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Auto-Ordnance is the company that created the Thompson submachine gun in 1916. Founded by General John Taliaferro Thompson and financed by Thomas Ryan, the company developed the weapon that would become one of the most iconic firearms in military and popular history. "The famous Thompson Submachine ...
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Auto-Ordnance is the company that created the Thompson submachine gun in 1916. Founded by General John Taliaferro Thompson and financed by Thomas Ryan, the company developed the weapon that would become one of the most iconic firearms in military and popular history.
"The famous Thompson Submachine Gun." That finned barrel topped off with a Cutts compensator, the square receiver, either a drum or box magazine—it's instantly recognizable from WWII documentaries, classic films, and military history.
General Thompson believed an "intermediate" automatic weapon—something between a pistol and rifle—would be essential in future wars. After partnering with Commander John Blish's delayed blowback patent, Auto-Ordnance began manufacturing Thompsons in 1916 and has continued production for over a century.
During WWII, Auto-Ordnance produced 847,991 M1 Thompson submachine guns at their Bridgeport, Connecticut facility. The company's wartime output made them a critical supplier to the U.S. Army, Navy, and Allied forces. Auto-Ordnance serial numbers are marked with the "AO" prefix.
Auto-Ordnance manufactures multiple Thompson configurations:
Auto-Ordnance produces historically-themed custom builds including: - Iwo Jima M1 Carbine - Marines Thompson & 1911 sets - Navy Thompson & 1911 combinations - Army Thompson & 1911 packages - Red Tails 1911 (honoring the Tuskegee Airmen) - Memphis Belle 1911 - Bootlegger Thompson & 1911 pairs - Case Hardened Thompson - Tanker 1911 pistols
Beyond Thompson submachine guns, Auto-Ordnance manufactures:
Auto-Ordnance maintains full customer service infrastructure including technical support, warranty registration, return authorizations, and parts availability.
Auto-Ordnance offers training programs and shooting instruction through their A-O Bootcamp initiative.
General Thompson died in 1940 at age 80, never seeing the full military success of his design—but his legacy endured. The Thompson proved itself in combat from jungle fighting in Nicaragua through WWII and beyond. Veterans consistently rate it as one of the best weapons of WWII, despite its 10+ pound weight and limitations beyond 50 yards.
Today, Auto-Ordnance preserves that history by manufacturing authentic Thompson firearms alongside modern interpretations, custom builds, and supporting products. Whether you're a collector, historian, or shooter seeking a piece of American firearms heritage, Auto-Ordnance connects you to over 100 years of manufacturing excellence.
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