Les Jones: Volunteer Enterprises Commando, Made in Knoxville, TN

July 03, 2007

Guns > Volunteer Enterprises Commando, Made in Knoxville, TN

I've known since I was a kid that the Volunteer Enterprise Commando was made in Knoxville. I didn't know where in Knoxville until I saw the cover of the owner's manual. Clinton Highway, PO Box 12198.

Does anyone have any idea where on Clinton Highway that might have been?

UPDATE: Micheal Silence at the Knoxville News-Sentinel was kind enough to link this post. One of his readers, Rick Forman, wrote: "I don't know the exact address but they were made in Claxton in a steel building across from Old State Cir. next to Bull Run Rd. My brother worked there for a while in the early 70's." *

Based on that information I found this satellite image at Google Maps. The next time I'm out Clinton Highway I'll pop in some of those buildings. I'm betting someone knows which one was formerly Volunteer Enterprises.

* NOTE FOR Y'ALL WHAT AIN'T FROM AROUND HERE - Claxton is an area on Clinton Highway. It's either a community or possibly a town that was annexed by Knoxville (I'm a little unclear on that point, so if you know, don't be bashful about posting in comments). There are many parts of Knoxville, like Bearden, that were once cities unto themselves before being annexed as Knoxville grew, and which retain parts of their original identities.

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Comments

And if they do, hopefully they will be glad to volunteer the information.

Posted by: triticale at July 04, 2007

They will if they're enterprising.

Posted by: Les Jones at July 04, 2007

And then you can incorporate their answer in this post.

Posted by: triticale at July 05, 2007

And if they don't volunteer the information I might get PO'd and box them.

Posted by: Les Jones at July 05, 2007

I have seen and held one of these guns. They seem to have real nice fit and finish, as I recall. If I can locate the gent who owns it, I'll send you some pictures.

Posted by: Stoney at July 05, 2007

I have had the fortune of having a volunteer thompson. It is not a commando, it is supposedly a prototype. The Receiver is round, not square, the bolt has no charging handle, you have to reach into the chamber area and pull the bolt back by hand, pretty easy to do. The serial number starts with EXP, Experimental?

Posted by: Sam at July 16, 2007

I have a Voluteer Mark 45. I am trying to locate a manual. If anyone can help or point me in the right direction I would appreciate the help.

Posted by: tom at February 24, 2008

I just purchased a volunteer arms commando 45 with two 30rd clips for $300.This rifle is awesome!Does anyone have or know where i can buy a forearm pistol grip for this?Also i no that the M3 mags work in theses guns if you use a dremel and grind a half moon shape in the mag retaining hole.

Posted by: lilhustler at April 18, 2008

I have spare manual to send if anyone wants one. Also have a vertical pistol grip and stock for sale. The grip is plastic, and has been painted, but paint will remove easily. The stock is woood, in good shape, but does not fit my M5. apparently there was modification as to mounts on different models. I am looking for a sling that will fit my M5. Anyone try to buy one? Would appreciate any help. Incidently, Numrich has mags for 19.95 for the .45 cal. They also need a slight half moon on top of original retaining hole. Work great

Posted by: Mike at April 20, 2008

Does any one know where I may be able to find one of these guns? Or a little more about the history of it?

Posted by: Ryan at May 27, 2008