Author Topic: Rookie question on 1911's (Read 755 times)

Paul S · « **on:** June 27, 2004, 01:21:04 PM »

Hi, I am brand new to 1911 pistols. I have hunted my entire life and thought I never had any need for this type of gun till me and my 11 year old son had run in with two convicts hiding in the woods while we where scouting the area we deer hunt. They made it clear that they wanted my son. My 22 cal. Ruger single six was all that saved our lives. After that I saw a real need for more fire power. I will kill or be killed if my loved one's are ever placed in harms way again. To make a long story short. i bought a Kimber Royal II from a friends father. In July I am taking a course to apply for a carry permit. I have about 100 rounds through the gun and love it. After reading a lot of post on this site I realize I have a lot to learn about the cleaning and maintenence of this firearm. At this time I'm using Hornady +P HP and Federal premium HP. I am open to any advice on this firearm you might have for me.Please don't think anything you have to tell me is too dumb. I am brand new to this type of gun. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any help.

volshooter · « **Reply #1 on:** June 27, 2004, 01:46:27 PM »

You got your self a premium shootin iron and ammo. My only advice is to practice as much as possible. Get comfortable with your iron and holster. Don't fall into that trap of not shooting several times a month. 1911 style (as well as most autos) pistols require frequent practice to maintain good shooting habits. I'm guilty myself of not firing my carry iron as often as I should. Glad you had the frame of mind and something to back you up. I too have been in a bad way with just a .22 and a .25 ACP. Now nothing under .44 spc. or 45 ACP gets to tag along with me.
Rick

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 27, 2004, 04:59:02 PM »

You're off to a good start with the gun and Volshooter's advise. I would encourage you to buy a decent leather high ride belt holster with a thumb break, a few extra magazines, and a magazine pouch. The best way to practice is to handle the gun a lot. If your range doesn't allow firing from a draw, do it at home (dry fire of course). Practice rapid reloads, point-and-shoot at close range, and bullseye type shooting at distances from 15 to 25 yards. It takes a while to get proficient and frequent practice to maintain it.

Buy some inexpensive ammo for practice. If you have a Wal-Mart handy, they sell white box Winchester ammo pretty cheap. Keep the empties, you'll get addicted like others here and will be reloading soon.

Mikey · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2004, 11:29:45 AM »

Paul - I am really sorry to haer about that bad experience but will welcome you openly to this forum. As Volshooter and the Iowegn have already said, you have a fine new piece and their advice is very sound.

I would add only to purchase lots of ammo and practice a lot with it. My preferance is for Sellier and Bellot 230 gn ball - it is inexpensive, loaded to mil-spec and reloadable. I carry it in my 45s and mil-spec ball has never failed me.

I would add only one more piece of advice to both you and the Volshooter and that is - gentlemen, it ain't the size of the hole in the end of the barrel, it is the man holding it that takes the field, and that's just my two cents worth.

As for maintenance: disassembly of the 1911 is fairly simple and if you do not have disassembly instructions they are very, very easy to come by - Kimber may have some specifics regarding the takedown of thier particular models and you can always request that information from them.

As for me, I usually clean and lubricate my 45s after a range workout of 2-300 rnds, load them up and holster them for future use. There is no real secret to cleaning or maintaining the 1911 pistol, it is fairly easy. I hope this helps, and anytime you have questions please let us try and help. Mikey.

volshooter · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2004, 01:28:21 PM »

I take my opinion from the experience from US troops. It was found that even the .38 special wont stop a determaned attacker, we all know thats when the mighty .45 arrived. I've read of police hitting a suspect, that was wearing a heavy down jacket, and not getting through with 9mms. That being said, any cal. in any firearm is much better than nothing. More than one cop has told me that a man can cover 20 feet and attack before most of us can draw and shoot with any reliable accuracy. I've tried it my self. Yep I can reach most folks before they can draw and aim, even with them knowing I'm comming. I haven't tried everyone I know but so far no one is sure they could of even gotten a shot in my direction, cops buddies included. I sure don't want to ever again have to rely on a head/neck shot possibility to save my behind. I'll keep the .45.
Rick

Paul S · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2004, 03:23:45 PM »

Thank you for the information. I saw on other post here that some recommend a video from Wilson Combat on cleaning and brake down, I think I may order that. I'm a nut about taking care of my stuff. I'm sure you will be seeing my name around here a lot. I have lots to learn and I can tell you gent's have a lot of knowledge.
Thanks agian.
Paul from MO