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Thompson SMG L Drum questions.......


MP5

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Just found an old, original L drum in a box in the back of my closet; I knew I had one but it's been decades since I had seen it!  Is there any difference between winding them 9 or 11 clicks?  Why 9 or 11, and not 10?  Do these require any lubrication after sitting untouched (very dry climate here) for 25 years?  I was thinking maybe a tiny drop of oil or BreakFree CLP on that center inner rotating shaft??  And lastly, what are these things worth today?

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For the rotational center part people grease the internals. I'm talking filled in with grease from a grease gun.

I would go to machinegunboard to get more information on greasing drums. They have a great Thompson section.. with experts.

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The model 1921 has a higher cyclic rate than the 1928 and the drum apparently needed a little more "oomph" in feeding rounds to keep up with it, so it was recommended to wind to 11 clicks for the 1921 and 9 clicks for the 1928.  Original drums can range from around $500 to over $1,000, depending on rarity and condition.  I will second the suggestion to check out the Thompson board at machinegunbooks.com.  Those guys are Thompson fanatics and the level of knowledge there is astounding.

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It would be definitely less than $75 (that was the price listed from the link) 

I'll have to look to see if I still have parts lying around. I had bought more than I needed but I think I need to buy a cap. I've been planning on designing a better one, but haven't had a chance to look. 

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