Way off topic....... Machine pistol fun!!!

G.T. · 11-20-2002, 09:15 PM

Hello to all! This last Tuesday I had the opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do, but never had the means or the chance... and that was shoot an MP-40 submachine gun!!! It was GREAT fun! I also had a brief go with a Thompson M-1 ... all in all, about 900 rounds in both! That's not too much shooting, but it's a heck of a lot of magazine loading!!! Needless to say, I went to sleep Tuesday night with sore thumbs and a huge smile on my face!! I was amazed at how controllable the MP-40 was... and how much power the Thompson had! These were premo, all matching, great condition units, and they functioned flawlessly... The .45 has considerable recoil and it is best to lean into it a little... the MP-40 just stays right in there... the 30 gal trash can we used as a target certainly sustained some damage! I can't even imagine what it would have been like to be in action on either side.... and you would need a truck to keep yourself supplied with ammo.... you would have to be one disiciplined cool cookie to survive in action... cuz it would be a real problem to load a clip when someone is shooting at you with either one! I'll bet a lot of men died with empty guns! It was quite an eye opener.. it gave me a still greater appreciation for the men who protect our freedom! till...later...G.T.

Edward Tinker · 11-20-2002, 09:21 PM

Coool G.T., I have never shot either of them and would love to!!

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Stu · 11-21-2002, 08:37 AM

Auto's are tremendous fun, apart from loading the magazines !

My local range rents a variety, Uzi's, MP5's, Thompsons, Valmet, PPSH and a bunch of others. I'd love to try an MP38 or 40 though.

At least in GA you can own these things, (so when I hit the lottery I'll have to track one down !)

G.T. · 11-21-2002, 08:51 AM

Hi Stu! You are right on about the fun part! There's something about a rainbow of empties all in the air at the same time that just makes you smile automatically! It is even more fun to watch your friends fire off a burst for the first time! Another point you are correct on, is the lottery aspect... these units are not cheap... especially in the condition of the guns we were shooting... the friendly price for either would have been in the high teens... (thousands) ... I cannot mention the owners name with out his permission, but he was a most gracious gentleman, and letting us run some rounds thru his collectables was a very kind gesture indeed!!! I hope there will be another day out in the desert... with alot more ammo....till...later....G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

MarkC · 11-21-2002, 04:16 PM

GT,

Here in MA we can own full auto with a seperate license. I have an UZI that I am very fond of and sometimes gather a group of two or three friends. We split the cost of a case of 9 and get to work loading mags. My rule is you get to shoot two mags for every three that you load, no sore thumbs for me!!!

Mark

Stu · 11-21-2002, 04:35 PM

I've got to say I envy all of you who've access to outdoor ranges or land. I've found nowhere around metro Atlanta to go out and do some 'serious' plinking. Restricted to the indoor range, which is better than where I come from, (UK), but not as much fun as some of the places I've had the privilege of visiting !

G.T. · 11-21-2002, 05:29 PM

Hi Stu! I live just about in the center of the Phoenix metro (more east valley) area... so I have to go about 30 miles to shoot. But after that, there is very little problem, as most of the land is federal land with no (or few) restrictions... When I lived in South Dakota, we had a lot of trouble finding a good place to shoot, as it was flat privately owned land, and the land owners had a bunch of attitude! I don't miss that at all! Arizona is certainly a shooters state! We also have some great indoor ranges, but give me the wide outdoors if possible! till...later....G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

MarkC · 11-21-2002, 07:30 PM

Guys,

Here in MA most think of as as a bunch of commy liberal democrats but within a 20 minute drive of downtown Boston we have many private outdoor clubs to shoot in. In Lowell (a 40 minute trek) there is a 100 yard range that has been there for over 100 years that we can "plink" at. (no glass objects allowed) Charcoal bricketes are my favorite target to aim at near the 25 yard bunker with my Lugers. They are cheap targets and explode in a puff of black dust when hit! They require no cleanup, like the plastic bottles or paper.

In Reading, MA I belong to a high power range that is spread over 25 acres. 600 yard big bore range and 200 yard range for pistols and "stuff" no plinking only paper targets, very serious high power sportsman. In Worchester a 200 yard outdoor range, 50 yard outdoor range, trap, skeet, .22 and air pistol 50' indoor range, 25 yard heated indoor range. The club was founded in 1879, one of the oldest in the US. Funny thing is the modern office buildings that surround the wooded property, if only the office workers knew what was near them, on a big ol' swamp! In Harvard, MA an outdoor/indoor machine gun range. The water cooled toys these guys have are really neat!

Mark

G.T. · 11-21-2002, 08:06 PM

Hi Marc! That is great to hear of the excellent shooting opportunities you have! I never thought that you could even shoot at all in the north east! It is strange how we have these preconceived notions about how thing are in other areas! I am definitly enlightened! I hope more and more people take there prize firearms out for a little fun! Gerat for the spirit and the soul! till...later...G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

schwob · 11-21-2002, 08:29 PM

Every summer the Hiram Maxim Historical Society has a meeting in the town of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. this meeting consist of a machine gun shoot on one hell of a grand scale. What would you like, you can rent the guns by buying ammo. G.T. speaks about the MP-40, how about an MG-42, at 1200 RPM. Vickers, M-60, GATLING in 45-70, Browning in 30 and 50!!! The are little M-16s, m-14, Thompson, Sten,Bren,Grease gun. Ear muffs are the order of the day. The only thing I haven't seen ..yet in a chain gun. I'm sure they are out there, just not being shown yet. the "meet" is all legal. There was even a Barret 50 BMG. Wonderful place to go, spend an afternoon and give thanks that we live in the U.S. of A. where this is permitted. I have some pix, just don't know how to down load for our forum. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Edward Tinker · 11-21-2002, 08:41 PM

Well here Brother Bob, is one of your pictures you sent me!

and another I forgot I had [img]smile.gif[/img]

G.T. · 11-22-2002, 08:43 AM

Hi Bob & Rick! Bob, those are great pictures! It's nice to see that some people still know how to have fun, no matter where there located..... and Rick, I have thought of the American 180 several times over the last few years, (along with M-16's with a dedicated .22 upper), but, there seems to be some advantage in aquiring Machine guns that also fall into the C & R class of firearm... all though I don't know all the facts...it has something to do with interstate travel along the lines of gun shows and displays? Also I failed to mention... the lower receiver of the MP-40 was made from a red bakalite very similar to P.38 grips... there was another spare receiver made from black bakalite which also resembled the P.38 grip material, both of them were shiney with wood pulp filler... it appears to me that the luger grips required a pure resin so that it could properly form the checkering, as I've never seen Luger grips with wood or canvas filler! Although I didn't look to closely at the grips on the MP-40, I don't think they had any filler... they were black and I believe, ribbed? Can't remember, by that time I was having way too much fun! till...later...G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

G.T. · 11-22-2002, 08:44 AM

Hi Rick! Too bad you don't own the M-60, as those are worth some serious bucks!! till...later...G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

ken d · 11-22-2002, 07:46 PM

Hi folks:

If you like automatic weapons, you owe it to yourself to come to the Knob Creek Range Machinegun Shoot. Held about 15 miles from Louisville Ky, adjacent to Ft Knox, the 2nd week- end in Apr and Oct. 22/180 to 308/mini-gun, Quad 50 to 37MM cannon, sometimes flame throwers and mortors. After dark shoots w/Tracer and Explosive ammo that are awesome. A three day event where you can just watch or rent a gun of your choice. Also included is a large gun show, mostly full-auto but sometimes even a few Lugers. I have no connection with the range and mention this only for your info.

regards,

Ken D

JFP · 11-23-2002, 10:19 AM

Here in Connecticut, full auto gun ownership is allowed and there is a least one shooting range which permits it.

Besides being fun to shoot, they are a great investment. I had a chance to buy an MP-40 "tube gun" (a shooter) in 1985 for $1200. Thanks to our "friends" in Washington, that same gun is now worth at least $5000!

Cheers,

JFP

Edward Tinker · 11-23-2002, 06:50 PM

More of Bob's pictures:

Edmond , DCB shooting · 12-21-2002, 04:50 PM

HI all ! I must agree that not a lot of thing can compare to shooting MG's or other automatic toys , especially keeping bullets on targets with bursts. sending lead downrange and having almost all of the impacts on targets ( metal plates or papers ) makes you feel good , same than having a 100/100 in the bullseye at 25 meters with a Parabellum. enjoy these pix:

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/Ultr...14&SID=1951005

Edmond , DCB shooting · 12-21-2002, 04:52 PM

these pix are good , too :

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/Ultr...54&SID=1951005

Edmond , DCB shooting · 12-08-2005, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Edward Tinker
Coool G.T., I have never shot either of them and would love to!!

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

If you visit France, ammo is on me as well as beer, but at separate moments:

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/topi...OPIC_ID=135925

Brent B. · 12-08-2005, 10:51 AM

Full auto is a lot of fun indeed. I've had an M-16 since 1985 and would go out to the local Fish and Game along with a couple friends who also had them. Then about 7 or 8 years ago the F & G said we couldn't shoot full auto there due to insurance reasons. Now the only time I get to shoot it is when I get invited out with the local SWAT team or there's nobody around and I'll shoot short bursts. We live in a small community and letting the police shoot the M-16 has made a lot of friends and saved me numerous speeding tickets. I also have a few original sniper rifles and joke them about using deer rifles with scopes. Always a good time.

11-20-2002, 09:15 PM	#1
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,528 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 3,711 Times in 1,014 Posts	Way off topic....... Machine pistol fun!!! Hello to all! This last Tuesday I had the opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do, but never had the means or the chance... and that was shoot an MP-40 submachine gun!!! It was GREAT fun! I also had a brief go with a Thompson M-1 ... all in all, about 900 rounds in both! That's not too much shooting, but it's a heck of a lot of magazine loading!!! Needless to say, I went to sleep Tuesday night with sore thumbs and a huge smile on my face!! I was amazed at how controllable the MP-40 was... and how much power the Thompson had! These were premo, all matching, great condition units, and they functioned flawlessly... The .45 has considerable recoil and it is best to lean into it a little... the MP-40 just stays right in there... the 30 gal trash can we used as a target certainly sustained some damage! I can't even imagine what it would have been like to be in action on either side.... and you would need a truck to keep yourself supplied with ammo.... you would have to be one disiciplined cool cookie to survive in action... cuz it would be a real problem to load a clip when someone is shooting at you with either one! I'll bet a lot of men died with empty guns! It was quite an eye opener.. it gave me a still greater appreciation for the men who protect our freedom! till...later...G.T.

11-20-2002, 09:21 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,967 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,596 Times in 2,117 Posts	Coool G.T., I have never shot either of them and would love to!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

11-21-2002, 08:41 PM	#11
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,967 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,596 Times in 2,117 Posts	Well here Brother Bob, is one of your pictures you sent me! and another I forgot I had [img]smile.gif[/img] <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

11-23-2002, 06:50 PM	#16
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,967 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,596 Times in 2,117 Posts	More of Bob's pictures: __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

12-21-2002, 04:50 PM	#17
Edmond , DCB shooting User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: FRANCE Posts: 53 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	HI all ! I must agree that not a lot of thing can compare to shooting MG's or other automatic toys , especially keeping bullets on targets with bursts. sending lead downrange and having almost all of the impacts on targets ( metal plates or papers ) makes you feel good , same than having a 100/100 in the bullseye at 25 meters with a Parabellum. enjoy these pix: http://www.gunboards.com/forums/Ultr...14&SID=1951005 __________________ Shoot'in by DCB

11-21-2002, 08:37 AM	#3
Stu User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 452 Thanks: 4 Thanked 25 Times in 16 Posts	Auto's are tremendous fun, apart from loading the magazines ! My local range rents a variety, Uzi's, MP5's, Thompsons, Valmet, PPSH and a bunch of others. I'd love to try an MP38 or 40 though. At least in GA you can own these things, (so when I hit the lottery I'll have to track one down !)

11-21-2002, 08:51 AM	#4
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,528 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 3,711 Times in 1,014 Posts	Hi Stu! You are right on about the fun part! There's something about a rainbow of empties all in the air at the same time that just makes you smile automatically! It is even more fun to watch your friends fire off a burst for the first time! Another point you are correct on, is the lottery aspect... these units are not cheap... especially in the condition of the guns we were shooting... the friendly price for either would have been in the high teens... (thousands) ... I cannot mention the owners name with out his permission, but he was a most gracious gentleman, and letting us run some rounds thru his collectables was a very kind gesture indeed!!! I hope there will be another day out in the desert... with alot more ammo....till...later....G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

11-21-2002, 04:16 PM	#5
MarkC User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 482 Thanks: 1 Thanked 126 Times in 29 Posts	GT, Here in MA we can own full auto with a seperate license. I have an UZI that I am very fond of and sometimes gather a group of two or three friends. We split the cost of a case of 9 and get to work loading mags. My rule is you get to shoot two mags for every three that you load, no sore thumbs for me!!! Mark

11-21-2002, 04:35 PM	#6
Stu User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 452 Thanks: 4 Thanked 25 Times in 16 Posts	I've got to say I envy all of you who've access to outdoor ranges or land. I've found nowhere around metro Atlanta to go out and do some 'serious' plinking. Restricted to the indoor range, which is better than where I come from, (UK), but not as much fun as some of the places I've had the privilege of visiting !

11-21-2002, 05:29 PM	#7
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,528 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 3,711 Times in 1,014 Posts	Hi Stu! I live just about in the center of the Phoenix metro (more east valley) area... so I have to go about 30 miles to shoot. But after that, there is very little problem, as most of the land is federal land with no (or few) restrictions... When I lived in South Dakota, we had a lot of trouble finding a good place to shoot, as it was flat privately owned land, and the land owners had a bunch of attitude! I don't miss that at all! Arizona is certainly a shooters state! We also have some great indoor ranges, but give me the wide outdoors if possible! till...later....G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

11-21-2002, 07:30 PM	#8
MarkC User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 482 Thanks: 1 Thanked 126 Times in 29 Posts	Guys, Here in MA most think of as as a bunch of commy liberal democrats but within a 20 minute drive of downtown Boston we have many private outdoor clubs to shoot in. In Lowell (a 40 minute trek) there is a 100 yard range that has been there for over 100 years that we can "plink" at. (no glass objects allowed) Charcoal bricketes are my favorite target to aim at near the 25 yard bunker with my Lugers. They are cheap targets and explode in a puff of black dust when hit! They require no cleanup, like the plastic bottles or paper. In Reading, MA I belong to a high power range that is spread over 25 acres. 600 yard big bore range and 200 yard range for pistols and "stuff" no plinking only paper targets, very serious high power sportsman. In Worchester a 200 yard outdoor range, 50 yard outdoor range, trap, skeet, .22 and air pistol 50' indoor range, 25 yard heated indoor range. The club was founded in 1879, one of the oldest in the US. Funny thing is the modern office buildings that surround the wooded property, if only the office workers knew what was near them, on a big ol' swamp! In Harvard, MA an outdoor/indoor machine gun range. The water cooled toys these guys have are really neat! Mark

11-21-2002, 08:06 PM	#9
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,528 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 3,711 Times in 1,014 Posts	Hi Marc! That is great to hear of the excellent shooting opportunities you have! I never thought that you could even shoot at all in the north east! It is strange how we have these preconceived notions about how thing are in other areas! I am definitly enlightened! I hope more and more people take there prize firearms out for a little fun! Gerat for the spirit and the soul! till...later...G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

11-21-2002, 08:29 PM	#10
schwob RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Coast of Maine Posts: 273 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Every summer the Hiram Maxim Historical Society has a meeting in the town of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. this meeting consist of a machine gun shoot on one hell of a grand scale. What would you like, you can rent the guns by buying ammo. G.T. speaks about the MP-40, how about an MG-42, at 1200 RPM. Vickers, M-60, GATLING in 45-70, Browning in 30 and 50!!! The are little M-16s, m-14, Thompson, Sten,Bren,Grease gun. Ear muffs are the order of the day. The only thing I haven't seen ..yet in a chain gun. I'm sure they are out there, just not being shown yet. the "meet" is all legal. There was even a Barret 50 BMG. Wonderful place to go, spend an afternoon and give thanks that we live in the U.S. of A. where this is permitted. I have some pix, just don't know how to down load for our forum. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

11-22-2002, 08:43 AM	#12
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,528 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 3,711 Times in 1,014 Posts	Hi Bob & Rick! Bob, those are great pictures! It's nice to see that some people still know how to have fun, no matter where there located..... and Rick, I have thought of the American 180 several times over the last few years, (along with M-16's with a dedicated .22 upper), but, there seems to be some advantage in aquiring Machine guns that also fall into the C & R class of firearm... all though I don't know all the facts...it has something to do with interstate travel along the lines of gun shows and displays? Also I failed to mention... the lower receiver of the MP-40 was made from a red bakalite very similar to P.38 grips... there was another spare receiver made from black bakalite which also resembled the P.38 grip material, both of them were shiney with wood pulp filler... it appears to me that the luger grips required a pure resin so that it could properly form the checkering, as I've never seen Luger grips with wood or canvas filler! Although I didn't look to closely at the grips on the MP-40, I don't think they had any filler... they were black and I believe, ribbed? Can't remember, by that time I was having way too much fun! till...later...G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

11-22-2002, 08:44 AM	#13
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,528 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 3,711 Times in 1,014 Posts	Hi Rick! Too bad you don't own the M-60, as those are worth some serious bucks!! till...later...G.T. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

11-22-2002, 07:46 PM	#14
ken d Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: louisville ky Posts: 277 Thanks: 31 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	Hi folks: If you like automatic weapons, you owe it to yourself to come to the Knob Creek Range Machinegun Shoot. Held about 15 miles from Louisville Ky, adjacent to Ft Knox, the 2nd week- end in Apr and Oct. 22/180 to 308/mini-gun, Quad 50 to 37MM cannon, sometimes flame throwers and mortors. After dark shoots w/Tracer and Explosive ammo that are awesome. A three day event where you can just watch or rent a gun of your choice. Also included is a large gun show, mostly full-auto but sometimes even a few Lugers. I have no connection with the range and mention this only for your info. regards, Ken D

11-23-2002, 10:19 AM	#15
JFP User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: stamford, CT Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here in Connecticut, full auto gun ownership is allowed and there is a least one shooting range which permits it. Besides being fun to shoot, they are a great investment. I had a chance to buy an MP-40 "tube gun" (a shooter) in 1985 for $1200. Thanks to our "friends" in Washington, that same gun is now worth at least $5000! Cheers, JFP

12-21-2002, 04:52 PM	#18
Edmond , DCB shooting User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: FRANCE Posts: 53 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	these pix are good , too : http://www.gunboards.com/forums/Ultr...54&SID=1951005 __________________ Shoot'in by DCB

12-08-2005, 10:51 AM	#20
Brent B. User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 176 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Full auto is a lot of fun indeed. I've had an M-16 since 1985 and would go out to the local Fish and Game along with a couple friends who also had them. Then about 7 or 8 years ago the F & G said we couldn't shoot full auto there due to insurance reasons. Now the only time I get to shoot it is when I get invited out with the local SWAT team or there's nobody around and I'll shoot short bursts. We live in a small community and letting the police shoot the M-16 has made a lot of friends and saved me numerous speeding tickets. I also have a few original sniper rifles and joke them about using deer rifles with scopes. Always a good time.

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