Author Topic: Hmm...Which One? (Read 1055 times)

DzrtRat · « **on:** August 31, 2003, 08:30:53 AM »

Hi fellars,

I'm going to pick up a .45 auto in the next week or so and I need some advice. I was looking in a local gun shop here and three different guns caught my interest.

One is a gov't model Springfield Armory in .45 ACP. Just a full sized basic firearm and it runs $399 + tax NIB.

The second is a used 1991 Colt that's been customized. Lots of bells and whistles in it that may or may not mean anything, but this one has a great trigger and is reported to shoot very accurately and is said to be very dependable. This one is $600 and no tax. I know the guy selling it and he's selling because he needs the cash.

The third is a Kimber 10 II. I can get this one for $600 + tax.

The Springfield Armory I think is a good deal, but I'd also kinda like something a little nicer.

The custom gun is pretty nice, but I'm also aware of possible problems if the work wasn't done right. It looks and feels good though.

First and foremost I'm after reliability and accuracy, but I'm a guy who also appreciates quality, smooth functioning, a crisp trigger, and so forth. I'm thinking pretty serious about the Kimber, but truthfully I don't care much for double stack magazines and polymer doesn't turn my on either.

Anyone here know what a good quality Kimber runs with a single stack magazina and all metal components?

What would you do? I'm really interested in opinions from guys who have experience with the 1911 type handguns. I've shot them some, but really don't know all that much about them.

Thx,
~Rat

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2003, 02:03:23 PM »

I own a colt 1911 series 70. Bought it new in the box and have had it tricked out over the years. The gun is now what I want, but it took some time to decide what I wanted. Me I think the Springfield is the way to go, enlarge the ejector port. polish the throat, trigger job, maybe new springs and your good to go. + possible $200.
My .02 worth
Jim

Mikey · « **Reply #2 on:** September 02, 2003, 04:08:19 AM »

DzrtRat: I would go for the Springer. After you get it and shoot it, trick it out any way you want. I did that with my plain jane gov't model and it's the best shooter I've ever owned. Just my 2 cents. Mikey.

DzrtRat · « **Reply #3 on:** September 05, 2003, 08:22:05 PM »

Thanks for the advice guys. I took your advice and bought a Springfield .45, but it wasn't exactly the one I was looking at to start with.

This one's a "Micro Compact" (about the size of an officer's model) that's sold as "fully loaded". I guess that's a good way to put it because it's pretty fixed up straight from the factory and has a lifetime warranty. Here's a link that shows the same gun I bought. The MSRP is listed at $993.00 and I paid $740.00 + tax so I think I did ok on it. It was a little more than I wanted to spend, but this is a really NICE pistol.

Sorry if I'm boring you all, but I thought I'd let you know what I decided on. If you have a minute, check it out and let me know what you think! :-)

~Rat

Savage · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2003, 06:37:22 AM »

Rat,
Nice pistol! I had my eye on a "Kimber Ultra Carry" but I got cheap and bought a "Charles Daly" officer's size. It has a ss frame and is as heavy as a brick. Function has been flawless, and the gun is reasonably accurate. Still the aluminum frame would be a real plus for carry. You'll appreciate the thin grips! Bet yours is a real joy to carry!
Stay Safe,
Savage

DzrtRat · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2003, 08:44:57 AM »

Thanks Savage. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet because I'm working on homework for some college classes, but the gun shop owner wants me to go shooting with him tomorrow afternoon.

This pistol is really easy to carry and the "melt" job on it keeps it from snagging or poking anything. If it shoots even half as well as it looks and feels then I'm in heaven! :-)

~Rat

Highplainsman · « **Reply #6 on:** September 16, 2003, 05:51:26 AM »

DzrtRat

Depends on what you want. If you want a gun to trick out yourself the Springfield will work for that. If you want one that already has some of the bells and whistles I like Kimbers. You seem to get more for your money and they were the ones that made everyone else get honest with their 1911s. By shopping around you can get a Kimber Custom 11 for about $600.00. You get plain jane finish and grips but you get a target grade barrel, trigger, guide rod, extended thumb safty and checkered backstrap. The price goes up from there. I currently have a Pro-Carry CDP which has the high strength aluminum frame, melded edges, night sights. ambidexterous saftey, bull barrel, Rosewood double diamond grips and matte stainless slide. This for about $1000.00 and it will shoot and is light enough to carry concealed. :wink:

DzrtRat · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2003, 12:06:47 PM »

Thanks Highplainsman. This Springfield that I bought has a lot of the bells and whistles too. Adjustable speed trigger, stainless slide, bevel carry treatment (melt job), beavertail grip safety, low profile tritium night sights, slim cocobolo grips, and a commander hammer.

All in a pistol that's about the size of an officer's model Colt. It shoots as good as I can and so far it's fed anything that I've shot through it without a hitch.

I had been considering several pistols, including one of the Kimbers, but when the store owner showed me this one I liked it enough I bought it without a second thought! Thanks again for the info though.

:-)

~Rat