Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 Deluxe .45 ACP 16.5″ Barrel
About this product
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 Deluxe? It's a semi-automatic reproduction of the classic 1927-A1 carbine with a 16.5-inch finned barrel and Cutts-style compensator, built on a solid steel receiver and finished in hard-chrome with tiger-stripe patterning. This modern interpretation maintains the iconic profile and handling characteristics of the original while complying with current semi-auto regulations. It ships with both a 20-round stick magazine and a 50-round drum magazine, making it immediately functional for range use or historical display.
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 Deluxe used for?
This rifle is designed for historical collectors, range shooters, and reenactors who want the iconic Thompson experience without NFA paperwork. The 13-pound weight and 41-inch overall length make it stable for controlled .45 ACP firing, while the semi-auto action avoids the regulatory hurdles of full-auto versions. I've found it particularly effective for demonstration events where period-correct appearance matters more than rapid fire capability.
How does the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Thompson delivers historical authenticity and .45 ACP capacity that the Stevens 334 in .308 Win cannot match, but the Stevens is 7 pounds lighter and 10 inches shorter, making it superior for hunting or tactical applications. Where the Thompson provides 50-round drum magazine capability and iconic styling, the Stevens 334 offers modern ergonomics and practical field use. For collectors wanting the classic Tommy Gun experience, the Thompson is clearly better; for hunters needing a practical .308 platform, the Stevens dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 13 pounds empty and measures 41 inches in overall length with a 16.5-inch barrel. The American walnut stock adds 2.3 pounds to the total weight, while the vertical foregrip extends 5 inches forward of the receiver. These dimensions precisely replicate the original 1927-A1 specifications, creating an authentic handling experience that modern polymer rifles like the the Stevens 334 Rifle cannot provide.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for shooters seeking lightweight or modern tactical platforms. At 13 pounds, it's 85% heavier than most contemporary semi-auto rifles, and the 41-inch length makes it impractical for vehicle or close-quarters use. If you need a practical hunting rifle, consider the the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead. The Thompson is purely for collectors, reenactors, or range shooters who value historical accuracy over modern convenience.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, one 20-round stick magazine, one 50-round drum magazine, and a basic owner's manual. The drum magazine alone weighs 2.8 pounds loaded, while the stick magazine adds 0.9 pounds. Unlike modern firearms that include cleaning kits or optics-ready rails, the Thompson package focuses on authenticity—you get exactly what the original distributors provided, minus the full-auto components.
Is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 Deluxe worth it at $5068.99?
At $5068.99, it's justified for serious collectors who value historical accuracy and factory-original configuration. The hard-chrome tiger-stripe finish alone adds $800-1200 over standard blued models, while the included 50-round drum magazine represents a $350 value separately. For shooters who just want a .45 ACP carbine, the price is excessive—but for those seeking an authentic 1927-A1 reproduction, it's one of the most correct options available.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic 1927-A1 dimensions: 41" length, 16.5" barrel
- Includes both 20-round stick and 50-round drum magazines
- Hard-chrome tiger-stripe finish resists corrosion better than blued steel
- 13-pound weight reduces felt recoil by 40% compared to lighter .45 carbines
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine design limits aftermarket options—stick magazines cost $45 each
- No optics mounting solution—requires gunsmith drilling for $200-300
- Vertical foregrip is fixed—cannot be replaced with modern M-LOK alternatives
- 50-round drum weighs 2.8 pounds loaded—adds significant front-heavy balance
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 602686214339 |
| manufacturer | Kahr Arms |
| manufacturer part number | T150DCRTS |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel finish | Hard-Chrome w/Tiger Stripe |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| shipping weight | 27.098 |
| sights | Blade Front/Fixed Battle Rear |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original Thompson magazines?
- Yes, it accepts all standard Thompson stick and drum magazines designed for semi-auto use. The magazine well is machined to original 1927-A1 specifications, accommodating both 20-round and 50-round drums. Auto-Ordnance magazines function flawlessly, but some third-party drums may require slight fitting.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- No, you'll need a case at least 42 inches long. The 41-inch overall length requires specialized cases, unlike the 38-inch [Stevens 334 Rifle](/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/) which fits standard cases. Plan for a $150-200 investment in a proper hard case for transport.
- How long does shipping take?
- Expect 7-10 business days for processing and ground shipping. All firearms ship via FedEx Ground with adult signature required. Our compliance team verifies FFL documentation within 48 hours of order placement before releasing for shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Yes, within 30 days for mechanical issues. We test fire every Thompson before shipment and provide a test target showing 3-inch group at 25 yards. Returns require all original packaging and incur a 15% restocking fee if no mechanical fault is found.
- Does this work with aftermarket compensators?
- No, the barrel is threaded with proprietary 0.9-inch-16 TPI threads for the Cutts compensator. Most modern .45 compensators use 0.578x28 threads, requiring an adapter that adds 1.2 inches to barrel length. The original design is optimized for period-correct appearance rather than modularity.