Help for my first 1911!

[wicked liquid]

Exactly this. Congrats on the Kimber!

Thank you!

[Martin_B]

Man, you guys are all awesome! I have to admit when I get online and start looking at all the different companies, all with their own products it gets more than just a little overwhelming. I have gained so much knowledge from each of your posts, let me just say thank you all for saving me valuable hours of my life, and plenty of money from having to find out the hard way. lol

One more question. Recoil spring, I have seen mention of a 16# and I think the other was a 17#. Is this all about personal preference?

I'd say preference and the type of ammo you are shooting. I personally use a 17lb for factory 230 grain loads. If you're running +p I'd lean more towards the 18lb side of things. Lighter loads I'd go the other way. Just find what works best for you with a balance between recoil, reliability, and not beating your frame up.

[skosh69]

The wife & I have been pretty fortunate at TM so far. We've seen some of the characters over there, but we haven't had to leave because of them yet. I like Reeds better over TM. But, my favorite so far is the Livermore range. Nice and easy going and I seem to strike up good conversations with the Range Safety Officers there. Haven't been to San Leandro. I want to hit Chabot one day though. USI is also on my list. Then, there's the open steel trap range out past San Jose. But, that's probably a whole day trip since it's so far away.

And you're right about eBay. Just need to make sure you know what brand/quality you're buying, not buying just based on price.

Where is this range in Livermore? I've heard of J&R Sports out there, but that's about it.

Regarding the San Leandro Rifle and Pistol range, it's small but cool. They have both indoor and outdoor ranges. I believe on Sat. nights, they have a steel shoot. If you plan on making it to USI, hit me up, I'll try and meet you there, it's minutes from the house. As a matter of fact, a few of us are going to brave the weather and shoot there at 9 am this coming Sunday!

[XDJYo]

Where is this range in Livermore? I've heard of J&R Sports out there, but that's about it.

Regarding the San Leandro Rifle and Pistol range, it's small but cool. They have both indoor and outdoor ranges. I believe on Sat. nights, they have a steel shoot. If you plan on making it to USI, hit me up, I'll try and meet you there, it's minutes from the house. As a matter of fact, a few of us are going to brave the weather and shoot there at 9 am this coming Sunday!

The range is called Livermore Pleasanton Rod And Guns. lprg.org I think. It's north of the 580 off either Vasco or N Livermore. It's about 15 minutes from my place. No steel though. But they are talking about starting it up in the spring thru summer times.

I'll have to check out the range you're talking about. Do you mean Chabot in Castro Valley?

I haven't been to USI yet. Same with Chabot. Maybe one of these Sundays I can head out there and meet up with you all! It would've nice to meet other forum dudes at the range!

J&R is a pretty cool place. Every once in a while, they'll get some good stuff. I like Doms better,but they're a regular sporting goods store too. Little selection.

Take it easy and hopefully I. An head out to USI soon

[JTROKS]

It has been a long time since I stripped a 1911 so tonight should be fun! I do have a couple of questions for you, first, you mentioned USPSA and IDPA, can a person compete with a fairly stock gun or do you need something totally customized? Also, you mentioned holsters, I would like to buy one, but this is the first pistol I have owned that I am actually worried about holster marks on the pistol, are there any that I should stay away from or lean towards? Thanks again!

Fairly stock 1911 can compete in USPSA or IDPA.

Here is a link to USPSA rules http://www.uspsa.org/rules/2010Handg...sProof3web.pdf

Look up single stack division.

As far as holster wear it is hard to prevent, but can be decreased if you pick a holster with lining that is not so hard on the finish. The only holster that I'm aware of that provides minimal wear on the gun is Limcat's Stealth holster. I'm not sure if it's legal in single stack division. I've been using kydex type holsters and wear is not really a concern unless it's abnormaly severe. The level of wear on your gun is matched by the skills you learn.

[wicked liquid]

OK, well I am happy to report back that after firing a couple of Kimber's clips through the new gun, and then switching over to the Wilson Combat 47D's, there is no contest, I am now a Wilson fan. Thank you all for your advice, it has come in very useful!