Which Thompson M1A1 should I buy?

Post by 2Sharp

I have a craving for an M1A1 Thompson

So, which one should i be looking for?

I want good looks and realism, durability is important too, i do not want it to fall apart after i have handled it some.

Firing performance isn't important at all really, but if i can get both looks and good firing performance it is cool too

So, which one do i buy? Hudson? CMC? Whic one's can i expect to find for a reasonable price?

Any input is greatly appreciated
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Post by Mark

For the M1A1 Thompson, there is either the CMC/Tanaka or the Hudson versions. The CMC/Tanaka is actually the M1 version while the Hudson is the M1A1 neither the CMC or the Tanaka versions are inexpensive due to their quality and their rarity. I only have the Hudson myself and although it has some small problems, it is still one of my favorites. I would buy a CMC or the later Tanaka made M1's if they weren't so expensive as they aways seem to be in the $700~1000 range while the Hudson (standard version) is usually in the $400~500 range. Neither the Hudson or the CMC/Tanaka version will fall apart when they are handled as they are well built and will take some real abuse. I guess that the decision of which Thompson to buy depends on what version that interests you, either the M1 or the M1A1 that, and your bank account
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Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Post by 2Sharp

Thanks Mark, excellent advice

Seems that a Hudson would fit me nicely... so, the hunt is on for one in may
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I need more model guns...

The holy quest for modelgun information and knowledge will never-ever end!!

Post by 2Sharp

I was looking at Doc's awesome post on the CMC catalogs, it seems, judging from those pics of the Thompson that the CMC version uses a bolt that is very much like the real bolt. And the Hudson and MGC uses a bolt that isn't very realistic.

Can anyone confirm this? And is the CMC and the Tanaka made at the same factory or just from the same mold [pattern] so to speak?


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I need more model guns...

The holy quest for modelgun information and knowledge will never-ever end!!

Post by Jim

I believe Tanaka bought the molds from CMC after its demise - something similar to what I've just learnt: Western Arms will release the magna blowback airsoft M4 Carbine after they bought the modelgun molds off from new MGC...

Post by Mark

Yes, the CMC does seem to have a somewhat better depiction of the real M1 Thompson bolt. I have also noticed that the extractor/ejector is affixed in the same fashion as the real Thompson! I am impressed by my CMC Sten MK2's construction and I am sure that the other CMC's are just as well made.
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Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Post by 2Sharp

Roger that, will definitely weigh this into any future purchase
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I need more model guns...

The holy quest for modelgun information and knowledge will never-ever end!!

Post by ricks

Although I'm hardly an expert, it seems like I've heard that the MGC's are arguably the best running Tommys & most trouble-free. Unfortunately, they're only available "where-is-as-is" these days. If you keep looking, tho', you can find 'em NIB.
Happy hunting!
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Rick

Post by 2Sharp

ricks wrote:

Although I'm hardly an expert, it seems like I've heard that the MGC's are arguably the best running Tommys & most trouble-free. Unfortunately, they're only available "where-is-as-is" these days. If you keep looking, tho', you can find 'em NIB.
Happy hunting!

Firing performance has never been a deciding factor for me, i have always had some rather spotty experiences when firing my earlier modelguns.
However this might have changed since i bought my KSC Beretta 93R, it fired perfectly the first time i tried it out, and it was great fun
I do think that realism has the upper edge as compared to firing performance so far...
The MGC looks nice, what i really dislike is the "cut-out" on the back of the receiver where it is stamped "MGC" etc. it looks really crap in my opinion... Sad as the replica looks fantastic otherwise. (judging from the pics i've seen so far)
It'll probably be a while before i buy one so maybe the above will change a few times

Post by Doc

You could save up about three times the price of a normal MGC and buy the very limited edition version with correct markings on both sides .

I`ll dig out some images if I can remember where they are .

DOC
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We need guns...lots of guns....

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Post by Doc

While we are at it has anyone ever noticed how the MGC has a very thin cutts compensator compared to the real steel ?

I saw a real compensator at a show recently and was tempted but it would be a pig to fit as they are threaded rather than slip on like the MGC .

DOC
_________________
We need guns...lots of guns....

.... well anything mechanical that can kill people is interesting ...

Post by kickback

Hi 2sharp,

I personally like the Hudson m1a1 thompson,as its very realistic in its operation,weight etc,and if you fit it with one of 8ace's steel custom bolts as i have it also fires great too and you can get both these items cheaper than buying a cmc/tanaka version ,but of course all versions are great fun

Kickback

Post by 2sharp

Doc wrote:

You could save up about three times the price of a normal MGC and buy the very limited edition version with correct markings on both sides .
I`ll dig out some images if I can remember where they are .
DOC

Wow, learning new stuff Pics would be much appreciated!
Good info on the cutts compensator...