1911 Character Issues

M

maxinquaye

New member
Well, I had been wanting a 1911 for some time. The $700 price tag on Kimber's kind of made me shy away though, even though I love how they shoot. My most expensive handgun prior was the $500 I paid for my M29-2.

I finally found a Sistema at a gun show, paid $400 for it (this is Kali). Felt pretty happy with it, although the trigger pull and sights were awful (I knew they would be going into the deal).

So, I dropped it off at a smith, had him do an action job and put in new sights. While he was at it, we decided to go ahead and drop in a Wilson beavertail (the webbing between my thumb and index finger sang approval). He had an extra bushing that was lots tighter, so in that went, along with a new set of wolff springs. Then a longer trigger, and may as well throat the chamber and polish the feed ramp. Course, a full length guide rod would be nice, and while we're at it, aint that a nice set of rosewood grips to replace those cheesy plastic ones?

So now I'm another $350 into the damn thing. Yup, could have bought a Kimber.

BUT...I think this one shoots just as nice, and even more, it's MINE. Unique, personalized...I'm a happy camper.

Kimbers may be nice right out of the box, but they have little to no character. I have a 50 year old shooter chock full 'o character now, and for the same price...
 
To each his own. I once had a Colt Argentine contract (same thing as a Sistema, only made by Colt). All I had to do to it was trim the hammer spur until it stopped biting me. A decent 1911 with all the goods will always cost around $700 unless it is made with foreign labor (i.e. Charles Daly, Norinco). A couple hundred less will get you a Colt or Springfield mil-spec, but that's about it.
 
maxinquaye - I feel the same way you do about the Sistema, particularly mind. I paid $299.00 for mine from CDNN as I have an C&R License. I also invested (wholesale prices) $117.00 in the following parts/upgrades and did the honors myself:

Chip McCormick Commander Hammer
Chip McCormick Sear
Wilson Combat Adjustable Competition Trigger
Wilson Combat Beavertail Safety Grip
Chip McCormick Rosewood D/Diamond Grips (Not wholesale)
Wolf 18.5 lb Recoil Spring
Wolf Firing Pin Spring
A tighter (SS) Bushing - had to fit ID myself
A SS Recoil Spring Plug/Cap
Four New Grip Screws

For less than $420.00 I have a "modernized" 1911A1 that both looks and shoot great - not to mention full of character.

These pistols are a great buy.

;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top