Help from gun nuts

J

Jeremy Reynolds

Joined
Jan 7, 2000
Messages
817
Ok guys, I am in the market for a new handgun and am looking into the 1911 .45s. The only problem, I don't have a clue what to buy. I know I want a full size model and can't really spend more than $700. Not a big fan of polymer handguns either. Any suggestions and advice would be appreciate. And to keep this knife related, what would be the perfect new knife companion to go with my new .45?
PS: I have been looking at Para-Ordinance. I also hear about Rock River(any info on them?) last night, but haven't found any information. I may even consider a full sized 9mm like a Beretta 92 or Browning Hi-Power. Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
I've enjoyed 1911's for 25 years. My taste is for real Colt's customized by Terry Tussey of Santa Ana, California. Very pricey, but real works of art and no stoppages. In that price range, I'd recommend the new Kimber line. They have several models that have been, 'de-horned,' or 'melted,' or 'buttered up.' Terry built a .380 Government Custom for me that had all of the edges polished off, and it looks and feels great. BTW, why are taking "a gun to a knife forum"?--OKG
 
My cousin bought a Kimber for exactly the same reasons that OKG supplied.

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Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
Jeremy,

Add to your list of things to look at:

1. Springfield Armory 1911, any variant.

These are supposed to be very good guns, and priced better than most.

2. Kimber,

I have a Classic Model Custom 45 ACP which I believe is their base model. I picked it up used at a local dealer for just over $400.00. It came in original box with 1 7 rd. Mag. 3 8 rd. Mags. and one extended 10 rd. Mag. All in all I'm not crazy about the full length guide rod, and I don't really like the finger serrations at the front of the slide, but for the money I can live with it!

Remember, save some money to spend on ammo.
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When you are ready for a holster you should talk to the guys at www.blade-tech.com their IWB rig is great.

Knife?, Try something small and light. A full size all steel 1911 will do a pretty god job of pulling your pants down without any help. Consider a left hand or ambidextrous model.


Mike
 
What do you want it for ? Almost all of the good bullseye and practical pistol shooters that I knew used custom models but they were set up differently. A .45 is a superb firearm once you get over the learning curve on it, but I don't like the idea of carrying a weapon cocked and locked like one has to do with a concealed carry single action. I knew of two accidental discharges with .45s when I was in the military, one by an armorer. Per regulations the weapons should not have had rounds chambered, but I guess it was too tempting.

Family who is in law enforcement, one is a firearms instructor, carry the Sig .45s and seem to prefer them head and heels over anything else. A Browning High Power fits my hand better than other high capacity 9mms that I've handled, the ones that I've used have shot well too, but I prefer .357 revolvers for general purpose handgun use, semi-auto .22s aside.

From what I've seen once you get a nice .45 and get a few thousand rounds thru it you'll BELIEVE ! :^)
 
The Kimber can't be beat for an out-of-the-box 1911.
I don't think a single action is the best choice for someone who is not familiar with guns, unless you are willing to get proper training-which you should do regardless of what kind of handgun you buy.
If you want a real gun
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, get a Sig-Sauer P-220.
J/K, the Kimber is great, though the P-220 gets my vote for being the "best".
Glock, Sig, Beretta is how my list goes when someone asks about a carry gun. These are the only ones I would trust my life to (talking about out-of-the-box guns).
Shame you don't like polymer. The Glock 23 (compact .40) makes a great carry gun.
combo: Sig P220/BM AFCK or Glock 23 w/a Spyderco - they just seem to go together. If you get a 1911, then how about a MT LCC. You could have matching grips/scales made for your pistol/knife combo (how cool is that?).
Good luck, and whatever you get-practice,practice,practice.
Spend the money and buy a case of hardball and some spare mags, too.

If you have kids and want to keep a gun readily accessible, it is important that they be taught gun safety. Glocks and Sigs don't have manual safeties, and this may be a consideration, though there is no substitute for proper training.
Some of my friends use Heckler and Koch USPs for duty/off-duty use. They are available with various safety options, and are also worth a look.
If possible go to a range where you can rent guns, and try out the models that you are considering. A 9mm may be a good caliber for you if you are shy of recoil (some people think a .40 or .45 kicks too much-though I really don't see that much difference until you get into +P loads w/heavy bullets).
A good .22 pistol is a great training aid, too. If you are set on a 1911, check out the Ruger .22/45 which has the same grip angle as the 1911. Rugers are excellent "fun guns" and small game hunters. My favorite is the Target Competition model with the slab-sided barrels (like a PPC gun!).

Boycott Smith&Wesson! They've sold out the very people who made them successful, and don't deserve your business.

I've already edited this thing twice, and it'll probably end up being two pages long before it's all over with. Never ask me about guns!


[This message has been edited by Owen (edited 10-03-2000).]
 
It sounds like Springfield Armory might have the model you want for around $625.
 
This gun would probably not be for concealed carry. I already have a Sig P239 for that, so yes, I know about the lack of any real external safety in the Sigs. The 1911 would be mainly for simple plinking around the house and home defense. I just like guns and was looking for something new to add to my collection. No gun collection is complete without a 1911 .45. A full size 9mm is a good addition too, I just don't like the 9mm as much. So I will probably get a 1911 first. I like Kimber. Good stuff. I will have to see what kind of deals I can find on those. Any opinions on Para-Ordenance? I know a few people with them, and hear nothing but good things. Oh yes, the knife. I have a new huge knife that I am probably gonna sell. I bought it when I was living on 20 acres, and would have used it a lot. But now, I moved in to an apartment for the next 2 years at least, and have nowhere to use a knife that huge. The MT/LCC DA is on my list to buy. It is what I will purchase after I sell my Busse. How is the LCC for ambidextrous carry? Is it very left handed friendly? If not, what would be a good lefty friendly knife, for weakside carry? Thanks in advance.
PS: I already checked out firingline.com, but have not signed up to be a member. I will probably do that today and ask around there. Thanks for the advice so far, and keep it coming.
 
Ok, a few things to add. I don't have kids but eventuall I hope to have a few rugrats running around. I plan on teaching my kids gun safety as well as how to use a gun at an early age. I have a nice .22 for range shooting right now, Browning Buckmark with 5.5" bull barrel. My best friend has an HK USP40, very nice gun. The reason I wanted 9mm was for something different to add to a collection. I am not afraid of recoil at all. I am 6'3" 290, recoil isn't really much of a factor
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My Sig P239 is .40, and the .45 and 9mm just offer something different to add to my collection. Keep the advice coming. Thanks.
 
The past notes from the others echo my findings.
1. I have a "Loaded" Springfield and it is a great piece. Most of their new Loaded pistols are great.
2. Kimber makes a top notch out of the box firearm. Without a doubt one of the finest 1911s that I have ever fired. .
Both of these company's make a great 1911. The Kimber is next on my buy list.
 
Before you purchase a 1911 type weapon, be sure that you can shoot with it by actually using one! Do not fall in love with all the hype about the 1911. For me it is a difficult pistol to shoot! I have finally settled on a Sig P229 which I can shoot very well. You must make the determination by actually using the weapons and then, you determine the best for you!
 
Beware the Para Ordnance line. Many lemons out of the box.

Kimber is the best buy in a non customized 1911 model without question. They have quite a few models so you can pick the exact one that fits your needs. I'd go with adjustable sights.
 
I've had Para P-12 and P-14, both were good guns but required work to make them shoot well. Ended up getting rid of both of them, I just could'nt completely trust thier reliabilty. I had a Springfield as well and it shot great after about 600rnds.
I think for what your looking for the Kimber and Springfield are deffinitely the way to go, leaning more towards the Kimber.
I can't say that I've owned a Rock River, but they are regarded highly. You can check them out at www.rockriverarms.com
I've had a chance to talk with Tussey custom guns at a recent show, his work was not only excellent but he was extremely nice and he'll work with you. Like custom knives though the price is high but worth every bit. If this is the same individual that Old Knife Guy was reffering to, then I believe his new place of work is Carson City, NV. His website is www.tusseycustom.com last I tried it did'nt work but it's been awhile.
Excellent note on safety Owens.
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I'm the opposite of budrichard. I don't particularly like the design of the 1911, but can shoot it better than any other pattern that I've tried. But, I echo his advice: rent one and try it before you buy one.

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iktomi
 
I'll offer some different advice about the 1911, which is to buy one and put a lot of rounds through it if you're 'serious' about owning one. As I mentioned previously there is a longer learning curve with the 1911 than with a lot of other handguns. There are also good reasons for putting up with it, judging from the number of 1911s on bullseye firing lines and at practical shoots, something that you won't appreciate with a fam fire.

Speaking of fam fire....on the .45 fam fire line in boot just as the fire commands started, a ground squirrel popped up out of it's hole and looked at everyone. One could see several of the markmanship instructors poke an elbow in the ribs of their recruit and nod toward the squirrel. When the command to fire was given a volley of rounds erupted around the squirrel, it took off and it looked like a machine gun was trained on it with rounds trailing behind it, to much yelling as it scampered down the range a bit. It made it down it's hole, and there was a lot of laughter before order settled things back down.
 
TFL is a great forum, but the second you mention 1911, 500 Glock fans will open fire on you. Try www.1911forum.com . By the way, I would probably go for a base SA or Kimber and get a reliability package from a good gunsmith.
 
I have owned and extensively used all of the weapons mentioned above and here is my take:

The 1911 is a great tool with a great trigger but to use it safely in condition 1 you should get some intensive training. In this type of handgun I would prefer Kimber, Rock River, Baer or Wilson.

The SIG is a fantastic weapon. Very well built and safe to carry.without a doubt an equal of the 1911.

The H&K USP and USP Compact are my favorite of the non-1911 weapons. The toughest most reliable weapons in existance. This is the design most SEALs favor. Same manual of arms as the 1911 PLUS the safety and de-cocking feature... Consider one of these... The USP will even handle 45SUPER with no modifications! the Compact is my favorite.

Enjoy,

Ben
 
I have had at least 10 different 1911 pistols. I now have 2 Kimbers, a compact for everyday carry and a full size for matches and such. I dont like the Glocks, Sig Sauers, etc due to my small hands not fitting. Another thing I like is all the different parts and add ons one can get for the 1911's. The things work!
 
Well, I went to a local gun shop today. I think the 1911 I like the most was the Springfield "Loaded" 1911 A1. Set well in my big hands. I also like the Beretta 92 in 9mm. Now it all depends on the funds, and which one I can get the best deal on. Any more opinions on the new "loaded" springfields? I would like to hear some more opinions from people who have experience with these guns. Thanks again.
 
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