Posted: 11/19/2008 9:27:35 AM EDT
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Why is it for a metal framed double stack 1911 it seems your choices are Para Ordinance or spending close to $2k on a pistol ?
I've always liked the classic 1911, but one thing I don't like about it is the 8 round mags. It seems to me that Kimber, Colt etc would offer metal framed double stack 1911, but they don't. Why not ? |
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Quoted:
Why is it for a metal framed double stack 1911 it seems your choices are Para Ordinance or spending close to $2k on a pistol ? I've always liked the classic 1911, but one thing I don't like about it is the 8 round mags. It seems to me that Kimber, Colt etc would offer metal framed double stack 1911, but they don't. Why not ? Because they know they can't compete with STI in this catagory. There's lots of STI doublestack 1911 variants out there being heavily used in practical pistol competition shooting. They are proven to be quite robust and reliable, equivalent to Glocks in that respect. Another good doublestack 1911 (besides STI and ParaOrdenance, which you mentioned) is Caspian. |
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The simple fact is that they aren't popular due to their application, or lack thereof. They make fine range toys, a popular choice for competition, and offer some people an interesting alternative for home defense, but that's the end of the platform's utility. They aren't duty approved by most due to the single action firing system, and they are shit choices for CCW in at least 85% of applications. So, you have either a hobby gun, a tricked out racer (which justifies the $1,000+ price tag), or a nightstand blaster, which many others would forsake in lieu of a more powerful longarm or their CCW.
Springfield tried their hand at these (a Para clone) and discontinued them due to lack of popularity, IIRC. Then there is/was Caspian, which had proprietary mags, as does STI, as does Wilson Combat (another issue with the platform's lackluster appeal). If you can't deal with 8+1 and 10 round spares, then you should consider some professional training to hone your confidence and abilities, or you should consider another platform (or you can try to make a Para/STI work for you). |
| My guess would be a combination of a few things. The USMC has adopted the 1911 in limited roles due to the reliability of the platform. a 1911a1 built to spec is as combat-proven as sidearms come. This is not the case with widebody 1911s. Although I had a relatively hassle-free experience with my widebody and factory mags, there is a sizable minority of owners who had to tweak, modify, and even replace staggered magazines due to their questionable reliability. This cannot be overlooked given to the USMC's insistence on Wilson 47 series magazines built for 7 round capacity. The Corps opted for the tried and true 7 round package over the 8 round mags for maximum reliability. Thus, the Corps' confidence in a 7+1 platform illustrates their priorities loudly and clearly: the rifle is the primary and the pistol is the secondary. 7+1 capacity is more than adequate for a well trained Marine for the purposes of a secondary. |