Auto Ordnance Tommy Gun 1927-A1 - "The Chicago Typewriter"

The Thompson 1927-A1, semi-auto 45 ACP long gun. An icon that everyone recognizes from all the gangster movies, no not the Red Rider BB one, this was finally brought by Santa Claus to Striker. He must have been good - or Santa got the lists mixed up! Whatever the case, he's keeping it!
This one is made by Auto-Ordnance (now owned by Kahr) in Worchester, MA.
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[@iplaymytele]

I have owned one of these for probably 10 years now and it is still my pride possession and I have a lot of guns......! This is the one when you show it to somebody they go oh my god that is so cool...! Why do they say that ....? Because this gun design is a Slice of history...🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 I Love My Thompson 1927 A1 Tommy gun....! Is it a practical carbine....? No is it the coolest carbine in the world....? Without a doubt......! ❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️

[@pauliedweasel]

Always, Always, Always insert a Thompson drum from the left hand side, if you insert the drum from the right you’ll do damage to both the gun and the drum.

[@jonrunnells8127]

I'm left handed. Np inserting the L50 from the left. Only problem is it can be slid in too far, so the drum flange and chamber are misaligned, which causes rounds to jam.

[@georgekrug9376]

I really appreciated this Video. I just purchased a 1927 A1 but have not fired it yet. I loved your explanation, towards the end, that you don't buy this for a purpose you buy it because it is cool and you have always wanted one. I kept shaking my head and laughing. YES, that IS the reason I bought mine. The fact that the entire video is well lighted and in focus is also appreciated. Good Job.

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you.

[@jonrunnells8127]

You will find the 1927 Chicago Typrwriter a fine weapon on the range. Tight pattern, no recoil. Literally aims itself. Best fired from the shoulder. Well worth the price of a pack of 50. Once you burn through a pack of 50, you'll be hooked!

[@jonrunnells8127]

Proud owner of a 1927 A1 45ACP Chicago Typewriter. Solid accurate weapon. Had to fire it twice to break the factory tension on the bolt. 20-30 stick mag works beautifully. Had trouble with the flange on the 50 drum. Found the 100-round drum cumbersome. Would love to change the 16 1/2" barrel for the 10 1/2" to trim the length, make it 1927 authentic. Your video was very informative.

[@ReichenbachEsq]

I bought the SBR version of the WW2 USGI M1A1 Thompson with the designation M1SB to get the correct barrel length & rifling twist. I paid about $3,000.00 for it in 2015. It doesn’t accept drums. My Thompson Commando does feed drums, however. It looks apocalyptic awesome. We need to ask people who claim these battle weapons aren’t “practical” why they run so well running practical courses. They seem like they can still kill today just fine when facing multiple threats in urban & CQB combat. The steel but-plates on my Thompson’s are equally as lethal as the muzzle.

[@PsychopathicV2]

Your comment was also very informative. I just got my 1927A1 yesterday. Haven’t taken it to the range yet. Waiting on ammo to be delivered. I noticed while messing with the weapon that the bolt was a bitch and a half to open. I was curious is that an inherent flaw with the weapon or just needs to be broken in. Your comment has answered my question. Thank you for that.

[@luisbedolla144]

What ammo did you buy for it Jon?

[@jonrunnells8127]

@ Luis Bedolla. The 1927 A-1 and WW-II Thompsons fire .45 ACP caliber. Manufacturer recommends brass casing loads

[@electricgamez5415]

The cool factor on that is incredible. Thanks for a Christmas morning surprise. Hope you both have a great holiday season!

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you, we hope you have a great holiday as well!

[@DrQuagmire1]

@@HammerStriker this gun makes me laugh in a way, because it was one of the most used guns for the Commando and SWAT perks in the "Killing Floor 2" video game. FUN FACT: You know those M41A Pulse Rifles seen in the movie "Aliens"? Yep, they're actually heavily-modified Thompson sub-machine guns.

[@Rumpleskin]

If I had a never ending money roll I would own a select fire one.one of those and a 32 ford...too cool

[@BattleCryMuted]

You have it right, you want one because you want one, and no practical purpose. I placed one on order March 2024, last time I shot one 1984. Heaviest gun I have ever shot, but Vic Morrow on Combat, Rat Patrol, and John Wayne in the Sands of Iwo Jima.....directed me to get it. Still waiting for my Commando version of the 1927A-1....but knowing full well, my smile will be a mile wide when I pick it up. Great video, with many truths......but not unlike me, a fan favorite.

[@jasonmiller6371]

I bought one of these in May 2024. I just thought I would share some thoughts of my experience owning one of these. First: it's well made and a really cool gun to own, you will probably get some interest at your local shooting range. Second: I bought mine for a little over $1400 bucks, but the price may vary where you live and if they have one in stock. I was lucky my gun store had one in stock. Third: Mine didn't come in a Cello case, but it came in a nice padded plastic case with room for an extra stick mag and room for a drum mag if I ever want one. Fourth: Auto-Ordance machines these with very strict tolerances. Expect a break in period. The bolt springs are stiff, the chambers are tight. Don't be disappointed if you gun malfunctions. It will get better the more you shoot it! If you're not interested in owning a historical replica of a gun, that's over or a bought 100 years old, this is not a gun for you! Here's why, It is heavy (13 lbs), and extra mags are also overly expensive!

[@paulsimmons5726]

At some point, I’ll need one of these to match up with my 1911! Great review and explanation of an iconic piece of history! Capone would be proud!

[@hancephillips8565]

Excellent video! Would love to see another video on disassembly, lubrication,etc. Thanks

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you.

[@100PercentOS2]

I inherited one of these so I'm glad I came across your video. Mine have both the stick mag and drum mag.

[@shanetrogdon9549]

I'm buying one super excited. I'm buy the Chicago typewriter with a 100rd drum and a 20rd stick for about 2000$. I've wanted one forever

[@PsychopathicV2]

Enjoy my man. Just got one for myself the other day. Got it for $1400 personally. Only 1 20 round stick mag though.

[@Dan1987432]

Hell of a deal - as the 100 round drums are SUPER spendy...

[@jonrunnells8127]

You'll find 100-round "C" drums very heavy, cumbersome. (17 lbs fully loaded). A lot of weight on a 14-lb weapon. Best to use the classic 50-round "C" drum. 9 lbs fully loaded.

[@jonrunnells8127]

30-round sticks work beautifully, look even more awesome in the chamber.

[@shanetrogdon9549]

@@jonrunnells8127 I've got the 20 and the 100. Both are sweet. I'll look fir some 30s

[@davetoth9767]

Great video presentation. I appreciate your attention to detail. Would LOVE to see you do a disassembly video. My version lacks that great rear stock slide!!! I always wanted that!!! Beautiful gun you have. Thanks so much!

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you. I have the disassembly/reassembly in the queue to do.

[@MrSmith-jj9te]

The full look would be a 10.5” barrel. The original Thompson’s never had long carbine length barrels to begin with. The 27s don’t look as bad with the longer barrel as the m1 versions do. I think the m1 versions look plain awful with that long barrel protruding way past the fore grip. They just don’t look right with those longer barrels.

[@mikemccray9444]

I bought mine 1927A1 a few years back. I was watching the movie PUBLIC ENEMIES with Johnny Depp and notice that they were swinging their Tommy guns under their arms, so having the thompson with the removable butt stock I made an adapter to fit my gun so I can swing my Tommy gun under my arm just like they did in the movie I had Ruffiano International make the harness for me. Here in Indiana it's ok to carry rifles in the open so every once in a while I'll carry mine to the liquor store boy do I get a lot of stares and also compliments on it. If interested in what my rig looks like let me know.. One more thing on June 30th, 1934 was John Dillinger last bank job it was in South Bend, Indiana

[@JoseOrtiz-pg4ct]

Super cool. You should make a video on it

[@mikemccray9444]

@@JoseOrtiz-pg4ct I don't have a KZbin account but if you're interested give me a email address and I'll send you some pictures

[@jonrunnells8127]

Bonnie and Clyde, Warren Oates' 1973 Dillinger, Capone (1975) and Johnny Depp's Public Enemy lit a fire in me to fire a tommy gun. I now own one!!

[@jonrunnells8127]

Understand Johnny D was a ace mechanic of the Tommy gun. He could field-strip one blindfolded, troubleshoot any problem just by feel and handling.

[@billbaker3565]

Always wanted one for all the reasons you explained. Never got one for all the other reasons you gave! Great video and Merry Xmas!

[@knottreel]

I got an earlier Kahr model. I see that they made a lot of improvements. They added the detachable stock that looks more like the original. Also the actuator knob was reduced in size. Mine had a huge honker, which was necessary because the springs were impossibly strong. Most owners brought heavy gloves to the range, so they could charge the thing without tearing their fingers up. They also made improvements to the Lyman sight. Mine wouldn't adjust up and down; the elevation was mostly for looks. By the way, mine jammed all the time. Even Kahr couldn't fix it. I had to send it to an expert to adjust the ramp.

[@jonrunnells8127]

The bolt is indeed strong. I never wore gloves to snap the bolt back. I snapped it back with bare fingers (developed calluses on my thumb and forefinger). My model came with a 100-round "C" drum, too heavy and cumbersome. Exchanged the C for the classic L50 drum. Don't use used drums. Many have damaged flanges.

[@heavenshound3]

Yes yes and YES!! Please do a video doing the breakdown and assembly!! Got one coming, all those rounds? Needs constant cleaning!

[@markw6096]

I bought this rifle for the cool factor also, but it’s a bear to pull the cocking bar back. The round drum jams and never runs smooth. The sticks run fine. Waiting on the SBR version paper work; then I will sell this one.

[@RodgerHuse-bq1pr]

I really liked your review and tutorial about the Thompson. Thank you!

[@Greenmachine305]

My brain hates this gun but my heart loves it.

[@larrywilson9524]

got the A-1 a few hours ago ;-) scratch one off my bucket list

[@mikemccray9444]

Which one did you get?

[@larrywilson9524]

@@mikemccray9444 i got the 1927. All cleaned and sparkly only problem is i'm too weak to get the drum winder back on..... i guess ol age has finally set in

[@lcasey6597]

@@larrywilson9524 find the slot on the center pin...and push down as you slide clip in. it has a tight tolerance..but once you find the sweet spot it slides right in....you have to push down on the drum case......it just takes a couple of times to get use to it ...if you got the two lined up it will slide into pin easily....

[@rb-kd4ry]

love the vid!!!!TEAR IT APART!!!! i have that exact model

[@jasonrusso151]

more like thee "milwaukee stenographer" or "seattle scribe" because of that absurd semi~auto b.s.

[@herrcobblermachen]

Truly amazed here, truer words never been spoken.

[@jdsolberg7613]

TEAR IT APART! And make it a half hour video tomorrow.

[@pauliedweasel]

Take it off, take it all off! (Anybody remember that shaving cream commercial from the sixties?). 🤪

[@jonrunnells8127]

I bought a 10" finned shortie to trim length and weight on my 1928 A1 Chicago Typewriter. I planned to remove the Cutts compensator, reinstall it on the 10" shortie. Learned the 16 1/2 finned barrel was permanently attached to the upper receiver. Looking for a upper receiver in which to thread the shortie.

[@armedrebellion47]

I was interested in getting one years back, until i held it, and the cost of just the drum was ridiculous so i said the hell with it.

[@jonrunnells8127]

Drums are really Dillinger cool but hard to find. I found a 50-drum at a gun store that went for $300. I found a 30-round stick for $45. Best to comb the gun shows for a dealer who may have a drum for a reasonable price.

[@jonrunnells8127]

New drums are indeed expensive. $400. Best to use cheaper, lighter, easier to load 20 and 30-round sticks. ($45).

[@brianmarshall9272]

thanks very informative..i just purchased one.

[@heavenshound3]

Thanks! Enjoyed your video

[@lxs077]

been thinking about getting one from them cause my nephews last name is thompson lol

[@jond1965]

What a beauty!

[@kroisostreasure]

Great review and awesome camera operator's work! What camera did you use? Got myself one today, can't wait when it's delivered! And hey - who of us, gun lovers (and civilians) - buys their guns for practical purpose these days? :) All just for fun and appreciation of a great (American) firearms history!

[@armedrebellion47]

I don't see how the mobster carried those things back in the day...

[@Greenmachine305]

@Oleg Svensson Real men have no need for politics.

[@jonrunnells8127]

A Thompson is a brawny man's weapon.. John Dillinger was a knowledgeable "tommysmith". He could speedily field strip a tommy, troubleshoot problems, make field adjustments, trim weight.

[@jonrunnells8127]

Mobsters used Thompsons with 10 /1/2 short barrels, making the weapon lighter, easier to handle, more deadlier.

[@zacharyjohnson2066]

Doubled down on calling it a violin case🤣

[@pauliedweasel]

The feed ramp could benefit from polishing.

[@silverrado58]

Try A Zoom snap caps. I didn't have good luck with Tipton snap caps

[@HammerStriker]

I will get some and try them.

[@jameslockhart3102]

Great I'm glad for you enjoy

[@Uncle-info]

When I hit the lottery I bought one … it was on my bucket list … 2200 I paid

[@Skipper4766]

Would like to see video on cleaning and maintenance

[@robertborne895]

As stiff as that bad boy’s safety is, you will develop one heck of a hitchhiker’s thumb! Enjoy your new “friend”.

[@jonrunnells8127]

You'll build up a helluva callus on your thumb working that knurled bolt!

[@machinegunmcgurn1203]

Excellent home defense

[@ANTONIOMunoz-ly2oe]

10

[@timpowell8689]

I’ve subscribed to your channel, I’m a new owner of the 1927a1, please do a video of the breakdown and cleaning please.

[@ReichenbachEsq]

Where are your other Thompson vids?

[@mikemccray9444]

Hi H&S five months ago I left a comment about my Tommy gun and the adapter to carry it under my arm, one response was to make a short video about it and I'm checking to see if you're ok with.

[@HammerStriker]

You just want to put a link to your video in a comment?

[@mikemccray9444]

I saw where you have a "create" for making a short video, I personally don't have a KZbin account that's what I thought that create feature was for. In 36 days I'll be around the sun 66 times so I really know nothing about this if that helps where I'm going at

[@tatalaticusa719]

Full auto Thompson’s aren’t nearly 100k, more around 20k. Doesn’t make them any more affordable for me haha

[@jonrunnells8127]

Didn't know full auto Tommies were that expensive. That said, I'm lucky I have a 1927 A1 semiauto!

[@noksvc]

Es muy hermosa tenerla es todo un sueño

[@Txuci]

Are these Thompsons still being made today?

[@LilPistachiofr]

Yeah. Check out auto ordnance

[@wildroseXIV]

Just brought and my trip lever might be broken inte veery lose

[@AnthonySmith-qf9ee]

Me: **realize that semi auto & full auto wasn't existence on M1927A1** no full auto? 1:17

[@EDP-zc9hb]

one fully automatic near me for 38k

[@2025-e4n]

That's a PCC..

[@itsme6026]

Practical purpose? LOL.

[@ReichenbachEsq]

Thompson’s kill just fine today as they did in yesteryear. That’s practical enough for me.

[@weirdshibainu]

We need a polymer version