Editors’ Picks 2018: Auto-Ordnance Tactical Thompson Rifle

by
posted on April 24, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
newgun7.jpg

Auto-Ordnance, maker of the semi-automatic Thompson and other vintage American designs such as the M1 and M1A1 carbines and M1911A1 pistol, has a surprise for you. When was the last time the Tommy gun got a serious update? Well, here’s a clue, Franklin Roosevelt was still president. Auto-Ordnance has produced a concept gun with a new streamlined upper receiver, a 16" barrel with a muzzle brake and a rounded aluminum fore-end—and, yes, it’s M-LOK-compatible. Built on a semi-automatic M1927 lower with an all-new side-cocking upper, this Tactical Tommy gun takes your favorite AR pistol grip and has an M4-style adjustable buttstock. The final design hasn’t entered production, but judging by the response so far, it’s coming. Although it will take the excellent Thompson stick magazine, Auto-Ordnance advises it may take a different drum than the one designed by John Taliaferro Thompson and his crew back in 1919. auto-ordnance.com

Latest

Mossberg 990 Magpul shotgun
Mossberg 990 Magpul shotgun

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

I Have This Old Gun: De Lisle Commando Carbine

The De Lisle "Commando Carbine," as it came to be known, provided British special operators with a suppressed firearm that could be used to take out targets without arousing the attention of nearby troops.

Q&A: Same Cartridge, Two Different Primer Types

Q: How do No. 34 large rifle primers from CCI differ from the standard large rifle type?

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ Pistol

Stoeger refines its STR-9 Thinline pistol to be even easier to carry.

Finding The Natural Point Of Aim

Nearly every shooter understands the basic principles of marksmanship: position, grip, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.