Brian Bilby's Lightweight full size

[Steve Smith]

Brian has a new "Professional Series Shadow Lightweight" that I'm really intersted in. I'm particularly interested in the Gov't size one. I've never even held a lightweight gov't model. How are they? Are the a little top heavy? How do they shoot? I'll use it for daily concealed carry, which I don't expect a problem from, but I'd also use it for IDPA. What says the forum about it's IDPA shoot-a-bility? I really want a fine-handling gun for my first custom, but I also like the idea of it being a lightweight, since all I have are full weight guns. Any thoughts on recoil signature? If you have posted on 1911.com, there's no seed to post here. You can see the description here: http://www.1911custom.com/

 

[G. Kennedy]

Personally, I have shot a Springfield lightweight Gov't Model and would not want one. Nothing wrong with the gun per se, but shooting standard factory ammo in the gun feels like shooting +P. Shooting +P feels like shooting full power 10mm or more. I could live with the felt recoil but the muzzle whip is really bad in my opinion compared to an all steel Gov't Model. I'd rather have a few more ounces of steel to contend with.

I will say though that a lightweight Commander in .45ACP shoots pretty good. It must be something about the shorter length and how the gun cycles that makes the difference.

After all is said and done though I'd still rather have an all steel gun. The weight difference isn't enough to make a difference to me. The lighter weight gun only makes sense for the carrying aspect for some, for competition I'd shoot all steel.........