Sponsor Special: Grease Gun
The United States had a good thing going with the Thompson submachine gun in World War II, but it was expensive to produce. The country needed a cheaper version, and thus came the M3, a stamped metal firearm that was similar to the British Sten Gun.
For collectors the M3 “Grease Gun” is like a Holy Grail, simply because there aren’t out there. But now our friends at International Military Antiques have created an excellent resin copy that is prefect for display.
On sale this weekend only! Read more
Sponsor Special: Airsoft Tommy Gun
There is no denying that the Thompson Submachine Gun is one of the most iconic weapons of the Second World War. However, for display purposes it can be a little expensive and those semi-automatic versions are a lot of fun to shoot but don’t quite look right.
A good alternative is the newly made Airsoft versions, which our friends at International Military Antiques offer. This weekend’s special is the Airsoft Tommy Gun. Read more
LA Times Notes Gun Buyback – Misses a Couple of Points
Once again the media praises a “gun buyback,” and this week it was The Los Angeles Times, which noted that a “sleek black Uzi submachine gun” was among the guns turned in during the third annual gun buyback.
Here is an interesting passage about the Uzi:
“Its normally short barrel ended in a thick silencer nearly the length of the gun itself. The Israeli-made gun didn’t have an identification number, indicating that it had been smuggled in.”
Read those last five words again: “it had been smuggled in.” Isn’t this a direct contrast to the usual anti-gun line that all “illegal” guns somehow begin as “legally” owned firearms? Doesn’t this very example show that criminals will still get firearms if guns are banned in the United States?
But the paper also offered this information:
“The Uzi was among a wide variety of firearms, including AK-47s, a Tommy Gun and WWII-era rifles that were turned in at six locations around the city on Saturday during the pre-Mother’s Day gun buyback.”
The “AK-47s” and “Tommy Gun” probably sound ominous, but we have to wonder if these were legal semi-automatic versions? If so, what is the big deal? But the article never notes that these can be legally bought and sold (with conditions) in California. As for the “WWII-era rifles,” we think that is sad to note that history could end up being destroyed and that those firearms were worth probably far more than whatever the persons during them in received.
NRA Show Recap: Vintage Military Rifles
John Browning Display at NRA Convention
From John Browning’s machine guns to the British Enfield, the exhibit halls of the National Rifle Association Convention featured no shortage of eye candy for the militaria collector. In addition to “vintage” and “surplus” firearms, there were also modern “recreations” available, including those in semi-automatic. Here is a peek at the military firearms at the NRA Convention.
Sponsor Special: Airsoft Tommy Gun
Tommy's Gun
There is no denying that the Thompson Submachine Gun is one of the most iconic weapons of the Second World War. However, for display purposes it can be a little expensive and those semi-automatic versions are a lot of fun to shoot but don’t quite look right.
A good alternative is the newly made Airsoft versions, which our friends at International Military Antiques offer. This weekend’s special is the Airsoft Tommy Gun.
New Made Item: This is an AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) that shoots .20 gram Plastic BBs at 400-430-465 fps (feet per second). This model manufactured by Cybergun and imported by Palco Sports is a very accurate replica and is constructed of metal and plastic. The weight and feel are true to the US WW2 issue Thompson M1A1. The battery is stored in the stock for balance and realism.
The Thompson submachine gun is an American submachine gun, invented by John T. Thompson in 1919 that became infamous during the Prohibition era. It was a common sight of the time, being used by both law enforcement officers and criminals.[1] The Thompson was also known informally as: the “Tommy Gun,” the “Trench Broom,” the “Trench Sweeper,” the “Chicago Piano,” the “Chicago Typewriter,” and the “Chopper.” The Thompson was favored by soldiers, criminals and police alike for its ergonomics, compactness, large .45 ACP cartridge, and high volume of automatic fire and among civilian collectors for its historical significance. This replica is true to the original and comes complete with horizontal foregrip, side cocking indicator and smooth barrel. The SMG also boasts an adjustable rear sight, steel gears, a metal gearbox, and a high-cap stick magazine. The rifle is powered by the included NiMH battery and includes a charger. The rifle can go from semi automatic to full automatic with the flip of a switch!
A Thompson M1A1 is a must have for any collection of WW 2 small arms. IMA offers numerous Thompson accessories, including slings, bandoleers, carriers, and much more!
Thompson M1A1 Features:
Model # 71015
Full original Thompson Logos and Trademarks
Individual unique Serial Number
Full Metal Frame Construction
Full metal body with simulated wood grain finish
Gearbox: Fully Upgradeable Metal Gearbox
Full metal gear box with reinforced steel gears and metal bushings
Accurate Replica very close in feel to an original
Adjustable Hop-Up
Type of fire: Semi & Full Auto
NiMH Stick Battery Included
Standard Wall Charger Included
Velocity 430+ fps (0.2 g BB)
Stick Magazine Included
Package Includes: Gun, Magazine, Battery, Charger & Cleaning Rod
IMA-USA: Airsoft Thompson M1A1 AEG: U.S. WW2 SMG w/ Stick Magazine
Sponsor Special: Tommy’s Gun
Tommy's Gun at IMA-USA.com
Whether you want to have a Tommy Gun like Captain Miller in Saving Private Ryan, have a nice WWII display or just think a Thompson submachine gun would be a great display, you’re in luck. Our friends at International Military Antiques have a few non-firing versions built on original WWII parts. If only it could talk, imagine the stories it would tell.
Original Item: This is a magnificent display gun built from excellent WWII Thompson M-1928 parts and reassembled with a fantastic non-functioning new made anodized aluminum display receiver. Every part on this display gun is original WW2 manufactured other than the receiver. Original WW2 parts include:
• Detachable Walnut Butt Stock
• Complete Lower Frame Assembly
• Walnut Pistol Grip
• Lyman L Sight
• Finned Barrel
• Cutts Compensator
• Walnut Horizontal Fore Grip
• 20 Round Magazine
Sponsor Special: Tommy’s Got a Gun
This week our friends at International Military Antiques have a sale going on their dummy Tommy Guns. These are the commercial versions that were notorious in the age of the gangsters. These newly made non-firing guns look the part of the real “Chicago Typewriters.”
New Made Item: The infamous Thompson Model 1928 aka the “Tommy Gun” was favored by every mobster and gangster in the prohibition era and after for its firepower and portability. It was a common sight of the time, being used by both law enforcement officers and criminals. The Thompson was also known informally as: the “Tommy Gun,” (the tommy gun is actually the Thompson M1928) the “Trench Broom,” the “Trench Sweeper,” the “Chicago Piano,” the “Chicago Typewriter,” and the “Chopper”, the manufacturer referred to this as the “Commercial Model”. Even the infamous John Dillinger, Public Enemy Number One, favored the Thompson submachine gun.
This replica is true to the original and comes complete with vertical foregrip, finned barrel and signature Cutts Compensator. The bolt cocks and releases when you pull the trigger. The military version of this model introduced later was made famous by Troops of the 101st and 82nd Airborne during World War II and the Korean Conflict. This is one of the most recognizable firearms in U.S. History.
The bolt cocks and fires from an open position. This non-firing replica also has a solid wood stock and grip, metal alloy construction and a removable 50 round drum magazine. The rear sight can be raised or lowered. So go ahead, operate the bolt, cock the weapon, change the magazine, and pull the trigger; the bolt flies home! Even the weight is accurate at10 pounds. This is a HIGH QUALITY item and it is available at a fabulously reasonable price. A great option if you don’t want to spend nearly $1000 for our WW2 Thompson 1928A1 display gun built from original.
M1928 New Made Display SMG: Gangster Style (Commercial Issue) at IMA-USA.com
Sponsor Special: Original WWII Thompson M1928 Display SMG
Tommy’s got his gun, or rather you can get Tommy’s Gun, or actually you can get a Tommy Gun. Oh never mind.
The point is that this week International Military Antiques brought out what can only be called a true “must have” display submachine gun, a World War II Thompson M-1928. Built on original parts and reassembled with a fantastic non-functioning new made anodized aluminum display receiver, this one looks like it is ready to sweep the beaches of the South Pacific or jump into Normandy.
Perfect for display, this gun is built up from original World War II era parts that include the detachable walnut butt stock, complete lower frame assembly, walnut pistol grip, Lyman L sight, finned barrel, Cutts compensator and walnut horizontal fore grip. The display gun comes with a 20 round magazine.
This product was only recently added to IMA’s stock, and we don’t think it will stick around long, so jump on these while you can.
Original World War II Thompson M1928 Display SMG at IMA-USA.com
Who Guards the Guards: Sheriff’s Office Sells Tommy Gun for $20,000
The Citizen’s Voice of Luzerne County in Pennsylvania is reporting that the acting sheriff has come under fire for “keeping poor records of gun possessed” by the department. This comes after it was found that the former sheriff had agreed to sell a Thompson submachine gun in 2009 for $20,000. The paper didn’t say whether the buyer could legally own a fully automatic weapon or whether it was a semi-automatic version, although it was described as being an “antique” suggesting it was fully automatic.
Let’s see if the mainstream media picks up on this story.
