Anyone pick up a Sistema 1911?

dewingrm

dewingrm

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Oct 23, 2001
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I've been lusting over 1911's for the past couple of months and have yet to take the plunge. I want a basic 1911 to customize myself and the Sistema seems like a great platform for customization. I've also been looking at the Springfield Milspec but I can get a Sistema a little cheaper since I have a C&R FFL.

Anyone out there bought a Sistema?
 
I've never heard of them, which is strange as I have been a very good client of these pistols for over 30 years.

Is this model made from castings or from forgings? That's a big question.

You can get into a nice Kimber on a budget. You don't have to make all of the modifications at one time. In fact, many of their models are pretty close to being 'single stack' competition ready as they come.

Don't buy junk. A 1911, or any other firearm, that has continual stoppages is no margin. Buy the best you can afford, quality needs no excuse.
 
The Sistema was made in Argentina under Colt supervision with Colt equipment. From what I've heard the Sistema's are of very good quality. I can pick one up on my C&R FFL for about $325 in excellent condition from Southern Ohio Gun or LC Enterprises. I'm not interested in getting a Kimber or Springfield loaded 1911 because I want to do the customization work myself.
 
Shop around for a Colt Series 70 pistol that hasn't seen a garage butcher.

The basic Springfields (older style) are good pistols and priced right as well. With my FFL, I bought a NIB sample from either SOG or CDNN for ~$350 a while back. The newer guns are a little questionable with their trigger lock.

Auto-Ordance are too soft. My friend shot one out in 6 months. Granted he shoots a lot but, even in hard use I expect more then 6 months of service life.

If you really want to build you own, buy the best parts one at a time, like Johnny Cash and his car. Rock River and Les Baer both turn out good frames and slides. I like the Ed Brown components to dress it out but, Rock River and Les Baer are both good options there as well. Stay away from the Wilson Combat cast stuff :barf:
 
I'm with Sid Post on this issue.

As you might remember, early Tarurses (Taurusi?) were built on old Beretta milling machines. It took years to get a quality reputation back after those early examples. Just because it's Colt machines doesn't mean it a 'Colt gun.' Lots of generic parts fit a Colt, and it doesn't mean a thing.

A 1911 is one of those firearms that's a blast (no pun intended) to play with, but even a 'game gun' is quite useful in defending your home. Grinding by butchers to lighten triggers, cheap chrome parts, fancy grips, trigger shoes and other crap don't add to utility one bit.

If money is tight, get a used Series 70 as Sid Post suggests, and THROW that collet bushing as far as you can. Send the remaining gun to an expert, like Terry Tussey, for a 'reliability package.'

Or find an old guy like me who rotates guns every few years and buy an older, but loved, 1911. They seldom wear out.
 
Great info guys, thanks. I'm especially interested in the website Dr. Nick posted it looks pretty helpful.

From my understanding Sistemas are actually of very good quality. I read on the 1911 forum that they are comparable to early Colt 1911's. Another reason I would like to get a Sistema is so I can avoid the high used gun prices in my area.
 
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