Just an example of messing around with the level of detail for a model. If you find some models disappear or become too blocky, other than turning LoD off for all models via r_uselod 0, you can create a new .lod file by using togglemenu lodtool in console to increase the distance it takes before it deforms, or turn it off completely. I did this for a couple of models in my morocco map (lantern with flame, and a map) and shipped the files with the pk3 because they just weren't usable when disappearing after 3 feet.

The .lod file is stored where the model files for that tik reside (you can find that by looking in the tik file). For the thompson, it was created here:

thompsonlod.png