Auto-Ordinance 1911 (Kahr) vs Springfield 1911

[frankcostanza]

I really want a WWII repro type 1911. Just a bare bones pistol with the parkerized finished. Looking to keep the price down too. The Auto Ordinance 1911 made by Kahr http://www.auto-ordnance.com/PA-1AO_pkz.html looks like a good option, as does the one made by Springfield Armory http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=1

Just wondering what everyones thoughts are, particularly if you own one of these weapons.

 

[SoCalShooter]

I chose the springer because I have a Champion model and I have shot the GI model and its a pretty decent gun. Although I am disappointed with the finishing touches on my champion.

 

[Quoheleth]

Can't speak to the Kahr, but I really like my Springer.

I am not trying to muddy the waters, but Rock Island has a good, economical bare-bones GI-style 1911 for under 4 bills.

Q

 

[kcshooter]

For $55 more than a GI, you can get the Springer MilSpec, I highly recommend spending the extra, the sights alone are woth the money, but you also have a lowed ejection port in case you ever reload. They are great pistols for the money.


Either one of these are acceptable enough as an entry-level 1911. Springfields customer service and custom shop have outstanding reputations. I don't know enough about Kahr/AO's to drop a well-informed recomendation.

 

[frankcostanza]

Yeah, after I posted this I remembered the Rock Island 1911's. I think centerfiresystems.com sells them for pretty cheap. That might be an option too.

 

[frankcostanza]

kcshooter wrote

you also have a lowed ejection port in case you ever reload

Can someone explain this? I want to get into reloading at some point but right now I'm clueless (about both reloading and 1911's)

 

[kcshooter]

A non-lowered ejection port has a tendancy to put a serious dent on the lip of the 45acp casing, making them too damaged, or at least more difficult, to reload, or occasionally requiring an extra step to straighten them out first, also weakening the brass from the extra working and shortening their life. A dropped port allows them to clear the lip of the slide damage-free.
If you plan to reload, get a lowered port, or make plans to lower a port if you buy a GI style. This can be done by hand with files on your own if you are reasonably good with hand tools, and patient. (Don't use a dremel to do this, too easy to slip up.) If you do it yourself, you will want to refinish it with cold blue when you're done.

 

[NonConformist]

Go w/ Springfield

 

[HM2PAC]

RIA or Springfield.

 

[SureThing]

Centefire put the RIA GI on sale, $40 off.

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911.aspx

 

[AlexM105]

I was set on getting a Springfield TRP for my first gun after doing a whole bunch of research recently. Yesterday I changed my mind to an HK45 CT, but for a 1911 I would still go Springfield.

 

[bac1023]

I've got both and the Springer is nicer than the AO.

 

[firestarter]

+1 on Springfield Milspec.
I would also consider a Colt for resale value.

 

[denfoote]

Get the Springer!!

 

[rocinante]

I didn't vote but I want to defend the AO. I got one NIB for 400 two months ago and it is a damn nice gun. I do not have other 1911s to compare it to but others who have said it is a very decent gun made in U.S.A. for the money. So if money is a factor in your decision making fear not. I just could not take that HUGE billboard that says ROCK ISLAND on the slide although I believe they are decent guns too.

 

[Slater]

The High Standard GI-type has small rollmarks if you don't like the larger markings, and I think it's made in the same factory as the RIA's.

 

[possum]

for sub compact single stack carry guns i say go kahr i have one and love it, but when it comes to 1911's i say get the SA.

 

[Joe Cool]

I like my Kimber, but it's a personal bias I suppose, each to his own.

 

[nero45acp]

Neither RIA



nero

 

[DogRanger]

Springfield all the way...

 

[wky46]

I purchased the AO several months ago and am extremely happy with it.
I bought it over the SA for two reasons:

1. Made in America (though some parts are from Spain, it is machined and assembled in the US, at least the stamp says so. Theres just something about a distinctly American gun that is stamped with "Made in Brazil" on it)
2. Cost ($420, though the SA was just a few $more)

My AO has not come without some problems though.
I read extensively about the AO before purchasing and was aware of three problems some people were encountering with them and of course, I encountered two of them.

1. Failure to reliably feed

I had at least one round from every AO magazine that would not chamber fully.
After some extensive blogging it was obvious the AO mags are junk (or so I was told).
To make a long story short my feed problem was remedied by simply buffing and polishing the sharp edge on the barrels feed ramp.
The problem was NOT the AO magazine.
Along with some new Colt .45 auto magazines, I haven't encountered any feed problems after several hundred rounds.
And that includes many rounds of JHP.

2. Front sight becomes loose

Yep, mine was loose after a few rounds. My 'smith restaked it. A very simple proceedure.

Another problem that comes up is that their repair service and customer service can be better.
I have no experience there as I used a competent gunsmith to do these simple fixes. He charged me $20 ($5 tip) for the repairs.

There are other things which the AO may be vilified for, such as using investment cast. The debate on that is still going on but I will say that some top auto manufacturers also use it. I understand S&W uses investment cast.

Oh yeah, this helped me decide on the AO too-
http://ezine.m1911.org/contents.htm

.........

Phil

 

[Sagetown]

I really want a WWII repro type 1911. Just a bare bones pistol with the parkerized finished. Looking to keep the price down too.
Just wondering what everyones thoughts are, particularly if you own one of these weapons.

Hey frank:
The {bare bones} WWII repro IMO would have to be the Auto Ordnance. Even has the earlier version laynard loop. But, since you're now concidering the RIA, that would be a good choice and at a lower price.