Auto Ordnance 1911 Quality ?

[K98]

A friend of mine wants to pick up a model 1911 in 45 caliber. Are the Auto Ordnance models considered to be of good quality? Any known issues?
Thanks

 

[ridleyman]

I understand that they're hit or miss. Mine was miss. It actually never had FTF or FTE, but it had numerous FTB. In other words, it would pick up the new round no prob, but then the round wouldn't seat. It did better if I only loaded 6 rounds, and no mags made it improve. It's a nice cheap classic looking gun, but don't ever bet your life on it. I hear that the RIA is better and even cheaper ($422 at Pullman in Worcester, when they have it).

 

[mikelawtown]

I understand that they're hit or miss. Mine was miss. It actually never had FTF or FTE, but it had numerous FTB. In other words, it would pick up the new round no prob, but then the round wouldn't seat. It did better if I only loaded 6 rounds, and no mags made it improve. It's a nice cheap classic looking gun, but don't ever bet your life on it. I hear that the RIA is better and even cheaper ($422 at Pullman in Worcester, when they have it).

THIS....
I actually have the Rock Island Armory Tactical and it shoots Great..

 

[Djharpin]

I grabbed one recently just for nostalgia, it's an affordable repro of a WW11 service pistol (once you get past it's a series 80). Mine is a bit picky with reloads but shoots really well. It's fun for what it is but I would not recommend for a 1st 1911 or a primary range choice. There are too many other options that better fit that bill.

 

[45collector]

Kahr Arms bought out Auto Ordnance in 1999 and the quality of their 1911's has improved since then. I would not hesitate to buy an AO .45 with "Worcester" on the receiver but I would stay away from any of them that were made in West Hurley.

 

[Picton]

I had one back in the '90s, when I've been told the quality was on the upswing. It behaved exactly like a USGI pistol: it rattled a lot, fed only FMJ, and had to be shoved into battery after a dozen rounds or so. No misfires, though.

 

[92G]

Kahr Arms bought out Auto Ordnance in 1999 and the quality of their 1911's has improved since then. I would not hesitate to buy an AO .45 with "Worcester" on the receiver but I would stay away from any of them that were made in West Hurley.

^^this
i recently sold my AO 1911 but it shot great. the standard sights were tough to acquire w a dark target but i knew that before i purchased it. built quality seemed very good. i only sold to fund another 1911, otherwise i was very pleased w the AO 1911.

 

[Upland]

I bought one new about 3 years ago. I think they are a good value.

AO says to only use ball ammo. The gun fits a niche for me of a repro WWII 1911 that you can take out and blast away with.