I've owned Thompson Auto- Ordinance 1911/ 45 for a very long time. When I first baught it, out of the box, I ran 600 rounds through it so to break it in. During the break in, I had many extraction and feeding problems. The more rounds, the less the problems. I shoot only FMJ rounds. After the break in, I've had no problems. Love this weapon. Is my daily carry.
I have a Thompson Auto Ordnance 1911that has a serial number about 10,000 older than yours. I changed magazines and replaced the old springs and installed a new Wilson combat trigger. Its a strong work horse of a gun and has never failed me. I carry it often. Thanks for showing that just because a 1911 may be old doesn't mean its a piece of crap.
Bought mine in 1986, made in West Hurley. It's one of my most reliable and accurate pistols. Would never part with it! Also you have a great location. The sound of the shot and echo are great!
... A little over a year ago I got into the hobby of picking up 1911s that people deemed to be crap, and ones that seemingly had a ghost in the machine, and would never operate correctly no matter what repairs were made... As long as the slide to frame fit was within acceptable tolerance, and nothing was cracked on the frame or slide, I’d take on the task of making it into a reliable and accurate keeper... I’d purchase all new springs and parts, then hand fit them like they grew there.. it’s very satisfying and rewarding... I certainly couldn’t make a living doing it, but it’s more about doing something I like and am good at... Basically one project helps fund the next one, and helps out a bit with the ammo Bill haha... great video, and I’m new to this channel.. great info and content 👍🇺🇸....
Hello Mjl and welcome to our channel. We have over 300 videos on youtube and I hope you get the chance to watch a lot of them. You certainly have a great hobby and I am a little jealous. Thanks for the great comment and we also thank you for watching our video.
I too like to take the “worn out”, broken, don’t work right lemons! It’s very satisfying to make them function properly. I am not a gunsmith, just someone that likes to tinker with “guns”!
Very nice :) Thanks for the follow up video. I’m glad you got the problem(s) worked out, but I’m not shocked the swc still weren’t trouble free. I can’t make them work in mine as well as they do in yours, so you win :) I remember an instructor (Army) saying that the best thing about having a 1911 in a fight was when you run out of ammunition, you still have a weapon in your hand. And this video reminded me of shooting with my dad in near west Texas, but that was way back when your target truck was still on the road, and I was never able to out shoot my dad. I don’t feel bad about that (he was a highly skilled and very accomplished shooter), but I do wish I had spent more time at the range with him. Tell your son to hang on to a copy of that video because 40 years goes by pretty fast and he’ll be glad he has it when it does.
Good stuff. The first episode was painful to watch. It is so much more fun when the gun works as it should. Good demo of how just doing a few small things, like changing springs can really turn a turd into a glazed donut. And, as always, great shooting guys.
Ball ammo is what those guns were designed for but some of the newer specialty 1911 guns will fire hollow points pretty well. Think it’s more of a feed ramp issue and maybe recoil springs. I’m sure you guys already know this but for those who didn’t just a mention. Great reviews as always. Have a Blessed Day
It is kind of funny that Kahr Arms makes pistols in a state were it's damn hard to buy a pistol period. You have to go through a double process in MA (at least 20 years ago) you had to apply for a Fire Arms ID, for rifles *and to buy ammo* and then haggle with your local PD about getting a pistol permit, and then that wasn't even a carry permit, just the right to buy one and have it in your house. Just mentioning it. Thanks for the videos, for real man. I hope you and your family have/had a great Thanks Giving. Take it easy.
I'm Glad that Worked out for you with the New Parts. I don't know why these 2 videos were so fun. But I really enjoyed them. It's good to see you Spending that Priceless Time with Your Son. Best Wishes to Both of You! M.H.
Hello Joshua. We will be sitting down to dinner in about an hour and I am truly blessed. I wish I could walk out my back door and do some shooting but I have to drive down the Dirt Road From Hell to get to my shooting spot. Stay safe, have fun and thank you for the very nice comment.
My Kahr Auto-Ordnance 1911A1, which I carry from time to time, fired just fine when I bought it new. Even so I did add a stainless barrel, guide rod and spring from NightHawk Custom and a couple of mags from them as well. I call it a sleeper because it looks almost exactly like a ww2 version. I'm so glad you got that great looking thing working again. 🔫 🇺🇸
I like to see how you replaced all those parts. Always nice to see a repair or upgrade. Live in a country where no guns are allowed. So i take all my knowledge from video's and channels like this. I saw a lot of difference in the sear springs. The old one was bended the wrong way as in my quick opinion
Looks like your diagnosis and remedies were correct! I noticed a full-length recoil spring guide - I like those and have been contemplating ordering one for the Ruger R1911Cmd. Used to shoot IPSC back in my LEO days. SWC rounds sometimes hung up in my stock Colt Series 80 Govt, despite a highly-polished feed ramp and slide rails, so I switched over to my own recipe 230gr hard-cast lead projectiles (made from wheel weights and linotype). No more feed problems. I never won a match with those, but I managed to place in the top 5 against guys with race guns and light target loads that barely made "major." Those were fun times. You've got yourself a fine shooter there by the looks of things. Be well, and stay safe.
Yes indeed, I remember those fun times when I was also competing against guys with their fancy 1911 pistols. Being in the top five is always a good thing. Not meaning to brag but my greatest memory is winning a match against those fancy race guns with my Ruger Security Six revolver (which I still own). I just might have to install a full length guide rod in my Colt 1911 Competition Model as I believe it really makes my Auto Ordnance more accurate.
My AO 45 is even older then yours. I got it back in 1981. Did a lot of work on it. The same grips as yours, Bomar adjustable sights, match barrel with a polished ramp and throated barrel. Turned into a good reliable shooter.
I got mine while in college in 1989, replaced everything but the slide and frame with GI parts. I was also the armorer in my National Guard unit so it was nice having access to proper tools and a really understanding CO. For the record I paid for the parts,back then it seemed like every gun shop had dirt cheap 1911 parts.
@@stickpicks1 I used Hallock’s 45 Auto handbook to help me do the work. I put nice packmyer grips on it too. I also put a better trigger on it. Yes, a lot of parts out there back then.
hi, Mike !!! surely you can do it !!! change the fire pin spring, change the fire pin and extrator rear plate latch, change the main coil spring, modified the rear barrel hang, change the barrel link ... so long, best gunner man
In the defense of the auto ordnance 1911 a1. I bought mine used from a friend under $300. He had problems with in feeding extraction and other hosts of problems. First serial number is 14xxx. 1 changed out the magazines to Wilson combat. 2 changed out all the springs. 3 Wilson combat trigger and sear. 4 extended magazine release. Seems like a lot of work for a junk gun? No this gun runs perfect, hard ball, hollow points and wad cutters. I run it as my winter primary carry. Also use it in competition. Some times old gun need work. Don't cast them aside, just think about how you can make them better. I'm glad you didn't give up on the auto ordnance and gave it a second chance.
That 1911is running great, since you did the upgrade and some better internal parts and seems pretty accurate as well, good job, you brought new life to that pistol!!!
That's right didn't you know that what ever good old BILL WILLSON touches turns into gold.me I would have sent it to Willson combat and got one of there package deals
I’ve got one.West Hurley..Been told it was crap..It just works?The safety has good function snaps on and off with a solid click.The trigger is crisp and after about 2000 rounds it’s still going..I’ve always thought maybe it was bad but it’s just worked..IDK.It was my fathers so I’ve always kept it.
Thanks for posting the update, looks like the parts were VASTLY different. I'm not too surprised that it is iffy with the SWC loads, many semi auto pistols seem to prefer ball ammo. Glad you got it running well!
I admittedly have no experience with semi wadcutters per se but I do have a 1911 that would often fail to feed different types hollow point defense ammo. A thorough smoothing and polishing of the feed ramp cured nearly all of those woes. It still balks when fed the cartridges with the phillips screwdriver tipped bullets, but digests everything else I've tried.
My first M1911-A1 was an Auto Ordnance GI model. They parkerized the feedramp so I wondered why won't it feed 230 GR ball? Well the nose was riding on sandpaper, or at least it felt like it. It fed 230 GR LRN all day long and I shot a a few boxes of those and wore down the phosphating enough that FMJ started working great. I could have polished the ramp but didn't need to. I moved to an AMT Hardballer and that was in my opinion the affordable Gold Cup for me. I had to miss on purpose with that bad boy. I sure miss Arcadia Machine & Tool, they were a great outfit. Thanks Mixup for another great video. Keep up the great work. P.S. if you get a chance check out the M1911-A1s coming in from Turkey. I got 3 of them and the quality is unbelievable for the cost. Way better than the Armscore stuff I tried. Hickock45 tried one out and was upset because he could not find anything wrong with it in any way shape or form, not a tool mark, machine mark, flaw, nothing.
Two of my favorite shotguns were made in Turkey and I've also reviewed a handful of Turkish made pistols and I'm really impressed with the quality and reliability of these firearms. I really want to pick up a TISAS 1911 (made in Turkey) and do a review on it. Thanks for the suggestion Anthony.
Nice! I knew you would get it working right! I have never had any luck, accuracy wise, or with function with those 200gr semi wadcutter bullets in any of my 1911's, XD 45, & HK USP 45 as well. Maybe, they work for you. They just don't for me what so ever. I have had the most success with the 230gr lead round nose ball projectiles. I like the ones from Missouri Bullets. That Auto Ordnance you have there is a sweet shooter! Love it!
I'm glad the 1911 is fixed. My 1911 that I commented on that I bought used is 2004 was produced in Worcester MA. Just one more thing to be thankful for on Thanksgiving day. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
The first pistol I ever bought, was a1911 Auto Ordnance 45 back in 1995. It doesn’t feed any hollow points. I still have it and No major problems, except it only likes Colt magazines. Good video keep up the good work.
My first was a Gold 🏆 & now it has full length recoil; extended slide release; bever safety; targets sights; & bumper stops. It drives nails 🤓 Then my 1991A1 is all combat with everything + night sights. It sits by my bed 🛌 with Black Talons. I Pitty the fool that brakes into my place. He gona have a real bad day. A retired range officer 🤠 So Colt coast extra, but the metallurgy is the best. Never anything to worry about. My Father ⭐⭐WWII said buy the best, you will never be disappointed.
Found two, one SS, the other blued, also had to “update” some internals, but love them (easy fix), especially the SS, threw some custom grips and was good to go. 🤙🏼❤️🇺🇸🤠
Good shooting TEX , sorry I mean NEVADA SLIM. That was for you POP. Hey us older guys have to stick together. Actually Dad and Son you both shoot real well. I want to be just like both of you when I grow up. Keep up the good work--- keep those videos coming. Thanks very much.
I agree, us older guys do need to stick together! My son and I are hoping to make a few more videos before winter sets in.....wish us luck, INDIANA BOB!
It is kind of funny that you did all the spring upgrades. About 5 or 6 years ago I picked up a well used Llama 1911 knockoff for like 150 something dollars, just because. It's worked great even with hollow points. Funny part is I ran into the state trooper who traded it in on something. He put all sorts of good stuff into it, like Wilson Combat springs and other stuff, polished the ramp. Too funny. So much work to polish a proverbial turd, but the gun runs great. The only problem I have with it is I've gotten used to modern beaver tails and get hammer bite from that sucker sometimes.
The very first .45 I ever owned was a Llama that i bought in the mid '80s. It seemed to work okay but I eventually traded it for something else. I believe it cost about 125 brand new.
My first handgun was a Glock and I was perfectly happy with it until I found a used Tokarev last year. I absolutely fell in love with the single action trigger pull and the mild recoil from a steel frame. I am currently in my 10 day waiting period to pick up my American precursor to the Tokarev, manufactured by Springfield Armory. It better live up to the hype.
My first purchased pistol back in 1990. Wouldn't even chamber a round- chamber was out of spec. Serious POS. Returned it, saved my money and got a Colt- which has been going strong for 30 years now.
I have the same pistol that I picked up in a pawnshop about 10 years ago. The only problem I have had is stovepipe jams. I do have a new quality extractor for it and after watching your video, I am going to replace the same parts you did. Mine is like new and was $200.00 plus tax at the time.
Glad to see you got the 1911 back to being a reliable shooter, esp for not much money. As for the SWC rounds, it might just be one those Not Gonna Happen designs.
I have a VERY early Auto Ordnance that was made in West Hurley, NY, with the serial number of E 002XX. Apparently, it was one of the first 300 made. Not that it would be worth anything as a collector, but I have modified it fairly seriously. The frame has been hard chromed, I have replaced the hammer (I like Commander hammers), grips (I was working for Pachmayr at the time.....duh), mainspring housing, grip safety and safety button, put a different front sight on it, and put a Bo-Mar rear sight on the pistol. I really never had any problem with it malfunctioning or refusing to fire. I just did all that stuff because I wanted to, and the gun really looks nice now, and has always functioned perfectly. It was the first .45 that I ever bought, but darn sure not the last one.
Glad you got it fixed up , I had issues with my springfield 1911 range officer in 45 acp. Tried better magazines first then , I got new springs and has run fine since. Have a happy thanksgiving
I bought one in a .40 S&W years back and never rectified it. It is about time for me to do that and your video tells me what I need to know. Even if all the parts mention do not apply to my pistol, it can't hurt to replace them anyway. Whatever doesn't show up now might later.
Would have been surprised on swc if they fed without a problem. Good job on replacing parts. She is a good shooter. Next maybe different hp or sjhp in different weights? Have a great Thanksgiving. 👍
Yeah boy, it's is working great now. I have notice many of the lower end 1911's wouldn't shoot my Bullex 200 grain swc either. My Kimber Custom Gold Match will, but there is quite a difference in the two guns. I was amazed at the difference in the springs. That is one accurate 1911, I hope you enjoy it for years to come !!
👍🇺🇸Good stuff. 1911’s can be a struggle at times. Keep running ball & break that sucker in. It’s a shame ammo prices are still high. On another note, they all can’t be hand filed & fitted. Machining (factory) tolerances & the metallurgy used of the time is always a big factor. Tooling being much MO betta nowadays w/ CNC machines!! Now, w/ your replacement parts, it seems to be a good shooter. Remembering your friend while running it & getting that puppy hot will be even more satisfying. As you know tho, If one can’t be confident in the piece 🔫 by all means, send it on down the road or keep it in the back of the safe. Good stuff 👍🇺🇸
🦃 Happy Thanksgiving again from Jim in Mississippi! Just as same when we had a great back and forth on Turkey Day some years ago it's raining and cold here. Just thought I'd keep our tradition going good and to wish you and yours God's blessings this and every day. On topic, back in the late 1980's a friend came by and was proud to bring along his brand new Thompson 1911 A-1 45 acp. and show it to me. He sold it a short time later without even firing it. So I always wondered if they were any good. Remember, that was in the late 1980's so perhaps they were right then. You would probably know. Sincerely, your long distance Thanksgiving conversationalist Jim
Good to hear from you on Thanksgiving, Jim. It's too bad that neither you or your friend every fired that pistol but I'm guessing he would have sold it even quicker if he had. I wish you and yours a great Thanksgiving. Keep in touch and stay warm my friend.
Glad those springs worked out solving the problem. Good shooting as always. Nice to see father and son enjoying target shooting. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Skip
The gun whisperer! Well done gentlemen. Truly. And as usual, some great shooting! Now you just need to hike those beautiful mountains, and work off that Thanksgiving dinner! After a nap, that is. Great video!
Great Video Guys, Those Fresh Quality Replacement Parts Transformed the AUTO ORDINANCE 45 ACP. It's a Nice Pistol Now. It would be a Good Carry Piece. Love the Star Trek Entrance . ☕
Once I replace the trigger and the slide stop I think I will have a pretty good shootin' .45! Thanks for the great comment and we also thank you for watching our video.
You have turned it into a perfect pistol! Maybe other 911s would not feed those wadcutters anyway. Always great to see you shooting with your son. Wish my son shared my passion for the sport. Love from Ukraine.
☕ 🥧 😉. Cool to see the update as I relax and enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee. I hope you and your family enjoyed the day. I just came back from researching wadcutters and semi-wadcutters so don't need to ask. 😉 I also did a bit of research on general 1911 parts compatibility.
The chamber of the barrel may need throating and polishing in order to reliably feed the semi wad cutters. Polishing the feed ramp may also help. The gun is still a great shooter since both Mixup and Son shot it very well.
Great the gun sure shoots nice now .I don't have one I definitely would by one . You Sir and your son are great shots. I always look forward to your show . Thank You
I had a 1913 military issue 1911 that spent its pist war life wrapoed in an old dish towel stored over the clothes dryer in a flirida garage near the gulf coast. The towel had to be peeled off that poor gun. Exterior destroted. I rubbed on it with an oily rag for a week and soaked it in oil and dis assembled. Inside was pretty good! She shot just fine! Best offer was $250. Traded for a super blackhawk in 44mag. Wish i still had that 1911 though. Ive been trying to buy it back.
I have one of the Auto Ordinance over runs of the satin nickel 1911s they made for law enforcement. Has always has feed problem with ball and other loads. Looks like even with a new reciprocating and ramp polish, I'm going to need to replace some other parts to keep it from jamming non stop. Thanks, Mix.
When you took that gun back from your son and prepared to shoot weak handed and stated at 10:08, "I don't know about this..," I new that you knew about this and that you were going to hit that plate. Lol. I'm thinking you could shoot that thing off handed and upside down and still hit it. Needless to say, I've been watching your stuff a while now. Congrats on getting the old girl running again without light strikes/ misfires. Thanks for the video!
Hello Bradley. Many years ago when I worked security for Uncle Sam we did a lot of weak handed training and fortunately I still practice it today. As you know my son is also pretty good at shooting weak handed. I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and I especially thank you for being an eight year subscriber to my channel.
Mixup, definitely seems to be a lot better! Amazing what quality springs can do! It shoots just as good as my new model does! If I recall when I bought mine a few years back, the clerk and the instructions said to use 230 grain ball ammo only for best results. I haven’t even shot HP or semi wad cutters through mine- I only ever bought ball ammo. I rarely carry mine because I only have an OWB holster, and it is very uncomfortable when sitting down. EO if I have to drive anywhere or if I’m working at home in an office chair, it’s really uncomfortable.
I will shoot mostly ball ammo through this old pistol and save most of my wadcutters for my Ruger 1911, which feeds them with no problem. I love a full size 1911 pistol but yeah, they can be very uncomfortable and hard to conceal.
If the right don't get ya,the left one will! Great content! Lots of fun. Nice seeing a father and son having fun together. Thanks EM. Happy Thanksgiving!
Try polishing the feed ramp on the .45 Auto Ordnance 1911. I have used J B's bore paste and it worked wonders on the semi wad cutters feed reliability. A Dremel tool helps greatly
Looking at your first video and this one it seems to me that that pistol had been worked on before you got it. Yours had/has a full length guide rod and these came with the short guide rod. Also, mine had the 1911A1 arched mainspring housing and yours is flat per the original WWI 1911. Who knows who worked on it and how competent they were. Work on that feed ramp and it might just handle those SWC and even HPs. Mine does. This video is a couple years old, hopefully you've done that.
You're right, someone did replace the short guide rod with the longer one. I haven't polished the feed ramp but I don't shoot semi-wadcutters through it anymore, but it is extremely reliable and accurate with FMJ rounds. Maybe someday I will get off my butt and polish the feed ramp and do another video on my Thompson .45 pistol.
I can't tell from the video what type of magazines you are using. It could be that a switch to premium mags (Wilson or similar) will fix the feeding problem. Worth a try.
I have one with flat nose bullets it wouldn't feed.The end of the bullet hit feed ramp, change the mag and it runs all ammo verry well. really like it now t
I love the echo out in the desert. Another great video. So for not a whole lot of money you got yourself a pretty nice government model. By the way, You and your son are great Marksman. Never been able to shoot steel. Going up to visit family in Vermont shortly and it'll probably be my first time. Can hardly shoot outdoors in PA but you can shoot almost anywhere in Vermont. Thanks again for your videos.
I am sooo happy to see that slab side shooting. I always had problems with those wad cutters when I reloaded. I just switched to lead 23o ball problem solved.
I had a Llama .45 that I bought back in 91 and it was a nice pistol but it would only reliably feed ball ammo and old Remington hollow points that were almost round on the end with a small cavity.
My very first 1911 was also a Llama. I was working security at the time and a bunch of us ordered Llama pistols, and if I recall correctly, they cost about $125 each, brand new. This was about 1987-88.
Hello John. My son and I have several other videos planned in the near future, including another 1911 video, and we are hoping the weather cooperates. Hope you and yours had a great Thanksgiving.
I have a series 70 I bought new around 1975 and just started shooting it. I couldn’t make it through a magazine without a jam. I did some research and ended up re-bending the extractor. Seems to run ok now but I think swapping out those springs might be a good idea too. I’m not a 1911 except but get the impression that any of them can run with proper tuning.
I haven't had to replace my extractor, at least not yet, but you should definitely replace the springs in your pistol. You also want to stay away from cheap magazines (ProMag).
Might try some Wilson mags for those SWC’s if your not already. They tend to help with bullet alignment into the chamber and most of those feeding issues are magazine related.
I've always liked 1911's. I came across a model just like yours at a gun show several years back. It was used- in good shape. I really thought about buying it. But the guy wanted $450 for it. That was a very high price for it back then , and I'd always heard the Auto Ordinance 1911's were iffy on their quality. But they are a nice looking gun.
My brother good to see your videos I've been so busy here at work with covid is been crazy I finally have time to watch all of your videos keep up the good work you and your son I miss y'all
I've owned Thompson Auto- Ordinance 1911/ 45 for a very long time.
When I first baught it, out of the box, I ran 600 rounds through it so to break it in. During the break in, I had many extraction and feeding problems. The more rounds, the less the problems. I shoot only FMJ rounds.
After the break in, I've had no problems. Love this weapon. Is my daily carry.
I have a Thompson Auto Ordnance 1911that has a serial number about 10,000 older than yours. I changed magazines and replaced the old springs and installed a new Wilson combat trigger. Its a strong work horse of a gun and has never failed me. I carry it often. Thanks for showing that just because a 1911 may be old doesn't mean its a piece of crap.
I think its great that a father and son are having quality time doing things they love to do!
Bought mine in 1986, made in West Hurley. It's one of my most reliable and accurate pistols. Would never part with it! Also you have a great location. The sound of the shot and echo are great!
Your son's shooting accuracy has improved greatly.
Yes he has and most days he outshoots me!
... A little over a year ago I got into the hobby of picking up 1911s that people deemed to be crap, and ones that seemingly had a ghost in the machine, and would never operate correctly no matter what repairs were made... As long as the slide to frame fit was within acceptable tolerance, and nothing was cracked on the frame or slide, I’d take on the task of making it into a reliable and accurate keeper... I’d purchase all new springs and parts, then hand fit them like they grew there.. it’s very satisfying and rewarding... I certainly couldn’t make a living doing it, but it’s more about doing something I like and am good at... Basically one project helps fund the next one, and helps out a bit with the ammo Bill haha... great video, and I’m new to this channel.. great info and content 👍🇺🇸....
Hello Mjl and welcome to our channel. We have over 300 videos on youtube and I hope you get the chance to watch a lot of them. You certainly have a great hobby and I am a little jealous. Thanks for the great comment and we also thank you for watching our video.
I too like to take the “worn out”, broken, don’t work right lemons! It’s very satisfying to make them function properly. I am not a gunsmith, just someone that likes to tinker with “guns”!
You both are good shots. Would like to have seen the parts replacement procedure.
Very nice :) Thanks for the follow up video. I’m glad you got the problem(s) worked out, but I’m not shocked the swc still weren’t trouble free. I can’t make them work in mine as well as they do in yours, so you win :)
I remember an instructor (Army) saying that the best thing about having a 1911 in a fight was when you run out of ammunition, you still have a weapon in your hand.
And this video reminded me of shooting with my dad in near west Texas, but that was way back when your target truck was still on the road, and I was never able to out shoot my dad. I don’t feel bad about that (he was a highly skilled and very accomplished shooter), but I do wish I had spent more time at the range with him. Tell your son to hang on to a copy of that video because 40 years goes by pretty fast and he’ll be glad he has it when it does.
Good stuff. The first episode was painful to watch. It is so much more fun when the gun works as it should. Good demo of how just doing a few small things, like changing springs can really turn a turd into a glazed donut. And, as always, great shooting guys.
I'm impressed guys. It's good to know that such a good looking pistol can be re-worked and made into a shooter.
Thanks 👍🤠 👍😎
Ball ammo is what those guns were designed for but some of the newer specialty 1911 guns will fire hollow points pretty well. Think it’s more of a feed ramp issue and maybe recoil springs. I’m sure you guys already know this but for those who didn’t just a mention. Great reviews as always. Have a Blessed Day
Thank you for the comment Michael and you also have a blessed day.
I don’t know if any of my 1911s will shoot the 185 SWC. I’ve never tried anything other than 230 gr ball in any of them. Glad to see it worked out.
It is kind of funny that Kahr Arms makes pistols in a state were it's damn hard to buy a pistol period. You have to go through a double process in MA (at least 20 years ago) you had to apply for a Fire Arms ID, for rifles *and to buy ammo* and then haggle with your local PD about getting a pistol permit, and then that wasn't even a carry permit, just the right to buy one and have it in your house. Just mentioning it.
Thanks for the videos, for real man. I hope you and your family have/had a great Thanks Giving. Take it easy.
We had a great Thanksgiving dinner and I hope you did also. Take it easy my friend.
Now that's the way a 1911 should fire,.. every time, when you need to.
NOW, it's a decent gun. Good shootin' Gentlemen!
Awesome.....thank you Reg!
I'm Glad that Worked out for you with the New Parts.
I don't know why these 2 videos were so fun. But I really enjoyed them.
It's good to see you Spending that Priceless Time with Your Son.
Best Wishes to Both of You! M.H.
Hi Mike. My son and I had fun making these videos and we are glad that you liked them. Best wishes to you and we hope you had a great Christmas.
We love you Mix. You guys are like family. Hope you're eating well today. I'm walking out the back door to do some patterning myself. Take care!
Hello Joshua. We will be sitting down to dinner in about an hour and I am truly blessed. I wish I could walk out my back door and do some shooting but I have to drive down the Dirt Road From Hell to get to my shooting spot. Stay safe, have fun and thank you for the very nice comment.
My Kahr Auto-Ordnance 1911A1, which I carry from time to time, fired just fine when I bought it new. Even so I did add a stainless barrel, guide rod and spring from NightHawk Custom and a couple of mags from them as well. I call it a sleeper because it looks almost exactly like a ww2 version. I'm so glad you got that great looking thing working again. 🔫 🇺🇸
I like to see how you replaced all those parts.
Always nice to see a repair or upgrade.
Live in a country where no guns are allowed.
So i take all my knowledge from video's and channels like this.
I saw a lot of difference in the sear springs.
The old one was bended the wrong way as in my quick opinion
Looks like your diagnosis and remedies were correct! I noticed a full-length recoil spring guide - I like those and have been contemplating ordering one for the Ruger R1911Cmd. Used to shoot IPSC back in my LEO days. SWC rounds sometimes hung up in my stock Colt Series 80 Govt, despite a highly-polished feed ramp and slide rails, so I switched over to my own recipe 230gr hard-cast lead projectiles (made from wheel weights and linotype). No more feed problems. I never won a match with those, but I managed to place in the top 5 against guys with race guns and light target loads that barely made "major." Those were fun times. You've got yourself a fine shooter there by the looks of things. Be well, and stay safe.
Yes indeed, I remember those fun times when I was also competing against guys with their fancy 1911 pistols. Being in the top five is always a good thing. Not meaning to brag but my greatest memory is winning a match against those fancy race guns with my Ruger Security Six revolver (which I still own). I just might have to install a full length guide rod in my Colt 1911 Competition Model as I believe it really makes my Auto Ordnance more accurate.
My AO 45 is even older then yours. I got it back in 1981. Did a lot of work on it. The same grips as yours, Bomar adjustable sights, match barrel with a polished ramp and throated barrel. Turned into a good reliable shooter.
I got mine while in college in 1989, replaced everything but the slide and frame with GI parts. I was also the armorer in my National Guard unit so it was nice having access to proper tools and a really understanding CO. For the record I paid for the parts,back then it seemed like every gun shop had dirt cheap 1911 parts.
@@stickpicks1 I used Hallock’s 45 Auto handbook to help me do the work. I put nice packmyer grips on it too. I also put a better trigger on it. Yes, a lot of parts out there back then.
I must say Mix, you have a very fine collection of shootin irons! Son looking good today too!
Thanks 👍 I am truly a lucky man in more ways than one!
@@mixup98 Yes sir, great job raising him!
hi, Mike !!!
surely you can do it !!!
change the fire pin spring, change the fire pin and extrator rear plate latch, change the main coil spring, modified the rear barrel hang, change the barrel link ...
so long, best gunner man
In the defense of the auto ordnance 1911 a1. I bought mine used from a friend under $300. He had problems with in feeding extraction and other hosts of problems. First serial number is 14xxx. 1 changed out the magazines to Wilson combat. 2 changed out all the springs. 3 Wilson combat trigger and sear. 4 extended magazine release. Seems like a lot of work for a junk gun? No this gun runs perfect, hard ball, hollow points and wad cutters. I run it as my winter primary carry. Also use it in competition.
Some times old gun need work. Don't cast them aside, just think about how you can make them better. I'm glad you didn't give up on the auto ordnance and gave it a second chance.
That 1911is running great, since you did the upgrade and some better internal parts and seems pretty accurate as well, good job, you brought new life to that pistol!!!
That's right didn't you know that what ever good old BILL WILLSON touches turns into gold.me I would have sent it to Willson combat and got one of there package deals
I’ve got one.West Hurley..Been told it was crap..It just works?The safety has good function snaps on and off with a solid click.The trigger is crisp and after about 2000 rounds it’s still going..I’ve always thought maybe it was bad but it’s just worked..IDK.It was my fathers so I’ve always kept it.
@@TheRealZJE313
Is there package deal better'er than their package deal ?
Thanks for posting the update, looks like the parts were VASTLY different. I'm not too surprised that it is iffy with the SWC loads, many semi auto pistols seem to prefer ball ammo. Glad you got it running well!
Wow, what a difference a few new springs/parts can make huh? Great shooting from the both of you guys.
A few springs and a new firing pin made a huge difference, and for less than 30 bucks.
I admittedly have no experience with semi wadcutters per se but I do have a 1911 that would often fail to feed different types hollow point defense ammo. A thorough smoothing and polishing of the feed ramp cured nearly all of those woes. It still balks when fed the cartridges with the phillips screwdriver tipped bullets, but digests everything else I've tried.
My first M1911-A1 was an Auto Ordnance GI model. They parkerized the feedramp so I wondered why won't it feed 230 GR ball? Well the nose was riding on sandpaper, or at least it felt like it. It fed 230 GR LRN all day long and I shot a a few boxes of those and wore down the phosphating enough that FMJ started working great. I could have polished the ramp but didn't need to. I moved to an AMT Hardballer and that was in my opinion the affordable Gold Cup for me. I had to miss on purpose with that bad boy. I sure miss Arcadia Machine & Tool, they were a great outfit. Thanks Mixup for another great video. Keep up the great work. P.S. if you get a chance check out the M1911-A1s coming in from Turkey. I got 3 of them and the quality is unbelievable for the cost. Way better than the Armscore stuff I tried. Hickock45 tried one out and was upset because he could not find anything wrong with it in any way shape or form, not a tool mark, machine mark, flaw, nothing.
Great gun , I also have a AMT Hard Baller Long Slide.
Two of my favorite shotguns were made in Turkey and I've also reviewed a handful of Turkish made pistols and I'm really impressed with the quality and reliability of these firearms. I really want to pick up a TISAS 1911 (made in Turkey) and do a review on it. Thanks for the suggestion Anthony.
Nice! I knew you would get it working right!
I have never had any luck, accuracy wise, or with function with those 200gr semi wadcutter bullets in any of my 1911's, XD 45, & HK USP 45 as well. Maybe, they work for you. They just don't for me what so ever.
I have had the most success with the 230gr lead round nose ball projectiles. I like the ones from Missouri Bullets.
That Auto Ordnance you have there is a sweet shooter! Love it!
Congratulations on getting that 1911 behaving as good as she looks.
Thanks Bill 👍😎
I'm glad the 1911 is fixed. My 1911 that I commented on that I bought used is 2004 was produced in Worcester MA. Just one more thing to be thankful for on Thanksgiving day. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
The first pistol I ever bought, was a1911 Auto Ordnance 45 back in 1995. It doesn’t feed any hollow points. I still have it and No major problems, except it only likes Colt magazines. Good video keep up the good work.
Hello Gilberto. I appreciate the nice feedback and I thank you for watching my videos.
Thanks for the second video. Very nice improvement on the pistol as well.
I bought one today for 500.- in Switzerland 🇨🇭. it looks brand new. thank you for the video, in case of problem I will change the springs.
Hello JCC and greetings from the United States. Enjoy your pistol and I thank you for watching my video.
Another Great Video...I knew you would make that 1911 run, nice job. Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks, you too Lanny.
My first was a Gold 🏆 & now it has full length recoil; extended slide release; bever safety; targets sights; & bumper stops. It drives nails 🤓
Then my 1991A1 is all combat with everything + night sights. It sits by my bed 🛌 with Black Talons. I Pitty the fool that brakes into my place. He gona have a real bad day. A retired range officer 🤠
So Colt coast extra, but the metallurgy is the best. Never anything to worry about. My Father ⭐⭐WWII said buy the best, you will never be disappointed.
Found two, one SS, the other blued, also had to “update” some internals, but love them (easy fix), especially the SS, threw some custom grips and was good to go. 🤙🏼❤️🇺🇸🤠
Those that don’t know..when you have a good 1911 it’s one of the finest firearms you could own despite the lower magazine capacity.
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Good shooting TEX , sorry I mean NEVADA SLIM. That was for you POP. Hey us older guys have to stick together.
Actually Dad and Son you both shoot real well. I want to be just like both of you when I grow up.
Keep up the good work--- keep those videos coming. Thanks very much.
I agree, us older guys do need to stick together!
My son and I are hoping to make a few more videos before winter sets in.....wish us luck, INDIANA BOB!
It is kind of funny that you did all the spring upgrades. About 5 or 6 years ago I picked up a well used Llama 1911 knockoff for like 150 something dollars, just because. It's worked great even with hollow points. Funny part is I ran into the state trooper who traded it in on something. He put all sorts of good stuff into it, like Wilson Combat springs and other stuff, polished the ramp. Too funny. So much work to polish a proverbial turd, but the gun runs great. The only problem I have with it is I've gotten used to modern beaver tails and get hammer bite from that sucker sometimes.
The very first .45 I ever owned was a Llama that i bought in the mid '80s. It seemed to work okay but I eventually traded it for something else. I believe it cost about 125 brand new.
My first handgun was a Glock and I was perfectly happy with it until I found a used Tokarev last year. I absolutely fell in love with the single action trigger pull and the mild recoil from a steel frame. I am currently in my 10 day waiting period to pick up my American precursor to the Tokarev, manufactured by Springfield Armory. It better live up to the hype.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the Springfield pistol after you shoot it.
My first purchased pistol back in 1990. Wouldn't even chamber a round- chamber was out of spec. Serious POS. Returned it, saved my money and got a Colt- which has been going strong for 30 years now.
I have the same pistol that I picked up in a pawnshop about 10 years ago. The only problem I have had is stovepipe jams. I do have a new quality extractor for it and after watching your video, I am going to replace the same parts you did. Mine is like new and was $200.00 plus tax at the time.
Had to be fun and satisfying to get it fixed up. I like 1911s.
No u don't
Glad to see you got the 1911 back to being a reliable shooter, esp for not much money. As for the SWC rounds, it might just be one those Not Gonna Happen designs.
I have a VERY early Auto Ordnance that was made in West Hurley, NY, with the serial number of E 002XX. Apparently, it was one of the first 300 made. Not that it would be worth anything as a collector, but I have modified it fairly seriously. The frame has been hard chromed, I have replaced the hammer (I like Commander hammers), grips (I was working for Pachmayr at the time.....duh), mainspring housing, grip safety and safety button, put a different front sight on it, and put a Bo-Mar rear sight on the pistol. I really never had any problem with it malfunctioning or refusing to fire. I just did all that stuff because I wanted to, and the gun really looks nice now, and has always functioned perfectly. It was the first .45 that I ever bought, but darn sure not the last one.
Love the bloopers thanks for sharing.
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Glad you got it fixed up , I had issues with my springfield 1911 range officer in 45 acp. Tried better magazines first then , I got new springs and has run fine since. Have a happy thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving J G.
I bought one in a .40 S&W years back and never rectified it. It is about time for me to do that and your video tells me what I need to know. Even if all the parts mention do not apply to my pistol, it can't hurt to replace them anyway. Whatever doesn't show up now might later.
Would have been surprised on swc if they fed without a problem. Good job on replacing parts. She is a good shooter. Next maybe different hp or sjhp in different weights? Have a great Thanksgiving. 👍
You might try polishing your feed ramp. And see if the distance between ramp and barrel is not to much, a new barrel link may help.
Thanks for the suggestion. I might polish the feed ramp someday but I think I will stick with ball ammo, which feeds just fine in this pistol.
Yeah boy, it's is working great now. I have notice many of the lower end 1911's wouldn't shoot my Bullex 200 grain swc either. My Kimber Custom Gold Match will, but there is quite a difference in the two guns. I was amazed at the difference in the springs. That is one accurate 1911, I hope you enjoy it for years to come !!
👍🇺🇸Good stuff. 1911’s can be a struggle at times. Keep running ball & break that sucker in. It’s a shame ammo prices are still high. On another note, they all can’t be hand filed & fitted. Machining (factory) tolerances & the metallurgy used of the time is always a big factor. Tooling being much MO betta nowadays w/ CNC machines!! Now, w/ your replacement parts, it seems to be a good shooter. Remembering your friend while running it & getting that puppy hot will be even more satisfying. As you know tho, If one can’t be confident in the piece 🔫 by all means, send it on down the road or keep it in the back of the safe. Good stuff 👍🇺🇸
Now you got another nice 1911
Such a great show. I love the beautiful landscapes.
So thankfully u rebuilt it great job really my go to gun 45 it just needs a break in period u know u know 🤔💯✊
I really enjoyed the videos on this particular 1911, and the work you did on it. Definitely learned some stuff!
Thank you for the great feedback, Mike!
🦃 Happy Thanksgiving again from Jim in Mississippi! Just as same when we had a great back and forth on Turkey Day some years ago it's raining and cold here.
Just thought I'd keep our tradition going good and to wish you and yours God's blessings this and every day.
On topic, back in the late 1980's a friend came by and was proud to bring along his brand new Thompson 1911 A-1 45 acp. and show it to me. He sold it a short time later without even firing it. So I always wondered if they were any good. Remember, that was in the late 1980's so perhaps they were right then. You would probably know.
Sincerely, your long distance Thanksgiving conversationalist Jim
Good to hear from you on Thanksgiving, Jim. It's too bad that neither you or your friend every fired that pistol but I'm guessing he would have sold it even quicker if he had. I wish you and yours a great Thanksgiving. Keep in touch and stay warm my friend.
Glad those springs worked out solving the problem. Good shooting as always. Nice to see father and son enjoying target shooting.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Skip
The gun whisperer! Well done gentlemen. Truly. And as usual, some great shooting! Now you just need to hike those beautiful mountains, and work off that Thanksgiving dinner! After a nap, that is. Great video!
I don't know about hiking those mountains but I will definitely be taking a nap 😁👌
Great video, great shooting as well… Just finished watching the one from a couple weeks ago and then started watching this one ..good stuff
Happy Thanksgiving! Glad you was able to resolve the issues with that!
If I remember correctly the 230 FMJ was the hardball round and the 200 gr SWC target loads were softball rounds.
Great Video Guys, Those Fresh Quality Replacement Parts Transformed the AUTO ORDINANCE 45 ACP. It's a Nice Pistol Now. It would be a Good Carry Piece. Love the Star Trek Entrance . ☕
Once I replace the trigger and the slide stop I think I will have a pretty good shootin' .45! Thanks for the great comment and we also thank you for watching our video.
Thanks for the follow up review, looks like you have a nice pistol now.
Yeah, she is shooting pretty good now with ball ammo. 👍😎
I am happy your pistol is working correctly now.
Me too! 👍👍
@@mixup98 10:4.
You have turned it into a perfect pistol! Maybe other 911s would not feed those wadcutters anyway. Always great to see you shooting with your son. Wish my son shared my passion for the sport. Love from Ukraine.
☕ 🥧 😉. Cool to see the update as I relax and enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee. I hope you and your family enjoyed the day. I just came back from researching wadcutters and semi-wadcutters so don't need to ask. 😉
I also did a bit of research on general 1911 parts compatibility.
I had one of those back in the 90s l sold it to a pawn shop in Colorado. It always had jamming problems. I do like the .45 round though
Nice, it runs like a real 1911 now, I've seen a lot of autos not like the wadcutters. My old rifle can be kind of finicky with certain bullet shapes.
The chamber of the barrel may need throating and polishing in order to reliably feed the semi wad cutters. Polishing the feed ramp may also help. The gun is still a great shooter since both Mixup and Son shot it very well.
👍😎 👍🤠
Great the gun sure shoots nice now .I don't have one I definitely would by one . You Sir and your son are great shots. I always look forward to your show . Thank You
I had a 1913 military issue 1911 that spent its pist war life wrapoed in an old dish towel stored over the clothes dryer in a flirida garage near the gulf coast. The towel had to be peeled off that poor gun. Exterior destroted. I rubbed on it with an oily rag for a week and soaked it in oil and dis assembled. Inside was pretty good! She shot just fine! Best offer was $250. Traded for a super blackhawk in 44mag. Wish i still had that 1911 though. Ive been trying to buy it back.
I have one of the Auto Ordinance over runs of the satin nickel 1911s they made for law enforcement. Has always has feed problem with ball and other loads. Looks like even with a new reciprocating and ramp polish, I'm going to need to replace some other parts to keep it from jamming non stop. Thanks, Mix.
Definitely replace a few parts and see what happens. Mine is shooting pretty good now.
When you took that gun back from your son and prepared to shoot weak handed and stated at 10:08, "I don't know about this..," I new that you knew about this and that you were going to hit that plate. Lol. I'm thinking you could shoot that thing off handed and upside down and still hit it. Needless to say, I've been watching your stuff a while now. Congrats on getting the old girl running again without light strikes/ misfires. Thanks for the video!
Hello Bradley. Many years ago when I worked security for Uncle Sam we did a lot of weak handed training and fortunately I still practice it today. As you know my son is also pretty good at shooting weak handed. I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and I especially thank you for being an eight year subscriber to my channel.
Glad to see it’s back up and running. I had to do the same with a 1911, wound up using Wilson Combat springs. After that it ran like a sewing machine
Congratulations on getting this 1911 sorted out and Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks, you too!
Mixup, definitely seems to be a lot better! Amazing what quality springs can do! It shoots just as good as my new model does!
If I recall when I bought mine a few years back, the clerk and the instructions said to use 230 grain ball ammo only for best results. I haven’t even shot HP or semi wad cutters through mine- I only ever bought ball ammo.
I rarely carry mine because I only have an OWB holster, and it is very uncomfortable when sitting down. EO if I have to drive anywhere or if I’m working at home in an office chair, it’s really uncomfortable.
I will shoot mostly ball ammo through this old pistol and save most of my wadcutters for my Ruger 1911, which feeds them with no problem. I love a full size 1911 pistol but yeah, they can be very uncomfortable and hard to conceal.
If the right don't get ya,the left one will!
Great content!
Lots of fun.
Nice seeing a father and son having fun together.
Thanks EM.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Ed! Thanks for always watching our videos and we all wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
A 1911 to me has always been like a small block Chevy. Given time and parts, I'll make it run.
The sound of the ricochets is pretty cool. Pollish the feed ramp and it may feed wadcutters just fine.
Hello James. I'm going to polish the feed ramp and tweek my reloads a little bit and she should feed much better.
Try polishing the feed ramp on the .45 Auto Ordnance 1911. I have used J B's bore paste and it worked wonders on the semi wad cutters feed reliability. A Dremel tool helps greatly
That’s the beauty of the 1911. Have a Great Thanksgiving! 🦃🇺🇸👍
Looking at your first video and this one it seems to me that that pistol had been worked on before you got it. Yours had/has a full length guide rod and these came with the short guide rod. Also, mine had the 1911A1 arched mainspring housing and yours is flat per the original WWI 1911. Who knows who worked on it and how competent they were. Work on that feed ramp and it might just handle those SWC and even HPs. Mine does. This video is a couple years old, hopefully you've done that.
You're right, someone did replace the short guide rod with the longer one. I haven't polished the feed ramp but I don't shoot semi-wadcutters through it anymore, but it is extremely reliable and accurate with FMJ rounds. Maybe someday I will get off my butt and polish the feed ramp and do another video on my Thompson .45 pistol.
I have the same version of that pistol I bought back in the 80's I might do some of those upgrades
I can't tell from the video what type of magazines you are using. It could be that a switch to premium mags (Wilson or similar) will fix the feeding problem. Worth a try.
Good day Sir, I always enjoy watching your videos, especially when its a 1911. I always learn a thing or two watching your videos. Enjoy shooting.
Hello Ramon and thank you for the nice comment. I will be posting another 1911 video either today or tomorrow and we hope you enjoy it.
I have one with flat nose bullets it wouldn't feed.The end of the bullet hit feed ramp, change the mag and it runs all ammo verry well. really like it now t
I love the echo out in the desert. Another great video. So for not a whole lot of money you got yourself a pretty nice government model. By the way, You and your son are great Marksman. Never been able to shoot steel. Going up to visit family in Vermont shortly and it'll probably be my first time. Can hardly shoot outdoors in PA but you can shoot almost anywhere in Vermont. Thanks again for your videos.
Shooting steel is very addictive and once you do it you will be hooked....I guarantee it. Have a safe trip and enjoy your time in Vermont.
I am sooo happy to see that slab side shooting. I always had problems with those wad cutters when I reloaded. I just switched to lead 23o ball problem solved.
Yes, I'm sure you have it fixed. I'd use a lighter recoil spring for LSWC target loads. Happy Thanksgiving.
I had a Llama .45 that I bought back in 91 and it was a nice pistol but it would only reliably feed ball ammo and old Remington hollow points that were almost round on the end with a small cavity.
My very first 1911 was also a Llama. I was working security at the time and a bunch of us ordered Llama pistols, and if I recall correctly, they cost about $125 each, brand new. This was about 1987-88.
Much improved sweet pilstol now
Don't know why, but that makes me happy that you got her up and running! Good fix, good job dang good video! Thumbs up ~John
Hello John. My son and I have several other videos planned in the near future, including another 1911 video, and we are hoping the weather cooperates. Hope you and yours had a great Thanksgiving.
I love what you did with this. I wish I could find one just like your finished product here.
I have a series 70 I bought new around 1975 and just started shooting it. I couldn’t make it through a magazine without a jam. I did some research and ended up re-bending the extractor. Seems to run ok now but I think swapping out those springs might be a good idea too. I’m not a 1911 except but get the impression that any of them can run with proper tuning.
I haven't had to replace my extractor, at least not yet, but you should definitely replace the springs in your pistol. You also want to stay away from cheap magazines (ProMag).
Happy Thanksgiving Mixup and Family!
Thank you and the same to you!
Glad to see it working for you.
Me too!
Might try some Wilson mags for those SWC’s if your not already. They tend to help with bullet alignment into the chamber and most of those feeding issues are magazine related.
Thanks for the advice Rob. I really should pick up a few Wilson mags.
I was about to post this same thing. The feed lips are cut differently (slightly further back I think) and it makes a big difference.
@@mixup98 you won’t be sorry.
I enjoy your videos Sr….keep them coming!!!
I've always liked 1911's. I came across a model just like yours at a gun show several years back. It was used- in good shape. I really thought about buying it. But the guy wanted $450 for it. That was a very high price for it back then , and I'd always heard the Auto Ordinance 1911's were iffy on their quality. But they are a nice looking gun.
My brother good to see your videos I've been so busy here at work with covid is been crazy I finally have time to watch all of your videos keep up the good work you and your son I miss y'all