What do you think of these 1911's on my list

[mshootnit]

Have to pick just one due to budget:
Kahr Arms AO 1911. I like the idea of this one best but not that its series 80 any opinions on this one? experience?

Regent R100 : I like the looks of this one. Again any opinions?

First 1911.

 

[Tommy B]

I don't have any experience with either of them, but if you want easier to see sights, go with the Regent. The AO has the low profile GI sights that are harder to see (at least for my 55 yr. old eyes).

edit: I guess I must have been thinking of the remington R1 as it seems the Regent has GI sights as well. My bad.

 

[ugaarguy]

All the Regents I've handled have had poor barrel to slide lock up. The Rock Island / Citadel 1911s I've handled all exhibit very good to excellent lockup. The Metro Arms 1911s I've recently handled have all also locked up very well, and are very nicely finished to boot.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Rock Island / Citadel 1911s along with the American Classic by metro Arms would be better choice than those 2

 

[CZ223]

Get yourself a.....

Rock Island, Citadel or American Classic II. The ATI guns also seem to be getting a pretty good rep. The Desert eagle 1911's are also quite nice but a little pricier.

 

[Shipwreck]

Honestly - what's your price limit?

I'd stick with a ROck Island or a Springfield GI if you can swing it.

 

[RichBMW]

Love my Rock Island Armory Tactical and seriously enamored with its price.

 

[451 Detonics]

I would say wait and save till you can afford to go a bit higher in the quality scale. I am a competitive shooter and I expect a certain level of accuracy from the guns I buy. I know many folks aren't necessarily looking for that level of accuracy but guns that display good accuracy also tend to be put together with more attention to fit and quality of parts. Anything from Springfield, S&W, or STI would be a big step up...you get what you pay for.

 

[Zerodefect]

Meh, I'm not into either of those.

If you want a basic old school WWII looking 1911 then get a Colt O1911ANVIII
http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtPistols/100thAnniversaryModels.aspx


If you don't mind more advanced features take a look at:
Kimber Custom or TLE (basic Kimbers)
Colt Rail gun
Dan Wesson Heritage or Valor
Les Baer

 

[Ramone]

I own a Kahr/AO 1911TC (the stainless version) and it has been out of the box the best 1911 I have owned, and at 9k rounds, it's still going strong.

Since Kahr bought them, I have heard nothing but good things about AO.

last year, after going back and forth for a coupla years with some shooting buddies over how horrible the series 80 system was, we set up a blind test with five weapons- two Series 80, two 70 type, and one kimber.

No one (out of 4 experienced pistolaros) could reliably tell the difference in any of the systems.

I don't know anyone personally that has had a malf due to the series 80 system. I recognise that more parts= more troubles, but I haven't seen it yet.

 

[mshootnit]

Thanks for the link and info fellas. Sounds like I need to look at a couple more options.

 

[JTQ]

Here are a couple of Auto Ordnance 1911 reviews.

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

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

The reports are that Kahr has greatly improved the AO 1911 since taking over around 2000. They had a terrible reputation in the past. Both of the above reviewers like their AO. I think the understanding is that for the price they are fine. They are not a Colt, but then they do cost less.

The Series 80's style firing pin safety has a long track record of reliability. I would not worry about it.

Non-firing pin equipped 1911 video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_QkWEiX2eE