apache arms .45 cal thompson semi-auto rifle

hayhugh · 01-28-2022, 07:13 AM

Looking for any and all information on this gun...apache arms .45 cal thompson semi-auto rifle clone. Thank you.

looking

schutzen-jager · 01-28-2022, 09:12 AM

The "Apache" was an almost exact copy of the Spitfire semi-auto and SMG. Do a quick search for "Spitfire" on the web and some info will come up.

Open-bolt, semi auto, uses greasegun mags and a Thompson butt (fixed). Poorly designed trigger group, and some extractor/feed ramp issues.

Very easy to convert to full automatic......was not well liked by the ATF.

sheepherder · 01-28-2022, 11:19 AM

I saw that on ProxiBid and remember it from way back when...Ugly POS...

hayhugh · 01-28-2022, 01:56 PM

sheepherder, did you own, shoot or are you commenting on the ad (Ugly POS) you saw?

sheepherder · 01-28-2022, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayhugh

sheepherder, did you own, shoot or are you commenting on the ad (Ugly POS) you saw?

Esthetics only. I did have an acquaintance who bought one. He only had it a couple weeks. Unlike a real Thompson, it has many stamped parts. The same acquaintance also had a deactivated Thompson, and once you've seen and handled a Thompson, you won't want an Apache. Just IMHO.

Firing it, I have no idea.

Is that your Apache?

hayhugh · 01-28-2022, 03:40 PM

Is that your Apache? Yes - Thats her...

sheepherder · 01-28-2022, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayhugh

Is that your Apache? Yes - Thats her...

Good luck on your sale!

I still think it's ugly...

hayhugh · 01-28-2022, 05:06 PM

As I said in my first post "Looking for any and all information on this gun.." Don't really care what you think about her looks.

sheepherder · 01-28-2022, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayhugh

As I said in my first post "Looking for any and all information on this gun.."

The guys in Arizona might have some info -

Apache Arms of Tempe Arizona manufactured a .45 caliber semi auto rifle around 1968. Externally, it resembles the Spitfire or Volunteer series weapons of the same caliber. The Spitfire and Volunteer models used a tubular receiver, the Apache used a square type, closer resembling the Thompson. It also has a cast alloy muzzle attachment designed to give the appearance of a compensator but it has no operational merit. Internally, it differs radically from the Spitfire and Volunteer. It had a barrel length of 16.5" and an overall length of 37.5" and used a M3 30 round mag. Apache Arms later changed their name to Bowers Industries and moved to Mesa Arizona.

Quote:

Don't really care what you think about her looks.

You want to piss me off, you'll have to do better than that.

01-28-2022, 07:13 AM	#1
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 896 Thanks: 857 Thanked 513 Times in 275 Posts	apache arms .45 cal thompson semi-auto rifle Looking for any and all information on this gun...apache arms .45 cal thompson semi-auto rifle clone. Thank you. looking

01-28-2022, 11:19 AM	#3
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,183 Thanks: 1,400 Thanked 4,442 Times in 2,330 Posts	I saw that on ProxiBid and remember it from way back when...Ugly POS... __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

01-28-2022, 09:12 AM	#2
schutzen-jager User Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: peoples republic of New Jersey Posts: 187 Thanks: 208 Thanked 187 Times in 86 Posts	The "Apache" was an almost exact copy of the Spitfire semi-auto and SMG. Do a quick search for "Spitfire" on the web and some info will come up. Open-bolt, semi auto, uses greasegun mags and a Thompson butt (fixed). Poorly designed trigger group, and some extractor/feed ramp issues. Very easy to convert to full automatic......was not well liked by the ATF.

01-28-2022, 01:56 PM	#4
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 896 Thanks: 857 Thanked 513 Times in 275 Posts	sheepherder, did you own, shoot or are you commenting on the ad (Ugly POS) you saw?

01-28-2022, 03:40 PM	#6
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 896 Thanks: 857 Thanked 513 Times in 275 Posts	Is that your Apache? Yes - Thats her...

01-28-2022, 05:06 PM	#8
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 896 Thanks: 857 Thanked 513 Times in 275 Posts	As I said in my first post "Looking for any and all information on this gun.." Don't really care what you think about her looks.