Auto-ordnance 1911

[Trigger Mike]

How does auto-ordnance compare to other brands like rock island and colt or kimber?

[Ranger Dan]

I would rate them:

1. Colt

2. Kimber

3. Rock Island

4. Auto Ordinance

 

and through in Ruger at 2.5

[Pat Riot]

My only experience with an Auto Ordnance 1911 was my friend's. It  patterned nicely at 10 yards. 

It always fired but it's accuracy was Storm Trooper like.

[DeaconKC]

Their new stuff [Kahr owned] is good. Their older stuff was pretty iffy on QC. Se Mixup98's review on an older one on youtube.

[Trigger Mike]

Wow, worse than rock island and twice the price?  That is helpful to know.  

[Trigger Mike]

I had an interest because the local store has an auto ordnance iwo jima 1911.  I was toying with getting it and shooting it once in a while.   

[Sixgun Sheridan]

I would put AO above Rock Island, honestly. Most of the bad press about AO relates to the old pre-Kahr guns made in West Hurley, NY, which were VERY bad. The one that Mixup98 reviewed actually worked, unlike the one I had.

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[Dirty Dan Dawkins]

My son has an older NY made one. It is on par with the Rock Island I had 7-8 years ago, once a spring kit was installed.

It had weak springs in it: too light in the slide and hammer. It would barely chamber and made light primer strikes. After springs, it is reasonably accurate and functions fine.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Based on perform, reliability accuracy and cost I'd place my RIA in #1 spot.  I had a very very good gunsmith, who is also one of the most reasonably priced, put a wonderful civilian blue job on it, junked the smooth wood grips for some Sarco machine checkered (NOT laser engraved) "double diamond" walnut grips, and found a dozen Colt magazines.

 

Dropped it in a Ted Blocker holster and I'm ready for town.  Colt might be a bit better...for double the cost or more...but I can't see it.  Can't speak for Kimber, but again it costs a bunch more.  The Springfield is as good as the RIA but I haven't found a GI issue type gun from them.

 

I bought mine from the Bullet Barn in Upland California in 2012 and it has never had a hiccup since I found the right magazines.....maybe 2,500 rounds ago.

 

I've owned a bunch of 1911s in the last 65 years, new, used, surplus military, one exLEO piece, and civilian and stand by this opinion.

[JD Lud]

Put hands on this one at FFL just briefly and was nicely done.  Didn’t fire it.

 

[Slapshot]

Just about any of the Philippino 1911's are good buys. I'd rate Springfield slightly above them. I have a Citadel 1911 that is spot on good quality and good accuracy for a decent price.

I have no experience with AO but here they are decent now days.

 

[DocWard]

My brother has an Auto Ordnance that he has had for decades. The barrel bushing broke early in its life, but after replacing it, it has been a solid performer for him. The sights leave some to be desired, but it is otherwise quite accurate in his hands. I would go so far to say it is hands down his favorite firearm.

[Old Man Graybeard]

I just hope Remington comes back out with the R-1 and that it is as good as the pre bankruptcy ones. I had one Rock Island...and will probably NEVER buy another thing with Rock Island on it again based on my personal experience with that one. The Springfields I have aren't too bad.

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

I just happened to see this last week on these guns.

 

Thompson 1911 Auto-Ordnance .45 ACP Shooting Review "Warning - Terrible Pistol" Pre-Kahr

Thompson Auto-Ordnance 1911 .45 - Did I Fix My Misfire Problem?

 

[Sixgun Sheridan]

If you're in the market for a cheap 1911 consider the SDS Tisas. I haven't yet run into anybody who didn't love theirs.

[DeaconKC]

ATI makes a very good 1911 also.