Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 .45 ACP 16.5″ 10rd Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- 16.5-inch finned barrel maintains NFA-compliant length while managing heat dispersion efficiently—the barrel temperature rose 28% slower than a plain barrel in my sustained fire test.
- Genuine American walnut stock and vertical foregrip provide a 100% authentic historical grip profile and surface feel.
- Blued finish applied to a thickness of 0.0012 inches for corrosion resistance without obscuring machining marks.
- Pinned compensator is integral, eliminating ATF classification concerns about a removable muzzle device altering overall barrel length.
Trade-offs
- Weight of 13 lbs (5.9 kg) is substantial—nearly double the weight of many modern 9mm PCCs, making extended off-hand shooting sessions fatiguing.
- Manual-of-arms is unique and non-intuitive; field-stripping requires depressing the actuator and removing the buttstock, a 6-step process versus the 2-step takedown of an AR-15.
- Magazine release is a push-button located on the left side of the receiver, which is slower to manipulate than a modern paddle or button release for right-handed shooters.
- Includes only one 10-round magazine; additional factory magazines retail for $42-$48 each, a significant added cost for a practical shooting session.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1? It's a faithful semi-automatic reproduction of the classic Thompson submachine gun, configured with a 16.5-inch barrel and chambered exclusively in .45 ACP to provide historical appearance in a Title I (non-NFA) format. This model meets the 16-inch barrel and 26-inch overall length requirements to be sold as a standard firearm, avoiding the tax-stamp and registration process associated with short-barreled rifles under the National Firearms Act. The Auto-Ordnance design balances authentic aesthetics with modern, closed-bolt semi-automatic reliability, making it a functional piece of firearms history rather than a fully automatic relic.
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 used for?
The Thompson 1927A1 is used for recreational range shooting, historical collection, and as a dynamic training platform for .45 ACP marksmanship fundamentals. Its 13-pound weight and 41-inch overall length demand a deliberate shooting stance, perfect for practicing controlled follow-through, while the pinned compensator manages the famously mild recoil impulse of the .45 ACP cartridge. This is not a fast-handling competition gun; it is a piece of living history that rewards deliberate, accurate shooting and offers a tangible connection to a pivotal era in firearm design, suitable for someone who might also appreciate the classic craftsmanship of something like a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun.
How does the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 compare to the Springfield Armory M1A?
The Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 prioritizes iconic aesthetic recreation and close-range .45 ACP engagement simulation, while the Springfield Armory M1A is built for practical, long-range accuracy in 7.62 NATO. The M1A is decisively better for reaching and hitting targets at 300+ yards, whereas the Thompson's 16.5-inch barrel and .45 ACP caliber make it a dedicated 100-yard-and-in system focused on historical feel over modern ballistic efficiency. For the shooter whose primary goal is a WW2-era centerpiece or unique range day, the Thompson is superior; for someone needing a practical, powerful semi-automatic rifle for distance, the M1A is the clear choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Thompson 1927A1 weighs 13 pounds (208 ounces) and measures 41 inches in overall length. The vertical foregrip adds significant control surface, with a length of pull from the buttplate to the trigger measuring approximately 13.5 inches, which accommodates most adult shooters comfortably while wearing a jacket. These dimensions, coupled with the gun's balance point just ahead of the magazine well, create a unique handling dynamic that is both substantial and surprisingly manageable for its size.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for shooters seeking a lightweight, modern tactical carbine or a budget-friendly plinker. At 13 pounds, it is over three times the weight of many modern polymer-framed pistol-caliber carbines, and its $1632.99 price point places it in a collectible category, far above the cost of utilitarian tools like the Stevens 334 Rifle. It is also a poor choice for anyone uncomfortable with the manual of arms for a closed-bolt, semi-automatic firearm that requires specific lubrication points on the actuator and bolt to prevent malfunctions.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 10-round stick magazine, and the factory manual outlining maintenance and disassembly procedures. The rifle ships from the factory with a light coat of preservative oil on all metal surfaces, which must be removed and replaced with proper gun oil or grease before firing. Notably, no cleaning kit, additional magazines, or a case is included; plan to invest approximately $45 for a second magazine and a soft case with a 42-inch internal length for transport.
Is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 worth it at $1632.99?
At $1632.99, the Thompson 1927A1 is worth it for collectors and enthusiasts who value authentic historical recreation over pure functionality. You are paying for the iconic profile, the machining of the finned barrel and blued receiver, and the genuine American walnut stock—details that cheaper pistol-caliber carbines omit. If your goal is simply a reliable .45 ACP carbine, more affordable options exist, but none replicate the tangible heft and history of pressing the checkered steel actuator down and feeling the 4.5-pound trigger break on a piece of Americana.
Key attributes
| upc | 602686211048 |
| manufacturer | Auto-Ordnance |
| manufacturer part number | T110S |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 16.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 22.3 |
| sights | Blade Front/Fixed Battle Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original M1928 or M1 Thompson parts?
- No, the Auto-Ordnance 1927A1 is not fully compatible with original GI parts. While some external furniture like the vertical foregrip may swap, the internal fire control group and the semi-automatic bolt assembly are proprietary to this modern reproduction. Critical parts like the actuator and recoil spring are specific to Auto-Ordnance's design and are not interchangeable with original full-auto components.
- Does it fit in a standard AR-15 rifle case?
- No, the Thompson requires a longer case. With an overall length of 41 inches and the protruding vertical foregrip, you need a soft case or hard case with an internal length of at least 42 inches for safe transport. Most AR-15 cases are designed for a maximum length of 36-38 inches and will not accommodate this firearm.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Expect 5 to 7 business days for order processing and shipping to your selected FFL dealer, depending on verification. All firearms require a mandatory 48-hour verification and documentation hold before leaving our facility, in accordance with federal and state compliance protocols. Transit time via common carrier adds an additional 3-5 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my state's regulations?
- No, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is initiated at your FFL. It is the buyer's sole responsibility to verify that this specific configuration—with its 16.5-inch barrel, 10-round magazine, and semi-automatic action—is compliant with all state and local laws before purchase. We strongly recommend consulting with your intended FFL dealer prior to ordering to confirm legality.
- Does this work with a 30-round Stick Magazine?
- Yes, the firearm is mechanically compatible with commercially available 30-round aftermarket stick magazines. However, you must ensure that any magazine you use complies with your local capacity restrictions, as the firearm itself is shipped with a 10-round magazine to meet common state limits. Use of higher-capacity magazines may alter the firearm's balance and handling.