POTD: Cheap and Thompson Have Zero in Common – Commando Mark III
Sam.S 07.18.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a good old cheapo copycat. That being said, it may surprise you that this is not an Auto Ordnance Thompson Submachine Gun. This is the Volunteer Enterprises Inc. Commando mark III Carbine in 45 ACP. These guys popped up in the late 1960s as semiautomatic cheaply made knockoffs. They were straight blowback and harkened back to the affordability of the Stinger rifles that took a similar likeness. They were, unfortunately, unable to take Thompson drum magazines but still took the factory stick magazines. These were made from 1969 until 1976 and were made in 45 ACP and 9mm.
“Manufacturer: Volunteer Enterprises Inc.Model: Commando mark IIIType: CarbineGauge: 45 ACPBarrel: 16 1/2 inch roundFinish: blueStock: walnut”
Lot 398: Volunteer Enterprises Inc. Commando mark III Carbine 45 ACP – Volunteer Enterprises Commando Mark III Semi-Automatic Carbine. (n.d.-i). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2025/398/volunteer-enterprises-inc-commando-mark-iii-carbine-45-acp.
