Posted: 3/4/2015 11:18:46 PM EDT
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Is there any reason to take the Lightweight XSE over the steel one? Or vise versa? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
| The lightweight is awesome. Recoil is about the same as a steel-frame 1911 IMO but the muzzle flip is more pronounced. Double taps are just as fast as a steel gun though, so the extra muzzle flip hardly affects your speed. The only thing you have to do is keep the recoil spring fresh at all times. I don't recall the interval for spring change off the top of my head. I don't see a reason to get a steel frame over aluminum IMO. |
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I shot my pocketlite last weekend and I didn't notice much flip. I think the beaver tail pretty much tames it.
(Alloy framed with Federal aluminum-case rounds.) I'm not a fan of polymer and for the small sized pistols, I don't think the weight savings is that much. That being said, the XSP has an ambi safety if that is an issue. |
For the last 15 years my choice for carry has been 1911 45ACPs. I have a steel STI Ranger II and a Colt LW XSE. My back started giving me some problems about 4 years ago so I went from the STI to the Colt LW XSE. About two years ago the XSE was giving me problems so I switched to a S&W Shield 9mm. I'm a 45 guy but when my back is really giving me a fit I switch to the Shield. It's that or I can't pack at times, much better to pack the Shield. I put the APEX kits in the Shield and it now has a consistent 4lb 4oz trigger pull. My 1911s all have 4lb triggers.
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I can offer a direct comparison for consideration by the OP.
I have both models; the o4860XSE and the o4012XSE. They are identical Commanders with the main exception being that the o4860XSE has the Lt.Wt. alloy frame. They shoot the same, recoil is the same as far as I notice, and I am confident that the alloy frame will outlast me. The difference is a big one, and that is that the Lt.Wt. definitely feels lighter in my hand, and is way more comfortable to carry (Milt Sparks VMII). There is no argument there. With that said, I have to confess that I actually prefer the "heftier" feel of the heavier all stainless model when just range blasting. So the answer is simple; if you intend to carry it often, you will want the Lt.Wt. for sure. Better yet, get both. I did that because I had the same question as you and wanted to arrive at my own answers. IF I had to sell one of them, I would more than likely keep the Lt.Wt. As is, I'll keep them both for the duration. |