Micro
What to look for , not much on a new pistol . If the gun store will let you handle the pistol , #1 magazine release , make sure the magazine drops out when pressing on the release . This is still no big deal if it doesn't , only means the magazine is rubbing on the trigger bars . #2 With the magazine in rack the slide back to make sure it locks back , look at the stop and check if it's fully engaged in the cutout on the slide , at that point you could do test #1 #3 with the magazine out pull the locked back slide back a little more to release the slide , don't let it slam forward . Once it's in the normal position #3 Do all the safety checks , cock the hammer put on the thumb safety and press the trigger , switch off the safety , check the grip safety , hand off the grip safety press the trigger . Grip the gun press the trigger , you can hold the hammer so it doesn't slam forward to be nice . and can try the half cock safety . #4 with the magazine out press the trigger hold the trigger back and rack the slide keeping the trigger pressed , the hammer should stay back. Then when you release the trigger listen for a little click , that's the disconnector .. then you can press the trigger and the hammer will fall , all is good . .#5 grip the pistol grab the slide to check if it's tight or loose .#6 with the gun in the normal position press your finger in the front of the barrel to see if there is any play in the barrel bushing . #7 With the gun in the normal position press down on the rear of the Darrel in the ejection port to check for barrel lockup . And last #8 Overall appearance , dings , scratches and rust spots .
Does seem like a lot but will go fast and will let the store owner know you know something about the pistol . The 1911 is a great choice , I love them . Learn how to completely break it down , learn to change springs when needed , very easy . Nothing hard about the pistol , was designed to disassemble easily and clean . I think your hooked anyway , just get it home and join the club . Start out by shooting 230 gr FMJ 's to break it in . That's what the pistol was designed to shoot , after 200 rounds you can try different rounds but first get it shooting 100% reliable. Sorry for being so long winded , you probably already have the gun . Hope I Helped in some way .
Chris