What are the Kahr Auto-ordnance 1911's like? Springfield better?

[goon]

I think that I want a 1911.
I am looking for something pretty close to Mil-Spec, and I have narrowed it to the Springfield Mil-Spec or a new Auto-Ordnance.
I know that the old Auto-Ordnance guns sometimes had spotty quality, which is unacceptable since any gun I own for could be called on for defense, and therefore MUST work.
I need opinions and experience on both.
Thanks.

 

[harrydog]

Don't know a whole lot about Auto-Ordnance other than they have cast receivers. Springfield uses forged receivers. I think the Springfield is a better gun in general and definitely a better foundation for customizing, if you ever decide to do that.
Springfield also has a lifetime warranty - don't know about AO.

 

[Ebbtide]

www.1911forum.com has several threads on the AO with a couple of reviews (do a search).

Some folks seem to like them but from what I read online the SA milspec is a better weapon for just a few dollars more. If it were up to me, I would go with who has the better warrantee and cutomer service (SA).

Hope this helps, and check out the above site. It may give you more question than answers, though.

ehenz

 

[cratz2]

I have an AutoOrdnance frame on a thrown together mut but that's the end of my experience with AO other than handling a couple of the newer Kahr guns. Usually just under $400.

Springfield MilSpecs have a relatively long history of being among the best values in the centerfire handgun world. Last Springfield MilSpec I saw was $449.

I would, and have, gladly paid the difference to get the Springfield.

 

[blades67]

Save yourself the trouble and get a Springfield.

 

[stans]

Many, probably most, of the old production Auto-Ord's were pretty bad. The new ones are supposed to be better, but I have still heard reports of serious problems. Most Springfield's are going to work right out of the box. Either may need a little work to get them to feed hollow point ammo reliably.

 

[Maddogkiller]

I have owned 3 SA 1911A1's. One blue, one Mil SPec, and One SS. None were purchased new. All were excellent pistols. All worked well. I carried all of them at one time or another for SD and I never had a doubt about their reliability. The accuracy of all of them was outstanding.
IMHO, there is no finer 1911A1 than a Springfield.

 

[pinetree64]

Aren't the Springfield Mil-Specs manufacturered in South America and use lower quality parts thent he loaded series? That being said, I'll probably get a Springfield.

 

[Handy]

I think all the Springfield 1911s are made in South America. Nothing really wrong with that.

Their custom guns may have some US parts, though.

 

[harrydog]

The frames & slides are forged in Brazil by Imbel, a well respected company that produces high quality parts.
Remember, "Made in America" is not synonymous with high quality.

 

[goon]

The reputation of the Imbel FAL is as good as the original.
I would like to have one of those too.