Author Topic: Auto-Ordinance Overhaul  (Read 503 times)

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Offline cjclemens

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Auto-Ordinance Overhaul
« on: November 12, 2008, 03:02:46 AM »
I have an older Thompson (Auto-Ordinance) 1911 in .45 ACP.  I've always wanted a newer target model, but the way things are going I'm afraid I might not have the chance to get one.  I would like to know what the best way is to overhaul my old Thompson.  I don't know too much about the 1911's (other than shooting and cleaning them) and I probably won't have the money to take it to a gunsmith for an expensive custom job.  If anyone has suggestions or info, I'd sure like to hear about it.

Offline jimster

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Re: Auto-Ordinance Overhaul
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2008, 10:23:38 AM »
Well, I'll take a stab at this one, but I don't know how much overhaul you had in mind, or how good you might be at fitting parts.  But even if you replace all the guts in a 1911, nothing can be considered drop in unless your lucky, so you would need some tools such as files of different types, different grit paper to sand or polish the new parts to fit, you did not say anything abnout a new barrel, but I am not good enough or have the tools to do a barrel myself, so I would give that to a gun smith. Also, if that includes any slide to frame tighting, once again, I don't have those kinds of tools or skills. I have replaced all the small parts and springs including the barrel bushing, and I had to do lots of reading and I followed step by step instructions on some things, it took me a while of tinkering, but I like tinkering.  The things that I learned along the way were....you can't put metal back on, go slow when removing it,  and read a lot of things on what your doing from people who did them.  And....depending on how much you overhaul it, it will cost you for shipping on the parts, so get as many different parts in the mail at once as you can.....cause every time you order a new part on the mail, that cost of shipping adds up in the end.

Hope this helps some....

Jim

Offline Bugflipper

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Re: Auto-Ordinance Overhaul
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2008, 11:02:07 AM »
 Jim had some very good info. I have built 4 1911. Every one was a bit different. Seems like when you improve one thing one of the old parts don't mesh. Then you get it worked out, then something else pops up. Not trying to dissuade you but your pistol traded in on a kimber may be a good start. If you want to work on what you already have this book is a good start. It will guide you through your troubles.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13805&title=JERRY%20KUHNHAUSEN%20THE%20COLT%20.45%20AUTOMATIC
Molon labe