I agree with Ghostsoldier who happens to be my go to guy for all questions regarding Thompsons. I think his SBR is the envy of everyone here for sure.
I have a 1927 A1. I thought I wanted the light weight also but it's still not very light weight and I heard apparently the same horror stories.
I chose the 27 A1 so that I could use sticks or drums. I knew I wanted wood, no tupperware on a tommy. I also replaced the vertical gangster foregrip with a horizontal GI type forearm. Got an extra buttstock and cut it off about an inch so it fits me alot better also.
Now I got lots of options. I'm looking to go the SBR route myself but it's went to back burner status for the time being.
You totally rock for thinking of getting your dad a tommy for his 90th birthday. Wish I could be there when he opens that package up. Hope you get alot of good pictures. He's gonna be thrilled beyond description.
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."