Posted: 6/21/2005 6:50:47 AM EDT
| i am handing in my pistol app in two days and i know i want a 1911 variant. the only thing is i see a million of them . ican spend about $750.00. i think i have it down to smith and wesson and springfield armory-leaning toward springfield's "loaded " 1911 for 769.00 at my local store. is this a good decision or does anyone have an opinion on a different 1911? let me know guys. |
| I would choose the springfield for 1 reason. No stupid ass rollmark on the side. If you don't know what I'm refering to, it's "WARNING: Gun will fire with magazine removed" stamped onto the S&W. I personally hate this, but if it doesn't bother you then go for it. Springfield is a good all-around pistol. There are some MIM parts in there, but those are easy to replace if they fail. My springer isn't broken in yet, but so far it's hiccup free. MJD |
| One of the best buys, right now, is the Kimber Anniversary Edition Custom. It is their base gun, with no firing pin safety and comes with an internal extractor. That will be slightly more money, but is a fine gun. I have one, and find it very accurate and reliable. |
+1 |
They actually put that on the gun itself?????? Holy crap thats silly. |
| I've got a full sized Springfield Loaded (parkerized) and a Les Baer. The Baer is definately a better fit/finish, and no MIM parts, but here's something to think about---neither have failed in about an equal # of rounds. (3K give or take) I bought the SA to use as a beater gun. Just something to carry while mowing the lawn or to take with me out fishing so I don't trash the finish on my expensive LB....I find myself carrying the SA as often as I do the LB. It's a great gun for the money, and no stupid roll marks. |
Yep, here's the proof. Right below the S&W logo it says: "CAUTION: CAPABLE OF FIRING WITH MAGAZINE REMOVED"  MJD |
All other s&w pistols have a magazine disconnect, so the lawyers thought that was sufficient reason to warn people that this one was different. |
Yeah, I understand why they did it, but it's still stupid as hell. I won't buy a gun that cannot fire without the mag. MJD |
I agree. (unless it's a BHP, and those can be fixed) |
+2 |
actually some of the others have the same rollmark, like my 5946 that will fire w/o the magazine |
| i'm thinking spr. armory black stainless as my decision. maybe if i want to be totally broke, the cheaper of the two sa operators. i could also use an opinion as a last minute thing on a h&k usp in .45 as an alternate to a 1911. or should i just stay on track with the 1911. |
+1. For your price range, if you really decide 1911 is what you want, I'd get a Kimber. TLE II to be specific. |
| I have an S.A. loaded in stainless that is a tack driver. BTW that mag disconnect on Smith's autoloaders can be circumvented by applying moderate pressure to the trigger prior to depressing the mag release button. An F.B.I. agent showed me how to do it years ago. |
| I think the Kimber Custom II, which is the entry level one, is one of the best. They go for about 650 new here. They are very well made and finished. I had one that I put about 6K rounds thru(mostly my rich Uncle's ammo...). The only reason I got rid of it was to buy a TLE/RL. The Springfields look like good guns, Ive not shot them so I cant comment on current quality. It was spotty in the past however...i.e. you either got a great or a sorry one. The 1911 is pretty simple and as long as you have a decent frame and slide you can correct about any problem-as long as you have the money. Guys today dont know how good they have it. When I started shooting 1911s in 1974, the only game in town was Colt. Colt made a nice product but you had to put a bunch of money in them to get them up to speed(I mean the new gun was 225 dollars and then you had to spend 700-1000 on gunsmithing...). Nowdays you can buy a Kimber or Springfield, etc and they have all that gunsmithing right out of the box! Good Luck. |