It's hard to imagine the handguns world if John M. Browning had never designed the 1911 pistol. It would me a smaller world for sure: over the decades, several manufacturers worldwide have in fact offered countless variations and reinterpretations of the 1911 platform – and after more than a century, they still do: US manufacturer Auto-Ordnance, part of Kahr Arms Group, is introducing an updated stainless steel, all-American made 1911 “built to the same exacting standards as its Auto-Ordnance GI model siblings”. The pistol incorporates a variety of upgrades and enhanced features popular with modern shooters, including: an adjustable trigger, skeletonized hammer, full-length recoil guide rod, extended beavertail grip safety, and extended magazine release.
Auto-Ordnance stainless steel 1911, an all-steel pistol
Chambered in the most classic .45 ACP caliber, for the happiness of purists in the new Auto-Ordnance stainless steel 1911 frame, slide, and barrel are all forged from stainless steel – overall weight is a reassuring 2.3 lb/1043 g. The slide, sear, and disconnector are machined from solid bar stock, then heat treated properly for durability. True to the original, magazine capacity is 7 rounds. The match-grade barrel length is also the classic 5”/127 mm.
In a little deviation from Browning's original design, the slide front has decorative cuts and cocking serrations.
Mainspring housing and front strap are machine checkered at 20 lines per inch.
The pistol has a thumb safety, grip safety, and firing pin block. Finish is Savage Stainless Cerakote, while grips are black checkered rubber.
Combat day sights are standard, but TruGlo night sights are available as an option for a few bucks more.
If interested, you can also purchase a walnut show case lined with foam and velvet and acrylic laser-etched “Auto Ordnance” top for $150.
With an MSRP in the USA of $1324 ($1402 if you want TruGlo night sights) the Auto-Ordnance stainless steel 1911 comes with one 7-round .45 ACP magazine and one-year warranty.
Auto-Ordnance stainless steel 1911 specs and prices
Caliber: | .45 ACP |
Barrel Length: | 5”/127 mm |
Overall Length: | 8.6”/218 mm |
Weight: | 2.3 lb/1043 g |
Sights: | TruGlo night sights or combat day sights |
Grips: | Black checkered rubber |
Magazine Capacity: | 7 rounds |
Prices: | 1324 USD with combat day sights / 1402 USD with TruGlo night sights) |