Auto-Ordnance just dropped a game-changer at SHOT Show 2026: a .22 LR Thompson Lightweight Carbine that packages the iconic Tommy Gun swagger into an affordable rimfire powerhouse. Clocking in at an MSRP of $999, this bad boy swaps the steel receiver for lightweight aluminum and dresses it in polymer furniture with a convincing wood-grain finish—smart engineering that slashes production costs without sacrificing that unmistakable Chicago Typewriter silhouette. It’s not just a plinker; it’s a full-size carbine profile with the classic drum mag compatibility (adapted for .22 of course), clocking velocities that’ll make steel spinners dance and group tightly at 50 yards. For the uninitiated, this echoes the original Thompson’s Prohibition-era legend—now democratized for backyard range rats who want full-auto vibes without the NFA paperwork.
Dig deeper, and this rifle’s a masterstroke for the 2A community. Rimfire Thomsons have been niche collector bait before, but Auto-Ordnance’s move crushes the price barrier that kept the H&R and other legacy .22 Toms in the stratosphere (think $2,000+ used). At sub-$1K, it’s onboarding new shooters—especially youth and budget-conscious dads—into the Thompson cult, fostering that tactile love for American firearm history that translates to lifelong advocacy. Implications? Expect a surge in .22 training rigs mimicking centerfire battle rifles, perfect for honing CQB drills without burning through .223 stacks. Critics might scoff at the fake wood, but that’s purist nonsense; this is tactical evolution, prioritizing accessibility over museum-piece snobbery. In a post-brace rule world, it’s a straight-18 barrel compliance king that screams 2A for the people.
Bottom line: If you’re building a versatile SHTF .22 stable or just crave Chi-town cool on the cheap, this Lightweight Carbine is your ticket. Auto-Ordnance isn’t just curating nostalgia—they’re reloading the Thompson legacy for the next generation of patriots. Watch for street prices dipping under $900 by summer; your range bag needs this.
