For American shooters who value history and craftsmanship, the Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe in .45 ACP offers a tangible connection to a legendary firearm. Whether you’re a collector seeking an authentic piece of firearms heritage or a target shooter looking for a reliable and enjoyable range companion, this rifle delivers a distinctive experience. Its robust construction and iconic profile make it a standout choice for anyone who appreciates American engineering and the timeless appeal of the Thompson platform.
Product Overview: A Classic Reimagined for Today’s Shooter
The Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .45 ACP, designed to faithfully replicate the look and feel of the original Thompson submachine gun. This model is intended for civilian ownership and use, making it an excellent option for target shooting, historical reenactments, and as a centerpiece for firearm collections. It is not a tactical tool for home defense or concealed carry due to its size and weight, but rather a purpose-built rifle for those who appreciate precision, reliability, and a piece of American history. The Deluxe variant includes a 100-round drum magazine and a 20-round stick magazine, providing versatility for extended range sessions.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, blowback-operated
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
- Overall Length: 41 inches
- Weight: Approximately 13 pounds (unloaded)
- Finish: Blued steel
- Stock: Walnut wood with vertical foregrip
- Sights: Adjustable rear peep sight and blade front sight
- Magazine Capacity: 100-round drum and 20-round stick magazine included
- Safety: Manual thumb safety, cross-bolt safety, and a bolt hold-open device
- Muzzle: Milled compensator (non-functional on semi-auto model)
Feature Deep-Dive: What Makes This Model Stand Out
The 16.5-inch barrel on this Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe is a key feature that balances historical authenticity with modern legal requirements for a rifle-length firearm. This barrel length allows for a full-length wooden foregrip and a classic profile, while still maintaining the iconic proportions of the original design. The blued finish is applied evenly across all steel components, providing a deep, lustrous appearance that resists corrosion and wear with proper care. This finish is a hallmark of traditional firearm craftsmanship and complements the walnut stock beautifully.
The walnut stock and foregrip are crafted from select American walnut, offering a warm, rich grain that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The wood is finished with a satin lacquer that protects against moisture and handling, while the checkering on the pistol grip and foregrip provides a secure hold. The vertical foregrip, a signature of the Thompson design, allows for a natural and comfortable shooting stance, reducing fatigue during extended range sessions. The stock features a metal buttplate with a checkered pattern, ensuring the rifle stays firmly planted against your shoulder.
The semi-automatic action is a blowback-operated system, which is reliable and straightforward to maintain. This design cycles .45 ACP ammunition smoothly, and the bolt assembly is robust enough to handle thousands of rounds with minimal issues. The bolt hold-open device locks the bolt back after the last round, making it easy to see that the firearm is empty and simplifying reloading. The manual thumb safety and cross-bolt safety provide two layers of security, giving the shooter confidence when handling or storing the rifle.
The included 100-round drum magazine is a standout accessory, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. This drum is a faithful reproduction of the original design, constructed from steel and finished to match the rifle. It loads via a spring-loaded mechanism and feeds reliably when properly maintained. The 20-round stick magazine offers a lighter, more compact option for casual shooting or when the drum is not needed. Both magazines are designed to fit the Thompson 1927A-1 receiver securely, with a latch that ensures positive retention.
The adjustable rear peep sight and blade front sight are designed for accuracy at typical rifle distances. The rear sight can be adjusted for windage and elevation, allowing the shooter to zero the rifle for their preferred ammunition. The sight picture is clear and intuitive, with a large aperture that is easy to align quickly. The front blade sight is protected by wings, reducing the risk of damage during transport or handling. This sight system is well-suited for target shooting and plinking, providing consistent performance out to 100 yards or more.
Ideal Use Cases
- Target Shooting and Plinking: The combination of a reliable semi-automatic action and .45 ACP recoil makes this rifle a joy to shoot at the range. The 100-round drum allows for extended strings of fire without interruption.
- Historical Reenactments and Collection: As a faithful reproduction of the Thompson submachine gun, this rifle is a natural fit for collectors and reenactors who value authenticity. Its build quality and finish make it a display-worthy piece.
- Hunting (Varmint and Small Game): While not a primary hunting rifle, the .45 ACP caliber is suitable for varmint control or close-range hunting of small game where legal. Check local regulations before using for this purpose.
- Range Training and Familiarization: For shooters interested in historical firearms or those who want to practice with a classic platform, this rifle provides a unique training tool that is both functional and educational.
Compatibility Notes
This rifle is chambered for .45 ACP ammunition, which is widely available from major manufacturers such as Federal, Remington, Winchester, and others. It functions reliably with standard-pressure .45 ACP loads, both in full-metal-jacket and hollow-point configurations. The 100-round drum and 20-round stick magazines are specific to the Thompson 1927A-1 platform and are not interchangeable with other firearm models. Spare magazines and drums are available from Auto Ordnance and aftermarket suppliers. Due to the rifle’s weight and design, it is not intended for holster carry, but a padded soft case or hard case is recommended for transport and storage. Accessories such as slings, cleaning kits, and replacement parts are available through Auto Ordnance and major firearms retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this rifle be shipped directly to my home?
No. As a licensed FFL retailer, we can only ship this firearm to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state of residence. Once the rifle arrives at your chosen dealer, you will complete the required background check and paperwork to take possession. We do not ship firearms directly to residential addresses.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After placing your order, you will need to provide us with the contact information for your local FFL dealer. We will verify their license and ship the rifle to them. You should contact your chosen dealer in advance to confirm they accept transfers and to understand any fees they may charge. Once the rifle arrives, you will fill out ATF Form 4473 and undergo a background check per federal and state law.
3. What type of ammunition is compatible with this rifle?
This rifle is designed to fire standard .45 ACP ammunition. We recommend using factory-new ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Reloaded or remanufactured ammunition may cause reliability issues or safety concerns and is not recommended. Always follow the ammunition guidelines in the owner’s manual.
4. What is the warranty on this Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe?
Auto Ordnance provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. For full details, please refer to the warranty card included with your firearm or contact Auto Ordnance directly.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to federal regulations and safety concerns, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have left our facility. All sales are final. If your rifle arrives with a manufacturer defect, we will work with Auto Ordnance to facilitate a warranty repair or replacement. Please inspect your firearm immediately upon pickup from your FFL dealer and contact us within 48 hours if any issues are found.
Order with Confidence
We ship this Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe to licensed FFL dealers across the United States, including all states where this firearm is legal to own. Our team is experienced in handling firearm transfers and will ensure your order is processed quickly and securely. If you have any questions about compatibility, shipping, or the ordering process, please contact our customer service team. We are here to help you add this classic American rifle to your collection.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.