The Dummy's Guide to 1911s...

[Nail]

...I need one.

I know I could be opening a can of worms but I'm going to ask anyway.

I've decided I want one. Problem is, I don't know what I should get. Not planning on carrying the thing, just looking for a decent-to-good all-around rig. It doesn't even have to be 45ACP, it might could be a 10mm, unless someone gives me a viable reason not to go that route. Full size (might could be talked into commander length), don't need a rail. Blued, stainless, bi-tone, doesn't matter. $1000 +/-, depending on what I'm getting for my money. New or lightly used works fine.

Here's the list of suspects I've come up with my limited google fu:

NIB Options
STi......Trojan or Ranger 45

Kimber......Custom/Custom TLE/Custom CDP or similar priced model

Used Options
Dan Wesson....Heritage/Razorback (really dig the Valor but don't think I can swing it)

Colt......Combat/Delta Elite

Learn me up or confuse the fuck out of me. The latter is more likely....grin

 

[16Bore]

Big fucking can of worms....

Take your pick. STI, Springfield, Baer, Wilson, Limcat, Kimber, Colt.....list goes on. There are a few dogs IMO Remington, Taurus to name a few. No range experience with the two, but finger fucked them enough to decide I didn't like them. 1911's are like tinker toys that go boom. There are about a gillion options you can get. Ambi? high grip? trigger length? magwell? arched/flat housing? bomar? novaks? on and on. I only like Ed Brown grip safetys because they sit higher, prefer short triggers, high grip front strap, 20 LPI checkering, SA Flat back strap and magwell. You see where this is going....

CNC has made 1911's about equal on the upper end. Back in the day you bought one bone stock and dumped a grand+ to make it shoot. Them days is gone. My first stint at IPSC was old school dealing with smiths. Second run was outta the box STI 2011. For the most part, the big boys are going to give you slide to frame fit and good lock up outta the gate. The rest is literately how it feels in your hand and what bells and whistles you like.

 

[starsky]

Only experience I have with 1911's is the Ruger version. Seems decent enough to me, but again, that's the only one I've shot.

 

[Painless]

Look at a Springfield Loaded......Blake

 

[Chris]

Check this one out. The pistol is cool as shit but it better come with a blowjob...

http://cabotgun.com/better-than-custom-1911-pistols/the-american-joe/

 

[Driftin']

Have admired STI's offerings for a fair spell. Have fingered a only a few of 'em, being that they're hard to find in this corner of the country....

 

[The]

A 1911 .50.

 

[Del Gue]

I'm using a couple of '70's-era Colts. I had a Swenson ambi safety put on both of them, and one had an old MMC adjustable sight on it until I had it replaced with something else. I'm not up on the new ones but it seems everybody is making them. For some reason the Kimber's I've handled just didn't feel right in my hand. Dunno why. I want to like them, but just can't. Ammo would be scarcer and more expensive for a 10mm unless you handload. I'm thinkin' mebbeso I'd consider a Springfield, depending on how it handled, or maybe a Colt.

 

[16Bore]

I'd be inclined to stick 45 acp. Clays and 230s is a good soft load. I ran 40 SW for a bit with 180's, but it's a snappy little bitch

 

[minengr]

For some 1911 porn check out
http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/

I've owned quite a few, still have several, and fingered a bunch more. My one full custom, a 38 super, is my favorite with my Colt circa 1917 being a close second. Personally, I'm a Springfield Armory fan.

FWIW, the guy that built my super now works for Ruger.

 

[Horse1]

'Spect I'm probably the only one but I really like Springfield's V-10/12/16 lineup. Prolly should call the last joint I saw a '16 and nab it.

 

[Nail]

Decided to take the plunge today and picked up a SS Kimber TLE.

The concensus seems to be the Kimber mags are junk. It only came with one anyhow, so looks like I'll be picking up a couple of the WC mags for it.

I understand some malfunctions can be expected until it has been given a thorough workout. Anything else I need to be make aware of before I start putting in through the paces?

 

[16Bore]

I'd put a shock buff in. Don't know how much 1911 you've shot, but let your thumb ride on top of the safety. If you cant engage the grip safety, pin it, unless you carry with one in the tube. Only mags I know are Chip McCormick Shooting Stars...for good reason.

Nice fucking pistola....

 

[Rogue]

Dig the chips......

 

[Nail]

These the ones?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/963333/chip-mccormick-shooting-star-magazine-with-base-pad-1911-government-commander-45-acp-8-round-stainless-steel?cm_vc=wishList

Seem like a real bargain to boot.

 

[Dan In Alaska]

For the money, it's tough to beat the Shooting Star magazines. Their 10-shot version is good too. I've put thousands and thousands of rounds through mine. The lips take a beating if you're continually dropping them on the floor during mag changes, especially partially full magazines (thinking IPDA and USPSA matches), but all mags will.

The Wilson and Les Baer mags are REALLY nice. I'm not sure they are worth the extra money for normal use & abuse at the range, but when I carry a 1911, I use the high dollar mags.

 

[Nail]

Finally got to shoot it some. I was able to run about 80 rounds of Estate 230FMJs through it (only ammo I could find). Everything ran smooth. No FTF/FTE to mention. All three of the Chip McCormick mags (and the one factory mag) ran perfectly as well. It is fun to shoot and just feels nice in the hand.

My only gripe currently is that my Kimber uses a plastic MSH. I suppose it doesn't affect function but it is something that I will replace when I get the chance and IMO should have been a metal part in the first place.

 

[Wader]

Nail,

I have about 6 of Kimber's 8-round Pro-Tac mags. They have run flawlessly for me. I just wanted to mention that I typically load no more than 6 rounds at a time with them. The rumors I hear is that they sometimes will hang up and not feed the first round when fully loaded. I plan to experiment with that some and thought I'd encourage you to do the same. I think Kimber's mags did have problems years ago, but like a lot of products, even when fixed they can't shake the stigma.

Congrats on the TLE. My wife has a stainless TLE in the officer model (Kimber calls it an "Ultra"). That thing just runs like a top. I really like the front strap checkering.

I've heard that there are no flies on the Chip Mc Mags, but my experimentation stopped when I tried Tripp Research Cobra mags. I can't say anything bad about them. In the last year, I've probably run a couple thousand rounds through those mags, shooting bowling pins and they feed/function perfectly.

Take care!

Edited to add:
If you care, he's a video of a bowling pin shoot. It's a fun way to spend an evening. If there's a shoot in your area, give it a try sometime. It really helps you get to know your gun when there is some pressure on.

Click on the image below for the video to play:

 

[Nail]

Bowling pin shoot looks like it could be fun. I'll have to see about getting my hands on some.

I ran all the mags at their max capacity. Nothing wonky so far but I've a ways to go yet.