MIL Thunder 5

Last updated
MIL Thunder 5
COP 357 derringer and Thunder 5 revolver.jpg
A Thunder 5 (right) next to a COP 357 Derringer
TypeRevolver
Place of originUnited States
Production history
ManufacturerMIL, Inc. (Munitions International Laboratory, Inc.)
Produced1992—1998
VariantsCalifornia-approved model
Specifications
Mass48 Ounces
Length9"
Barrel  length2"

Cartridge
Action Double-action
Feed systemFive round cylinder
SightsFixed sights

The MIL, Inc. Thunder 5 is a double-action revolver chambered to fire both the .410-bore shotshell cartridge and the .45 Colt revolver cartridge.

Contents

Description

The Thunder 5 is a large revolver, nine inches in overall length weighing 48 ounces, despite having only a two inch snubnose barrel. The Thunder 5 is chambered for 3-inch-long (76 mm) .410 shotgun shells and .45 Colt cartridges. As the barrel is rifled, the Thunder 5 is not considered a short-barrelled shotgun under United States federal law, but is restricted under California statutes. In 1994 a variant was produced in .45/70 Government that is legal in California.

It was fitted with Pachmayr decelerator grips and was available in either matte or bright stainless steel finish with fixed sights. Unusual for a double-action revolver, the Thunder 5 features a manual safety lever. [1] Sub-caliber sleeve inserts in 9mm Parabellum, .38 Special/.357 Magnum and .38 Super were produced and available until 1998.

It did appear in a few contemporary movies such as RoboCop 3 (1993), Black Dog (1998), and Three Kings (1999); but otherwise generated little interest and was discontinued in 1999. After it was discontinued, the Thunder 5 became a collector's item. [2] In recent years the concept of the .410/.45 hybrid revolver has been revived by Taurus and Smith & Wesson.

See also

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References

  1. Long, Duncan (2004). Streetsweepers: The Complete Book of Combat Shotguns. Paladin Press. p. 56. ISBN   1-58160-436-X.
  2. Fjestad, S.P. (2009). Blue Book of Gun Values 2009. Blue Book Publications. p. 1536. ISBN   1-886768-87-0.