The .22 Thompson from the Kahr Firearms Group delivers the iconic Thompson profile using modern polymer construction and a lightweight rimfire operating system.
Modern Materials, Classic Appearance
At first glance, the rifle looks traditionally finished. In person, the polymer furniture is realistic enough that it initially appears to be walnut. Only closer inspection reveals the material choice.
Kahr builds this .22‑caliber Thompson primarily from polymer components. The receiver uses polymer construction, and the barrel sits inside a polymer shell. As a result, the rifle weighs far less than steel‑framed Thompson variants while retaining the familiar exterior lines.
Kahr manufactures the rifle in Pennsylvania, USA, placing it firmly in the domestic production category rather than the replica import space.
Controls, Magazines, and Rimfire Operation
The rifle chambers .22 LR and operates as a semi‑automatic. Importantly, it accepts Ruger 10/22‑compatible magazines, avoiding proprietary designs.
Kahr ships the rifle with one 10‑round stick magazine. Additional magazines remain easy to source due to the widespread availability of 10/22 options. Consequently, long‑term ownership stays simple and affordable.
Recoil remains minimal, and report stays low, making the rifle easy to manage for extended range sessions.
Lightweight Handling and Intended Use
Polymer construction drives how the rifle handles. The reduced weight makes it easy to shoulder and move, especially compared to centerfire Thompson models. For newer shooters, the lighter build reduces fatigue and improves control.
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This rifle does not attempt to replicate original Thompson internals or battlefield durability. Instead, Kahr positions it squarely as a recreational rimfire that borrows the look of a classic design.
A Range‑Focused Take on the Chicago Typewriter
The Thompson earned its “Chicago Typewriter” nickname through firepower, weight, and history. Kahr’s .22 version strips that legacy down to its visual identity rather than its function.
Ultimately, this rifle lets shooters enjoy the outline and handling cues of the Chicago Typewriter without the bulk, recoil, or cost of the original steel guns. It replaces noise and weight with accessibility, trading historical punch for rimfire practicality at the range.
.22 Thompson Specs
- Manufacturer: Kahr Firearms Group / Auto‑Ordnance
- Model: .22 Thompson
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Semi‑automatic
- Construction: Polymer receiver and polymer‑sleeved barrel
- Furniture: Polymer (walnut‑style appearance)
- Magazine Compatibility: Ruger 10/22
- Included Magazine: One 10‑round stick magazine
- Barrel Length: 16.5 in
- Manufactured In: Pennsylvania, USA
- Intended Use: Recreational shooting and training
- MSRP: ~$520; availble in Q2 2026
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Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work.
If only there were a binary trigger for it…??
I am 73 and have wanted a Thompson since I was 9. Big fan of the 60s show COMBAT!. The main character use a pre-war Thompson. I can get a semi version SBR now but it will run me $3000!!! Damn beyond my Social Security pay scale. This might possibly give me a my historical fan fix if the vertical foregrip can be replaced by a horizontal, drop the red dot sight and rail, a much, much larger magazine, recoil enhancer, then finally some kind of FRT to simulate full auto (but that pipe dream is just a dream).
But can you put a suppressor on it???
If I could swap the poly for wood furniture – I’d be very interested! (something new to investigate)
On that, I would prefer a horizontal instead of vertical foregrip plus drop the rail for a scope and just have traditional iron sights.
MSRP-$520? I’ll take two.
Oh wait, PICA say’s .22 are “assault weapons” and to keep and bear this arm has been infringed to the citizens of Illinois.
Never heard the usual suspects on this MB point out a gun ban that defies ‘common sense.’
I wonder if they can produce a SBR version with an accurate 10.5 inch barrel???
Will it accept silencers ?
Well based on the close up pics of the compensator it appears that it doesn’t unscrew. In this case I would almost prefer a sound/recoil enhancer.