1911 Opinions, I know you've got em'

lucam · Post by **lucam** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:43 pm

I've been a shooter for years, mostly trap; but now I've got 3 good .22 handguns. I'm getting to the point where I can always hit the black at 25 yards and can usually hit a balloon at 100(try it, it's fun!).

We've got an election coming soon here in Wisconsin; I think the Democratic Govenor's Candidate won't stand a chance. CCW is a very real possibility.

This all got me thinking that I'd like a 1911 to learn the platform and get used to it. I've shot a few other people's center-fire guns and the .45's made me smile more than 9mm or 40s&w. I don't know why, but a .45 has appeal to me.

I want a Gov model. Maybe a Springfield GI? I want inexpensive, this won't be a CCW weapon, but it might lead me to the platform in the future. The Springfield mil-spec is a little better, but I can't help but think that what got my grandpa out of Korea is a good enough gun to learn with.

Talk me into it or out of it!

Pete D. · Post by **Pete D.** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 5:56 am

There is absolutely no reason to talk you out of it. The 1911 has been and remains THE premier semi-auto. The first time I fired one - many years and many handguns ago - I wanted one.
If anything, I'd suggest that you buy the best one that you can afford. Springfield's offerings are good ones (I have a "loaded" model that I bought used). Some of the extras - like a lowered ejection port - are nice to have on the gun.
Go ahead and get the thing.
Pete

Tbag · Post by **Tbag** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 7:44 am

The 1911 is a great platform, do yourself the favor and don't go cheap. I"d prefer to buy better used than new cheap.

Mr. Nail · Post by **Mr. Nail** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:48 am

Springfeilds made a name for themselves for a reason. Their firearms are reliable and affordable, although I do think their older stuff is built a little better. If you did decide to spend a little extra you would not regret getting a Browning or a Colt. You can tell an obvious difference in action smoothness. Kimber makes very sweet M1 1911's also for a good price. If I won the lotto I'd go w/ Wilson. lol.

teejay · Post by **teejay** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:01 pm

I have a Springfield "Mil. Spec.," and couldn't be more pleased. For the price, it's real sweet, just like the original military but with some small refinements that you'll appreciate. TJ

SKnight · Post by **SKnight** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 3:20 pm

They're fine firearms, my only suggestion is for you to go fire one and make sure it fits you. I shoot a Sig Sauer P220 in .45 and can put two on center mass from a draw 99% of the time. I can't hit the broad side of a barn with a 1911.

It's just how it fits my hand, nothing wrong with the firearm. I'm sure I could get used to it.

glockeyed · Post by **glockeyed** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:53 pm

the 1911 is one of those guns i think every man should own.

i also appreciate the cost factor. and you can't go wrong with springfields (and im a kimber owner). but i personally would get at least a "loaded".

greener · Post by **greener** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:34 am

I prefer the Mil-spec to the GI because I can see the sights better. I wasn't a problem a couple-three decades ago when they made issue pistols with clearer sights.

The Mil-Spec is a good shooter and seems to be pretty darned reliable.

You also might want to look at the Taurus. More improvements for about the same price.

bgreenea3 · Post by **bgreenea3** » Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:12 am

I've got the milspec and its a good shooter, I've seen the citadel's around $550 locally they look ok to me..... I think somebody got one recently on this board (BFD??? ) and he seemed to like it.

I do believe with 1911's you an spend as much as you like and still find a good pistol, it just depends on what you want to use it for. and they are great to tinker with as there are a ton and a half of aftermarket parts out there for them.

bigfatdave · Post by **bigfatdave** » Thu Apr 29, 2010 7:12 am

bgreenea3 wrote:I've got the milspec and its a good shooter, I've seen the citadel's around $550 locally they look ok to me..... I think somebody got one recently on this board (BFD??? ) and he seemed to like it

That's me, and yes, I like it a lot so far.

I'll be looking for another Officer's Size when the national matches are in town there is a big Springfield shop set up at Camp Perry, if I don't find a deal there I might just go RIA for a more "custom" experience, the Citadel is pretty much stock other than the grips I swapped out and better mags.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Thu Apr 29, 2010 6:22 pm

I'll sell you my Taurus PT1911 for a fair price.
H

bigfatdave · Post by **bigfatdave** » Thu Apr 29, 2010 8:00 pm

Taurus is making an Officer's size now?
Does it take standard parts?

bigfatdave · Post by **bigfatdave** » Thu Apr 29, 2010 8:06 pm

Bah!
Nothing but government size and not a one without the ambi safety!

greener · Post by **greener** » Thu Apr 29, 2010 8:51 pm

Hakaman wrote:I'll sell you my Taurus PT1911 for a fair price.
H

What's a fair price? Such a deal you have for me? Maybe I need two.

Mine seems to work pretty well. Dave is right, only full size so far. The ambi-safety is reported to be a weak link, but mine has held up so far. I've been pleased with the pistol since I've had it.

ruger22 · Post by **ruger22** » Fri Apr 30, 2010 11:46 am

There is a new REMINGTON 1911 launching May !st. They call it the R-1. I saw an article in one of the shooting mags. Seems to be a mostly traditional design, with a few nice details added. I'm sure you can Google some info and photos.