Got to shoot a machine gun today!

[PJgunner]

About 20 years ago, I had a chance to buy a Thompson submachine gun for $1,400 plus the $200 transfer tax. I passed. Been kicking myself ever since. Gun was marked Illinois State Prison, Joliet. About 8 months ago, I saw that same gun for sale for $16,000 plus the transfer tax.
I always wanted to at least shoot one..
There was a guy at the range a while back that had a legal M-16 shorty, and by shorty, I mean a collapsable stock and about a 10" barrel.
We got to talking and he sticks in a 30 rounder, hands it to me and says, "Have fun." I did. he's been at the range a time or two swith a "Ma Duece", the good old 50 caliber Browning. Unforntunately the range masters won't let him shoot that one any more. He'd go through about a dozen full 9 yard belts shooting that thing. I guess that really does bring out the truth of the statement, "He has money to burn." The nice thing is he ain't stingy. he offers to let anybody shoot his full auto toys.
I think that if I ever did spring for one of those, I'd go for the old M-3 grease gun. I had one in Nam and I really gre to like that gun.
Paul B.