Posted: 10/30/2010 7:52:58 PM EDT
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Likes/dislikes??
Local shop "For a limited time we are going to sell them at $479.95 cash or check price with plastic grips and $499.95 cash, check, debit with the wood grips. Both models in stock as of 10/29/10" |
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Generally considered junk.
On gun magazine reviewed one some years ago and while firing it various things happened like: Sights flying off metal shavings coming off the barrel and slide locked the gun up But of course the writer said the AO 1911 would be a good begining gun for someone. |
I have no real experience (just shot a couple springfields) with 1911s, so take this as just what ive seen here(as im in the market). The cheapest i would go on a 1911 is a springfield milspec or GI. Rock Island Armory makes decent ones for the price too, but are hit/miss. Anything under around $550 and you greatly increase the risk of getting a lemon. My friends dad got a para that wont run at all. Its single shot. He took it apart, bought a book on 1911 gunsmithing and realized the whole thing was build wrong . I would suspect anything in that price range could end up the same way. In para's defence, he hasnt sent it back yet, dont know what hes waiting for, but im sure they'll replace it with one that works. Hope this helps.
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| I have one that even before I had it worked over ran just fine. I'd buy another with out a thought. I got it for a build gun and I kept the original barrel, bushing, guide rod, link and a few other parts. The barrel has a good tight chamber and the slide had very little play to it. It shot good before the makeover and I only got about a 1/3 rd increase in accuracy. It shoots better than I do and as good as my 'smith's made over Springer. As with any gun you need to look it over thoroughly. Check for slop in the bushing and in the slide. |
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I think they may have improved since Kahr bought them, but I wouldn't risk my own money to find out.
Honestly the Phillipine guns seem to be a pretty good value these days, and if you want something a bit more upmarket, I would go with a Springfield GI or Milspec. |
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OP,
I've had a West Hurley AO for over 25 years. Bought it NIB when Navy Arms still had the retail store. After replacing the included mag with Wilsons and polishing the feed ramp, it's been 100% with all ammo. That being said, they do have a reputation for uneven quality. That being said, I've never heard of one so bad that it couldn't be squared away inexpensively by someone with even basic skills. I trust mine enough to use it as my HD gun and I have many others to choose from. If I were in the market for another .45, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another AO but the price would have to be right to allow for contingencies. FWIW YMMV |
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This!
I have owned my Tompson AO for 30 years (also West Hurley). Bought new for $259. Sure it doesn't have the best color match from frame to slide but it has always function 100%. I always though it was built from surplus parts but I could be wrong. Quoted:
OP, I've had a West Hurley AO for over 25 years. Bought it NIB when Navy Arms still had the retail store. After replacing the included mag with Wilsons and polishing the feed ramp, it's been 100% with all ammo. That being said, they do have a reputation for uneven quality. That being said, I've never heard of one so bad that it couldn't be squared away inexpensively by someone with even basic skills. I trust mine enough to use it as my HD gun and I have many others to choose from. If I were in the market for another .45, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another AO but the price would have to be right to allow for contingencies. FWIW YMMV |