USA
Worcester, MA

Auto Ordnance was founded in 1916 by John Taliaferro Thompson, who had an illustrious career in the U.S. military and retired as Brigadier General. He was instrumental in selecting weapons for the U.S. Army, including their adoption of the Springfield M1903 rifle and selection of .45 caliber as the standard round for pistols. He retired in 1914 and started his quest to perfect an automatic rifle. Shortly after launching Auto Ordnance, he was called back to serve in World War I. After the war he resumed his quest and commercialized the Thompson submachine gun, popularly known as the "Tommy Gun." The company has changed hands and was purchased by Kahr Arms group in 1999.