Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1C .45 ACP 20rd Walnut-Poly
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic 16.5-inch finned barrel with compensator maintains classic profile while ensuring non-NFA, Title I status.
- Weighs 10.8 lbs unloaded—provides a stable, low-recoil shooting platform for .45 ACP.
- Accepts both original and reproduction stick/drum magazines for display and high-capacity range use (up to 100-round drums).
Trade-offs
- Walnut-grain polymer furniture, while durable, lacks the heft and acoustic resonance of genuine walnut, a noticeable trade-off at this price point.
- Fixed, rudimentary iron sights (pinned front blade, fixed battle rear) limit practical accuracy versus modern aperture sights—groups open past 50 yards.
- No included sling swivels or mounting points—requires aftermarket drilling/tapping or a slip-on sling for carry, adding $25-50.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1C .45 ACP 20rd Walnut-Poly? It's a modern, semi-automatic-only rifle that pays homage to the iconic Thompson submachine gun design, chambered for the standard .45 ACP cartridge and intended for the collector and recreational shooter market. Its most critical specification is its 16.5-inch finely-finned barrel, which dictates its federal classification as a Title I long gun rather than a regulated short-barreled rifle (SBR), and its walnut-grain polymer furniture and blued finish provide a classic aesthetic while reducing overall mass and maintenance compared to solid walnut and parkerized steel.
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1C used for?
This rifle is used for range recreation, historical collection, and NFA-compliant display. Its primary function is delivering the distinctive visual and handling experience of a Thompson without the complexity and legal overhead of a select-fire or National Firearms Act (Title II) weapon. It handles smoothly with the included 20-round stick magazine and is accurate enough for casual target shooting at steel out to 100 yards, with the practical limitation being the rudimentary pinned front blade and battle rear iron sights rather than cartridge capability.
How does the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1C compare to the Umarex/Walther .45 ACP 'Tommy Gun' replica?
The Auto-Ordnance is superior in mechanical authenticity and durability, being a centerfire firearm with a direct-blowback action, where the Umarex/Walther offering is a .45 ACP caliber blowback airsoft replica built on a lighter, non-firearm-grade polymer chassis. For a shooter, the Auto-Ordnance provides genuine recoil impulse, barrel heat, and the ability to use live .45 ACP ammunition, while the replica focuses purely on cost-effective visual display and airsoft plinking. The Auto-Ordnance's actual steel receiver and functional controls make it a true firearm platform, weighing a substantial 10.8 pounds unloaded compared to the replica's sub-8-pound feel.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 10.8 pounds (4.9 kg), with an overall length of 41 inches (1041 mm) determined by its non-NFA 16.5-inch finned barrel. The receiver height from the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the magazine well is 7.25 inches (184 mm), and the width across the horizontal foregrip is 3.1 inches (79 mm). This makes it a substantial, bench-friendly rifle, not a quick-handling carbine; its balance point is forward of the magazine well, contributing to its stable but deliberate swing, unlike quicker-handling modern carbines like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for users seeking a lightweight, modular, or optics-ready tactical firearm, or for anyone on a tight budget for both the firearm and its ammunition. The .45 ACP cartridge, while controllable, costs approximately 40-50 cents per round for factory ball, making sustained range sessions expensive compared to 9mm or .223 platforms. It is also not for shooters hoping to circumvent NFA rules; despite its 'Tommy Gun' looks, this is a fixed-stock, long-barreled rifle, and attempting to configure it as a pistol or SBR without proper ATF Form 1 approval is a felony.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 20-round steel stick magazine, a user manual, and a cable lock. Contrary to some expectations, it does not include a cleaning kit, dummy rounds for function checking, or the iconic 50-round drum magazine, which must be purchased separately for an additional $150-$250. The packaging is a simple cardboard box with fitted foam, adequate for transport from the FFL but not for long-term storage, which I recommend utilizing a silicone-impregnated gun sock or a dedicated hard case.
Is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1C worth it at $1,154.99?
At this price point, it is worth it specifically for the collector or enthusiast who values historical aesthetic fidelity in a shootable, semi-automatic platform, and understands they are paying a premium for that iconic profile. The cost reflects the specialized machining for the finned barrel and receiver cuts, not high-volume manufacturing. For a shooter whose primary need is a reliable, accurate .45 ACP rifle for hunting or competition, a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge or a modern PCC would offer better practical value. This purchase is an emotional and historical one, justified by the product's unique niche.
Key attributes
| upc | 602686212106 |
| manufacturer | Kahr Arms |
| manufacturer part number | T5P |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 42.7500 |
| model | 1927A1C |
| number of magazines | 1 20 rd. Stick |
| package height | 5.6 |
| package width | 15.9 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 20.15 |
| sights | Blade Front/Rear Adjustable |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original WWII Thompson drum magazines?
- Yes, it accepts original and reproduction 50-round and 100-round drum magazines, provided they are manufactured for the semi-automatic 1927A-1 series. Fully-automatic drums may require modification to the feed lip or ratchet mechanism to function reliably, as noted by vendors like Numrich Gun Parts. I recommend testing any vintage drum with 5 rounds of dummy ammunition before live firing.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Barely. With an overall length of 41 inches, it will fit diagonally in most 42-inch interior-length hard cases, but you will not have room for additional magazines or accessories on the same foam layer. For secure transport, I recommend a case with a minimum interior length of 44 inches, such as the Plano All-Weather 44-inch model.
- Can I mount an optic on this Thompson?
- Not without significant gunsmithing. The receiver top is a smooth, curved surface with no Picatinny rail, and the rear sight is a fixed battle aperture. Aftermarket mounts exist that clamp to the receiver side or replace the rear sight assembly, but they typically cost $80-$150 and may compromise the classic lines. The platform is designed for iron sights only.
- How long does it take to field-strip for cleaning?
- A basic field strip to remove the bolt and spring takes approximately 90 seconds with the included magazine as a takedown tool. Full disassembly of the trigger group and removal of the barrel compensator is not recommended for routine cleaning and requires specialized pins and punches, potentially adding 15-20 minutes to the process.