Thomas Semi-Automatic Pistol

A 32-oz. semi-automatic pistol, the Thomas saw limited production, but offered a number of unique features. A blowback action, the hammerless Thomas was double-action only and featured a fixed stainless barrel - all custom features in 1971.

The Terrific Thomas Pistol: An American Double-action .45 The year is 1971. There are no double-action-only .45s, no hammerless, no fixed-barrel for great out-of-the-box accuracy, no compact models with good ergonomics, and none inherently safe without a conventional safety. Then Frank S. Thomas Jr. conceived this pistol embodying all of those features. Intended as a self-defense pistol, it is smaller and lighter weight than any other .45 automatic pistol at the time, weighing just 32 ounces. Ably assisted by his son, S. Seaton Thomas, the engineer/designer, both work tirelessly for several years to perfect the pistol design. And suceed they did. Two patents were issued covering the lockup mechanism and combination ejector-magazine safety in 1974.

Limited production of less than 1000 units commenced in 1977 at Alexander James Ordnance Inc. The Thomas .45 was featured in a test report which appeared in the magazine "Guns & Ammo" for March of 1978. After production began, the first three serial-numbered pistols were presented to his two sons, Mr. S. Seaton Thomas and Mr. Frank S. Thomas III, and his daughter Lisa. It is one of these, Serial No. 000002, that you see displayed here. Mr. S. Seaton Thomas and Mr. Frank S. Thomas III donated this pistol in loving memory of Mr. Frank S. Thomas Jr., a remarkable engineer, designer and inventor. All three Thomases have been Life members of the NRA.