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

Galactic Pistol Alliance 1
Galactic Pistol Alliance 1

The Galactic Pistol Alliance: An Entry Point For New Competition Shooters

Galactic Pistol Alliance jettisons rule confusion and offers a much more relaxed model for newcomers to competition shooting, all while keeping cool shooting stages and an emphasis on safety.

NRA Supporter & Gold Expert Mike Fuljenz Wins Newsletter Award

Longtime NRA Supporter Mike Fuljenz, founder of Universal Coin & Bullion, was awarded the 2026 Best Investment Newsletter award by the Numismatic Literary Guild. 

Keepin’ It Simple: Chiappa Wildlands 92 Field & Core Models

Chiappa USA is returning the Wildland series of lever-action rifles to its roots with the 92 Field and Core, designs that keep it simple while still offering modern features.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Gunsite Marks 50 Years With Alumni Shoot in Paulden

More than 400 competitors gathered at the Arizona academy founded by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, as elected officials urged turnout ahead of the midterms.

I Have This Old Gun: Standard Arms Model G

There is an adage that goes something to the effect of, “just because one can do something doesn’t mean it necessarily should be done.” This thought may aptly be applied to the short-lived Standard Arms Model G rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.