1911s....

[Mr331]

I walked into the gun store with exactly $1000 in my pocket to spend on a 1911. I got so confused with all the options I came home empty handed . I think I want a Springfield....I have figured out that much.

[Mr331]

LOL, I still have the money...I can feel it burning a hole in my pocket right now! Why aren't more gun stores open on Sundays? Oh the pain!

[saki302]

I had a Springfield 1911A1 in stainless awhile back- it shot reliably, but would string rounds vertically. I got rid of it, and bought a Kimber Gold match (pre-series II- no FP block), and never looked back. the kimber is accurate, reliable, and the slide feels very smooth to rack for a 1911.
I can't speak for the new-fangled external extractors though- I like the simplicity of the original design.

A freind of mine bought a Baer Thunder ranch- that thing's so tight the sldie is hard to rack- it's pretty easy to see where the accuracy comes from I'm curious to try it out.

I have a Para P-14 limited as well- the frame and slide are nice. The finish in the barrel is rough, and the nickel plated parts peel after about 3-400 rounds :P Amost all the internal parts are aftermarket now, and the barrel will go next.
I think they stopped using nickel plated parts now and went with a 2-tone look (now you know why!!).

The Para limited does NOT like reloaded ammo (chamber is tight). Same thing with the Kimber Gold match. I think this could be the cause of some of the unreliability reports coming in- guys using cheap reloads in match guns

Using good ammo, the 1911's I've shot have been just as reliable as any H&K, Sig, or Glock I own. The difference is the latter will tolerate out-of-spec ammo a little better.
Don't forget the Sig P220 as well- it's a very accurate .45, and you can find a good used one for $600.

-Dave

[PanzerAce]

Hey, thanks for all the input guys, Im starting to think that a Kimber Ten II is what would be right for me, but im going to see if my local shop has one that they would let me try first.

[Raspy]

<><> I don't know about the full size
Kimbers---but I've got two of the
smaller Kimbers---an Ultra Carry
pre- series II---and a series II
Compact...

When they recomend changing the
recoil springs after a certain amount
of rounds---I'd believe them...

I've never had an issue when I
changed the springs at the recomended
time...

However when I didn't---the slide would
not go fully into battery...

Of course---that's just my experience
with the Kimbers I own... YMMV...

===================================

<><> Raspy <><>

[PanzerAce]

I was thinking about going with a smaller one, but I just prefer the look of the fullsized 1911s. short ones just look...wrong to mefor some reason. Like when you know somethings not right, but cant place your finger on it, that kinda wrong.

[MadMex]

PanzerAce

What is the intended use... CCW, plinking, night stand duty, serious target shooting, 3 gun, safe queen / collectable?

Personally, for the kind of shooting I enjoy I’m not too concerned about dime sized groupings. As long as it’s reliable and durable, I’m not interested in paying extra for high end accuracy. I have a Compact CDP and an early 90's P14-45. I really can't say I prefer one over the other. Each has its time and place.

[maxicon]

I'll add a me-too for the inexpensive Springfield MilSpec. I prefer it over the GI for better sights and the lowered ejection port.

I was looking for an inexpensive starter 1911, and it's been a great gun - reliable, accurate, good trigger, and tight fit. I had a plastic grip panel crack due to looseness, and they sent a new pair, but I've put some nice wood on since. That and good mags are all I've done to upgrade.

I'm just not sure what all the expensive extras would buy me. Hammers and triggers with holes in them, Barsto barrels, full-length guide rods, beavertail safeties - I'm sure these are good for something, but honestly, I have no problems with how mine shoots as it is. It's just a simple range gun for me, and I'm no bullseye shooter. A few milliseconds better lockup time isn't something I'm even sure I'd notice.

max