Which 1911 style to start with?
I am full time LEO and have to carry a 40 cal Beretta centurion for duty.Gun is really too big for me. Am interested in getting a 45 because single stack mag but there are so many differnt makes/models out there each time I go to gun store I come out more confused. I do not intend to competition shoot, just regular practice on range and off duty carry. I dont think I need all the loaded options but ???? Have been looking at new Para stuff that can be carried hammer down but cocked-any suggestions. Would like to keep it below $650.
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Hi,From my point of view,you could not do bettr than a Light Weight Commander for a carry gun.The 650 might be a buggaboo but trade every gun you have to get an early L W COMMANDER.You'll never have to look back.I've carried one since 1965.Fired thousands of rounds through it with NO problems.The same reason you give, with the hammer down on a live round is right on.One flick of your thumb and let her roll.You'll never be sorry.Forget all the bells and whistles,the space age ding-dongs,That stuff is for suckers.Old John knew how to build them right.Double actions are for nimrods.
Well I've vented my thoughts for now,I'll shut the heck up.
BILL
KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY.BUT NOT HOT.....0 -
I'd like to sing a few verses of the "Amen Chorus" to what Modoc said, except I'll go with an all-steel Colt Commander. Make mine stainless. 0 -
I would like to further sing the prases of "COLT",I bought the new Defender Plus about a month back,has the commander frame and an officers slide on it,It has been great,I have a smaller hand so I will remove the hogue finger groove wrap around grips and opt for a pair of wood panals,I asked the question about personal defense ammo on this forum and would like to thank all the responses, I am going to go broke trying and comparing everything but its a lot of fun doing so. Good luck with your shopping. 0 -
I know this will be beyond what you said you wanted to pay, BUT...
I strongly recommend Wilson's KZ45, which you should be able to get for around $1150 (mine was on sale at Turner's for $1087). Here's why I think it's worth the extra money:
1) There is no higher quality handgun for the money. The fit of the components is amazing, the gun feels like it's a single carved piece of stone.
2) There is probably no more accurate handgun for the money. It's factory-garanteed to shoot a 1 1/2 inch group at 25 meters.
3) It's a natural pointer (like most 1911s).
4) Comes with dual-color tritium sights.
5) Light, direct trigger has great feel and is smooth enough to produce no movement of the gun when squeezed. My HK match trigger is REALLY good, but is not as smooth as my KZ45's.
6) Magazine release requires no deviation from target (no change of your grip) to activate, and the mags drop free every time.
7) 10 round magazine capacity! And the grip is no wider than a standard 1911 (Unlike the POs).
8) Wilson has great customer support.
9) Wilson's replacement and custom parts are very inexpensive and very high quality.
10) It comes with a very extensive manual and set of videos that describe every aspect of the pistol from maintainance to shooting techniques.
11) Despite the carbon fiber/polymer frame, the gun is still a bit nose-heavy and double taps come easily, like other 1911s I have fired.
12) Every non-stainless metal part has Wilson's Armor-Tuff finish which not only protects the metal, it makes it really easy to grip. The butt safety stays put in the web of your hand and the slide is very easy to work, even when your hands are sweaty.
13) The grips are small enough for smaller hands, but also long enough for my larger hands to feel comfortable. The checkering is excellent and the rubberized side grips work very well.
14) The quality of the gun is OUTSTANDING and I would certainly want all the quality and durability I can buy when my life is on the line.
FYI: I started out with a HK USP45 for personal protection, and I LOVE my HK. I've added tritum sights and a match trigger and I am extremely comfortable trusting the gun with my life. However, if I was going to do things over again, I'd just buy the more expensive Wilson - because it's not really more expensive! The HK costs about $725 now, plus $150 for the sights, plus $200 for the match trigger and installation = $1075, about the same as the KZ45. And as much as I love it, my HK is definately not as accurate, durable, or tactically proficient as my KZ45.
check out the KZ45 at www.wilsoncombat.com
I know that going from $650 to $1150 is quite a jump, but I'd seriously consider a layaway purchase for the extra quality.
p.s. If you happen to live in Southern CA I'd be happy to try to arrange a meeting so you could try my KZ45
www.ebsart.com
"Live by the three 'R's: Respect, Responsibility and Residuals."0 -
Look at the Kimber Custom Classic. Around $700. Excellent 1911. Kimber Compact if you want a little smaller pistol.In my opinion, Kimber makes the finest production 1911 out there without going to a custom 1911. 0 -
If you wanted to stay with the Beretta the new Vertec is much smaller in the hand.But if you are set on getting a 1911A1 I would suggest the Springfield 1911A1 Loaded.For the money its hard to beet.And has proved it self very reliable.But you have some very good suggestions.I just oticed you said you had to carry a .40 cal Beretta.If your dept.is like ours they issue you the Sidearm and you can choose your backup gun.I would check with my Sergeant before switching sidearms.If they insist you stick with the Beretta tell him your problem and request a Vertec.
Best!!!
Rugster
Toujours Pret
Edited by - Rugster on 10/07/2002 09:33:020 -
My primary CCW has been LW Commander for about 30 years. Excellent stopping power, and reasonable weight and bulk.
Colt, Wilson, Kimber, Springfield....any of them in a Commander size should do the job.0 -
Thanks for the info. How do you feel about carrying cocked and locked? Although our firearms officer says it is allowed for off duty he lets it be known that he is not in favour of single action weapons. For this reason I was looking at the Para Companion or Carry or other in the LDA range because they can be carried cocked and locked with the hammer down. 0 -
I've shot the LDA, very nice trigger pull much better than factory glock. I think they have a new super compact one. That's what I'd get. Comes with a 6 round mag but will accept standard 8 rounders I believe. 0 -
The 1911 survived many many years. Recently everyone is trying to
corect "non existent problems". As far as carrying locked and cocked,
that is what it was made for. As a LEO you may need that damn first shot in a hurry and accurately. Of course it all depends on what you
think your life is worth when seconds count.0 -
Assuming you put in the effort to master a cocked and locked .45 (I don't see it as any harder than mastering the DA/SA transition), there's no reason why you can't go with an SA gun confidently. The 1911 has nearly one hundred years of proven performance but some folks just can't overlook the brass who are more concerned with non-existent shooting liability issues.
Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead0
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