Intro Level Carry 1911

BayouGlocker · 07-12-2010, 23:58

I'm a college student, and relatively new to handgunning and ccw. I have a G 19, and love it. I also have a Ruger LCR, and it's nice. But I there's just something about a 1911. Much less the idea of a big heavy bullet. So, after much deliberation I've decided that one will be my next handgun.

The question is which one? I realize that there have been many threads on affordable 1911's, and I've read several, but I've not found a thread for one that'd meet what I think I want/need.

I'd like a 4-4.5 inch barrel, with the standard length grip frame. I'd like one with a dovetailed front sight, because I'll eventually have a night sight added. I'd like a decent grip safety, as I've heard that the "mil-spec" tend to allow the hammer to bite hands. And there's something about a stainless 1911 that's just...

I think an ambi safety would be useful, but I'm also considering crimson trace grips in the future.

I looked at a stainless Springfield Armory GI and almost drooled... But the barrel was longer than what I'd like, and the slide would need to be milled to accept most sights, and I don't have a lot of money to throw into the gun right now. I don't mind swapping the grip safety and such, but it seems like having a dovetail cut into the slide would be expensive....

If you can't tell, I really don't know much about 1911s, so any advice would be awesome. Thanks.

bac1023 · 07-13-2010, 02:58

What's your exact price range?

GunFighter45ACP · 07-13-2010, 07:46

If the OP is willing to +/- a few of the criteria, IMO, it would be hard to beat an RIA Tactical Model.

CMG · 07-13-2010, 07:59

Does the RIA Tactical come in a Commander vesion? I've only seen in in the Government Model.

Kimber's Pro series offers lots of variations, though most may be priced higher than the OP wants to pay.

Springfield's Champion would be a good choice as well, though they are not nearly as common.

BlayGlock · 07-13-2010, 08:56

Springfield Champion would be a good choice, or a Kimber Pro Carry. Both of these are affordable and come with sights that you would like.

BayouGlocker · 07-13-2010, 11:38

I think I'd have a max price around 700-ish for current build. (Hopefully) I will always be able to go back and upgrade/tune, or buy more expensive as funds become available. I don't NEED a shorter barrel, but I'd prefer one for a carry gun. Same with the other things I've mentioned.

After this, I'll leave opinions to you gentlemen who actually have experience with this weapon system. All I know is that I do need absolute reliability with defensive ammo, and you know what is most likely to work.

glockfan9 · 07-13-2010, 12:09

lol im in the exact position. im a college student with a G19 but want to go teh 1911 route. im personally planning on the kimber pro carry. great looks and reliable. you can pick one up for about $750.

glock2740 · 07-13-2010, 12:26

I heard that these guys make a decent carry gun, but that's just what I've heard through the grape vine.

http://pistoldynamics.com/CS_Intro_09.html

Tactical black · 07-13-2010, 12:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock2740

I heard that these guys make a decent carry gun, but that's just what I've heard through the grape vine.

http://pistoldynamics.com/CS_Intro_09.html

Yep for only six times what he wants to spend

BOGE · 07-13-2010, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by BayouGlocker

I'm a college student, and relatively new to handgunning and ccw...

Based upon your words I`m going to go against the grain here & recommend that you become more familiar with the 1911 platform before you start packin`one. A Glock or Ruger it ain`t.

Hokie1911 · 07-13-2010, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock2740

I heard that these guys make a decent carry gun, but that's just what I've heard through the grape vine.

http://pistoldynamics.com/CS_Intro_09.html

Whatever. I'd rather have 15 Glocks.

No I wouldn't.

glock2740 · 07-13-2010, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokieshooterG23

Whatever. I'd rather have 15 Glocks.

Well, I'd rather have 40 Hi-Points

Hokie1911 · 07-13-2010, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock2740

Well, I'd rather have 40 Hi-Points

Only because you already have 15 Glocks.

glock2740 · 07-13-2010, 16:32

RonS · 07-13-2010, 17:16

I would shop for a Colt 1991 Commander model. Close to your price range from what I have seen, although that may have changed, prices are changing all the time.

It comes with a good set of sights, although not a dovetailed front. Outstanding customer service if you should need it, good resale if you should need that too.

FWIW, Springfield Armory customshop charges $55 to cut a front dovetail.

bac1023 · 07-13-2010, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock2740

I heard that these guys make a decent carry gun, but that's just what I've heard through the grape vine.

http://pistoldynamics.com/CS_Intro_09.html

bac1023 · 07-13-2010, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokieshooterG23

Only because you already have 15 Glocks.

knedrgr · 07-13-2010, 20:42

Base on our wants, a Springfield Champion would be a good starting point; a beavertail, dovetail front sight, stainless, ambi thumb safety. And Springfield has a lifetime warranty on their guns. Kimber...1 year...

knedrgr · 07-13-2010, 20:43

And BTW, once you've own a 1911, you'll just want to put it in a nice leather holster = $$$. Just a thought. Might want to get on an order list now, and by the time you have the money for the pistol, you'll have your holster. :lol:

Hokie1911 · 07-13-2010, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by knedrgr

And BTW, once you've own a 1911, you'll just want to put it in a nice leather holster = $$$. Just a thought. Might want to get on an order list now, and by the time you have the money for the pistol, you'll have your holster. :lol:

I ordered in March. I am getting close.......well, not really but I'm giddy nontheless.

samuse · 07-13-2010, 22:11

I'd think about the barrel length. 5" 1911s are (usually) best as far as reliability goes, and are just as concealable as a 5". Sights are rarely drop in. Beavertail and thumb safeties also need to be fit by a competant person. A Springfield Mil-Spec is a good place to start, solid gun with decent sights. I also think that you tend to lose less money if you decide to sell a base model versus a modded or loaded type gun. Whatever you get, shoot it, learn the gun, and become familiar with it before you go nuts with all the tactical, extended stuff you can put on it.

glockfan9 · 07-13-2010, 22:25

oohhhh i like the springfield champion

didnt even kno about that one.
- how does it compare to the kimber pro carry?

bac1023 · 07-14-2010, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by glockfan9

oohhhh i like the springfield champion

didnt even kno about that one.
- how does it compare to the kimber pro carry?

I like the Kimber better.

The Champion you're looking at is based off the Springfield Loaded, and I could take it or leave it.

glockfan9 · 07-14-2010, 01:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

I like the Kimber better.

The Champion you're looking at is based off the Springfield Loaded, and I could take it or leave it.

-ya ive been looking at them for a few hours now. seems like in order to get it to the same level as the pro carry you might as well just buy the kimber. grips, hammer, trigger, beavertail..

GunFighter45ACP · 07-14-2010, 07:46

I also like the SA Champion GI model. The problem for me is, a local shop has 1 at the same price as a Gen4 G22 (red label)

It's easy to get distracted over a thing like this, (plus, I can get a blue label 1 at a better price) so whatever you settle on 1911 wise, make sure you've done your research & have a game plan for the future w/it. Extra add ons come w/a price premium, so if you think you'll end up adding stuff, maybe saving up a few more $ & springing for the next level up 1911 could be an option.