Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe 45 ACP Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Iconic profile with genuine American walnut furniture - provides authentic 1920s aesthetic.
- Permanently affixed 16.5-inch finned barrel and Cutts comp - avoids NFA 'short-barreled rifle' classification.
- Robust 13-pound all-steel construction - mitigates .45 ACP recoil to near-nil levels.
- Ships with one 20-round stick magazine - meets most range session needs out of the box.
Trade-offs
- 13-pound unloaded weight - 4.5 pounds heavier than a typical modern 9mm PCC, causing rapid fatigue.
- Proprietary magazine system - limits affordable magazine options compared to ubiquitous Glock or AR-pattern mags.
- Non-standard suppressor threads on compensator - requires a $60-$100 adapter for can mounting.
- Simple blade-and-notch iron sights - inferior for precision past 50 yards compared to a basic red dot.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe 45 ACP Rifle? It is a semi-automatic, Title I (non-NFA) carbine that replicates the iconic profile and handling of the classic Thompson, chambered in .45 ACP and intended for range use and historical collection. Built by Kahr's Auto-Ordnance division, it uses modern manufacturing to deliver the look and feel of the 1920s-era firearm without the regulatory complications of a fully automatic weapon. This specific Deluxe model distinguishes itself with genuine American walnut furniture and a permanently affixed Cutts compensator.
What is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe used for?
This rifle is primarily a range toy and a collector's piece, not a tactical or hunting tool. Its 13-pound heft, iron sights, and .45 ACP chambering make it best suited for deliberate, satisfying plinking at 50 to 100 yards, where shooters can appreciate its historical character and distinctive report. I don't recommend it for competitive shooting due to its weight and sight radius, but for recreating a piece of Americana on a static firing line, it has few equals.
How does the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Thompson Deluxe is a historical replica for enjoyment, while the Stevens 334 is a utilitarian, modern hunting rifle. The Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers superior ballistic energy and practical accuracy for taking medium to large game at 200+ yards, weighs nearly 5 pounds less than the Thompson, and costs roughly half the price. The Thompson is definitively better at providing a tactile, nostalgic shooting experience and serving as a display piece, but the Stevens is objectively better for any application requiring precision, portability, or stopping power beyond 100 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This is a heavy, full-sized carbine, not a compact firearm. The rifle weighs 13 pounds unloaded, measures 41 inches in overall length with the buttstock attached, and has a barrel length of 16.5 inches. The vertical foregrip adds significant bulk, with a width of approximately 3.5 inches at its widest point, making storage in standard rifle cases a tight fit.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for new shooters, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone seeking a lightweight, modern sporting carbine. The $2,200 price tag is substantial, the 13-pound weight requires dedicated strength for extended range sessions, and the simplistic iron sights demand practiced skill for consistent hits beyond 50 yards. If your goal is affordable, high-volume .45 ACP plinking, a pistol-caliber carbine or a 1911 pistol platform will be more practical.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with its detachable walnut buttstock installed, one 20-round stick magazine, and the vertical foregrip. Documentation includes a basic owner's manual and a chamber flag. Note that Auto-Ordnance does not typically include a cleaning kit, sling, or additional magazines with this model, so factor those accessory costs into your purchase.
Is the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe worth it at $2,216.99?
It is worth it only if you specifically value historical authenticity and range theatrics over modern performance. You are paying for the iconic profile, the genuine walnut, and the solid construction, not for cutting-edge features or ballistic efficiency. For the same budget, you could purchase a high-end AR-15 and a quality optic, or a package like a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun with ample ammunition. The value is entirely subjective and tied to the shooter's appreciation for the Thompson legacy.
Key attributes
| upc | 602686441100 |
| manufacturer | Auto-Ordnance |
| manufacturer part number | T1B14 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 16.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| color | BL |
| length | 54.5000 |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| sights | Blade Front/Fixed Battle Rear |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original Thompson 1928 drum magazines?
- No, it is not. The Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1 uses a proprietary magazine well designed for their modern stick magazines. Original 50- or 100-round drum magazines from WWII-era Thompsons will not fit or function without significant, ill-advised modification to the receiver.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Barely, and only without the vertical foregrip attached. With the buttstock installed, the rifle is 41 inches long. The vertical foregrip adds protrusion, requiring a case with interior dimensions of at least 44 inches in length and 4 inches in internal width to close securely.
- How long does shipping take for an 'Online Only' firearm?
- Processing and shipping to your chosen FFL dealer typically takes 3 to 7 business days after order verification. Final transfer time depends on your dealer's schedule and the completion of the required NICS background check, which can add 1 to 5 more business days.
- Does this work with a standard .45 ACP suppressor?
- Potentially, but with a major caveat. The permanently attached Cutts compensator has external threads, but they are an older, non-standard pitch (often ½-28 or ½-32). You would need a specific thread adapter from a company like TROS USA to interface with a modern .45-caliber suppressor with standard ⅜-16 threads.