Auto-Ordnance

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:

• •Thompson 1927A-1 – Semi-auto civilian version
• •Thompson T5P – Modern variant
• •Thompson M1 – Simplified WWII production model
• •Thompson Pistol – Pistol-length configuration
• •Thompson SBRs – Short barrel rifle variants
• •Thompson TAO50 – Semi-auto rifle platform

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:

• •1911A1 Pistol – Standard and stainless steel variants
• •Stainless 1911 – Corrosion-resistant finish
• •M1 Carbine – Semi-auto rifle in .30 carbine
• •Custom 1911 Builds – Individual specifications

• •Technical Support – Direct assistance with firearms operation and maintenance
• •Service Shipping – Authorized service center for repairs and modifications
• •Warranty Registration – Register your firearm for warranty coverage
• •Return Authorizations – RMA process for warranty claims
• •Dealer Registry – Authorized dealer network across the U.S.
• •Parts & Accessories – Replacement components, magazines, and aftermarket upgrades
• •Catalog Requests – Full product catalogs available
• •Owner's Manuals – Technical documentation and assembly guides

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.