1911

bmekosh

November 05, 2003 14:05

Hello all. I purchaesed a 1911 a few years ago and I am not sure what I have. I looked up the serial number and it said that it could be a Union Switch ands Signal or a Colt. It has a Colt slide but does not say colt on the frame. On the mag release side behind the triger are the letters GHD, on the trigger guard on the fron is a W. The serial number is 1687155. There are crossed cannons on the side just forward of the hammer. There is also some writing on the frame above and forward of the serial number. I can sen pics but can't figure out how to upload them here.

Thanks,
Rick

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minnesota oldie

November 05, 2003 14:33

I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices. I prefer kimber if you are thinking about a smaller carry gun. Some short barrelled springfields have had ejection problems but kimber seems to have solved that problem. I use a 5" barrel kimber tac II for carry.

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punchie

November 05, 2003 14:33

Colt Defender for carry. Can't go wrong with a Kimber though.

AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY

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kingjoey

November 05, 2003 14:35

Good choice on the Glock 21, you'll really like...it....ummmm....the Kimber wouldn't be bad either[;)]

Love them Beavers

SUPPORT THE I.N.S. , THE COUNTRY THEY SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN

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No-Stick

November 06, 2003 04:13

Can't go wrong with either, but given a choice, I'd go with Kimber.

One thing I'm concerned about is that you state you "just" received your first pistol permit. Have you shot handguns before? Only reason I'm asking is because .45ACP can be a pretty heavy recoil to the unintiated.

If it is you first handgun, start with something lighter - .380, 9mm, .40S&W - and build up your control before launching into a .45.

Just my 0.02c

"Nuke 'em 'til they glow - then shoot 'em in the dark."

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jrip

November 06, 2003 05:02

Either company makes a good gun. Kimbers are nice quality products. Springfields have life time warranties, and cost a little less. Both now have MIM parts, which I am not crazy about, but should last 5000-10000 rounds. Springfield will replace broken parts for free, Kimber(maybe, but not obligated)

However, how much experience do you have with single action autos?

If this is going to be a carry/self defense pistol, and you don't have much/any experience with a single action auto, are you willing to spend some time training? Single action autos used for carry (or competition for that matter), required dedicated practice. You must practice until it is second nature to take the thumb safety off, and put it back on, until it is instinctual for you to do so. If you don't believe me, go to an IPSC or IDPA match, and watch a new shooter with a 1911. It is very common to see someone draw, point at a target, and yank and yank on the trigger, only to realize that they have not taken the thumb safety off. Also, it is always important to keep your finger off the trigger until you have a target, but even more so with a single action trigger. The trigger pull is shorter and lighter than double action/safe action triggers, like Glocks, Berettas, etc.

If you are willing to spend time working with the gun, on a regular basis, these are great pistols for self defense/competition.

A lot of these skills can be attained during dry fire practice, also, and it does not have to mean hours upon hours at the range.

The .45 does kick a bit more than a 9mm or .38, but if you are willing to train, it is more effective.

If you want to minimize training, I would reccomend a Glock, in 9mm or .45 (or .40 for that matter).

If you love 1911's, but want to avoid the training issues, go with a Para LDA, it's a good comprimise.

I also believe that a good revolver in .38 or .357 is always a good standby also.

Last, if this a carry gun, spend some time and money and take a class.

When you carry a handgun on the street, you are liable for every shot you take. Make sure you can hit what you aim at, can handle the weapon safely, and are absolutely sure when and how you can use your weapon to defend yourself.

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jsergovic

November 06, 2003 21:35

Look at the Para CCW745S. 4.25", nice feel in the hand.

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bambihunter

November 06, 2003 21:49

I don't have a Springfield but I do have both a Kimber and a Glock (both in the more powerful 10mm) and I'd take the Glock over the Kimber ANY DAY for carry - for target shooting that's a different matter...

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Warbirds

November 06, 2003 23:59

I'll agree with what everyone said but the glock guys. This is really rare as it is the first time I wasn't in complete agreement with kingjoey. And I must say for me it's oppionion not fact, I have never owned a glock. Got a Springfield V-10 Ultra compact, and a Kimber TLE II, love em' both, each have thier own role, but in fairness I have never owned a glock, and to carry condition one in a 1911 frame, you must be willing to accept the fact that you will never be safe to become complacent while packing said firearm. Just a brief thought, and I probably should have waited for this to go to general dis. but I kind of feel strongly about this one.

R/

Dave

How different the world would be if we could consult the veteran instead of the politician. - Henry Miller

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mballai

November 07, 2003 06:15

I find that a good 45 actually seems to kick less than some 9 or 40 guns--it's a blunt recoil with a lower velocity round. Really is easy to shoot if you have a decent grip technique.

Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead

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Diablo

November 07, 2003 13:36

I have a Kimber Compact Aluminium(4" barrel) and an HK USP Compact .45 I am comfortable with and carry both. Its just depends on my mood.

The Kimber is much lighter and it is thinner. The HK is alittle more rugged and with the polymer frame and a tough finish on the slide it seems like it can take more abuse. The HK is a varaition 1, which can be carried in decocked mode for a DA pull or in hammer back for a SA pull. So both guns can be carried cocked and locked.

So check out the HK USP COmapct 45 var 1.

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KIMBER MAN

November 07, 2003 15:02

Kimber! although both are nice coices. for carry i would look at the ultra CDP. wouldnt recomend the glocks, but that is just my opinion.

"Honor is better than Honors"

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