Auto-ordnance 1911's?

[RainDownmyBlues]

So what's the low down on Auto-Ordnance 1911's? They seem pretty cheap, and I've heard their M1Carbines are good rifles. However I pretty much stick to rifles usually but I've always enjoyed my friends original issue 1911. Just don't want to plop down 1,200 on a pistol, and these prices seem pretty reasonable.

http://www.auto-ordnance.com/PA-1AO_pkz.html

 

[tekarra]

From what I have read, the new AOs are good pistols. That has gotten me to looking for one to fondle.

 

[RainDownmyBlues]

How's availability>

 

[.45Heater]

Naw.... alot better 1911's out there for that money.

 

[MICHAEL T]

1,200 on a pistol, Man you can buy a real Colt way cheaper than 1200

Go buy a Colt its much better pistol.

 

[FourteenMiles]

The AO is the cheapest American made 1911 you can buy (from what I've read).

I don't know what you are talking about $1200?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_51/products_id/16100

 

[RainDownmyBlues]

Any colt I see is like 800-900 dollars, and I'm not much in to paying for a stamp on the slide. My M9 was garbage, and I've handled a few colt rifles that were equally garbage. I've heard their hangguns are inconsistent as well.

 

[JTQ]

Here is a review from M1911.org. This is the most detailed review of the Auto Ordnance 1911 I've seen.

http://ezine.m1911.org/AO1911A1.htm

The writer is probably the biggest Colt fan on the M1911.org forum, but he liked the AO enough after the review he bought it.

In other posts on the forum he has continued to sing the praises of the AO. However, he also points out the Colt is clearly the better product and worth whatever extra they cost.

Colt makes a consistently good product and good value. You are not paying for the Colt stamp on the the side, you are paying for better quality parts.

I do like the AO. It is the most authentic 1911A1 GI looking pistol out there. I does have an oddly square front strap and the slide release lever is wider than most and almost seems like it overhangs the trigger guard area. However, at that price point I'm willing to overlook those things.

Here is another excellent review of the AO (I almost forgot about this one).

http://www.thesixgunjournal.net/aoww2.html

The author ended up replacing a bunch of parts to make the pistol work to his satisfaction, but he also thought it was a good investment.

 

[RainDownmyBlues]

What's the deal with 80 series saftey pin block? I researched 1911's a few years ago but don't remember any of that. Then again I didn't look too deep, don't know specifically what it's dealing with. I heard mention of something detrimental to trigger pull weight. Any truth? How is it engaged/disengaged? Forum opinions on it?

 

[todd_g]

I bought an AO back in 1989, it was a good functioning 1911. I sold it about a year later. I think in 03 I ended buying another but this time it was the deluxe package, different sights and rubber wrap around grips. This pistol has been a thorn in my side for sometime. When I got it, I would fire a couple mags of rounds and then the cases will start sticking in the chamber while ejecting, I sent it back to Kahr for repair, I got it back and it is still doing the same thing, also the cases go straight up in the air then end up bouncing off my head and or going down my shirt and like clock work on the very last round the case will eject staight back quite forcefully into my forehead leaving a 45 cal black ring. It is quite annoying so instead of complaining to Kahr arms and sending it back for repair again it just sits in my safe as a constant reminder that " you get what pay for."

 

[Cards81fan]

The AO is the cheapest American made 1911 you can buy (from what I've read).

I don't know what you are talking about $1200?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_51/products_id/16100

I think the OP meant he doesn't want to spend that much ($1200) on another brand of pistol, but is considering spending $500 on an AO.

 

[DeepSouth]

My brother had a older one and it was junk, that said I hear the newer ones are better. If you look you can get a Springfield for around $500. Don't be scared to buy a used one either, if something is wrong Springfield will fix it.

 

[Pate]

I have one and it's a great gun for the money. Changed a few parts over the years, but it was great right out of the box.

 

[MikePaiN]

My AO M1 Carbine is coming in on Monday......I'll definitely be getting a AO 1911 to match sometime soon