I need some 1911 information
I went browsing the local gunshop today and I found an Auto-Ordnance 1911 (not an A1 model). It is in fair condition, it's mechanically tight and seems like everything works well. The metal is in good shape however the finish has minor surface rust and holster wear. It has obviously had quite a few rounds put through it and the barrel shows it but it's still got decent rifling left. The owner says all parts match. The finish on the gun is a parkerized finish but as I said before it would probably need refinished as the finish is worn down and in less than fair shape but mechanically in good condition.
What year was this gun made, is it a military issue, and what's it's value in it's current condition?
The serial # is: A0C9753
What year was this gun made, is it a military issue, and what's it's value in it's current condition?
The serial # is: A0C9753
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Unless you want a long term and costly repair situation, I'd pass on this one. I had one of these briefly and it was worth little when I got rid of it and it was in much better shape than what you described. If you want a decent 1911, get a Springfield Armory or Kimber.
Rule of thumb is that practically anything that's been around and used a lot will merit some work or new parts. On a good day, figure $100 as an optimistic number. It's real easy to put $500 into a 1911. You can buy a near new SA for the same amount. and you'll be way ahead of the game as it will need little or nothing to be a decent usable gun.
Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead0 -
I agree, pass on this one. AO, to my knowledge, didn't make any 1911's. If it has the trigger relief cuts, it is a 1911A1 someone has just put a 1911 mainspring housing on it.
These were NEVER military. I am really curious about the owner saying the weapon is "all matching". This term has no meaning on most .45's, especially Auto-Ordnance. A Norinco would be a better choice.
He That Pays The Piper Calls The Tune.0 -
Hi RL- It is not military. Its made my the Auto-Ordance Co in New York, for a few years starting about 1989-90.This is the same company that made the Thompson sub-machine gun, and the newer semi auto.Its really not the same company as the original Thompson mfg, but a hand me down picked up by Numerich Arms, now Gunparts. I don't think they actually manufactured the 45 but imported and assembled. I ordered a couple for people in the early 90's and got a resounding "Thumbs Down"I would not buy one at any price from the bad feedback I saw.Put your money towards a real Colt-Bob
Gun control is a steady hand0 -
Hrmmm...was just lookin for a plinker nothing expensive. I have plenty of 1911's in their different variations but have never owned an auto-ordnance 1911. Got plenty of colts, springfields, ballester's (about 9 total) but no Auto Ordnance 1911's.
Didn't know the history of auto ordnance but this 1911 appeared to be a (what I would call) "mil spec" type 1911 with the integrated hammer spring on the backstrap and the typical "GI" hammer and sights. A basic 1911.
But thanks for the imput fellas, it's appreciated.0 -
I must have got one of the few good one's. The one I have is a decent enough "plinker", but I guess I wouldn't figure on dressing this up too much as they only listed at about $300 to $350 to start with. The one I have shoots very well, but then again I haven't shot lots of ammo thou it either. I believe Auto Ordinance was recently bought out by Kahr and if they have anything to do with it, they will turn the company into a quality firearms company again. I don't believe they would feel any obligation for old models , tho , and rightly so. 0 -
Guess I'll put my two cents worth in here.....I sold several of these Auto Ords to folks who were looking for a mil spec-type .45 auto after the surplus supply had long dried up. They had no more and no less problems than one would encounter with a G.I. pistol, and in fact generally shot better than the surplus pistols as they were new. They tended to jam a little when new, but that would usually go away after a few boxes of ammo, and they would accept all of the "bells and whistles" accessory add-ons and replacement parts. It is correct that they were manufactured/assembled under the banner of Numrich Gun Parts Corp., and that the name (Auto Ordnance) is now owned by Kahr, which is producing a little better version of the pistol. All this having been said, if the price was right and a shooter is what you want, I'd buy it. A new barrel and a reblue or parkerizing should give you something worth having at about half the retail cost of a new specimen. 0 -
From the 23rd Edition of the Blue Book:
AUTO ORDNANCE - WWII Parkerized 1911 A1 - .45 ACP cal., no frills variation of the Model 1911A1, military parkerizing, G.I. detailing with military roll stamp, plastic or checkered walnut (disc. 2001) grips, and lanyard loop. New 1992.
MSR - $462
100% - $375
98% - $295
95% - $265
90% - $245
80% - $230
70% - $2150 -
I agree with Der Gebirgsjager about being worth buying at the right price.
However, this gun would be worth only $300-350 in excellent condition. So, since it needs at least $200-250 worth of repairs, not counting any hidden damage, the "worth buying" price should be around $5.
Neal0 -
nmyers - I love trying that approach with dealers at gunshows ... sometimes it really rattles their cage.
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Chance favors the prepared mind [8D]
kimberkid@cox.net0 -
Nice to see there are still people out there who still know their math [:D]
Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead0
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