The Tommy Gun legacy lives on with Auto-Ordnance’s 1927A-series rifles
by Barb Melloni
The legendary Tommy Gun has been seen throughout the years on the battlefield, in Hollywood films, and even on the front page of many local newspapers. This exposure quickly cemented its place as an icon within American history.
Auto-Ordnance is keeping that history alive courtesy of their modern rendition of the original with their 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe. This semi-auto take of the full-auto original is chambered in .45 ACP. It successfully preserves the classic look and feel of the Tommy Gun while incorporating modern features and materials to make it easier to handle and more enjoyable to shoot.
The Thompsons’ story began near the end of World War I. Originally envisioned as a close-quarters fighting tool capable of clearing trenches, it earned the nickname “Trench Broom.” Although it arrived too late to see action in that conflict, the design would go on to become one of the most recognizable firearms ever produced.
Before the passage of the National Firearms Act of 1934, civilians could purchase a fully automatic Thompson without the regulatory hurdles that exist today. The catch was the price. At approximately $200 in 1921 (roughly $3,700 in today’s dollars) the Thompson was expensive even then. Despite that cost, thousands were sold. Its affiliation with organized crime during Prohibition and its adoption by the military during World War II further solidified its reputation.
Weight was perhaps the biggest drawback of the Tommy Gun, as they averaged more than 11 pounds before a magazine was inserted. Add a loaded 50-round drum magazine and the overall package would quickly approach 14 pounds. While that mass helped control recoil during automatic fire, it made the gun cumbersome for extended use.
Another challenge was the stock dimensions. Contrary to what the media depicts, this gun was designed to be fired from the shoulder. Its long 17-inch length of pull, which, when combined with the firearm’s substantial weight, resulted in a platform that many shooters found awkward to maneuver. The famous 50-round drum magazine also had limitations. Although it provided impressive capacity, it added considerable weight, could be difficult to load, and was not always known for flawless reliability.
Auto-Ordnance addressed one of the Thompson’s biggest shortcomings with their release of the 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe.
The use of modern lightweight components enabled them to reduce the overall weight by approximately three pounds compared to the original Thompson models. The stock and furniture are constructed from walnut-grain polymer, replicating the look of wood while greatly reducing overall weight. The receiver is made of aluminum alloy whereas steel was used on earlier versions. Together, these updates bring the unloaded weight down to about eight pounds. While that still places the firearm in the heavier carbine category, it does wonders for overall handling, even if Auto-Ordnance retained the original’s 17-inch length of pull.
To evaluate performance, three .45 ACP loads were tested. Although Auto-Ordnance recommends 230-grain ball ammunition for optimal performance, I chose to include an additional bullet weight and profile to see how the firearm handled a variety of ammunition. The test lineup included Hornady Critical Defense 185-grain FTX, Black Hills 230-grain FMJ, and DoubleTap 230-grain Bonded Defense ammunition.
Across all three loads, the Tommy Gun functioned reliably, although drum mags are finicky regardless of platform or manufacturer, so I expected a hiccup or two with continued use. Accuracy results were respectable, with an average group size across the three loads tested (at 50 yards) of approximately 2.3 inches. Recoil was exceptionally manageable, certainly absorbed in part by the gun’s weight.
- Hornady Critical Defense 185-gr.: 1,254 fps, 1.25-in. group
- DoubleTap 230-gr. Bonded Defense: 1,175 fps, 2.12-in. group
- Black Hills 230-gr. FMJ: 996 fps, 3.0-in. group
From a supported bench position, shooting was both comfortable and enjoyable. Shooting from a standing position highlighted the platform’s primary limitation: its length of pull and overall weight. Shooters with shorter arms will notice right away the extended reach required to establish a comfortable shooting position. Nevertheless, the reduced weight, when compared to traditional Thompson models, makes the Lightweight Deluxe considerably more manageable.
The Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe does a great job of honoring the original version’s historical significance and overall design while making it more approachable to today’s shooter. It retains the classic appearance and characteristics that made the Tommy Gun famous while also shaving off a few pounds, making for a more enjoyable day at the range.
For collectors, history buffs, and anyone who has ever wanted to experience the legendary Tommy Gun firsthand, A-O’s modern rendition serves as a reminder of why it captured America’s imagination in the first place.
Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe Specifications
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Operation: semi-automatic, blowback
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inches (finned length)
- Overall Length: 41 inches
- Weight: 8.05 pounds (without magazine)
- Feed: 50-round drum magazine, 20-round stick magazine
- Front Sight: pinned-in front blade
- Rear Sight: fixed battle rear
- Stock: walnut grain polymer furniture
- Length of Pull: 17 inches
- Finish: blued barrel and receiver
- MSRP: $1,970
- TESTED: Auto-Ordnance 1927A-1C Lightweight Deluxe - October 12, 2026
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