Hey guys, I’m back again to brag about another firearm in my collection. Today, I want to dive
into one of the most recognizable rifles in American history, the Thompson M1SBR. This specific
model features a 10.5-inch barrel, semi-automatic operation, and the legendary .45 ACP
chambering. Better known as the “Tommy Gun,” it’s one of those firearms that turns heads no
matter where it’s displayed or shot.
Now, this isn’t my first Thompson. I’ve owned one before, but this is my first short-barreled rifle
(SBR) variant, and it’s been an absolute blast to own. In this review, I’ll walk you through why I
love this gun, what makes it such a unique piece, and the pros and cons you should know
before picking one up yourself.
First Impressions and Specifications
The Thompson M1SBR is chambered in .45 ACP with a 10.5-inch barrel. Weighing in at a hefty
11.5 pounds, this rifle is no lightweight. Overall length comes to 32 inches, making it shorter
than the traditional full-length Thompson, but still substantial compared to modern carbines.
It features a walnut stock and foregrip, steel receiver, and an overall design that stays
remarkably true to its World War II heritage. It’s not just a firearm, it’s an icon of American
history, reimagined for modern shooters who want the experience of owning and shooting a
Tommy Gun without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a transferable machine
gun.
A Semi-Auto Reproduction of a Legend
The Thompson M1SBR is a semi-automatic reproduction of the Thompson submachine gun
carried by U.S. forces during World War II. Auto-Ordnance/Kahr Arms has done a fantastic job
of capturing the look, feel, and character of the original while making it accessible as a modern
production firearm.
Chambered in .45 ACP, the rifle accepts stick magazines only. Personally, I own a 20-round
stick, a 30-round stick, and I have two 50-round drums for my other Tommy gun, but this rifle
does not have the grooves cut for the drum mags. I prefer using the stick mags anyway for ease
of loading and swapping. It’s the kind of firearm that instantly gets attention whenever I pull it
out, whether at the shop, the range, or when showing it off to friends.
Owning and Handling the Thompson
As someone who reviews firearms for a living and runs a gun shop, I get the unique advantage
of owning and demoing cool firearms like this while also putting them in front of customers. And
let me tell you the first thing everyone says when they pick up the Thompson M1SBR is: “Wow,
this thing is heavy!”
They’re not wrong. At over 10 pounds, it’s a beast compared to most modern carbines. But that
weight is part of its charm. This is not a polymer, lightweight AR-style rifle. It’s a true-to-form
recreation of a historic weapon, and with that comes heft, authenticity, and presence.
For those interested in a lighter or more modern variant, Auto-Ordnance does offer models with
polymer furniture, but personally, I wanted the classic walnut-and-steel version. I’m not
interested in a “modernized” Thompson; I want the closest thing I can get to what soldiers
carried in WWII.
The SBR Factor
This model is classified as an SBR (short-barreled rifle), which traditionally required a $200 tax
stamp through the NFA. However, with regulatory changes coming in January, that tax stamp
requirement will be removed. While I don’t think SBRs will see quite the sales boom that
suppressors will, this is still a great time to let clients and customers know they can save money
on the process.
The shorter barrel adds to the handling appeal, and with the .45 ACP chambering, recoil is
virtually nonexistent. In fact, I’d describe it as fun recoil something you really need to feel for
yourself to appreciate.
Performance at the Range
The .45 ACP cartridge is naturally subsonic and not known for its flat trajectory. Because of this,
I generally shoot the Thompson between 25 and 100 yards. Anything beyond that, and the
round starts dropping fast.
That said, within that range, it’s incredibly controllable and fun to shoot. Running 30 rounds
through the Thompson in semi-auto is an experience that never gets old. The weight of the rifle
soaks up what little recoil there is, and the gun’s reliability has been excellent in my experience.
I’ve put about 500 rounds through mine so far, mostly Federal American Eagle 230-grain ball
ammunition, and it’s performed flawlessly every time.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Auto-Ordnance and Kahr Arms have really nailed the build quality on this firearm. The fit and
finish are excellent, the walnut furniture looks great, and the steel receiver gives it a solid,
authentic feel.
Another issue is the charging handle. The standard one is quite small and only really allows you
to grip it with a finger. Personally, I’d love to see a longer handle with more real estate,
something that lets you grab it securely with at least two fingers. Thankfully, Kahr offers an
extended charging handle on their website for about $50, and I think it’s a must-have upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros
● Iconic design: This is the Tommy Gun, the firearm of WWII soldiers, gangsters, and
American history. Owning one is like holding a piece of the past.
● Excellent build quality: Steel and walnut construction make it feel authentic and solid.
● Soft shooting: The weight combined with .45 ACP chambering makes recoil nearly
nonexistent.
● Fun factor: This rifle is just pure fun to shoot.
● Collectibility: It’s an eye-catching firearm that sparks conversations everywhere.
Cons
● Heavy: At over 10 pounds, this is not a rifle you’ll want to lug around for long.
● Limited effective range: The .45 ACP is subsonic and drops quickly past 100 yards.
● Price: At around $2,600, it’s not cheap, especially for something more collectible than
practical.
● Charging handle: The stock handle is too small and really should be replaced with the
extended version.
Selling the Thompson M1SBR
Running a gun shop like I do, just having this rifle on the wall will draw attention. Customers who
are into historic or wartime firearms will immediately gravitate toward it. And once they hold it,
the appeal grows.
It’s heavy, yes, but it’s also incredibly soft shooting. For customers concerned about recoil, this
is an easy firearm to recommend. Plus, the wide availability of .45 ACP ammo makes it more
practical than some collectible calibers.
When it comes to selling, it’s less about practicality and more about the story. This is a piece of
history, recreated for modern shooters. Customers aren’t just buying a rifle; they’re buying
bragging rights, nostalgia, and an icon.
The Thompson M1SBR isn’t about practicality; it’s about passion. It’s about owning a piece of
history you can actually take to the range without worrying about damaging an irreplaceable
collectible.Yes, it’s heavy. Yes, it’s awkward compared to modern rifles. And yes, it’s expensive. But none
of that matters once you start shooting it. The fun factor, the iconic design, and the sheer joy of
owning a Tommy Gun outweigh all the downsides.
For me, this rifle is about sharing the experience. It’s about letting others hold, admire, and
shoot a piece of history that they might otherwise never get to handle. And that, in my opinion,
makes the Thompson M1SBR worth every penny.
To locate a dealer near you visit www.lipseys.com/dealerfinder