Auto-Ordnance

Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1: The Semi-Auto Tommy Gun

The Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 is the closest legal civilian equivalent to the original Thompson submachine gun. It fires semi-auto only in .45 ACP, fed from a 20-round stick magazine or the iconic 50-round drum. The 16.5-inch barrel version is a Title I rifle; shorter-barreled pistol variants are also available. The blowback-operated action uses the original Blish locking system, and the receiver is machined from steel to the same spec as wartime production guns. These are not lightweight modern rifles—the 1927A-1 weighs over 10 pounds—but that heft is part of the authentic Thompson experience. They are popular range guns, collector pieces, and have an undeniable presence that no other firearm replicates.

Auto Ordnance Thompson M1 vs 1927A-1: What’s the Difference?

The Thompson M1 variant is a simplified reproduction of the WWII-era M1 Thompson, which eliminated the Blish locking system and the Cutts compensator of the original 1921/1927 design in favor of a simpler, faster-to-manufacture action. The M1 has a horizontal foregrip and a more austere military appearance. The 1927A-1 retains the vertical pistol foregrip, compensator, and the original art-deco receiver styling of the gangster-era gun. Both fire .45 ACP and accept the same stick and drum magazines. The M1 is the more historically accurate WWII military reproduction; the 1927A-1 is the more visually iconic civilian Thompson. Both are equally fun to shoot.

Auto Ordnance M1 Carbine: The WWII Paratrooper Reproduction

Auto Ordnance also produces a reproduction of the U.S. M1 Carbine—the lightweight semi-auto .30 Carbine rifle issued to millions of American troops in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The AO reproduction uses a birch stock, a parkerized finish, and a 15-round magazine. It weighs 5.4 pounds, making it one of the lightest centerfire semi-autos available. The .30 Carbine cartridge is mild-recoiling, highly controllable, and effective at intermediate ranges. For collectors building a WWII battery, the Auto Ordnance M1 Carbine pairs naturally with the Thompson and 1911 to complete the American GI loadout of that era.

Auto Ordnance 1911 Pistols: GI-Spec .45 ACP

Auto Ordnance produces a line of GI-specification 1911 pistols in .45 ACP that reproduce the look, feel, and function of the standard U.S. military sidearm from WWII through Vietnam. These are not enhanced competition 1911s—they feature fixed GI sights, a standard trigger, and a parkerized or blue finish. What they offer is the authentic GI experience at an accessible price, with modern manufacturing tolerances for reliable function. They are a natural companion purchase to the Thompson or M1 Carbine for a complete WWII collection, and they serve well as a working .45 ACP for anyone who wants a no-frills GI-format 1911.

Thompson Drum vs Stick Magazines: What to Know

Auto Ordnance Thompsons accept both 20-round and 30-round stick magazines and the 50-round L-drum and 100-round C-drum magazines. The stick magazines are the practical choice for range use—lighter, faster to load, and easy to carry. The drum magazines are the visually iconic choice and hold substantially more ammunition, but they add significant weight and are slower to reload. The 50-round L-drum is the most common; the 100-round C-drum is the one from the movies. Both drum types are available as accessories. If you’re buying your first Thompson, a pair of stick magazines is the pragmatic starting point; add a drum when you want the full experience.

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