Auto-Ordnance 1927-A3 .22 LR 16” Semi-Auto Rifle Tommy Gun, 25rd Mag
SOLD FOR: $1,358.00
LSB#: LSB260215BK032
Make: Auto-Ordnance
Model: 1927-A3
Serial Number: T899
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Blowback with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION WEST HURLEY, NEW YORK, U.S.A.”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “MODEL OF 1927 A3 NO.T899 / THOMPSON SEMI-AUTOMATIC CARBINE .22 L.R. CARTRIDGE”. The top of the receiver has the Thompson rollmark.
Barrel Length: 16” Finned. 18” including the compensator
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the Cutts Compensator. The rear sight is a fully adjustable peep screwed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece walnut set with a finger groove foregrip, finger grooved pistol grip, and dropped straight comb stock w/ a checkered plastic buttplate. There are faint scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks, but the foregrip has a small chip. The LOP is 17” from front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in Very Good + overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there are chatter lines from the factory. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original finish. There is light thinning and handling wear throughout. The action has moderate fouling. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle rates in about Very Good + overall condition.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x Magazine.
Our Assessment: The Auto-Ordnance Model 1927-A3 is a rimfire carbine styled after the iconic Thompson submachine gun, bringing the classic lines and profile of the “Tommy Gun” into a semi-automatic .22 LR platform. Produced in modern times by Auto-Ordnance, these rifles capture the visual elements of the original Thompson, including the finned barrel, Cutts-style compensator, and distinctive furniture, while utilizing a simple blowback system for rimfire operation. The Thompson design, first introduced in the early 20th century, became one of the most recognizable firearms in American history, and this .22 LR variant offers an accessible way to experience that styling. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, a cartridge introduced in 1887, the platform provides low recoil and economical shooting. This example retains approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish, with light handling wear and minor thinning visible across the metal surfaces. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9 out of 10, showing some factory machining marks. The walnut stock set remains in Very Good Plus condition, with light scratches and pressure dents, along with a small chip noted on the foregrip, but no structural issues. The rifle retains clear markings, sharp screw heads, and proper mechanical function, with moderate fouling present in the action from use. The included 25 round magazine is present, completing a functional package.
The 1927-A3 offers the look and feel of the Thompson platform in a lighter, more manageable rimfire configuration, making it well suited for recreational shooting. Its blowback system provides straightforward operation, while the classic styling maintains the appeal of the original design. This example stands as a well preserved representation of Auto-Ordnance’s rimfire Thompson variant, combining recognizable aesthetics, solid condition, and practical performance in a distinctive semi-automatic rifle. -R.E.