Volunteer Enterprises Commando Mark III Thompson .45 ACP Rifle 1928 Clone
SOLD FOR: $800
WOA#: WY230505RB001
Make: Volunteer Enterprise
Model: Commando Mark III
Serial Number: 19501
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “45 CAL SEMI-AUTO VOLUNTEER ENTERPRISES INC. KNOXVILLE, TENN. PATENT NO. 3695143 COMMANDO MARK III 19501”.
Barrel Length: 18” with faux compensator & finned barrel shroud.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade front sight with an open rear aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The fixed buttstock is walnut wood with a smooth surface. The Foregrip is walnut with finger grooves. The buttstock has a steel buttplate. The receiver is made of steel, the frame is made of aluminum. This Tommy features a charging handle on the left side of the receiver. The LOP is 16” from front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition. There are some light scratches on the wood surfaces with a couple compression marks. There are a couple nick on the front and right side of the foregrip.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None. Accepts Grease Gun Magazines.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear around rear sight and sides of the receiver as well as around the front sight. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: none.
Our Assessment: One could say that the internet has brought a lot of unforeseen consequences to the modern world. It could also be said that the lack of internet many years ago created a lot of disadvantages as well – especially for those who were buying items from catalogue. Without the ability to look up your item from several other sources before you buy it with a million reviews on yelp bolstering a range of 1 to 5 stars – people buying from catalog often had no way of fully knowing what they were purchasing. And this was especially true for this particular rifle, the MARK III Commando, which also went through many different names as its manufacturer went under a new name every time it advertised on a new catalog. The MARK III was advertised as a clone of the classic 1928A1 Thompson machine gun. In the low resolution black and white or poorly colored photos of the catalog, it was hard to tell that it wasn’t. It was featured in the Soldier of Fortune Magazines that were very popular among the firearms community more than 20 years ago with the tagline: “Now You Can Have An Attitude Problem AND Back It Up.” Many people were quick to jump on the opportunity with zeal in their hearts to acquire a prohibition era CLASSIC. Unfortunately many who received the package in the mail were left saying, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” Now that you know the controversial history of this rifle, it must be said that these rifles are quite rare nowadays as they were made in limited numbers for a very short time. The only original parts from the Thommy line up on this gun is the buttstock. Remove the plate and you’ll find the slot for the cleaning kit that the original Thompsons had. If you are a collector of firearms or a collector of quirky things, this is definitely an item worth taking a gander over. This rifle has a unique place in firearms history, not for its notorious feats in war used in the hands of war heroes, but notorious for its place in the transitional phase of brick and mortar shops to the market takeover of the internet. Grab this Prohibition Era Classic today and you too can have an attitude and back it up!