The Good:
The M1A1 weighs a ton. Unfortunately, I don't have a scale handy, but I can tell you that the shipping weight is 12 pounds. I showed it to two different real steel collectors, and their first comment was on the realistic weight. This weight comes from an almost entirely metal construction. About the only parts that aren't metal are the "wood" portions. As to the "wood" parts, everything you've heard is true. Without the seam running down the buttstock, it would be almost impossible to tell the pieces weren't wood. The plastic is well textured and colored, and it even absorbs and holds heat like wood. If you're a collector, this is definitely one to own. It's potentially short run is an important buying point, along with the relatively low number of WWII replicas produced period. However, the biggest buying point on the M1A1 has got to be the realism. This is by far the best stock replica I've seen, due largely to it's mostly metal construction. From what I can see, everything is correct. From the alignment lug on the clip to the operating, but not functional, cocking bolt. Finally, there is a high-capacity magazine already available to upgrade your firepower to 190 rounds.

The Bad:
The M1A1 comes in an extemely attractive box, unfortunately, it will probably not reach you that way. There is very little structure inside the box to hold the M1A1 in place during shipping. When mine arrived, one side of the box had been nearly worn through by the rear sight structure, and the bottom of the box was damaged by wear from the cocking bolt. However, it is still nice enough to use for storage if you don't own a display cabinet. The opening in the buttstock for the battery is extremely tight. This leaves little room for modification, and it is difficult to get the door to shut tight over it. However, it is sufficient to hold the stock battery and the rigidity of the buttstock does not allow the battery to deform it. Finally, The metal "barrel" is held in place over the AirSoft barrel by a setscrew. Mine had worked it's way loose during shipping. Although it had not come completely out, it did create quite a bit of wobble in the barrel and foregrip. This can be remedied with a couple of turns of an allen-wrench and some light-hold ThreadLok, but be sure to check it.

The Ugly Truth:
Rating: 5 - What are you waiting for? BUY IT NOW!
Overall, I cannot possibly recommend the Tokyo Marui AEG Thompson M1A1 enough, but get your's quick, because they may not be easily available in the near future. Whether you're a collector or a player, this is a must have. I'm afraid I might have to break my long standing rule, and buy a second one. I just can't bring myself to rebuild my only one, even if it is for the ALIENS Pulse Rifle.

Comments:
What can I say that hasn't already been said? The M1A1 instantly topped my list as my favorite AirSoft replica. This thing is amazing. I fail to understand Tokyo Marui's and certain retailer's "Who would want one?" attitude. Yes, to be accurate, this should be used with WWII uniforms, not SWAT web gear, but who cares? A good replica is a good replica, and this one is just as powerful as it is beautiful.

Let me clear up one thing in advance though. This is not the "Tommy Gun" of gangster fame, and it cannot easily be converted to an accurate replica of one. The Thompson made famous as the "Tommy Gun" was the model M1921 - M1928A1. There are several major differences between the M1A1 and the "Tommy Gun". A few of these differences include:

• The M1928A1 had a ribbed barrel. The M1A1 had a smooth barrel.
• The M1928A1 had a pistol-style vertical forward grip. The M1A1 had a standard horizontal foregrip.
• The M1928A1 had a top-mounted cocking bolt. The M1A1 had a side-mounted cocking bolt.
• The M1928A1 could accept an optional drum magazine. The M1A1 could not.
• The M1928A1 had a compensator at the end of the barrel forward of the front sight. The M1A1 did not.

Where to buy:
MFI
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