help with a 1911

J

Jaeger

New member
I am considering a compact 1911 as a replacement for my G26 as a carry gun. There's not a thing wrong with the Glock. It's been plenty accurate and dead reliable but it's still a 9mm. I could go for a G27 or a G36 but I kind of have a bug for a 1911.

I haven't really dealt much with them so I'm looking for a little guidance.

I've looked at Springfield Armory, Kimber (VERY nice) and an Officers size Colt 1991A1. The Colt is pretty nice (if a little plain) and is $450 used.

The Kimber looks the nicest but it's pretty damn pricey. Any thoughts?

I see Rock Island 1911s advertised in Shotgun News all the time. How are they?
 
I like The SpringFields. I own two. A Champion and a MilSpec that is being customized. I had a Kimber compact but it just refused to run. Why? I dont know. Does that mean all Kimbers suck. Heck No. But mine did. I hear RRA makes nice 1911 and ARs.
Take a look and the SA ultra compact. There is one in a local shop here that has one sweet trigger.
 
Rock Island Armory and Rock River Arms are two completely different companies. Rock Island Armory imports cheap assed 1911s. Rock River Arms builds custom .45s and ARs. It takes a year to get one of their 1911s. They are well fitted and match grade accurate.

Hope that helps.
 
tHOUGH i ONLY BELIEVE IN...

ponies, my carry weapon is a Springfield Mil Spec Ultra Compact...yes, I like it much, much better than the Colt Defender!!
 
My carry piece is a Kimber Pro Carry. Very accurate and reliable. I'm not too crazy about the Ultra-Compacts as the 1911 design doesn't seem to respond well to that extreme amount of size reduction.
 
I carry a Kimber Pro CDP with thin, smooth grips.
I prefer smooth grips so they will no snag and therefore print on my clothing. The smooth grips wear better against my skin.
The Kimber felt better in my hand than the Springfields. Does that make it a better gun? No, but it felt more "right" to me. I don't even know if I shoot one better than the other. I think the front strap of the Springfield is wider than standard dimensions.
The Kimber has been reliable for me. No misfeeds, no stovepipes, no problems. A lower cost Kimber would probably have done as well, but I am a sucker for a pretty gun.
I don't like ultra-small 1911's, but that is my taste. I'm a little leery about reliability.
Kimber makes a combination Commander/Officer 1911. It has the slide of a Commander with the shorter grip of the Officer. I think this was called a CCO 1911. The shorter grip should be easier to conceal, while the longer slide gives you better sight radius and recoil control.

IIRC the Rock Island Armory 1911 is made in the same factory as the Charles Daly's. Supposedly a reliable platform for upgrades.
 
Choices

I suggest a Springfield. I've carried a M1911A1 version daily, on the job, for years. Before that I carried a Colt ser 70. The Springfield, tuned up, is so much better then my Colts. I also have a Ser 80, which semi-sucks, but is acceptable.

This is just my opinion and I could be wrong.

Clem
 
I recommend either Kimber or Springfield, in that order.

That isnlt a dig on Springfield, by the way, but a nod to Kimber's tighter tolerances, finer finishes, and extras.
 
My only beef against Springfields is that large, squared-off front strap that feels like a 2x4 in the hand. The dust cover is also very large, which means the Springfield won't fit many tightly-formed 1911 holsters.
 
A different route

I would suggest you seriously look at a commander size 1911 instead of compact for a few reasons: Same width as the compacts, same frame as a government model which offers you more rounds in standard 1911 mags, more versitile for customizing, and the longer slide actually helps in balancing the rig on your belt. IMO, more accurate, higher velocity due to the longer barrel, and less recoil. You would indeed gain some weight unless you bought a lightweight commander and the grip would be slightly harder to conceal than a compact. But in the end the best gun for CCW is what works best for you.....not what other people think.

BTW, I'd seriously consider a a new Colt Commander. At $450.00 for a base gun that is a bargain.
 
Might I suggest a full size SA milspec. Really easy to carry and not hard to conceal at all since the longeer slide just sits in your trousers anyway!

canis
 
A matter of opinion

Everyone has an opinion anyway.. The Colt Officers if it has a bushing avoid it, they have a problem for some reason. Kimbers are good guns but again cost quite a bit. I own 3 Springfields, A TRP, a MIL SPEC, and a Ultra Carry. The ULTRA is great 3.5 " A bushingless barrel, stainless or parkerized, Hogue grips. If you look at www.GUNSAMERICA.com and check them out for price. I saw a used one the other day fir $519.00 Good luck
 
Thanks for all the input.

I looked at a Springfield Commander style (don't remrber what they called it) today. Memory grip safety, adjustable trigger, skeltonized hammer, Novak night sights, bushingless heavy barrel. The barrel has a feed ramp buit into it which seems like a worthwhile feature. It feels great and points so naturally......... I don't know, I might be in trouble!

I'm going to look around a bit more. It's a little bigger and heavier than I had in mind but I think I could really do some good shooting with it.
 
I'll let my pic speak for me:

fdfce304.jpg
 
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