I've taken a liking to the Auto Ordance 1911. The price range is great ($500), apparently it's made in the USA, and it seems like since Kahr has taken over the product is pretty solid. One of the things that really has me sold on this over models in its price segment like the R1, RIA, and Para, is that the slide doesn't have a billboard with the brand name on it!

 

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, is this gun as upgradeable as other 1911's? If I buy it I'd add an ambidextrous safety and magazine release and perhaps night sights. I just have my doubts since it looks like a WWII GI model

 

EDIT:

 

So instead of the AO, I've been looking at the Regent R200 & R350, the RIA Two Tone Tactical, STI Spartan, the Norinco, and the Para. I think the Norinco is probably the best but are they worth $500 when they used to go for $300?

 

Out of all of them I like the R350 the best in terms of looks. I'm not a competitive shooter, I like guns I find aesthetically pleasing. My guns are only used as range toys and if need be HD. As long as it shoots "OK" without failures I'm cool.

 

Basically I want either a two tone gun or an all black one with stainless controls (about $230 in accessories from Wilson will cure this).

i love this gun. I was forn between that and the springfield. I got the springfield but will be getting this one as well at some point. My thing is this. Its a true replica. Why change it to not look like a replica. Just get something else and upgrage it such as the RIA.

The gunsmith at Ed's Gun Shop (whom I believe was Ed himself or Ed Jr.) told me that he made a competition gun out of an Auto Ordnance frame a few custom-fitted barrel bushings and upgraded sights. He seemed quite believable.

I have the auto ordinance 1911. It needed work on the trigger.

 

But all in all, I love it. I like that its simply with no ads on the sides. Just in very small letters "1911 US Army". Also, it looks very much like a WW2 model, which was what I was looking for. And did I mentioned the price----$500!

 

As for upgrading, I do not know because I am not good at it. I do not think you can change the sights b/c they are fixed and welded on.

I can probably live with the sights. The other models I'm considering are the Norinco 1911 andthe Para GI Expert. Both have a minimal amount of "advertisement" on the slides compared to something like the Rock Island Armory or STI in the same price range. I like the black finish on the Para, although I hear it wears easily. The Para has what seems like an upgraded trigger and hammer. Again I'd only plan on simple modifications like a new extended grip safety, ambidextrous safeties and mag release. The factory trigger on my CZ-75 feels smooth to me and I believe it's around 5lbs or more, so any of these will feel like butter.

edited initial post to better reflect my interests

I would get the STI Spartan out of all of your choices and thats b/c all the STIs I have owned ran like sewing machines. And if something breaks, they will fix it for you without question. Competitive shooters put 10s of thousands of rounds a year through STI pistols and they hold up to the extended use.

I haven't read great things about the regents. Of those I would say either the RIA or the spartan

The Remington R1/R1s look very nice and both were given a favorable review in Guns magazine a few months back I think January or February issue. Anyone have one of these babies and give input?

Here is some info:

 

http://www.1911addicts.com/showthread.php?511-Buyer-s-guide-for-all-you-1911-addicts...