I can't make up my mind!

T

Tamara

Moderator Emeritus
Dear Abby,

Yesterday we got a Springfield Ultra-Compact V-10 traded in. It's "bi-tone" (as Springfield calls it) and has been ramped and throated by a competent gunsmith, along with the installation of a heavier recoil spring and a quick touch-up on the trigger. I don't own any 1911's at this time. Every time I walk past this gun in the showcase, choirs of angels sing. I have leather that will fit this gun already at home from my last small 1911 (a Galco SOB and a Bianchi Askins Avenger). In short, I have got the hots for this little pistol in the worst possible way, and I'm already fairly deep into the purchase rationalization process.

Here's the rub; I'd have to trade in my Beretta Border Marshal. It's got an ultra sweet trigger, thanks to the aforementioned competent pistolsmith waving a chicken foot over the internals and working his juju on the double action pull, especially.

Don't bother answering if you are going to say "buy both!" because that's not an option. If I want this V-10 (and I do, so badly that my teeth hurt) then the Border Marshal must go (and I don't want it to).

If I can't get some kind of vote out of the crowd here, I'll be forced to resort to flipping a coin or something... ;)
 
Tamara having read your posts since finding this board, I haven't heard you mention having a Baretta. If you don't use it on a regular basis then to me it would be tradeing material. If the Springfield doesn't work out the Baretta might still be there. As your primary is your 29 I say trade, go shooting, and enjoy.
 
Look over that V-10 closely.

Check out the porting on both the barrel (internally, too) and slide. I've examined a few that had burrs and stray bits of metal from the operation. I'd seriously considered that small 1911 variant until I saw those manufacturing oopses. Granted, Springfield Inc probably got an earful from folks and takes better QC steps nowadays. But I went with my own Caspian Officer's ACP in the meantime. Don't forget, the ported Officer's ACP (V-10) is a exceptionally "bright" little bugger of a .45, with those upwards-facing vents. Choose as low a flash carry load as you can stomach, and be prepared. I had a friend try firing one from inside his car at night in a carjacking-type role, and it lit him up pretty good. So you do pay a sort of price for that reduced muzzle flip...
 
I'd hang on to that Beretta Border Marshal. Obviously, you hate the idea of losing it, so don't! If you end up trading it now, you'll be kicking yourself later when it's long gone and you want it back.

You don't have any other pistol (one you don't like as much) to trade in?
 
In short, I have got the hots for this little pistol in the worst possible way, and I'm already fairly deep into the purchase rationalization process.

Hmmmm..it it love or lust? for love endures the test of time and lust stays for but a season. :D

Seriously, I know how you feel. Sometimes it feels like I'm giving away one of my kids when I have to trade in a gun. Whenever I see a new gun that I want badly, nothing can cure me until I have purchased or traded for my new love. :D

I kinda feel for you in a way. I know this sounds silly, but when I trade in one of my pistols I avoid the gunshop where I traded for at least a couple weeks until the pistol is sold. I can't stand to see one of my kids being sold! Now you are a different story, you are gonna have to see it everyday and perhaps even sell it..ack.

Get the V10, otherwise you will go nuts when someone buys it.

Good Shooting
RED
 
Tamara, you have sold and traded guns in the past. How do you feel about that? Do you wish you had them back? Any? All?

The reason I ask is that I have traded three firearms to get other firearms that I wanted. Two of those firearms that I let go, I want back. I will purchase the same models again some day, but at a higher price.

If you feel the same way about previous trades, then think carefully about whether you will regret trading the Baretta. If you won't miss it, great.

I'd like to have a V-10, too. Whether or not they are practical, I can't say. But they look so COOL! :cool:
 
"...choirs of angels sing."

Hmmm. I dont' know, that's a tough call. Now if it where choirs of angels singing, clouds parting, and a bright light shines onto the gun, then I would say go for it.
 
FWIW-

You will never find a more reliable gun than that pizza gun.

Whenever I see a compact SA traded in it usually is because it has been unreliable. Many of the shorter 1911's are notorius for problems.

Heres a vote for the Beretta.
 
Keep the Beretta.
A good reliable pistol you already have is better than one you think you want. I have had experience with the V-10. While I prefer Springfield 1911 clones this is one model I stay away from. Porting looks good but is not tacticaly sound. The other thought is, why was it traded in? As a full time gun store employee I see that most guns are traded because they do not work right. Don't get the idea that I am not a 1911 or SAA fan. I just traded all of my SIG pistols off and have gone back to my roots of 1911 (four) and P-35 (three) for carry. I carried a Colt MK-IV/70 lwCommander for 27 years in an Askins Avenger. Personal preference to simplify my life.

Also it is not like you cannot save up to get a V-10 if you realy want one. Just be patient. Keep what works and aticipate the addition of something you want later.

Good Luck,

ts
 
As much as I like the 1911 design, I wouldn't trade the Beretta for it. I had a Springfield V10 and was not impressed with it and ended selling it to get something else.
 
Another for the Beretta.

Why give up a gun your comfortable and happy with. 1911's for me have been touch & go, even Springfields & Kimbers. The Beretta 96 Brigadier is an excellent gun that gets little respect. My vote is to keep it.
 
The grass is usually greener on the other side. The next gun on my "to buy" list was an AK-47 clone. I wanted one Veeeery Baaadly. My brother-in-law brought his over this weekend, and while it is a good gun and fun to shoot, I realized that a 22lr would do everything I had planned for the AK, and cheaper, and better. I'm not saying not to buy the Springfield, but be sure.
 
Until your financial condition improves I would suggest you keep what you have. I have found that when you save your money you can take advantage of good deals when they come your way. Good Luck.
 
The angels kept singing...

I am now the proud owner of a Springfield V-10.

I know where there's a deal on a Beretta Border Marshal with a sweet trigger job in the box with 4 magazines... ;)
 
You'll be sooooorrreeeeee.

I've tried selling Beretta 92s before and always end up buying an identical one to replace it eventually.

Problem is, they keep going up in price and the mags get more expensive and harder to find.

You should have at least kept the mags...
 
Why in God's name do you want a V-10?

With a barrel that short, you can likely THROW the bullets faster.

IMHO, a .45 with a short barrel isn't much of a handgun at all.

When your slug is exiting the barrel at 650 fps (chrono results I've seen for 230gr. Hydrashoks out of a similar shortie), you're getting a whopping 215 footpounds of energy.

Wow.

That's certainly NOT the .45 we know, love, and fear.

That's more along the lines of .455 Webley.
 
I agree with the "you'll be sorry" crowd. Every time I have traded something that I wanted to keep,I regretted it. I also agree with another post,concerning the short barrel. The short barrel 1911's lose too much velocity,therefore rendering JHP's useless.
 
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