Auto Ordnance 1911's - Any good?

[EddieCoyle]

I have a chance to pick up an old Auto Ordnance 1911 with the Thompson logo, made in West Hurley, NY. The pistol is in 90%+ condition, the asking price is $400. Are these any good?

I've read some negative reports on Auto Ordnance 1911's, how are the older ones?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[robert garner]

mines from late 80's just had some work done on it(wouldn't feed hollowpoints)
with hardball never a problem, the grip safety is non functional, smith said too outa spec to fix, YMMV
robert

 

[Spartacus451]

They might shoot okay for a while but aren't great for building on. Tendency is for parts and holes in the frame to not be quite in spec. Pins also break frequently. I would recommend ponying up 150 dollars more for a used S&W 1911.

Your in Mass? Get thee to Four Seasons now! Carl has the following used gun in stock:
Smith & Wesson SW1911 .45 ACP JRF8xxx $549.95
Used they are normally 599 all day long. Also post in the classifieds at northeastshooters.com to see if anyone is interested in parting with one.

 

[Devonai]

Mine had all sorts of problems, mostly related to the extractor. I went as far as trying a Wilson Combat replacement extractor before giving up. I would be very wary of any pre-Kahr AO 1911. The Norinco I had previously was flawless, so if you find one of those I'd recommend it.

And yes, I know the 1911 situation in MA is abysmal.

 

[Nicky Santoro]

I've had one for about 15 years. After polishing the feed ramp and replacing the factory mag with MecGars and Wilsons, it's been 100%. That being said and from all I've read, I was lucky with my AO and that pre-Kahr they are pretty much hit or miss.
FWIW
YMMV

 

[EddieCoyle]

Thanks all. I'm going to pass.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I think I just ran into the same guy selling this AO 1911. The price is $350 now. I was thinking about it as well, but think I'll pass to.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I think I just ran into the same guy selling this AO 1911. The price is $350 now. I was thinking about it as well, but think I'll pass to.

If his shop's initials are Y.A. then maybe so. I passed on the AO and traded a Mini-14 for a like-new S&W 1911.

 

[theCZ]

A friend bought a new one at a garage sale for $75 bucks from an old widow who thought it was worth that much at the most! It seems to work great for him, and the price was definately right.

 

[Rockrivr1]

EddieCoyle - Yep that is the place. If it sits around long enough and the price keeps dropping I may reconsider and make it a project gun or something. Who knows. Would really like to get a Sistema, but those are running around $500 or more for one in good shape.