The 1911 Thread

[CTcarry]

Mitch, Congratulations on your 1911 acquisition! I've also been feeling the bite of the 1911 bug and am thinking of buying a 1911 pistol. I have this Beretta 92FS that I shoot all the time. From the postings, I think I might be the only one here who is a fan of the 92, but correct me if I am wrong. I recently shot a charles daly DDA in .45 ACP and I really liked the kick. I've been itching to get a pistol chambered in .45ACP ever since. You might be wondering why I like the recoil where most people would prefer lighter recoil. I don't know why that is, but it just feels good in my hand like having a handCANNON. I was thinking about getting a .45 and I wanted to get it in a 1911. I was looking at a brand-spanking new Kimber Custom II for $620 + FFL fee. The owner of the range I usually go to recommended something cheaper like one of those Firestorm .45 gov't that they have for about $300 something. Certainly, this is good for me in terms of price. What do you guys think? My heart is thinking Kimber but my wallet is thinking el cheapo 1911. I have the cash for the Kimber but it will cause a real dent in my finances. Let me know what you guys think. I think I just need someone to push me towards the Kimber side of the balance ;D

[CTcarry]

By the way, I went to the movies and watched that new movie S.W.A.T. It was packed with explosions and gunfire and all, but what really raised my eyebrows was seeing the LAPD S.W.A.T. guys use 1911's, and not just any 1911, Kimber 1911's. you could see the Kimber engraving if you squinted hard enough. I know, I know, I know that everyone knows that but seeing it in the movie really made me happy because the details sometimes get lost in movies that try to be true to life.

[RogerC]

My advice is to stick with Colt, Kimber, or Springfield.

The Custom II you speak of is a good value. You get a lot of pistol for the money.

[Mitch HanK Sauer]

CTCarry,

I feel and know your pain. If you followed this thread you will see what I went through. I don't want to influence you in one direction over another because in the end I think you will decide what's best.

Yes there are those who buy inexpensive and build up the 1911, from what I see nothing wrong with that. I guess it depends on your comfort level with the 1911 and if you want to go through that. For me, I want to do that eventually, so I did not go that route for now.

I ended up with a Springfield Loaded that I felt I could not pass up, it is like new and with the extra upgraded parts I found with it, it was a very good value. In my search it came down to a Kimber Custom II TLE ( the one that LAPD SWAT uses), and the SA Loaded.

My brother has that Kimber TLE, and he likes it very much, it certainly looks great to me. We have not gone to the range yet and shot my Springer and his Kimber TLE head to head yet to see the differences, when I do you'll see a posting.

My advice without being biased, ask yourself what you want- which means also does it cover your needs, ask yourself what are you willing to spend. If you can grip and shoot them that would be the best. Before I decided, I did hours of research and reading to where I knew what I was buying with my final choices, I think I would have been comfy with either one.

There are many who will vouch for other manufacturers, which is natural, but in the end it's up to you. There is a 1911 Forum link somewhere here, I'll re-post it when I find it.

Also Dubbleakshun helped me greatly in my path to the 1911. Be patient and enjoy the ache and ride towards the 1911, it will be worth it as you will come to appreciate it more as you learn the different things you can do with the 1911, and how each manufactuer represents the 1911.

I know I did not make it easier, but stay the course and path and you will find the "One".

GOOD LUCK!

MHS

[Mitch HanK Sauer]

CT,

I just re-read your post, if the wallet is a consideration. If all you are looking for is an entry level that won't break the bank. Springfield Armory Mil-spec should be a consideraiton. It can be had for around $479.00 dependign where you look, and would NOT be one of your "el cheapo" level 1911s. Many have used this Mil-spec to "build up" from down the line.

The Mil-spec shot well for me, as my father has one.

MHS

[TA]

Here is some 1911 forums for you:

www.1911forum.com/forums/
groups.msn.com/1911SEMIAUTOCLUB
And last but not least, the most ELITE CLUB known to man, ;D groups.msn.com/THE1911BOYSCLUB/welcome.msnw

CT, Definitely look into the Springfield Mil-Spec. I think it is probably the best bang for the buck if you are trying to keep aquisition costs down. If you look around, you can find some sweet deals on one of these.

[DoubleAction]

I have went for broke on many gun purchases,and found out that it's alot easier to recover from a temporary financial squeeze, than it is to be stuck with a pistol that be may not prove to be desirable in the future.You can spend $300. on something you may,or may not,be completely satisfied with,or you can spend more on something worth the investment.The decision rest on your own requirements, verses needs,wants,and where to start,with no regrets.

[DoubleAction]

Mitch;I'll be looking to see more of you and your new Springfield in the Clubhouse.My hand is still in the healing stages,allowing more time for the sites when I'm not out at the pool,or reading.

[CTcarry]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll be going to the local gun shops to do some touchy-feely looking and I've decided that I'll forego the firestorm and look at the Kimber and the Springfield, see how they feel and how they action. I agree with dubble that a financial squeeze is something I can recover from in a month and I'm thinking that I want a gun that is compatible with the plethora of 1911 aftermarket parts out there as I inevitably will want to fiddle with stuff here and there. I'll keep you guys updated with my journey to the 1911. TA, I've also visited the most ELITE of the 1911 forums! Thanks again. Will keep you guys updated. -CT

[Mitch HanK Sauer]

Dubb,

Hope your hand is prorgressing well. I've been so busy the last few days doing some family stuff. I picked up my Springer last Friday, and I can't wait to get into it. I realized I needed the barrel brush and the bushing wrench (did not come with one). I found a bushing wrench in Brownells that I liked for $14.00, the one with the special edge or lip to catch the spring when you turn the bushing wrench.

I took a few pictures yesterday, but nothign I am satisfied with, so as soon as I get a chance new pics will be up.

I'll be in visiting the other site soon enough ;D!

All is well in my 1911 world.

[TA]

How many pages can we get this 1911 monster up to?

This thread could almost be copied and published as a book, "How to choose and purchase a 1911"

[DoubleAction]

Thanks Mitch;I have to go back to the hand Doctor tomorrow.If I get the green light,I'll be headed to the range.That particular wrench is good for dealing with the full length rods and reversed plugs,it's a must for the harder to remove fitted bushings,in keeping the spring/plug captive until the bushing is turned.Make sure you wear safety glasses.

[Mitch HanK Sauer]

Hey there's a idea.... Hmmmm

[RogerC]

THREADZILLA LIVES!!!!!!

Oh, no......there goes Tokyo!!!!!

[Four16Rigby]

Man, you sure know how to get people to respond....all you have to do is mention 1911..lol....Good luck with your purchase...I sold a Kimber custom target that I bought when they first came out and pondered all the 1911's I could get my hands on...ended up with an Eclipse..(Kimber)...that one has a treasured spot in the safe and will go to my son when I've fired my last shot....y'all take care!!!!