Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts - Page 2 - The Firearms Forum

Dark Lord · 07-24-2006, 07:48 PM

I say stick with Colt. Can't beat the original producers. Kimbers use MIM and because of that sometimes they develop air pockets and are brittle. Mil spec guns have to meet the criteria of the US department of defense. Because of that they are very heavy duty but have loose tolerances, poor sights, stiff triggers, and they're 100% dependable. They're not pretty, but they go bang everytime.

JohnK3 · 07-24-2006, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Lord

I say stick with Colt. Can't beat the company that designed them. Kimbers use MIM and because of that sometimes they develop air pockets and are brittle. Mil spec guns have to meet the criteria of the US department of defense. Because of that they are very heavy duty but have loose tolerances, poor sights, stiff triggers, and they're 100% dependable. They're not pretty, but they go bang everytime.

Colt didn't design them.

John Moses Browning designed them.

During WWII, there were a LOT of companies that got plenty of experience building 1911s.

Now, if you're happy with a Colt, then buy a Colt. I'm happy with my Kimber.

Pistolenschutze · 07-25-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnK3

I'm happy with my Kimber.

But wouldn't you be MUCH happier with a Glock, John?

Dark Lord · 07-26-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

But wouldn't you be MUCH happier with a Glock, John?

Ah! Plastic guns! 9mm plastic guns! Run!

JohnK3 · 07-26-2006, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

But wouldn't you be MUCH happier with a Glock, John?

Not at all. Didn't fit my hand. Felt top-heavy and uncomfortable. This is based upon the ergonomics of my particular hand. YMMV.

Pistolenschutze · 07-26-2006, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnK3

Not at all. Didn't fit my hand. Felt top-heavy and uncomfortable. This is based upon the ergonomics of my particular hand. YMMV.

All kidding aside John, I certainly agree that "how it feels: is the best way--perhaps the only valid way--to choose a handgun. If it doesn't feel right, it won't be right no matter how much you spend or how many whistles and bells you add to it. Personally, I do like the Glocks and can shoot them well, but I have indeed met other shooters who have the same problem you have with them.

Bruce FLinch · 07-26-2006, 11:43 PM

If you have big hands, then I would recommend a wide frame gun..like a PARA ORDNANCE!

kravi · 08-07-2006, 02:31 PM

I'm small to medium handed shooter. I love 1911s because I can hold and shoot them comfortably (that single column magazine is skinny).

During the break in of my kimber, I'd get the occasional FTE (and one FTF). I manually polished the feed ramp, replaced the mainspring, and have been golden ever since. Not one FTF or FTE since then, and I shoot alot. I like simpler guns, though, and just went with a Kimber Custom II. Haven't even replaced the sights.

--Me

Narvous · 01-20-2007, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KobraCarry

No offense but Rock Island is garbage with a capital G! I've seen more of them break and fall apart then any other brand out there. Kimbers are great but I've had several lousy customer service experiences with them. Colt and Springfield make good guns to. For the most part, they're all the same. The higher the price, the higher the quality, the less problems you should expect and the better resale (or keep) value they'll have. Of course any item the is man-made or mechanical can have problems. But if you're going to do it, save your pennies and don't buy the cheapest thing you can find. If you have the opportunity, shoot low end and high end guns and see what feels the best to you!

Not so they are good as any

stash247 · 01-20-2007, 08:58 PM

The Argentine pistols are real Colts, and up to the specs of Colt's commercial production, back then; at a price point of $300, or less, a bargain, but have tiny sights, truly 'milspec', for the period.
Cruise the gun shows, and look. My routine, upon sighting a possible, 'new friend', is to ask, first, if I may handle it, of the seller. Assuming a 'yes' response, drop the mag, pull the slide rather slowly, to the rear, and look at the chamber, ramp, and barrel hood. Was it a smooth retraction? Has the barrel been 'carved on'?
Releasing the slide, with the trigger held down, verifies function of the sear, and disconnect, if the hammer does not 'follow'.
Right hand on the grip, left on the slide, 'twist' the two, to examine frame to slide agreement/ clearance
Right hand on the handle, left index finger in the muzzle, to evaluate bushing to slide, and bushing to barrel, clearance.
Right hand on grip, left across the slide, thumb in the ejection port, on the barrel, pus h down; if the barrel drops, in any real way, without the slide moving rearward, the unlocking link, or ramp is gonna need work, or a barrel.
This is a 45 second evaluation, maybe less, that applies to all 1911 pattern pistols.
Oh yes, the safety. push it on, rack the slide. mag out, and the trigger should not move, with pressure on it
There's a bit more, but, you got the picture, I am sure; function test every feature, before 'buying in' to a weapon that cost's more to fix than it's worth.
Hope this is of help.....

Silver72 · 01-20-2007, 10:27 PM

This morning's price on a basic Kimber Custom II was $625 at the Saxtex gun show.

Pat Hurley · 01-21-2007, 10:08 AM

When one takes a real good look at quality and options vs. price, it's damn hard to beat the Taurus PT1911 right now. $500-$525 will get you a mil spec tricked out gun of remarkably high quality. I can't find someone who has one, or has reviewed one for any gun mangazine, who has anything but fanstastic things to say about it.

This gun is turning that "price = quality" thing right on its head.

Pat Hurley

01-21-2007, 05:50 PM

Now you can buy a 1911 signal action or double action single action you have to have cocked to start shooting as for the double action it is like a revolver and all you have to do is pull the trigger and it will fire. your signal action like mine I carry it is cocked and locked some people don't like the thought of having a gun cocked in a holster but it is safe.

deadmarsh · 02-01-2007, 10:08 AM

Don't buy cheap -- mid priced if the $$$ aren't up for a custom...

Do buy a basic gun -- Colt Series 70 Government (blued or SS) comes to mind...

Do stick with the .45ACP -- other caliber later if you like...

Do stick with Browning designed flush-fit seven (7) round magazines -- best out there are Colt 7 round gradual release designed lips with flat/dimpled followers, then Springfield or MetalForm...

Do get fixed sights (Novak, Heine)...

Don't get a barrel less than 5"...

Do get an all steel slide and frame...

Do get an internal extractor...

That's enough; I could go for more, but you get the idea. I'm a meat & potatoes 1911 guy who like to stay within Browning's design and technical specifications.

Dead

Pssst: Good luck in whatever you purchase...

sansin g. dio · 02-01-2007, 08:15 PM

In the Philippines, - especially in Cebu where the gun capital of the Philippines is located - DANAO CITY, clone COLT M-1911 shoots and
have good grouping as original COLT & REMINGTON M-1911 MILITARY
ISSUE.

Some COPS here in the Philippines carry custom-made M-1911 milled
from DANAO CITY, CEBU, PHILIPPINES. Government issue COLT magazine
clip will fit to these guns and no problem encountered with regards to
feeding problem.

These locally made M-1911 in the Philippines has all the feature of a
custom made - compensators, stabilizer rod, expanded mag port, ambi
safety and hard chrome/parkerized.

These guns were come from a solid barstock of steel from junk shipyard docking area.

Oh, by the way, DANAO Gun makers also make CALIBER .45 REVOLVERS
like the SMITH & WESSON M-1917 CAL. 45 REVOLVERS.

For all the gun enthusiast to know that Danao GUNMAKERS were making
guns for almost 6 decades, oldest so far in southeast asia, even older than
KIMBER AND TAURUS but due to non-government support, this is still a
cottage industry.

ENGR. SANSIN G. DIO
M.E. - ICML-MLT-1

Pat Hurley · 02-01-2007, 08:34 PM

I've noticed a conspicuous absence of any mention of the S&W 1911's. Any opinions, first hand or otherwise?

Friend of mine says they are selling slower than dance instruction videos at a Baptist convention.

Lead Lobber · 02-01-2007, 11:36 PM

Do buy a 1911. Don't buy anything else

LL

berto64 · 02-03-2007, 07:32 PM

I think the absence of mention of S&W is in itself a statement, don't you?

As far as buying a 1911, yes, Do buy one. My problem, I can't stop at one or two or...mmmmm..I think it's 9 now. And no Colts Yet. But I'm still looking.

Pistolenschutze · 02-03-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berto64

And no Colts Yet. But I'm still looking.

Colts are the creme de la creme of .45s in my book, Berto, assuming you can find one of the older ones, Series 70 or 80, when they were still building handguns instead of overpriced crud.

delta13soultaker · 02-05-2007, 08:28 AM

Literally 10 minutes after buying my Springfield the other day I saw a prestine looking used Colt Commander being sold on consignment for $700. I didn't even pick it up because I knew I would've bought it if it looked good inside. I'm trying today to not go down there where it is and buy it...it's a struggle too.

Pistolenschutze · 02-05-2007, 11:30 PM

Awww, Delta, give in to temptation.

You only go around once, you know, and, after all, you can't take it with you!

I have a Colt Commander and it is the best 1911 pattern pistol I've ever shot.

45nut · 02-15-2007, 08:20 AM

I've owned Colts - Gov't Model, Combat Commander & 1991A1 Officer's ACP, Llama Compact, and just added a Rock Island last weekend. The RIA 45 was a steal @ $338.00 and is well put together. Military type sights and very nice grips. Fit and function is good as well as performance. What I really like is it is accurate out of the box. My first 3 magazines (Novak, Chip Mc, and ??) performed great, no feeding or ejecting issues. On the first magazine, I did have to nudge the slide all the way closed a few times, but I shot it STRAIGHT from the box.

8, 9 and X ring with the first 3 mags. I shot first mag slow then the next two mags were all double taps. I don't know what else you would want from a pistol.

Kimber makes a great gun, but when I can get perfomance like this for $360, I'll take it and be happy.

Peace, through superior firepower!

Popgunner · 02-15-2007, 11:49 AM

Sounds like you're managing your anger just right to me Berto.

berto64 · 02-20-2007, 11:27 PM

I don't take all of them at the same time anymore, did that once and cleaned pistols till darned near midnite!

I sure love the feel of steel in my hands.

Coltonator · 03-10-2007, 01:56 PM

Do = Norinco, Charles Daly, Rock Island

DON'T = Spend a small fortune for a NAME thats really a piece of crud

"Get a Colt"
"Get a Kimber"
"Get a Springfield"

Didn't anyone else notice that the big brands like Colt, S&W, Remington, Etc. have gone UP in price and DOWN in quality?

DO NOT PAY FOR A BRAND...pay for a gun

07-24-2006, 07:48 PM	#26
Dark Lord Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts I say stick with Colt. Can't beat the original producers. Kimbers use MIM and because of that sometimes they develop air pockets and are brittle. Mil spec guns have to meet the criteria of the US department of defense. Because of that they are very heavy duty but have loose tolerances, poor sights, stiff triggers, and they're 100% dependable. They're not pretty, but they go bang everytime. Last edited by Dark Lord; 07-25-2006 at 05:00 PM..

07-26-2006, 11:43 PM	#32
Bruce FLinch Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Point, Kali..aka Gun Point Posts: 5,016	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts If you have big hands, then I would recommend a wide frame gun..like a PARA ORDNANCE! __________________ A bad day @ the Range, is better than a good day @ work.

08-07-2006, 02:31 PM	#33
kravi V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 135	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts I'm small to medium handed shooter. I love 1911s because I can hold and shoot them comfortably (that single column magazine is skinny). During the break in of my kimber, I'd get the occasional FTE (and one FTF). I manually polished the feed ramp, replaced the mainspring, and have been golden ever since. Not one FTF or FTE since then, and I shoot alot. I like simpler guns, though, and just went with a Kimber Custom II. Haven't even replaced the sights. --Me

01-20-2007, 08:58 PM	#35
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts The Argentine pistols are real Colts, and up to the specs of Colt's commercial production, back then; at a price point of $300, or less, a bargain, but have tiny sights, truly 'milspec', for the period. Cruise the gun shows, and look. My routine, upon sighting a possible, 'new friend', is to ask, first, if I may handle it, of the seller. Assuming a 'yes' response, drop the mag, pull the slide rather slowly, to the rear, and look at the chamber, ramp, and barrel hood. Was it a smooth retraction? Has the barrel been 'carved on'? Releasing the slide, with the trigger held down, verifies function of the sear, and disconnect, if the hammer does not 'follow'. Right hand on the grip, left on the slide, 'twist' the two, to examine frame to slide agreement/ clearance Right hand on the handle, left index finger in the muzzle, to evaluate bushing to slide, and bushing to barrel, clearance. Right hand on grip, left across the slide, thumb in the ejection port, on the barrel, pus h down; if the barrel drops, in any real way, without the slide moving rearward, the unlocking link, or ramp is gonna need work, or a barrel. This is a 45 second evaluation, maybe less, that applies to all 1911 pattern pistols. Oh yes, the safety. push it on, rack the slide. mag out, and the trigger should not move, with pressure on it There's a bit more, but, you got the picture, I am sure; function test every feature, before 'buying in' to a weapon that cost's more to fix than it's worth. Hope this is of help..... __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

01-20-2007, 10:27 PM	#36
Silver72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Central Texas Posts: 542	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts This morning's price on a basic Kimber Custom II was $625 at the Saxtex gun show. Attached Images

01-21-2007, 10:08 AM	#37
Pat Hurley Former Guest Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 987	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts When one takes a real good look at quality and options vs. price, it's damn hard to beat the Taurus PT1911 right now. $500-$525 will get you a mil spec tricked out gun of remarkably high quality. I can't find someone who has one, or has reviewed one for any gun mangazine, who has anything but fanstastic things to say about it. This gun is turning that "price = quality" thing right on its head. Pat Hurley

01-21-2007, 05:50 PM	#38
Kardar2 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts Now you can buy a 1911 signal action or double action single action you have to have cocked to start shooting as for the double action it is like a revolver and all you have to do is pull the trigger and it will fire. your signal action like mine I carry it is cocked and locked some people don't like the thought of having a gun cocked in a holster but it is safe.

02-01-2007, 10:08 AM	#39
deadmarsh Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 11	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts Don't buy cheap -- mid priced if the $$$ aren't up for a custom... Do buy a basic gun -- Colt Series 70 Government (blued or SS) comes to mind... Do stick with the .45ACP -- other caliber later if you like... Do stick with Browning designed flush-fit seven (7) round magazines -- best out there are Colt 7 round gradual release designed lips with flat/dimpled followers, then Springfield or MetalForm... Do get fixed sights (Novak, Heine)... Don't get a barrel less than 5"... Do get an all steel slide and frame... Do get an internal extractor... That's enough; I could go for more, but you get the idea. I'm a meat & potatoes 1911 guy who like to stay within Browning's design and technical specifications. Dead Pssst: Good luck in whatever you purchase... Last edited by deadmarsh; 02-02-2007 at 11:55 AM..

02-01-2007, 08:15 PM	#40
sansin g. dio Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 9	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts In the Philippines, - especially in Cebu where the gun capital of the Philippines is located - DANAO CITY, clone COLT M-1911 shoots and have good grouping as original COLT & REMINGTON M-1911 MILITARY ISSUE. Some COPS here in the Philippines carry custom-made M-1911 milled from DANAO CITY, CEBU, PHILIPPINES. Government issue COLT magazine clip will fit to these guns and no problem encountered with regards to feeding problem. These locally made M-1911 in the Philippines has all the feature of a custom made - compensators, stabilizer rod, expanded mag port, ambi safety and hard chrome/parkerized. These guns were come from a solid barstock of steel from junk shipyard docking area. Oh, by the way, DANAO Gun makers also make CALIBER .45 REVOLVERS like the SMITH & WESSON M-1917 CAL. 45 REVOLVERS. For all the gun enthusiast to know that Danao GUNMAKERS were making guns for almost 6 decades, oldest so far in southeast asia, even older than KIMBER AND TAURUS but due to non-government support, this is still a cottage industry. ENGR. SANSIN G. DIO M.E. - ICML-MLT-1

02-01-2007, 08:34 PM	#41
Pat Hurley Former Guest Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 987	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts I've noticed a conspicuous absence of any mention of the S&W 1911's. Any opinions, first hand or otherwise? Friend of mine says they are selling slower than dance instruction videos at a Baptist convention.

02-01-2007, 11:36 PM	#42
Lead Lobber Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central California coastal area Posts: 965	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts Do buy a 1911. Don't buy anything else LL

02-03-2007, 07:32 PM	#43
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,394	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts I think the absence of mention of S&W is in itself a statement, don't you? As far as buying a 1911, yes, Do buy one. My problem, I can't stop at one or two or...mmmmm..I think it's 9 now. And no Colts Yet. But I'm still looking. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

02-05-2007, 08:28 AM	#45
delta13soultaker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Depends on Uncle Sam's whim every 3 yrs. Posts: 2,948	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts Literally 10 minutes after buying my Springfield the other day I saw a prestine looking used Colt Commander being sold on consignment for $700. I didn't even pick it up because I knew I would've bought it if it looked good inside. I'm trying today to not go down there where it is and buy it...it's a struggle too. __________________ Never say die! "A nation who forgets its defenders is soon forgotten itself." "A good shot must necessarily be a good man since the essence of good marksmanship is self-control and self-control is the essential quality of a good man." – Theodore Roosevelt

02-05-2007, 11:30 PM	#46
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts Awww, Delta, give in to temptation. You only go around once, you know, and, after all, you can't take it with you! I have a Colt Commander and it is the best 1911 pattern pistol I've ever shot. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

02-15-2007, 08:20 AM	#47
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,433	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts I've owned Colts - Gov't Model, Combat Commander & 1991A1 Officer's ACP, Llama Compact, and just added a Rock Island last weekend. The RIA 45 was a steal @ $338.00 and is well put together. Military type sights and very nice grips. Fit and function is good as well as performance. What I really like is it is accurate out of the box. My first 3 magazines (Novak, Chip Mc, and ??) performed great, no feeding or ejecting issues. On the first magazine, I did have to nudge the slide all the way closed a few times, but I shot it STRAIGHT from the box. 8, 9 and X ring with the first 3 mags. I shot first mag slow then the next two mags were all double taps. I don't know what else you would want from a pistol. Kimber makes a great gun, but when I can get perfomance like this for $360, I'll take it and be happy. Peace, through superior firepower!

02-15-2007, 11:49 AM	#48
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts Sounds like you're managing your anger just right to me Berto.

02-20-2007, 11:27 PM	#49
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,394	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts I don't take all of them at the same time anymore, did that once and cleaned pistols till darned near midnite! I sure love the feel of steel in my hands. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

03-10-2007, 01:56 PM	#50
Coltonator V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 201	Re: Buying 1911: Dos and Don'ts Do = Norinco, Charles Daly, Rock Island DON'T = Spend a small fortune for a NAME thats really a piece of crud "Get a Colt" "Get a Kimber" "Get a Springfield" Didn't anyone else notice that the big brands like Colt, S&W, Remington, Etc. have gone UP in price and DOWN in quality? DO NOT PAY FOR A BRAND...pay for a gun __________________ <