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Removing the seventh round from the magazine was the only way to get a JHP round into the chamber.
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We also found out that our Auto Ordnance would not chamber a variety of hollowpoint ammunition from a fully loaded magazine. This was some 10 yards shy of the distance from which we normally test full-size pistols. We also decided, due to the limitations of the sights, to collect data at 15 yards. We estimated that the gun was shooting very low and decided to set up targets that offered blank paper well below our point of aim in order to catch printed groups. However, we had a great deal of trouble finding the proper point of aim. The trigger press required 6.5 pounds of pressure to ignite each round, but we thought the action was smooth and consistent. 45 ACP loads at a rack of six 8-inch steel plates mounted 15 yards downrange. The one supplied magazine held seven rounds and utilized a round follower. The rear unit was windage adjustable only by impact or drift. The front sight was also grooved, but we wished it was bigger and bolder. Good thing: None was supplied along with the owner’s manual, cable lock and test-fired case. Because the gun used a standard-length guide rod, field-stripping did not require a bushing wrench. The beavertail was broad and smooth even by today’s standards.
Auto ordnance m1911a1 slide full#
The hammer showed a full spur with checkering. We also felt there was a distracting interplay between the grip safety and the trigger, as though our grip was coaxing the trigger action along. The thumb safety was left side only, like on the original design, but we were felt that its movement was loose and sloppy, undermining our confidence in its durability. The trigger was not adjustable, but its face was nicely textured. Several points on this gun reminded us of how many innovations are now standard on today’s 1911 pistols. Serrations were cleanly applied, but only on the rear of the slide. The arched mainspring housing was lined, but the front strap was left smooth. Still, we liked the flat-black look.īesides the naturally colored grip panels and stainless-steel barrel, there were no other highlights or accents. Although the Parkerized finish of our Auto Ordnance pistol did a good job of shrugging off chemical cleaners, we noticed scuff marks from ejected brass cases atop the slide and a point on the beavertail where the finish appeared to be wearing off. The flat-black Parkerized finish is supposed to be more corrosion resistant than bluing. But cleaning off the oil we found that the 1911PKZ model was Parkerized, a finish developed by Parker Chemical Company. The sensation was that we were unpacking a G.I. The experience of owning the Auto Ordnance replica begins with opening the box and finding it packed in heavy yellowish machine oil. It is a full-size Government Model 1911 with fixed sights, checkered grip panels, arched mainspring housing, lanyard loop and standard spur hammer - very similar to the famed sidearm stamped with “1911 U.S. This gun comes by way of Kahr’s acquisition of Auto Ordnance pistols, and the gun is marketed under the Auto Ordnance name. One such replica is a semi-automatic version of the Thompson submachine gun, and another is the subject of this evaluation, the Parkerized 1911A1. Compact as well as full-size models are available with choice of steel or polymer frames.īut Kahr Arms has recently expanded its product line to include working reproductions modeled after weapons of the World War II era. The Kahr K9 and K40 models feed from single-column magazines and feature 3.5-inch barrels, making them a favorite among CHL holders. Kahr Arms, located north of New York City in the town of Blauvelt, is best known for its lineup of hearty double-action-only pistols. Our hope was that their price tags were the results of saving money on parts and not on workmanship. Both pistols were treated to a flat-black Parkerized finish. They were the Auto Ordnance 1911PKZ, $515, and the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec Parkerized Model PB9108L, $559. What’s reasonable in a marketplace dominated by polymer sidearms that are fine defense guns, and which sell for hundreds of dollars less?īut we did find two pistols very close to military specification, or mil-spec for short, that in fact boast manufacturer’s suggested retail prices under $600. We shopped around for reasonably priced 1911s, with the definition of “reasonably priced” being something of a moving target.
Auto ordnance m1911a1 slide upgrade#
The temptation for manufacturers to offer more and more features such as night sights, checkering, skeletonized hammers, and so on is substantial, since each upgrade can be marked up and the net profit per pistol improved. 45 ACP pistol has put this weapon out of the reach of many buyers. It is no wonder that the average price of a 1911.