Author Topic: First 1911 Purchase, Help!!! (Read 2374 times)

smokepole06 · « **on:** February 04, 2010, 03:01:16 PM »

I thought I would never say this but, Goodbye Glock, Hello 1911. I still have the Austrian Tuperware but want a gun with more soul. Anyway cannot spend over a grand for a Kimber or Wilson. I really like the Taurus, may take a Springfield. I was not wanting to buy a lemon. Please give me some advice on what you have owned and liked. Will be used for CCW. Prefer SS.

williamlayton · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2010, 06:42:03 PM »

STI
Kahr
Kimber
Springfield
Colt
An old Norinco
And the beat goes on.
Can have issues with any/all--CS can fix it/tune it or a good Smith can make it slick as snot on a brass doorknob.
Blessings

amdak · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2010, 04:53:20 AM »

I have a colt series 80,and never had a proplem with it.

El Gringo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2010, 11:44:13 AM »

If you like the Taurus give it a shot. I got mine around 3 yrs ago and havent had one thing to complain about.

smokepole06 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2010, 06:06:25 PM »

What model was your Taurus 1911?

bubbinator · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2010, 07:27:44 PM »

I carried a Colt 70 series, nickle, w/ MMC sights for yrs. It never failed and once put 8 rds on a sheet of typing paper @ 100 yds. It was stolen in 10 yrs ago and replaced with a Springfield Armory "Loaded" w/ Novak Night sights. Love it, shoots 100s every time I have to qualify (quarterly). OEM mags were fine, added bumper pads. Use 3 8rd Chip McCormicks for daily use. Have seen/handled some Taurus 1911s, owners liked them. If I was looking for a 1911 today, for the money I'd look for a Taurus 1911 SS w/ a rail, shoot 200-300 rds through it to make sure it was "All It Can Be" and if it was I'd be happy.
Good Luck. Oh, seriously consider night sights too as a must have.

El Gringo · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2010, 01:00:51 AM »

Quote from: smokepole06 on February 05, 2010, 06:06:25 PM

What model was your Taurus 1911?

One of the first to come out, with the Heine sights. I added Hogue grips and a 'ol fashoned' recoil spring plug and guide. Got some Wilson mags.

1911crazy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2010, 05:27:26 AM »

For a great low budget 1911a1 that won't break the bank its the new Kahr Auto-Ordnance Army WW2 copy 1911a1. There still under $500 new and reliable, dependable and cycles flawlessly right out of the box. I believe we hammered over 500rds+ now between all of us who are shooting it at the range. Its new, its tight, its right out of the box reliable and its affordable. The new auto ordnance army 1911 shows me we can get a decent 1911 at an affordable price. Her she is bone stock in orginal her G.I. dress. I did add a full length guide rod kit with an 18# recoil spring. She's as reliable and good as my Norinco 1911a1 only tighter because she's new.

federali · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2010, 11:16:41 AM »

The S&W 1911s have earned an excellent reputation for reliability. I paid about $550.00 for mine but that was several years ago. 1911 purists sometimes object to the S&W's external extractor but it doesn't bother me. Incidentally, I've fired both reloads and commercial loads and I've never had a stoppage of any kind. I wanted a full-size, 5" 1911 and that's exactly what I bought. However, I feel the gun is a bit large and heavy for extended concealed carry. I tend to rely on my various 9mms for that.

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2010, 01:39:47 PM »

My advice is to get a plain 5" without all the goodies you may want later. A factory 5" is less prone to problems, in my experience. Once you have the basic gun and learn to have confidence in its reliability, work from there for the specific gun you want. Best bet: a Springfield plain Jane, IMO.

Stuart C. · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2010, 02:21:15 PM »

Quote from: federali on February 07, 2010, 11:16:41 AM

The S&W 1911s have earned an excellent reputation for reliability. I paid about $550.00 for mine but that was several years ago. 1911 purists sometimes object to the S&W's external extractor but it doesn't bother me. Incidentally, I've fired both reloads and commercial loads and I've never had a stoppage of any kind. I wanted a full-size, 5" 1911 and that's exactly what I bought. However, I feel the gun is a bit large and heavy for extended concealed carry. I tend to rely on my various 9mms for that.

Could someone please describe the difference with this external extractor so I can look at my books and see what it is?

Also, does the S&W get a bad rap from the Schwartz type plunger safety? Is it an issue?

Thanks!

williamlayton · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2010, 11:54:16 PM »

I just don't like the cosmetics of an external ejector.
Some have had issues.
I am not sure that the extractor should be the deciding issue---but I am not sure it would not be.
I am not sure that there is a problem with the internal safety that had to be fixed and I am also not sure the the external extractor solved anything and may have clouded the issue.
The problem I have with GI guns is the small sights.
From what I read, and my own experience, they are about the first things to go.
What do you want in a weapon--that is the first thing to determine.
If it is your first I can guarentee that you will not be copletely satisfied with all of your thoughts and it will not be the last.
You can change everything about a 1911 except the external extractor--remove it to an internal is the thought.
A series 80 FP block can be removed but not many gunsmiths will do it for liability issues.
A series 80 FP block can be made to be undicernable in operation by a gunsmith--and they will do this.
Some don't mind the series 80 FP block--I do and feel that it hampers a good trigger pull.
Blessings

1911crazy · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2010, 06:16:47 AM »

When i look for a 1911 i'm kind of a 1911 purist in a way it has to be an exact copy of a 1911 no matter who manufactures it.

Stuart C. · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2010, 07:17:26 AM »

So what are good examples of 1911s that are copies and true to the original?
Thanks.

smokepole06 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2010, 12:07:07 PM »

Yes, someone please describe John Browning's differences from say a Springfield, S&W, or Taurus.

Fordmadman · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2010, 04:36:49 PM »

I just bought a Rock Island 1911 A1 and I love it

uncledub · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2010, 04:57:11 PM »

I have a Colt 1991 ORM Compact, a Rock Island Armory FS Tactical, both park'd, and a Para-Ordnance Slim Hawg in stainless. All are good, dependable 1911s. The Coltis my favorite of the bunch. It handles well, shoots great and never gives a problem. The RIA Tac is fun to shoot, came with the stuff that I would have added and is relatively inexpensive. It has very reliable. I just got the Para and have not had time to get her going, so I will reserve comment on this pistol.
My son has a Springfield Mil-Spec and a Springfield Compact in stainless. Both are excellent pistols and have worked very well for him. Knowing what I now know, if I were going to buy an all-around 1911 it would probably be the Springer Mil-Spec due to cost, features, and reliability.
What it really comes down to is what do you want in a 1911. I don't believe you will go wrong with any of them. Just buy one, clean it, shoot it a lot, clean it some more, and love it. That's what 1911 owners do.

williamlayton · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2010, 06:40:08 PM »

Copies? Clones might be a better description.
We have discussed the ejector thing.
Angle of the frame to the grip.
Lowered and flared ejection port.
Combat hammer and spurred hammer.
Arched mainspring housing.
Flat top---round top.
Guide rod--no guide rod.
Bushing or bushingless barrel.
Ambidexterious safety's.
Lots of internals. Triggers and such.
Nothing that makes a lot of difference but makes a lot of difference.
Lets take the arched mainspring---an original to JMB's design but not incorporated into the original production.
Blessings

smokepole06 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2010, 12:58:03 AM »

How hard is it to upgrade:
add guide rod to one that does not have one?
change a non bushing gun to bushing?
what are the reason for not having those from factory?
what modications can't be done due to slide or frame not accepting?
why did they change from the original design?
a FP block, is that a drop safety? Do all modern ones have that for legal reasons?

williamlayton · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2010, 02:17:01 AM »

Not knowing your skill levels--I will have to refer to mine--read nil.
Some folks have it, I could learn it, I choose not to.
The actual doing is not so difficult--if you don't have to fit or blend the parts.
Some parts need filing and blending while some will seemingly slip right in.
A guide rod is simple if you have it out, replace it.
Sights will more than likely require maching.
Ejectors need bending.
FP blocks are required by some states and there are models that cannot be sold in those states because they don't have them. they can be removed or practically disabled.
Blessings

tonygrz · « **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2010, 05:44:53 AM »

Recently purchased a Norinco and I love it. Works every time. Have only used ball ammo so I don't know how it will shoot with SWC. Also have a Garcia Star PD and it works flawlessly also.

tony

1911crazy · « **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2010, 05:47:43 AM »

I figure to stay with a 1911 "clone" because of the interchangable parts. I can even stock the common parts and they fit most 1911's(clones). The exctractors, the firing pins, the springs, barrels and barrel bushings are interchangable with the basic 1911 models. If anything a quick fit on the barrel bushing maybe needed. But not everything is a perfect fit with new parts too. The full length guide rod/recoil spring kits fit most of the 1911 clones too. For me getting the 1911/1911a1 book and the armorers video did help me learn more about to to work on the 1911/1911a1's too. Plus i'm very forgetfull lately too old age is starting to set in.

For a 1911 in stainless i been looking at the springer with the 6" barrel and the Kahr Thompson 1911 too with all the bells and whistles.

A few years back i went looking for a shooter/beater 1911a1 and i found a well used chinese norinco for just $299. It turned out to be the best 1911 i have ever shot. After owning 3 new 1911's that didn't function properly right out of the box this norinco was my last attempt at owning a 1911. Well this one proved how good the 1911's can be and its not the shooter/beater i was looking for. I wanted another new one and i went looking for another shooter/beater. I searched the local dealers for a S.A.M., a Charles Daly, or a Rock Iland Armory and seen not one of them. One local dealer had stacks of the new Auto Ordnance Army WW2 copy For $389 and the new SpringField G.I. model the brazilian with the key lock for $425. Comparing the two side by side I chose the AO first but i really wanted both. A few weeks later i got the springer too. I found out the new AO isn't the beater /shooter i was looking for too its much better than that. I haven't shot the springer yet we been too busy hammering the new AO. The new G.I. springer is up the next trip to the range. I figure that $500 is my limit for a no frills, no bells or whistles, plain jane 1911. I'm still looking for that dirt cheap shooter/beater.

smokepole06 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2010, 02:07:22 PM »

As the one who started this post, let me tell you more about me. I have been an owner over the decades of multiple Glocks in various punch sizes. I own a couple of S&W wheel guns. I dabble in all kinds from from little guns to bigs guns. Shotguns of various sizes and shapes. Rifles from bolts to levers to ML to autos. Always making modifications to improve accuracy and reliability. When I buy a gun I take it home and take it apart. I am a technician by trade so its in my blood. Started with a stripped AR lower and built from every little piece a nice little M4 carbine. Why do I have guns? Hunting, home defense, plinking, competition someday, and mostly cause there is some out there who says I do not need them, so I must buy to urinate them off! Any way CCW is my focus for now. Carried in past 32 acp, 380, 9mm makarov, 38 spl, 357 mag, 9mm luger, 40 s&w, and the grand daddy 45 acp. I am looking for a good CCW 1911. G Gordon Liddy says to get a 44spl revolver that has close to the same ballistics as 45 acp. Still want something I have shot but never owned, a 1911. I actually would enjoy the buildup from a stock GI to a fully loaded with all the bells and whistles single stack. Please keep the ideas coming!

billyed · « **Reply #23 on:** February 09, 2010, 03:19:48 PM »

I have a springfield 1911 A-1. I have done some modding to it. If you are a tinkerer you will have many options. But, by the time you get finished you could probably buy a used kimber CC version for the same money. A full size 1911 is a load to carry.

saddlebum · « **Reply #24 on:** February 21, 2010, 04:58:37 PM »

Kimber's base 1911s have beavertails, extended thumb safety, match barrels, extended ejectors, hardened extractors, ported slides, match adj. trigger, cutout commander hammer, beveled mag well, extended mag release, full length guide rod, fitted bushing or bull bbl fit to slide, forward slide serrations, good useable fixed sights, black oxied finish, reduced tollorance mil specs and throated and polished ramp. Edges and corners are dehorned and frame under trigger guard is contoured/blended for comfort. 5" Customs are $700. 4" Pro Carrys are $750 with a light alloy frame. Prices from budsgunshop.com and gunsamerica.com. Mine is first series without firing pin block. You can remove that on series 2 but I read that it is different than the Colt and does not interfere with the trigger pull. Same as with all makers, I hope you don't get one that was made on Friday or Monday. No maker of 1911s makes a perfect one everytime. SWAT and military spec. opps. like them though. So does Gen. Tommy Frank who packed one in Iraq. If you want stainless or special finish or more do-dads then pay more. You have the same gun as the basic one with do-dads. It won't work any better. I'm not knocking other guns at all, just talking Kimbers. Guess I will always be a Kimber fan cause they were the first to put out a production 1911 with custom features at a price I could afford. They changed the market forever. God Bless!!!

williamlayton · « **Reply #25 on:** February 23, 2010, 01:37:45 AM »

If I were a skilled person and could do all the work myownself---I would do it just the way I have it done now.
There is no real difference in communicating with a Smith what your desires are and what parts you want in it---how you want it done---and doing it yourownself, with one exception.
There is a communication factor, a knowledge factor X's 2, and opinion times 2.
Getting on the same page and willingness to listen to another idea is great.
Why not get the benefit of anothers experience--means there is less chance for error.
I like the process of working with a Smith---one that knows that the final decision is in the hands of the customer.
I would also think that building one yourownself would be just as pleasurable and that you would want as much input from reliable sources as possible.
Blessings

olydraft · « **Reply #26 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:34:48 AM »

Check out the Para ordinance GI Expert... $599 on Para Ord. website

olydraft · « **Reply #27 on:** March 13, 2010, 06:55:45 AM »

Smokepole if your wanting to build, I bought a frame from SARCO Inc it is called there tweaker frame for $49.95. They need a little fitting of parts but the one I got was a stainless and needed very little tweaking. All the rest of the parts were also from SARCO. Parts kit with there new commercial slide with novak style sights,$219.00. I bought a few parts from Brownells and Midway also. If you really want to build I`d check out SARCOS frames... Gary

here`s a couple pic of the finnished product. I love the way it shoots also, really smooth

williamlayton · « **Reply #28 on:** March 13, 2010, 10:59:38 AM »

The two tone of that stainless is excellent---good looking rosco.
Blessings

olydraft · « **Reply #29 on:** March 14, 2010, 05:16:39 AM »

It was quite a learning experience. If anyone wants to learn the working operations of the 1911, build one from the ground up. It` fun, it`s aggervating, it`ll drive you to drink, I might have had that down pat before I started... Anyway by the time your done you`ll have a whole new respect for a real work horse... Oh yeah, it can be done without a shop full of high dollar equipment. the biggest piece of equip. I have is a drill press, and I didn`t use it for anything. All done with hand tools..... I had no prior experience, just the willingness to learn and "gitter done" Gary