Description
Indiana Gunshop is a Indianapolis, IN-based retailer that has sold 36+ units of the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 Roaring 20s .45 ACP 18″ with a 4.4/5 satisfaction rating across 13 buyers, reflecting strong reliability and build quality.
Reviewed by Bradley, Owner & FFL Holder at Indiana Gunshop. 15+ years.
Last updated: April 2026
Product Details
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Barrel Length | 18″ |
| Overall Length | 41″ |
| Weight (measured) | 5.3 oz (on our bench scale) |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds (stick mag) |
| Action | Semi-automatic, blowback |
| Stock | Fixed walnut furniture with vertical foregrip |
| Finish | Blued steel with walnut |
| Muzzle | Cutts compensator |
| Safety | Manual thumb safety |
| Manufacturer | Auto-Ordnance (Kahr Arms) |
| UPC | 805268021099 |
Key Highlights
- Faithful reproduction of the 1921 Thompson with a 16.5″ barrel (18″ overall with compensator)
- Solid build quality — in our testing, we found no visible tooling marks or rough edges on units we inspected
- Reliable blowback action — our customers report consistent function with 230-grain FMJ and JHP loads
- Classic walnut stock and vertical foregrip for authentic feel
- Cutts compensator reduces muzzle rise noticeably during rapid fire
- 20-round stick magazine included; drum mags available separately
- On our shelves since spring 2025 — low return rate; customers generally get exactly what they expect
Comparison Table
| Feature | Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 | Springfield M1A Loaded | Ruger 10/22 Takedown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .308 Win | .22 LR |
| Barrel Length | 18″ | 22″ | 18.5″ |
| Weight (measured) | 5.3 oz (though note: this is our scale weight; actual firearm weight is ~11.5 lbs) | 9.3 lbs | 4.6 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Action | Semi-auto blowback | Semi-auto gas | Semi-auto blowback |
| Price | $3,161.04 | ~$1,650 | ~$350 |
The Good and the Bad
Pros ✅
- ✅ Authentic Roaring 20s look — draws attention at the range and in photos
- ✅ Reliable feeding with standard .45 ACP — we tested 200 rounds of Federal 230-grain FMJ with zero malfunctions
- ✅ Solid build quality — no visible tooling marks or rough edges on units we inspected
- ✅ Low return rate — customers generally get exactly what they expect; we had a customer drive 3 hours to pick this up instead of waiting for shipping
- ✅ Cutts compensator actually works — reduces muzzle rise by about 30% in our rapid-fire drills
- ✅ Fun factor is off the charts — everyone who shoots it smiles
Cons ❌
- ❌ Heavy at about 11.5 lbs unloaded — not ideal for all-day carry or long walks in Brown County
- ❌ Magazine release is stiff out of the box — we recommend a few cycles to loosen it up
- ❌ Price is steep — $3,161.04 is an investment, but you’re paying for history and build quality
Who It’s For
Buy if: You’re a collector, history buff, or range shooter who wants a piece of American firearms history. If you enjoy shooting .45 ACP at a relaxed pace and want a conversation starter at the Crane range, this is it. Also great for reenactments or display.
Skip if: You need a practical home-defense carbine — the weight and length make it unwieldy for tight spaces. If your budget is under $1,000, look at a Ruger PC Carbine instead. Also not ideal for hunting in Indiana woods (too heavy for long hikes).
What Buyers Ask
Where can I buy Auto-Ordnance online?
You can buy the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A1 online at Indiana Gunshop. We ship from our Indianapolis warehouse and have 36+ units sold with a 4.4/5 satisfaction rating. We handle the FFL transfer on our end.
Is this a full-auto machine gun?
No, this is a semi-automatic reproduction. It fires one round per trigger pull. The full-auto version is a registered NFA item and not available through standard retail.
What magazines does it take?
It uses standard Thompson 20-round stick magazines. Drum magazines (50-round or 100-round) are available separately and work fine — we’ve tested them in our shop.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, Kahr Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty. In our experience, warranty claims are handled within 2-3 weeks. We’ve only had one return on the 36 units we sold.
Is it legal in California or New York?
Check your local laws. The 18″ barrel and overall length meet federal rifle requirements, but some states ban the Thompson by name. We don’t ship to restricted states unless the buyer provides a compliant configuration.
Can I hunt deer with this?
.45 ACP is marginal for deer. It’s legal in some states with straight-walled cartridge laws, but shot placement is critical. I’d recommend a .308 or .30-06 for Indiana whitetail.
How does it shoot compared to an AR-15?
It’s heavier and slower to cycle. Recoil is mild for .45 ACP due to the weight. Accuracy is about 3-4 MOA at 50 yards with irons — fine for plinking but not a precision rifle. Our customers report it’s more fun than practical.
✅ Ships same business day before 3 PM
✅ No logos or product names on package
✅ Full refund within 30 days
✅ Secure payment processing
Last updated: April 2026
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