Auto-Ordnance 1911 PKZ

by
posted on November 23, 2009
20091123145836-kahrarms_fs.jpg

Over the years, Auto-Ordnance has catalogued a varied of M1911-style pistols in various lengths and calibers. It would be fair to say, however, that neither gunsmiths nor the shooting public ever placed these guns on a par with the very best commercial Government Model pistols. Particularly in recent years, Auto-Ordnance pistols were reputed to be assembled from components produced by numerous manufacturers without benefit of rigorous dimensional controls or proper heat-treating.

All that changed in February 1999 when Auto-Ordnance was acquired by Kahr Arms. Though only four years old at the time, Kahr Arms had already received acclaim for both its all-steel and polymer-frame double-action 9mm Luger and .40 S&W carry pistols. Kahr’s parent company, SAEILO, had been in the business of precision machining since 1981, and that expertise was quickly put to use improving the Auto-Ordnance line…

Latest

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.