Coopers Thumper

[Andy]

From "To Ride, Shoot Straight....."

18" long with stock folder
4.5 pounds unloaded Ghostring sights
Clean trigger
Chambered for .44 AutoMag (claiming a very unrealistic 1800 f/s from a 10" bbl)*
Uses "advanced muzzle braking system" that both unlocks the action and pulls weapon forward thus mitigating recoil
20 rd box mag
Semiauto only

* one might get 1600 f/s as a max load gives 1485 from a 7.5" bbl

Jeff Cooper's Commentaries
Previously Gunsite Gossip

Vol. 4, No. 6           May, 1996



Jeff Cooper's Commentaries
Previously Gunsite Gossip

Vol. 9, No. 10          September 11, 2001

Various people are attempting to set up an M16, or something similar, to take
what amounts to a giant pistol cartridge - and to call the result "Thumper."
We intended this term to apply to a more efficient order of infantry sidearm, but
the concept calls for more than just a major caliber M16. While it is true that a
very powerful, large bore, short-range, pistol-type cartridge might be just what
the modern infantryman needs, he also needs less weight and less bulk. The configuration
of the unlamented US 30 caliber carbine seems pretty good, and today Ruger makes that
piece up in 44 Magnum. That appears to be about as close to "Thumper" as we are likely
 to get, since to make the weapon a success it needs to be ordered in large quantities
 by governments, and governments are not pulling in that direction at this time.
This sort of weapon has certain utility in the sporting field, but in no sense matches
the Steyr Scout. Remember that "Thumper" is a government gun, whereas the Scout is
an all-purpose item.

Vol. 11, No. 3          March 2003


At the Beretta display we were shown an item which might be termed a "pseudo thumper," designed and demonstrated by our good friend Ulrich Zedrosser, late of Steyr Mannlicher. It was a very neat, two-handed pistol, which could be developed into a general-purpose infantry arm if it were made to take a powerful cartridge such as the 44 Auto-Mag. As it is, the weapon will take only pistol cartridges, which severely limits its usefulness, in my opinion. Herr Zedrosser pointed out that the action would need to be reworked in order to take the pressure of a big cartridge, since now it is a pure blowback. That could be done. And if I were the boss, it would be done. Reports from Afghanistan reemphasize the desirability of the thumper concept.

[triggertime]

I think the Thumper  is a great idea.  The Ruger 44 carbine is no more.  I would prefer something in the line of a 475 Linebough,  (45 Cal seems to be the perfect combo of meplate and velocity)  in a short carbine for house to house and street to street,  and good to 200 yards.   14"-16" barrel,  collapsible butt stock,  in an M1 Carbine or Mini-14 configuration ( I realize the AR platform will rule,  because the current crop is "used to it")  

If it is meant for inferior troops, (and we do not have the ability to teach them to shoot)   I think the 12 gauge would be a better option,  and hope for the best.

[Andy]

From an email, re: CARTRIDGES:

http://www.frfrogspad.com/

Was 'exploring" and came across some data for the 10 mm Mag cartridge.  This might be an ideal Thumper round.

 From an 8 7/8 bbl it is possible to jolt a 200 gr bullet to a smidge over
1675 f/s (22 gr of WW296) so I'm thinking that with another couple of inches one might expect close to 1800 f/s.

While not a Thumper cartridge I'd like to se someone resurrect the .401 WinSL.  Running at about 37K it would launch a 200 bullet at 2150 from the 20" M10 Winchester semiauto.  Running at say 45K it could be very interesting -- I figure about 2375 or so--and it would fit in an AR type magazine. (It's 2.0 oal vs 2.6 for the 5.56 so one could even lengthen the case a bit and get even more zip.

[Buck Conner]

You guys talking about a 44Mag reminded me I have a rather rare Ruger 77/44 new still in the box, serial number #100. They didn't make very many of them, the Ruger Collectors here in Colorado/Utah went crazy when I took it to last months show in Salt Lake. Had lots of these guys wanting to know how much $$$$$$$$$$.      

[tomconry]

You guys talking about a 44Mag reminded me I have a rather rare Ruger 77/44 new still in the box, serial number #100. They didn't make very many of them, the Ruger Collectors here in Colorado/Utah went crazy when I took it to last months show in Salt Lake. Had lots of these guys wanting to know how much $$$$$$$$$$.      

BTW, The Ruger 77/44 is available again, or at least said to be available on their website.  As such, a new one should be obtainable.  Now perhaps the Ruger .44 Deerslayer semi-auto will make a come back.

[Greg Bell]

I wonder if a 10 inch barreled 458 socom with an A1 upper would get close? I don't know how you would get a 20 round mag though.

[Shooterer]

I wonder if a 10 inch barreled 458 socom with an A1 upper would get close?

WHAT? I can't hear you or see a damn thing.

[Greg Bell]

BUT THE FUN! THE FUN!