Auto Ordnance 1911 VS Springfield 1911A1

[Nick Buie]

I was just wondering which of these two 1911 will perform better. I have a chance to pick up the Auto Ordnance NIB for $450 and the Springfield NIB for around $600. Th springfield is a milspec A1 and I've havent heard much about them. But then again I have not heard really anything about Auto Ordnance's either. Any Info will be greatly appreceated.

 

[Seraph]

Go with the Springfield.

 

[el44vaquero]

springfield

 

[MikeK]

No experience with the Auto Ordnace, but my Springfield loaded performs wonderfully.

 

[vanilla_gorilla]

Six bills is too much for the Mil-Spec, I think. Check gunsamerica or gunbroker.

 

[Ala Dan]

Yep, I also think six C-notes is a bit much for a Springfield MIL-SPEC.
I got mine NIB, with GEAR holster-box-and doc's for $421 + 9% sales tax.

 

[Blue Line]

I have the Auto-Ordance, made by Auto Ordance, for about 20 years. Its not high speed low drag dangerous operator kinda of gun but is a great shooter and fun gun. I bought mine cause I wanted an Army gun to play with. Great shooter with no problems its a good basic gun but I would shop around 450 sounds high. This is also a great project gun to build to suit.

 

[Rumble]

I'd say Springfield. Zero problems with it, except for an idiot mark (because I'm an idiot ).

Mine was $614 out the door. I got 1 (ONE) magazine with it. I keep hearing about people who get them for like, $400 including 7 mags and 3 holsters and a free massage, and I think, "where the hell did you find that?"

And then I think, "Maybe this 'internet shopping' thing is gonna go somewhere."

 

[Nick Buie]

Thanks guys for all the helpful info, I'm going to put money down on the Springfield today. I live in Sacramento, CA and it seems all gun prices are about $200 more than the rest of the world. But I like doing business with the mom and pop stores and am willing to pay a bit extra. Thanks again though. Nick

 

[Technosavant]

I'd go with the Springfield, but I wouldn't be interested in paying more than $550 for one; around these parts, $650 is where the loaded models start.

The Mil-Spec is similar to the older GI style, but has some tweaks to it, most notably the larger ejection port. SA is known for good customer service (I have been swapping emails with them lately because I managed to booger up my grip bushings, and need to send it for some fixing and maybe some refinishing for wear while I'm at it). The Mil-Spec is also a great platform to begin with and then customize on down the road.

I have no experience with the Auto-Ordnance guns, so I can't comment on them. You can find more information over at www.1911forum.com.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Springfield has created a lot of confusion with their product names, because the "Mil-Spec" ... isn't.

The Auto-Ordnance 1911 is a close copy of the WW2 M1911A1. Springfield also makes such a pistol, but it's the GI, not the Mil-Spec. A-O's is actually the closer clone, because the Springfield uses non-authentic grip panels, and has the lock in the mainspring housing. These two guns are roughly competitive in price, but since around the end of last year the A-O typically has been selling for around $50 less than the Springfield. The Springfields are made in Brazil, and the rate of exchange has gotten worse, so this is not really something that Springfield can control.

The Springfield Mil-Spec is superficially similar to the GI, but it includes some improvements such as lowered and flared ejection port and better (easier to see, but non-authentic) sights. It costs more than the GI. I doubt anyone has seen Mil-Specs in the $400 range. More than a year ago (before the prices went up) a friend of mine paid $419 for a Springfield GI. These days, you're not going to find a new one for less than $450 or $500. In general, the A-Os will be less expensive and are closer to the authentic configuration ... if that's important to you.

Quality consistency is probably better with Springfield. I know of people with excellent A-Os, but I handled a new one in a gun shop on which the thumb safety was extremely safe -- once applied, it could not be disengaged. The one next to it on the shelf appeared to function perfectly, although it felt a bit "gritty" to operate.

 

[Rumble]

Hawkmoon, you make a good point. To clarify, my Springfield 1911 is the model they call the "Mil-Spec" (part number PB9108LP, with the various minor improvements), not the one they call the "GI."

It was, IIRC, $560 and change, plus fees and taxes to bring it up to $614. So maybe that price ain't too bad.

 

[.45 Cal]

When I bought my Springfield I ordered the "Milspec" but when I picked it up it was the GI WWII model. I asked if that was correct and my gun shop said that that's the authorized one for California. I didn't look into it any further, and I'm happy with the model.

Oh, and you might check the Springfield website to see if they're offering additional mags, etc., at a discount with the purchase.

And mine was ~$500 out the door.

 

[bestseller92]

Since a brand new stainless Springfiled GI model is on Gunbroker.com with a "Buy Now" price of $479, I'd say $600 is a bit high.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=50646641

 

[M.E.Eldridge]

I used to have a Springield G.I. but wanted a closer to WWII 1911 so I traded it straight-up for a new-in-the-box Auto-Ord and have since run about 100 rounds through it. I had no problems, I was shooting at steel ringers, so I don't know group size data, but I hit as many times as I remembered hitting with the Springfield. All in all, I would get the A-O.

 

[Roadkill]

I got an Auto Ordnance about a year or so back, used but still in box for $300
First time I shot it the front sight disappeared, made one with a dremel tool out of a nickle, staked it, filed to right height, then the thing was all over the target, the rear sight was about to fall off, I superglued and staked it, then I polished the rails, throated the chamber, polished the trigger parts, now it is a very reliable gun. At 25yds the bullseye disappears within ten shots, trigger is superb, it is my kayak, canoe, camping, backpack go to the woods gun. I load 230g fmj with 4.9g reddot. Outstanding gun. Its in the holster by my cot on the last camp out.

rk

 

[shep854]

Auto-Ordnance had a pretty poor reputation. Since they were bought out by Kahr, quality has greatly improved.

That said, I bought a "GI" M1911A1 by Kahr/Auto-Ordnance about two years ago. It differed from true GI in that it had a lowered ejection port, "white" barrel hood, slanted slide serrations and a long trigger. I replaced the trigger and cold-blued the barrel hood. The only problems I have had was after I shot some hot handloads.

 

[KC&97TA]

I have a Springfield GI, I over paid at $556 but I wanted it and was haveing trouble finding a place that could get one. Holds a really nice group, bit low and left, but I planned on putting target sites on it anyway, 100% reliable, eats all ammo feed too it and I've never had a FTF or FTF, well worth the money.

It's also a solid base to build a custom off of.