Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Frank S. Thomas Jr. designed the Thomas pistol in the 1970s, produced by AJ Ordnance Inc. in Covina, California. This .45 ACP concealed carry pistol featured a unique delayed blowback system using wedges engaged by a grip safety lever. It had a long double-action-like trigger, an internal striker, and no manual safety or exposed hammer. The design aimed to eliminate potential failure points and snagging issues. Approximately 600 units were manufactured between 1977 and 1988. The pistol’s capacity was 5+1 rounds, despite its magazine holding 6 rounds, due to space constraints when inserted. Key features included a fixed barrel, magazine disconnect safety, and a “staple gun-like” trigger pull. The cycling action caused discomfort by slapping the grip lever into the shooter’s hand. The slide could only be racked when the grip safety was not depressed, requiring a specific technique for chambering rounds.
“Manufacturer: A.J. Ordnance
Model: Thomas
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 45 ACP
Barrel: 3 3/8 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: plastic”
Lot 5055: A.J. Ordnance Thomas Pistol 45 ACP – A.J. Ordnance Thomas Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box. (n.d.-ax). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1027/5055/aj-ordnance-thomas-pistol-45-acp.
