.

[FluorideInMyWater]

then where-else??

[Beatone]

I would just buy a completed gun. Some of the venders on this site sell them. A kit would probable have the short barrel which is what you don't want.

[thisismyboomstick]

I have a Thompson 1928A1 kit I've been on the fence about selling for awhile. PM me if you're interested.

[saki302]

I have examined both a parts kit and an Auto ordnance semi auto rifle. There is almost no possible way you can make a legal semiauto from a FA parts kit. Virtually every single part in the rifle is different (including the barrel- the FA one has a short bbl). About the only thing you might be able to salvage is the sights and the wood.

Remember, the FA is open bolt, the SA is closed. The SA gun has a 'short' receiver also so the FA bolt cannot work.

-Dave

[1919_4_ME]

Bringing this thread back from the dead.

A guy just built a semi-auto Thompson from a parts kit and has the full build tutorial posted right here.Grab yourself a kit and build a legal semi-auto.

http://www.beltfedshooters.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=46

[saki302]

Though it IS possible with a ton of work, by the time you're done you could buy a completed one. (his cost was around $1000). It's a neat way to show off your machine-fu though.

The build uses an Ar-15 hammer and trigger. While that will give a superior pull, the AO system which fires by striker is much closer to how the original Thompson feels (the sear holds the striker back instead of the whole bolt on the semi). In fact, the only noticeable external difference is the semi receiver is thicker (heightwise), and the barrels are obviously longer. They handle the same, but the semi is obviously more front heavy- I don't know where the writer came up with the bad handligg example.

Examining the FA and AO Thompsons side by side, they workmanship, at least on the old AO guns, is just as good as the original. I can't speak for Kahr guns- I haven't seen one apart yet!

As far as projects go, I'd be curious how a more modern straight stock design would alter the handling of the Thompson.. it probably won't do the semi shooters much good, but in FA, the straight stock wouldn't rise nearly as bad as the angled ham-hock

-Dave