I was looking for sugestions on my first 1911. I've seen many different models and brands but its sorta hard picking one. Could someone also explain what the "Custom" models are? like are they mass producded or just called custom?. I can't shell out over $1,000 but I want to get somthing that'll last forever and have some room for customization. My last question was are 1911's prone to jamming when you limp wrist? I tend to have the problem when firing my Glock sometimes which is a bad habit.
Looking for Sugestions for My First 1911
- Thread starter teca99
- Start date
Sistema Colts
You can get Argentine surplus Sistema colts from CDNN Investments (www.cdnninvestments.com) for around $300. These are good guns. They are milspec 1911s manufactured in South America to Colt specs and are completely parts-interchangable with US milspec 1911s. The only differences are they have spanish stampings on the slide and frame and cost WAAAAAAAY less than a same-quality milspec 1911 from Springfield or Colt.
Do a search here for 'Sistema' and listen about how people rave about them. I have shot one, they are sweet. Leave as-is if you want a milspec colt, or tart it up if you want something fancy.
I have had one on order from www.cruffler.com since August. It has not yet come in. I would NOT order from them, since they have not had pistols in stock since August but continue to advertise them on their web page, which I find to be...odd. Order from cdnn and save the hassle.
Mike
You can get Argentine surplus Sistema colts from CDNN Investments (www.cdnninvestments.com) for around $300. These are good guns. They are milspec 1911s manufactured in South America to Colt specs and are completely parts-interchangable with US milspec 1911s. The only differences are they have spanish stampings on the slide and frame and cost WAAAAAAAY less than a same-quality milspec 1911 from Springfield or Colt.
Do a search here for 'Sistema' and listen about how people rave about them. I have shot one, they are sweet. Leave as-is if you want a milspec colt, or tart it up if you want something fancy.
I have had one on order from www.cruffler.com since August. It has not yet come in. I would NOT order from them, since they have not had pistols in stock since August but continue to advertise them on their web page, which I find to be...odd. Order from cdnn and save the hassle.
Mike
In the...
...new-manufactured box-stock class, it's hard to beat one of Springfield's new "Loaded" guns. They have a plethora of features that you normally pay extra for as standard, and based on the several I've had hands-on experience with recently, they are very accurate and amazingly feed-reliable out of the box for a stock 1911-type gun.
...new-manufactured box-stock class, it's hard to beat one of Springfield's new "Loaded" guns. They have a plethora of features that you normally pay extra for as standard, and based on the several I've had hands-on experience with recently, they are very accurate and amazingly feed-reliable out of the box for a stock 1911-type gun.
There are several great models out there that are reasonably priced and will last a lifetime.
I don't know of any model of 1911 that can't be enhanced or customised to suit an individual taste.
My suggestion is to do some legwork and see which model fits your taste and needs best. i.e. bbl length, sights and the style of grip and thumb safeties.
My personal suggestions are for the stainless models as they are usually easier to maintain.
After that it comes down to what you like to drive. Some swear by Kimber and would never touch a Colt or Springfield, others exactly opposite.
Your best bet is to go where you can see several together and then match price with what makes you feel good. As Always beware the man behind the counter!
I don't know of any model of 1911 that can't be enhanced or customised to suit an individual taste.
My suggestion is to do some legwork and see which model fits your taste and needs best. i.e. bbl length, sights and the style of grip and thumb safeties.
My personal suggestions are for the stainless models as they are usually easier to maintain.
After that it comes down to what you like to drive. Some swear by Kimber and would never touch a Colt or Springfield, others exactly opposite.
Your best bet is to go where you can see several together and then match price with what makes you feel good. As Always beware the man behind the counter!
Royal_Lancer
Inactive
I have a kimber, about 5 years now. It has been fun to shoot and carry.
If you have limp wrist full power loads might be a problem. Still for an auto to cycle you will need to hold on.
I hear the DanWesson is putting out a good 1911, I have not seen one.
As others have said, just look and feel, you'll find the right one for you.
Forgot to add. I purchased a compensated barrel for mine and added a recoil pad, it seemed to make the recoil (felt) less.
If you have limp wrist full power loads might be a problem. Still for an auto to cycle you will need to hold on.
I hear the DanWesson is putting out a good 1911, I have not seen one.
As others have said, just look and feel, you'll find the right one for you.
Forgot to add. I purchased a compensated barrel for mine and added a recoil pad, it seemed to make the recoil (felt) less.
teca99,
If you have a problem
limp-wristing I'd say forget about
getting a 1911 and get rid of your
Glock especially . Get a Beretta
92 Brigadier.
I have one and found it's
impossible to limp-wrist this gun.
It will go bang, no matter what
grip you have, strong or weak .
Reliablety and strength are it's
hallmark .
Ponty
If you have a problem
limp-wristing I'd say forget about
getting a 1911 and get rid of your
Glock especially . Get a Beretta
92 Brigadier.
I have one and found it's
impossible to limp-wrist this gun.
It will go bang, no matter what
grip you have, strong or weak .
Reliablety and strength are it's
hallmark .
Ponty
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums...d=112092&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending
Not sure of that link will work or not, but there's #1-#25 of that search.
I'll defer to other more 1911-savvy folks if they think the Sistema is a poor choice for a newbie, but I like the idea of a milspec 1911 for $300...but I'm not relying on it for a defense and can afford to tinker with it if it won't run right out-of-box. Your needs may differ.
Also, for some dumb reason CDNN sells no guns on their web page...but download the catalogue and look at page 2 or 3.
Mike
I got two Sistemas from cruffler.com
check out thier site for more info.
mine are both in 99% condition and have been arsenal refinished, so are in great mechanical condition, they are not at all worn out and in need of parts. they were police guns and were obviously not fired very much, if at all. In fact as soon as I finish this I'm going to order another one. (the benefit of holding a C & R license.)
they both feed and shoot very reliably, no hangups in the first several hundred rounds.
I'd say the best gun value available.
check out thier site for more info.
mine are both in 99% condition and have been arsenal refinished, so are in great mechanical condition, they are not at all worn out and in need of parts. they were police guns and were obviously not fired very much, if at all. In fact as soon as I finish this I'm going to order another one. (the benefit of holding a C & R license.)
they both feed and shoot very reliably, no hangups in the first several hundred rounds.
I'd say the best gun value available.
"Could someone also explain what the "Custom" models are? like are they mass producded or just called custom?."
"Custom" means they take a bag full of out of spec, mass produced parts that break up the lines of your 1911 giving it that oh so graceful "tactical" look and charge you an extra $300.
Get the Sistema, find out what parts YOU want to customize your 1911 with and go from there.
There are a whoooole bunch of 1911's on the market, some of the newer entries are Dan Wesson, Hi Standard, DPSA, Valtro, ...the list is endless. Stay away from companies that use "Custom" in their nomenclature. They tend to suck.
"Custom" means they take a bag full of out of spec, mass produced parts that break up the lines of your 1911 giving it that oh so graceful "tactical" look and charge you an extra $300.
Get the Sistema, find out what parts YOU want to customize your 1911 with and go from there.
There are a whoooole bunch of 1911's on the market, some of the newer entries are Dan Wesson, Hi Standard, DPSA, Valtro, ...the list is endless. Stay away from companies that use "Custom" in their nomenclature. They tend to suck.
1911's selling for under $1000 are not true custom pistols, they are mass produced, but might have some parts that are hand fitted or otherwise improved. In 1911 jargon "custom " means not USGI ( improved sights, beavertail grip, extended thumb safeties, etc) That is not to say that these guns are not absolutely great. I have a Kimber Classic that I wouldn't trade for anything (well.. nearly). There is no reason that you can't get a terrific new in the box 1911 for $500-800. New Dan Wessons go for about $400 and don't seem to shabby (a lot of "custom" features). The Sistema sounds interesting as well. I have seen some nice examples at gunshows. Regardless of what you get - Get some good mags (Wilson) and experiment with different types of ammo to find what works best for you and that pistol. Good luck!
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
I bought one of these arsenal-refinished Argentine 1911s. They have commercial serial numbers; they were made in the U.S. by Colt under contract for supplying the police "down south". (See Fjestad's "Blue Book".) About a 1933 date, as I recall. A year older than I...
Shoots just fine. I haven't done anything to it, yet, but at some point I'll install a beavertail grip safety and decent sights. About the only other mods will be some polishing of the feed ramp and throat, and bevelling of the mag-well. With dealer fee and sales tax, I'm in it for around $400.
I've always gone by Hallock's book on the 1911, available at gun shows for around $13.50 or thereabouts.
, Art
Shoots just fine. I haven't done anything to it, yet, but at some point I'll install a beavertail grip safety and decent sights. About the only other mods will be some polishing of the feed ramp and throat, and bevelling of the mag-well. With dealer fee and sales tax, I'm in it for around $400.
I've always gone by Hallock's book on the 1911, available at gun shows for around $13.50 or thereabouts.
, ArtAs of right now I only have 2 Kimbers but I have shot a Springfield and Colt. So far out of all my guns (including a Glock, Sig and Taurus) I am better with my Kimber full size.
Also for the money a Kimber is much better. I was at the gun shop and the basic Kimber Classic Stainless was only $50 more then a similar Colt and the Kimber had a lot more features that more then out weighed $50.
You also asked about modifications. Well with a Kimber you will not need to do much. The most I would do is new sights and maybe a long target match barrel.
John
Also for the money a Kimber is much better. I was at the gun shop and the basic Kimber Classic Stainless was only $50 more then a similar Colt and the Kimber had a lot more features that more then out weighed $50.
You also asked about modifications. Well with a Kimber you will not need to do much. The most I would do is new sights and maybe a long target match barrel.
John