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

NRA Logo On Blue
NRA Logo On Blue

2026 NRA Board Election Results

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 elections for the NRA Board of Directors.

A Celebration of American Freedom: The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

With acres of exhibition space, addresses from NRA’s leadership, an epic country concert and literally tens of thousands of guns on display, the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston­—and our nation’s 250th celebration—are not to be missed.

The "Dreaded Dry-Fire" Training Talk

Talk to the best shooters in the world, and you will hear the same story: the majority of their skill development did not happen on the range with ammunition. It happened with dry-fire practice.

U.S. Army Testing Improved Gun Barrel Material

In a joint collaboration with Geissele Automatics and Carpenter Technologies, the U.S. Army indicated that it's currently developing a new kind of steel for gun barrels that promises greater longevity and performance.

Rifleman Review: KelTec PR57

KelTec is known for its out-of-the-box designs, so when it came to designing a dedicated personal-protection firearm, the PR57, the company took a different approach than nearly every other firearm maker out there.

VOID Suppressors: Canik Joins the Silence Movement

Canik is largely known for its handguns, but with its new VOID line, the company recently joined the movement of manufacturers producing their own suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.