The Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1C Lightweight, chambered in .45 ACP (Auto-Ordnance part no. T5), is a semi-automatic recreation of the iconic Thompson submachine gun’s civilian-legal rifle configuration. Built as the lightweight variant of the 1927A-1 line, it carries the classic Thompson profile, blade front and fixed battle rear sights, and a 16.5-inch blued barrel for easier off-hand handling than the standard-weight model. It ships with a 20-round detachable stick magazine and a lever-type manual safety, staying true to the original’s controls while running strictly semi-automatic fire. For collectors, range shooters, and fans of Roaring Twenties history, it delivers unmistakable looks with modern semi-auto reliability.

Key Specifications

• Chambered in .45 ACP, the original Thompson caliber, for authentic recoil and ballistics.
• The 16.5-inch barrel keeps the rifle federally compliant while preserving the classic Thompson silhouette.
• A rifling twist rate of 1:16 inches is matched to stabilize standard .45 ACP bullet weights.
• Ships with a 20-round detachable stick magazine, true to the Thompson’s signature feeding system.
• Overall length of 41 inches matches the original Thompson’s proportions.
• Fitted with a blade front sight and fixed battle rear sight, the same classic sighting system as the historical Thompson.
• The barrel wears a blued finish for a period-correct, low-maintenance look.
• Runs a lever-type manual safety on the frame, matching the Thompson’s traditional control layout.
• As the lightweight (LT WT) version of the 1927A-1, it is built for easier carry and handling than the standard-weight Thompson, while retaining the same semi-automatic action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Thompson fully automatic? No, it is strictly semi-automatic, firing one round per trigger pull with no select-fire capability.

What magazine does it ship with? It ships with one 20-round detachable stick magazine.

What makes the Lightweight version different? It is a reduced-weight take on the 1927A-1 pattern, built for easier off-hand carry while keeping the same 16.5-inch barrel, sights, and semi-automatic action as the standard model.

Buy the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927A-1C Lightweight .45 ACP Semi-Auto Rifle

Few rifles turn heads at the range like a Thompson, and this Lightweight 1927A-1C brings the iconic look and soft-shooting .45 ACP feel to a more manageable weight for extended range sessions. Order it from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping to your FFL, and stock up on 20-round stick magazines and accessories from our semi-auto rifle selection.