looking for 1911 in 9mm

G

gbclarkson

New member
After a recent range session with my P229, I decided that my hands are too small to shoot it accurately. I love the Sig but DA and double stack do not fit my hands. I shot my Bersa BP9cc much more accurately. I need a 1911, I have determined. I have handled several and owned 1 in the past and they fit my hand much more naturally than double stack frames.

I would like to stay with 9mm since I am familiar with it and have a surplus. I would prefer a full size frame. I plan to use the 1911 at the range and maybe nightstand. I do not need a Wilson Combat - a starter to mid-range would suffice. I have looked at Taurus and Rock Island as starter options and Colt, Springfield and Para make 9mm models, also. I would like to stay under $1000 which probably excludes Kimber and STI. My budget will be determined by LGS trade in appraisal on the Sig (which may be a subject for a future thread) and also perhaps a Taurus 445 ultralite that has not been out of the safe since I bought an LCR. If I can get decent trade value for both I might spend closer to the $1000. With offsetting costs my wife has less to complain about.

Any advice on manufactures and/or models to take a serious look at or avoid? Thanks in advance for your responses.
 
MetroArms American Classic 9MM is one to look at. Very good fit and finish, the slide is as smooth as any you've ever racked. My Commander is reliable and accurate.

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I don't know what it is about the P229, but it's the only Sig that doesn't fit me well. The P226 fits me like a glove.

I'm looking at the Springfield Range Officer 9mm 1911 for a range gun.
 
I too have small hands that have demonstrated to be too small for some double-stacks. However, I have found that the Browning H.P. fits my hands nicely, especially with wrap-around rubber grips...and you would not have to give up double stack.
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However, if the Browning's grip is too big for you, and you still feel you need a single-stacked, you maybe able to find a used 1911 9MM or its more exotic cousin, a .38 Super like my circa '70's Combat Commander in .38 Super.
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Don't discount the Rock Island in 9mm. I got one for my wife a couple years ago and its been a shooter. We've only ever had one issue and it wasn't the gun itself, weak mag spring. I like hers enough I'm thinking about one for myself.
 
You would be far better off checking local firearms dealers where you could physically handle the pistol Everyone's " I like a.... Or i have a ?" Is not going to help you find a pistol that is perfect for you. Also you can talk trade or whatever at the same time and compare price vs trade in from several sources.
 
Most of the lower end 1911's ( under $1,000 ) ...will need some trigger work and internal cleanup in my view....

But in your budget range...probably one of the new Colt's or the Springfield Range Officer....find the one locally with the best trigger in it...and you will be a lot better off than most of the other options out there under $1,000 in my view.
 
These Star Super B's are very similar to a 9mm 1911.

You can get them for $250 or less.

They are good shooters. You could enjoy one while you looked around for something else. My FiL and I couldn't resist.

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I like the idea of the Star as a great value to hold you over while you shop -- as long as we can all totally agree that it is neat, fun, a good value but -NOT- the answer to the question you seek! ;)

For a full size 9mm chambered 1911 pistol, I don't think anything matches the value of the Springfield Range Officer. If not for the fact that I bought a Loaded Stainless 9mm before the 9mm Range Officer existed, that is definitely the route I would have chosen.

I agree with Jim above that the stock trigger can benefit from work but if you are not already very well accustomed to terrific triggers, you may well be happy with it as it comes.

Two big strikes against the Range Officer:
--many don't like the large, Bo-Mar style adjustable target rear sight, that is probably the most common complaint. (I happen to love it!)

--the dull parkerized finish is heinous in my opinion, I actually loathe it. Many disagree with me there also.

I have two different shooting buds with Range Officer pistols, just one of those is the 9mm but I've shot it a-plenty and I think it is the best buy on the market if NEW is all you're in the market for.
 
I had the springfield target 9mm 1911, great gun. Reliable.

If I was looking for a 9mm today however I'd be looking at the CZ75.
 
I will throw another vote toward the Springfield Armory 1911, I love mine and am glad I picked it up. Makes a great range gun.
 
My wife and I each have two SA 9mm 1911 Loaded Target handguns. They have been flawless. We shoot steel challenge and have had the triggers tuned (no new parts) to 3-1/4lbs and replaced the MSH to get rid of the ILS. Otherwise they are stock (well we have skateboard tape on the front strap:)).
 
Kimber pro carry II

I have a Kimber Pro Carry and it is very accurate. Since the frame is an alloy it is very pleasant to carry and shoot. It has a 4.25" barrel and I don't shoot it enough. In 9mm it is great to shoot.
 
I wouldn't give up on double stacks so easily. The Hi-power mentioned earlier is worth copping a feel. Also try fondling a Tanfoglio. They are slab sided and feel thinner in the hand than a high capacity should. In particular try a Match Elite on for size if you like single action.
 
If you can do 1000.00 get a Colt. I bought a 9MM Citadel because it was cheap, 329.00 from Buds last year. It is a fun gun, not a S/D gun but it is very reliable tho, have shot IDPA with it and really like it. The Colt or a Springfield Range Officer would be my choice in the 700.00 to 1000.00 range. Prefer Colts instead of copies.
 
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