Please help with new Thompson

So I found this on Ebay with limited description. He says it fires the caps, but the pictures of the rounds look different than the reloadable ones I've seen on here. They look like one piece. Can you please check out these pictures and let me know what I'm dealing with? Can I order the caps and extra reloadable rounds? Thanks

Not an expert on these, but I'm sure you can find more details here: https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/f18-mgc-thompson

I think that the non-firing versions might be converted to fire PFC's. A matter of getting the right chamber to replace the one on the non-firing version.

I'm sure one of the threads on the link, has someone's attempt at converting to pfc. Remember,although very heavy, that these are zinc alloy and not strong enough to fire Blanks.

Not an expert on these, but I'm sure you can find more details here: https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/f18-mgc-thompson

I think that the non-firing versions might be converted to fire PFC's. A matter of getting the right chamber to replace the one on the non-firing version (amongst other things!)

I'm sure one of the threads on the link, has someone's attempt at converting to pfc. Remember,although very heavy, that these are zinc alloy and not strong enough to fire Blanks.

You lost me. Are you saying this is not a PFC version? He said it was and I already purchased so I hope not.

I think I understand most of what you said after more reading (besides non firing).

This looks like the version that only shoots the cartridges where you stuff the cap in the end. That’s disappointing. Can it be modified to shoot the multiple piece cartridges (plugs)? How do I do it, how hard, and how expensive is it?

As I alluded to before, I am not an expert in this particular modelgun, however, this thread in the MGC Thompson section of the forum: https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/t4555-wanted-early-open-type-paper-cap-mgc-1921-45-acp-pfc-s has a little bit about what is required to convert the paper cap version to pfc. If I read it correctly, the version you have will also have an open barrel, which means that smoke etc will forward vent. A lot of the more recent versions have closed barrels.
Hope this helps.

Andy

This thread in the same section of the forum, also has some helpful information.

https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/t4938-mgc-1921-restoration

Andy

More here: https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/t830-early-front-vent-thompson-info?highlight=mgc+thompson

Andy

Welcome to the forum.
You have an MGC that has been "deactivated" for import into the USA- probably originally imported by the Collector's Armoury. It has never fired the blowback cartridges.

It can be made to fire as it was originally manufactured, but not without sourcing a number if parts and some work.
Your bolt is non-functional, you will have no chamber and detonator assembly, and lastly, no buffer on the recoil spring guide. Also, those carts in the picture were never for this model. You will need carts, too, and of course some caps.

You can probably find a lot of information here on the forum about this type of project.

Once again, welcome!

JL

ljerr2 wrote:

Welcome to the forum.
You have an MGC that has been "deactivated" for import into the USA- probably originally imported by the Collector's Armoury.  It has never fired the blowback cartridges.

It can be made to fire as it was originally manufactured, but not without sourcing a number if parts and some work.  
Your bolt is non-functional, you will have no chamber and detonator assembly, and lastly, no buffer on the recoil spring guide.  Also, those carts in the picture were never for this model.  You will need carts, too, and of course some caps.

You can probably find a lot of information here on the forum about this type of project.

Once again, welcome!

JL

Please tell me this is a joke. The ebay seller said it fired them. Please respond ASAP if you're positive so I can cancel all the money I paid for this....

Edit. I asked for my money back. How can you tell that it doesn't fire? I really want to purchase one of these now, but don't want to get screwed again. Super pissed about this. I finally found the style I wanted for sale.

Perhaps the seller didn't know..........
But from the pics you posted above:
there is a part of the receiver on the left side below the rear sight that is milled out - that is a sign of being "deactivated" for import. It removed the language about patent blowback cartridges I think.

The area in front of the mag well, on the bottom side shows it was drilled for a plug to be inserted instead of a chamber and detonator pin assembly.

The carts shown do not match any MGC Thompson cartridge.

One of the pics it seems I can see that the face of the bolt has been cut at an angle and obviously would be non-functional at that point. Usually the extractor is just a flat piece of metal, too, with no claw.

Hope that helps.

ljerr2 wrote:

Perhaps the seller didn't know..........
But from the pics you posted above:
there is a part of the receiver on the left side below the rear sight that is milled out - that is a sign of being "deactivated" for import.  It removed the language about patent blowback cartridges I think.

The area in front of the mag well, on the bottom side shows it was drilled for a plug to be inserted instead of a chamber and detonator pin assembly.

The carts shown do not match any MGC Thompson cartridge.

One of the pics it seems I can see that the face of the bolt has been cut at an angle and obviously would be non-functional at that point.  Usually the extractor is just a flat piece of metal, too, with no claw.

Hope that helps.  

I sure wish I could see what you're seeing.

How does this one look? PFC? It looks to be missing a switch. How hard is that to find and replace?

Can't really tell much from those pics, other than that one is probably quite a bit older than the one you have already. The receiver screws on the top receiver indicate that.

These haven't been made for quite a long time now, so you can't just call a shop and order parts unfortunately. Sometimes parts can be found in Japan and friends at this forum can probably help. Those safety switches don't just fall out, so I'd be more concerned that someone was inside the receiver messing around for some reason - which could mean other issues.

Feel free to PM me directly and I'll be glad to try to help you out with info if I can. These MGC Thompson's are great models!

Im not sure how to pm you. I don’t see an option. Is this one a PFC firing one? Vented barrel?

Stupid thing won’t let me post a link of the chamber and top...