thompson drums

logan

March 01, 2002 12:36

What when why??? I only thought that their were 50 100 and 10 round 45acp drums made for the Thompson machine guns or semi's? Today I noted a 39 round drum being auctioned off but its type of amunition / size is not disclosed as far as I could see. Looks just like a 50 to me. However, can't see close enough in the picture to see just what the manufacturers markings indicate. When were these ever made to be of such a unusual capacity, 39??? Thanks, Dwight

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  logan

  March 01, 2002 12:36

  well i thought i found 50 rd. drumsafter loading the one i find i can only get39 rds in it is there a market for them ?and if so what is a fair price ?e-mail sdloganinc@aol.comthanks for the info

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  JudgeColt

  March 02, 2002 14:27

  I believe you have what is called an "XL" drum. (XL in Roman numerals is 40, so they still were fudging one round!) I have never had it explained to me how these bastard-sized drums came to be. Does anyone know? After all, as I understand it, the "L" (50 round) and "C" (100 round) drums came well before the XL. Why the XL? Why go to the trouble to make a new capacity drum that held less rounds? Exactly how does the XL differ from the L? Are they same physical size? Is the spiral inside shorter, etc.?Any Thompson experts here who can explain all this?

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  AntiqueDr

  March 02, 2002 14:37

  The XL drum was made in the early 70's. The cartridges only go around the outer rim of the drum and with the spring mechanism there is room for 39 of them.These drums still go for $350 or so...

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  cliffdropover1

  March 02, 2002 14:41

  The 39 capacity drums were made by Auto-Ordnance. They are very poorly made and usually do not work well at all. Try to find an Original 50. They cost more, but are well worth it. They work.

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  JudgeColt

  March 03, 2002 07:54

  Thank you Doctor. I knew when they were made, but never knew why. I suspected they were the same physical size, but with a different internal mechanism. The question still remains, why were they made when the L and C drum designs were already in existence? If they were made to be less expensive, how much money could be saved by making a smaller spiral? In thinking about it, I supsect that A-O contracted with some company to make a less expensive drum, and the XL was the result. Do you know, Doctor?

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