Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe .45 ACP 100rd Drum
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.05 lbs — nearly 2 lbs lighter than all-steel 1927A-1 reproductions
- Includes a 100-round drum and 20-round stick magazine for immediate high-capacity use
- 41-inch overall length avoids NFA SBR classification with its fixed stock
- Machined 6061-T6 aluminum receiver reduces fatigue during extended range sessions
Trade-offs
- Drum magazine requires a precise 90-second winding procedure and is prone to feed malfunctions if not loaded exactly to 98 rounds
- No optics rail or modern sighting system included — the blade front and adjustable rear sight is period-correct but slow
- At $1760.99, the cost per round of nostalgic fun is exceptionally high compared to modern PCC platforms
- Proprietary magazine system locks you into Auto-Ordnance factory mags at approximately $45 each for 20-round sticks
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe .45 ACP 100rd Drum? It’s a Title I, semi-automatic rifle that replicates the iconic Thompson silhouette while employing a modern aluminum receiver to shed nearly 2 pounds compared to all-steel reproductions. This configuration, which preserves the 41-inch overall length and fixed stock for NFA compliance, ships with both a 100-round drum and a 20-round stick magazine, making it a direct descendant of the Prohibition-era design built for the modern range.
What is the Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe used for?
This rifle is designed for recreational range shooting and historical collection, not for defensive or competitive use. The 100-round drum magazine encourages extended plinking sessions, while the period-correct walnut-grain furniture and finned barrel meet the needs of enthusiasts who value aesthetic authenticity over tactical utility. Its 8.05-pound unloaded weight is manageable for casual shooting but renders it impractical for anything requiring rapid manipulation.
How does the Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
Compared to the utilitarian Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, the 1927A-1C is a purpose-built novelty item versus a modern hunting platform. The Stevens 334 is objectively better as a tool, offering greater practical accuracy, simpler maintenance, and compatibility with standard detachable box magazines for less than half the price. The Auto-Ordnance wins only in delivering a specific, nostalgia-driven shooting experience that the Stevens cannot match.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.05 pounds (3.65 kg) with an empty receiver, a figure derived from its machined aluminum upper assembly. Its overall length is precisely 41 inches, with a 16.5-inch finned barrel that includes an integrated compensator to help manage .45 ACP recoil. The fixed walnut-style stock contributes to this length and profile, which is non-adjustable—a critical dimension for maintaining compliance without being classified as a Short-Barreled Rifle under the NFA.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for first-time gun owners, budget-conscious shooters, or anyone seeking a modern, ergonomic platform. The manual of arms is archaic, the sights are basic blade-and-notch, and the 100-round drum is a complex, spring-tensioned device that requires specific loading procedures detailed in the manual. If you prioritize reliability, cost-per-round, or aftermarket support, consider a modern pistol-caliber carbine like a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for a similarly priced but more practical range option.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 100-round L-type drum magazine, one 20-round stick magazine, a basic owner's manual, and a cable lock. The drum magazine is the centerpiece, constructed of blued steel and requiring approximately 90 seconds per revolution to wind its internal clock spring to full capacity—a process that demands attention to avoid spring damage. The stick magazine offers a more reliable, if less iconic, 20-round alternative for general use.
Is the Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe worth it at $1760.99?
At $1760.99, its value is exclusively tied to your desire for a specific historical shooting experience. You are paying a substantial premium for the Thompson name, the complex drum magazine, and the machining required for the lightweight aluminum receiver. For that price, you could acquire both a functional hunting rifle and a defensive handgun. Therefore, it is only "worth it" if the iconic profile and operation are non-negotiable parts of your collection.
Key attributes
| upc | 602686212182 |
| manufacturer | Kahr Arms |
| manufacturer part number | T5P100D |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 100 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 2 100 rd. Drum & 20 rd. Stick |
| package height | 5.5 |
| package width | 16.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 23.65 |
| sights | Blade Front/Rear Adjustable |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Thompson aftermarket parts?
- Yes, it accepts most aftermarket furniture and accessories designed for semi-auto 1927-pattern Thompsons, provided they are for the fixed-stock configuration. The 16.5-inch barrel thread pattern is 1/2x28 TPI, allowing for standard .45-caliber muzzle device compatibility. However, the lightweight aluminum receiver may not support heavy optics mounts without potential stress points.
- Does the 100-round drum work with other .45 ACP firearms?
- No, this L-type drum magazine is specifically engineered for the Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1 series and will not function in other Thompson variants or firearms. The magazine well geometry and feed lips are proprietary. For reliable function, use only the included stick magazine or purchase additional factory-labeled Auto-Ordnance 20 or 30-round stick mags.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to carrier pickup via FedEx or UPS. Transit time to your chosen FFL dealer then adds an additional 2-7 business days depending on your location. All shipments require a valid copy of the dealer's FFL license on file with Ironclad Armory before dispatch.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days of transfer for factory-defective firearms, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. You must first contact our support team to initiate an RMA and ship the firearm directly to our licensed repair facility, not back to the originating FFL. Allow 2-3 weeks for inspection, repair, or replacement processing.