From five five-round groups, the Legends M1A1 produced an average group size of 4.29” from 11 yds. While still on the top half of the CO2 charge, I went ahead and performed a formal bench-rested accuracy test. After all, if it’s not harvesting game then all that extra velocity is just a liability. Even still, the functionality is a nice touch.Īfter firing 10 consecutive shots over a chronograph, the Legends M1A1 shot at an average velocity of 442 feet per second, which is right around where you want a recreational BB gun to be. If the bolt stayed back when cocked and slammed forward when fired, that would have made the collector in me smile. Normally This would be impressive realism, but if you know how the real Thompson functions this is incorrect. The M1A1, like many submachine guns, fires from an open bolt. I decided to start my testing by determining the average velocity while the CO2 was fresh.Īfter inserting a filled magazine, I realized that the charging handle needed to be pulled back and released forward to charge the air rifle. This bag measures approximately 3’ x 3’ and has reliably stopped everything shot at it. For safety, there is an archery bag at one end of the property about 19 yds. I do my typical airgun and bow testing out there. The CO2 cartridges are inserted in a back to back formation and then punctured simultaneously as the cap is tightened with the supplied Allen wrench.Įxcited to give it a go, I immediately commuted to the “range,” which involved putting on my tactical Crocs and proceeding to my backyard. When depressed, the magazine catch releases the 30 round stick-magazine that also houses two 12 gm. The magazine catch is also properly positioned and functions as it should.

The locations of both switches are correct, as are the markings.

Just like the real steel there are two selector switches, with one for fire or safe and the other for semi or full automatic. Moving on to the controls, they are identical to a genuine Thompson as well.

M1a1 thompson smg bolt