#Auto-Ordnance

Welcome everyone to the 115th edition of ‘Hot Gat or Fudd Crap?’, one of our many series here on TFB. If you’re new to the series, this is where we look at the most obscure firearms that are actually for sale and ask the question – is this Gat a sweet deal or only has a Fudd appeal?  Each week the TFB staff weighs in with their thoughts, but readers get the final say in the poll at the bottom of each article.

Hot on the heals of their commemorative Iwo Jima Series Thompson Auto-Ordnance have announced a custom Liberty 1911. Featuring their customary eye-catching style, the new 1911 has ‘Don’t Tread’ motif courtesy of Auto-Ordnance’s custom partner, Outlaw Ordnance.

The M1 Carbine was originally designed in the early days of World War 2 as a scaled-down version of the M1 Garand, the main battle rifle.  The intent wasn’t to issue the Carbine to smaller people, but for those keeping the war machine logistics running.  The idea was that people packaging or driving supplies for the front line didn’t need a large weapon or even full-power ammunition.  Because the M1 Carbine is scaled down in size and power, I’ve always believed that it was well suited for youth that have already learned the fundamentals of marksmanship on rimfire rifles.

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy during WWII, Thompson Auto-Ordnance has released a limited edition D-Day series firearms. The series includes three firearms: The Soldier M1 Carbine, The Ranger Thompson, and The General 1911. Let’s take a look at each of these guns and see how the company describes them.

Auto Ordnance in conjunction with Outlaw Ordnance is releasing another one-of-a-kind firearm with their NEW Airborne M1 Carbine. Auto Ordnance and Outlaw Ordnance have created a unique partnership this year and have debuted multiple custom firearms. Their latest team effort pays homage to all of the airborne members of our military from WWII. Auto Ordnance shared this public statement elaborating on the new Airborne M1 Carbine:

Auto Ordnance Corporation (of the Kahr Firearms Group) has unveiled a NEW Thompson Case Hardened Tommy Gun chambered in the traditional .45 ACP with looks that could kill. The aesthetic, swirling-water appearance of case hardening that is most closely associated with revolvers looks right at home on the side of their newest Tommy Gun. This new model, according to the Kahr Firearms Group, is now shipping to retailers and should be available for purchase extremely soon.

Auto Ordnance Corporation has a new rifle for all of us through their growing line of WWII Commemorative Guns with the Tanker WWII Thompson. This model boasts many of the same features we have come to know from a Thompson rifle chambered in .45 ACP, but the aesthetic is meant to evoke the nostalgia of World War II. Featuring a cloth sling and mag carrier pouch as well as embellishments on the walnut stock and metalwork, this rifle definitely taps into the style from that era.

Auto Ordnance from the Kahr Firearms Group has once again partnered with Outlaw Ordnance to bring us a custom new spin on a classic firearm. For this collaboration effort, they have produced a Custom “Vengeance” WWII M1 Carbine rifle. This rifle is of the same iconic construction that Auto Ordnance has always produced their M1 Carbines with, but now it has history emblazoned directly into the wood stock.

The Kahr Firearms Group includes Kahrs Arms, Auto Ordnance and Magnum Research and they have been introducing a lot of commemorative 1911 pistols as of late. Their newest additions are the “Squadron,” a case-hardened model, and the “Pledge.” All of these boast a ton of curb appeal and Kahr Firearms Group is banking on consumers buying into the nostalgic look in order to swallow the price tags.

It was only two months ago that Kahr Arms Group announced their “We the People” Desert Eagle 1911 in collaboration with Outlaw Ordnance. The curb appeal was through the roof with the custom cerakoted finish and premium features. The joint ventures will continue between the custom finishing company Outlaw Ordnance and the Kahr Arms Group as they are ready to announce a NEW Auto Ordnance “Victory Girls” 1911.

If you’re one of those people who think the Thompson submachine gun never should have gone away, then Kahr Arms (Auto Ordnance) has the gun for you. Displayed at their booth at the 2018 SHOT Show is a Thompson different than any of the other semiauto Thompson recreations in their catalog. Decked out in black tactical furniture, and featuring a unique railed receiver, this weapon is a Thompson updated for the 21st Century.

Brownells, SilencerCo and Auto Ordnance have teamed up to offer a suppressor ready semi-automatic Thompson submachine gun.

The Kahr Firearms Group recently announced the company was now offering a Thomspon carbine chambered for the 9mm cartridge. The new rifle is being offered under the Auto-Ordnance brand. According to the company, this is the first time the gun has been manufactured for this cartridge during the past 100 years.

When the latest press release from Auto Ordnance hit my box, I couldn’t help but hearing Burl Ives singing “Silver and Gold” from the 1964 television show “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Looking at the new guns, I imagine many readers will understand why.

The little M1 Carbine really is a timeless classic. Made in huge numbers for only a few years during WWII, original Carbines have steadily become scarcer and more expensive as the surplus reservoir accordingly declined.