Number of posts : 111 Location / Country : usa Registration date : 2017-07-28
Subject: fitting real mags Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:35 am
I picked up a few mags and a drum for my Thompson. There are a few different versions of real Thompson and mags aren't always compatible. It's usually just a difference in the locking hole location.
My factory MGC mag is loose. I'm not sure if it is supposed to be like that or the slot just wore bigger.
I have a mag made by Auto Ordinance. It fits the lower, but is very tight. The receiver is slightly forward of the lower and the mag can't go all the way in.
I have a mag made by Seymore Products. That mag fits better than the factory MCG. Since the hole is lower it won't lock in.
I have a reproduction type "L" drum. It fits, but wobbles quite a bit. The bolt can't go through.
paddyfritz likes this post
Punisher Modelgun Enthusiast
Number of posts : 111 Location / Country : usa Registration date : 2017-07-28
Subject: Re: fitting real mags Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:37 am
I was able to easily modify the Seymore mag to work. The top rear of the MGC mag is slightly rounded to clear the receiver. Just round the rear of the Seymore mag until it slides all the way up. It shouldn't touch the receiver. The roll pin in the slot sets the upper limit.
The hole in the back needs to be extended upwards. The top of the hole should be about 26mm. Cut a little at a time and check the fit.
paddyfritz likes this post
Punisher Modelgun Enthusiast
Number of posts : 111 Location / Country : usa Registration date : 2017-07-28
Subject: Re: fitting real mags Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:41 am
To fix the wobble on the drum I welded on a plate at the front and rear. I cut the plate from 14ga electrical box cover. It was soaked in vinegar for a few days to remove the galvanizing.
For the front I used a piece 2"x1/2". I beveled the to side that faced the drum so that it would clear the radius of the bracket. For the rear I used a piece 2"x3/4".
They were welded on with small tacks. The edges were beveled so the drum would slide in without catching the plates. A good epoxy would probably also work.
The rear of the drum needed to be opened up for the bolt to go through. I cut down to the bracket.
While still not a perfect fit the drum is now usable.
paddyfritz likes this post
Cerwyn Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Number of posts : 11073 Age : 65 Location / Country : North Wales Registration date : 2008-07-20
Subject: Re: fitting real mags Sun Dec 19, 2021 10:13 am
Thank you for posting this.
Real stick mags can be easily modified to bit both MGC and Hudson Thompsons but Drum mags aren't often mentioned possibly due to the fact real drums are expensive and pretty scarce in the UK at least. The idea of having a working 50 rd drum is very appealing. Please keep us posted with progress. I would really like to see a 50 rd drum being fired in a MGC model.
_________________ Cerwyn
Hobby collector of Replica model guns and Militaria. also member of Living History Reenactment Groups.
cushy1944 New Member
Number of posts : 25 Location / Country : United Kingdom Registration date : 2022-05-23
Subject: Re: fitting real mags Wed May 25, 2022 7:19 pm
Has anyone ever managed to get a 50 round drum to work?
Cerwyn Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Number of posts : 11073 Age : 65 Location / Country : North Wales Registration date : 2008-07-20
Subject: Re: fitting real mags Thu May 26, 2022 11:53 am
Hi cushy,
Some time ago, John at PFCGUK offered genuine 50rd drums which he'd modified to fit and work in MGC Thompsons. They were expensive, about £200 if I remember correctly as they are rare. I don't know how well they operated though.
_________________ Cerwyn
Hobby collector of Replica model guns and Militaria. also member of Living History Reenactment Groups.
Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:35 am
