Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe 45 ACP 16.5in
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes genuine $250-value 50-round L-drum magazine
- Uses 4140 steel receiver and barrel with authentic blued finish
- 13.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters
- 41-inch overall length qualifies as rifle, no NFA SBR tax stamp required
Trade-offs
- 13-pound weight is 8 pounds heavier than a modern 9mm PCC
- Drum magazine requires specific 11-rotation winding procedure before loading
- Non-standard parts limit aftermarket or repair options
- No optics mounting solution without aftermarket gunsmithing
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe 45 ACP? It’s a faithful semi-automatic reproduction of the classic 1928 Thompson submachine gun, engineered for civilian ownership while retaining the weight, materials, and iconic profile of the original. This Deluxe variant is distinguished by its genuine American walnut stock, blued finish over 4140 steel, and inclusion of both a 20-round stick magazine and a 50-round drum, making it a 13-pound centerpiece for the historically-minded shooter. Note that its 41-inch overall length and fixed stock configuration classify it as a rifle under the National Firearms Act, avoiding the $200 tax stamp and registration required for shorter-barreled versions.
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe used for?
This carbine is primarily a historical range toy and conversation piece for collectors who value authenticity and heft over practical modern ergonomics. Its 7.8-pound trigger pull weight and 13-pound mass make it cumbersome for dynamic shooting, but the .45 ACP cartridge delivers manageable recoil for straightforward target work. Its true value is in its presence on the firing line—handing a new shooter the 50-round drum and watching their reaction is an experience a Stevens 334 Rifle simply can’t provide.
How does the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 compare to a modern 9mm pistol-caliber carbine?
The Thompson is fundamentally a different class of firearm built for aesthetic and historical fidelity, not modern performance. Where a 9mm AR-pattern carbine like a CZ Scorpion weighs around 5 pounds unloaded and uses inexpensive polymer mags, this Thompson is 8 pounds heavier, uses proprietary magazines costing over $100 each, and has a 15.5-inch sight radius that is half that of a standard rifle. The Thompson is better for period-correct display and slow fire; the modern carbine is better for speed, cost-per-round, and modularity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 13 pounds unloaded and measures 41 inches from the compensator to the buttplate. The 16.5-inch barrel itself, with its cooling fins and Cutts-style compensator, contributes over 3 pounds to the total heft. The vertical foregrip adds a 4.5-inch reach, and the walnut stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull, suitable for most adult shooters but non-adjustable.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a shooter seeking a lightweight, affordable plinker or a home defense tool. The weight and length make it unwieldy in confined spaces, and the proprietary drum magazine requires a specific loading procedure taking roughly 90 seconds to fill. It’s also not for a first-time gun owner without mentorship, as the manual of arms for the drum and the safety location differ significantly from modern designs.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 50-round drum, one 20-round stick magazine, a basic manual, and a foam-lined hard case. The drum is the L-type, which uses a clock-spring mechanism similar to the original and must be wound approximately 11 full rotations before loading—a process not explained in the included documentation. Unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting Shotgun, no choke tubes or cleaning kit are included.
Is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 worth it at $1908.99?
Yes, but only if you understand you are paying a premium for iconic styling and historical materials over modern utility. At this price, you are buying a blued steel and walnut museum piece you can actually shoot, not a high-volume range tool. The inclusion of the $250 drum magazine alone adds tangible value, making the base rifle cost roughly comparable to other semi-auto historic reproductions.
Key attributes
| upc | 602686211031 |
| manufacturer | Kahr Arms |
| manufacturer part number | T150D |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 50 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 41 |
| model | T1 |
| number of magazines | 2 50 rd. Drum/20 rd. Stick Mag |
| package height | 6.0 |
| package width | 15.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 26.85 |
| sights | Blade Front/Rear Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original M1A1 Thompson parts?
- No, the Auto-Ordnance reproduction uses modern metric-spec internal components and non-standardized dimensions. While some external cosmetic parts like the vertical foregrip may be interchangeable, the bolt, fire control group, and barrel mounting are proprietary. Attempting to fit original parts usually requires gunsmith fitting and voids the manufacturer warranty.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Barely. With the 41-inch overall length, it will fit diagonally in most 42-inch soft cases but will not fit in a 40-inch case. For safe transport with the drum attached, you need a case at least 45 inches long and 12 inches wide to accommodate the drum's 9-inch diameter.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL. Total transit time is typically 5-7 business days from order to FFL receipt, barring state-specific waiting periods or paperwork delays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my reloads?
- No, all firearm sales are final for safety and regulatory compliance. The warranty covers manufacturer defects but does not extend to ammunition-related issues. For reliable function, Auto-Ordnance recommends factory-loaded .45 ACP with a minimum muzzle energy of 350 foot-pounds, which rules out many light target loads.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Not without modification. The barrel's finned compensator is permanently attached and the threads are not standard ½x28. Adding a suppressor requires a gunsmith to remove the comp and thread the barrel, a $150-300 job that may also require submitting an ATF Form 1 to create a short-barreled rifle unless you permanently attach the suppressor.