First 1911 purchase

[lesterm]

Hello all,

I am thinking about purchasing my first 1911. Prior to this decision, I have only owned/shot HK's and Glocks; however, something is drawing me toward the 1911. That being said, I don't have any experience with 1911 type guns, but I have heard they require my care and attention to detail, which is fine.

After doing a good amount of research into the world of 1911, I thought I wanted to go with a Kimber Eclipse Pro II, but I have heard some good things, as well as some bad things about Kimber. They also seem to be a middle-of-the-road manufacturer. I don't want to spend money on something that I won't be completely satisfied with. After much consideration, I decided that I might like to get a Wilson Combat CQB Compact. Alternatively, I also looked into the Ed Brown Executive or the Executive Carry, which also seem nice.

Is there a major difference between the compact and full-sized 1911's? Most of the full-size 1911's I have found have the forward slide serrations, which I don't like at all. I am also leaning toward the compact because I want to have the option to carry it if I really like shooting the 1911.

My question is: how difficult are 1911's to maintain, and should I start out with a different/less expensive 1911 or should I just go for the upper-end of the spectrum right away?

I should probably try out a few guns before I make a $2,000 purchase; however, there are no ranges with in a 3 hour radius that have guns to rent. So I am essentially making a blind purchase. But I really want a 1911 because of the history behind the model, as well as the fact that I like the looks of the design (is that a bad reason to buy a gun?)

Thanks...

[Big_Jim]

Before you spend $2000 a three hour drive might be worth it. I think Kimbers are OK, check out the Gold Match or the Team match. Wilsons and the others are good too.

[MP1SG]

Whoa fella. I'd start out with a reasonably priced one before jumping into the deep end of the pool. I'd get more of a basic one, learn about it then either keep it or trade up.

Springfield and Dan Wesson make some good quality and reasonalby priced 1911's. Dan Wesson isn't as well known as others, but still make a great piece.

[345]

Check STI Trojan.

[decoy5657]

Originally posted by MP1SG
Dan Wesson isn't as well known as others, but still make a great piece.


:) :) :) :)

[BillK@tcmhmrs.o]

Congratulations on considering a 1911. It's an important piece of history and a great gun. I don't personally think a 1911 is all that hard to keep up. Start out with a reliable one and don't try and be a wiseguy putting all the newest 'tactical' parts on it. The closest you can keep it to how John Browning designed it, the better off you are. OK, OK - I'll make a concession to the fellows who like the 1911 changes incorporated into the design after the gun was worked out in the trenches of WWI. I personally started out with a 1991 Colts Commander. I haven't regretted it. I bought mine new in the box in '97 for $465 if memory serves me right. Started out parkerized but now has a proprietary finish called "Black T" on it that has turned it into a black beauty with a silky smoothness from the teflon impregnation thingy that Walter Birdsong puts into his Black T.

Use good quality magazines, I don't futz with fancy guide rods or bushingless designs, and I just dress it up or down with interchangeable grips. I have a set of stag grips and nice wood grips off a series 70 Colt with the rampant Colt in the medallion on the sides. Rubber grips came with my gun, and I kept mine and had to trim a squosh off the top back of the right panel so a steel clipdraw spring would fit. I carry it in a Mitch Rosen inside the pant holster when not using the clipdraw in a modified Mexican carry (ie:stuffed down the back of the britches between belt and skivvies - the clipdraw keeps it from going into the Great Devide).

I keep it stocked with the same ammo I use in my G36; Federal Hydra-Shok in 230gr and 185gr Winchester Silvertips (especially when using as a house gun). I bet I shoot 95% 230gr ball ammo in my gun and it shoots to point of aim at 15-25 yards and it'll get 'er done with consistent 3-4" groups all day long at 15 yards with a proper offhand stance. It shoots tighter groups off a sandbag, but I have no doubt it shoots better than I do.

I have been pretty impressed with these new Mil-spec 1911's coming out. They are true 1911's, loose a bit, but good shooters. If I bought one, I'd only upgrade the sights for my nearsightedness and I'd get Black T put on it after I shot the snot out of it to get it broke in good.

Good luck in your quest, but you just don't have to spend $2000 to join this fraternity. You can spend about $500 and get a good taste, and once bit with the bug, nobody ever stops with just one 1911 ! I just don't have my others...yet.
Regards,
Bill

[flycaster]

lester- if by chance you want to spend the bucks on a Wilson or equivalent piece, call them first. If you hate forward slide serrations, just ask if they can mount a slide without them. Probably can.

I have a S.A. Loaded with about 1000 rounds through it so far. Not one failure of any kind, from day one. It's solid, dependable, accurate- and sexier than me!

Chuck