Auto-Ordnance M1911A1

Examined one of these at a gun show today. The first Auto-Ordnance M1911A1 that I've ever personally seen, this was one of the GI Milspec Parkerized examples. The exterior finish looked well done, on a par with the Springfields and others on the same table. Price was $419, don't know if that's about average or not.

Had to pass as I didn't have much cash. A buddy told me that it's probably best that I did.

Thoughts pro/con on the newer Auto-Ordnances?

Word is that they're MUCH better than the old Auto Ordinance guns (then again, when you hit rock-bottom you can't go anywhere but up). However they're now priced the same as a Springfield GI Mil-Spec, which has a longer-standing reputation and a forged frame AND slide. The AO only has a forged slide (the frame is still investment cast). If there was a big price difference I could see considering the AO, but all else being equal I'm not going to gamble that they've learned their lesson from 10-20 years ago.

I have the bare bones 1911A1 from AO, post Kahr takeover of course... I was worried about their old reputation as well, but after reading a few articles on the new line I kinda figured "what the hell..." and bought it.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have bought 2 - no kidding... In the couple months I have had it, I've put close to 1000 rounds downrange, and had 2 FTE using CCI Blazer, but that was due to cheap aluminum casings. Never had a FTF, or FTE before or since with any other ammo. Couldnt even say that about my old Beretta 92FS...

As for the AO-1911, it wont win a beauty contest, and it's a little rough on the hand (no beavertail = nice scar :p )... But it's a blast to shoot, it's accurate, and it feeds and goes bang everytime I pull the trigger.. That's a little more than I expected in a $400 clone :)

Slater - I just bought one 2 weeks ago. About the only thing I was really surprised by was the inclusion of a Colt series 80 firing pin safety (just didn't really expect one on a "WWII replica").

The finish seems to be about as nice as any other parkerizing I've ever seen. Actually it's fairly attractive, the frame and slide are just slightly different colors and in the right light it looks pretty good.

The front sight on mine is staked on at a slight angle... given the very small size of the GI sights this really doesn't make a difference. Just something noticable when aiming it.

In the first twenty or so rounds fired I got a number of failures to fully go into battery using WWB, Remington JHPs and my own reloads. Usually a little extra nudge would close things up and I could continue shooting. About one out of every five failures to lock up needed to be racked open to get back into operation. This problem definately tapered off after 30-50 rounds, and now (with more than 150 rounds thru the gun) it doesn't happen at all.

After 50 rounds the slide stop began working itself out of the frame. Three or four rounds fired was enough to see it working out. I spoke to Kahr about the problem and they are sending me a new slidestop.

The trigger on mine was stiff and a little "gritty" at first. I took it apart gave the trigger bow and path a little bit of polishing and then cleaned all the trigger parts very thoroughly. I am now very, very pleased with the trigger.

Slide to frame fit and barrel lock up are exceptionally tight on a gun this inexpensive.

Overall... I'm very pleased with the accuracy, a little less than fully satisfied with the workmanship, and generally happy that I bought it.

The trigger on mine was stiff and a little "gritty" at first.

Agreed... forgot to mention that... I described it as 'crunchy' to friends of mine who asked about it.. After a few dry-fires and a trip to the range, it smoothed itself out just fine, and has a very crisp, clean, and even break. I didnt have the problems AFhack had with my first few rounds though. Glad to hear those issues worked themselves out so quickly.

As stated originally, the one I examined looked quite nice. The price wasn't too bad either. It seems that AO has quite a ways to go to shed their old reputation, since a lot of folks I know shun them.

I keep getting closer to buying one of these myself. I've heard many, many more positive responses from owners than negative ones, so it's definitely encouraging. I'm a 1911 snob, too (I like old Colts:) ) but this one has real appeal.

BTW, any truth to the rumor that the frames are machined by Caspian? I know the raw castings are made in Spain, but they're allegedly finish machined by Caspian. That would be a real plus in my book if it were true.

vanfunk

The one I saw at the shop didn't look bad either.

But, it was priced at almost Springfield level and that's a no go for most I would guess.

They might need to compete at/near the RIA level for really good sales IMO.

I would like to get one, but cannot seem to determine if the feed ramp is polished from the factory. For close to the same money you can get the Springfield GI and it does have a polished feed ramp so that it can feed hollowpoints without a hitch.

I know this sounds flaky, but I wish they made one in .38 super. For some reason I have lately become obsessed with that round. :rolleyes:

I would like to get one, but cannot seem to determine if the feed ramp is polished from the factory. For close to the same money you can get the Springfield GI and it does have a polished feed ramp so that it can feed hollowpoints without a hitch.

I know this sounds flaky, but I wish they made one in .38 super. For some reason I have lately become obsessed with that round. :rolleyes:


mbt2001 - FWIW the feed ramp on mine looks polished, not quite as nicely polished as the Springer loaded model I have, but polished nonetheless. My AO WWII Parkerized model feeds Remington JHP and my own lead, round nose flat point, reloads without problems.