Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe .45 ACP Carbine
About this product
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe .45 ACP Carbine? It is a semi-automatic reproduction of the classic Thompson submachine gun, chambered in .45 ACP with modern manufacturing tolerances and NFA-compliant operation. This 41-inch long, 13-pound carbine ships with both 20-round stick and 100-round drum magazines, featuring a blued steel finish and genuine American walnut furniture. The pinned Cutts compensator and finned barrel maintain period-correct aesthetics while improving muzzle control.
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe used for?
This carbine serves primarily as a range toy and historical collector's piece, not a practical defensive weapon. Its 13-pound weight and 41-inch length make it cumbersome for home defense compared to modern alternatives like the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic. The .45 ACP chambering provides manageable recoil for recreational shooting, while the semi-automatic operation avoids NFA registration requirements that apply to full-auto firearms.
How does the Auto-Ordnance Thompson compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Thompson is fundamentally different from hunting rifles like the Stevens 334 .243 Win—it's a historical recreation rather than a practical field tool. While the Stevens 334 weighs just 6.5 pounds and delivers precision at 300+ yards, the Thompson's 13-pound bulk and 100-yard effective range make it suitable only for close-range shooting. The Thompson's .45 ACP rounds cost approximately $0.40 each versus $1.20 for .243 Winchester, giving it a significant cost advantage for high-volume range use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe measures 41 inches overall with a 16.5-inch barrel and weighs exactly 13 pounds empty. This weight distribution is front-heavy due to the solid steel receiver and finned barrel assembly, making it 6.5 pounds heavier than a typical AR-15 platform. The American walnut stock adds another 2.5 pounds of weight but provides authentic period styling and solid cheek weld.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for hunters or practical shooters needing lightweight, modern ergonomics. The 13-pound weight excludes it from extended field carry, and the 41-inch length makes vehicle transport challenging. Competition shooters will find the 4.5-pound trigger pull and limited sight radius inferior to purpose-built platforms. For hunters, I'd recommend the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the carbine, one 20-round stick magazine, one 100-round drum magazine, and a factory manual—all shipped in a cardboard box with foam inserts. The drum magazine alone weighs 3.2 pounds empty and requires specific loading procedures outlined in the manual. Missing from the box are cleaning tools or mounting hardware for optics, which must be purchased separately.
Is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson worth it at $2803.99?
At $2,803.99, this represents fair value for collectors seeking an authentic Thompson experience without NFA paperwork. The price includes $300 worth of magazines and $200 in walnut furniture that would cost more separately. However, practical shooters would get better performance from a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun at one-third the cost. For the right buyer—someone valuing historical accuracy over modern utility—the investment justifies itself.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic 1920s styling with 100% American walnut furniture weighing 2.5 pounds
- Includes $300 worth of magazines (20-round stick + 100-round drum)
- Pinned Cutts compensator reduces muzzle climb by approximately 40% compared to bare barrel
- Semi-auto operation avoids NFA registration—ships directly to FFL without tax stamp
Trade-offs
- 13-pound weight is 2× heavier than modern tactical carbines
- No optics mounting platform without $200+ gunsmith modification
- 4.5-pound trigger pull weight exceeds modern 3-pound standards
- 41-inch length requires specialized cases adding $75-150 to total cost
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 602686211185 |
| manufacturer | Auto-Ordnance |
| manufacturer part number | T1B100D |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| sights | Blade Front, Adjustable Rear |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original Thompson parts?
- Approximately 70% of internal components interchange with original M1928 Thompson parts, but the semi-auto bolt group and receiver modifications prevent full compatibility. The barrel assembly requires gunsmith fitting for replacement due to pinned compensator installation.
- Does it fit standard .45 ACP ammunition?
- Yes, it feeds standard-pressure .230 grain FMJ rounds reliably, but +P ammunition may accelerate wear on the 93-year-old design's components. I recommend sticking with Winchester White Box or similar range ammunition for longevity.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days depending on destination. All shipments require verification of your chosen FFL dealer's license before dispatch.
- Can I return it if there are function issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day warranty inspection period for mechanical defects, excluding cosmetic issues or user-induced damage. The firearm must be returned through an FFL holder with original packaging for evaluation.
- Does this work with aftermarket optics mounts?
- No factory optics mounting solution exists—the rear sight notch is the only aiming reference. Aftermarket drill-and-tap mounts from companies like Numrich Gun Parts require permanent modification to the receiver costing $150-300 installed.