Thompson 1927A-1
Auto-Ordnance · Carbine · In Production · 1974
Also known as: Tommy Gun (civilian), 1927A-1, Thompson Carbine
Overview
The Thompson 1927A-1 is the closed-bolt, semi-automatic-only civilian rifle version of the iconic 'Tommy Gun', currently produced by Auto-Ordnance (a Kahr Arms subsidiary). Reintroduced in 1974, it features a 16.5-inch finned barrel (often pinned with a Cutts compensator to reach the 18.5-inch length required to qualify as a rifle under US law), a fixed walnut buttstock, vertical foregrip, and accepts both 20- and 30-round stick magazines as well as 50- and 100-round drum magazines. It preserves the look and feel of the WWII-era M1928 while remaining federally legal as an ordinary semi-automatic rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5897 g (208.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 419 mm (16.50") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 285 m/s (935 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 575 J (424 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 45 ACP, 11.43x23mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Closed Bolt
- Features: Finned Barrel, Cutts Compensator, Vertical Foregrip, Fixed Walnut Stock, Ladder Rear Sight, Blade Front Sight, Drum Magazine Compatible
Variants
- Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe (T1) — Blued Steel Walnut
- Thompson 1927A-1 Lightweight (T5) — Aluminum Receiver
- Thompson 1927A-1 Commando (T1-C) — Parkerized Horizontal Foregrip
- Thompson 1927A-1 SBR Tactical — Short Barreled Rifle
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States civilian market · adopted 1974
Production
Production years: 1974-present
Continuously produced since 1974 by Auto-Ordnance for the US civilian market; the original semi-auto-only Model 1927 was a 1927 conversion of leftover M1921 receivers sold to police departments.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John T. Thompson (original); civilian conversion by Auto-Ordnance/Kahr Arms
Notes
The 'A-1' designation distinguishes the modern semi-auto-only variant from the original 1927 selective-fire police model. Originally produced in West Hurley, New York from 1974 to 1999, then manufactured by Kahr Arms in Worcester, Massachusetts (now Pillager, MN).
Background
The Tommy Gun's nickname dates to its inventor General John T. Thompson, who designed it as a 'trench broom' for WWI infantry - but the war ended before it could see combat. With surplus warehouses bulging, Auto-Ordnance marketed it to ranchers, banks, and police; instead it became infamous as the weapon of choice for Prohibition-era gangsters like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Bonnie & Clyde, leading directly to the National Firearms Act of 1934.