There’s a certain thrill that comes with holding a piece of history. For many of us, the iconic Thompson submachine gun represents an entire era. I’ve always been fascinated by historical firearms, but the cost, legality, and logistics of owning a real one are prohibitive. I was looking for something that could replicate that feeling—the weight, the action, the sheer fun of sending a stream of projectiles downrange—without needing a federal license or a second mortgage. That search for an accessible, exhilarating shooting experience led me right to this remarkable replica.
- 30-shot, .177 caliber BB air pistol with realistic blowback action; Semi-auto and full-auto shooting modes
- Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 not included)
What to Consider Before Buying a CO2 Replica Air Rifle
Before you dive into the world of historical airgun replicas, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. The ideal customer for the Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle is a history enthusiast, a backyard plinker seeking maximum fun, or a collector who appreciates meticulous detail. This isn’t a precision target rifle for competition or a high-powered airgun for serious pest control. It’s designed for one thing above all else: pure, unadulterated joy. Key factors to consider are realism, power source, and action. Do you want something that feels like the real deal? Are you prepared for the CO2 consumption that comes with a blowback, full-auto system? If you answered “yes” to those questions, you’re in the right place. This rifle delivers an experience few others in its class can match, blending historical accuracy with the simple pleasure of blasting cans.
For those who prioritize this unique combination of historical authenticity and backyard fun, the Umarex Thompson M1A1 is a standout choice that delivers an unforgettable experience.
While the Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: Unboxing a Piece of History
The moment we lifted the Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle from its box, we knew it was special. The first thing you notice is the heft. At 7.8 pounds, its all-metal frame and barrel give it the substantial, authentic feel of the original firearm. This isn’t a plastic toy; it’s a serious piece of engineering. The faux-wood stock and grips are surprisingly convincing, with a quality finish that looks and feels terrific. As one user noted, “With a quick look you cannot tell it from a real M1A1.” The controls—the safety selector, the semi/full-auto switch, and the magazine release—are all crisp and function just like the real steel version. It immediately feels solid, well-built, and ready for action.
What We Like
- Incredibly realistic all-metal construction and substantial weight
- Exhilarating full-auto and semi-auto blowback action
- Surprisingly accurate for a smoothbore BB rifle at close ranges
- High rate of fire provides an immense amount of fun
- Authentic controls and feel of the original M1A1
What We Didn’t Like
- Rear peep sight is fixed and cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation
- Consumes two 12g CO2 cartridges at a time, leading to high running costs
- Some user reports mention potential long-term durability concerns
Performance Deep Dive: How Does the Thompson Hold Up?
A replica can look the part, but the real test is how it performs. We put the Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle through its paces to see if the shooting experience lived up to its incredible first impression. From loading the magazine to that first full-auto burst, this air rifle is an absolute event.
Realism and Build Quality
Umarex absolutely nailed the look and feel. The all-metal frame isn’t just for show; it gives the rifle a rugged durability that you can feel with every movement. The weight is balanced well, making it comfortable to shoulder and aim. The open-bolt blowback action is the star of the show, providing a satisfying “clack” with every shot that mimics the mechanics of the original. Several users confirmed our findings, with one stating it “feels like real wood, all metal so it’s on the heavier side (just like the real one).” For collectors or anyone using it for photoshoots or film, this level of detail is a massive plus.
The Full-Auto Experience
Let’s be honest: this is why you’re here. Flipping the selector switch to full-auto is where the magic happens. The rate of fire is, as one user put it, “insanely high.” Squeezing the trigger unleashes a torrent of BBs with a concussive force from the blowback that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. It’s loud, it’s powerful, and it’s ridiculously fun. We found ourselves giggling after the first magazine dump, a sentiment echoed by a user who said he “had to buy it” after seeing videos of people “giggling like little girls.” This is the core appeal of the rifle. If you’ve ever wanted to experience full-auto fire, this Umarex Thompson M1A1 delivers that thrill in a safe and accessible package.
Accuracy and Sighting
This is the one area where we have to temper expectations. The Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle has a smoothbore barrel designed for .177 caliber steel BBs, not rifled for precision pellet shooting. The biggest drawback, confirmed by multiple users, is the fixed rear peep sight. You cannot adjust it for windage or elevation. Our unit, like one user’s, seemed to shoot a few clicks off from the point of aim. That said, for its intended purpose of plinking, it’s more than adequate. We had no trouble punching holes in soda cans from 15-20 yards in semi-auto. As one shooter noted, “no problem hitting a water bottle at 15-20 yards.” Just don’t expect to be winning any marksmanship competitions with it.
CO2 Consumption and Magazine
The exhilarating performance comes at a cost: CO2. The heavy, 30-round drop-free magazine houses two 12-gram CO2 cartridges, which are pierced simultaneously. Based on our testing and user reports, you can expect to get through about three full magazines (90-100 shots) before the power drops off significantly. This is standard for a full-auto blowback rifle of this type. While one user reported getting an optimistic 7-8 reloads, the consensus points to a more conservative shot count. We highly recommend buying CO2 cartridges in bulk and, as another user suggested, picking up a spare magazine to keep the fun going without constant reloading breaks.
What Other Users Are Saying
The sentiment online is overwhelmingly positive, with the word “fun” appearing in nearly every review. One user summed it up perfectly: “If I could sum this gun up in one word it would be ‘fun’.” Many praise the rifle’s astonishing realism and the sheer joy of its full-auto capability, calling it an “amazing work of art.” However, the feedback isn’t without criticism. The most common complaint is the fixed rear sight, which multiple users wished was adjustable. A more serious concern comes from a small number of users who reported long-term reliability issues, with one stating his Umarex rifles “last about a month before you have to send it back.” While our test unit ran flawlessly through hundreds of rounds, this is something potential buyers should be aware of.
Alternatives to the Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle
The Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle excels at being a fun, historical replica. If your needs lean more towards precision, hunting, or single-shot target practice, you might consider these alternatives.
1. Gamo Silent Cat Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle
- VELOCITY: .Shoots .177 Caliber pellets up to 1200 FPS (1000 FPS Lead)
- PROPULSION: Breakbarrel Spring Piston Single Shot
The Gamo Silent Cat is a completely different beast. It’s a single-shot, breakbarrel pellet rifle designed for quiet backyard shooting and pest control. It fires .177 caliber pellets, not BBs, and features a rifled barrel and an included 4×32 scope for much greater accuracy. If precision is your priority over rate of fire, the Gamo is a more practical choice.
2. Barra Air Guns Sportsman 900 BB Rifle 177 Caliber 800 FPS
- USE YOUR CHOICE OF .177 CALIBER(4.5mm) PELLETS OR BBs for tons of shooting fun with plenty of power for target shooting and backyard plinking.
- CONSISTENTLY HIT YOUR TARGETS WITH A 20 Inch Rifled Barrel, included 4x15 Scope, and Adjustable Fiber Optic Sights.
The Barra Sportsman 900 offers versatility. As a multi-pump pneumatic rifle, its power is adjustable, and it can shoot both BBs and pellets. This makes it suitable for a wider range of activities, from plinking to small game hunting. It lacks the historical realism and full-auto action of the Thompson but provides more flexibility and doesn’t require CO2 cartridges.
3. Hatsan Mod 95 Spring Combo
- Mod 95 Spring Combo
- Mod 95 Spring Combo
The Hatsan Mod 95 is aimed at the serious airgun enthusiast. It’s a powerful spring-piston rifle known for its high-quality construction, often featuring a genuine walnut stock. Like the Gamo, it’s a single-shot pellet rifle built for accuracy and power, making it a viable option for small game hunting. It’s a tool for marksmanship, whereas the Thompson is a machine built for fun.
Our Final Verdict: Is This a Must-Buy?
If you are looking for a hyper-realistic, historically significant air rifle that delivers an unmatched level of fun, the Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle is an absolute home run. The weight, the all-metal build, and the thrilling full-auto blowback action create an experience that is simply addictive. While it won’t win any awards for precision due to its fixed sights and smoothbore barrel, it was never designed to. It was designed to make you smile, and it succeeds spectacularly. For collectors, history buffs, and anyone who wants to feel like a G-Man in their own backyard, this rifle is a worthwhile purchase.
If you’ve decided the Umarex Thompson M1A1 CO2 Air Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API