1911s

[Roguish Lawyer]

So what are the best ones, in your view? :munchin

[The Reaper]

So what are the best ones, in your view? :munchin

This is another one of those "it depends" questions.

What do you want to do with it?

Also, in some regards kind of a race car analogy:

"How fast can it go?"

"How much money you got?" :D

TR

[brownapple]

The one that works when you need it and hits where you point it.

[Roguish Lawyer]

The one that works when you need it and hits where you point it.

:rolleyes: OK, I guess you guys don't want to discuss this. We did have a good handgun thread before, but the 1911 people were arguing that 1911s are better than HKs, etc. Seemed like a good topic, but I guess I was wrong. Or was I?

[The Reaper]

:rolleyes: OK, I guess you guys don't want to discuss this. We did have a good handgun thread before, but the 1911 people were arguing that 1911s are better than HKs, etc. Seemed like a good topic, but I guess I was wrong. Or was I?

No, it would appear that you are trolling or stirring the pot, or you would define your question further and more specifically, Counsel.

TR

[Roguish Lawyer]

No, it would appear that you are trolling or stirring the pot, or you would define your question further and more specifically, Counsel.

TR

Hey, someone has to stir the pot! LOL

Do you really want a more precise question?

[The Reaper]

Hey, someone has to stir the pot! LOL

Do you really want a more precise question?

I'm sorry, I thought I asked that in my first post above. :rolleyes:

Did you want me to drop out of this so that you can have a nice little foodfight?

TR

[Roguish Lawyer]

I'm sorry, I thought I asked that in my first post above. :rolleyes:

Did you want me to drop out of this so that you can have a nice little foodfight?

TR

OK, OK, I'll do it. I am attempting to learn, that's all.

Let me attempt to define four scenarios. Feel free to modify them if necessary.

1. You want to carry a sidearm in the field and can carry only one. Your budget is unlimited. I do not know whether location matters (e.g., jungle, desert, urban environment), but if it does that seems to be something to discuss.

2. You want a sidearm for use in CONUS when off duty. Your budget is unlimited, but you are only getting one.

3. Same as #1, but price is a factor.

4. Same as #2, but price is a factor.

Better?

[brownapple]

I've carried an issue M1911 (not A1) and a Mark IV, Series '70 Government Model. With a few slight modifications (recoild spring, polished feedramp, beveled mag well), I was happy with the series '70. I would have been pretty comfortable with the issue 1911 if it had decent sights.

My personal answer to 1 - 4 is that MK IV, Series '70 if there was sufficient funds, and if not to a plain jane 1911A1 that was not shot out.

[The Reaper]

OK, OK, I'll do it. I am attempting to learn, that's all.

Let me attempt to define four scenarios. Feel free to modify them if necessary.

1. You want to carry a sidearm in the field and can carry only one. Your budget is unlimited. I do not know whether location matters (e.g., jungle, desert, urban environment), but if it does that seems to be something to discuss.

2. You want a sidearm for use in CONUS when off duty. Your budget is unlimited, but you are only getting one.

3. Same as #1, but price is a factor.

4. Same as #2, but price is a factor.

Better?

1. 1911A1, VERY lightly modified for reliability and ergonomics. Larry Vickers built would be my preference.

2. Para P12, built as per my specifications by a high-end gunsmith like C&S or Novak.

3. 1911A1, modified by a local smith. Kimber with the replacement of a few parts could be an acceptable alternative, as could a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Pistol, if the budget allowed.

4. Para P12 with the replacement of a few key parts by a local gunsmith.

HTH.

TR

[jatx]

TR,

Wouldn't the Thunder Ranch in #3 be more expensive than the lightly modified 1911A1 in #1? A milspec Springfield with a reliabilty job by Ted Yost runs under $1200 total, the TRS is more like $1600.

Would you feel comfortable carrying a gun as tight as the Baer in the field?

[Trip_Wire (RIP)]

The one that works when you need it and hits where you point it.

I second that! We all need that one. ;) :D

[The Reaper]

TR,

Wouldn't the Thunder Ranch in #3 be more expensive than the lightly modified 1911A1 in #1? A milspec Springfield with a reliabilty job by Ted Yost runs under $1200 total, the TRS is more like $1600.

Would you feel comfortable carrying a gun as tight as the Baer in the field?

Reaearch Larry Vickers and check his pricing.

The TRS was an off-duty carry gun.

TR

[rubberneck]

Reaearch Larry Vickers and check his pricing.

The TRS was an off-duty carry gun.

TR

Is Larry back to working on 1911's? For a while when he was working on the H&K M-4 he stopped working on handguns. I would love to have my Springfield worked on by him but from what I have read (one of the gun rags featured one of his Milspec full house jobs last year) he only does 15 full house guns each year and his waiting list (if you can get on it) is very long.

Thanks

[The Reaper]

Is Larry back to working on 1911's? For a while when he was working on the H&K M-4 he stopped working on handguns. I would love to have my Springfield worked on by him but from what I have read (one of the gun rags featured one of his Milspec full house jobs last year) he only does 15 full house guns each year and his waiting list (if you can get on it) is very long.

Thanks

Did I say it was easy?

Or that he would do one for you?

The question was, "1. You want to carry a sidearm in the field and can carry only one. Your budget is unlimited."

I told you what I would want.

TR

[rubberneck]

I told you what I would want.

TR

I was just merely trying to figure out if he was taking work again. His old website is now defunct and I don't have a current contact number for him. I have been told that a great deal of his work stays within your community but I have had the chance to shoot one of his guns and would like to own one one day.

[vsvo]

Not making any claims that this is the best, but it is terrific value for the money. Parkerized, with Novak night sights, forged by Imbel. I picked it up last week and field stripped it to clean off the packing goop. As you can tell from the scratch, I’d never re-assembled a 1911 before :eek: . After 30 minutes of futility with the slide stop and a high likelihood of more scratches, I finally went to the m1911 site where they had pics and a short video clip of the slide stop. It popped right in :o .

I took it to the range over the weekend and shot 100 rds of WWB 230 gr. FMJ with no malfunctions. I’ll try some JHP next week. For a recreational range shooter like me, it sure is a fun pistol to shoot.

[AngelsSix]

I have to ask, because I do not know.....what mods would you make to the Kimber and why?? I have fired one right out of the box and found it to be reliable and accurate. But that could be the amature in me. :D

[bberkley]

Throat and polish the barrel, polish the feedramp, tune the extractor, bevel the magwell (if it hasn't been done). Polish the sear, trigger bow, disconnector, and the sear-engagement area of the hammer. Polish the channel in the grip part of the frame where the trigger bow slides.

Full-length tool-less guide rod, maybe an extended magazine release button if thats your preference.

I like an ambidextrous safety with the corners trimmed. For a defensive weapon, I would replace the sights with tritium Novak, Heinie, or McCormick sights.

[Roguish Lawyer]

Reaearch Larry Vickers and check his pricing.

The TRS was an off-duty carry gun.

TR


http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_153_25/ai_75211979

[jatx]

I read the same article on Larry Vickers awhile back in response to this thread. I thought his comments on the plunger tube and extractor were pretty interesting. We are starting to see external extractors with the Kimbers and the GSRs, but the plunger tube is still a weak link. I guess the only current option is to have it brazed in place.

Edited to add: Congrats vsvo!

[bberkley]

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_153_25/ai_75211979
Thanks for that article RL.

[vsvo]

Thanks jatx. Thanks also for the info bberkley. The Reaper also has some great advice on a previous thread about 1911s.

It's interesting the debate over the FLGR. Mine came with the 2-piece one, which requires the allen wrench. After I shot it the first time, I noticed it came loose. It's also a PITA to have to break out a tool to strip it, so I ordered a GI plug (and an arched MSH since I was at it), but I didn't know there was a full-length tool-less one. If the recoil spring binds during compression without the FLGR, well, I'm only at the range and I can deal with it.

I'm going to try some skateboard tape on the frontstrap and shoot it a while to make sure everything's functional, then send it out for a trigger job (per TR's advice).

[bberkley]

My STI uses a reverse-plug with full-length stainless quiderod. You need a tiny L-shaped pin to get it apart. Its a competition only piece. After reading that article, if I was going to carry a 1911 as a defensive/offensive weapon, I would have to cough up $4K and have him make me one.

My primary defensive weapon for CCW is a Glock.

[Air.177]

Thanks jatx. Thanks also for the info bberkley. The Reaper also has some great advice on a previous thread about 1911s.

It's interesting the debate over the FLGR. Mine came with the 2-piece one, which requires the allen wrench. After I shot it the first time, I noticed it came loose. It's also a PITA to have to break out a tool to strip it, so I ordered a GI plug (and an arched MSH since I was at it), but I didn't know there was a full-length tool-less one. If the recoil spring binds during compression without the FLGR, well, I'm only at the range and I can deal with it.

I'm going to try some skateboard tape on the frontstrap and shoot it a while to make sure everything's functional, then send it out for a trigger job (per TR's advice).

Skate tape works, but if you don't have very callused hands, you very soon will. For a non permanent fix, I recommend one of the Wilson combat wraparound "checkered frontstrap covers" that goes under your grip panels. We have sold tons of these and I have hears quite a few good things about them. As a permanent alteration, you could actually have it checkered, but I personally like stippling and it can be done yourself if you have the tools and the time. Unlike checkering, it is supposed to be random, so getting it just so doesn't matter.

Another option is the Brooks A grip that I like on my Glock. It does make the gun into a purely functional. non aesthetically pleasing utilitarian implement, but it feels great in the hand.

My .02, YMMV

Good times,
Blake

[Team Sergeant]

Throat and polish the barrel, polish the feedramp, tune the extractor, bevel the magwell (if it hasn't been done). Polish the sear, trigger bow, disconnector, and the sear-engagement area of the hammer. Polish the channel in the grip part of the frame where the trigger bow slides.

Full-length tool-less guide rod, maybe an extended magazine release button if thats your preference.

I like an ambidextrous safety with the corners trimmed. For a defensive weapon, I would replace the sights with tritium Novak, Heinie, or McCormick sights.

This is the very reason I have sold ALL my 1911's.

Then again, if everyone out there stopped using 1911's tomorrow 10,000 gunsmiths would be out of work...... :munchin

TS

[vsvo]

Thanks Blake! I saw that Wilson cover in an online catalog. I think I'll order one now. When I was at the skate store, the dude asked me what I was using the tape for. When I told him pistol grip, he nodded knowingly. He said LEO's came in all the time to buy it, and would often break out their pistols and apply it right in the store. He even suggested ways to cut it, and told me to rub some of the stuff off a little so it wouldn't tear up my hands.

Then again, if everyone out there stopped using 1911's tomorrow 10,000 gunsmiths would be out of work......LOL. TS, the last thing I would ever do around here is antagonize you or challenge your expertise. I guess as a newbie I just could not resist the "mystique." :)

[Air.177]

Thanks Blake! I saw that Wilson cover in an online catalog. I think I'll order one now. When I was at the skate store, the dude asked me what I was using the tape for. When I told him pistol grip, he nodded knowingly. He said LEO's came in all the time to buy it, and would often break out their pistols and apply it right in the store. He even suggested ways to cut it, and told me to rub some of the stuff off a little so it wouldn't tear up my hands.



Last time I bought skateboard tape at a skate shop, the girl at the check out counter wasn't looking at me and asked,"Do you have one of our buyer's club cards?" Yeah, I was wearing the full tactical casual getup, 5.11 pants and vest, Thunder ranch T shirt, Comp-tac hat, Oakley Boots. She lost her train of thought for a sec when she looked up and then said,"you don't come in here very often, Do you?" No ma'am, as a matter of fact I don't but thanks for askin.

good times,
blake

[Trip_Wire (RIP)]

This is the very reason I have sold ALL my 1911's.

Then again, if everyone out there stopped using 1911's tomorrow 10,000 gunsmiths would be out of work...... :munchin

TS

LOL :D

I haven't sold mine, but I sure have to agree with your statement on the 10,000 gunsmiths!

I still have a Colt 70 model 1911 Govt. Model (Worked over my Lawson in Tacoma.) and the 70 Model Steel Commander w/Secamp dbl action.) They both have the adjustable S&W sights on them that I would change now if I was doing it again.

[bberkley]

I use Brooks Tactical AGrip on my Glocks. I wouldn't use anything else.

A couple of years ago there was an article in Front Sight Magazine (USPSA's mag for members) about using AGrip on a 1911/2011/Para Ordnance type weapon. Pretty good HOWTO.

I use skateboard deck tape on my magazine basepads. I just go to the local skate-rat shop and ask for scrap deck tape.

[Air.177]

I use Brooks Tactical AGrip on my Glocks. I wouldn't use anything else.

A couple of years ago there was an article in Front Sight Magazine (USPSA's mag for members) about using AGrip on a 1911/2011/Para Ordnance type weapon. Pretty good HOWTO.

I use skateboard deck tape on my magazine basepads. I just go to the local skate-rat shop and ask for scrap deck tape.


I have Skate board tape on the forend of my 870 as I had some issues with the factory wood forend becoming slick with sweat/mud, but the deck tape is a little aggressive for my taste. I am thinking about a sheet of agrip to go on there, but I haven't done it yet

Oh right, this is the 1911 thread.
Uhh.......

Themthar damned ole 1911 man there tell you what boy that thar finest damned ole fightin hangun ever De Vised by man or beast. Ole forty five man there, shoot man damned ole hand knock him right on his ass there plainas day.

The above was the required 1911 content as per the topic of the thread.
It was also an example of the kind of discussion I get to hear every day
as well as being an outstanding example of authentic frontier gibberish :D :munchin

[Tuukka]

Keeping on the 1911 subject,

Below are pictures of my Colt, before and after. The front sight still needs to be shot in.

[Air.177]

Keeping on the 1911 subject,

Below are pictures of my Colt, before and after. The front sight still needs to be shot in.


Nice looking pistol Tuukka, Where did you get the grips?

[Tuukka]

Nice looking pistol Tuukka, Where did you get the grips?

Got them from a U.S. shooter in a trade for a traditional Finnish wooden drinking cup, kuksa.

He took them off his Springfield Armory TRP Operator.

[Air.177]

Got them from a U.S. shooter in a trade for a traditional Finnish wooden drinking cup, kuksa.

He took them off his Springfield Armory TRP Operator.

That is the only place I have seen them. We just got an "Operator" out on the shelf monday, and I like the hell out of those grips, they are very positive, but not as aggressive as standard grip tape. A happy median if you will.

[Tuukka]

That is the only place I have seen them. We just got an "Operator" out on the shelf monday, and I like the hell out of those grips, they are very positive, but not as aggressive as standard grip tape. A happy median if you will.

These should be close

http://www.jerrybarnhart.com/bpp.htm


I just use different texture tapes on my USP and STI Edge frames...

[jatx]

I believe those are ERGO SureGrips, my personal favorites. They are a bit springy, but not as spongy feeling as Pachymars or Hogues - just the right mix of grit and give. Here's a link for ya: :cool:

http://thewilderness.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/197

[vsvo]

Nice Colt Tuukka! Thanks for the link jatx.

[Razor]

Good googley-moogley, that's one big, square front sight post! :eek:

[Tuukka]

Good googley-moogley, that's one big, square front sight post! :eek:

And like i said, it needs to be shaped & shot in... ;)