Asked him how much Thompsons run for. 30K for a fully working one at times! 
No full auto for me. (30k?!?!?!?!:( )  I going for the semi-auto. Ive seen them for under $800
a couple of my friends bought a lot of military riflles very, very inexpensive.    
  My friends dad got a .303 Enfield for $15 "back in the day". Just like you said. It was a barrel with buttloads more of them.