Kahr Arms Auto-ordnance 1911 Owners Manual

							11
Condition Three - Magazine loaded, chamber loaded, hammer cocked, safety on.
Proper training from NRA certified firearm instructors must be received prior to car-
rying the firearm in this condition. The pistol can be fired when the thumb safety is
off and the trigger is squeezed. Use Condition Three when you must be prepared to
use the pistol immediately without warning.
Unloading the Pistol
1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times and keep the fin-
gers outside the trigger guard. Keep hands away from muzzle and ejection port.
WARNING: EVEN THOUGH THE MAGAZINE HAS BEEN REMOVED,
A CARTRIDGE REMAINING IN THE CHAMBER CAN STILL BE FIRED.
ALWAYS VISUALLY CHECK THE CHAMBER.
2. Place your hand under magazine to prevent it from falling and press magazine
catch to release and eject magazine.
(NOTE:  If the slide is fully rearward, step 3 does not apply.)
3. Using the serrated finger grips pull the slide sharply rearward to extract and eject
a round from the chamber. Keep your hands clear of the ejection port to allow the
round to eject without obstruction. Examine the previously chambered round for any
damage; if damaged, dispose of ammunition properly.
4. Keep the pistol pointing in a safe direction, allow the slide to return forward on
an empty chamber and squeeze the trigger to allow the hammer to fall forward. If
the slide is held to the rear by the slide stop, pull the slide back slightly, then ease
the slide forward. Repeatedly allowing the slide to slam closed on an empty cham-
ber will cause premature wear and should be avoided.
5. To remove any remaining rounds from the magazine, push the cartridges forward
until they clear the retaining lips.
WARNING:  THE UNLOADING SEQUENCE MUST BE FOLLOWED
EXACTLY AS SPELLED OUT.  FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT
IN THE HANDGUNÕS CHAMBER BECOMING UNINTENTIONALLY
LOADED WITH A CARTRIDGE.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU KEEP THIS FIREARM LOCKED IN
A SECURE PLACE AND TAKE OTHER STEPS NECESSARY TO
LIMIT THE POSSIBILITY OF THEFT OR ACCIDENT. FAILURE TO
TAKE REASONABLE PREVENTIVE STEPS MAY RESULT IN
INNOCENT LIVES BEING LOST AND, IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES MAY
RESULT IN YOUR LIABILITY FOR THESE DEATHS. 
						

							12
Firing the Auto-Ordnance 1911 Pistol
ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING.
1. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and do not touch the trigger.
2. Load the pistol as previously described on page 10.
3. Grasp pistol by the grip and, with the index finger resting along the outside of the
trigger guard, take aim. Aim by aligning the target with the front and rear sights.
After identifying your target and seeing that it is clear to shoot, focus on the front
sight. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target. Take the time to be absolutely
certain of your target and what is beyond it before you pull the trigger.
4. Release the thumb safety by pressing it down out of engagement with the thumb
safety notch.
5. Keeping a steady aim, place the index finger on trigger and squeeze gently until
the hammer falls.
6. This is a semi-automatic pistol and will recock the hammer, eject the empty car-
tridge and chamber a new round. It will continue to fire with each subsequent pull
of the trigger until all the rounds in the magazine have been fired.
7. Continue procedure until the magazine is empty and the slide is locked open.
THIS PISTOL DOES NOT HAVE A MAGAZINE DISCONNECT AND CAN
BE FIRED WITHOUT A MAGAZINE IN PLACE.
8. If all the rounds have not been fired and you wish to stop shooting, immediately
engage thumb safety and follow procedures for unloading as previously described
on page 11. However, if you have fired the last round from the magazine the slide
will stay to the rear and you will be unable to apply the thumb safety.
IF THE PISTOL FAILS TO FIRE, HOLD IT, KEEPING IT POINTED
TOWARD THE TARGET OR SAFE OPEN AREA AND WAIT 30
SECONDS.  IF A HANG FIRE OR SLOW IGNITION HAS OCCURRED,
THE ROUND WILL FIRE WITHIN 30 SECONDS. IF THE ROUND DOES
NOT FIRE, REMOVE THE MAGAZINE, EJECT THE ROUND AND INSPECT PRIMER.
IF THE FIRING PIN INDENT ON THE PRIMER IS LIGHT, OFF CENTER OR
NONEXISTENT, HAVE THE PISTOL EXAMINED BY A COMPETENT GUNSMITH
BEFORE FIRING AGAIN. IF THE FIRING PIN INDENT APPEARS NORMAL ASSUME
FAULTY AMMUNITION AND SEGREGATE THE MISFIRED ROUND FROM OTHER
LIVE AMMUNITION. 
						

							13
Disassembly of the Auto-Ordnance 1911 Models for Routine
Cleaning
WARNING: MAKE SURE YOUR HANDGUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE
STARTING THIS PROCEDURE.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES IN CASE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF A
SPRING LOADED COMPONENT SUCH AS THE RECOIL SPRING OR
PLUG WHICH COULD INJURE YOUR EYES.
1. Always make sure the magazine is
removed and the pistol is not loaded.
The pistol should be cleaned after
every use and when exposed to dirt,
sand, etc.
2. With the muzzle pointing upward,
rest the pistol on heel of butt and the
grip safety on a table or bench.
3. Push the slide back about 1/4 inch,
press down on recoil spring plug (locat-
ed just below the muzzle)  and at the
same time rotate the barrel bushing
clockwise about 1/4 turn, using a barrel
bushing wrench if necessary; this will
free the plug and recoil spring. Keep
pressure on the plug to prevent it from
being ejected by the spring. Then allow
plug and spring to gradually extend
out of the slide.  (See picture #5).
4. Remove the plug from the spring.
5. Cock hammer by pulling back on the
hammer spur.
6. Pull slide to rear until lug on slide
stop is opposite disassembly notch
(see picture #6) and push inward on
the end of the slide stop shaft on the
right side of the pistol and remove the
slide stop from the left side.
7. Push slide forward off the frame.
8. Turn the slide upside down and lift the recoil spring and guide and pull them rear-
ward out of the slide (see picture #7).
PICTURE #5
PICTURE #7
PICTURE #6
Barrel bushing
(Clockwise)
Recoil
spring
plugRecoil
spring
Slide stop
Disassembly notch
Recoil springRecoil spring guide
Barrel link
forward 
						

							14
9. Turn barrel bushing counterclockwise, push barrel and barrel bushing forward
until bushing is clear of the slide, then remove bushing from the barrel.
10. Push barrel link forward and remove barrel from the slide.
NOTE: Do not drop the hammer while slide is removed from the frame.
DO NOT STRIP YOUR PISTOL ANY FURTHER THAN PREVIOUSLY
DESCRIBED. DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER PARTS, PARTICULARLY
SAFETY PARTS.  IF ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED SEE
ÒSHIPPING FIREARMS FOR SERVICE Ó ON PAGE 19.
Reassembly of the Auto-Ordnance 1911 Models after Routine
Cleaning
WARNING: ONCE AGAIN MAKE SURE YOUR AUTO-ORDNANCE
HANDGUN AND MAGAZINE IS UNLOADED BEFORE STARTING THIS
PROCEDURE.
1. With the slide upside down and the bar-
rel link forward, assemble barrel into the
slide (see picture #8).
2. Place barrel bushing over muzzle of bar-
rel and into slide until it is flush with the
face of the slide (STEP 1). Turn bushing
clockwise as far as it will go (STEP 2).
3. Place the recoil guide into the recoil
spring so that the open end of the spring is
up against the collar of the guide.
Assemble the recoil spring and guide into
the slide by pushing the end of the spring
through the slide from the rear (STEP 3).
Position the arched portion of the recoil
spring guide over the outside surface of the
barrel directly in front of the barrel link
(STEP 4).
4. Cock the hammer. Look through the slide stop hole in the side of the frame. Move
the slide along the frame until you see the hole in the barrel link line up with the hole
in the side of the frame. Insert the slide stop through the hole until it is almost fully
inserted. Continue pushing the slide rearward until the disassembly notch lines up
with the rear part of the slide stop. Now push the slide stop up and in against the
slide stop plunger until the slide stop is fully inserted.
5. Bring the slide fully forward and rest the pistol on a table or bench with the muz-
zle pointing upward.
STEP 1
STEP 2 STEP 3STEP 4
PICTURE #8 
						

							15
6. Insert the recoil spring plug onto the recoil spring. Push the slide back about 1/4
inch, press down on the recoil spring plug, compressing the recoil spring into the
slide until the plug is fully home, then rotate the barrel bushing. Align the arched
part of the bushing so that it straddles the recoil spring plug and locks in place.
YOU COULD DAMAGE YOUR PISTOL WHEN YOU FIRE, OR ATTEMPT
TO FIRE IF THE RECOIL SPRING PLUG IS NOT CORRECTLY SEATED
AND LOCKED AS DESCRIBED IN #6 ABOVE.
7. After assembling the pistol, check its function as follows:
With the magazine removed, pull the slide back fully and let it go. It should fly for-
ward and close over the empty chamber. The hammer should stay cocked. Push the
safety up and squeeze the trigger. The hammer should stay cocked. Push the safe-
ty down and squeeze the trigger. The hammer should fall. Pull the hammer back
slightly without touching the trigger. You should hear a click as the sear slips on to
the safety shelf. Now squeeze the trigger again and note that the hammer should
stay cocked.
Insert an empty magazine. Pull the slide back fully and let it go. It should NOT fly
forward. Look into the ejection port at the breech face. Make sure the firing pin is not
sticking through the hole. Hold the slide, push down on the slide stop and ease the
slide fully forward. Put your thumb on the hammer, squeeze the trigger and ease the
hammer forward.
IF YOU FIND THE FIRING PIN STICKING FORWARD OR IF YOUR
PISTOL DISCHARGES WHEN YOU CLOSE THE SLIDE, DO NOT USE
IT.  RETURN IT TO THE FACTORY.
Do these checks only after you strip and assemble the pistol.  Do not slam the slide
forward at any other time, except when loading.  If you rack the slide when the pis-
tol is unloaded, control it with your hand.
Magazine Inspection and Care
Check your magazine frequently to insure it is in proper working condition. The fol-
lower must move freely and have adequate spring tension so that each cartridge is
quickly lifted to the feeding position.
To check the spring tension, load one cartridge into the magazine and then firmly
press against the cartridge case. Remove your finger quickly. The cartridge should
instantly and fully move into the feeding position. If it does not, the magazine should
be cleaned. If cleaning does not restore proper spring tension do not use the mag-
azine.
Should cleaning be necessary use a high quality gun cleaning solution that will not
corrode or rust the metal. To do so, remove the magazine follower and spring and
clean all components, taking care to remove carbon deposits from the lips of the
magazine and the magazine follower.  Wipe components with a lightly oiled cloth
and reassemble. 
						

							1. Removable baseplate  magazine
CAUTION: The magazine spring is
under tension and could come out
causing injury.
To remove the base, push in the base lock which
sticks out through a hole in the base, and slide the
base off towards the front of the magazine. Then
remove the base lock by sliding it towards the front
of the magazine. The spring and follower can now
be removed through the bottom of the magazine.
(See picture #9)
To reassemble this magazine, insert the follower and
spring through the bottom of the magazine. Be sure
that the top coil of the spring is installed towards the
front of the magazine. Compress the spring and
slide the base lock under the two tabs on the bottom of the magazine. Depress the
base lock and slide the base under the two tabs and towards the rear of the maga-
zine. Carefully align the protrusion on the base lock with the hole in the base until
the base lock sticks out through the hole.
2. Non-removable baseplate magazine
To remove this magazine follower and spring,
depress them with a piece of wood, such as a
pencil, approx. two to two one-half inches into the
magazine and insert a thin rod or small screw-
driver through the lower of the front two witness
holes in the magazine tube. This will retain the
spring under tension. (see picture #10)
Turn the magazine upside down and lightly
tap it so that the follower falls away from the
spring; lift out the follower from the magazine
body. Push down on the spring to take up the
spring tension, remove the thin rod and care-
fully allow the spring to extend, then remove it
completely from the magazine tube.
To reassemble this magazine, place the spring correctly oriented, i.e. with the
uppermost loop pointing forward into the magazine tube, compress the spring and
insert a thin rod to hold the spring under tension. Place the follower in the maga-
zine and take up the spring tension by removing the thin rod and allow the spring
to push the follower up and seat it against the feed lips.
16
DAMAGED, NON-STANDARD, OR IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED
MAGAZINES SHOULD NEVER BE USED. THEY CAN CAUSE A
MALFUNCTION, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
PICTURE #10Magazine follower
Magazine
spring
Thin rod or
screwdriver
(Spring loop)
Magazine
PICTURE #9 Magazine follower
Magazine
spring
Base lock
Base 
						

							Care and Cleaning of the Pistol
BEFORE CLEANING, BE CERTAIN THE HANDGUN AND ITS
MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO CARTRIDGES.
At regular intervals, after firing or whenever the handgun has been exposed to
sand, dust, extreme humidity, condensation, immersion in water, or other adverse
conditions, disassemble, clean and oil it. Proper periodic maintenance is essential
to the reliable functioning of any firearm.
To clean the handgun, proceed as follows:
1. Disassemble (field-strip) the handgun to the extent described on page 13.
2. Using a cleaning rod, run a patch wetted with a high quality gun cleaning solu-
tion through the bore several times. Then attach a bristle brush wetted with a high
quality gun cleaning solution to the rod and run it back and forth the full length of
the bore and chamber. Clean bore with dry patches and examine. Bore fouling can
contribute to reduced accuracy, and grease accumulation in the chamber can inter-
fere with proper feeding of cartridges from the magazine.
3. Using a high quality cleaning solvent on a clean patch or bristle brush, remove
powder residue from all components of the pistol. After cleaning, run a dry patch
through the bore, then follow with a patch that is very lightly oiled. Wipe all surfaces
clean with cloth, then wipe all surfaces with a patch or cloth that has been very light-
ly oiled.
4. NOTE: Only a light application of oil is needed to provide adequate lubrication
of moving parts and to prevent rust. Excess accumulations of oil tend to attract par-
ticles of dust and dirt and may congeal in cold weather which can interfere with the
safe and reliable function of the handgun.
17
LUBRICATION
FIRING A HANDGUN WITH OIL, GREASE, OR ANY OTHER
MATERIAL EVEN PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTING THE BORE MAY
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE HANDGUN AND SERIOUS INJURY
TO THE SHOOTER AND THOSE NEARBY. DO NOT SPRAY OR APPLY
LUBRICANTS DIRECTLY ON AMMUNITION. IF THE POWDER OF A
CARTRIDGE IS AFFECTED BY THE LUBRICANT, IT MAY NOT BE IGNITED,
BUT THE PRIMER FIRING MAY PUSH THE BULLET INTO THE BORE WHERE
IT MAY BE LODGED. FIRING A SUBSEQUENT BULLET INTO THE
OBSTRUCTED BORE MAY DAMAGE THE HANDGUN AND CAUSE SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER AND THOSE NEARBY. USE
LUBRICANTS PROPERLY. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROPER CARE
AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR FIREARM. 
						

							Ordering Parts and Accessories
To order parts by Part Name and Part Number refer to page 22 and page23.
Please refer to the separate order sheet and price list included with the firearm
packaging to place orders. Orders for Auto-Ordnance parts can be processed by
mail, fax or Internet. We do not process phone orders. Prices and availability can
be verified by phone. Then orders must be mailed or faxed. When ordering spec-
ify the model, caliber, finish and entire serial number of the firearm - including all
letters and numbers. Note: many parts are common to all firearms regardless of
model finish.
Order accessories by Item Name and Item Number. All parts and accessory
orders should be mailed or faxed to:
Kahr Arms - Parts Dept.
P.O. Box 220, Blauvelt, NY 10913
Phone: (845) 353-7770 / Fax: (845) 353-7833
Online ordering for parts and accessories at www.tommygun.com.
Payment for Parts and Accessories
All orders require prepayment - by check, money order or credit card authoriza-
tion. Parts and accessories can be ordered online at www.tommygun.com. 
KAHR ARMS cannot offer individuals open account or COD requests. Include
$5.00 for shipping and handling on parts orders totaling $50.00 or less. Include
$8.00 on parts orders totaling more than $50.00 except as noted on price sheet.
18
WARNING!
BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT
AND ITS MAGAZINE ARE UNLOADED.
DO NOT SHIP CARTRIDGES WITH A FIREARM.
IMPROPER FITTING PARTS MAY RESULT IN 
A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM, 
AND INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS.
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to be absolutely certain that parts
ordered from the factory are correctly fitted and installed. The purchaser
and installer of parts must accept full responsibility for the correct
adjustment and functioning of the firearm after such installation. 
						

							19
Shipping Firearms For Service
Auto-Ordnance handguns returned to the factory for service or repair should be
sent to:
K.A.I.
130 Goddard Memorial Drive
Worcester, MA 01603
Contact Kahr Arms Customer Service Dept. at: (508) 795-3919 to receive a ÒReturn
AuthorizationÓ Number before shipping a firearm to the factory.
F
irearms shipped to the factory must be sent prepaid.THE KAHR SERVICE
DEPARTMENT CAN NOT ACCEPT COLLECT SHIPMENTS.
The Federal Firearm Control Act does not prohibit an individual from shipping
a firearm directly to the manufacturer for service or repair.
However, some states or localities prohibit this. If you live in such a location,
have a Federally Licensed Firearms dealer ship the firearm. It will be returned
to the dealer after being serviced.
Handguns must be shipped prepaid via UPS AIR or FEDEX.
Persons who do not
hold a Federal Firearms License are prohibited by federal law from shipping a
handgun by mail. Handguns mailed in violation of the law are impounded by
the Post Office.
Enclose a letter that includes reference to the factory ÒReturn AuthorizationÓ
Number, your name, address, telephone number, and serial number and model
of the firearm. Describe in detail the trouble you have experienced with your
firearm, or the work you wish to have done. Stating only that the firearm Òneeds
repairÓ is inadequate information. Please enclose copies of any previous corre-
spondence.
Please do not include holsters, custom grips, or accessories with any firearm
being shipped to the factory for service.
Service work performed, other than approved Warranty repairs, will carry a
minimum charge of $15.00 plus a $15.00 return shipping and handling charge.
WARNING!
TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY A FIREARM CONTAINING MODIFIED, 
BROKEN, BADLY WORN OR MALFUNCTIONING PARTS 
SHOULD NEVER BE FIRED! 
						

							20
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING
We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful pur-
poses. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that owner-
ship imposes the responsibility on the firearm owner to use his firearm in a way
which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a
safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction,
and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
Firearms do not cause accidents! Firearms accidents are almost always found to
have been the result of carelessness, or ignorance on the part of the shooter of the
basic rules of safe firearm handling.
The following rules must be observed by firearm users at all times. Safe firearm
handling is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential to your safety, the safety of
others, and the continuation of firearm ownership and sport shooting as we know it
today.
1. ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT WERE LOADED.
2. LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
FIREARM YOU ARE USING.
Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies
in accordance with the mechanical provisions for avoiding accidental discharge
and the various proper procedures for loading and unloading. No person should
handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized himself with the par-
ticular type of firearm he is using, and with safe firearm handling in general.
3. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
Be sure of the bullet stop or area behind your target, even when dry-firing.
Always be sure the area beyond your target is safe. Never let the muzzle of a firearm
point at any part of your body or at another person. This is particularly important
when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no
injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. A safe direc-
tion means a direction which will not permit a discharged bullet to strike a person,
or to strike an object from which the bullet may ricochet.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall,
ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit
to know exactly where the muzzle of your firearm is pointing whenever you handle
it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is
pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are
ready to shoot.
4. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or
shooting area, ready to shoot. Firearms and ammunition should be securely locked
in a rack, cabinets or a safe when not in use. Ammunition should safely be stored
separate from firearms in a locked container. Store your firearms out of sight of vis-
itors and children. It is the firearm ownerÕs responsibility to be certain that children
and persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access to firearms, ammunition,
or components.