Editors’ Picks 2018: Auto-Ordnance Tactical Thompson Rifle

by
posted on April 24, 2018
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

Battle Of Bunker Hill 1
Battle Of Bunker Hill 1

The Battle of Bunker Hill: 250 Years Later

The June 17, 1775, Battle of Bunker Hill marked one of the most pivotal moments in the early years in the American Revolution, as thousands of militiamen stood against determined assaults by British infantry outside Boston.

Bunker Hill: The U.S. Army’s Baptism By Fire

On June 17, 1775, British infantrymen assembled at the base of Breed’s Hill, one of two promontories that comprised the Charlestown Heights outside of Boston.

New M1 Garands Being Offered By CMP

Made in Alabama by Heritage Arms USA, the Civilian Marksmanship Program is now accepting orders for newly manufactured M1 Garands.

Handloading The .270 WSM

More than 20 years after its introduction, this member of the Winchester Short Magnum family still provides useful power to short-action platforms—and staying power to the WSM line.

The Armed Citizen® June 16, 2025

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

The Guns Of Dr. Maynard

Dr. Edward Maynard, a Washington, D.C.-based dentist, developed a number of mechanical innovations for firearms, including a new ignition system and a cavalry carbine that saw use in the American Civil War.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.