Which 45 ACP 1911, fully supported ramp barrel or not?

[yooper77]

I have never owned a 45 ACP 1911, so I was wondering about the Springfield PX9149LP Loaded Champion Lightweight OD Green / Black Armory Kote.
 
Are Springfields made in Brazil and assembled in the U.S.A.? I want to buy 100% American, so maybe Springfield isn't a good choice. I also want stellar customer service.
 
Is the fully supported ramp barrel needed to protect the lightweight alloy frame?
 
I want to shoot 185 hollow points, so is the fully supported ramp barrel for feeding?
 
I have also considered Kimber and Colts, but I don't see if they have fully supported ramp barrels.
 
Any suggestions?
 
yooper77

[03A2]

My impression is that only the very top of the line Springers are assembled in the U.S.
STI is an american company that I believe only imports parts for their very bottom model.
STI offers a ramped barrel for many of their commander sized models if this is the sticking point with you versus other makers.  I know some feel the ramped frame of more traditional 1911's can contribute to feeding problems.
I know that the ramped barrel in some of the lightweight models is said to reduce frame battering, and in most of the lightest, smallest models I believe it is a space/engineering asset to improve reliability in a machine designed with minimum dimensions.
Bottom Line:
If you want american made, commander size, and a ramped barrel I would spend some time on STI's website.  HTH

[1911crazy]

My 2005 made in brazil springfield 1911a1 GI Mil-Spec as it was called back then is cycling flawlessly right out of the box new.  It cost me only $424 new at the time.  Its the second brand new 1911 to cycle and function out of the box new for me.  My 2005 auto ordnance army ww2 copy 1911a1 made in the usa was the first new 1911 to cycle and function right out of the box new for me.
Keep in mind all the SA's have forged frames and slides. I still like my new AO.

[Mikey]

I have never owned a 45 ACP 1911, so I was wondering about the Springfield PX9149LP Loaded Champion Lightweight OD Green / Black Armory Kote:  Good choice.
Are Springfields made in Brazil and assembled in the U.S.A.? I want to buy 100% American, so maybe Springfield isn't a good choice. I also want stellar customer service.  Actually, who cares?  Whether the metals are cast and machined in the US or cast and machined elsewhere under Springfield quality control standards you get the same pistol.  The metals used are probably exported from the US to Brazil and processed under US specs.  Stellar customer service - what, a blonde in a two piece that says 'yes' to your every question?  Most factories I have dealt with give good service with a good turn-around time but just to be curious, what problems do oyou think you would encounter that would require service you could not perform yourself?? 
Is the fully supported ramp barrel needed to protect the lightweight alloy frame?:  No.
I want to shoot 185 hollow points, so is the fully supported ramp barrel for feeding? Now what on earth would you want to do that for - target work maybe with the 185 gn wadcutters I can personally agree with but for defensive purposes, why bother?  No, a fully supported ramp barrel is not necessary for reliable feeding of hollowpoints or soft nose slugs, imho.
I have also considered Kimber and Colts, but I don't see if they have fully supported ramp barrels.  Kimber is a excellent choice, Colt can go whizz up a rope.  Supported barrels are not a issue for regular 1911A1 45 acp use.
Supported barrels are useful though, they add strength to the frame (I believe) but more importantly add reliability in cycling and strength to the chamber area for the use of heavy, high performance wide or open face bullets that might normally cause problems in cycling.  Truely, unless you are planning to use the pistol for competition I do not feel a fully supported barrel is necessary. 


 

[yooper77]

My impression is that only the very top of the line Springers are assembled in the U.S.
STI is an american company that I believe only imports parts for their very bottom model.
STI offers a ramped barrel for many of their commander sized models if this is the sticking point with you versus other makers.  I know some feel the ramped frame of more traditional 1911's can contribute to feeding problems.
I know that the ramped barrel in some of the lightweight models is said to reduce frame battering, and in most of the lightest, smallest models I believe it is a space/engineering asset to improve reliability in a machine designed with minimum dimensions.
Bottom Line:
If you want american made, commander size, and a ramped barrel I would spend some time on STI's website.  HTH

Thank you I did look at the STI site and viewed their FAQ and found out most are American made in Texas which is a huge plus for me. Now I need to find out about how their customer service is for a used firearm.
 
I have locally found a STI Ranger II used for $750 consignment, so maybe the seller could come down a little more on the price. This is 100% American made commander length pistol built on a full size 1911 style frame. Additionally the barrel is a 4.15″ fully supported STI ramped bull barrel.
 
yooper77

[ole 5 hole group]

The 1911 45ACP does not need a ramped barrel - that's why you don't see them on Baers, Browns, Kimbers Colts etc. - you probably won't see them on 45ACP Super models either.
 
The ramp barrel got started back in the 60's I think when Custom Smiths were converting 1911's into shooting 38 Special wadcutters - the ramp was needed to make case feeding reliable.  It's also used for Super 38 1911's that are running with full-on loads - the Super 38 case design isn't as strong as the 45ACP.

If you're going to be running over the top 45ACP pressure loads you'll probably be running 45ACP+P brass or the expensive 45 ACP Super brass to lessen the chance of case failure but you'll play hell loading the 45ACP hot enough to cause a failure in a regular 45ACP case, so don't concern yourself with the ramp barrel in 45ACP.
 

[williamlayton]

I think all 1911's have had a ramped barrel forever---not fully supported.
The fully supported are for chambering rounds of higher pressures--38 super-9x23.
Ramped barrels need to be polished for HP's because of the nose being flat--same for wad cutters.
Blessings

[1911crazy]

Guys now is the time to look for a high dollar 1911 in the used section at your local gun shops.  I never seen a new wilson combat, kimbers or some of the other high dollar when they were brand new 1911's till now in the used section.  You just may get a great deal on one now.
On my standard 1911 barrel in my norc i just polished the throat on the chamber.  I also polished the ramp in the frame without removing any material.  I also polished the bottom radious on the firing pin housing too. And the area were it hits to reset the hammer on the hammer too.  I have noticed now when chambering a round from the mag it goes smoother and  now with lightening speed into the chamber.

[yooper77]

Thank you all for the helpful comments.
 
I was able to handle the STI Ranger II used for $750 on consignment at a local gunstore.
 
This gun is very lightly used and I was able to talk the seller down to $700.00.
 
The STI website shows MSRP $1121.10 and I have seen them new on gunbroker.com for $999.00 shipped for free.
 
http://www.stiguns.com/the-sti-ranger-ii/
 
yooper77

[williamlayton]

That is one nice gun and STI's are worth the money.
Blessings

[yooper77]

I have heard nothing but great news about STI's gun and customer service off the internet.
 
Also read some say they are the most accurate 1911's they have ever shot.
 
I have to say the fit and finish for this pistol is beyond stellar.
 
It did come with an "idiot mark", but its not deep at all just a surface drag.
 
I disassembled it and reassembled it without adding to the mark and really never had to drag the slide stop over the frame. I just pushed it down into place. Now, I don't understand why people make this "idiot mark" at all.

yooper77

[williamlayton]

Stuff happens.
Blessings