Well, I think I've settled on my .45ACP

The Wilson is a lovely choice. You may also want to consider something other than the venerable 1911 - such as a SIG.

May I suggest the P220 in Blue or Stainless. Runs like a Swiss watch (probably made by the same bloody Swiss craftsmen). Very accurate - right out of the box. No adjustments necessary.

Wm
 
Out of my 4 1911 style pistols, my Wilson KZ45 is my favorite. You'll find that the only thing you'll need to buy after purchasing a Wilson pistol is extra magazines.
 
A couple of things have changed.

However, the KZ is still in the lead, by a hair. First, while I was trying to decide on "my" .45, I decided to increase my revolver stock. You see, I want my collection to be more than a "collection". I want to be able to go to the safe and pick a "carry gun for the day", which I'll be happy and proud to carry. No "safe queens" for me. I want to use them all in kind of a "rotation". I had been reading about the .32 H&R magnum cartridge. I decided to buy a snub chambered in that round. (Go up to the "revolver section" and look under the thread "Ti or Multi-Alloy" for the story of my search and the results of said search.)
Secondly, I've been stopped again by some beautiful custom Kimbers. My gun shop just got them in. I can't find them in any of my Kimber catalogs. They're special pistols that came out of the Kimber custom shop. (Maybe for Christmas or something.) Some look like the "Eclipse" model, but have three inch barrels! Others have four inch barrels and a couple are like nothing I've ever seen before in the Kimber line-up. They all are about $100.00 cheaper than the Wilson KZ, so cost isn't really a consideration. It's a close call. I'm not usually like this. Once I make up my mind, that's usually it. The thing is, these are "special" Kimbers. Their beauty is breath taking. The revolver problem is finally solved. As for the .45, well...now I have to ask myself a few more questions. I wish you could see these special custom shop Kimbers. I think ANYBODY would have a difficult time making up his mind. A beautiful, special custom Kimber right now or a Wilson KZ in three weeks. I'm a weak man when it comes to beautiful firearms. I feel a little dizzy right now! :) Thank God Kentucky doesn't have that "one gun a month" silly rule.

KR
 
...then do not buy a compact 1911 as your first!!!

Buy the 5" version first, before ANYTHING ELSE. If not that, at least a 4" or Commander size weapon. The full size frame is the most important part of learning a 1911. With a shorter than full-size frame, you are handicapping yourself from the beginning. Learn with at least a Commander length with a FULL SIZE FRAME...That way, you will at least have a whole handful of 1911 to "learn with"...beyond that...doesn't matter. Just think of having your little finger underneath the magazine...That's where it is...I have SMALL hands...so if I had trouble holding one, someone with larger hands may as well...Do not take this as a slam on the pistols! They are as good or better than any other compact pistol made...but...they ARE a compact!!! Try a few at least...before you buy anything, go to a good store with a large inventory and try each and every one of them!

I had a Detonics as my first 1911 pistol...Great gun...but unwieldy and weird after handling any other full size gun...It is a whole different way of carrying and shooting...that's the 1911 part! The smaller handle is a real obstacle to learning a proper hold and getting the manual of arms down...It is just different. I'll get flack from this, but if you'll just try the fullsize first, you may not even see a NEED for the compact model.
I'm 5'11" and 145lbs...I can carry a fullsize 1911 with no heavy coat anywhere I want. There's just no comparison learning to shoot a 45 in a compact size versus the Fullsize...

The stocks on my models 19,66,629 are ample and I shave them down to suit me. Even the stocks on a 1911 are a bit hefty for me...I shave them down as well...Shooting magnums in a 35oz gun is a handful with full target stocks, same goes for a 45acp...it's not a punishing cartridge at all...but it is very, very, easy to control and learn in a fully stocked gun...If you have access to both, try before you buy. If you just CAN'T...then buy both!

Good Luck!!!
...welcome to the fray!
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