Auto-Ordnance (often searched as Auto Ordance, auto ordanance, or mistakenly auto ordinance) is the company behind the world-famous “Tommy Gun” and a modern maker of classic military-style 1911 pistols and custom Thompson reproductions. Founded to bring John T. Thompson’s trench-sweeper concept to life, Auto-Ordnance blends historic authenticity with contemporary manufacturing so shooters can own icons of 20th-century firearms history.
Auto-Ordnance was founded in 1916 by Col. John T. Thompson to develop what became the Thompson submachine gun—the “Tommy Gun.” The company’s name and early work are deeply tied to that design and its use in law enforcement and WWII.
Top sellers and interest drivers are the Thompson 1927A-1 variants (replica Thompsons in .45 ACP), the M1 WWII-style Thompsons, and the Auto-Ordnance 1911A1 GI pistols. Limited editions and deluxe Thompsons also draw strong collector demand.
Choose a Thompson if you want a historic long gun with presence and collector appeal (and if you enjoy shooting pistol-caliber carbines). Choose a 1911 if you want a carryable, single-handable classic pistol with proven ergonomics and service-pistol history. Consider intended use, budget, and storage/registration requirements.
Common accessories include stick magazines (10–30 rd), drum magazines (historical 50 rd drums), slings, replacement walnut furniture, and hard cases. Note: drum availability and legality vary by jurisdiction.
Always unload before maintenance. Clean the bore with appropriate brushes and solvent, wipe the action and metal parts, lightly oil moving surfaces, and store in a dry, secure location. Regular inspection prevents corrosion and keeps feeding reliable.
Yes — Auto-Ordnance continues new product runs and special editions; recent trade-show coverage (NRAAM 2025) highlighted lightweight polymer-furniture Thompsons and limited luxury editions, showing the brand’s move toward more accessible and collector-oriented offerings.
Auto-Ordnance reproduces iconic American firearms with period-correct styling and modern manufacturing. We build Thompsons, GI-style 1911s, and custom long guns for collectors and shooters. Products emphasize authentic looks, durable steel construction, and reliable function. Practical on the range, striking in the safe — classic designs, built to last.
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The suppressed TAO50 builds on Auto-Ordnance’s TAO50 platform with an integral suppressor paired to a muzzle brake.
Auto-Ordnance drops a $10K gamer Tommy Gun at NRAAM 2025—only 25 made, motorcycle chain sling, and full .45 ACP function.
Auto-Ordnance debuts a lightweight Polymer Furniture Tommy Gun at NRAAM 2025—half the weight, half the price, same iconic Thompson feel.