help a DA wheelgunner make a great transition to an SA 1911

[kmrcstintn]

I am a wheelgunner at heart, mostly double action mode at 7-10 yards. (Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, etc.) I just purchased a 95% rated used Springfield GI .45 Government size and want to be able to maximize my efficiency and pleasure in transitioning to a SA semiautomatic. Any and all positive feedback/suggestions about the weapon itself, magazine choices, ammo choices, shooting technique, etc. are welcome.

I have just 2 questions to start the thread with:

1) What are the weakpoints in the 1911 platform that I need to be aware of (mechanical design/parts; shooter errors)

2) How does someone actually aim successfully with those damn tiny combat nub sights?!?
;n ^~ ~ts ~okie~ ^4 `s

[Valor1]

Transition is easy to resolve through lots of PRACTICE. Since you already know the basics of handguns, transition is easier. You probably just needs to get used to the handling of a new gun.

1) All guns have weaknesses. Get a good gunsmith to do a reliability package on your 1911 (may or may not include polishing the chamber and feed ramp, tuning the extractor, lowering the ejection port, trigger job, etc.). I always prioritze it this way- reliability, accuracy and then beauty.

2) That's easy, replace it with any good aftermarket parts like the Heinie, Novak, etc.

[johnniekirk]

1st off get some good sights,Novaks Heinie, etc.
2nd get some good magazines, I like Wilson's, although I believe I'm
going to start using Tripp's.
3. Read everything you can about the 1911,especially when it comes to troubleshooting. This will save you unneeded trips to the gunsmith.
4. If it works leave it alone.

[Gary1911A1]

Also dryfire alot. Make sure the chamber is empthy. That's something revolver shooters don't always seem to think about.:)

[Glolt20-91]

All the above and have fun shooting it. I've found the M1911 design to be very comfortable to shoot and very fast. Even the scratch built M1911 I built in the 70's (prefers ball and good magazines) has a better trigger and ergonomics than my G20. My M1991 Colt came with adjustable Bomar sights and adj trigger, plus I can use a number of different civilian and military brand mags. I'm left eye dominant and adjustable sights came in very handy today as I spent about three hours on the range using my right eye.

There are a number of forum members who prefer fixed sights, I'm one who prefers adjustable ones. :)

Adios,
Bob

[OUSooner]

I prefer adjustable sights when all possible as well.

[Krag]

Have you considered a Para-Ordnance LDA? I bought one to use in USPSA Production Divison and fell in love with it. I can shoot it just as fast and accurately as my single action Para 16.40. As an Old Timey revolver shooter I had no trouble adapting to the long trigger stroke and it also makes me feel more "comfortable" on those ocassions when I use it for home defense.