Trading FNC for m1 thompson

[TheColtCollector]

What do you guys think? I selling my FNC and buying an m1 thompson for essentially the same price. I'm worried long term I won't be able to get parts for the FNC.

This is me with my FNC

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JorIZjLcYE8

 

[ScottinTexas]

It's not a bad move, especially if you have an M16 / M614 / DIAS.

Shortly after I bought my FNC w/ FA sear I decided spares were such a problem that I bought a semi for $3K just in case. I suspect long term this will become more common with folks who own a FA FNC. In fact I would not be surprised if eventually FA FNC's are routinely sold with a semi for donor parts.

 

[sweersa]

I'm considering buying a semi FN FNC before saving up for a select fire FNC to both enjoy an FNC faster, and hang onto it to have more spare parts.

I have fired a transferable WWII Thompson, and it was a lot of fun to shoot. I have never had the pleasure of shooting an FNC of any kind, so I can't compare them directly. Spare parts availability (especially bolts and carriers) for the FNC is a valid concern. Me personally, I'd take an assault rifle over any submachine gun, but the M1 does have a lot of American historic value.

Can't go wrong either way, IMO.

 

[kote786]

if you don't go thro with it let me know, a thompson at FNC price seems like a great deal

 

[TheColtCollector]

I'm doing it!

 

[deadduck]

Traitor! :nana

 

[wanneroo]

The M1 is one of my favorite machine guns to shoot.

 

[rsideout]

I would consider trading my FNC for a 1928. I already have an M16, so the .223 full auto option is covered.

 

[jimdet]

Spare parts for your FNC

I originally purchased a semi FNC back about ten years ago. I never intended then to get a full auto. After shooting it for a while like the rest of you our there I realized what a prize it was and fell in love with it. I purchased a sear for it a few years later and had Todd at TBA Suppressors install it. A year later I also became concerned about parts and did exactly what You said. I purchased another FNC Semi which I take to the range and enjoy. So now I have all the spare parts I will ever need and can enjoy both guns for less cost than an M16 which isn't nearly as much fun to shoot. Something to think about.

 

[jimdet]

One other thing I said a few months back. I think we may all be worrying a little too much about broken parts. I think in the next few years any part you need for your gun will be easily manufactured on a 3D Printer. Everyday they are making great strides in this technology. They are already making spare parts for collectable cars that can no longer be purchased. Jay Leno just recently purchased his own 3D Printer for just that.

 

[Davises]

Jimdet is spot on- I am no expert in 3D modeling, but I have already made several gun parts by drawing them in AutoCad and having them printed by one of the online 3D print shops...they were all low stress parts, and I wouldn't think I could have a bolt printed just yet, but the technology will allow that within a few years I bet...and then we will never have to worry about spare parts again. In he meantime I do buy every spare part I can...I like having two of everything.

 

[Battering ram NIB]

is it a WH M1?

thompsons should be $10k more than a FNC

you must have found a bargain M1

 

[TheColtCollector]

is it a WH M1?

thompsons should be $10k more than a FNC

you must have found a bargain M1

It's not a WH, Urich clone form 1 that has all the Bridgeport and is US property stamps applied to

 

[sweersa]

I'm not an expert on the subject but wouldn't a CNC machine be a viable option to make bolts of higher quality over advanced 3D printing in the foreseeable future?

 

[Kramer]

Due to the material, strength, and hardness I doubt that they will be able to make bolts with 3D printers, CNC is probably the only option.

 

[Davises]

Due to the material, strength, and hardness I doubt that they will be able to make bolts with 3D printers, CNC is probably the only option.

CNC is very expensive- a very small part made from stainless steel was quoted to me at over $1,000. I had it 3D printed in stainless steel for less than $50.00. I know the tech isn't there for 3D printed bolts right now, but I hope it will be soon.

OP I see you sold your FNC already- congrats, and it's too late for me to tell you I think you should keep it! Just kidding- do what makes you happy! Your FNC is one of the nicest ones I've seen...mine is similar but without the engraved logo.

 

[wtrski76]

CNC is very expensive- a very small part made from stainless steel was quoted to me at over $1,000. I had it 3D printed in stainless steel for less than $50.00. I know the tech isn't there for 3D printed bolts right now, but I hope it will be soon.

OP I see you sold your FNC already- congrats, and it's too late for me to tell you I think you should keep it! Just kidding- do what makes you happy! Your FNC is one of the nicest ones I've seen...mine is similar but without the engraved logo.

Yes, CNC is expensive in small quantities due to the time involved in programming and setup, but if one were to make, say, 50 or 100 bolts in one run, the price per unit would drop dramatically. I have never looked at an FNC bolt, but how complex could it really be? All it would take is for someone to model it and send it to a CNC machine shop to have it quoted in larger quantities, then heat treat or whatever post-machining processes may need to be done.

 

[Gracie]

I bought a semi FNC a few years ago for parts. Have all the parts except the upper due to CT state law. Have a NIB fixed stock select fire FNC and also a select fire para FNC both by S&H. I passed! on a NIB select fire Auto Ordinance Thompson advertised in the early 90s in the old Machine Gun News for $1800! I'll bend over so everyone can kick me, I deserve it!

 

[thompson4433]

I'm a big FNC fan but I would trade it for a Thompson in a heartbeat.

 

[Gaujo]

I originally purchased a semi FNC back about ten years ago. I never intended then to get a full auto. After shooting it for a while like the rest of you our there I realized what a prize it was and fell in love with it. I purchased a sear for it a few years later and had Todd at TBA Suppressors install it. A year later I also became concerned about parts and did exactly what You said. I purchased another FNC Semi which I take to the range and enjoy. So now I have all the spare parts I will ever need and can enjoy both guns for less cost than an M16 which isn't nearly as much fun to shoot. Something to think about.

Just curious what you find different about shooting the FNC vs M16. I've always found an M16 uncontrollable, but figured it was me.