It looks like it might be a 1927 M1. I've never seen a Thompson without a fluted barrel but I found one just now on gunbroker that looks very similar. Says it's new in box so it's probably a recent deal.
The auto ordnance website doesn't even list the 1927 for some reason.
I couldn't locate anything that told me if it was aluminum or steel.
CJB nailed it. This things weigh a ton, even the aluminum ones are heavy. The bolt alone has to be 3 or 4 pounds. And I agree the magazine is generally the root of most malfunctions.
GhostSoldier is my go to guy for Tommy Gun stuff, he don't post much of late but might still check occasionally.
I modified my mag catch so I could use standard WWII mags without modification.
The newer Tommy's for some reason they elongate the catch hole in the mag. I have no idea why they do that.
There seem to still be a lot of WWII mags out there, must have been a ton of them made. Nobody has made aftermarket mags that I'm aware of and there's still mags out there.
Even brand new Thompson's come with WWII mags. Weird huh?
If you just shoot occasionally the aluminum might be ok, if you shoot a lot, definitely stick with the steel.
Get back to us when you get that thing, might be a learning experience for all of us.
In Memory of Paul "Dietrich" Stines.
Dad: Say something nice to your cousin Shirley
Dietrich: For a fat girl you sure don't sweat much.
Cue sound of Head slap.
RIP Muggsy & TMan
"If you are a warrior legally authorized to carry a weapon and you step outside without that weapon, then you become a sheep, pretending that JOCKO will not come today."