AJ Ordnance Thomas 45
Specifications:
- Designer(s): Frank S. Thomas Jr.
- Manufacturer: AJ Ordnance Inc.
- Model: Thomas
- Caliber: .45 Automatic Colt Pistol
- Capacity: 5+1
- Operation: Striker-fired, Grip-delayed blowback
- Action: Semi-automatic
The Alexander James (AJ) Ordnance Inc. company produced an estimated 600 "Thomas" pistols, chambered in .45 ACP, from 1977 to 1988. The design somewhat resembles that of a hammerless Makarov PM or Walther PP, only, instead of a straight blowback operation, it utilizes a delayed blowback, by means of dual (both sides) slide-locking levers that are engaged by the grip-safety looking part on the back of the frame. When the part is depressed, the levers on eihter side engage lots in the slide. From there, the pistol is fired by pulling the trigger (DAO), releasing the striker (yes, a striker) and firing a cartridge. The levers holding the slide from moving are forced down from the recoiling slide (fixed barrel), AKA a delayed blowback operation. I once heard the trigger described as "staple gun-y", and that is absolutely the most accurately way to explain how it feels - long, even pull with a sudden "click" and release of pressure at the end.
It should also be noted, in the operation of this pistol, that one cannot physically rack the slide with the slide-locking lever grip part depressed. This means, in order to chamber a round, one must have a non-firing grip which does not activate the grip part, then rack the slide. Also, the pistol has a magazine disconnect safety. Finally, the capacity of this pistol, using the factory magazine, is 5+1, even though the magazine can hold 6 rounds of .45 ACP. This is because the rounds in the magazine are pushed down quite a bit when the magazine is locked into the grip of the gun, and with 6 rounds in the magazine, the rounds cannot be pushed any farther down, not allowing the magazine to lock into the grip of the gun. Therefore, you cannot "top-off" this pistol, as you can with most others.
It should also be noted, in the operation of this pistol, that one cannot physically rack the slide with the slide-locking lever grip part depressed. This means, in order to chamber a round, one must have a non-firing grip which does not activate the grip part, then rack the slide. Also, the pistol has a magazine disconnect safety. Finally, the capacity of this pistol, using the factory magazine, is 5+1, even though the magazine can hold 6 rounds of .45 ACP. This is because the rounds in the magazine are pushed down quite a bit when the magazine is locked into the grip of the gun, and with 6 rounds in the magazine, the rounds cannot be pushed any farther down, not allowing the magazine to lock into the grip of the gun. Therefore, you cannot "top-off" this pistol, as you can with most others.
Patents:
US Patent 3,857,325
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US Patent 4,031,648
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Publications:
"The Thomas .45 ...New Gun In Town" by Walter Rickell
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"PART VIII : Miscellaneous Matters" by Dean A. Grennell
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Videos:
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